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Compare HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing companies

Homeowners hiring someone to repair, replace or maintain something in their home.

Short answer

How do you choose an HVAC, plumbing, electrical or roofing company?

When you hire an HVAC, plumbing, electrical or roofing company, choose one that is licensed and insured for the work, gives you a written estimate before it starts, and puts its warranty in writing. Compare companies on licensing, response time, what the estimate includes and the guarantee, and get more than one quote for bigger jobs.

The OpenlyCompared guide to HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing companies explains what to compare, which questions to ask and which warning signs to look for. The first companies are being checked before they are listed.

Which home service companies are listed?

We are verifying the first companies for this guide. Each listing is built from facts the company has published, and checked before it goes up.

What should you compare when choosing an HVAC, plumbing, electrical or roofing company?

Licensed and insuredCheck the license with your state's licensing board and ask for proof of liability insurance.
A written estimateA clear estimate lists labor, parts and any diagnostic or trip fee before any work begins.
Response timeFor emergencies, ask whether they offer same-day or after-hours service, and how they charge for it.
A written warrantyAsk how long the workmanship warranty lasts and what it covers, and get it in writing.
Service areaConfirm they cover your address without an added travel charge.
A steady review recordLook for a steady run of recent reviews over time, not a sudden burst of them.

What should you ask before choosing an HVAC, plumbing, electrical or roofing company?

  • Are you licensed for this work in my state, and what is the license number?
  • Is the estimate a fixed price or a range?
  • Is there a diagnostic or trip fee?
  • What warranty do you give on the work, and on the parts?
  • Will your own staff do the work, or subcontractors?
  • Will you pull the permits this job needs?

What are the warning signs when choosing an HVAC, plumbing, electrical or roofing company?

  • A large cash deposit before any work starts
  • No written estimate
  • Pressure to decide on the spot
  • Reluctance to share a license number

Frequently asked questions about HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing companies

How many quotes should I get for a home repair or replacement?

For a bigger home job, such as a new HVAC system or a new roof, get at least two or three written quotes. Several quotes let you compare what each one includes as well as the price.

Is the lowest contractor quote the right choice?

The lowest contractor quote is not always the right choice. Compare what each quote includes, such as the equipment brand and model, the labor warranty, permits and cleanup, because a low price can leave some of these out.

Do I need a permit for HVAC, plumbing, electrical or roofing work?

Many replacements, and most electrical or structural work, need a permit from the local building department. A licensed contractor should know which permits a job needs and pull them for you.

What should a home service warranty cover?

A home service warranty should cover both the parts, often through the manufacturer, and the workmanship, through the installer. Get both warranties in writing before the work starts.

How this page works: companies are listed by the method on our Methodology page. Companies marked “Toutmark client” pay Toutmark, which publishes OpenlyCompared; paying never buys a position or an award. Request a correction.