If you need plumbing for your residential or commercial property, you’ll likely get an estimate from the company you’re looking to work with. Some home and property owners aren’t always sure what estimates mean and what they include, so we’ve created this guide to help.
Read on for more information on plumbing cost estimations.
What is an estimate?
A plumbing estimate is an educated idea of how much a given plumbing task will cost.
When it comes to plumbing, there are a wide variety of factors that can impact the cost of a job, such as the size of the job, the materials needed, and the difficulty or complexity of the work.
By having an accurate estimate, you can better plan for the costs associated with your project, and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.
While it’s true that unforeseen events and expenses can arise during any project, having a solid understanding of how to accurately estimate a plumbing job will set you up for success.
This is where the experts at Plumb-Tech come in!
Our team of trained professionals is happy to help navigate the ins and outs of plumbing estimates with you. We will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can feel confident in your ability to estimate the cost of any plumbing project.
What costs are included in an estimate?
Many times when homeowners are looking around at different companies asking for different estimates, they may just see the final number and may not be familiar with all the different costs included in the total.
Well, what’s included in a plumbing estimate? A plumbing professional isn’t going to pick a number out of a hat. Here are a few costs that make up an estimate:
- What type of job is needed? Is this an emergency job or a contract job? Typically emergency jobs cost more as they are on much shorter notice. However, depending on the scale of your contract job, it may cost a lot more than fixing a pipe.
- Size of the job (Number of bathrooms/sinks and how far apart they are) The number of bathrooms and sinks needed to be addressed will contribute to the size of the job and the overall cost. Also, the distance between bathrooms indicates the amount of piping material and labor needed.
- Materials. The type of plumbing job will determine which materials are necessary for purchase. Better quality materials typically cost more than cheaper materials.
- Cost of labor. Different plumbers will have various rates depending on their services and experience.
Plumbing estimates example:
We have Person A, we’ll call him Joe, and Person B we’ll call her Bridgit.
Joe has a leak in his plumbing system under three of his sinks. He’s calling in a professional plumber to help fix it right away. While the plumber is there Joe asked the professional to fix the ghost flushing in the toilet as well. Bridgit, on the other hand, is renovating her bathroom. She has two sinks, one bathtub and one toilet.
Even though Joe had an emergency situation and an additional request, the scale of his plumbing job is a lot smaller than the remodel.
Remember to include the materials!
As mentioned, the materials are a major part of determining how much the overall job will cost. If you are doing the job yourself, make a list of all necessary materials and the quantities as well. If you hired a plumber, this is a great opportunity to ask questions about the materials being used for the job.
Your list can include items such as:
- Fittings
- Pipes
- Sealant
- Water softener system
- Boiler
- Fixtures
- Valves
Though it may be tempting to use cheaper materials to save money, it is always best to use quality materials in the long run, as they will last longer, and are less likely to cause issues down the road. When you choose to work with Plumb-Tech you can be confident that your home system is getting the best materials possible.
Always listen to your plumbers’ recommendations regarding any materials required for your plumbing task. In most estimates, plumbers are often as detailed as possible, specifying products and materials, with expenses estimated. Prices may change depending on the duration of the job.
Most home plumbing projects likely won’t take long enough for this duration to be a factor, however, it’s a good idea to keep the potential price changes in mind in the case of a delay.
Do I need to hire a plumber?
Some plumbing tasks can be done on your own. Something like replacing a kitchen faucet is doable with only a limited amount of plumbing knowledge and DIY aptitude.
Other tasks, for example a rough-in for a new build, is much more complex and should be left to a professional plumber. Choosing to go with a professional is always the safest bet, however, this must be taken into consideration for your estimate, as it will affect the final cost. When determining how to estimate plumbing jobs, consider the plumber you hire and the materials needed.
When hiring a plumber, do your best to avoid having them do unnecessary side tasks that are unrelated to plumbing as this may add additional time and labor to the job, affecting the cost. Keep the area they will need to work in tidy, and try to set them up as best you can.
This will make things easier for your plumber, creating a good relationship, as well as saving you money by allowing them to work with minimal wasted time.
Hiring a plumber can be intimidating. Inviting someone into your home to work on your home plumbing system is no small matter. You want a reputable and well-respected professional doing your plumbing work, and we want that too!
Our trained plumbing technicians at Plumb-Tech are always ready for any task you need help with and are happy to answer any of your questions. We’ll provide you with professional plumbing estimating services so you can make a confident decision about your next home project.
Have a plumbing job? Get an estimate!
Here at Plumb-Tech, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the knowledge and expertise they need to succeed in all of their plumbing tasks. Our team has over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and we’re always happy to help you get the best deal for your dollar.
If you need a plumbing estimate for your home or commercial property, give us a call, and we’ll provide you with a comprehensive estimate. Contact us today to get started. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
