Why is it important to get more than one plumbing quote?
When it comes to plumbing jobs, they are not always planned work, they are often immediate causes for concern, and you might think there is no time to phone around to get quotes as you have water pouring from a burst pipe or ceiling. In these chaotic moments, you need to first switch off your mains water to eliminate the damage being caused, then access the situation, trying to work out where the water has come from and take note of what parts are damaged and needing repair so that when calling around for different quotes you can give a full detailed description and therefore receive a quote with no nasty hidden extras when the plumber attends later that day as there cannot be any accusations of what you might have forgotten to mention over the phone.
Also, this way you are certain to be getting comparable quotes as you have relayed the same level of work onto different plumbers. Getting more than one quote allows you to get an idea of plumbers’ labour charges as well as costs of the materials. Always ask them to separate out the costs so there is transparency over what their labour charges are.
Of course, there is the other scenario where it is exciting planned plumbing work, like upgrading your old bathroom, and without you being in a desperate panic so this allows you to more calmly source different quotes to ensure you are getting the best priced labour with decent quality materials for your plumbing project.
What should I make sure my plumbing quote includes?
Once you have been speaking with various plumbers explaining the work that needs doing and you are reading through the quotes comparing them, take into consideration the level of professionalism on heading up the quote. Check to see if the quote has an address for the plumber and not just a PO box address but a physical address as well as contact numbers incase you need to make contact after the job has been completed. Does the quote mention insurance cover or any associations that they are affiliated to? If the plumber has asked you to prepay a deposit, is this mentioned on the quote? Check to see if there is any mention of VAT or if you need to still include this on completion as well as what materials have been included in the quote.
If the plumber is quoting for a small job, e.g. replacing a leaky old U-trap under the kitchen sink, most of the time the quote will include call-out, an hour’s labour and the part. If the quote is for a bigger job, e.g. replacing the bath for a walk in shower, the quote should show you a break-down of how many days labour you are being charged and discuss what happens if there is unforeseen circumstances resulting in the job requiring extra time, what would that be charged at? It will be for you then to source the new bathroom features such as the shower tray and shower fittings. Ask for advice from the plumber on where to look for the best deals and if you need to buy parts such as a shower tray waste trap, do ask for sizes and measurements to buy so you do not waste your time and money buying ill-fitting parts.
Is a verbal quote enough or should I request having my quote emailed?
Especially in an emergency when you might be too panicked to concentrate on the call as you are eager for the plumber to just arrive and sort out the chaos, it is always best to have the estimate put in writing and have the plumber email you over a quote for you to then okay the quote and arrange a time for the plumber to arrive. This way there is no misunderstanding or miscommunication on what the job will or will not include. This will also elevate any ill-feelings of being bullied into accepting higher prices and leaves you more protected.
How can I get a plumbers quote easily and quickly?
Even in plumbing situations where you might need a plumber quickly and feel there is no time to sit and phone around, HaMuch.com puts you in touch with multiple plumbers in your area making it quick and easy to see their charges and communicate via an online platform messenger system so you have a ‘paper trail’ of communication of different tenders from the different tradespeople allowing you to choose the most affordable plumber suiting your budget without the stress of calling around.