Fix-It League: home repair in a flash, from tech troubles to plumbing problems

Fix-It League: home repair in a flash, from tech troubles to plumbing problems

The Busy Torontonian's Survival Guide: Home repair in a flash

The tech troubleshooter

The only thing worse than facing the blue screen of death is trying to talk through the problem with a feckless technician on the other side of the world. Computer Squad is the pain-free fix. It offers a dozen GTA-based experts who are proficient at Mac, Linux and Windows. They are available 365 days a year for over-the-phone or on-site help to set up a printer, reboot a hard drive, deal with a BlackBerry breakdown or rewire a wonky network. From $50 a visit. 416-567-1181.


The anytime plumber

DrainWorks’ plumbers are on call 24 hours a day and always pleasant despite the drudgery of the job. They also have a reputation for showing up on time (seriously), arrive in fully stocked trucks so there’s rarely a need to run to Home Depot for a part, and wear little booties so all their work is mess free. From $149. 416-233-6699.


The roof repairer

If last summer’s string of soakers was any indication, the city’s climate-altered future is going to be wet. For the last 30 years, Jason Hunter of Canadian Roofing has been building, maintaining and repairing all manner of peaked, flat, mansard and cedar-shingle roofs. He happily does emergency calls (on any day but Sunday), and his legion of fans commend his punctuality, efficiency and overall fastidiousness. 416-485-0811.


The holiday lights artist

Few holiday activities are as death-defying as the installation of rows of tangled, twinkling lights on an icy roof. The arborist company Tree Doctors arrives with a boom crane that can hoist a crowning star to the top of a 50-foot spruce. They also offer a custom designer who will ensure the arrangement looks more Martha Stewart, less family ­Griswold. From $200. 416-201-8000, treedoctors.ca.


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