SWFL Business Directory     

The SWFL Service Directory

The SWFL Service Directory can be found online at http://www.swflservicedirectory.com/

	Southwest Florida is a vibrant, growing area and requires a vibrant services sector to support it. It is difficult to sort through the myriad of companies. Being listed in the Yellow Pages or other similar vehicles provides little insight into what kind of company you are hiring to work on your home or place of business.
Our directory has been created and is maintained by member companies. We can only be successful if our members exhibit professionalism and offer a quality service at a fair price.
One of our distinguishing features is that each company participating is fully insured and licensed.
Whenever a new company wishes to join this directory or is being recommended by a member or customer, written proof of all licenses and insurances must be provided and kept on file with the SWFL board. On an annual basis, each member must provide updated documentation to remain a member in good standing. To find more details on licenses and/or insurances , visit or web site and a complete description will be provided. What does this mean to you the customer?
Insurance is provided to protect both the company and its customers. If you are in business for yourself, you are very aware of the need for insurance. As a homeowner, it is essential that you also understand the significance of having properly insured service people on your property and in your homes. Anyone can have an ad in the phonebook and anyone can assure you that they are insured, but it is very important that you always see proof of up to date insurance.  Our review of member companies is meant to reduce your search time and point you to established providers in the area and give you assurance that you are dealing with reputable businesses. Even with our members, it is still imperative that you always ask to see their current coverage in writing. Any contractor that does not offer to provide that information should be avoided.
	The SWFL Service Directory is dynamic. Companies will be added and if need be, companies can be deleted if they do not maintain our high standards. We do ask that you provide us with feedback on your experiences. This feedback will be incorporated into our website for other potential customers to see and review.
Thank you for visiting us. Please let us know what improvements or changes you might also like to see on the website design or content. Contact Jason@swflbusinessdirectory.com

Press Release:

SWFL Service Directory

Date:  06-24-08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Homeowners Win and Save Money by Hiring Licensed and Insured Contractors and Service Professionals

Ft. Myers, FL- SW Florida Homeowners finally have a resource of pre-screened licensed and insured contractors, realtors and service companies that are reliable to hire for home improvements, home sales and home services.

The SWFL Service Directory was started by a group of dedicated professionals who understand the needs in this market.  Both homeowners and contractors can be transient to some extent in SW Florida.  The Yellow Pages is no longer the place for homeowners to turn to when searching for professional services.  Referrals can be tough to find for specialty needs that homeowners require from time to time.  Internet research can be hit or miss.

Current market conditions have encouraged homeowners to remodel their homes instead of sell.  Home values have fallen over the past eighteen to twenty-four months, leaving homeowners questioning what they should do.  The good news for homeowners is that the value will return, if slowly.  So what can a homeowner do to stick it out? 

Remodeling the key areas of your home might be the answer.  Sprucing up your exterior or interior might help keep your home ready to sell—or it might just make you want to stay. You might want to consider hiring a professional window cleaning company, having your lanai cage or roof power-washed by a professional, sprucing up the carpets and drapes through professional cleaning or hiring a new lawn-landscaper to add curb appeal.  Another option is to replace major equipment, such as air conditioning systems, upgrading windows and doors from non-impact to impact-resistant products, adding hurricane shutters, replacing your roof, replacing sprinkler systems, repainting interior and exterior areas that have been neglected, replacing the old-fashioned laminate counter top or Corian with granite or marble in your kitchen or bath, refinishing the worn out pool and spa or looking at much needed gutter systems that you have never had to ultimately add value to your home.  Remodeling entire rooms or adding an addition can turn your home into your dream home.  Adding value to your home may also make it easier to sell if that is your ultimate goal.  Better yet, this is the best time to make home improvements if it is your ultimate goal to stay in your home. 

Until now, SW Florida homeowners haven't had a resource that they can depend on to find licensed and insured companies with good local reputations to hire to do all this work.  So how does a homeowner solve the complex issue of hiring the right company when there is so much uncertainty?  The SWFL Service Directory guarantees that all of its members are licensed and insured, with a good local reputation, which gives homeowners the ability to find an able contractor, realtor or service company who is following the rules and protecting the interest of the homeowner.

All prospective professional members of the SWFL Service Directory are thoroughly pre-screened for the proper credentials and reputation.  Once a company is approved for membership, they are allowed to attend the monthly meetings, where they take part in training and on-going education on customer service issues and professional training, plus networking and interaction with other top trade experts.

The SWFL Service Directory can be found online at http://www.swflservicedirectory.com/