Use the right plumber

It's always wise to go with an experienced plumber when you're renovating the home, so how do you know who to choose for the job? We caught up with an expert to find out what you'll need to get the right person for the job.

Q. What sort of guarantee does a householder get from a plumber?

A. Plumbers should have public liability insurance and once the job is finished there is a certificate of compliance, which is signed off by a plumber licensed for that work. We can give a certificate to prove that the work was performed by a licensed plumber. You should check before you engage a plumber that they are insured and will issue you with a certificate of compliance.

Q. What changes have you noticed in plumbing work for bathrooms and laundries?

A. The market now is quite concentrated on space - not bigger bathrooms, but cramming more fixtures and features into a smaller space. Builders in particular, whether it be for new apartments or warehouse conversions, are trying to squeeze more into smaller spaces.

Q. What has changed in bathroom design?

A. Swing doors are replacing sliding doors for shower screens and frameless screens are replacing the metal-framed screens. There are usually no colours, just glass. Splashbacks are also becoming plainer - all stainless steel or glass. It is more expensive but in smaller bathrooms it does give you that bigger outlook.

Q. What advice do you have for people designing a bathroom?

A. Make the layout functional. Be practical about what can fit inside the space. Look at the fixtures you want in there and make sure it doesn't get too cramped.

Q. What are the pitfalls in doing a bathroom renovation?

A. Workmanship in the finishing off - people tend to rush it in the end. Sealing of bases, baths and sometimes the painting can be a bit slaphappy. It has to be finished off carefully. And do not choose cheap fixtures. There is a brand of nice-looking taps on the market that have a very small outlet - the water pressure just blows the filter out of the tap.

Q. How do you become qualified as a plumber?

A. I did an apprenticeship and attended lots of night school. I hold a card with the state Plumbing Industry Commission which shows what I am registered for and what I am licensed to sign off on. Make sure you hire a plumber who is qualified, registered and licensed for the work you want done.

Contact a plumber in your area to find out which one will the be right person for your home renovation: