As a homeowner, choosing a plumber is an important aspect of maintenance as well as problem solving during emergencies. Finding a new plumber can be a daunting task – if you have a problem with your plumbing and HVAC systems, you have a major issue that must be resolved quickly. At Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we want to assist you in finding a plumber who is licensed, has great reviews, and guarantees your satisfaction. With these tips, you can quickly find a company to assist you with all of your plumbing and HVAC needs.
Having a License is a Must
Above all else, any plumber that you choose must have a license. A license means that the plumber is experienced, and it usually means that he or she is insured. Knowing that your plumber has insurance is important because if your plumber is hurt on your property, you will not be held liable. Many plumbers will state that they are licensed and insured on their website or advertisements.
When you call the plumber, you should ask for their license number, and check to make sure that they have insurance. Any reputable plumber will not mind you asking for this information. However, if you feel uncomfortable about asking, you can state that the information is necessary for your homeowner’s insurance claim.
Check for Customer Reviews
Another important step in choosing a plumber is to check for good customer reviews. There are many different ways to find reviews about a business on the web. Many businesses will list testimonials or good reviews they have received on their website. In addition, companies often provide links to websites that they have been reviewed on.
If the business you are researching does not have this information on their website, you can also easily search review websites. Popular websites include Yelp, Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau, and many others. You can also see if your potential plumber has won any awards, such as for good customer service, quality work, or excellent reviews on a specific site. In addition, the plumber may have affiliations with professional organizations, showing recognition of his or her experience.
Ask a Friend
While you should also check for licensing and customer reviews, asking a fellow homeowner is a good way to get initial recommendations for plumbers before you conduct further research. If doing a simple Google search for plumbers in your area overwhelms you with options, asking a friend or acquaintance whom you trust will help you to narrow the list down and choose a few recommended plumbers. Once you have a short list, you can look further into each one, and ask for a quote.
Research Experience and Qualifications
Prior to choosing a plumber, you should also see what they have to say about their experience and qualifications. The best place to begin this search is through the plumber’s website. Most reputable businesses now keep regularly updated websites that will tell you more about their company, the services they offer, and the benefits you will receive from bringing them your business.
First, see if the business has an “About Us” or similar page, which should inform you how long they have been in business, who their technicians are, and what they offer to customers. You will also likely find any special qualifications their plumbers have or awards they have received. Next, find the services they offer. This will show you if they have experience with the type of problem you are having or maintenance you need performed. Finally, browse through the rest of their website for any other pertinent information, such as pricing and payment options, hours of service, and contact information.
Get a Quote
Now that you have thoroughly researched plumbers in your area and have chosen between two and four companies that appear licensed, qualified, and experienced, you can begin contacting those companies to get an quote, or an estimate of how much the service will cost. While you should not base your choice on just a cheap price, getting a quote is still necessary. As a homeowner, you are operating on a budget.
If all of the plumbers whom you contact have similar qualifications and all seem capable of doing the job, it is logical for you to choose the lowest estimate. However, if you receive three similar estimates and one that is vastly lower, it might be too good to be true. Use quotes as just another factor to weigh when choosing your plumber.
Ask About Warranty
Before hiring a plumber, you should also check to make sure that they offer a warranty. Most reputable plumbers will offer a warranty for a certain period of time on any work that they perform – if there is problem with the service that your plumber provided, he or she should be willing to rectify it free of charge. Warranties may also apply differently to various services, so be certain to inquire about warranty details when getting a quote.
Why Chose Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling?
Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling should be your choice for a number of reasons. We are licensed, provide a one year warranty, and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We also pride ourselves on our excellent customer reviews and over 50 years of combined experience from our certified technicians. We won the Angie’s List Super Service Award from 2009-2012, which further shows that Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a trusted company for your plumbing and HVAC service needs.