Consumer Tips
We know that finding someone you can trust to work on your home can be a daunting task. So whether you need a plumber, electrician, general contractor, or other home repair specialist, here are some definitions and tips to assist you.
Plumbing Licenses
Finding a contractor
Contractors’ Licenses
Insurance
Bonds
Journeyman Plumber or Gas Fitter License: A license issued after a plumber or gas fitter has successfully completed a training term of at least two years and successfully passes a journeyman’s exam.
Master Plumber or Gas Fitter License: A license issued to anyone who successfully completes the master plumber or master gas exam issued by the prevailing licensing authority in their jurisdiction. In the Midland’s area of SC, this is the Municipal Association governed by the SC Labor & Licensing Board. This license is required to do business as a plumbing contractor in the State of SC and to perform work within the City of Columbia.
- We think hiring a contractor who’s been recommended by someone you know is the best choice. Word of mouth from a happy customer is the best source we’ve found.
- Call your local Better Business Bureau and your local government’s consumer affairs office to see if they have any information about any contractor you’re considering.
- Ask the contractor for local references and call them to see if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work.
- Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering workers’ compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents. Ask to see a copy of certificate of insurance or ask for the name of their insurance carrier to verify that the contractor has insurance.
- If licensing and/or bonding is required in your area, ask to see a copy of the document to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed or bonded.
- Ask the contractor for examples of how he or she solved problems for other customers.
- Does he or she really listen to your ideas, suggest ways to make them work, and indicate enthusiasm for your proposed job
- Do you fell comfortable dealing with the contractor for the duration of the job?
Homebuilder’s License- This license is a registration of plumbing and other specialty contractors who perform work valued at less than $17,500 on residential projects. Residential plumbing contractors carry this level of license.
Mechanical Contractor’s License – Issued through the SC Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of SC. It demonstrates that the business is qualified to perform mechanical work under three categories. Generally residential repairs or renovations under $17,500 will not require a license. Mechanical work exceeding $17,500 requires at least a Level One mechanical license. Meetze Plumbing Company’s Mechanical License is M2531 and is unlimited. This permits Meetze Plumbing Co. to undertake any size plumbing project.
General Contractor’s License – Required of contractors who act as a primary general contractor on a project exceeding $30,000. Meetze Plumbing Co.’s contractor’s license is G13331 and carries unlimited capacity.
Permitting of Project – Some municipalities require special permits for performing certain plumbing repairs or installations. Owners are encouraged to check with their local governing municipality to ensure that the proper permits are obtained.
General Liability – This insurance covers property damage or bodily injury to non-employees of the contractor while performing his/her duties. Limits vary.
Worker’s Compensation – Coverage protecting the owner from liability involving an injury to a workman on the jobsite. Some coverage excludes the company owner. If the owner is performing work on the jobsite, he/she should be required to show proof of coverage. Property owners can be held responsible for an injury to a contractor or contractor’s employees while working on their property, if the contractor does not have worker’s compensation insurance. Owners should ensure that workers employed by them have worker’s compensation coverage.
Permit Bond – Required by many municipalities. This bond guarantees payment of all permit fees and other regulatory fees accrued for a particular job up to the bond limit.
Payment/Performance Bond – Typically required by owners for larger commercial projects to guarantee that the project will be completed in a timely manner, according to project specifications, and to guarantee payment to all suppliers and subcontractors.
Fidelity Bond – Covers employers against employee dishonesty.
Home
| About Meetze Plumbing | Resume
| MPC Environmental Services
Ask A Plumber | Maintenance Tips | Consumer Tips
Water Conservation | History ofPlumbing
Meetze Plumbing
10009 Broad River Road
P.O. Box 1577
Irmo, SC 29063
Service: 732-3747
Residential: 732-6979
Commercial: 781-7894
Fax: 732-0171
E-mail: svcs@732-drip.com
Content: ©1998, Meetze Plumbing