Plumbers

Your plumber could be your new best friend

Home improvement projects often include plumbing one way or another and hiring a professionally licensed plumber is the best way to get the work done correctly the first time.

Any time fixtures are moved or newly installed, permits are usually required and an inspection must take place before the local building office signs off on the work. While it's true that homeowners can pretty much do whatever they want, hiring plumbers (and electricians) to do the plumbing portions of a project ensures that the work will be done professionally to meet the local building codes.

This is important for two reasons. Plumbing is a contractor specialty that can literally result in life and death mistakes. Because plumbers handle water and waste lines as well as natural gas, the potential for hazards that could threaten you or your home are present and should be taken very seriously. Also, if you want to sell your home, but have made plumbing changes that have not been permitted and are not up to codes, the building inspector will find and cite them. Before a lender signs off on the deal, the changes must be made or sale price must be reduced so the buyer can make approved corrections before the sale will be allowed to proceed. Almost every homeowner will agree that life is too short for that kind of aggravation.

Choosing a qualified plumber for your project requires that you be diligent about checking their licensing and certifications, insurance coverage, and especially their references. Length of experience is no substitute for quality work from solid references. Also check with your state contractor's board and the Better Business Bureau for a record of complaints that have not been resolved.

Choose a plumber you can make friends with. Like your lawyer and accountant, when you need them you need to know they will respond.