High Point has a few nicknames, amongst which is “Home Furnishings Capital of the World”. This is largely thanks to the proliferation of furniture companies and showrooms in the city. In addition to that, it also boasts a good number of historic homes with charming streets, gardens and parks. According to realtors in the city, the real estate industry is quite hot with many people relocating to the city or investing in either the historic homes or new constructions.
We all know that whether it is a new construction or the renovation of a historic or commercial building, plumbing is an essential component of a house. Imagine that you are the owner of one of those many furniture showrooms in the city and you have a busted pipe in the bathroom of the showroom? Not a palatable scenario to imagine. So, as a renter or home/property owner in the city, you need to have a reputable and reliable plumber on speed dial.
That is why this article will serve as a guide on factors you should consider before hiring a plumber, so stay with us
Tips for Getting the Best Plumber in High Point, North Carolina
Apart from the furniture showroom scenario that we painted above, plumbing issues can be very frustrating. Now imagine having an unreliable workman on top of the frustration of a leaky faucet or a clogged toilet or busted pipes? That is why we recommend getting a plumber way before you have any plumbing issue so that you can always nip any problem that arises in the bud.
That being said, find below some factors to consider as you check out plumbers and tips to help you make an informed decision:
License and Insurance
Never consider hiring a plumber that is not licensed; this can bode a lot of troubles for you. Before anyone can practice plumbing in North Carolina, they must have a license from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. This license shows that they have passed through the requisite training and passed the exams and can now ply their trade in the state.
In addition to that make sure that they are adequately insured so that you are indemnified against any damage to your house in the course of them working in your home. Ensure that you ask for proof of insurance and their license number; do not take their word for it.
Click here for how to confirm the legitimacy of any plumber in High Point.
Check Reviews and Reputation
Most businesses these days have a website or at least some presence online. Visit their social media pages or website and find out what past clients have to say about them. This will help you know the kind of reputation they have.
You can also check out independent review sites such as Yelp, Google reviews and Better Business. Check how prompt they are in arriving for jobs, their work ethics and pricing system. While there might be one or two complaints, negative patterns of complaints should make you wary. You could also ask friends and neighbors about your prospective hires.
Clear Communication
From the moment you contact the person or company, note how they respond to your inquiries. The following are some questions to ask yourself: –
- Were they polite and extra helpful in allying whatever misgivings you have?
- Did they answer all your questions clearly or were they ambiguous?
- Did they try to pressure you into other services that you didn’t deem necessary at the moment?
- Did they give you transparent pricing?
Transparent Pricing
Continuing from No. 4 above, clear pricing is an important part of the search process. Make sure they give you a written quote that states the following: –
- Their hourly rate if that’s how they charge and how long the work will last.
- Cost of materials/parts.
- Additional costs such as emergency or overtime payments
Make sure you get at least 2 to 3 quotes for comparison. However, make sure that you are using the same parameters for comparison; never compare apples and oranges.
Guarantees or Warranties
Make sure you find out the type of warranty or guarantee that they give; any reputable plumber will always stand behind their handiwork. Do they offer warranty or guarantee on installation or repair or parts? This will help you rest assured that if they don’t get it right the first time, they will come back, or they’ll ensure it’s right from the get-go.
Look for Local Experience
We feel it is just common sense to get a local company that understands the architecture of the homes in the city. Working with a plumber in High Point that understand the distinct plumbing issues in say, old homes in the area, can save you a lot of problems. Additionally, local plumbers are easier to reach in an emergency than someone that has to come from out of town.
Availability for Emergencies
Following from the above point, make sure that the person or company you choose to hire are available 24/7. This is because plumbing emergencies don’t abide by a 9-5 timeline. A toilet could clog on Labor Day or Christmas or a pipe can burst at midnight. Even if they don’t run a 24/7 service, they should at least have flexible working hours and be available for emergencies.
Conclusion
Your plumber is one that should not only be skilled but honest and reliable. You don’t want to have someone that will tell you they are on their way but you have to wait hours before they show up. You also do not want someone who will play a game of chance with your plumbing system.
Bear in mind that the one that offers the cheapest price is not the best option, neither is the one with the costliest invoice. We have shared a number of factors to consider as you go searching for this professional. So, look out for them as they will help you make an informed decision.
