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Help Center

19 guides for Madison homes.

Plain-English help for hiring contractors, reading estimates, getting through storm season and planning projects.

  • 5 topics
  • Free to read
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A homeowner reading a help guide at a kitchen table
No. Guides
Topic 01

How Madison Home Service Group Works

One request, one expert, one call, and what happens to your information.

How Madison Home Service Group WorksHow Madison Home Service Group WorksHow Madison Home Service Group WorksYou submit one request. One expert contacts you. A partner contractor assesses, estimates and does the work.2 min read Why One Contractor Call Beats FiveHow Madison Home Service Group WorksWhy One Contractor Call Beats FiveMany lead sites sell your request to a crowd. Here is why a single expert contact is better for you.2 min read
Topic 02

Hiring Smart

Estimates, questions to ask and how to prepare for a visit.

How to Read a Contractor EstimateHiring SmartHow to Read a Contractor EstimateWhat a good estimate includes, what to question and how to compare two bids fairly.2 min read Questions to Ask Before You Hire a ContractorHiring SmartQuestions to Ask Before You Hire a ContractorA practical list for the first call and the estimate visit.2 min read How to Prepare for an Estimate VisitHiring SmartHow to Prepare for an Estimate VisitA few minutes of preparation make the assessment faster and the estimate more accurate.2 min read
Topic 03

Seasons and Storms

The Madison area checklists for spring, fall and storm season.

Storm Damage Checklist for MadisonSeasons and StormsStorm Damage Checklist for MadisonSafety first, then documentation, protection and calling the right pros after a severe storm.2 min read Spring Home Checklist for MadisonSeasons and StormsSpring Home Checklist for MadisonTwelve tasks that protect your home after winter and before storm season.2 min read Fall Home Checklist for MadisonSeasons and StormsFall Home Checklist for MadisonGet the house ready for cold snaps, ice and holiday guests.2 min read Tree Care After a StormSeasons and StormsTree Care After a StormWhat to do and what not to do when branches fall and trees lean.2 min read Roof Warning Signs and Hail DamageSeasons and StormsRoof Warning Signs and Hail DamageWhat to look for from the ground, in the attic and after a storm.2 min read Winter Prep and Ice Dams for Madison HomesSeasons and StormsWinter Prep and Ice Dams for Madison HomesWhy ice dams form on Wisconsin roofs, what to look for and what helps, plus who to call.2 min read
Topic 04

Home Systems and Ground

HVAC, water heaters, clay soil and drainage.

Clay Soil, Foundations and Drainage in the Madison AreaHome Systems and GroundClay Soil, Foundations and Drainage in the Madison AreaWhy water management matters as much as structure when it comes to your foundation.2 min read HVAC in a Humid Madison SummerHome Systems and GroundHVAC in a Humid Madison SummerComfort depends on humidity, airflow and sizing, not just a low thermostat setting.2 min read Water Heater Warning SignsHome Systems and GroundWater Heater Warning SignsLeaks, noise, rust and lukewarm showers: signs your water heater needs attention.2 min read
Topic 05

Project Planning

Remodels, outdoor living, lawns and commercial spaces.

Planning a Kitchen or Bath RemodelProject PlanningPlanning a Kitchen or Bath RemodelLayout, budget, sequence and surprises: how to plan so the project goes smoothly.2 min read Deck, Patio and Outdoor Living PlanningProject PlanningDeck, Patio and Outdoor Living PlanningPick the right structure, materials and layout for the way you will really use your yard.2 min read A Cool-Season Lawn Calendar for MadisonProject PlanningA Cool-Season Lawn Calendar for MadisonWhen to aerate, seed, feed, treat and mow cool-season lawns in our climate.2 min read What Order Do Contractors Work In?Project PlanningWhat Order Do Contractors Work In?The usual sequence of trades on a remodel or addition, and why order matters.2 min read Hiring Help for a Business or Commercial SpaceProject PlanningHiring Help for a Business or Commercial SpaceWhat property managers and business owners should know about repairs, build-outs and maintenance.2 min read
Free tools

Put the guides to work.

Service MatcherType what is going on in plain words and see which services in the group fit, then send one request.Open the tool Emergency TriageBurst pipe, no heat, sparks or storm damage? Get safe first steps and know when to call 911 or your utility.Open the tool Home Care CalendarA month-by-month list of home tasks tuned to the Madison area weather, with a pro for every task.Open the tool Visit Prep ChecklistPick your project and get a tailored checklist so the assessment visit goes smoothly. Print it or send it with your request.Open the tool Project Order PlannerPlanning a remodel, addition or outdoor project? See which trades work in which order and what to line up.Open the tool
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