5 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Plumber In New Hampshire

Plumbing disasters can happen throughout the year. But the cold months of a New Hampshire winter can cause seasonal problems, such as freezing pipes. Forget trying to do plumbing repairs yourself. Leave it to the pros.

Whenever you hire any contractor for home maintenance and repair you want to be sure you’re hiring a professional who knows what they’re doing. The same goes for plumbing contractors — you need to hire a qualified and licensed plumber whether it’s to repair a leak, deal with frozen pipes, repair a water line break, or fix a broken water heater.

When hiring a plumber, go through this checklist of questions before signing the contract:

1. Are you licensed?

Only hire plumbers who are licensed, have the right certification, and can show you their credentials. Licensing varies by state, so familiarize yourself with New Hampshire license requirements. Never hire an unlicensed plumber or one who won’t provide the information you need.

At this time, you can also ask if they belong to a trade union. Unions offer ongoing certification and training, sometimes provide insurance, and ensure that plumbers meet the industry standards of practice.

2. Do you have references?

An established and reputable plumber will be able to back up their work with references from satisfied customers. Ask references these questions:

• Would you use this plumber again?
• Would you recommend this plumber?
• Was the job completed on budget and on time?
• Were there any unexpected costs or problems?

3. Do you have experience with this type of job?

If your plumbing job is more complex, you want to be sure the contractor you hire has the experience and knowledge to do the job right. Ask for examples and details of previous work of similar scope.

4. Can you get a written estimate?

Ask for your estimate in writing and find out if it’s a firm estimate that you’ll pay regardless of how long the project takes or what materials are needed. Some plumbers will provide a cap estimate, a price they won’t go over while others may give a ballpark estimate that can change, which may end up costing you more than you budgeted for.

5. How do you expect to be paid?

Determine payment conditions ahead of time. For smaller jobs, plumbers may expect payment when completed. For larger projects, most contractors will charge by milestone. Never hire a plumber who asks for full payment up front.

Need more help finding a qualified plumber in New Hampshire? Contact HomeAdvisor and get in touch with a professional you can trust.

This Patch article is sponsored by Home Advisor.