How to Find a Reliable Handyman or Plumber When You Move

How to Find a Reliable Handyman or Plumber When You Move
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Are you wondering how to find a handyman or plumber for your new home? We have you covered with a step-by-step guide, plus a list of reputable websites and apps to make your search for a trustworthy professional as easy as possible.

How to find a handyman or plumber when stuff breaks in your new place:

Are you wondering how to find a handyman or plumber for your new home? We have you covered with a step-by-step guide, plus a list of reputable websites and apps to make your search for a trustworthy professional as easy as possible.

How to find a handyman or plumber when stuff breaks in your new place:

No matter the age of your new home, things will eventually break. Follow these key steps when looking for a handyman and plumber to find the ideal match for your needs.

Step 1: Determine if it’s a DIY project or a job for a professional.

While many home and garden television shows make projects look quick and oh-so-simple, the reality is you need to know your individual abilities and limitations. Consider if you have the skills, time, and necessary equipment to complete the job. If DIY isn’t an option, it’s time to hire a professional.

Step 2: Figure out who’s the right pro for the job.

You wouldn’t go to a hair salon to get your teeth cleaned, right? This is why it’s essential to choose the proper person or company for your specific home improvement or repair. A handyman can take on a wide range of tasks (these vary by individual, so you’ll need to confirm beforehand), such as hanging curtains, cleaning gutters, and minor paint projects. You'll need someone trained in that occupation for more specialized jobs related to plumbing, heating, or electrical.

Step 3: Ask around for recommendations.

Recommendations are an excellent way to find potential candidates for your job. Talk to neighbors and friends who've had similar work done or post an inquiry on your town’s social media page. If you have recently moved to the area, your realtor is a fantastic resource when you’re looking for a handyman, plumber, or another home improvement pro.

Step 4: Compare trustworthy professionals online.

You won’t know if you’re receiving the best pricing and services to complete your project if you don’t compare multiple professionals. Many home improvement pros have an online presence, such as a website or social media page. Take time to review what they specialize in and which credentials they carry. Be sure to verify your state's licensing regulations for plumbers, electricians, and other specialty services.

Step 5: Check customer reviews.

Checking customer reviews is vital when looking for a handyman or plumber. Blindly choosing a contractor can result in poorly completed (or incomplete) jobs. Positive or negative reviews can speak volumes about the quality of the individual or company.

Step 6: Don’t be afraid to do an informal phone interview.

Hiring someone to work on your home is not a decision to be made lightly. A simple phone interview to review the contract and ask additional questions about turnaround time and a satisfaction guarantee can provide insight.

Step 7: Compare handyman quotes.

When shopping around for a handyman or plumber, make sure to gather three to four professional quotes. This will help you determine how much you should be paying for the service that you need.

Step 8: Make sure to leave a review when the job’s done.

You most likely chose your handyman based on reviews, so it’s important to return the favor and share your feedback once the job is complete. Key points to include in your review are overall satisfaction, timeliness, professionalism, and cost.

5 sites and apps that can help you find a handyman or plumber:

Ready to start your search? If you’re wondering how to find a plumber or handyman in your area, these five resources are available at no cost to you, with no membership required.

1. Angie’s List

Angie’s List is used by more than 6 million households nationwide. It’s easy to search for local plumbers, handymen, and other household services in your area. Verified reviews (more than 10 million on the website) will help narrow down your results. Start your search: Website, App Store, and Google Play.

2. Thumbtack

Thumbtack helps you navigate how to find a plumber or handyman. Simply enter “plumber” or "handyman" along with your ZIP code into their search tool to find professionals in your area. Enter additional specifics such as property type and repair urgency to further pinpoint available options. With Thumbtack, you’ll get free cost estimates and have access to customer reviews. Start your search: Website, App Store, and Google Play.

3. HomeAdvisor

HomeAdvisor has more than 100,000 service professionals specializing in over 500 categories. Their website and app make it easy to compare up to four local vendors. Receive estimates in minutes or choose HomeAdvisor’s fixed-price option. All professionals in the HomeAdvisor workforce have gone through a criminal background check and licensing verification. Start your search: Website, App Store, and Google Play.

4. Porch

Porch’s virtual platform connects homeowners with home improvement professionals. Wondering how to find a plumber or other home improvement expert? Answer a few brief questions about your home project to help Porch find the right pro and pricing for your job. Porch offers an impressive 100% satisfaction guarantee. Start your search: Website.

5. Yelp

Best known for its restaurant reviews, Yelp may seem like an unexpected resource when looking for a handyman. But Yelp fans also turn to this user-driven website for handyman reviews and recommendations. Search your location on Yelp for a list of local professionals for your job, along with rankings based on a five-star grading system. Start your search: Website, App Store, and Google Play

The bottom line

Armed with these resources, finding a reliable handyman, plumber, or another home improvement professional can be simple and straightforward.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a local handyman? Take advantage of service provider databases via websites and apps to find handyman costs and reviews. Word of mouth is another fantastic option; ask your neighbors for recommendations. What questions should I ask a handyman?  Several important questions ask potential candidates as you gather handyman quotes: Are you licensed and insured? How long will it take to complete the job? Is a deposit required? Do you offer a service guarantee? What’s the best way to set up an appointment with a handyman or plumber during the coronavirus pandemic?  Setting up your appointment online or over the phone is the best way to schedule your service. Be as detailed as possible to ensure your professional has the right tools to complete the project. Are handymen and plumbers still taking jobs during COVID-19? Many handymen and plumbers are open for business and taking precautions to ensure their customers' safety and health. Before booking your appointment, inquire if the company is monitoring its employees for COVID-19 and if they require personnel to wear proper protective gear such as masks and booties on the worksite.

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