A recent article in Houzz Magazine pointed out that every homeowner should have a team of repair and maintenance professionals at the ready for home emergencies and projects. And with the number of people moving into and around the Colorado Front Range, plus the thousands choosing to stay put and upgrade, we couldn’t agree more.
Some household projects can be done by reasonably skilled homeowners, but others are best left to pros. Here is a list of repair and maintenance pros you should keep handy.
Electrician
Some jobs are best left to the pros, and electrical work is at the top of the list. Even simple jobs like changing an outlet or installing a dimmer switch need more than a cursory understanding of electricity, especially in older homes where the wiring may not be up to current standards.
Homes built before about 1910 had knob-and-tube wiring, a known fire hazard, and up until the 1960s, various forms of metallic and nonmetallic conduit and sheathing were used. Most of these will have been replaced by now, but unless you’re sure, you should have your system inspected by a licensed electrician. Houses built in the 1960s and 70s often had aluminum wiring. While there’s nothing inherently bad about aluminum wiring, safely connecting outlets and switches or making splices requires specific knowledge and is best left to pros.
Modern LED and compact fluorescent lights may not be designed to work with dimmers, so be sure to check with the manufacturer before adding a dimmer switch.
Today’s electrical system are complicated and they get more so every year. So unless you’re really familiar with electrical work, it’s best to leave it to a pro. For more information on the pitfalls of DIY electrical work, read this article on the Allstar Electrical Services blog.
Plumber
Right up there with electrical work, plumbing is another job that’s best left to pros. Simple things like fixing a drip or swapping a faucet may be within a homeowner’s competence, but changes or repairs to pressure lines or the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system are beyond the scope of most DIYers. Get recommendations from trusted sources like HomeAdvisor or family and friends and be sure to check the licenses and insurance of whomever you choose.
Roof and Gutter Company
Colorado is notorious for roof-wrecking weather from hailstorms to falling trees, windstorms, and snow overloads, so it’s important to have a roofing company on speed dial. Start a relationship by having an inspection and scheduling regular follow-ups; much roof and gutter damage can be hidden. Don’t wait till trouble hits—fly-by-night roofers come out in droves then—get established early with a reliable company you can trust and depend on.
Heating and Air Conditioning Service
Another pro who’s high on Coloradans’ list is a good HVAC contractor. Find one who’s reliable, accessible, and affordable and you’ll thank yourself for planning ahead. Besides keeping your heat and cooling in good working order, they can also help make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and safer by inspecting filters and vent systems.
Lawn and Tree Service
Even if you do your own lawn and garden care, a reliable lawn and tree service should be on your list, too. Besides helping with things like aeration, fertilization, and maintaining irrigation systems, a professional arborist can help you choose and care for your investment in landscaping. They can keep you and your property safer, too, by trimming shrubs and trees that can cause damage in our fickle weather.
Painter
Small DIY jobs are fine if you have the skills and patience for them but on big projects like exterior painting and remodels you’ll save time and aggravation by hiring a pro. Many even offer services like color consultation, cabinet painting, wallpapering, and damage repair. Find one you like and keep their number handy.
Chimney Sweep
Coloradans love their fireplaces, woodburning, gas, or electric. But fireplaces come with their own set of concerns and ignoring them results in over 27,000 fires every year. Professional chimney sweeps not only inspect and clean chimneys but check things like flues and gas connections to keep you and your property safe and comfortable.
Handy(wo)man
Maybe you can’t or just don’t feel like doing it yourself. That’s where a helping hand is handy. A handyperson can help with all sorts of honey-do projects from minor repairs to assembling those things you got that aren’t as simple to put together as they claimed. Find someone who’s trustworthy, reliable, and knows their limits. Then keep a list of all those things you’ve been putting off and hand it to them.
Finding the Right Pro for You
Family and friends whose opinions you trust can be a valuable source for reliable professional work but don’t overlook community resources like HomeAdvisor, too. They offer lists of pre-screened pros in your area along with resources like typical project costs and things to know before you start.
Electrical and plumbing work are jobs best left to licensed professionals, especially since shoddy electrical work can be deadly and redoing plumbing can be expensive. The same goes for major tree and landscaping projects. A little upfront investment in expertise can save major headaches down the road. Consult with pros early in the planning and design stage to avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary expenses.
Remodeling, repairs, and additions need top-notch electrical work, and Allstar Electrical Services delivers the quality results you expect and deserve. We work hand-in-hand with you and your contractors to ensure your project is done right, on budget and on schedule.
We’ve served the Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the BBB and Angie’s List, and are proud to be a HomeAdvisor Preferred Contractor.
Whatever your electrical needs, call Allstar Electrical at (303) 399-7420 or visit our website. Then use our handy on-line forms to request an estimate or set up an appointment.