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Plumbing Contractors Guide to Hiring a Plumber Hiring a plumber before you need one makes great business sense By LaRita Heet, Freelance Writer, Journalist, IBT Designer, LMH Communications Action Steps The best contacts and resources to help you get it done Go to a professional matching service A plumber is one of those people you don’t think you’ll need – until you need him… but by then, it’s too late to be choosy. Before an emergency hits, compile a list of local plumbers through a plumber’s trade association or other reputable organization. Find someone who is available for routine maintenance work and emergencies (24-7). Check them out Unfortunately, contracted professional laborers, including plumbers, do not have the best reputations for being reliable or honest. It’s essential that you check out your possible plumber before committing to anything. Ask for references from the plumber’s past and current clients, and then call them for the 411 on this contractor’s work ethic, reliability, and trustworthiness. Require proof of insurance, license, and building permits Many states require that plumbers be licensed to ensure that health/safety and building codes are followed. All plumbers must hold both liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Ask for proof of all of these, and call the insurance company, and (if required where you live) the building inspection and licensing department in your city, to verify all information is current and accurate. Keep your costs down There are many ways small business owners can keep down the cost of their plumbing expenses, including making smart investments, by replacing old, faulty fixtures with new water-saving plumbing fixtures; cutting down the plumber’s on-the-clock time by cleaning his work area before he arrives on the job, and helping him clean up afterwards; and buying your own plumbing fixtures from a nearby discount store to avoid paying the plumber’s mark-up on the same items. Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
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