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Ed Del Grande: Ask Ed

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October 18, 2008

Rough Job

Q: Ed, my wife and I are planning to build a new house. Could I hire a plumber to lay out and install the water and waste lines and then do all the finish work of installing the fixtures myself?
-Doug (Texas)

A: Well, first it depends on whether your town or city allows the homeowner to pull all the necessary plumbing permits. This way, it is your job and a licensed plumber may be more likely to work with you if the permits are in your name.

However, there may be an issue. You need to find a licensed and insured plumber that is willing to work with you. The majority of licensed plumbers build their reputation with the quality of their work. And, since most of the rough work on a plumbing system isn't visible, it's the finish work that shows off a plumbers skills. Many plumbers may not want to lose total control of the finish work, so you may have to work out a more flexible deal with your plumber.

Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.

Posted by Ed Del Grande at October 18, 2008 12:32 PM

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