Service guide
Each trade below is a different kind of visit. The details that matter for plumbing are not the details that matter for roofing. Use this page to assemble a request that a local provider can actually price. A request is not a booking, and provider availability is not guaranteed. Create a job brief or read the full homeowner guides before you contact a provider.
Find your metro areaHeating & cooling
Describe the equipment, thermostat symptoms, affected rooms, and access to indoor or outdoor units. Ask whether the quoted visit includes diagnosis, parts, and follow-up work.
In cooling-dominated metros the first visit is often diagnosis of a system that still “runs” but no longer keeps up. In heating-dominated metros the first visit is often a no-heat call in occupied rooms. Write which rooms failed, whether any air is moving, and whether the equipment is in an attic, closet, roof, or basement.
Plumbing
Say which fixture or pipe is involved, whether the issue is active, and which rooms are affected. Ask the provider to distinguish the diagnostic visit from repair and replacement costs.
Active leaks, no-water, and slow drains are different jobs. Say whether water is still on, whether a shutoff was used, and whether the issue is one fixture or several. Shared stacks in multi-unit buildings should be named as such.
Electrical
Describe the affected fixtures, outlets, or circuits and when the problem began. Tell the provider about access to the work area and ask who will perform and authorize the work.
Breakers, fixtures, and ‘half the house is dark’ are different scopes. Note whether anything smells hot, whether a panel was recently opened, and whether the building has mixed wiring vintages.
Roofing
Describe the roof material if known, the affected area, and whether you need leak assessment, repair, or replacement options. Ask what inspection, cleanup, and warranty terms the estimate includes.
Leak assessment, storm documentation, and replacement estimates are not the same visit. Describe the roof material if known, interior stain locations, and whether photos from the last storm exist.
Water damage
Explain the apparent water source, when it started, and which rooms or materials are affected. Ask how assessment, drying, removal, and repairs are priced and whether they are separate jobs.
Source, wet materials, and drying are often priced separately. Write when water started, whether it is still active, and which rooms or materials are wet.
Garage doors
Include the door and opener type if known, what happens when it operates, and whether the garage is accessible. Ask which inspection, parts, labor, and warranty items are included.
Opener, springs, and off-track doors are different repairs. Say whether the door moves at all and whether the garage can be left closed.
Sewer & drain
Identify which drains or fixtures are affected and whether the issue is recurring. Describe prior work if known and ask whether the proposed visit includes inspection, clearing, or additional diagnostic work.
A single fixture and a main-line backup are different. Note which drains failed together and whether a cleanout is known.
Tree work
Describe the tree, the work requested, and its relationship to buildings, roads, and overhead lines. Explain equipment access and ask whether removal, debris handling, and stump work are priced separately.
Lean, hangers, and trees already on a structure are different urgency. Describe lines, buildings, and whether the street is blocked.
Junk removal
List the items, approximate volume, stairs or elevator access, and where loading can occur. Confirm accepted materials and ask whether labor, transport, and disposal fees are included.
Volume, stairs, and banned materials change the price. List items rather than saying ‘a bunch of stuff.’
Pest control
Describe what you have observed, where it appears, and any previous treatment. Mention pets, access restrictions, and occupied spaces. Ask about inspection, treatment plans, follow-up visits, and product information.
What you saw, where, and prior treatment matter. Mention pets and occupied rooms.
Wildlife concerns
Describe the animal if known, where it was seen, and whether it is inside or outside the building. Ask the provider about appropriate handling, entry-point assessment, and follow-up prevention. This is not a wildlife rescue or public emergency service.
Inside versus outside, and daytime versus night activity, change the approach. This is not a public emergency dispatch.
Septic systems
Include the property location, known system type, symptoms, and any service history. Explain access to the system and ask whether inspection, pumping, diagnosis, and repairs require separate appointments.
Symptoms plus last service date are the useful pair. Access to lids and drain fields should be described.
Concrete work
Describe the area, intended use, approximate dimensions, and access for materials. Explain whether existing material needs removal and ask for an itemized scope covering preparation, installation, and cleanup.
Removal of failed material is often a separate line from placement. Approximate dimensions and access paths.
Towing
Provide the vehicle type, location, accessibility, and requested destination. Tell the provider whether the vehicle can roll and steer. Confirm pickup, mileage, storage, and other charges directly before accepting service.
Vehicle type, whether it rolls and steers, and the destination determine the quote. Confirm storage fees before accepting.