The bottom line is that reviews can be easily faked. You can even buy online reviews, but for the most part, they’re accurate. Social sites that have reviews continually work to bring the most accuracy. For example, both Bing and Yahoo pull their reviews from Yelp!. Better Business Bureau is another way to check on a contractor. If you have had a bad experience with a contractor, you can report them to the Better Business Bureau, and they’ll document the complaint.
Excellent Plumber Are First Under The Watchful Eye Of A Journeyman Plumber
Did you know that most reputable plumbers are not contractors but are under the watchful eye of the company that holds the license? Most of the larger plumbing companies in the Inland Empire have apprenticeship programs for young up-and-coming plumbers. They work closely with a mentor who is usually a journeyman plumber. To become a contractor, you must work under one for at least four years before you can test for your license.
What You Should Know About Reviews
Reviews are great for people who want fast information on a product or service. However, they don’t always tell the whole story. Remember, we are mere mortals, and even the most reputable plumber can run into issues that may cause a customer to write a bad review. Keep in mind that it is not how someone starts but how they finish. In other words, if something went wrong, did they make it right? Unfortunately, sometimes consumers are so fast to pull the trigger on a bad review. But as a whole, reviews are another good place to search when looking for a reputable plumber.
If You Want A Reputable Plumber, Start By Checking Their Contractor’s License
One of the very best ways to check on a contractor is by looking up the status of his license. This is, without question, the starting point for reviewing a plumbing contractor’s status. Although the process is simple, it will require a couple of steps; I’ll walk you through the steps.
Go To: Contractors State License Board
Enter the contractor’s license number in the box, and you can see everything you’re looking for–––it’s that easy. It will even provide information regarding their bond, workers’ compensation, personal information attached to the company, and any other relevant information. Any job completed by a plumber over $500 must have a contractor’s license–––that’s the law.
Your Reputable Plumber Should Provide Good Service Even Before They Arrive
Remember to use common sense when interacting with a contractor. Like, does the company answer their phone? If they don’t, how long does it take them to respond? When you speak to them, are they courteous? Many plumbers are a one-person company. They answer their calls and manage their jobs at the same time. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as they provide you with the level of service you deserve. Here’s a quick checklist for finding a reputable plumber in Murrieta.
- Check their contractor’s license.
- Check to see if they have a website.
- Check with their Yelp review.
- Check their Google My Business reviews.
- Check their Angie’s List.
- Do They answer their phone?
- Are they courteous?
One thing I forgot to mention. Everybody has a starting point. There is nothing wrong with taking a chance on a new contractor, especially if it’s a small job like drain cleaning and they have their license. However, it’s no easy task to get your plumbing license. Use my checklist, and you’ll find a reputable plumber in Murrieta, Canyon Lake, Temecula, Wildomar, Sun City, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore, and don’t forget to leave a review. The End!
