Homeowners frequently need help from professionals to take care of important tasks in their home. While some homeowners may use services like a housekeeper, a landscaper or a pool care provider, other homeowners handle basic tasks on their own and don't bring in outside assistance. However, even the most ardent do-it-yourselfer does, at times, need to bring in a true professional to do the job.
The List
As a homeowner, there are certain businesses that you can take advantage of to help you to keep your home clean, comfortable and safe. Here are a few examples of the types of businesses that every homeowner can use at some point in time while caring for and improving their home:
- Professional carpet cleaners. A professional carpet cleaning company like Chem-Dry can get your rugs way cleaner than you ever would be able to on your own. No matter how often you vacuum or how clean you think your home is, the fact is that dirt and dust mites get deep down inside and can make your carpets perpetually dirty. Do-it-yourself carpet cleaning is not as effective as professional cleaning, in part because home carpet cleaning machines do not get as hot and leave more moisture in your carpet. This can promote the growth of mold and mildew and actually make your carpets less clean and worse for your health than if you had just left them alone.
- An energy auditor. For most households, electrical bills and energy costs are some of the biggest monthly expenses. You need HVAC and electricity, but it should not cost you more than absolutely necessary. The best way to reduce the costs associated with energy use is to have an energy auditor or an energy rater come into your home. These professionals can come into your space and provide a comprehensive opinion on how energy efficient your home is and where you can improve. Real Simple explains that an energy auditor will bring sophisticated equipment in order to trace air leaks of any size. You can then take action and plug the leaks so you don't waste money with conditioned air going out of your home. Energy auditors sometimes will provide service in your home for free. For example, your power company may be willing to send over a professional consultant who can give you information on your home. You can visit energystar.gov to find an energy auditor or energy rater who can come to your home.
- HVAC professionals. Your heating, cooling and ventilation system plays a fundamentally important role in keeping your house comfortable. Without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer, your house would be unlivable and your possessions inside of the home could be severely damaged. Of course, it is up to you to keep your HVAC system in good working order. This means changing air filters regularly, having parts serviced when necessary, and having your ducts cleaned occasionally in order to reduce indoor air pollution. HVAC professionals can clean your ducts to get dirt, debris, mild and toxins out of the air ducts so you and your family are not breathing it in. Many professional HVAC companies will also offer annual service plans where you can have your equipment inspected each year. This can help you to identify loose parts or small problems and get those problems corrected before you have a major issue.
- Pest control professionals. Your home is susceptible to infestations both inside and out, and insects can cause very serious harm. Termites can do damage to the structure of your home, bees can cause potentially deadly bee-sting injuries, and cockroaches and other bugs can spread germs and disease. Doing regular pest control can help prevent big infestations before they occur and can keep you and your family safe from the problems and diseases that can come with a bug infestation. Most pest control companies offer annual service contracts where a professional comes several times per year to spray. When you are on an annual service contract, you can usually schedule service calls as-needed in between scheduled visits in case a bug problem develops.
These are just a few of the many businesses that the majority of homeowners can benefit from. Be sure you have the right professionals helping you to take care of your home.
Kevin Palmer is a real estate professional with twenty years in the business. He knows a thing or two (or three) about making a new homeowner's life easier. Follow his advice for a happier home life!
