Do you know who is working on critical plumbing systems in your home or business? Be sure to ask your prospective plumbing contrator these 10 simple qualification questions. Each answer they provide is important in assuring that the work is done properly and in a timely manner.
Make sure that the company you are hiring is properly licensed, and can provide you with a current copy of their documentation. Becoming a licensed contractor requires passing tests based on knowledge and experience. If the company is not licensed, they are probably not qualified to work for you.
Always ensure that the company you are looking at carries general liability insurance, as this will protect your home from any damage caused by your contractor and their team. Have your contractor show you an up to date insurance certificate to avoid having to pay for repairs yourself or having to sue the contractor. The typical current policy is one million dollars.
Be sure that your contractor carries workers compensation insurance and always ask to see their certificate. If a worker is injured while working on your home, this document will protect you from being held liable and paying for their recovery. Some contractors are exempt from carrying this insurance, but will have documentation stating this.
NEVER accept verbal warranties from anyone. Make sure you have clear, written documentation of any promises from a contractor. Without this, you are not protected from sloppy or incomplete work.
A reputable contractor will be happy to provide you with multiple written references. You can also contact these past customers to get a better feel for the company and their work. If the references were not satisfied, you might not be either.
You should always be provided with a written lien waiver at the completion of any job. This legal document confirms that you have paid your contractor for their services and that the contractor waives their right to place a lien on your property. Having a waiver will protect you from getting charged multiple times by the company and their sub-contractors.
It is important to know if your contactor or one of their experienced lead employees will be on site every day to oversee your project. Sometimes companies will give the job to sub-contractors that you have not met. Keep in mind that these people will likely be in your home when you are not present and unable to supervise.
Pulling required building permits is necessary to completing a job to code. Having these permits protects you during inspections and from legal ramifications. You should never have to procure these permits yourself, and a trustworthy contractor would not ask you to.
Experienced contractors are almost always affiliated with at least one industry related or professional organization. This is important because companies have to pass background checks and provide references to be accepted into these groups. You should be wary of a contractor that doesn't belong to any organizations, unless they can provide a logical reason as to why they cannot join.
This question will help you determine when they start their day, when they go home, how they handle their mess, if they protect your furniture, and how long they will take to complete a project. The details provided should help you decide if the contractor is someone you want to work with or not, and if they have worked on a project similar to yours in the past.