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You can’t see home
comfort or touch it, but we all know what it feels like when we
don’t have it. Whether you're considering replacing your old water
heater needing a slight repair or remodeling a bathroom,
Affordable plumbing can help. First, you need the right
contractor. With all of the clutter and options, how do you make
heads or tails out of choosing the right contractor for your home
improvement project?
1.
Before making
your choice, call your
local Better Business Bureau and affiliated state
and community agencies for a company history of complaints and
resolutions to make sure the dealer is reputable.
2.
Ask for references:
Current customers are an excellent source of information and are
often willing to share their experience.
3.
Check local licenses:
Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and
insurance coverage.
4.
Get a detailed written proposal:
Beware of a dealer that does not back-up their offer in a detailed
written proposal. A detailed written proposal is one sign of a
quality contractor.
5.
Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees:
Warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and
dealer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand that they are
included in the written estimate.
6.
Follow contract law:
Demand that your contractor follows contract law. A Small or Large
investment is a big decision and with big decisions comes
responsibility. According to Alabama law, all home improvement
contracts include a 3-day right to cancel.
7.
Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements of your new
system:
What can you do yourself and/or does the contractor offer
maintenance services? A maintenance agreement is one of the best
ways to ensure your system's performance, reliability and safety.
8.
Know and understand the contract:
Beware of ambiguous contracts and again, ask lots of questions. It
is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with
your contractor before any work begins.
9.
Get more than one estimate or reference:
If you are uncomfortable making your decision for any reason, get
two or three estimates or references and compare. More information
is better than less; however, compare more than just price when
evaluating estimates. Look for the best value!
The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong
Contractor:
By selecting a
qualified heating, cooling, and plumbing contractor you will avoid
many of the common home improvement hazards including:
-
Frequent breakdowns
-
Improper installation
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Unsafe and/or inefficient operation
-
Shortened equipment life
-
Lack
of timely service
-
Unusually high energy bills
-
Voiding of factory warranties
-
Theft, property damage or worse
-
Building Code Infractions and penalties
Affordable Plumbing
Sewer & Drain is one of the most trusted Residential plumbing
specialists, and we encourage our customers to do their homework.
We’re confident that, in the end, we can earn your business and
help you avoid the perils of selecting the wrong contractor. There
are no shortcuts when it comes to selecting the right contractor;
however, given the opportunity, we hope to earn your business. |