What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? : Home Owners Guide to DIY Home Improvement

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Specialized Companies for Home Improvement

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of contractor is just as important as finding a professional and properly licensed contractor.

Take the time to learn more about licensing, bonded, local builder associations, and permits too.

Architects	This is the first service needed when you are going to remodel or build a structure.
Architectural Services	These services help the Architect complete inspections of the property and answer all the necessary specialty questions for your local Building Department. Drafting services are also listed here since they typically require a structural engineer to sign off on the drawings
Asbestos Removal	Most contractors exclude this from their contracts. If asbestos is found the homeowner usually deals directly with the asbestos abatement contractor. Your General Contractor will oversee the work.
Bathroom Remodelers	Some contractors specialize in bathroom remodeling giving them a little better understanding of the most up to date products to recommend.
Building Cleaning and Maintenance	These are contractors who specialize in cleaning and maintaining your property. Chimney sweeps, carpet cleaners, janitorial services, and property maintenance.
Cabinets	Cabinet builders for custom jobs.
Carpenters	These are contractors who specialize in supplying labor such as Framing or Finish Carpentry.
Concrete Contractors	Forming and the placing of concrete is all these contractors do. This includes foundations and flatwork (sidewalks and patios).
Deck and Patio Builders	Redwood Decks, Patio Covers, and Concrete Patios are the specialties of these contractors. May include some design services.
Drywall Contractors	Hanging and finishing gypsum wallboard including texturing and plaster.
Electrical Contractors	Electrical installation, repair, and service.
Engineers	In this category, you have electrical, mechanical, geotechnical, and energy compliant engineers
Excavation and Grading Contractors	Their services include: Leveling land, trenching, Importing or exporting dirt, clearing land, and road construction.
Fencing	Building, repairing, and replacing of wood, chain link or wrought iron fences including gates and operators.
Flooring Contractors	Install and supply material for Carpet, Hardwood, and Linoleum.
Garage Specialist	Garage installation, repairs, maintenance.
General Contractors	"Generals" will typically perform a job from start to finish whether they do the entire job themselves or not. They sometimes "sub-out" some of the specialty work. You will get a turnkey agreement which means they will have control from design to completion of your project.
Glass and Mirror Specialist	Custom builds including windows at times.
Gutters and Downspouts	New installation or remodel of existing rain gutters and downspouts.
Handymen/women	Typically not considered contractors and have different licensing requirements for small home jobs.
Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors	Installation of new HVAC, repair, service, or replacement of existing heating and air conditioning units.
Home Building	Custom new construction of homes.
Home Inspection Service	Prepares a comprehensive report that sums up the findings and highlights the concerns when evaluating buying a home.
Insulation Contractors	They install Bat and blown insulation in walls, ceiling, floors, and on foundations.
Interior Designers	Space planning, color choices, lighting layout, and overall design are just some of the services they provide.
Landscape Contractors	Final grading, installation of topsoil, plants, irrigation, and design of landscaping. New construction and remodeling.
Landscape Services	Lawn Care, Fertilizing, and Tree Services (arborists).
Locksmiths	Installation of new locks, repair, and lockout services
Masonry Contractors	Laying of brick for fireplaces, patios, walkways, block buildings, and decoration.
Movers	Getting ready to move? Let them do the heavy lifting. Professional movers for offices.
Metal Shops and Fabricators	Handrails and structural steel.
Painting and Wallpaper	Paint new and existing buildings, interior and exterior. Remove and install new wallpaper.
Paving Contractors	Installation of new paving, patching, emulsion coating, and striping.
Pest Control	Inspections for the detection of bug infestation, dry rot damage, and the eradication of pests. Also the repair of damage caused by dry rot or pests.
Plaster and Stucco Contractors	Installation and repair of stucco and plaster.
Plumbing Contractors	Installation of new plumbing pipes and fixtures, repair of existing plumbing and fixtures, sewer cleaning.
Roofing	New construction, removal, and replacement of old roofing, Hot mopping decks, waterproofing, gutters.
Security Systems	Installation and service of alarm systems.
Septic Systems	Installation and service of septic systems, septic pumping.
Sandblasting	Sand and water blasting contractor uses the force of compressed air in conjunction with abrasive materials or water to clean or prepare surfaces.
Solar Heating	They specialize in alternative heating sources.
Specialty Services	Services not specifically covered by other categories.
Structural Engineers	Their services are required on almost all new buildings and structural remodels.
Sunroom and Solarium Contractors	They construct glassed-in porches.
Surveyors and Engineers	They confirm property boundaries and floor elevations, provide building locations for constructing new buildings.
Swimming Pool Contractors	They design and build swimming pools and spas.
Tile Contractors	Supply and install tile, marble, and granite.
Waterproofing and Weather-Stripping	They install waterproof membranes and weather-strip doors and windows.
Water Damage Restoration Specialist	The main purpose is to remove the water quickly from a leak or flood to restore things to be completely dry.
Windows	Supply and install new and fabricated windows.
Wrecking and Demolition	Demolition of buildings, tree removal, and lot clearing.