If I call a plumber for a job I would like him to do,can I ask him to give me a free estimate before?

Question

I agree to have the person do the job?Any suggestions,ideas?

Answer 1

ESTIMATES ARE USUALLY FREE.

Answer 2

um yes i believe you can but depending on the combany they might not accept you should check if they allow it. some do it on there site

Answer 3

Before you call, check his (or her) company or individual website or ad in the phone book Yellow Pages. A number of companies around here will tell you their rates before you agree to have them give estimates. The plumber I use here in the Chicago suburbs charges to walk in the door - and for the estimate, whether you say yes or no to actually getting the job done or buying parts. But he also gives a $20 coupon after the job is finished and he's been paid, which has no expiration date and can be used when you have a different plumbing problem--to lower the cost of that free estimate.

P.S. It really is a good thing to use a union plumber, if one is in your area, especially if it's a major job like working on a new bathroom or dealing with something complicated. Also check to be sure if you are asking him to work on weekends or holidays whether or not he charges time + 1/2 or even more--before you agree to schedule him on those times.

Check your local government agency--village, city, township, etc., to see if there are code regulations that must be met, whether permits are needed (let's say you wanted to put in a septic tank) , or whether the plumber has to be licensed, bonded, insured,--all this is very important to protect you and the plumber both if the job doesn't get done properly, or if there is some sort of accident--the department that handles registering licensed plumbers (if there is such a department where you live) may have some awareness of who gives estimates and who doesn't. But if you are calling a plumber to come and look at your problem, it's only fair to pay him for his time to come out, whether or not you sign a contract with him to do the job. Just ask about estimates--and their cost--before you commit to anything.

Answer 4

Determine first of all whether or not you are dealing with a "licensed" plumber or handyman.  The estimate is likely to be based on an hourly rate.  So, determine the hourly rate first before agreeing to honor the quote when the job is completed.  Again, there are set project rates for a job and often times, these rates are well-above what it would normally take in actual time to complete the task.  Go for the hourly rate rather than a quote for the complete project estimate.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Any respectable contractor will bid before he does the work. You should know what you're getting into before you commit. If they won't give you an estimate, there are plenty of other contractors/plumbers who will. Do not feel pressured when choosing your contractor. TIP: Make sure they are insured and get proof

Answer 6

when you call be sure to ask if the estimate is free or if there is a charge.try to get at least 2 estimates or better yet 3 if they are free ,then go with the best quality and experienced plumber with the best reputation that you can afford.do not hire some one off the street who may lack the skills and knowledge and certainly be sure they are insured and liscened.good luck.remember you get what you pay for.

Answer 7

I have dealt w/ a few shady plumbers but now I use an independent local guy, off city line ave. He gives me estimate right there, he workes in my budget and guarantees his work.  He put in a toilet and sink for me for 825.00,It took all of one day. He always answers even when I have a ??. I have been using him for repairs on my rentals and personal home for about 3 years and he's been great. He shows me pics still and takes pics of the work he does showing fresh stuff.

shoot him an e mail. Tell him i told you about his work: [e-mail], he will give you his contact.

good luck