Hiring a plumber to work on your plumbing issues can be a tricky task, not to mention a costly one since most plumbers in Singapore charge for their service on an hourly basis. You’ll also incur more cost as you start acquiring fixtures and materials for your repairs. Luckily, you can now save yourself from all the plumbing costs by simply putting the following tips to work.
1. Hire the Right Plumber
Different plumbers charge differently for their plumbing services, even if they serve in the same area. So if you don’t really need to get your plumbing system completely remodelled, consider hiring a less-expensive plumber to help in cutting your costs. Look around your area, and ask your neighbours for a referral on a cost-effective and reliable plumber.
If your plumbing repairs isn’t that complicated, consider hiring a handyman instead, as they typically charge half of what most licensed plumber charges. Just ensure that the handyman you’re going to hire is knowledgeable and experienced enough to do the job.
2. List Down the Plumbing Repairs You Need
Make a list of all the plumbing works that you want to get done with http://www.faberplumbing.com.sg/ in SIngapore including all the make-do solutions that you did, before calling in a plumber. It’d also be a good idea to ask your plumber about some possible alternatives for your plumbing repairs. Instead of simply telling him that you have a leaky faucet, ask if he can just replace the cartridge or washer in your faucet before completely replacing it.
Most plumbers in Singapore charge by the hour, thus repeatedly hiring one to tend to simple plumbing problems will cause you to spend more money than you really need. So save your hard earned cash by preparing an elaborate list of repair before contacting your plumber.
3. Ask for a Detailed Estimate
Another way to save money on your repairs is to ask for an estimate beforehand. Doing this allows you to get a clearer idea on the plumbing job, as well as the materials that will be used. Also, have your plumbing contractor notify you when an additional work needs to be done, or if the cost exceeds your estimated budget. This is where it helps to be more specific with the kind of repairs your plumbing system really needs.
4. Purchase All the Necessary Materials Yourself
Need to install some fixtures in your kitchen or bathroom? Opt to go shopping on your own, and have the materials ready before the plumber arrives. Ask the supplies provider for some information about the quality of the products you’re planning to purchase. If you want, you can also check with your plumbing contractor first to see if he has any recommendations on what parts or products you should buy and avoid.
Doing this will definitely help you save extra bucks as most plumbers tend to charge 10 to 20 percent more on the cost of the materials that they buy, justifying that they used their time and gas in purchasing them. Just ensure that you balance out the cost and quality equation well, if you don’t want to end up repurchasing materials from the store after a short while. By purchasing the materials yourself, you’ll end up paying the plumber exclusively for the labour.
5. Go for Quality Plumbing Materials
Even if you’re planning to save some bucks on your plumbing repairs, don’t be tempted to purchase cheap materials. Inexpensive materials are cheap for a reason – they don’t last as long as their ceramic and metal counterparts. You might even end up replacing them more often, causing you to spend more than you originally planned.
If you’re unsure as to what brands are the best, consider asking your plumber or a salesperson at your local home improvement store.
6. Have Your Plumber Work on Two or More Problems
Plumbers often use their hourly rates as the price for a minimum labour charge. That means if he charges S$100 an hour, your plumber will likely charge you the same amount for labour even if it will just take him 10 minutes to fix your plumbing problem. Which is why as much as possible, avoid calling in a plumber until you have two to three jobs that needs to be done. With this, you can make the most out of the money you’ll be paying for his plumbing services.
7. Observe While the Repairs Are Being Done
If possible, stay in the area where the work is being done and ask some questions. If you’re having your faucet replaced, consider inquiring about the different brands and types of faucets, as well as what makes a bad or a good model. Also, ask plumber if you did anything to break the faucet, and how long will the newly installed parts last. Once the job is finished, have your plumber go over the faucet operation with you. This way, you get to check if he has properly done the plumbing repairs that you needed.
8. Perform DIY Plumbing Maintenance Works
Instead of immediately calling a 24 hours plumber, invest your energy and time in performing regular DIY plumbing maintenance works. This means inspecting common trouble areas to see if any form of repair is needed. With this, you’ll be able to identify plumbing problems early on, saving you from all the costly major repairs down the line. Make sure that you use common precautionary measures as well to not just keep any problem at bay, but to also help you save considerably.
Although some plumbing repairs can be really costly, putting the aforementioned tips to work on your next plumbing task will surely help you save a good amount of your hard earned cash.
