When it comes to selecting someone to perform repairs or improvements on your home, there isn’t much room for error. Your family’s safety and comfort are at stake, not to mention a major financial investment. So, choosing a contractor you can trust is crucial.
You want quality work and you also want it at a fair price. Some contractors charge more, which can be a little scary, but bear in mind that that higher fee includes things you’re going to need such as insurance, licensing and accreditation. That rate might also look higher because you’ll be working with an experienced technician or plumber. Since we all know how getting the job done right the first time is going to save you time and money, in the end, that experience is probably going to be worth it.
First off, look for a contractor who can perform the specific services your home needs. Look on their website for licensing and accreditation information. Do the technicians or the company itself belong to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Better Business Bureau, Indoor Air Quality Association, or Northern American Technician Excellence (NATE) program? (Tip: you can check all of Weather Master’s reference and affiliations on the website.)
Another way to pick a good contractor is word of mouth. Ask your friends or coworkers whom they use and would recommend. Of course, opinions will vary, so get an overall sense of it by talking to several people.
A few things to bear in mind when hiring a contractor:
- Insurance and licensing: all HVAC technicians must be licensed by the state. Additionally, they must also be bonded or carry appropriate insurance.
- Certification: Do the HVAC technicians hold current certifications in HVAC equipment installation, repair, and maintenance?
- Experience and industry knowledge: Be sure that your HVAC tech has an up-to-date knowledge of the relevant equipment and tools.
- Reliability and Trustworthiness: Letting a technician into your home is no small matter. You expect that person to be respectful of your home and your time.
Now that you’ve narrowed the list to a manageable number, get in touch with them. Explain your issue as completely as you can and check if they can dispatch someone to your home for an estimate. You should get at least two estimates to be able to compare. Be wary of an estimate given over the phone before they’ve been to your home. That could mean surprises down the road.
Other tips for estimates:
- Request references from a handful of previous customers and contact those people to discuss their experiences.
- A good estimate often requires a full survey of your home in order to base the proposal on a “heat-load” or “cool-load” calculation.
- Insist on a written estimate or proposal that outlines the equipment to be installed and the work to be done in addition to the price for parts and labor.
- Contractors often offer discounts and incentives, so don’t be shy about asking about them. Sometimes tax credits for the purchase of specific equipment can significantly reduce the overall price.
- Be sure to have a written contract with details of precisely what services and equipment are involved. Such a contract should also include what is expected of you as the homeowner. Read through and understand all the terms before moving forward. If something sounds odd or confusing, just ask.
Do your research and before too long, you’re certain to find the right contractor for your home. Of course, Weather Master is always here to help. Contact Weather Master & Mr. Plumber today to discuss your home’s needs.