Guide to Commercial Plumbing Estimates
A licensed commercial plumber can assist you with the repair, installation, service and replacement of all the plumbing related systems in your business. A full service commercial plumber can not only assist you with issues relating to your commercial plumbing fixtures e.g. sinks, toilet and drains, but all your water supply lines, grease traps, water heaters, gas lines, sewage lines as well as roof and storm drainage. The cost of maintaining a commercial property can become a bit overwhelming to the new commercial property landlord. This guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to commercial plumbing on your property.
Common Project Cost Variables:
When faced with a commercial plumbing estimate, it can initially appear a little daunting, but by understanding some common variables it can make it easier to understand.
These include:
Labor: This is an estimate of how many skilled technician hours will be required
Service Area: This is the distance away from the focused service delivery area
Quality: This details what commercial grade parts, components or materials will be used
Tools: This will list any specialized lifts, tools or equipment required for the project
Access: Details if there are any requirements for special access such as elevator shafts, rooftops, etc.
Warranty: This details the period that the commercial plumbing contractor will accept responsibility for repairing repeated wear or damage.
Priority: This details whether you will be given immediate, soon or as available service.
Each of these factors will play a role in the project estimate and can be tailored to suit your requirements and budget.
How Long Will You Need to Wait for an Estimate?
Once you have decided to undertake a plumbing project at your commercial premises, you are likely to be eager to start. Most reputable contractors consider 48 hours to be a good response time, but you may find that some companies will provide an estimate more quickly or may take as long as a week depending upon their workload. Anything beyond a week is not really acceptable. If they are too busy to bid on your business, they are too busy to service your business. Find someone else.
What’s Included in a Final Estimate?
Your final estimate should include a breakdown of the labor and materials required for the project. It should also detail the lead-time for any materials needed and the estimated timeframe needed to complete the project. If there is any additional information or exclusions requested, these are also likely to be detailed in the final estimate.
An accurate final estimate should be crystal clear about what is and is not included. If you are not sure whether certain materials, tools or equipment are factored into the estimate, it is important to clarify this before you agree to go ahead with the project. Don’t make assumptions or you may end up with an unpleasant surprise when the final bill arrives on completion of the project. A reputable commercial plumber is often happy to answer any queries you may have and discuss the details of their estimate, to ensure that you are comfortable to proceed with the project. Remember that you need to establish a trusting, working relationship with your contractor, so the estimate total should not be your only deciding factor when choosing a company. It is also important to consider the level of service and experience to have confidence that you have chosen the right team for the job.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
