When your pipe breaks, do you reach for the first local plumber that you can find? If so, you may be paying more for your services, a lot more.
To prevent having to pay top dollar for the services you need, you can build a list of reputable and reasonable service people now, before you need them. This works for service for your home and for your health.
First, determine where you would like to keep your list, electronically or in a home binder. Next, figure out the service people that you may need. If you have someone for the category that you already love, that is great. Fill in their information. If not, you will have to do some research. Ask friends, review credentials, check references, confirm with your insurance company if needed, etc.
Some of the service people you may want to have on your list could include:
Carpenter and/or handyman
Heating and air conditioning repair
Exterminator
Flood specialist
Plumber
Landscaper, lawnmower or tree service
Driveway Finisher
Roofing service
Floor refinisher or carpet service
Electrician
Appliance repair
Pediatrician
Dentist
General practitioner
Eye doctor
Dermatologist
Tutor
Because you are seeking out these services during a non emergency, you should be able to comparison shop on pricing and maybe even negotiate. If you are quoted a rate, make sure you get it in writing alone with a date that the pricing might expire.
You can also save money if you opt for having a service contract on certain services. We have one on our furnace, for example. Both minor and major repairs are covered as well as regular preventative cleaning. For us, this contract is worth it because it saves money for the year.
Combining services is another way to save. You may be able to find a roofing specialist who also does handyman work and will quote you a lower rate if you schedule additional business at the same time. Make a note of these kind of things in your list.
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