You’re in the construction biz, and you know the drill: a project’s success isn’t just about bricks and beams, it’s about the people who turn those blueprints into reality. And when it comes to plumbing, you don’t want just anyone wielding the wrench.
You want the best. So, how do you find these elusive plumbing wizards for your construction projects? And what are the things to consider before onboarding them? Let’s break it down.
Understand What “Best” Means For You
First off, “best” is a pretty flexible term. For some, it’s about raw skill. For others, it’s about reliability or maybe even innovation in plumbing solutions.
Before you even start looking, get clear on what “best” means for your projects. Does it mean the plumber shows up on time, every time? Is it about having a vast knowledge of the latest plumbing technologies? Or maybe it’s about excellent communication and teamwork skills? Probably a mix, right? Once you’ve got that sorted, you’re ready to start the hunt.
Dive Into The Network Ocean
In the age of LinkedIn, Yelp, and Google Local results, the age-old networking and finding people via references still works the best.
As such, it is ideal to start with your professional network when looking for a plumber, and this includes other contractors, architects, and suppliers, to get in touch with the plumbers they have worked with, and can thus vouch for.
You can also speak with other skilled tradesmen and professionals who have their ears to the ground and can better guide you when it comes to hiring a quality plumbing team, especially if they have worked with someone in the past, and have seen the quality of work first hand.
Leverage Technology
In the digital age, ignoring tech in your search is like using a map instead of GPS. There are platforms out there dedicated to connecting contractors with subcontractors, including plumbers. Websites like Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and even specific industry platforms can be incredibly useful.
These sites often include reviews, project photos, and detailed profiles. But hey, remember to take online reviews with a grain of salt. They can be a great starting point, but nothing beats a face-to-face meeting or a trial project to really gauge compatibility.
Once you start scouting for a plumber online, the entire online tracking and advertising stack will get in on the action, trying to aid you in your quest. You’ll soon start to see targeted ads for plumbing services and get direct cold calls from service providers who buy plumbing leads. This is precisely how plumbers find clients and build relationships off-late.
The Proof Is In The Projects
Once you’ve got a few names, do a little detective work. Check out their past projects. Many plumbers will have portfolios or at least some photos or references from previous jobs.
This isn’t just about seeing if they can install a toilet. It’s about understanding the scope and quality of their work. Have they worked on projects similar to yours? How did they handle challenges? A quick look at their past can give you a ton of insight into their skills and work ethic.
Of course, this is a time-consuming task, but if you want an all-star team or at least a superstar plumber for your project, you at least have to put in the bare minimum to verify their credentials.
The Trial Project
Alright, you’ve done the legwork, and now you’ve got a shortlist of potential plumbing superheroes. But how do you know if they’re truly a fit for your team? Enter the trial project. This is like a first date for construction collaborations.
Choose a small, manageable project and see how they handle it. Communication, punctuality, problem-solving, and the quality of work will all be on full display.
Plus, it gives both of you a chance to see if you work well together. If the trial goes well, congrats, you might just have found your new plumbing partner.
The Wrap-Up
So there you have it, a field guide for finding the perfect plumbing professional, or a team of plumbers to ensure seamless execution across your construction projects. This, of course, requires quite a bit of effort, and plenty of trial and error, but in the end, you will have a qualified partner to provide you with a hassle-free experience in the long run.
