Working with a licensed plumber gives homeowners a certain peace of mind. They know the job will be done right—the first time around. They know the job will be a quality one that will last. But they also know that it means plumbing costs may be higher. It’s tempting to hire an unlicensed plumber, but down the road, it can be costly for homeowners to choose this route.
Is hiring a licensed plumber worth the extra plumbing costs? Find out what goes into the price that your licensed plumber charges, and you’ll find even more peace of mind.
What Goes into Plumbing Costs?
- Salary and benefits: Like any employer, even independent plumbers have a base salary they pay themselves, and they must also cover benefits like health insurance, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and more.
- Overhead: Overhead costs the plumber incurs are also included in the price an expert charges for any repair or installation work. Overhead costs can include office space, tools, office or other equipment, rent payments, clerical or accounting help, and so forth.
- Vehicle upkeep: Vehicles are a critical component of a plumber’s work that contributes to costs. When you call for help, the plumber has to drive over to your home just to assess the problem and may need to return with additional parts and tools. The cost of purchasing and maintaining vehicles as well as gas and insurance are included in the plumbing costs.
- Fees: Association fees, licenses, and liability insurance are required components of a successful business—and plumbers are no exception. In fact, these business costs are often for the benefit of the customer. For instance, a plumber has to pay to be licensed by the state in order to perform plumbing services. In the end, though, the license protects customers like you. In order to secure a plumbing contractor’s license, the business must prove that it carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation, both of which protect homeowners from being liable if someone gets hurt on their property. If you hire an unlicensed plumber and someone gets hurt, you could be held liable—and the outcome could affect your financial well-being.
- Career training: A well-trained plumber usually has educational and ongoing training costs that affect business costs. A plumber must stay up-to-date on the latest plumbing code and innovations in order to service your home properly, a cost that ultimately benefits them when problems arise.
Although it may seem like working with an unlicensed plumber may help you save money, it’s simply not true. It’s risky to work with a contractor who isn’t well trained, doesn’t have a license, or performs repair work without insurance. The hidden costs in the estimate that a licensed plumber gives isn’t full of frivolous, marked-up line items, but rather includes many necessary expenses.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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