Pro tips worth sharing

Roofer tip

Get at least three written roofing quotes, and compare the materials line by line, not just the price.

Roofer tip

After a storm, photograph the damage before any repairs. Your insurance adjuster will ask for it.

Roofer tip

Ask your roofer who pulls the permit. If the answer is you, find another roofer.

Roofer tip

Most Ohio shingle roofs last 18 to 25 years. Start budgeting for a replacement around year 15.

Roofer tip

Granules piling up in your gutters mean your shingles are wearing out.

Roofer tip

Never pressure-wash a shingle roof. It strips the granules that protect it from the sun.

Roofer tip

Ice and water shield along the eaves is cheap insurance against Ohio ice dams.

Roofer tip

A roofer who offers to cover your insurance deductible may be asking you to commit fraud.

Roofer tip

Door-to-door storm chasers? In Ohio you generally have three business days to cancel a contract signed at home.

Roofer tip

Clean your gutters every fall. Clogged gutters back water up under the shingles.

Roofer tip

Check your attic after heavy rain. Stains on the decking are the earliest sign of a leak.

Roofer tip

Ask for proof of workers' comp and liability insurance before anyone climbs on your roof.

Plumber tip

Know where your main water shut-off valve is before you need it.

Plumber tip

A running toilet can waste 200 gallons a day. A $15 flapper usually fixes it.

Plumber tip

Flush your water heater once a year to clear out sediment and extend its life.

Plumber tip

Disconnect garden hoses before the first Ohio freeze to protect outdoor spigots.

Plumber tip

Ohio licenses plumbers through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Ask for the license number.

HVAC Contractor tip

Change your HVAC filter every 1–3 months. It's the cheapest efficiency upgrade there is.

HVAC Contractor tip

Schedule AC service in spring and furnace service in fall, before the rush.

HVAC Contractor tip

A bigger AC isn't better. An oversized system short-cycles and leaves your home humid.

HVAC Contractor tip

Keep 2 feet of clear space around your outdoor AC unit.

HVAC Contractor tip

Use the $5,000 rule: if the system's age times the repair cost tops $5,000, consider replacing it.

Electrician tip

Warm outlets or flickering lights aren't quirks. They're reasons to call an electrician.

Electrician tip

Always hire a licensed electrician for panel work. It's a permit job in almost every city.

Electrician tip

Test your GFCI outlets monthly with the test button.

Electrician tip

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years.

Landscaper tip

Mow high. Taller grass shades out weeds and needs less water.

Landscaper tip

Plan hardscaping before planting. It's much cheaper to dig once.

Landscaper tip

Water deeply and less often to grow deeper, drought-tolerant roots.

Landscaper tip

Call 811 before you dig. It's free and required in Ohio.

Remodeler tip

Add 10–20% to your remodeling budget for surprises behind the walls.

Remodeler tip

Get a written contract with a payment schedule tied to finished milestones.

Remodeler tip

Order long-lead items like cabinets and windows before demo day.

General Contractor tip

Ask who will manage the job day to day and how often you'll get updates.

General Contractor tip

Make sure permits are pulled before work starts. Unpermitted work can hurt resale.

General Contractor tip

Never pay the full price up front. Tie payments to completed stages.

Kitchen & Bath Remodeler tip

Keep the sink, stove and fridge in place to save thousands on plumbing and electrical.

Kitchen & Bath Remodeler tip

Spend on what you touch every day: faucets, drawers and hardware.

Kitchen & Bath Remodeler tip

A bathroom exhaust fan vented outside prevents mold. Don't skip it.

Handyman tip

Bundle small jobs into one visit to save on minimum charges.

Handyman tip

Ask whether the handyman carries liability insurance before any work starts.

Handyman tip

Electrical panel, gas and major plumbing work usually needs a licensed trade, not a handyman.

Lawn Care Pro tip

Aerate and overseed Ohio lawns in early fall for the best results.

Lawn Care Pro tip

Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

Lawn Care Pro tip

Sharp mower blades cut cleanly; dull blades tear grass and invite disease.

Concrete Contractor tip

In Ohio, ask for air-entrained concrete. It stands up to freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete Contractor tip

Don't use rock salt on concrete less than a year old. Use sand for traction instead.

Concrete Contractor tip

Seal your driveway every 2–3 years to keep out water and de-icing salts.

Painter tip

Prep is 70% of a good paint job. Ask every painter how they prep.

Painter tip

Paint Ohio exteriors when it stays above 50°F day and night.

Painter tip

Buy a little extra paint from the same batch for future touch-ups.

House Cleaner tip

Start with a deep clean, then switch to recurring visits to keep costs down.

House Cleaner tip

Ask whether cleaners are bonded and insured, and who brings the supplies.

House Cleaner tip

Write a short checklist so every visit covers what matters to you.

Tree Service tip

Prune most Ohio trees in late winter while they're dormant.

Tree Service tip

Tree work is dangerous. Always confirm the company carries liability insurance.

Tree Service tip

Never top a tree. It weakens it and causes fast, weak regrowth.

Pressure Washing Pro tip

Siding and roofs need low-pressure soft washing, not high pressure.

Pressure Washing Pro tip

Wash your house in spring to remove winter grime and mildew.

Pressure Washing Pro tip

Seal a wood deck a day or two after washing once it's fully dry.

Pest Control Company tip

Seal gaps around pipes and doors. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.

Pest Control Company tip

Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house to avoid termites and ants.

Pest Control Company tip

Ohio pesticide applicators must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Ask for the license.

Fence Contractor tip

Check your property line and HOA rules before you build. A survey is cheaper than a lawsuit.

Fence Contractor tip

Call 811 before any post holes are dug.

Fence Contractor tip

Set fence posts below the frost line, about 32–42 inches in most of Ohio.

Deck Builder tip

Composite costs more up front but skips the yearly staining.

Deck Builder tip

Make sure your deck ledger is properly flashed and bolted to the house.

Deck Builder tip

Most attached decks need a permit and footings below the frost line.

Garage Door Company tip

Never try to replace torsion springs yourself. They're under dangerous tension.

Garage Door Company tip

Test the auto-reverse safety feature monthly with a roll of paper towels.

Garage Door Company tip

Lubricate rollers and hinges twice a year to keep the door quiet.

Junk Removal Company tip

Most junk haulers price by truck volume. Pile everything in one spot for an accurate quote.

Junk Removal Company tip

Ask whether usable items are donated or recycled.

Junk Removal Company tip

Separate paint, chemicals and electronics. They often need special disposal.

Snow Removal Service tip

Book Ohio snow contracts by October. The best crews fill up early.

Snow Removal Service tip

Mark your driveway edges with stakes before the first snowfall.

Snow Removal Service tip

Ask whether a seasonal contract has a cap on the number of plows.

Gutter Cleaner tip

Clean gutters in late fall after the leaves drop, and again in spring.

Gutter Cleaner tip

Downspouts should empty at least 6 feet from your foundation.

Gutter Cleaner tip

Overflowing gutters can cause ice dams, roof leaks and basement water.

Basement Waterproofing Pro tip

Fix gutters, downspouts and grading first. They're the cheapest waterproofing there is.

Basement Waterproofing Pro tip

Test your sump pump every spring by pouring a bucket of water into the pit.

Basement Waterproofing Pro tip

A battery backup sump pump protects you when storms knock out the power.

Pool & Spa Service tip

Close Ohio pools before the first hard freeze to protect pipes and equipment.

Pool & Spa Service tip

Test water chemistry at least weekly during swim season.

Pool & Spa Service tip

Keep the pool cover clear of standing water and snow.

Septic Service tip

Pump most household septic tanks every 3–5 years.

Septic Service tip

Keep grease, wipes and chemicals out of your drains.

Septic Service tip

Don't park or build over your drain field.

Carpenter tip

Let wood acclimate indoors for a few days before trim is installed.

Carpenter tip

Ask to see photos of finished built-ins, not just rough framing.

Carpenter tip

Paint-grade trim costs less than stain-grade. Choose based on the finish you want.

Pet Waste Removal Service tip

Weekly service is usually cheaper per visit than every-other-week, since there's less to clean.

Pet Waste Removal Service tip

Ask whether the waste is hauled away or bagged in your trash can.

Pet Waste Removal Service tip

Book a spring cleanup right after the snow melts. Ohio winters hide months of waste.

Pet Waste Removal Service tip

Make sure the crew disinfects tools between yards to avoid spreading parasites.

Carpet Cleaner tip

Ask whether the price is per room or per square foot, and what counts as a room.

Carpet Cleaner tip

Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) is what most carpet makers recommend for warranties.

Carpet Cleaner tip

Vacuum well before the crew arrives. It helps the cleaning reach the deeper dirt.

Carpet Cleaner tip

Pet urine needs an enzyme treatment, not just a standard clean. Ask before you book.

Restoration Company tip

Water damage gets worse by the hour. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours.

Restoration Company tip

Call your insurance company before major cleanup, and photograph everything first.

Restoration Company tip

You can choose your own restoration company. Your insurer can't require a specific one.

Restoration Company tip

Ask for moisture readings in writing so you know the walls and floors are truly dry.