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Qualifying a service contractor
John Vastyan
Member Posts: 14
I'm writing a short article for homeowners that will, I hope, help them understand how best to qualify a heating system service contractor. For all you experts out there in the field, what would you tell a homeowner to look for when qualifying a pro?
The response Im hoping for from the Wall is for some of the best heating experts out there to help me tell consumers what to look for when qualifying a contracting firm. Perhaps one of the first places to go is to www.heatinghelp.com and to use the Find a Contractor function (My emphasis, by the way, is hydronics. Not scorched air . . . but Ive gotta include it out of necessity).
Perhaps its to ask if the contracting firm belongs to PHCC, C2, or NAOHSM. Other key associations come to mind?
Of course, they should ask questions! . . .for details about the firm's experience, its long-term stability and staff expertise. This is especially valid for more complex service work, or a replacement job.
Homeowners might be well advised to check credentials.
Call the Better Business Bureau.
Ask for a list of references.
Perhaps the contractor is affiliated with a leading national manufacturer for factory installation and service training.
To service or replace a system, the contractor needs to make on-site evaluation visit, right? Id expect them to make a thorough assessment of the system. And for the homeowner to beware of anyone that offers a price over the phone (though, of course, an hourly rate, or flat-rate guide, would be OK, wouldnt it?)
Should the homeowner as for local licenses? Depending on where they live, the dealer may have to comply with certain local or state regulations. It might be useful to see any applicable state and local licenses and liability or workmans compensation insurance forms.
They should ask for a written/signed proposal. To make a fair comparison between bids that are collected, theyll want to be sure the bids include the services theyve requested and are based on the same size and efficiency equipment (if a replacements necessary) and the same quality of workmanship. And of course: to be wary of someone who offers unrealistically low prices.
Inquire about equipment and labor warranties, and extended warranties. Also, does the contracting form offer preventive maintenance agreements?
Many thanks to all Wallies!
-- John V
The response Im hoping for from the Wall is for some of the best heating experts out there to help me tell consumers what to look for when qualifying a contracting firm. Perhaps one of the first places to go is to www.heatinghelp.com and to use the Find a Contractor function (My emphasis, by the way, is hydronics. Not scorched air . . . but Ive gotta include it out of necessity).
Perhaps its to ask if the contracting firm belongs to PHCC, C2, or NAOHSM. Other key associations come to mind?
Of course, they should ask questions! . . .for details about the firm's experience, its long-term stability and staff expertise. This is especially valid for more complex service work, or a replacement job.
Homeowners might be well advised to check credentials.
Call the Better Business Bureau.
Ask for a list of references.
Perhaps the contractor is affiliated with a leading national manufacturer for factory installation and service training.
To service or replace a system, the contractor needs to make on-site evaluation visit, right? Id expect them to make a thorough assessment of the system. And for the homeowner to beware of anyone that offers a price over the phone (though, of course, an hourly rate, or flat-rate guide, would be OK, wouldnt it?)
Should the homeowner as for local licenses? Depending on where they live, the dealer may have to comply with certain local or state regulations. It might be useful to see any applicable state and local licenses and liability or workmans compensation insurance forms.
They should ask for a written/signed proposal. To make a fair comparison between bids that are collected, theyll want to be sure the bids include the services theyve requested and are based on the same size and efficiency equipment (if a replacements necessary) and the same quality of workmanship. And of course: to be wary of someone who offers unrealistically low prices.
Inquire about equipment and labor warranties, and extended warranties. Also, does the contracting form offer preventive maintenance agreements?
Many thanks to all Wallies!
-- John V
There was an error rendering this rich post.
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Comments
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\"Short articles\" and I don't usually \"agree\" but...
Look for a service contractor who takes a bit of extra time to tell me things that any reasonably competent homeowner can do to avoid seeming him as much as possible...
BUT...offers a reasonably priced, rigidly scheduled routine maintenance program if I choose...
AND...tells me simple things to watch for that indicate a serious issue.0 -
You have
mentioned some very good ideas, John and I'd like to add just one from the contractors perspective. Having been a very small contractor (mostly a one man shop for 13 years) I was able to stop advertising after 4 years. All my work came from repeat customers and "referrals". There is no better advertisement or recommendation a company can get than from someone you did work for before.
Homeowners, those first timers, and all others, would do well to check with the owners in the neighborhood and see who did their work and how pleased they were.
Please remember this is only an add to your list and not a replacement. It is just to say that there are many small, competent and honest contractors who do mechanicals and do not join associations but still keep up with the modern means and methods of their trade.0 -
qualifications
I would name the #1 thing to ask would be for references of others you do work for.
Also, I fully agree with the last message, that the organizations you belong to don't mean you know what your doing, and don't give a clue as to the integrity of the person.
Also, Maybe a few basic questions about the type of test equipment they have, and what a tune up consists of. A simple question like, "what should the co2 reading be on my oil burner?" may speak volumes, even without the HO knowing much about heating. Asked a so called service tech that a while back and he said that wasn't important, and he just changed the nozzles and filters!! Weed these guys out right away!!
Also, not always, but you can usually assume the lowest price you find, will not be the best service. (The guy mentioned above is the lowest price around here).
Steve
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Three things I suggest...
when a client asks what are some things they should look at to qualify a heat contractor, among the obvious I tell them:
(1) Get proof of insurance directly from their insurance carrier and verify it includes insurance for heat installation/service. True pro's would NEVER be in business without being insured to the teeth.
(2) Find out if they are a member of the Radiant Panel Association.
(3) Find out if they are certified as a RPA installer.
The last two items, in my opinion, make them a cut above.
Senior Designer/Trainer
Precision Hydronics Corporation
www.precisionhydronics.com0
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