Home Services

Home Services: Essential Support for Every Stage of Homeownership

Buying or selling a home involves a cast of supporting professionals that most people only think about when they need them urgently. Home inspectors, insurance agents, moving companies, contractors — each one affects your timeline, your wallet, and potentially the outcome of your transaction. Hiring the wrong home inspector can mean missing a $15,000 foundation problem. Overpaying for homeowner’s insurance by $800 per year adds up to $24,000 over a 30-year mortgage. The stakes are real, and the right service providers make a measurable difference.

This section covers the services you’ll need at every stage of the homeownership cycle — from the inspection before you buy to the maintenance that protects your investment for decades.

Home Inspection: Non-Negotiable for Buyers

A professional home inspection costs $300 to $500 and takes 2-4 hours. It’s the single best investment you’ll make during the buying process. A qualified inspector evaluates the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural components — identifying problems that could cost thousands to repair after closing.

• Always get an inspection, even in competitive markets where sellers pressure buyers to waive contingencies
• Attend the inspection in person so you can ask questions and see issues firsthand
• Consider specialty inspections for older homes: sewer scope ($150-$300), radon testing ($150-$200), and termite/pest inspection ($75-$150)
• Pre-listing inspections for sellers can prevent surprises and speed up the transaction

Homeowner’s Insurance: Shop Aggressively

Homeowner’s insurance is required by your mortgage lender, but the range in pricing is enormous. For the same coverage, quotes can vary by 40-60% between providers. The strategy is straightforward: get at least 5 quotes, bundle with auto insurance for 15-25% savings, and review your policy annually as replacement costs and risk factors change.

In 2026, insurance costs are a particularly critical concern. Rates have spiked in disaster-prone areas — Florida, California, Louisiana, and parts of Texas have seen premium increases of 30-50% or more over the past three years. Some insurers have exited these markets entirely. Factor insurance costs into your affordability calculation before committing to a purchase in a high-risk zone.

Home Warranties vs. Insurance: Know the Difference

Homeowner’s insurance covers damage from specific perils — fire, theft, windstorms, certain water damage. Home warranties cover repair or replacement of home systems and appliances (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, kitchen appliances) that fail due to normal wear and tear. They cost $400-$700 per year with $75-$125 service call fees.

The honest assessment: most home warranties have exclusions that limit their value for major claims. Pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, and specific component exclusions frequently lead to denied claims. They can make sense for older homes with aging systems, but read the contract carefully and understand what’s actually covered before you buy.

Moving Services: Plan Early and Vet Carefully

A local move typically costs $1,000-$2,500, while long-distance moves range from $3,000 to $7,500 or more depending on distance and volume. Book movers at least 4-6 weeks in advance (8-12 weeks for summer moves) and get in-home or video estimates from at least three companies. Check USDOT registration for interstate moves, verify insurance coverage, and read recent reviews — not just the star rating, but the actual complaints.

Renovation and Contractors: Protecting Your Investment

Home renovation is where the most money gets wasted — or the most value gets created. The difference comes down to planning, realistic budgeting, and hiring the right people. Not all renovations are equal in terms of return on investment (ROI). Kitchen and bathroom remodels, garage door replacement, and curb appeal improvements consistently deliver the highest returns. Major structural changes and luxury upgrades often fail to recoup their cost at resale.

When hiring contractors, follow these rules:

• Get at least 3 written quotes with detailed scope of work — not verbal estimates
• Verify licenses and insurance through your state’s contractor licensing board
• Check references and recent work — visit a completed project if possible
• Never pay more than 10-15% upfront and structure payments based on completed milestones
• Get everything in writing — scope, timeline, materials, payment schedule, and warranty terms

Budgeting for Ongoing Maintenance

The standard guideline is budgeting 1-2% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs. For a $400,000 home, that’s $4,000-$8,000 per year. This covers seasonal maintenance (HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, weatherproofing), unexpected repairs (water heater failure, roof leaks), and the gradual replacement cycle for major systems — roof every 20-30 years, HVAC every 15-20, water heater every 10-12.

Each guide in this section includes what things actually cost, how to evaluate providers, and the red flags that signal you’re about to hire the wrong person. Our directory includes vetted service providers across major categories — inspection, insurance, moving, and renovation — so you can make smart decisions with confidence.

Find Trusted Home Service Professionals

Whether you’re preparing to sell, just closed on a new home, or need routine maintenance, finding reliable professionals is essential. Use our vetted network to connect with local pros in every category.

Home Services in Your Buying Journey

These services fit into every stage of homeownership. During the buying process, you’ll need an inspector and insurance provider before closing — see our complete buying guide for the full timeline. Use our mortgage calculator to factor insurance into your monthly payment. Selling? A pre-sale inspection and strategic renovation can significantly boost your sale price — learn more in our home selling guide.

All professionals in our network are licensed, insured, and background-checked. Get free quotes with no obligation.