Whether you’re getting a new house built or you need a new septic system installed, there are certain questions you need to ask potential septic contractors before you hire them. If you don’t know the answer to these 6 questions, you are not fully prepared to agree to a contract.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
The first, and possibly the most important, question to ask is whether the contractor is licensed and insured. Both of these are non-negotiable.
Being licensed means they passed a set of rigorous tests to prove their knowledge. Additionally, this means that they are registered to work as a septic contractor at either the state or local level.
If the contractor is insured, this will protect you from any liability. If anyone gets injured on the job or any damage happens to the system, it will be covered by the insurance policy.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business in the Area?
This question is twofold. First, you want to know how long the contractor has been in business. This will allow you to gauge their level of experience. There’s nothing wrong with hiring new contractors but more seasoned contractors are likely to have the services and experience you are looking for.
Second, since every area is different, you’ll want to know how long they have been in business in your specific area. This way, they will know exactly what the needs are for your system as well as any complications that could arise from the environment.
3. What Do Your Services Include?
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need services outside the range of what your prospective contractor offers. So you’ll want to ask what they offer upfront to make sure that you only need to hire one person for the job.
4. What Do Your Services Cost?
Knowing the cost is also important. You’ll want to obtain an itemized estimate to review what each part of the service will cost you. Another important question to ask is how often the charges exceed what the contractor estimates.
5. Who Will Be Doing the Job?
It’s important to be able to speak with the specific person who will be completing the work on your project. Also, make sure you find out if they use subcontractors. These workers are often not covered under the contractor’s insurance policy, leaving you liable for injuries and damages.
6. Who Is Responsible for the Cleanup and any Damages?
Before you sign any contracts, make sure you know who is responsible for the final cleanup. Additionally, if any damages occur to your property, you need to know who is liable for them. You do not want to be left cleaning up a mess or dealing with additional repair bills for concerns you didn’t create.