What To Look For In A Good Brisbane Plumbing Contractor
As a homeowner, keeping your property in good repair is highly quintessential. When it comes to plumbing work, it is highly required to have all repairs and upgrades performed by a licensed plumbing contractor. If you need to pick out a reliable plumbing contractor in Brisbane, this article will provide you information on how to make a smart choice.
Start With Recommendations
The market for Brisbane plumbing services can be a little overwhelming if you take it as a whole. It’s a lot easier to narrow down your search by asking friends, relatives and neighbours for recommendations. First-hand experiences are an excellent way to gauge the level of service expertise a particular plumbing contractor can provide. However, they shouldn’t be your sole guide. You can also check reviews and recommendations of potential contractors online. Independent third-party reviews can provide a similar level of insight on the performance of companies. These are very helpful especially if you don’t have a personal point of reference.
Verify Credentials and Insurance
In Brisbane, all plumbing contractors are licensed by the Plumbing Industry Council under the supervision of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Unlike some other states, Queensland doesn’t have any specialised licenses for specific forms of plumbing work. A blanket license is valid for all associated trades. You can easily verify the licensure of any plumbing company by checking http://www.licensedtrades.com.au/. You should also inquire about insurance coverage with any plumber before making a commitment to employ them. Plumbing contractors are required to carry extensive coverage which can protect you from many potential risks.
Compare Rates from Multiple Contractors
While you can make a quick selection when it comes to minor plumbing jobs, for major work it’s always a good idea to cultivate a fair selection of different options. Get estimates from at least three contractors before making your choice. Don’t be afraid to ask a plumber to provide more detail. This way, you can more easily compare estimates. Material costs should be roughly equivalent for all plumbers in the Brisbane area. However, labour costs vary significantly from company to company. Bear in mind that the cheapest contractor is not always the best fit for your needs. Experienced plumbers with refined skills expect to receive more money for their labour.
Check References
A good plumber should have plenty of references to offer you. Contacting a few of a contractor’s past clients allows you to get a good idea of the overall quality of their work. One important point to review with other homeowners who’ve employed a given contractor is how closely their estimates tally with the final cost of their work. This information should be taken into consideration when weighing the estimates you’ve received. Other factors to gauge through recommendations are a contractor’s ability to stick to a schedule and the long-term quality and reliability of their work.
Always Use a Written Contract or Agreement
After you’ve done all of your research and settled on the ideal plumber, protect yourself by committing the details of your arrangements to paper. A proper contract should give a comprehensive summary of the nature of the work to be performed, the materials required and the prices charged by the plumber. It also states the permitting and inspection responsibilities involved in the job. Schedules should be set for the plumber’s work and for your payments. A permanent record of your agreement will keep both parties honest before, during and after the job is done.
Hiring a plumbing contractor can be a major expense. You should take the steps necessary to ensure that you get the most from the money you invest in your home’s plumbing. Choosing the right contractor will go a long way towards ensuring that your plumbing receives the highest quality of service.