You can probably count on one hand the number of times you have needed to call a plumber or heating engineer, and more often than not it is because there was some crisis or emergency.
And it is in those times of crisis, when you feel vulnerable, that you find yourself desperately flicking through a directory and picking out the first half decent advert you can find. But we have all seen those tradesmen uncovered TV programmes and most of us find it difficult to place our trust in anyone and feel confident that we are not being overcharged, or being made to pay for unnecessary work.
However, if you can remember a few points to ask yourself before hiring a plumbing or heating specialist, then you will be well on your way to finding a trusted tradesman:
· Are they CORGI registered?
· Is all their work fully guaranteed?
· Do they offer clear written quotes stating parts and labour; start and finish dates and payment terms?
· Do they offer references that you can check yourself?
· Can you pay by credit card so that your payment is protected?
· Do they have public liability insurance?
· Do they have a set complaints procedure?
· Do they have a landline telephone number and?
· Is their postal address displayed on their paperwork and website?
· Is all their work fully compliant with the Building Regulations?
· Are the plumbers City & Guilds & NVQ qualified and fully vetted?
· Are they fully contactable, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year?
A good way to choose a plumber is by recommendation. Ask friends and family if they have used someone recently they were pleased with. Ask them the following questions about the engineer:
· Did they turn up at the agreed time?
· Were they courteous and respectful of your property?
· Did they clean up properly on competition of the job?
· Was the job completed within the given estimate and time frame?
Choosing a plumbing or heating engineer that you feel comfortable with can be a daunting task, but if you remember the points above and stick to contractors recommended by friends or family you will have a better chance of finding one you can trust. And when you do, stick with them and recommend them to other people!
About Author
Ivor Bates is the director of Bates Heating and Plumbing Limited, a plumbing and heating company established in 2001 and covering all areas of London, Docklands and Essex. Bates Heating is CORGI registered and all engineers are fully qualified and specially selected for their experience and range of skills. A 24 hour emergency plumbing service is also offered. For more information visit http://www.batesheating.co.uk or telephone 020 8924 3558.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivor_Bates
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