If you’re looking for a heating contractor to upgrade your heating oil system or convert your New Jersey home from oil to gas, you need to know how to separate the reliable candidates from the also-rans.
As with many things in life, it comes down to knowing the right questions to get the information you need. Here are six good ones to ask:
- Are you licensed? Prioritize contractors who are certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Ask for the contractor’s license number and look it up with the National Contractor License Service.
- Are you insured? Make sure your contractor is covered for injuries to people or damage to property that occurs while he’s working in your home – or else you might be liable for them! Ask for proof of insurance for worker’s compensation AND liability.
- Can you provide an estimate? Ask for a detailed bid that includes a description of all work to be done and the cost of all equipment needed – including installation fees and labor.
- Can you provide references? – Past customers can provide good feedback about their experience with your contractor. Check out online services like Yelp, too.
- How long have you been in the heating oil contracting business? The more experience your contractor has, the better.
- How will you warrantee your work, and how will you preserve my warrantees? A good contractor will make sure he does what’s needed to keep your current warrantees in force. He’ll also stand by his work with a warrantee. Make sure you get everything in writing!
Knowledge is power. Insist on quality in your heating oil contractor…you’ll be happy you did!