Hiring a Plumbing Contractor? Ask These 7 Questions First

A renovation budget can withstand almost anything except a plumber cutting corners on gas or waterproofing work. The wrong contractor can leave you chasing down contractors when the newly installed tile needs to come up or the ceiling is waterlogged. Asking any contractor these seven renovation questions before letting them anywhere near your pipes is critical. 

1. Are You Gas Safe Registered? 

Any competent plumber worth their salt should be Gas Safe registered if they are fitting or servicing a boiler, gas hob, or heater. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it also means the plumber has undergone the mandatory training and is qualified and insured to carry out any gas work. If they mention that they are Corgi registered, cut them off instantly and walk away. Corgi was a private regulatory body, and their accreditation ceased when the next generation of Gas Safe was launched – if they haven’t caught on to this yet, chances are they are less than competent. Ask to see their qualification card instead of just taking their word for it. Check the Gas Safe website to confirm if the number on the card matches the one on file. It is surprisingly common for contractors to advertise themselves incorrectly, either by mistake or to trick customers into using their services. 

2. Do You Offer a Fixed Quote After Survey? 

No one with any sense wants to hire a contractor who will quote over the phone or verbally. If you’re going to have them inspect the worksite, you want full disclosure about any possible additional costs that may arise due to hidden issues or old infrastructure. The same goes when it comes to design overhauls, such as replumbing with new fixtures. Get their price quote in writing to avoid any nasty surprises once the bill comes. 

3. Do You Carry Public Liability Insurance and Gas Safe Certifications? 

Instead of the contractor telling you that they hold the appropriate public liability insurance and Gas Safe certifications, ask if you can see proof. This is the kind of document that a competent contractor should be able to pull up within seconds when asked. You should be fully covered if something goes wrong when the work is completed to your satisfaction. The same goes for any on-site injuries, as a competent contractor should carry this insurance by law. This is even more important for Gas Safe registration as many manufacturers, including Worcester Bosch and Vaillant, only warranty their boilers when installed by an approved Gas Safe installer. This means they can void the warranty if your boiler is fitted by a contractor not listed on their approved site. 

By having these minimum expectations for a competent contractor, you can significantly reduce the number of options you have to choose from. Searching for registered plumbers in Birmingham is easier than asking every handyman in your area to show proof of their qualifications. 

4. Can You Show Me References from Similar Jobs? 

While experience in the industry is always a positive, a plumber who has been fixing leaks for ten years may not have the skills to retrofit a new kitchen underfloor heating system. Ask to see any references from similar jobs if you need specific expertise, such as with new builds, renovations, or complex plumbing. There is nothing wrong with asking them to step up their game for a specific job. Likewise, do not be fooled if your potential contractor cannot provide references for similar jobs or has little to no experience with the task at hand. 

5. What Is the Payment Schedule? 

Ask about the payment structure before you commit to having the work done. In most cases, it is best to avoid an upfront large payment and go for an option that allows you to inspect the worksite before any additional payments are due. A competent contractor will ask for a small deposit to secure your booking, which is entirely reasonable. As the work progresses, the remaining costs should be broken down into instalments depending on the stage of the job, with the final payment due upon your inspection and satisfaction with the results. This way, if the contractor disappears with your money, you are better protected, as all subsequent payments are conditional. 

6. What Guarantee and Aftercare Do You Offer? 

Any competent contractor should offer a guarantee on their work and provide you with the specific terms instead of giving a vague assurance that they will sort anything that goes wrong. Ask them what they mean by a company guarantee and what the terms are for an average job. In six months’ time, if the plumbing backs up and your bathroom floods, you want to be able to call their office with confidence that they will come and resolve the issue. Priority customer care for existing clients is a great way to ensure this, as it shows they expect their work to last longer, and if it does not, they will be there to help. 

7. Will You Handle Any Building Regulation Approvals? 

Plumbing work and renovations often require building regulation approvals. Part L of the building regulations deals with energy efficiency, Part P covers electrical work, and you may also need WRAS approval if you are fitting new water fittings. A competent contractor should either self-certify the work or take the necessary steps to pass any inspections with minimal fuss. Do not assume that this falls under the contractor’s responsibility, as they may not carry the correct accreditation. 

If in doubt, ask what steps they intend to take or if you need to make any additional arrangements. You will also need the certificate once the work is done, as it is required if you ever sell your home and to verify if a warranty claim is valid. 

Plumbing and renovation jobs rely on a degree of trust as much as technical skill, and the contractor you want to hire will not be offended by any of these questions. If they are, that should be enough to put you off.