Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Saskatoon and surrounding areas for over 25 Years, a "Total Service" company with trained technicians who are able to provide customers with solutions to all their SASKATOON Heating & Air Conditioning and SASKATOON Plumbing related requirements!
They are Trusted Saskatoon Plumbers
Here they share a tip on choosing a Plumber:
At Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning we run into a lot of plumbing stories in and around Saskatoon. Many of these unfortunate tales could be averted by simply taking the time to make sure that you are choosing a good plumber. We thought we’d put together a short list to help you out, of course feel free to give us a call any time with your questions at 306.343.9576.
It's inevitable, at some point in time you are going to need a plumber to come to your house. It could be due to a leaky faucet or a toilet that won't flush or it could be a larger project, like installing a new bathroom in your basement. In Saskatoon there is a large number of plumbing and heating companies to choose from, all competing for your business. How does a person go about choosing the right one? Below we'll describe some of the things you can do to ensure that you make the correct choice when looking for a plumbing company to do work for you.
1) Word of Mouth
Speak to your friends and family about their experience with a plumbing contractor they have hired in the past. Was it a positive or negative experience? If there were problems, how were they resolved? Can they provide testimonials?
2) Cost
Hiring a plumber can be expensive. When planning a project that will involve hiring a contractor make sure that you get at least three bids from three different companies and ensure that they can provide positive testimonials from other people that have hired them. The lowest bid is not always the best bid, which leads to point #3.
3) Comparing Apples to Apples
When getting bids, make sure that you and the contractors are clear on the materials they will be providing. For example, you may want to renovate your bathroom and have a plumber come in to replace the fixtures. You get three different bids with three different prices but one is much cheaper than the other two. It may not be because the other two are trying to rip you off. What kind of fixtures and materials is the low bidder providing? There is a vast array of materials on the market and not all are equal. Very often, you get what you pay for.
4) Research
The internet gives today's consumer unprecedented access to a wealth of information. Use it to research brands and materials before you even call a plumber. Inform yourself about why one shower costs more than another. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a glazed trap in a toilet compared to an unglazed trap? The more you know, the better you will be able to determine what is best for you and your situation. A good plumber will always help point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing but having an idea of what you want in the first place is half the battle.
5) Insurance
Does the plumbing contractor carry the proper insurance and liability coverage? Are they bonded and licensed to do the work? Don't be afraid to ask for proof of insurance. Some guys can work cheaply because they don't have these things, which cost money to maintain. Occasionally accidents happen. Would you want someone working in your home who doesn't have the proper coverage?
6) Qualifications
Who are they sending to your door when you call a plumbing contractor? Does he have the necessary experience to do the work? Ask questions when on the telephone or meeting with their salesperson.
7) Guarantee
A reputable company stands behind their work and will clearly state in writing what the warranty period is for a given job. Make sure that you are informed before making a decision. Don't hire Bob's uncle from out of province. If you need him to correct something he didn't do right the first time, he'll be long gone and you'll be stuck with an expensive bill from another plumber to make it right.
8) Jack of all Trades
Beware of the person who says that he/she can do your whole project himself including the plumbing, heating, carpentry, drywall and electrical work. Unless he can show valid Journeyperson qualifications for all of those trades it is probably a case of 'jack of all trades - master of none'. Make sure the person who has the qualifications, and is supposed to do the work, is actually the person who shows up. Don't fall for the old: "I can't make it today so I'm sending my cousin over today to install your tub for you."
As you can see, there are a variety of ways that you can make sure that you decide on the right contractor for the job at hand. It takes some effort on your part, but the reward in the end will be a job well done and a great working relationship.
You can find Gibbon Heating and Air conditioning online www.gibbonheating.com. Check out their listing here in the AIR CONDITIONING & FURNACE Category on THE Saskatoon Directory of excellence..they are your Trusted FURNACE EXPERTS Right here in Saskatoon!
