Featured questions
The most-asked cross-trade questions on cost, licensing, safety, and insurance — lifted into FAQPage JSON-LD so voice assistants and AI search engines can read them directly.
Cost
How much does a plumber cost per hour?
Most US plumbers charge $80 to $150 per hour for standard service calls, with emergency or after-hours rates landing at $150 to $300. A typical drain-cleaning visit runs $150 to $400. Always confirm pricing and licensing with a verified local pro before booking.
More plumbers answers →How much does an HVAC tune-up cost?
A residential HVAC tune-up typically costs $89 to $199, with early-season discounts as low as $69. Annual maintenance preserves warranty coverage and catches efficiency loss before it spikes utility bills. Confirm scope and inclusions in writing with a licensed local pro.
More hvac technicians answers →How much does a roof replacement cost?
An asphalt-shingle roof replacement averages $7,500 to $15,000 for a typical single-family home, with metal or slate running $20,000 to $50,000. Storm damage is often partly covered by homeowner insurance. Always get two or three itemized written quotes.
More roofers answers →License
How do I verify a contractor's license?
Look up the contractor on your state licensing board's online verification portal using their name or license number — the status must read Active. Most states publish a free lookup. Never pay a deposit before confirming an active license and current liability insurance.
More verification & insurance answers →Which trades require a state license in Ohio?
Ohio state-licenses plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, hydronics technicians, and refrigeration technicians through the OCILB. Trades like roofing, concrete, painting, and appliance repair are not state-licensed in Ohio — verify insurance and references instead.
More verification & insurance answers →Do I need a permit to replace my water heater?
Most US jurisdictions require a permit to install or replace a gas or electric water heater. Your licensed plumber pulls the permit and schedules the inspection. Skipping the permit can void homeowner insurance claims and complicate a future home sale.
More plumbers answers →Safety
I smell gas in my home — what should I do?
Leave the house immediately. Do not use phones, light switches, or any electrical device indoors. From outside, call your gas utility's 24-hour emergency line, then 911 if you suspect a major leak. Never attempt to diagnose a gas smell yourself.
More gas technicians answers →My basement is flooding — what do I shut off first?
Shut off the main water valve before anything else — it's usually in the basement near the water-line entry. Turn clockwise to close. Then photograph the damage for insurance, kill power to affected outlets at the breaker, and call a plumber or restoration company.
More plumbers answers →Insurance
Does homeowner insurance cover storm roof damage?
Most standard homeowner policies cover sudden storm damage (wind, hail, falling trees) but not gradual wear. File a claim with photos and a licensed roofer's written assessment. Reject any roofer who offers to waive your deductible — that's insurance fraud.
More roofers answers →What insurance should a contractor carry?
A legitimate contractor carries general liability (minimum $1M) and workers' compensation for any employees. Ask for a current certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured for the project. Hiring an uninsured contractor exposes you to lawsuit risk if a worker is injured.
More verification & insurance answers →Browse by trade
Each trade has its own FAQ with permits, license-check steps, NW Ohio specifics, and the questions real homeowners actually ask.
All 37 trade FAQs
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