Home Service Vendors
I Trust Enough to Refer
Everyone asks the same question: who do you use? Here is the list I point people to, the trade each one covers, and how to verify them yourself before you hire. Because a referral is a starting point, not a reason to skip your own vetting.
A note on how this list works
These are businesses I have chosen to point people to for real work in their trade. I receive nothing of value from any of them. The list changes as people's work does, and the state keeps the register that tells you if a contractor is legitimate. You can search it yourself at newjersey.mylicense.com.
Vendors by trade
These are the businesses I point people to for real work in their trade. Every name below is a starting point for your own vetting, not a substitute for it.
Home inspection
A Closer Look Home Inspections
Trained home inspectors who go through the property and give you the written findings before you commit to the purchase. A home inspection is one of the few parts of a real estate deal where the buyer's information advantage is real, use it. Verify home inspectors in New Jersey with the state's licensing system, which keeps the active license record for every inspector.
Mortgage lending
HMA Mortgage
A mortgage team that can walk you through pre-approval, the programs that exist today, and the numbers for your specific situation. Mortgage work in New Jersey is done by licensed loan officers, and every licensed mortgage professional holds an NMLS number you can look up.
Roofing and solar
Under The Sun Roofing & Solar
Roof replacement, repair, and solar work. Roofing contractors doing home improvement work in New Jersey must register with the state as Home Improvement Contractors, and you can look up any registration yourself.
Landscaping
Bailey Landscape Services
Lawn, planting, and property maintenance. Landscaping work that crosses into hardscaping, irrigation, or other home improvement work may require a Home Improvement Contractor registration in New Jersey, so ask the same way you would ask any contractor.
Flooring and home improvement
Haddon Flooring
Flooring and general home improvement work. Any home improvement contractor in New Jersey must hold a registration from the state, and the register is public.
Kitchen remodel
HomeKraft of Haddonfield
Kitchen remodeling work. Same rule as every contractor on this list, they are registered with the state and you can check it.
General contracting
Mission 1st Contracting
General contracting for larger projects. A general contractor doing home improvement work in New Jersey must be registered with the state, and the registration is public record.
How to verify any contractor yourself
A referral is a starting point, not a reason to skip your own vetting. Here is exactly how to check the people on this list, and anyone else you are considering.
Home improvement contractors
New Jersey runs the public register at newjersey.mylicense.com. Search the business by name and you will see its active registration. A contractor who will not give you their registration number is telling you everything you need to know.
Mortgage professionals
Look up their NMLS number at NMLS Consumer Access. Every licensed mortgage professional has one, and it is public.
Home inspectors
Check the active license record with the state licensing system.
In every case: get the number, look it up, and if it does not come back active and matching the business name, walk away. Also get at least two quotes for any job over a few hundred dollars, and ask each contractor for their registration number before they give you one.
Need a trade that is not on this list?
Ask me directly and I will tell you who I point people to, or tell you honestly that I do not have a name I trust yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were these vendors chosen?
They are businesses I have chosen to point people to for real work in their trade. I receive nothing of value from any of them, and the list changes as people's work does.
Do you get paid to recommend these vendors?
No. I receive nothing of value from any vendor on this list. They are here because I point clients their way.
How do I check if a contractor is registered in New Jersey?
Search the business name in the state's public Home Improvement Contractor register at newjersey.mylicense.com. The registration must be active and match the business name.
How do I verify a mortgage professional?
Look up their NMLS number at NMLS Consumer Access. Every licensed mortgage professional has one, and it is public.
Should I get more than one quote?
Yes. Get at least two quotes for any job over a few hundred dollars, and ask each contractor for their state registration number before they quote you.
What if I need a trade that is not listed?
Ask me directly. I will tell you who I point people to, or tell you honestly that I do not have a name I trust yet.
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