For emergency call outs our contractors will be on your case straight away – depending on the urgency of your emergency and the time of day, you can take the first bid that comes in or wait for multiple bids.

Tips for when calling an emergency contractor

Take a picture of the emergency – burst water pipes, broken window, insect infestation, burnt outlets, leaking roof, please take several pictures and report when you first noticed the problem and if you want someone out straight away - remember most contractors will charge a 24/7 call out fee as well as the for the work carried out but 9 times out of 10 your home insurance may cover the call out fee too. Check with your insurance provider now so you know in the case of an emergency.

If you smell a natural gas odor, hear the hissing sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak: IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the area, and from a safe location call 911 and/or your gas company. Obviously do not smoke, or light a match, candle or other flame - you’d be surprised how many people do…

If your AC goes out in August when it’s 100 degrees plus, take a picture of the unit, and more importantly the label with the make and model. If you see signs of burning from the motor, picture that too and if there’s a funny noise just video it. Also note any strange smells. If your unit is on the roof, make sure to state that so the repair person can bring a ladder or scissor lift

Likewise with electrics - any whirring or signs of burning, record it on video and upload it to your post-a-project page and again note any strange smells.

If you have an infestation of bed bugs or cockroaches or ants or even something you haven’t seen before, try to catch one and keep it in a glass, take photos or videos so the bug company can bring the right materials for the job first time. That alone will save them time and you money if they don’t have to return to their shop to get the correct treatments,

For plumbing emergencies, again take a picture or video of the leak(s) and if water is damaging your ceiling make sure to capture that too.

And as for the roof - the more pictures and videos the better especially if it’s raining and you’re home is being destroyed by water.

In the event of a broken window, measure the size of the overall frame so the glazier can board it up until he/she can obtain the right size glass. If you don’t have a tape measure count the bricks around the window or better still - get a school ruler from your child’s school bag. Also state if it is single or dual pain and the material of the frame – wooden, aluminum or vinyl. All of these details will help the glazier.

What might help the glazier even more is if your house can be seen on google map’s street view - that way the contractor may be able to measure from his own phone or laptop so ensure you reveal your address for them.

Keep a diary, list the damage and always collect receipts for your insurance company.