Picking a Plumber from the sea.

How do you know, during an emergency, which plumber to choose. Is your regular Plumber open 24/7. If your brother-in-law dose all your work will he be there when your sewer backs up and fecal matter is floating past the sofa. What if he's out at the suicide hot-line talking some poor heart out of the worst mistake of there existence. Will he tell that person "I have to go. My brother in law has pooh issues."
Most people go for big adds with the attitude "I know its going to be expensive but their sure to be open. Well, your right, and they know it.
How about we make a list right know? Lets pick the trades and criteria for our future trouble. It's like a 401K for troubles.
Here is my list and my reasons for choosing these people.
(I should remind you that I have full access to all trades and their history.

Plumber: EXPERT PLUMBING Inc. Commercial and residential
Located in Naperville at 424 Fort Hill Dr Suite 122
Family owned by Stephen and Shirley Brockman who live in Naperville.
Employees are paid hourly and NOT commission on sales. This eliminates recommendations for unnecessary or over priced repairs.
Company will quote prices over the phone when possible allowing you to shop.
Company will travel anywhere in the Chicago area and is licensed and bonded through out the State of Illinois.
Has location and excavating equipment for late night and weekend water main and sewer repair.
Not: aaa expert plumbing, not expert plumbing and heating, not expert plumbing service.

electrician: Electrical Solutions Inc. Commercial and Residential and Industrial.
Located in Aurora and owned by Larry Ulrich and Glen French. Their not 24/7 but you can usually get them till about 8:00 p.m. if you tell them it's an emergency they will make the extra effort to get to you right away. Tell them Steve at Expert Plumbing said "Get out here!" They have 2 trucks and can handle low and high voltage issues alike. They charge hourly and will bid jobs. They have the best response time and aren't afraid to work late or on Sunday if need be. 630 417-8935

Heating and Air: Energy Services, Located in Naperville and owned by Bob Forty. They have 24/7 response. They are very knowledgeable and professional. They do get commission on sales but will stand by there prices and guarantee there work. They have several trucks and serve the entire Chicago land area.

Water Damage Clean Up Pro tech Water damage. Tell them Steve from Expert Plumbing sent you and they will respond within 40 minutes. Peggy is the rep we speak to all the time. This is a chain company which is what you want to make sure your invoice will clear your home owners policy. We have been robbed by Service master and other like companies but Pro tech has always treated my customers right. 1 800 709-FLOOD (3566)

After that list nothing else is a real emergency. I know what some of you are saying "My computer being down in an emergency!" well if this is how you feel then I have that guy too.

ARDS Services. Rich Stompanato is the owners and operator. He has saved my company on several occasions and at reasonable rates. Best of all he will come out late or on Saturday. I think he would do Sunday if you have the green to sway him but, I'm not sure. Is is located in Naperville. He answers his phone himself at 630 826-3115

All of the people above come highly recommended by my wife and I. We trust them. If you don't want to be ripped off by the companies just waiting for you to make the mistake of calling them keep these numbers handy. Or call us 24/7 "WE Never Close"

Lastly for those non Emergency jobs:
Painting LOTZ PAINTING Mark and Brenda Lotz integrity and Quality Best paint best painters best repairs. They will fix and paint and guarantee it all. Located in Plainfield and serving the Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin area (Will not do work at Lambo field).

Floors and tile FINISHES CARPETS & INTERIORS. Beverly and Patrick Muzar. They have a showroom in downtown Naperville. When you want some one who will go the extra mile on your installation these people are absolutely meticulous. They have done my shop and my home (bamboo flooring, beautiful) They made the trim themselves but our floors are stunning. 208 S Washington, Naperville. 630 416-2020

Well that's enough for one blog. Next time I'll tell you who my realtor, mortgage, roofer, drywall and more... GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!