9 Home Improvement Contractors to Make Your House a Home
Home improvement contractors are the secret to making your house a home, and using the right one can really take your home to the next level. But which home improvement contractors are out there? Here’s an overview of some of the most popular home improvement contractors you can turn to today. Once you’ve found the right one, be sure to check out our article on tips for working with home improvement contractors before starting any big projects!
1) General Contractor
A general contractor is responsible for overseeing all home improvement projects. The work of other subcontractors, including tile, carpentry, and kitchen remodeling contractors will be overseen by a general contractor. General contractors typically have many years of experience in their field and usually charge an hourly rate as opposed to requiring homeowners to sign one-year or multiple-year contracts. General contractors also cover services such as debris removal and clean up, which can make it possible for them to complete work faster than with subcontractors. If your home improvement project requires permits from your city or county, you will likely need help from a general contractor who can obtain these permits for you.
2) Electrical
Electrical contractors can be hired to install new electrical outlets, light fixtures and switches. Electrical work is dangerous, so it’s best to hire someone who knows what they’re doing. Improperly installed wiring can pose a fire hazard, not to mention electrocution risk. If you need electrical installation for your home or business, hiring an electrician will keep your family and employees safe and your property damage free.
4) Carpentry
Carpenters, or carpenters, are skilled home improvement contractors who build, repair and replace structures made of wood. What’s more, some can design custom furniture pieces or decks and porches. They can work on homes or other structures such as offices, schools and churches. Carpenters typically have at least three years of vocational training. The job requires strong math skills since they must be able to measure and calculate lengths of wood according to blueprints and construction plans. Carpenters earn an average wage of $17 an hour but get paid based on what they produce in a day versus how many hours they spend working.
3) Plumbing
If you have plumbing issues, you’ll need a licensed plumber. The average cost for a minor toilet repair is $200-$300; major repairs can range from $350-$800. To replace or install an air conditioning unit, expect to pay roughly $2,000 in labor costs; from there you can estimate annual maintenance at around $400–$700. Installation of new doors and windows starts at around $500 and goes up depending on style and size; an addition typically runs between $15,000-25,000 depending on its size. If you want something custom like built-in bookshelves or shower enclosures that aren’t pre-made (as they are with ready-to-assemble furniture), add another couple thousand dollars.
7) Security/Alarm Systems
Not all of us can install top-of-the-line, million-dollar security systems in our homes. If you’re looking for security and safety but don’t want to go broke, find a local, family-owned home improvement contractor who can offer you a basic alarm system that lets you monitor your home from your smartphone or other device—and then add on features as your budget allows. Some home improvement contractors offer free installation and free monitoring for one year; others offer special financing options or other deals. Be sure to do some research about different brands and their capabilities before you decide on one. And remember: just like with any product, there are good companies out there and bad ones; do thorough research before making any decisions.
9) Structural Repair and Maintenance
Residential homes experience all kinds of wear and tear over time. To ensure your home is up to modern safety standards and is protected from structural damage, you should schedule regular inspections by professional home improvement contractors who offer services like roof repair, chimney repair, flooring replacement and more. Because older homes were not constructed using modern techniques or materials like steel, concrete, plastic and vinyl windows—and older building codes may have required less stringent construction standards than those currently in place—homeowners need to be sure that their houses are structurally sound before attempting repairs or renovations.
5) Landscaping
No matter if you’re hosting an outdoor party or just want your yard to look great, landscaping is an important investment. You may be tempted to save money and do some of it yourself, but landscapers often charge only for their time—and that makes sense because most of them are experts. Hiring a professional will cost more, but can make all the difference in having a yard you love.
8) HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Air conditioners and heating systems both play an important role in making your house feel like home. If you live in a place that has distinct seasons, chances are you use your heating system more often than your air conditioner—but they both make it possible for you to enjoy your home no matter what time of year it is. HVAC contractors are vital members of any team tackling home improvement projects. Whether you’re adding or replacing an HVAC unit, or just dealing with repairs and maintenance, find out who can help make sure your HVAC system is working correctly.
6) Painting/Decorating
Home improvement contractors can help you with any job, big or small. While painting and decorating are usually reserved for seasonal updates, they don’t have to be. New paint brings new life into old rooms, which makes it an easy home improvement project that goes well beyond seasonal upkeep. If your room is looking tired, hire a home improvement contractor who specializes in painting and decorating services. Decorators also provide tips on how to select colours and design themes for maximum visual impact without going overboard.
