Here's How:
Get Names
Talk to neighbors who have had remodeling or new construction work done recently and get names. Keep in mind that you are hiring a plumber for remodeling or construction, not for repair. Those quickie-plumber trucks you see all over town specialize in emergency repairs. What you want is a plumber who will come prepared on an assigned date and perform solid work, following a pre-determined estimate, in order to assist you in your kitchen or bathroom renovation.
Check State Licensing
Check your state's licensing website to see if a plumber is licensing and has any pending or resolved complaints. Not all states license plumbers, but this is a good place to start your search. Remember, if a plumber is licensed, that doesn't necessarily mean they're a great plumber. It just means they have satisfied the minimum requirements to remain licensed. Word-of-mouth is a much better indicator of a plumber's value.
Crystallize Your Plumbing Plan
Pin down your plumbing plan before calling plumbers. The plan does not need to be refined down to types and sizes of pipe and fittings; the plumber will do that. But you do need to know what you want the final result to be.
Make Cheat Sheet for Your Calls
- Hourly rates?
- Rates for non-plumbing tasks (such as opening up a wall)?
- Is the customer charged while plumber waits for on-site delivery of parts?
- Are they bonded and have worker's compensation and liabiity insurance?
- Will they obtain a permit for you? Unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
- Assuming your project is not a rush, can you negotiate a more advantageous deal by employing the plumber at one of his slow times?
Make Calls
Call and ask for the manager. Be patient. They likely deal with contractors and may not get many calls directly from homeowners. Admitting they you'd like some of their expertise can disarm them, though.
Obtain Permit
Assuming that the plumber is not obtaining the permit for you, now is the time to apply for it.
Buy Your Own Fixtures
You probably be buying your own fixtures, toilets, sinks, and the like.
Prepare Job Site
You don't want your expensive plumber to waste valuable time opening up walls, clearing crawlspaces, lighting dark basements. Even if you think they should do this, do this for them. It's your house, after all.
Remain on Job Site During Work
Don't hover. Instead, remain out of sight but within calling distance for questions from the plumber. You want to encourage questions. You will get a much better work product if you do.
