If you've made the decision to undertake some home remodeling at your residence, that includes some type of plumbing related improvements, you need to look for a plumbing contractor. Here are some factors that you need to seriously consider when it comes to hiring a plumbing contractor for a project at your residence.

Background and Experience

Experience is a primary concern when you retain the services of a professional plumber. Experience means not only a background in plumbing, but engaging a professional that has undertaken the scope of work needed at your home. By engaging with a contractor who has these skills, they will have resources to successfully complete the task at hand. This may include a subcontractor, depending on the job that needs to be completed.

Proper Licensing

Another consideration that comes into play when finding a plumber is their license. You should always check to make sure that their license is active and current.

Proper Insurance

In addition to proper licensing, you also need to be certain that a plumber has appropriate insurance in place. In addition to the plumber providing you the certificate of insurance, you may want to reach out directly to an agent or insurer to confirm coverage. A plumbing contractor who is reputable and on the up and up will have no problem providing you with contact information in addition to copies of the insurance certification.

When it comes to insurance, you need to make certain that not only the contractor and the contractor's employees have appropriate insurance, but any potential subcontractor as well. Moreover, you will need to confirm that any non-employees engaged directly with the contractor are suitably insured. 

In addition to insurance coverage, you need to verify that those individuals working on the plumbing project at your home are appropriately bonded as well. A proper bond is necessary when someone working on a plumbing job at your home steals something from your residence or engages in some type of improper activity of that nature.

Get References

Ultimately, you may want to narrow down a list of prospective plumbers that appear to have the background and experience to handle the scope of work for you at-home project. We recommend having about two or three professionals on your list. The next step should be to schedule a face to face meeting or interview with those contractors. During the interview process, be sure to request references from these prospects. A reputable plumber with a solid track record will have no problem providing you references.

Do not make a common mistake when it comes to obtaining references. You should always follow-through and reach out to these references to get their honest opinions. Here at Steele San Diego Homes, we always encourage our current clients to check out reviews so they have a better understanding of how we operate from a client’s perspective.

Get Recommendations

In addition to references from actual plumbing contractors, reach out to friends, family, and colleagues and obtain references from them. It’s a possibility you have people in your life that have used plumbing contractors in the past.

Trusted people in your life are likely to be able to provide you recommendations of plumbing contractors that can be relied upon. In addition, you very well may be able to obtain information about plumbing contractors that you should avoid.

By paying attention to these recommendations associated with what to look for and how to find a plumbing contractor, you will be able to find a reputable and reliable professional willing to undertake your residential project.

By utilizing the strategies and suggestions outlined in this article, you pace yourself in the best position to make a wise, educated decision when it comes to hiring a plumbing contractor.