Pro Tips for Home Improvement: Expert Advice by Trade (StrictlyMatch)

Pro Tips for Home Improvement

Quick, expert guidance for choosing, hiring, and working with licensed contractors in every major trade.

Jump to a trade: General Contractors Plumbing Electrical HVAC & Heating Roofing Kitchen Remodeling Bathroom Remodeling Flooring & Tile Windows & Doors Decks & Patios Fencing Landscaping Irrigation

General Contractors

• Verify first: Check license, insurance, and complaints: state lookup.
• Scope clarity: Put drawings/specs and finishes in the contract to avoid change orders.
• 3+ comparable bids: Same scope, materials, milestones—then compare.
• Milestone payments: Tie payments to inspections and deliverables, not dates.
• Weekly updates: Agree on update day/time and who your site lead is.
• Contingency: Hold 10–15% for surprises; more for older homes.
• Punch list: Do a mid-project and pre-final walkthrough; pay balance after completion.

New to budgeting? See the Cost Guide.

Plumbing

• Ask for part numbers (fixtures/valves) in the bid to avoid substitutions.
• Require shut-off valves and accessible cleanouts where practical.
• Water heater: confirm size, fuel type, venting, permit, and code clearance.
• Leak tests and photo proof before closing walls.
• Hard water? Consider softener or scale control to extend fixture life.

Plumbing guide

Electrical

• Panel upgrades: confirm amperage, breaker brand, AFCI/GFCI locations.
• Map circuits and label panel clearly—future you will thank you.
• Exterior/garage receptacles should be GFCI and weather-resistant.
• Pre-wire for future (EV charger, cameras, access points, smart switches).
• Get permit & inspection—non-negotiable for safety and resale.

Electrical guide

HVAC & Heating

• Size systems via Manual J/S/D—no “rule of thumb” tonnage.
• Seal and test ducts (pressure test) for efficiency and comfort.
• Specify thermostat model and location; avoid solar gain spots.
• Ask for static pressure and charge readings at commissioning.
• Maintenance plan: filters, coils, condensate line flush schedule.

HVAC guide

Roofing

• Get a full system: underlayment, flashing, drip edge, ventilation—brand/specs in writing.
• Valleys and penetrations (chimneys, vents) need metal flashing + sealant.
• Ventilation matters: ridge + intake; prevents shingle cook-off and mold.
• Storm claims: photos before/after; keep shingle bundle labels for warranty.
• Request magnetic nail sweep of yard post-install.

Roofing guide

Kitchen Remodeling

• Create a spec sheet for cabinets, boxes, hardware, finish, hinges, drawer slides.
• Countertops: confirm edge profile, seam locations, sink cutout, backsplash height.
• Plan outlets/lighting early; under-cabinet lights boost function and value.
• Protect floors and pathways; require daily cleanup.
• Order long-lead items (appliances) before demo.

Kitchen guide

Bathroom Remodeling

• Use waterproof backer + proper membranes in wet zones (shower/tub).
• Pre-slope and flood test shower pans.
• Specify fan CFM and quiet rating; vent outdoors, not attic.
• Accessibility: blocking for grab bars, curb width, door clearances.
• Tile layout: mock-up grout lines and niche heights before install.

Bathroom guide

Flooring & Tile

• Moisture test slabs before wood/LVP; use correct underlayment.
• Check transition profiles and thresholds across rooms.
• Tile: verify substrate flatness; ask for leveling system on large format.
• Get grout type (sanded/unsanded/epoxy) and sealing plan in writing.
• Acclimate wood per manufacturer; record humidity/temps.

Flooring guide

Windows & Doors

• Energy specs: U-factor, SHGC, Low-E coating, gas fill; match climate zone.
• Installation: flashing tape, pan flashing, foam/insulation, exterior sealant.
• Tempered glass where required (baths, near doors, stair landings).
• Confirm egress sizes for bedrooms and basements.
• Record serials and warranty registration post-install.

Windows & doors guide

Decks & Patios

• Footings: depth, diameter, and frost line compliance in plans.
• Ledger attachment: flashed, through-bolted to rim (no lag-only if prohibited).
• Stairs/railings: rise/run, baluster spacing, graspable handrails.
• Choose materials: pressure-treated vs. composite; fastener compatibility.
• Seal wood; follow composite gap and fastening specs.

Deck & patio guide

Fencing

• Survey pins/property line confirmation avoids disputes.
• Post depth, concrete type, and drainage at posts matter for longevity.
• Gate hardware: hinges, latches, diagonals to prevent sagging.
• HOA and city height rules—get approvals before digging.
• Choose rot- and UV-resistant materials for climate.

Fencing guide

Landscaping

• Right plant, right place: sun, soil, zone; ask for a planting plan.
• Grading and drainage first; avoid water toward foundations.
• Use weed barrier selectively; mulch depth 2–3 inches.
• Irrigation coordination: zones for turf vs. beds.
• Maintenance plan and seasonal schedule in writing.

Landscaping guide

Irrigation

• Design zones by plant type and sun exposure; match nozzle precipitation rates.
• Smart controller with local weather/soil profiles saves water.
• Drip for beds, rotors for turf; avoid overspray onto hardscapes.
• Add a pressure regulator and filter for drip lines.
• Schedule seasonal checks and winterization (where needed).

Irrigation guide

Helpful resources:

• Verify licenses: All 50 states

• Typical prices: 2025 Cost Guide

StrictlyMatch – Verified Contractors for Home Improvement & Remodeling

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