Quality Home Services
(ESCO Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical) - Your home is your sanctuary, so you want to hire the best in the industry for home services companies. However, you don’t want to trust the safety and comfort of your home to just anyone, especially someone who doesn’t have the right know-how to get the job done right.
So what should you look for in a home services professional? Let’s examine the factors that industry leaders value most.
Certification, Training, and State Licensing
The first indication of a reputable company is the verifiable proof it is properly licensed to perform the job. Most HVAC and electrical services are dangerous. Therefore, they require extensive training and the appropriate equipment to repair, maintain, or install a system correctly.
When searching for a trustworthy home service company, ensure it’s registered with your state and has updated licensing paperwork. You can verify this information online via a government- operated website for your particular state.
Contractors who aren’t up to date on their certification may not be reputable, qualified, or insured. Thus, you’d be taking a significant risk by hiring them. Meanwhile, home service companies in good standing with the state are more likely to complete professional obligations and are generally trustworthy.
Most home services companies require a permit before beginning major HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. So it’s a red flag if a contractor isn’t willing to pull the permit.
Another way to inspect a potential home services company is by asking if they offer training programs. These programs help their technicians keep up with the ever-changing home service industry, as new equipment and practices come about regularly. You’ll want to ensure the technician is familiar with the most effective techniques and offers the best equipment.
Professionalism and Efficiency
Checking if a contractor has a physical location is an indication of their legitimacy. Simply check Google Maps or the home service company’s website to verify if a genuine office exists.
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a valuable resource for any homeowner. The organization tracks complaints filed against companies, and it identifies trustworthy businesses that are verified to utilize ethical practices.
Other warning signs of unprofessionalism include contractors who:
Ignore phone calls or avoid communication
Don’t install or service Energy-Star rated models or top brands
Aren’t transparent about service information or prior experience
Any home services company worth their weight in salt should also offer 24-hour emergency services. This service gives clients the notion that the business is supportive and is there for you when you need them. Contractors who don’t provide 24/7 emergency support may not have the budget or resources to service your home efficiently.
On-Site Safety
It is a must that any home services company you hire conducts its work in a safe manner. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services are dangerous when precautions aren’t taken. Careless and unorganized behavior increases the risks associated with open flames, high- voltage electricity, and hazardous materials.
On-site accidents can cause significant harm to the contractor as well as you, your family, and your home. Reputable technicians take the time to prep, install, repair, and clean up their jobs without causing safety hazards.
A contractor who fails to comply or takes shortcuts is a considerable danger to your family. Instead, search for a home service company that follows all safety procedures and uses the proper safety equipment.
Make sure you know a contractor’s policies and read online reviews from past clients before hiring them. Otherwise, you run the risk of learning a dangerous lesson down the road.
Use of Industry-Standard Equipment
Contractors who lack the right tools for the job aren’t prepared to service your home properly and are safety liabilities. Additionally, the use of improper equipment is a telltale sign that the installation, maintenance, or repair won’t be done to a high standard, and that could cost you significantly more money to mend.
Many home service tools are only specific to particular types of jobs, brands, or units. So contractors who don’t work with all industry-standard equipment may not be prepared to perform services or supply materials needed throughout the entire process. For example, if you’re hiring an HVAC technician, ensure that they work with professional AC testing equipment, copper wire, vacuum pumps, and digital gauges.
Home Evaluation Services
Before you install a new HVAC, electrical, or plumbing system, find a home services company that provides a home evaluation. This way, the contractor can recommend a solution that’s specifically suited for your home. But first, you have to know if the company you’re looking at offers such a service.
When the contractor does this, they should consider the size of the home and any existing fixtures and materials. These factors are crucial to determining the correct size or compatibility of the installation. Additionally, this information helps the home service company to provide you with an accurate itemized list of estimates.
References, Referrals, and Reviews
The best way to find a great home services company is through word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers who they’ve used in the past and if there are any contractors they’d recommend.
Online reviews also provide some insight into a company’s reputation. Contractors with minimal or negative reviews may not be worth hiring. But keep in mind that just because a company has many great online reviews doesn’t mean those evaluations are always legitimate.
Hire the Home Service Company You Can Trust
You can begin your home improvement journey now that you know what to look for in a good home services company. To find even more home improvement tips, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook or Instagram.
