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There is a lot of talk lately about "upfront pricing" for repair work. I find problems associated with this kind of pricing. In order to give this flat rate the contractor has to average several jobs doing the same task and then figure in a "fudge factor." This fudging factor is OK if your job takes longer than the contractor expected BUT it is bad for the person who has an easy repair/replacement as the contractor has this AVERAGE and who knows which side of the average you are on?
 Does this flat rate company pay commissions for speed demons? On flat rate jobs do they do bare minimum repairs as they are locked into a price using 2nd rate materials? I give contract prices almost every day BUT never ever for repairs or "simple" replacements. For example if I had to go "flat rate" on a kitchen faucet replacement I would have to figure one mechanic approx. 2 hours PLUS a hefty mark up on the faucet and figure other parts that may be required to do this job. By doing this same job at T&M (Time and Motion) it would normally take less than an hour and if other parts are required YOU would pay for what you actually needed NOT "averaged in."
By charging an hourly rate you can see how long the Licensed Journeyman is taking and the same for the materials. If a flat rate contractor does not want to at least be honest enough to tell you their hourly rate I would move on to someone who will be willing to let you know what you are paying for. What the flat rate folks fail to realize is that anyone can go to a plumbing supplier and find out the cost of the material then just deduct this cost and you have some idea of the labor rate and mark up of the materials. I tell my accounts over the phone my hourly rate and the material I do mark up is insurance to cover me in case there is a manufacturing defect. I have no problem installing faucets or any plumbing fixture "supplied by others" as long as my clients have the understanding I will not be responsible for any material defects for things I do not supply and the plumbing materials must be code approved. I believe there is another problem spreading through out this industry: the "Franchises". Some of the franchises advertise that they "will train in 6 weeks." After my 5 year apprenticeship (10,000 hours) I was just a "journeyman", just able to ply my craft. Plumbing is a highly technical craft requiring years and years of dedication and continuing education. There are many, many codes we plumbers, gas fitters and drainers must know. To make light of this by saying someone can be taught drain cleaning and or plumbing in even 12 months is a total disgrace and in my opinion puts the community at large in grave danger from poor plumbing practices.
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Before you even think of actually letting anyone fiddle with your plumbing/gas/drainage systems DEMAND to see their license NOT the owners BUT the actual person doing the work. You want to see his/her license. A license is for your protection do not accept any excuses. Would you go to a doctor who has no license? Or fly in a plane with a non licensed pilot? Remember gas can kill; cross connections have killed literally hundreds of people over the years; a bad flue connection or improper installation can wipe out an entire family. Is it really worth the risk to save literally pennies using a non professional/licensed master?
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| The views expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the management or staff of MasterPlumbers.com |
