Building the Perfect Home Team

Every homeowner has that moment when something stops working, leaks unexpectedly, or just feels off and wishes they had “a person” to call. The truth is no one can do it all when it comes to maintaining a home. From comfort and security to curb appeal and home efficiency, success comes down to building and maintaining relationships with trusted home service professionals.

A home team isn’t just a list of phone numbers. It’s a circle of trusted people and professionals who know customers’ homes, understand their priorities, and can help homeowners stay ahead of surprises.

Research from Housecall Pro found that 72% of homeowners plan to stay in their current home for the foreseeable future, and 69% live in homes that are more than 20 years old. Yet 71% of homeowners admit to postponing at least one home project in 2025, and 40% have paid for major repairs they believe could have been avoided with better upkeep.

As homes age and systems become more connected, having trusted professionals to call can help homeowners stay ahead of problems before they become costly surprises. Here’s how to build the perfect home team.

The electrician: Powering what matters

Behind every modern home is an electrical system working quietly and constantly to power a homeowner’s connected life. However, as people continue to add EV chargers, backup power systems, and other energy-intensive technologies, many are discovering their electrical infrastructure wasn't designed for today's demands.

In fact, a recent nationwide study found that 31% of U.S. single-family homes have electrical panels rated at 100 amps or less, potentially restricting their ability to adopt new electric appliances without significant upgrades. A trusted electrician can help assess current capacity and recommend improvements that support both safety and future needs.

Think of an electrician as a behind-the-scenes power strategist who can inspect a home’s wiring, recommend upgrades, and add protection against power surges that could damage sensitive smart devices. With an electrician on the roster, homeowners aren’t just maintaining their home but helping it adapt as their needs and technology evolve.

The plumber: Helping prevent problems before they flow

Water damage and freezing claims make up about a quarter of all home insurance claims – roughly 24% on average – and have an average claim amount of $15,400 in damage. While water damage may strike in an instant, preventing it takes intention with consistent upkeep, a watchful eye, and smart technology that alerts homeowners before a drip becomes a disaster. That’s where a trusted plumber shines.

A plumber can help find hidden leaks, balance water pressure, and help protect key systems before issues escalate. Demand for leak detection technology will likely continue to grow as homeowners look for ways to help prevent costly water damage and insurance providers recommend, incentivize, or even mandate leak detectors and automatic shutoff systems, particularly in homes with old or more complex plumbing systems. Combined with routine home maintenance from a plumber, these connected tools can provide another layer of protection against costly water damage.

Connected devices like the First Alert® L1 WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detector – which monitors for water leaks, freezing temperatures, and humidity changes around critical areas such as water heaters, sinks, and sump pumps – can help homeowners identify potential issues before they become problems and avoid any major catastrophes.

For even greater detection, plumbers can install the First Alert® L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve, which automatically turns off the home’s water supply when a leak is detected. Working together, the L1 and L5 create a layered approach to detection: the L1 detects leaks early, while the L5 takes immediate action to help minimize impact.

When integrated into a smart home ecosystem, these connected solutions are designed to create a channel of communication between customers and plumbing professionals, helping both parties act quickly and precisely. That partnership helps turn potential water damage into a manageable maintenance moment that helps save time, money, and stress in the long run.

The HVAC professional: Your comfort and efficiency coach

Home comfort doesn’t happen by accident; it’s engineered, maintained, and monitored. As an important member of a home team, a reliable HVAC professional helps ensure steady, efficient performance from HVAC systems all year long. Seasonal tune-ups and preventive home maintenance services from these individuals can also help extend equipment life and improve energy efficiency.

Today’s heating and cooling systems are highly sophisticated, and the Honeywell Home ElitePRO™ smart thermostat, powered by Pro-IQ™ services, is designed to help professionals make the most of that technology. With advanced sensing, adaptive learning, and intuitive controls, the ElitePRO helps HVAC systems deliver consistent comfort while conserving energy.

Behind the scenes, Pro-IQ services takes that connection further by sharing key system insights with contractors, allowing them to spot performance trends, schedule maintenance proactively, and resolve small issues before they become costly breakdowns. It helps turn routine service into predictive care, giving homeowners and professionals alike a clear view of how the HVAC system performs every day.

The safety & security partner: Your 24/7 monitoring and alerts

Home security is more than just keeping bad things out; it’s also about staying informed and in control wherever homeowners are. New research from Parks Associates shows that 47% of U.S. internet households now own a security solution, either a system or security device, and 35% have a paid security service. As homeowner expectations are shifting toward flexible, connected solutions that can evolve over time, a trained professional from Resideo’s nationwide network of independent security dealers can help custom design a First Alert® security system tailored to each person’s unique needs. From alarm systems and video doorbells to indoor and outdoor cameras, these solutions work together to provide real-time visibility and professional-grade protection for every corner of the home. 

Additionally, many homeowners choose monitored systems managed by a local security expert, ensuring help is available even when they aren’t. Through an app, homeowners can stay connected to their system from anywhere, bringing home security and monitoring together in one seamless, connected platform. Backed by Resideo’s decades of expertise, First Alert monitored security solutions offer a comprehensive, professionally supported approach to keeping the home safe and secure.

The lawn & garden expert: Extending comfort outdoors

The best homes feel good inside and outside. A local landscaper can bring that thoughtfulness to outdoor spaces by recommending native plants, adjusting watering schedules, or installing smart irrigation systems that respond to weather and soil conditions.

Of course, not every homeowner needs regular help, and many take pride tending to their own gardens or lawns. However, it’s still helpful to have a trusted contact on speed dial for seasonal tasks like storm clean-up, tree trimming, or large projects that call for an extra hand.

Thanks to a lawn and garden expert, curb appeal and conservation can be rolled into one to create a balance of beauty and resourcefulness that keeps yards thriving in all conditions.

Bonus player: The fix-it friend

Every homeowner needs at least one friend or family member who knows how to get things done. Maybe it’s the person who can fix a hinge, paint a wall, or offer design advice that actually works. They might not be professionals, but they’re part of the team, and sometimes, they’re the first call before bringing in the experts. As the extra set of hands, eyes, or encouragement, they’re also the ones who make home projects feel less overwhelming and help keep things moving when homeowners would otherwise put them off.

Draft your team before the season starts

The best teams don’t come together during a crisis. Instead, they’re built over time. Ask neighbors for referrals, schedule preventive check-ins, and keep a “home team” contact list handy, whether in a phone, a smart home app, or taped inside a kitchen cabinet. A simple home maintenance checklist can also help homeowners stay organized and ensure visits from home service professionals happen before seasonal demands or unexpected emergencies arise.

Homeownership isn’t just about maintaining a place to live – it’s about surrounding oneself with people and technologies that help make living there easy, safe, and enjoyable. With the right team in their corner, homes can truly work as hard as the people who live in them do.

Discover more ways to connect and care for homes by visiting HoneywellHome.com and FirstAlert.com.

See also:

Six Ways to Use Smart Thermostats to Reduce Energy Use and Unlock Greater Savings

Protecting What Matters Most in Your Radiant System – The Water

Prepare for Cooler Temps with 5 Essential Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “home team” and why does it matter?

A home team is a trusted network of professionals and helpers, such as HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and security experts, who help maintain the home. Building this team allows homeowners to prevent expensive damage, reduce unexpected repairs, and keep systems running efficiently year-round.

How can HVAC professionals help prevent problems before they happen?

HVAC professionals can provide ongoing system insights through tools like the Honeywell Home ElitePRO™ smart thermostat, powered by Pro-IQ™ services. These solutions help monitor system performance, identify trends, and address potential issues early, turning routine maintenance into proactive care.

How can homeowners protect their homes from water damage?

Working with a plumber and installing connected solutions like the First Alert® L1 WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detector can help identify leaks early. For added detection, the First Alert® L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve can automatically shut off the water supply when a leak is detected, helping minimize damage.

What role does a security professional play in a modern home?

A security professional can design a customized system that includes alarm systems, video doorbells, and cameras, often with monitoring support from a local expert. These systems help provide real-time visibility and help keep homeowners informed, whether they’re at home or away.