How to Pick the Right Service Technician/Contractor

Something has broken in your home and you need it fixed fast! It can be easy to do a quick online search and pick the first name you see. You may think that being listed toward the top of search results means they are popular and, therefore, must be good! Did you know that many companies PAY to get in this position? A company with more money does not necessarily equate to honest, reliable service. Before inviting a stranger into your home, consider these key questions:

What are people saying about them? 

Check out their reviews! Whether it’s through Google, Nextdoor, Yelp, or Facebook, review sites are customer-controlled, meaning it will give the most genuine image of what that company is all about. If they don’t have any reviews, that may mean that they don’t value or invest in their reputation, which can be a BIG red flag. If they have mixed reviews, this often indicates that their service could be hit-or-miss as well. Consider hiring a contractor with an average of 4 Stars and above. Companies with good ratings often highly value their customers’ opinions and work hard to make sure you’ll be happy with their service. 

Are they licensed and insured? 

Trade industries, like electricians, plumbers, roofers, etc. require a Master’s license in order to pull permits for their work. A permit requires a qualified third-party to inspect the work to ensure that it has been completed up to code requirements, which means it is safe and will not pose concern when you go to sell your home. If a project is not permitted and inspected, you may never know if the work was done correctly. Licenses also hold companies accountable, as poor workmanship and serious complaints can be grounds to suspend or revoke a license. 

Insured companies also offer another layer of protection to their customers against unforeseen circumstances. Ultimately, if you are hiring a non-insured company, you are likely assuming all liability and cost for any hazardous issues stemming from the work. 

Do they care about you? 

This can be hard to quantify, but most customers can feel the answer to this question. Did they answer the phone or promptly return your voicemail? Did they do what they said they would? Do they seem happy to talk with you? Every conversation you have with the company should feel good. You should feel taken care of, heard, and respected. If you ever feel uneasy about any of your interactions, trust your gut and find someone else!