There are a number of projects in your home for which you may use contractors. It isn’t just large remodeling projects that require the services of a contractor. There are a number of things around your home that can require the expertise of a licensed contractor.

The most common thing that most homeowners use contractors for is remodeling projects. Whether it’s a major kitchen remodel or a small project installing a new front door, you are likely to get better results by using a licensed contractor for your construction projects. Using a licensed contractor for your remodeling project will help to ensure that you get quality work done that conforms to local building codes.

You generally hire general contractors to do construction work on your home, but there are many other specialty contractors who work on specific systems in your home. For example, you might hire a plumbing contractor to install a new water heater or to switch out your old plumbing fixtures for more energy-efficient ones. Old water heaters can account for as much as 30% of your home’s energy use, so having a new one installed can save you a lot of money in the long run.

An electrical contractor is another type of contractor you might hire to do work on your home. Many older homes have electrical system that aren’t up to modern building codes and also have trouble handling the loads caused by today’s many electronic devices. You might also use an electrical contractor to make energy-efficient home improvements such as installing solar panels or replacing old lighting fixtures.

You also at some point in your home ownership journey will find yourself in need of an HVAC contractor. This type of professional can fix your furnace or air conditioner or install a new one if you need it, and if you own your home long enough, you likely will need it. Furnaces typically last 15-18 years, which means you are likely to find yourself repairing a furnace or replacing yours at some point. Once your furnace has been in operation for a decade, it’s also a good idea to have an HVAC contractor do an annual inspection.

Make sure you have a professional contractor do all major projects and repairs in your home to ensure they are done right and meet all local codes.