As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the regular maintenance of your property, as well as occasional repairs. One day, you may need to file an insurance claim following damage caused by a storm or other incident. In such cases, reconstruction can be complex and may require the help of various qualified professionals, such as:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Landscapers
- Roofers
- Arborists
- Carpenters
- HVAC technicians (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
- Painters
- General contractors
Anticipate Your Professional Needs
As a new homeowner, it’s wise to identify these professionals before you actually need them. Building trusted relationships with local contractors can save you time, money, and stress during emergencies. It also gives you the chance to assess the quality of their work and reliability in advance.
Finding a dependable contractor—just like finding a good mechanic—can be a real challenge. And since home maintenance is often more complex and problems can arise without warning, waiting until an emergency to start your search can lead to rushed and poorly informed decisions.
Start Your Research Now
Make a list of the services your home might require and start researching local businesses. Check online reviews and reach out to them to gauge their responsiveness and professionalism.
For example, if you have many trees on your property, request a few quotes for preventative pruning. This helps keep your trees healthy and starts a relationship with a specialist. Then, if a storm damages your yard, you’ll already know who to call. The same strategy applies to your HVAC system: a routine inspection is a great way to evaluate a professional.
Use Your Network to Find the Right Contacts
Word of mouth remains an excellent way to find trustworthy professionals. Ask your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations. Local hardware stores and your real estate agent can also be valuable sources for reliable contractor referrals.
Get Involved in Your Community
Community events, co-op meetings, or local chamber of commerce gatherings are great opportunities to meet local professionals. Introduce yourself, engage with them, and mention your future needs—they’re often looking to expand their client base, and you might find some great contacts.
Verify Qualifications
Make sure the professionals you hire have the proper licenses required for their trade. This ensures they follow industry standards and ethical practices. They should also carry insurance to cover any damages or accidents that might occur during the job.
Ask to see their licenses and insurance certificates, and confirm that all workers—including subcontractors—are covered by workers' compensation. This protects you from potential lawsuits if someone is injured on your property.
Bonding: An Extra Layer of Protection
Some contractors also carry a surety bond, a form of insurance that protects consumers against losses due to negligence or failure to fulfill a contract. If a bonded contractor doesn’t meet their obligations, you can file a claim for compensation. While more common in commercial work, some residential contractors are bonded as well.
Build Loyalty with the Right Professionals
Once you’ve found reliable contractors, maintain the relationship: sign clear contracts, pay promptly, and refer them to others. They may also offer preventative maintenance advice, helping you avoid future issues and unexpected expenses.
In Case of Disaster
If a disaster strikes, you’ll know exactly who to call. In times of crisis, good service providers are in high demand—having a trusted relationship already in place is invaluable. Also, notify your insurance broker as soon as possible so they can guide you through the next steps.
For any questions, do not hesitate to contact our brokers : 1 866 961-3553
