Tips for Resolving a Dispute with Your Plumber
RH Business Marketing Solutions
Plumbing is a tricky business. There are many posts about what DIY jobs should be done and which ones should be avoided at all costs. Along with electrical wiring, plumbing tops the 'avoid it' list. It's too complicated, and the potential damage you could cause is too high to risk doing it alone. What you want to do is hire experienced plumbers that can get the job done. This way, you can expect the repairs to be done well. However, disagreements can emerge on rare occasions, and you must understand how to approach the situation. There are steps you can take even before the plumber enters your humble abode to make sure you are ready in case a problem arises. The following article will explore different tips for resolving a dispute with your plumber.
Communication
Let's start with the obvious one. Communication is key. Maybe you are looking to remodel the bathroom, not just fix a few leaky pipes. This requires a lot of planning and talking to ensure everything is done right. Communication lines should be held open for the duration of the whole process. This way, the plumber will know what you expect from them, and they can likewise inform you of any changes. Maybe they need extra materials, or the problem is bigger than they initially assumed. They can talk to you about how this will affect the timeframe and costs, and then you can make an informed decision.
Back in the day, people used smoke signals to communicate - not the best option, especially when negotiating. Communicate clearly to avoid crossed signals!
The Dreaded Bill
The main point of contention is usually the bill. Your plumber may have given the impression that costs would be much lower. Here it pays off to prepare beforehand. What would be handy is if there was a contract to sign. If there is a plumber's contract, you'll have a written estimate of the expected costs, and if the actual charges far surpass this, you have a strong case. You should note even when there is an unexpected situation, a new problem is discovered, or the current one is direr than initially anticipated, the plumber is obligated to inform of the same. They cannot simply solve it and then send the new, revised costs.
There is one way to avoid a confrontation. You can always check if your homeowner's insurance covers part of the repairs. If not, contact the company or the plumber if they are self-employed. If this yields no results, put your complaint in writing. As an added point, before meeting them again in person, you can always talk to other local plumbers to see how much they charge for similar services. Armed with this knowledge, it could be easier to argue your case and hopefully resolve the issue. If all else fails, legal action is a possibility. If the plumber is at fault, they will likely want to avoid this, but this is only a last resort.
You know it's not looking good if they need to pull out a whole notebook to show you all the costs!
Combining the Above
Imagine you are moving into a new house. It's perfect. Before going to usamovingreviews.com to find the best moving company, it would be best to check the electricity, walls, and plumbing. Chances are, they will find some work that needs to be done. Fortunately, you will be prepared by applying what we have discussed so far!
Contract - If you can avoid estimates and get a fixed-price contract instead, life suddenly becomes that much easier.
Be precise - The contract should state clearly what your expectations are. This is not just a closer look at the costs. The timeframe should be included here to avoid problems down the line regarding deadlines. What fixtures should be fixed? What models and materials are to be used? Will there be any changes to the positioning of pipes, fixtures, and other objects? The more details you get down on paper, the less wiggle room there is later for the guilty party.
I thought you were getting it? - Believe it or not, problems arise over expectations of who will buy what. It should be clear from the start who will be supplying the needed items. Make sure you are on the same page.
Permits, warranties, and payments - A few good tips for resolving a dispute with your plumber is to resolve these three points upfront. Make sure the plumber knows you expect them to secure any needed permits and that you expect a warranty for the done work. Agree on a payment schedule as well. It should be obvious why paying the smallest amount possible before the actual work is done is something that can be beneficial for you, should an argument occur.
Tips for resolving a dispute with your plumber? Make a detailed contract beforehand to avoid the possibility of a dispute altogether!
Moving and Plumbing
Before you move into a new house, we often recommend having the plumbing checked. This is a way to make sure there are no hidden costs. When selling and buying, you need to calculate all finances carefully. Likewise, another critical point in the budget is the relocation itself, especially if it's not down the road. An interstate move requires a lot of work and planning. There are additional costs involved. One way to cut back on expenses is to find the best moving company. In any case, you will want to plan the budget in detail so that you know what your financial obligations will be. Make sure you are never caught off guard, whether it be the plumbing bill, moving costs, or any other expenses that need to be paid!
If You Have Plumbing Work in the Pipe Line...
...you will now know what to look out for. Once again, chances are, there will be no points of contention, especially if you call a trusted and professional company that only employs quality workers. Still, it never hurts to come prepared. The above are our tips for resolving a dispute with your plumber. They should come in handy when dealing with a handyman!
Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry