How do you find a natural gas contractor you can trust?
Contractors with the right licensing, expertise and skills can be few and far between. Here are some things to consider if you are searching for a contractor who will go above and beyond.
What to Look for in a Natural Gas Contractor
We all want to work with professional, trustworthy people when it comes to anything to do with our chrome.
After all, whether it’s construction, plumbing, HVAC, or another trade, you just can’t risk your precious dollars, let alone the safety of your property and family, when it comes to these kinds of jobs.
Any company worth either weight should be more than willing to discuss their qualifications, insurance, and licensing on the first contact.
You should also be clear on whether or not you have gas infrastructure installed already.
When you are calling around for quotes, try to get a sense of the contractor’s:
- Ability to manage major projects
- Ability to address and handle problems
- Consideration for your time and private home environment
- Focus on safety
- Overall knowledge of the industry
- Membership in relevant professional associations (e.g. the BBB)
- Associations with cities and municipalities
Perhaps most importantly, an exceptional natural gas contractor will ensure that you are notified of any changes, problems, or additional costs that could take place during the project.
Note that while sometimes plumbers do install natural gas lines, not all of them will have proper licensing. Look for a company that specializes in natural gas first.
Checking Qualifications
General qualifications you want to look for in a natural gas contractor include:
- Licensing and training with local safety organizations
- Bonded and insured to cover property damage
- Warranties that cover more than just basic insurance
If you’re doubting the viability of a specific company or contractor, you can always ask for references, and check online reviews.
Equipment and Permits
As you describe what you need to be done, try to include as many details as possible so that the quote will be accurate. You also want to double-check that the natural gas contractor has the right equipment and permits to get the job done right.
Most people are not necessarily familiar with what permits are needed if they have never done residential construction work or upgrades before. Don’t be embarrassed to ask about the permits and even see them before the job gets started.
Project Planning
Don’t wait until the last minute to get natural gas appliances or pipes installed in your home. Most reliable companies will be busy and you want to make sure that you make a plan that works with your schedule and needs.
Follow-up Services
When you are looking for a reliable natural gas contractor, you need to remember that the job doesn’t end when it ends.
Check-in about extra services, asking questions like:
- Does the initial quote include follow-up services like gas line inspections?
- What type of repairs does the warranty cover?
- What type of maintenance services do you have on offer?
Getting a Quote from a Natural Gas Contractor
Most contractors expect potential customers to be calling around for quotes, and so they should be happy to help you when you call to inquire.
A great contractor will provide you with a detailed outline of exactly what’s included in the initial quote. You should be aware that the quote can vary, but do ask about what types of circumstances could warrant additional costs and fees.
The written quote should include
- Price for the initial install
- Material costs
- Labor costs
- Permits and permit fees
- Subcontractor costs
- Warranty and service details
- Estimated date of completion
- Piping layout diagram
- Estimate of future work
Don’t always go with the “lowest” quote. Something that seems like a great bargain might just be too good to be true. These jobs require a lot of time and skill and so they can be a bit of an investment, but homeowners will start seeing a serious return on investment as soon as they start using their gas appliances.
Depending on where you live, you may also want to ask about tax rebates or exemptions for natural gas.
Customer Success is Critical
While there are plenty of people out there who may market themselves as contractors, exceptional natural gas companies will not miss a beat when it comes to customer service. They will be equipped to take your project from start to finish and give you superb service every step of the way.
We only use the highest quality products and hire skilled, licensed tradespeople. Our commitment to quality shows in every detail.
If you have questions about installation, repairs, maintenance, or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to help!