I asked this in NE but will ask here as well. We have an issue with an indoor oil storage tank (for heating oil). It's old and it needs to go. Our oil burner is 20+ years old. We have natural gas in the home, so now may be the time to get the tank out of the basement and install a new forced hot air furnace and a new AC unit.

I figured I need to get three quotes for this work. I'm dealing with licensed people only. Permits will be pulled. No funny business. I do not want my house to burn down.

Guy #1. I got his name from the gas company. A tank removal place also recommended him. His family has been in the plumbing business for years. However, most of this work is not plumbing work, he's "got a guy" who will do most of the install of the furnace and the AC unit. He'll do the piping/plumbing.

His price is right around what I expected to spend, and it's not a firm price.....should be between "X" and "X."

BUT he was not all that professional, kind of looked around the basement and outside at the current AC unit. He didn't take measurements, didn't show up in a company vehicle....just not what I expected.

Guy #2 Was recommended by my usual plumber to my son when he needed some work on his gas furnace. He showed up in a well kept company truck, took out his tape measure, took measurements, made notes, and looked around the AC unit. He'll call with a price. I have the feeling his price will be higher than Guy #1

Guy #3 I called the plumber we've used for 25+ years. Nice guy, professional, NEAT worker and his truck is always clean. I told him what I wanted and he said he'd get his thoughts together and get back to me. For all I know he may recommend guy #2, or he may want the work to contract it out himself, or have another suggestion. If he contacts Guy #2 at least they know I'm shopping this out...

So how do you choose who gets your business? I trust the plumber (guy 3) he's done plenty of work here and didn't steer me wrong suggesting a contractor for kitchen and bath. So do you go by reputation, word of mouth recommendation, price? Or do you factor in all of those and go with your gut, even if your gut selects a more expensive guy?

 

Hate to say it, but in the end, I trust my gut.
I usually can come up with a reasonable estimate in my mind on what materials cost etc and how much labor i think is involved.
I do take into account how competent they seem to be.
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, especially on a heating system.
How did you size the unit your putting in?
How much reserve capacity is in the system when it gets really cold?
if they don't have ready quick and detailed answers, be very concerned.

 

^Trust is big, I'd go with 3!

 

For HVAC I go with my cousin in law. We've had to replace both units (2.5 ton upstairs, 2 ton unit downstairs) with no complaints. A relative in the business always helps.

For the tree removal we're waiting on a guy I picked in the neighborhood who has been here for years and hasn't dropped a tree on anyone's house yet.

In other words I'd pick someone known to be competent even if it costs a bit more. In your case I'd think that's even more important.

 

Professionalism means a lot to me. Based on what you posted, #2 seems the best, only if he gives you a firm, written estimate. Ask for references (>10), call a few, and see what they say. Check out your local BBB for issues as well.

This may seem like overkill, but you're making a major change to your house, not to mention spending lots of $'s.

 

I'll likely go with my gut...I did send my sister an email. I think she has had some business with or knows Guy #1. A little more information is good.

I'm handing out a big chuck of change here, and not at a time when I planned on spending a chunk of change. Right now the government is giving tax credit $1500.00 on energy saving home improvements, and there is a rebate on the furnace as well. Now's the time.

I'm curious to hear the price the others come up with.

I know when we did our septic, I ended up with the most expensive guy. I liked him, I liked his plan and he did a good job.

 

Of course, you tend to get what you pay for, and sometimes 'bargains' really aren't.

We're having things done to our house these days, and I'm leaning toward local people -- there are contractors in our neighborhood, for example. One advantage of that approach is that, if things aren't going well, you can go bang on their (home) door and scream obscenities about why aren't they getting the job done and so on -- not that you'd really do that, but they would likely be motivated by the possibility and so do a good job.

At least that's the theory. HPH

 

Avoid anyone that can't give you a firm quote!!!!!!! I agree with checking the local BBB. Also, ask for copies of the Workman's Comp and liability insurance paperwork. Be sure that they are current! Check with the local governing body (city, county, etc) to be sure that they are licensed and in good standings. Ask for at least five referrals and don't be afraid to check them.

Get written quotes that spell out every detail i.e, plumbing, sheet metal, electrical, disposal of old unit, re-charging AC, etc.

Alway remember to cover yourself and don't let anyone push you into something you are comfortable with.

Most important do not, repeat, do not front more than 50% of the money up front. A good contractor can afford to cover the cost until the job is complete.

 

I like this.

I've learned a lot of colorful language working where I have for 25 years, I hope no one makes me use it.

 

[QUOTE=Scooterboy,Sep 1 2010, 09:23 PM] Avoid anyone that can't give you a firm quote!!!!!!!