One of the most competitive markets in New Zealand is the residential construction market. Whether its Auckland plumbers, landscapers or builders, homeowners are presented with a large selection of trade related companies within every niche of the building industry. Most often several companies will be bidding on the same job, each making promises to accommodate you and your every requirement. What things do you need to look out for and why? How can you stay away from any pitfalls the construction industry very often presents and how can you identify the “cowboys”?
The golden 5 step basics before engaging a trades person:
| 1. AUTHENTICY: Check the companies office website to make sure the person (company) bidding on your job is real. It’s also important to check how long the company has been around. Next step is to Google the companies name to see what others are saying. Here is one example you can use on Google: “Company name, testimonials”
2. LICENSING: Find out whether the work requires the person/company to be licenced or qualified. For example, anyone doing Auckland plumbing work must be qualified and licenced. Don’t hesitate to ask them for their licence card. For more information on what work requires a permit and licenced trades person please visit the DHB website. To confirm whether your Auckland plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer is registered, please visit the plumbing board website. |
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| 3. INSURANCE: Make sure the person/company has an up to date insurance. Public liability is a must these days. A $50 job going wrong could cause millions of dollars in damage. if anything should ever go wrong, you need to be sure you are covered. Additionally its a great benefit to employ a company that is subject to an industry association standard such as the master plumbers or master builders association. If there is any dispute with your installer these organisations can contribute greatly to a smooth resolution.
4. KNOW HOW: Has the person/company done this kind work before? Especially in specialised areas don’t be embarrassed to ask for 3 references, if they don’t have any than it’s not a good idea to engage. |
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| 5. EXPERIENCE: Sometimes experience is all it takes! Companies that attempt to do a job for the first time will usually charge much more than a specialist would for the same job. Another disadvantage is all the “unknown” factors that could apply to a particular task. Individuals with experience will immediately identify challenges and possible costs outlining these in advance. The golden rule is “If a quote sounds too good to be true, it usually is”, our recommendation is to dig deeper and ensure you don’t get caught out with extra charges after you have commitment. It won’t be hard to find good feedback on companies with background and experience. Regardless of job size, be safe and follow these 5 steps. Always make sure you get 3 quotes and remember “cheapest” is not always in your interest. Euro Plumbing has been involved in following residential areas: |
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- Residential subdivisions including all Auckland plumbing, gasfitting and drainage
- Larger domestic homes requiring specialist hydraulic solutions
- Residential Auckland central and solar heating solutions
- Residential drainage and landscaping services
Our experience extends to most building and frame materials, it’s important to note that framing material dependent specific precautions need to take place to ensure long pipe durability, prevent water hammer and pipe friction.
- Timber frame homes
- Steel Frame homes
- Hebel and Ytong homes
- Concrete and block
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| For more information on available pipe systems and technics please contact us on 0800 TEAM EURO. Euro Plumbing offer commercial plumbing and B to B services at very attractive rates. Please visit our Partner Applications page for more information. Just a few residential installations Euro Plumbing has been a part of, for a larger curriculum please contact us. |
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