Constructing a residential or commercial building from scratch is an overwhelming undertaking. One has to hire different contractors to complete various aspects of the construction. Among the essential building areas, plumbing ensures a functional water and drainage system. However, securing the best new construction plumbing services requires careful consideration. The following questions can guide you in selecting an ideal plumbing contractor for new construction.
How Long has the Contractor Operated?
A new construction plumbing contractor's operational history has a significant impact on service quality. Typically, a contractor with a long operating history is more likely to have the necessary experience. Thus, determine when the contractor started a business, including the number of clients and projects completed over time. As a general rule, engage a contractor who has been in business for at least three years. This way, you will avoid hiring a starter who might be cheap but may end up doing sub-standard work.
Is the Contractor Licensed and Certified?
Ensure that the contractor has a license and industry certificates to provide new construction plumbing services. For starters, a legitimate contractor must have a state-issued license to provide services. Essentially, dealing with an unlicensed contractor may have technical and legal implications in the long run. For instance, when selling a home, the law requires you to declare whether the construction involves licensed contractors. Then, find out if the plumbing contractor has certification from the national plumbing associations. Such certificates are an indication that the contractor can provide standard and quality services.
Is the Contractor Bonded?
A contactor's bond protects the consumer from damages resulting from unfulfilled contractual obligations. For instance, the contractor may fail to complete the work. Also, the plumbing contractor may not honor financial commitments such as paying subcontractors, suppliers, and workers. Thus, most states require the contractor to pay a premium to a surety company that would cater for the contractual damages. Therefore, establish whether the new construction plumbing contractor is fully bonded. In particular, request to see the bond number and certification to protect yourself.
Is the Contractor Insured?
The ideal new construction plumbing contractor must have the necessary insurance coverage to operate. Notably, confirm that the contractor has general liability insurance and workers' comp coverage. In this case, the business liability insurance covers the damages to your property and that of third parties resulting from the construction work. On the other hand, worker's comp insurance benefits workers who incur injuries during work. Thus, a worker who suffers a work-related injury will get compensation for medical services and permanent disability. This way, you will worry less about liability lawsuits.
Is the Contractor Reputable?
There is a relationship between the quality of new construction plumbing services and the contractor's reputation. Broadly, start your search by getting recommendations from family, friends, and professional contacts. Then, visit the contractor's websites to check out online reviews by past clients. Also, request the service provider to provide a list of referrals for completed plumbing tasks. Essentially, contact the referees to establish if they were satisfied with the plumbing work. As such, you will ascertain that you are engaging a trusted new construction plumbing contractor.
Do not make the mistake of hiring the first new construction plumbing contractor you encounter. Instead, evaluate a contractor's capacity and credibility to provide quality plumbing services.
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