When hiring a plumbing professional, there are steps you can take to save a little bit of money. Learn what these are to keep more of your money in your pocket.
Do you need a plumber? If you do,
you need to make sure that you are hiring the right one. After all, plumbing work can be quite expensive. Before you hire a plumbing company, make sure you are following these steps.
First, when you are getting quotes, compare the hourly rates of the various plumbers you are hiring. This is the best way to compare prices, because what one plumber quotes may be for a shorter time estimate than another.
When comparing hourly rates, remember that it is not always best to hire the lowest one. You want someone who will not only do the job for an affordable price, but also well. Try to balance a low hourly rate with someone that is backed by a strong reputation.
As you compare rates, remember that plumbing companies may calculate their rates differently. For instance, some start counting the minute they get in the car to start their drive to your property. Others start counting when they arrive on the job. When asking about the rate, find out how it is calculated as well as what it is.
Next, before you call the plumbing company, make sure the job is not something you can fix on your own. Do you have a clogged drain? A plunger or drain snake can let you do the job on your own in many cases. Do you have a leak? Make sure it is not one you can fix before you call. You can save a lot by keeping these calls to a minimum.
When you do call, ask the plumbing company if they will allow you to buy your own materials or fixtures. Often, the plumber will make a little extra money by selling you these items as well as his or her service. While this eliminates hassle and time spent at the hardware store, it also can raise your costs. If you can bargain shop, you might be able to save money.
Before the plumbing contractor arrives, make sure everything is ready. Clear out the area where he will need to work, because you do not want to be paying his time when what he is doing is cleaning out your cupboards. Also, make the most of his time in your home. Check all of your pipes and drains to make sure there are not other issues you should be addressing.
Finally, ask for agreements in writing from the plumbing company, if any agreements are made. Word-of-mouth can mean little when working with contractors. If the plumber quoted one price and charges another, there is little you can do about it other than pay the bill. After all, the work has now been completed and you must pay up.
Remember, plumbing is a service worth paying for, because it is vital to your health and comfort. With that said, you can save a little bit of money if you prepare properly for the visit of the contractor. This will help ensure that you are spending your money where it should be spent - for the services you need!
