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How to choose a contractor.
First, call the listed number in your phone directory and ask whomever answers if they install radiant floor heating, condensing boilers etc. If they hesitate, or don't know, move on.
Once you get a positive response, ask how many radiant floors or Mod/Con boilers they have installed in the last year; or the last 5 years. If they hesitate or don't know, move on.
Ask if the contractor provides a heat load analysis, if they hesitate or don't know, move on.
Ask your prospective contractors about your choices, if they have a website their pictures are a testament to their professionalism, if they try to discourage you - for questionable reasons - from buying Mod/Con boilers or radiant floor heating systems, move on.
If you find a person who affirms their knowledge and experience, ask them to come out and look at your project. Though I often give people ballpark quotes over the phone, it is a practice that is legitimately frowned upon by the industry and it does not reflect poorly on the contractor if he prefers to look at the job before he talks about price. I sometimes charge a modest fee for a consultation which I deduct when a contract is signed. Remember what free estimates are worth.
Now that you have qualified your prospective contractors (three should be enough) it is time to invite them over. If you plan to have your spouse help you in your decision it is a good idea to have them with you when the contractor shows up. Do some homework. Make notes about your current heating system both good and bad e.g. bathroom is always cold, fuel bills high, but the boiler never quit working. Think about what you want from your next heating system and tell the contractors about it.
I would admonish you to stay away from glad-handed salesmen from your local gas provider, department store or big box hardwares. They are not qualified to specify, install or service the equipment you are interested in. They sell you a product, mark up the job and sub-contract the installation to a licensed - low-bidder - contractor that you will probably not speak to until the job goes in. Much of my work involves following around such contractors and correcting their mistakes, both trivial and serious.
Contracts do not have to be fancy but should include language you understand and agree with. One year parts and labor is standard in the industry. Licenses and permits are fine, but the majority of contractors and inspectors have zero experience with new technology. Their job is to make sure codes are enforced to assure safety. Unfortunately the code usually lags behind the industry a decade or more. It is not a good idea to depend on a code inspector to guarantee a sound design or application. I am personally more interested in a contractor who has been to a factory training for condensing boilers and radiant floor design seminars or certification, a current Certificate of Insurance and a solid and recent referral from a General Contractor or satisfied homeowner. Don't forget the mechanic's lein waiver when paying the final bill. As contractors pay for their membership to all affilitations, I do not put much stock in Associations or BBB Membership etc. No shoveling for this satified snow melt owner.  |
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