Of all of the home improvements, upgrades, repairs and other projects that a person can undertake, none are as potentially dangerous as those that require installing gas lines or hooking up electricity. Before you put yourself, your family and your home in danger by trying to do a job that you are not trained or qualified to do, reconsider!
It is far safer, quicker and cheaper in the long run to hire a professional for these life threatening jobs.
For the installation of your gas or electric boiler, the only sensible solution is to hire a boiler contractor or HVAC specialist. Just as you would when hiring any professional, it is best to begin by finding several so that you can compare rates, services offered and find one that can fit in your schedule. To start that process:
- Seek referrals from the gas or electric boiler dealers in the area
- Professional referrals from general contractors
- Referrals from the HVAC union or other trade organizations
- Referrals from neighbors who have recently had similar work completed
- Advertisements in the local media
- Internet search (narrowed by profession/specialty/area)
After finding at least two boiler contractors or HVAC companies to do your comparison with, start asking more specialized questions. These questions should include:
- Are you certified and licensed in Iowa
- Is your company an established one that has been inIowa for a while?
- Have you been certified by the Better Business Bureau or other professional organization?
- Are there any negative reports filed about you with the same?
- Do you have references that can be easily checked?
- Are you bonded and insured?
- Do you give free, in home, written estimates for your work?
- Do you have a warranty for your work as well?
In addition to the questions above, there are probably those that you will think of on your own. Always ask any question that would make you most comfortable as it is your home, family and personal safety on the line. Make sure that all safety measures are taken during the entire project and that all components, lines and wires are thoroughly checked before the crew leaves the site. Remember: if you smell gas, exit the home and call the gas company immediately. Do not remain in the home to make the call.