Who’s that knocking at your door? Know the pros.

There are 561,000 plumbers, 656,000 electricians, and 270,000 heating and air conditioning service providers in the United States according to the US Department of Labor - Bureau of Statistics.

So what’s a homeowner to do - especially in the face of a cold, clogged, wet, or electrifying emergency?

John Wood, the founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing & Mechanical in Dorchester, MA,
explains, "It takes more than a uniform and a tool belt to enter a home and earn a homeowner’s trust.." Wood, a licensed and experienced professional, offers some tips on distinguishing reputable professional service providers from rip off artists.

Know the Pros
• Build relationships with service providers before you’re in crisis.
• Ask for proof of license and insurance, even if its not required in a given field.
• Ask for proper identification upon arrival of the service provider.
• Ask for references and call them if time permits.
• Ask the business owner to highlight the company’s business practices.
• Always get a cost estimate in writing up front.
• Be suspicious of service providers who solicit business door-to-door since good companies don’t "cold call."

Remember, the change of seasons often draws shady solicitors to the doorstep, offering dubious deals at a steal on their services. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what they could be in the market for – stealing!

All of this sound like common sense but too often people are too focused on getting the job done at a low price that they scrimp on quality or checking up on a provider, especially when they find themselves in a crisis situation. Notes Wood, "At Hub, we work hard to be the company you want us to be. We understand the personal nature of inviting a service professional into your home and the importance of subjecting professional technicians to rigorous background and reference checks."

To sum it up – be careful about your selection of a service provider or you may regret it!

About Hub Plumbing
Hub Plumbing & Mechanical takes the plumbing industry to the next level, utilizing a professional, friendly, customer-centered approach. In addition to protecting your floors with red carpet, Hub’s experienced plumbers also cover their work boots with stain-resistant boot covers, wear ID badges for security purposes, and arrive on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms.

The company does not charge by the hour, but by the specific project. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical is available 24 hours a day and 7 seven days a week to provide immediate access and peace of mind.

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was established in 1999 and now includes a staff of 11 full time employees. This full service plumbing company assists residential and commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, and outside hose faucets.

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is located at 1444 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA. For more information about Hub Plumbing & Mechanical call 1-866-HUBPLUMBING (482-7586), email services@hubplumbing.com, or visit www.hubplumbing.com.