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Not sure which contractor you actually need? You're not alone. Here's the quick version: plumbers handle water in and water out (pipes, fixtures, water heaters, sewers). Electricians handle everything behind the outlet cover (panels, wiring, circuits). HVAC techs handle heating, cooling, and ventilation. Roofers handle everything above the ceiling. General contractors manage multi-trade projects like remodels and additions.

The trades most homeowners call first

• Plumbers — the average service call runs $150 to $400. Water heater replacement: $1,200 to $3,500. See our plumber cost guide.
• Electricians — $75 to $150 per hour. Panel upgrades (the most common big job): $2,000 to $4,500. See our electrician rates guide.
• Roofers — full replacement $8,000 to $15,000 for asphalt shingles. See our roof cost breakdown.
• HVAC — full AC replacement $5,000 to $12,000. See our HVAC cost guide.

When you need a general contractor vs. a specialist

If your project involves two or more trades (say, plumbing + electrical + tile for a bathroom remodel), hire a general contractor to coordinate. They charge 10 to 20 percent of the project cost, and they earn it by sequencing trades, pulling permits, and owning the problems. For single-trade work — a panel upgrade, a water heater swap, a roof patch — go straight to the specialist. You'll pay less and get someone who does that one thing every day.

Every trade page on this site includes a hiring guide: what the trade does, what it costs in 2026, how to vet contractors, and the red flags to watch for. Start with the trade above, or read our 12-step vetting checklist first.