Considerations When Hiring an Appliance Repair Technician
When your fridge, dishwasher, or clothes dryer breaks down, you might be tempted to call the first appliance repair company listed in the phone book. But before you settle for the first person in alphabetical order, dig a little deeper. There are several considerations to take into account to help you find the best technician for the job.
Ask yourself what matters to you. Do you care most about getting repairs done fast? Do you want a low price? Or do you want a technician with decades of experience? With the Internet at your fingertips, it's easy to do the research that it takes to find an appliance repair expert who will meet your needs.
Quick Turnaround Time
Are you dealing with an appliance repair emergency? If your washing machine is leaking all over the laundry room or the burners on your stove won't light the day before you're hosting a major event at your home, you need someone on site right away. Even if it isn't an emergency situation, you probably don't want to be without your fridge or washing machine for any longer than necessary. That's where a company with a quick turnaround time comes in. A phone call or visit to the company's Web site should indicate how quickly you can expect appliance repair service. Some companies even guarantee same-day service!
Training and Experience
When you need appliance repairs, you don't want to trust your expensive units to an under-qualified technician. Look online to determine how various companies train their employees. Do they have any special licensing or certification, such as EPA certification for refrigerator repair? How long has the company been in business? Is the owner a service provider, or does he manage a staff of younger repairmen? Can you request certain technicians for your appointment? Only hire a company when you feel comfortable with its qualifications and certifications to work with your appliance.
Competitive Pricing
Some appliance repair issues are more expensive than others, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank to get your dishwasher or washing machine working again. If you're working within a budget, look for companies that offer a free cost estimate before starting work. While an estimate is just that a guess as to how much your appliance repair service will cost it can help you plan ahead for the repairs. If the estimate seems high, make a few more phone calls to compare. Look for a technician whose rates are competitive in your area and the industry.
In a perfect world, your first phone call would net a dishwasher, oven, or washer/dryer repair technician who is fast, affordable, and highly qualified. However, chances are you'll have to prioritize one quality over the others; the fastest response time might cost you a little more, while the cheapest company might have rookie oven repair technicians. Weigh your options carefully before making a hiring decision.