All Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Companies Are Not Alike!
Before you search for a plumbing, heating or air conditioning contractor, first, you must do some homework about your specific job. Your goal isn’t to become a technical expert, but you want to learn enough to ask the right questions and evaluate the answers. Next, you’ll need to choose the right contractor which can mean the difference between having a horribly, expensive experience or a successful project or repair.
With the cooperation of the Attorney General and the local Better Business Bureau, we gathered ten time-tested tips for identifying the best home services contractor for your next repair or replacement project.
- Before making your choice, check with the Better Business Bureau in Morris, Essex, Passaic, Union or Bergen County and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints and more importantly, resolutions to those complaints to make sure the Construction company stands behind its work.
- Ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experience.
- Check local licenses: Ask to see their license, bonding, workers compensation and general liability insurance coverage.
- Get a detailed written proposal: Beware of companies that do not back up their offer in a detailed written proposal. A detailed written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor.
- Heat loss-heat gain calculation: Expect a thorough calculation performed with an on-site evaluation. A good Heating & Cooling contractor should measure your home, check insulation factors and evaluate your overall comfort needs.
- Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees: Warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and dealer. Don’t be afraid to ask your air conditioning contractor questions and demand that they are included in the written estimate.
- Follow contract law: Demand that your New Jersey contractor follows contract law. Any large comfort system is a big decision and with big decisions comes responsibility. According to New Jersey law, all home improvement contracts include a 3-day right to cancel.
- Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements for your new Comfort system: Does the contractor offer maintenance services? A maintenance agreement is one of the best ways to ensure your Comfort system's long-term performance, reliability and safety.
- Know and understand the contract: Beware of ambiguous contracts and again, ask lots of questions. It is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.
- Get more than one estimate or reference: If you are uncomfortable making your repair or replacement decision for any reason, get several contractor estimates and check references. More information is better, however compare more than just price when evaluating any contractor estimates. Look for the best value!
But remember the old adage "you get what you pay for"
How to Be a Smart Customer
After you have completed the checklist above, here are a few more tips that will help you make an intelligent decision when it comes to investing money in your family’s comfort and safety.
- Don’t rush into a project or take the first bid that comes along (including door-to door solicitations).
- Be leery if the contractor arrives in unmarked Vans or Trucks.
- If replacing your air conditioning/heating system, make sure the contractor performs a system-sizing calculation to ensure you are getting the correct size/capacity unit.
- Don’t accept a verbal estimate; it must be in writing.
- Don’t make cash payments or full payment up front.
- Don’t think you’ve discovered a great bargain if you get a bid that is substantially lower than other bids. Remember, you get what you pay for.. and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Contractor:
By selecting a qualified Heating, Cooling or Plumbing Contractor you will avoid many of the common home improvement hazards including:
- Frequent system breakdowns
- Improper installation
- Unsafe and/or inefficient operation
- Shortened equipment life
- Lack of timely service
- Unusually high energy bills
- Voiding of factory warranties
- Theft, property damage or worse
- Building Code infractions and penalties
- What’s The Best Way to Avoid These Mistakes?
Neri & Russo Services LLC is among the northern, New Jersey’s most trusted home comfort specialists, and we encourage our customers to do their homework. We're confident that, in the end, we can earn your business and help you avoid the perils of selecting the wrong contractor. Neri & Russo customers have trusted us since 1966 for superior equipment installations, replacements and Repairs. However, given the opportunity we hope to earn your business.
Contact us online or at 973-227-3599.