Top 10 Reasons to get a Written Estimate from your Plumber

We all want to know how much something is going to cost us before we do it.

  This is the simple reason we offer
FREE Written Estimates (for non-permit plumbing work)
 in North Edmonton.

 The above picture is our basic Estimate form for "small plumbing jobs"(non-permit plumbing) such as replacing a sink, toilet, faucet, hose bibb, or repairing a leaky drain or pipe.

For more involved plumbing jobs (such as adding a new basement bathroom) where there are a multitude of tasks and materials, we use a more detailed form, and charge a fee (please phone us to inquire).

 Top 10 Reasons to get a Written Estimate from your Plumber

1. Know what plumbing tasks are to be done (to resolve your plumbing issue).
2. Know what plumbing parts/materials are going to be used (not all parts/materials are equal). 
3. Get some understanding of what is involved to do the job (repair, replacement, or installation).
4. Find tasks that you might be able to do yourself (to save money).  You might be able to dispose of that old sink yourself.  On a bigger job (basement bathroom) you might be so inclined to do the "jackhammering" to remove concrete for new plumbing drain lines.
5. If you are getting more than one estimate, it allows you to interview your plumber before he starts.
6. The written estimate protects you and the plumber from misunderstandings about how much it costs.
7. You will have written evidence of service, parts, and prices to be provided instead of mere verbal commitments about how long the job might take.
8. You are NOT hiring a plumber, you are engaging the services of plumbing business.  Only workers should make an hourly wage.  Workers show up and expect to be provided with most everything to do the job.  Businesses have overhead costs such as equipment, tools, vehicles, insurance, administration, etc.  If the job involves trouble shooting a mysterious leak, the plumbing business should have a diagnostic charge (that they have been able to make work on most jobs).  Once they have diagnosed the possible problem, then they should provide a more detailed estimate.
9. On bigger jobs, it allows you to compare estimates.
10. There are many ways to tackle a plumbing job.  Sometimes your plumber can do a simple repair that will hold you over until you can completely replace the part or fixture.  Other times it is necessary to replace it right away.  A written estimate may better allow you to see what fits for you right now.

Thanks for reading,

Jay Bortnik
Journeyman Jay Plumbing
780-266-3939
www.JourneymanJay.com