So you need some works done at your property, have had a plumber come and quote the scope of works and now you have a quote sitting in your inbox. You want to accept the quote and get started ASAP… But Stop! Make sure you ask these few questions first.
1- Is this the total costs?
Many plumbers quote the scope of work to be completed and come back to you with a price. Once you receive this quote, ensure you ask if the quote includes ALL costs such as materials, parts and labour, as you don’t want any nasty surprises when you receive your invoice.
2- Is this quote based on a flat rate or an hourly rate?
Some quotes can have clauses in them for price changes if the labour time is underestimated. It’s important to check with your plumber whether labour is charged at an hourly or fixed rate. You will recognise the importance of this question if you have bene quoted for 4 hours of work and they end up spending 6 hours. If its a fixed rate, it won’t matter to you if it takes them 20 hours to do the job. However if its an hourly rate… You’re in line to be paying an extra 2 hours of labour!
See the importance of this question?
3- When do you expect payment for the quoted work?
Depending on the size of the quoted work, your payment schedule may be different. If a plumber asks you to pay upfront once you have accepted a quote, walk away!
If its a large, time consuming quote, you may be required to pay in instalments when specific targets and milestones are met. However more often than not you are required to pay at the completion of works.
4- Is clean up of any mess included in the quote?
This may seem like a silly questions, as I know I would assume anyone would clean up after themselves. However, tradesman stereotypically tend to be placed on the ignorant and untidy part of the spectrum. Therefore, ensure you ask if clean up is included in the initial quote and if not, ask why!
5- Timeline: when do you think it will be able to be completed by?
Ask the plumber when they will be able to complete the works! If you are wanting the works done ASAP, make sure you ask how quickly the works can be done by! If its a larger job, make sure you ask when they believe they can get started and the estimated completion date. Don’t be left in the dark!
