When it comes to your commercial property, the plumbing is one area you definitely don’t want to skimp on. Hiring an inexperienced or cheap plumbing team can end up leaving you with a big mess – and a hefty bill.
But with so much to oversee in the commercial property world, it can be tough to know where to start when it comes to finding a plumbing professional you can trust. And when time is of the essence, it can be tempting to just go with the first company you find.
Don’t make that mistake. Just like with any other contractor you hire, taking your time to find a plumbing professional who meets your specific needs will pay off in the long run. Here are six mistakes to avoid when it comes to hiring a commercial property plumbing professional.
1. Don’t Go with the Lowest Bidder
When you’re looking at bids from different plumbing companies, it can be tempting to just go with the one that comes in the lowest. But the old saying holds true here – you get what you pay for. The lowest bidder is often low for a reason. They may be cutting corners on materials or labor. Or they may not be licensed or insured. In the end, you could end up paying more to fix their mistakes than if you had just gone with a more reputable, higher-priced company in the first place.
Instead, make sure to look at the overall value of the bid, not just the price. Compare the different companies’ offerings side-by-side to see who is really giving you the best deal. Remember that investing in quality now will save you money down the road.
2. Don’t Hire a Plumbing Company That Doesn’t Have Commercial Experience
Just because a plumbing company does good work in residential properties doesn’t mean they’ll be able to handle the unique needs of a commercial property. Make sure any company you’re considering has experience working on commercial buildings – and specifically, ones that are similar to yours.
For example, if you own a multi-story office building, you’ll want to ensure the company you hire has experience working on similar structures. They should know how to properly ventilate the building and have the necessary equipment to do the job right.
If you’re unsure whether a company has experience with commercial buildings, just ask. Any reputable company should be able to provide you with references from past clients.
3. Don’t Hire a Company Without a Good Reputation
When hiring anyone to work on your commercial property, you want to ensure they have a good reputation. That means they should be licensed and insured. They should also have a history of happy clients willing to give them a good reference.
One way to get an idea of a company’s reputation is to check out online reviews. But don’t just go with the first company you find with a few good reviews. Make sure to look at multiple review sites to get a well-rounded idea of what people are saying.
You should also take the time to contact some of the company’s past clients directly. Ask them about their experience working with the company and whether they would recommend them to others.
4. Don’t Forget to Check for Licensing and Insurance
Speaking of licensing and insurance, this is one area you definitely don’t want to skimp on when hiring a plumbing company. Any reputable company should be licensed and insured. Licensing shows that the company has been vetted by the state and is qualified to do the job. Insurance protects you in case something goes wrong during the job.
If an employee gets injured on your property or there is damage to your building, you won’t be held liable if the company is properly insured. Don’t just take the company’s word for it that they’re licensed and insured, though. Ask to see proof of both before you hire them.
5. Don’t Forget to Get Everything in Writing
Once you’ve found a company you’re happy with, it’s important to get everything in writing before any work starts. This includes the scope of work, the price, and the timeline.
Having everything in writing will help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road. It will also protect you if something goes wrong during the job. If the company doesn’t hold up its end of the bargain, you can always refer back to your contract.
And speaking of contracts, make sure you understand everything that’s in them before you sign it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand. A reputable company will be happy to answer all of your questions and address any concerns.
6. Don’t Forget to Ask About Ongoing Maintenance
Once the job is done, you’re not off the hook when it comes to maintaining your commercial plumbing. It’s essential to have a plan in place for ongoing maintenance. This will help to prevent any future problems and keep your plumbing in good working order.
Ask the company you hire about their maintenance plans. Find out what they include and how much they cost. You should also ask about any discounts they offer for signing up for a maintenance plan. This can ensure that any future problems are caught early and dealt with quickly.
Hiring a good plumbing company is a crucial part of owning a commercial property. But it’s not always easy to find a company you can trust. By following these tips, you can be sure you’re hiring the best possible company for the job.
Keep Your Commercial Property Plumbing in Top Shape with BL3 Inc.
As a commercial property owner, you know that there’s a lot to keep track of. From the roof to the natural gas system, there are a lot of moving parts. And if one of those parts isn’t working properly, it can throw everything off. That’s why it’s so important to have a good team of professionals you can rely on to keep everything in top shape.
At BL3 Inc., we understand the unique needs of commercial plumbing, and we’re here to help. We offer a full range of services, from repairs and maintenance to new construction. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so you can rest assured that we’ll be there when you need us most.
Are you ready to experience the difference that BL3 can make? Contact us today to book a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and help you find the best solution for your needs!
