First off, you don't really need to read this blog. The simple and direct answer to finding and vetting an honest and accountable plumbing company in this case is to just call us at Benicia Plumbing! But, if you really want to do a thorough search to get that coveted peace of mind, here are some of the best ways to locate a top-notch plumbing company that has all of the right experience, training and skills to do the job correctly every time.
Use Your Friendly Network
Ask friends and neighbors who they use for their plumbing needs. Referrals are the lifeblood of many businesses, so if your neighbor has faith in a reputable plumbing company, or if one name or company is recommended several times, that plumbing company has likely worked hard to earn that trust. If you are new to an area, knocking on your neighbors' doors is a good way to introduce yourself while you find out their recommendations. Additionally, look for user-reviewed websites that chronicle recommendations and frustrations of local service providers.
Do Your Due Diligence
If your plumbing needs aren’t urgent, when you’ve created your short list of plumbing companies, call the Better Business Bureau to determine if any of the companies on your list has unresolved or a lengthy list of complaints. Find out what types of plumbing licenses and requirements are mandated to ensure that whomever you choose meets or exceeds those requirements. For example, in California, a plumbing license is required for any home improvement project that exceeds $500 in cost. The California Contractors State Licensing Board allows you to investigate if there are specific complaints against any Contractors’ license.
Ask Hard Questions
The more questions you ask of a potential plumbing company, the more knowledge you’ll gain about the specifics of the job, and the fewer surprises you’ll find. Look for a plumbing company who has been in business at least 5 to 10 years. Ask the plumbing company if it carries a copy of its licenses as well as insurance, so you can determine if it has the knowledge necessary for the job and the protection for your home if anything goes awry. According to California’s Insurance Commissioner, a plumbing company should carry a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance as well as a workers’ compensation policy when it has employees.
Get Everything in Writing
When you’ve found a plumbing company you can work with, ask to review the Contract before agreeing to any terms, and get the estimate in writing. The estimate should also enumerate tasks and/or supplies required to complete the job. An experienced, reputable plumbing company should insist on this as it protects the company as much as it protects you and your home. Don’t forget to ask whether your new plumbing company will guarantee the job and for how long. Confidence in one’s work generally translates to a guarantee and quality work.
About Benicia Plumbing
At Benicia Plumbing, Inc., we’ve been serving our clients since 1975 and always looking to utilize the latest technology in today’s plumbing world. By providing complete plumbing services to businesses, industry, homebuilders and homeowners throughout the northern California Bay Area, we’ve been able to stay at the forefront of this industry and succeed at a high level.
Source: California Insurance Commissioner and Reader's Digest
