How to Find the Best Plumber In the Cowichan Valley
Here at G. Doran & Sons Plumbing and Heating, we understand that not everyone is familiar with the plumbing and/or construction industry, so it can seem overwhelming when trying to find a reputable plumber in the Cowichan Valley, that you can rely on.
We have a few questions you should ask prospective plumbing companies, and insights that may help you when shopping around
Q1: Ensure You Are Getting Qualified Plumbers
Ensure you hire only Red Seal Certified plumbers. Red Seal Certification means that they have had at minimum four years of training as an apprentice in the industry and the yearly university/college training required to meet the high standards required to achieve this Certification.
When hiring someone to do gas work, ensure also that they are certified, insured and that they take out the required permits.
Q2: Ensure Your Local Plumber Is Licensed and Insured
If a contractor is not licensed, they may not have all of the necessary qualifications to complete the job safely and/or correctly.
If a contractor is not insured, and unfortunate damages occur, the homeowner may be left on the hook to cover repair costs.
Q3: Make Sure Your Plumbing Contractor Has WCB Coverage
You can do this by requesting a clearance letter from WorkSafeBC
Q4: How Many Years Have They Been in business?
While it’s true that some companies can stay in business simply by being the cheapest, great companies stay in business by maintaining a good working relationship with longstanding customers and by being there to back up their work.
Q5: Comparing Quotes For Plumbing Jobs
Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. It’s important to understand what you are paying for (and/or not paying for). Sometimes contractors don’t include all of the costs of the job, or have included pricing for fixtures that you will want to upgrade. Asking the right questions can make all the difference when trying to choose between different quotes or bids. To help you make an educated decision we have compiled some questions to ask and information to find out:
Are All Permit Costs Included?
Permit costs can be expensive and add a considerable amount to the total cost of the job.
Are the priced fixtures of Similar Quality?
Make sure that the fixtures included in the quote meet your expectations in quality and appearance.
Does the Cost Include Removal of Old Fixtures and Debris Resulting from the Job?
Depending on the size of the job, the resulting debris can be substantial. Make sure that you are not caught by surprise by this additional cost of removing it yourself.
Does the Cost Include Rough-In and Finishing (If Required)?
Make sure that all components of the job are included in the quoted price. You don’t want to be stuck with a half-finished job.
Recommendations
If you are unsure about the higher quote, ask why their bid came in higher. If there is a drastic difference in price, there is usually a reason. Ask all parties for clarifications in the price difference.
Make sure that both parties have a clear understanding of expectations for the project. Save yourself and the person you hire frustration and conflict in making sure that both parties have a clear understanding of the expectations and final outcome of the project.
If you are unsure about anything, ask questions. Ask as many questions prior to work commencing to ensure that you and the contractor both have a clear understanding of the job and the finished product.