Remember to Look for Clear Plumbing Company Policies

There are literally thousands of warnings on TV and on the internet all advising against rogue traders and plumbing cowboys. Whilst these warnings are obviously important to follow, it also worth looking at the other side of the coin, and identifying the signs of a good quality local plumber: the ethics and positives that you should be on the lookout for. But what are these ethics? Try asking a few basic questions:

How Much Will They Charge Me?
Before hiring a plumber, be sure to ask or look up their pricing policy, either by looking on their website or by asking over the phone. Some companies charge a call out fee on all jobs, some do not. Some charge by the hour, some charge by the half hour. There is no right or wrong way to charge, as long as the plumbing company is upfront with its customers. At Bates Heating we have a very clear pricing policy which we explain to the customer before any work commences.

Will I get an Invoice?
There is nothing worse than receiving the dreaded invoice. But, a good plumber deserves to be paid for a good job. Make sure you receive an invoice that not only includes the price, but also has a detailed explanation of the works carried out by the plumber. Do not be afraid to ask about the work outlined on the invoice. A quality plumber will talk you through the invoice leaving you knowing exactly what you are paying for.  At Bates Heating our invoices are not only presented in writing, but we are happy to talk all our customers through every single detail, explaining and if required showing the customer where we have performed the works presented on the invoice.

Am I Entitled to a Free Estimate?
In most cases and for most jobs, estimates are provided in writing and are free of charge. However, where an estimate actually costs the company money, such as with Congestion charges, a small fee may apply. This is important to remember and is a policy that is quite common – do not confuse this with the actions of a so called rogue trader. For larger projects a fixed fee is often charged to cover the time elements involved with numerous site visits and the preparation of an extensive written estimate. A reliable plumber and heating engineer will explain all this to you before going ahead with an estimate. At Bates Heating we provide free estimates for all jobs unless the overall project is estimated to cost in excess of £10,000.
With a plumbing company, communication is key. As long as charges or prices are presented and communicated up front, then there should be no problems with your local plumber in London. Investigate these questions outlined and you will not go far wrong.