Always get at least two separate quotes for the service you  need.  Even if you have been using the same company for years, it still doesn’t hurt to get another quote every now and then.  While we would like to think  loyal business merits better pricing, with the wrong company, it  may not get you anything but a price hike.  By asking around and getting other quotes from time to time, it ensures your loyal business to one company is being appreciated and not taken advantage of.

Before agreeing to have any work done, make sure to request an itemized estimate. Once a repair job is broken down into its individual price components, its much easier to see if you are being charged $100 for $2 worth of parts.  If you’re not familiar with a part, look it up on the internet to see how much it actually costs.  You can always expect a slight markup on parts to be charged, but any substantial mark ups may be a sign that you are being overcharged.

You also need to ask whether the price being quoted is a fixed price or an estimated cost.  A fixed price quote means that, barring any unexpected issues with the repair, you will be charged a flat rate regardless of how long the repair takes to complete.  The downsides to fixed prices are that they may be slightly higher, but they also ensure your plumber isn’t billing you for the two hour lunch he’s taking on the clock.

An estimated cost means that one of the variables in the final cost will be the total amount of time the repair takes to complete.  Once again, by doing your research, you should be able to get a rough idea of whether replacing the wax ring on your toilet is a one hour job or a three hour one.

I hope this information helps you in choosing a plumber for your next project. What I have learned over the last 35 years is that an informed customer is a repeat customer.   If you call Upshaw Plumbing you can expect us to explain in detail the scope of work, the exact price, what products we will be using, what time we will be there, and how long the job will take.  My goal is to fulfill my commitment to the best of my ability and when I do I usually have found a customer for life.   

Sincerely,

Todd Upshaw