What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?

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 flat work (sidewalks and patios).

Deck and Patio Builders

Redwood Decks, Patio Covers and Concrete Patios are the specialty of these contractors. May include some design services.

Drywall Contractors

Hanging and finishing gypsum wallboard including texturing.

Electrical Contractors

Electrical installation, repair and service.

Engineers

In this category you have electrical, mechanical, geotechnical, and energy compliant engineers

Excavation and Grading Contractors

There 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.

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.

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.

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 lock out services

Masonry Contractors

Laying of brick for fireplaces, patios, walkways, block buildings and decoration.

Metal Shops and Fabricators

Handrails and structural steel.

Painting and Paperhanging

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, dryrot damage and the eradication of pests. Also the repair of damage caused by dryrot 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.

Security Systems

Installation and service of alarm systems.

Septic Systems

Installation and service of septic systems, septic pumping.

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.

Windows

Supply and install new windows.

Wrecking and Demolition

Demolition of buildings, tree removal and lot clearing.