Tim Irvine at Zien Mechanical has heard the horror stories from clients who did not ask for a quote on a plumbing job. Quotes teach customers what to look for in an estimate. The biggest problem with not getting a plumbing estimate is leaving the door open to be charged additionally for things like hooking up the electrical or gas or pulling permits.

Irvine recommends that homeowners get no less than four quotes on any job. Don’t ask for quotes over the phone. Ask the contractor to come to your home to see the work that needs to be done. Make sure to ask the contractor if there is a charge for coming to your home and if that charge will be part of the final bill or added to it.

Quotes should be clearly spelled out with details on what the job will entail. If you don’t know any plumbers, ask friends for a referral or go online to look at contractor search directories like the one at Plumbers 75 or on this website to locate a licensed plumber near you. Make sure to ask if the contractor is a licensed master plumber and don’t hesitate to ask to see the license.

If you’ve done your homework and have detailed quotes that are similar in cost, go with the contractor you have the best rapport with because it is always good to establish and maintain a relationship with your plumber.

Jobs may vary, however most contractors should guarantee workmanship, parts and labor.