An air conditioning repair and maintenance project is something that no homeowner should do on their own, which is why most turn to an HVAC contractor. Since the HVAC system is an important component of your home, it’s understandable that you want nothing but the best service. Unfortunately, some homeowners are unaware that there are certain methods that must be followed in order to get the right contractor for their home.
In this post, John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. provides useful tips that can help you find the perfect HVAC contractor for your home.
Word of Mouth, Ratings and Reviews
When it comes to looking for a contractor, you can always ask family and friends for their recommendations. In fact, this is the best method of finding one, as these are people you trust who have actually had hands-on experience with the contractor they’re recommending, allowing you to gauge just how professional they are and if they can get the job done properly.
Alternatively, you can also turn to the internet. Websites such as Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau allow you to see the ratings and reviews of various contractors in your area and if they have a history of bad practices and unresolved complaints. By turning to these websites, you can easily determine which contractor is the right one for you.
Credentials
Before you hire an air conditioning contractor, make sure that they have the necessary permits to do the job you need to be done. Find out whether they have the appropriate amount of training and experience for the maintenance, repair or replacement of your current system to prevent misunderstandings and technical issues in the future.
Licensing, Bonding and Worker’s Comp
While credentials are major requirements, there’s also some other information you should ask to see before hiring a prospective contractor, the first being licensing. Depending on where you live, an HVAC contractor may have to obtain a license from the state, municipality or county. Secondly, you’ll need to verify that the contractor is bonded. Bonding is a precautionary measure meant to protect against unfair dealings and provide financial insurance in the event something with the agreement goes wrong.
Finally, you’ll need to ask the contractor if they carry worker’s compensation insurance, which frees you from any responsibility if a worker is injured while doing their job on your property.
The Contract
It’s a general rule that you shouldn’t hire a contractor without first signing a contract. Beginning with the initial inquiry, make sure to get all correspondence in writing, or have it sent by email instead of calling them directly. By doing so, you can keep track of everything that was discussed beforehand.
Once you receive the contract for signing, make sure it has all the necessary details: the dates the work will be performed, a thorough breakdown of labor and equipment costs, payment due dates and the project completion deadline.
Don’t hesitate to turn to John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for all your commercial HVAC requirements. We’re your number one provider of residential heating repair and installation services. Give us a call at 760-276-6690 or fill out our contact form to request our services.