Home repair contractors are licensed and insured professionals who specialize in a wide range of services to help homeowners make repairs and upgrades. They can perform home improvement projects such as flooring installation, painting, and kitchen remodels. They also can handle non-urgent repair work that needs to be done before a house goes on the market or to address problems discovered during a home inspection.
The home repair industry is highly regulated. Contractors must pass background checks, be licensed and insured, have a good reputation and references, and submit detailed quotes before starting any work. They also must agree to a payment schedule and withhold final payment until all work is complete and any required inspections or certificates of occupancy are completed. Some states even require a home warranty contract, which covers the cost of parts and labor in case a problem occurs after the work is finished.
A general home repair contractor is skilled at a broad range of tasks and can provide an overall assessment of the condition of a home and recommend improvements. Often, they will hire subcontractors to carry out the actual work. This can reduce costs and improve turnaround time, but it can also increase the risk that a job will go over budget or timeline. A reputable contractor will manage the entire process and ensure that all parties involved are held accountable.
Most homeowners will encounter a need for home repair at some point, whether it’s an electrical outlet that won’t turn on or a dripping faucet that needs to be replaced. Some issues can be easily addressed by a handyman or by the homeowner, but others may be so complex, expensive, or dangerous that a professional is needed.
When hiring a home repair contractor, look for a local business with a physical location and strong customer service. Be wary of contractors that show up unannounced and pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. These non-local “storm chasers” can be difficult to track down if there are problems with the work or you need additional repairs later on.
Look for contractors with positive references from previous customers. Ask to see examples of their work and read online reviews. Ideally, you should hire a contractor with a good reputation and at least five years of experience.
Many specialized home repair contractors offer unique services. For example, if you need tilework in your bathroom or kitchen, find a flooring contractor who specializes in the type of flooring you’re looking for. The same goes for window and glass contractors, roofing contractors, electrical contractors, and plumbing contractors. There are also dozens of specialized contractors that don’t fall into any of these main categories, including artificial turf installers, posthole diggers, and bowling alley installers.