If you own an old house with damaged gutters, you should consider replacing them instead of carrying out repairs. Similarly, if you are building a new house or commercial property, you must install gutters to collect and direct rainwater away from the walls and into the drainage system or underground storage tanks. Whatever the case, it is imperative you look for the most competent gutter installer to do the job. Below are a few steps to follow when you need to install gutters in Bedfordshire:
Step 1: Make a Shortlist
There are many contractors that can install, maintain or repair gutters in the city. Therefore, the first thing you need to do as you commence your search is to create a shortlist. Simply search the web for the top-rated gutter installers in Bedfordshire and add them to your list. Your shortlist should have at least a dozen contractors that operate in the area.
Step 2: Check Licences
The next step is to check the licences of all the contractors on your shortlist. Only firms that have suitable licences should be considered. On the other hand, any contractor that fails to provide their licensing information or does not have a valid licence should be eliminated from the list. After all, you cannot hire an unlicensed contractor to repair or install gutters on your property.
Step 3: Check Insurance and Bond
Only firms that are fully-insured and bonded should be considered. This is necessary because there are numerous risks that come with gutter installation. For starters, the technicians may get injured in a number of ways, including falling to the ground. Secondly, the technicians can cause damage to your property or the neighbour’s car parked nearby. Therefore, you have to protect yourself by hiring a fully-insured and bonded contractor.
Step 4: Request Quotes
The fourth step is to ask all the contractors that have a licence to give you their quote. A comparison of those quotes will help you to identify firms with the most competitive pricing. While you may be looking to get affordable services, you also want high-quality services. Therefore, the cost comparison should be done after all the other key factors have been considered.
Step 5: Check Reputation
Only reputable firms should be given any consideration. After all, you do not want to hire a contractor that is known to do shoddy work. For this reason, it is recommended you read some customer reviews before making your final decision.