If you are engaged in the real estate industry, chances are, at one time or another, you will find yourself in need of professional help to repair, improve, or maintain real estate.The purpose of this post is to introduce and explain these professionals to you and give you an idea of what services they might provide. Please understand that each municipality has different laws regulating the construction, repair, and renovation of a home. Please check with your local building department for your specific laws and ordinances.

General Contractor

If your contracting team were playing football, the General Contractor (GC) would be the quarterback. Any project that needs permits associated with structural changes, the GC will be the person you would call. Also, on larger projects, the GC may act as a “one stop shop” and bid out an entire just and then bring in sub-contractors like electricians, plumbers, etc. to work under him/her.

Some Jobs where a GC is Needed:

• Additions or Garage Conversions
• Replace Doors or Windows
• Replace Kitchen Cabinets and/or Countertop
• Frame in New Walls

Electrician

When it comes to dealing with anything that can kill you instantly , like electricity, we always recommend calling in a professional to do the job. Most will call a handyman for minor electrical issues such as replacing an outlet or switch and changing a light fixture , or just do the job themselves. But when it come to running new wiring, changing service to the property, or messing around with the electrical panel, your first call should be to a licensed electrician.

Some Jobs where an Electrician is Needed:

• Upgrade Service
• Change out from fuse to breaker
• Update from aluminum wire to copper
• Install new lines, outlets, or switches

Plumber

Anyone who has lived in an older house has had to call a plumber at one time or another. When most people think of plumbers, they think of Rotor-Rooter or someone coming to fix a drain that has backed up. Plumbers do that very well, but their jobs do not end there. Anything in your property that has water running though it was most likely installed by your plumber. Just remember if you do not know who to call to install or fix something, when it has water, the plumber should be your first call.

Some Jobs where a Plumber is Needed:

• Backup of drain or leaking pipes
• Installation of toilet, showers, and vanities
• Replace hot water heater
• Run sewer connections or fix septic tank problems

Roofer

Here is another professional that usually requires no introduction. From the trusses that form your roof, to the final product you choose to cover the decking, roofers are responsible for every step of the construction that make our home remain watertight. Since every part of the country has different issues related to weather, Northeastern snowfall, Southeastern hurricanes, Midwest winds and tornados, and West Coast earthquakes, roofers must be specialized in their particular area.

Some Jobs where a Roofer is Needed:

• Leak detection and fix
• Replace existing roof
• Install news roof and trussing
• Repair soffit and fascia

HVAC Contractor

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In a single family home, the HVAC system is made up of primarily 3 main parts. First is the air handler that is usually located inside the home in a closet, or sometimes in the ceiling. The second part is the compressor that is usually located on the exterior of the home. The third part of the system is the ductwork that stretches throughout he home in the ceiling or floorboards that distributes the heat or cool air.

Some Jobs where a HVAC Contractor is Needed:

• Replacement of the HVAC System
• Repair tear or break in ductwork
• Cleaning of handler coils and ducts
• Refill Freon in compressor

Pool Contractor

If you fortunate to have or want a swimming pool or spa at your home, your pool contractor would be the first call is there are any problems. Pool contractor are not to be confused with pool maintenance professionals. Although some large pool contractors also have maintenance teams for their customers, in order to install or repair pools and spas, you must be licensed. You will also find that many pool contractors are also plumbing contractors.

Some Jobs where a Pool Contractor is Needed:

• Install a new pool or spa
• Repair a leak
• Replace pool pump
• Refinish pool surface

Painting Contractor

Although you most likely do not need a state contractor’s license to be a painter, I put this specialty in a category of its own. The reason is that while some homeowners choose, or even like, to paint their own homes, having contact with a professional painter is invaluable. Not only do professional painters do a better job than many “do it yourselfers”, they do it quicker and oftentimes cheaper.

Some Jobs where a Painting Contractor is Needed:

• Interior and Exterior painting
• Cabinet refinishing
• Resurface blacktop driveway
• Stain or refinish woodworking

Termite and Pest Control

Let me start this introduction by saying I hate bugs. If you are like me, you will have your favorite termite and pest control experts on your speed dial. While there are bugs in any environment and some can be quite nasty, it is generally agreed that termites are some of the worst insects to worry about when talking about your home. Whether you are hiring these professional for a one time treatment or ongoing service, their expense is worth the fee.

Some Jobs where Termite and Pest Control is Needed:

• Termite detection and treatment or tenting
• Rodent removal
• Preventative spraying and maintenance

Handyman

Everyone should have the name and number of a good handyman in their area. Most small maintenance tasks around the home can be handled by the handyman. It is important to remember however, that most handymen operate independently, are not licensed, and may not be an expert in the field you are hiring them for. They cannot pull permits and often work alone. For these reasons, make sure to use your handyman for those small housekeeping jobs.

Some Jobs where a Handyman is Needed:

• Small drywall repairs
• Replace door or window hardware
• Hang shelves or pictures
• Replace a cracked or broken tile

The list for a handyman could be quite comprehensive.

Although this list does not represent every type of professional you might come across, it does highlight the most used in our business.