Plumbing Contractor Services

Hiring a Plumbing Contractor for a DIY Remodel

If you are choosing your own plumbing contractor, you will want to know what their experience is.   Some plumbing contractors have experience in new construction for residential properties, while others specialize only in repairs and services. 

To complicate matters even more complicated, some plumbers only work in commercial spaces. 

Many plumbers do not work directly with homeowners and only want to contract directly with General Contractors and Home Builders. 

The good news is, if you live in Sanford, Florida, Gomez Plumbing offers services directly to homeowners but we also operate as a sub-contractor to many of the top remodeling companies and home builders in the area. 

If you are choosing your own local plumber, you will want to know if they have prior experience in the type of project you are requesting.

Don’t hesitate to ask for references. A great local plumber will have a long list of happy customers. Also, check their licenses and credentials with your local agencies to ensure they don’t have any negative marks against them and that all their licenses are current.

Lastly, you will want to get a written estimate. It’s important to obtain a few (no more than 3) and compare them. If you have any questions about an estimate, make sure you ask for an explanation.  

If there is a significantly low quote, it could be because they missed something – or it could mean they have hit a lull in the season and need to fill up their schedule.  If it is a substantially higher quote, you may find that they have included way more than you anticipated or needed.  Either way – it is important to compare your quotes “apples to apples”.   Generally speaking, your quotes should be within $2,000 of one another – and then you only need to pick the company that feels right to you, has the experience you feel confident in, and has the reputation you feel comfortable with.

When Working with a General Contractor 

If you are hiring a general contractor or home builder to draw up plans and complete construction, they will have their own plumbing sub-contractors who they trust.  If you live in Sanford, Florida, and need to find a reputable general contractor or home builder because you do NOT want to complete a DIY home remodel or be an owner-builder, Gomez Plumbing has some referrals for you!

Note that when you hire a general contractor or home builder, they take the stress out of having to interview and hire the right plumbing contractor.   Your projects are managed completely by the entity you have signed an agreement with.

This means that the plumbing sub-contractor is responsible to schedule with the general contractor or home builder – and not with the homeowner directly.  

The plumbing sub-contractor invoices the general contractor or home builder, who then invoices you per your agreement with them.  

When Working with a Home Builder

Building a home is probably one of the most exciting (and stressful) things one can do. The majority of homeowners will hire a home builder with pre-designed homes while other homeowners hire an architect or design-build company to completely customize their home.

Not only is it important for the homeowners to understand the process, but you should also take the time to understand the various contractors required to get the job done.

We can speak intelligently about working with a plumbing sub-contractor because we work with some of the top home builders in Sanford, Florida. 

When plumbing a new house, there are multiple phases of work to be completed.

The plumbing sub-contractor assigned to your project will work with your builders to rough in any underground plumbing (such as a septic tank, connecting plumbing to city sources or wells, etc.), obtain the appropriate permits, and schedule the work around the other contractors.

Once the foundation is laid and the walls start going up, the plumbing contractor will step in to ensure that the plumbing system is properly installed. This includes laying out the water and drainage systems.

The final touches, called “finish plumbing” happens towards the end of construction (when you are dying to move in)…..that is when the plumbing sub-contractor begins installing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs.  

Your home builder (or you, as the owner-builder) will coordinate all the scheduling from rough plumbing to finish plumbing,  which is a careful orchestration between concrete contractors, framing contractors, electrical contractors, carpenters, drywall contractors.  Your home builder will also coordinate all home inspections and any corrections that may be necessary.

If You Are an Owner-Builder……

When hiring a plumbing contractor for new construction, it is essential to do thorough research. Look for contractors with extensive experience in residential construction projects, preferably those who have worked on similar-scale projects before. Check their credentials, licenses, and certifications to ensure they meet the necessary standards and regulations.

Furthermore, requesting references from past clients can provide valuable insights into the contractor’s reliability and workmanship. Reading online reviews and testimonials can also give you an idea of their reputation in the industry. 

Effective communication is key throughout the construction process. Clearly articulate your expectations and requirements to the plumbing contractor and make sure you have a solid understanding of the project timeline and any potential disruptions to your daily routine. If you have questions about the process, never hesitate to ask for clarification.

Conclusion

Plumbing contractors are indispensable when it comes to both remodeling projects and new residential construction. If you have questions or need an estimate, give us a call or email. We are always excited to advise on new projects!

Call (407) 322-0042 or email ha********************@gm***.com for more information!