Plumbing problems can be a nightmare, and hiring a plumber is an important decision that most homeowners dread having to make. However, taking advantage of proactive plumbing solutions can save you a lot of time, stress, and of course, money in the long run.
Often times, plumbing-related issues are discovered during bathroom or kitchen remodeling projects. According to a National Association of Home Builders survey, 69% of all remodeling requests were for the kitchen, making it the second most popular request. The same survey revealed that bathroom remodels are the most requested remodeling project in the United States, accounting for 78% of renovations. In addition, property damage repairs are estimated to make up 36% of remodeling jobs.
Plumbers provide expert plumbing services that repair some of the most important things in a home, such as toilets, faucets, small fixture repairs, and water heaters. However, finding the right plumber to get the job done doesn’t have to be stressful or unnecessarily time consuming, but does require a little homework.
Here are just a few things to keep in mind while searching for an experienced, high-quality plumbing contractor that provides the best proactive plumbing solutions.
Ask around
Sure, typing “plumbing duluth mn” into your favorite search engine is likely to yield a number of different results, but wouldn’t you rather talk about a plumber you’re thinking of hiring with a family member or friend who can vouch for their services? Asking for personal recommendations is a great way to begin your search. However, searching for “plumbing duluth mn,” for example, will give you access to customer reviews for that area. These can also be helpful in determining which plumber is best for your needs.
License and insurance, please
Most states require plumbing contractors to hold a license, however, some states, such as New York and Kansas, do not. If you live in a state that does not require licensing, check with your local agencies or your local BBB branch to see if there have been any formal complaints filed against the plumber you are considering. In addition, the plumber should be insured, and some are even bonded. Insurance protects both the plumber and you in case an accident or injury happens.
The price is right
It’s recommend that homeowners should get at least three different estimates or quotes before deciding which plumber to go with. Barring any unforeseen problems, an experienced plumber should be able to give a fairly accurate estimate of the scope and cost of work that needs to be done. Remember, some proactive plumbing solutions can cost more than others, however, the lowest price isn’t always the best, especially if it is much lower than the other estimates. You may also find it helpful to ask how many years the plumber or plumbing service has been in business.