Find a Plumbing, Cooling or Heating Contractor!
PHCC members are professionals who are dedicated to using the latest technology, promoting energy and water conservation, and following all health and safety regulations in your area. Their membership in the association also demonstrates their commitment to their industry and their profession-and to satisfying you-a valued customer and member of the community.
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TO BE DIRECTED TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING CONTRACTORS WEBSITE TO FIND A PHCC-MEMBER CONTRACTOR TODAY!
Steps to hiring
a contractor you can trust...
How do you begin the process of hiring a reputable contractor? How do you ensure that the work being done to your home or business is performed by a licensed, well-trained profession who will stand behind their service and work?
We hope that the following steps will help you to make an informed decision when hiring a contractor for your next remodel, repair or service job:
- Gather a list of potential contractors. Please visit www.phccweb.org and select the "Find a Contractor" option from the menu to get a list of PHCC-member plumbing, heating and cooling contractors near you. PHCC members are professionals who are dedicated to using the latest technology, promoting energy and water conservation, and following all health and safety regulations in your area. Their membership in the association also demonstrates their commitment to their industry and their profession-and to satisfying you-a valued customer and member of the community.
- Seek out multiple bids - but only from licensed contractors. It is beneficial for consumers to request bids from several contractors in order to compare bids and make the best possible decision. The State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) has a website that allows consumers to check on a contractor's license and any previous disputes that they have had. Important to note - consumers lose the ability to recover damages through the bond as well as through the CCB Dispute Resolution Service if they fail to hire a licensed contractor! Click Here to be directed to the State of Oregon CCB "Consumer Help" website.
- Select the best contractor from the bids you have received. Do not assume that the lowest bid is going to be your best bet! If you get a bid that is considerably lower than other contractors bids, you may want to verify that the bid includes all aspects of the work to be done. A low bid could mean that the contractor will be using lower quality materials, or other shortcuts to get the job done faster. While price is often a major factor for consumers when choosing a contractor to hire, dont forget that customer service, safety, and quality workmanship are also critical aspects that you should consider in your decision.
- Select a contractor - but do your homework! While verification of a contractors license indicates that they have provided proof of insurance to CCB - it is still important to verify that their insurance has not lapsed or been cancelled. Many insurance companies do not notify the CCB when a contractors policy has lapsed or been cancelled, so the only way to ensure that the contractor you hire is insured is for you to verify it. It is also a good idea to ask for a list of references from the contractors so that you can call and verify that customers who have had work done by that contractor were satisfied with the results.
- Get it in writing! Once you have selected a contractor and verified that they are licensed, insured and recommended by their references - be sure to negotiate and follow a well-written construction contract. The State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board "Consumer Help" page outlines provisions that should be included in any well-written construction contract. Visit their website by clicking here. You should also make sure that any changes to the initial agreement are made in writing and signed by both parties.
