How to Find and Hire Reliable Home Service Providers (Without Getting Burned)
How to find a reliable handyman for multiple properties, tips for vetting home maintenance contractors.
If you’ve ever needed a last-minute plumber or spent hours chasing down a no-show electrician, you know how frustrating (and risky) it can be to hire the wrong home service provider. Whether you’re managing one home or five, having a network of trustworthy professionals is essential to keeping things running smoothly—and stress-free.
Here’s a practical guide to help you build that network, vet providers like a pro, and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Start With Referrals—but Don’t Stop There
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find quality help. Ask neighbors, friends, or local Facebook groups. But even with a solid referral, it’s smart to:
- Check online reviews (look for consistency, not perfection)
- Confirm licenses and insurance
- Ask if they’ve worked with rental or multi-property owners before
2. Use Trusted Marketplaces (Carefully)
Sites like Angi, Thumbtack, and TaskRabbit can be helpful starting points—but keep in mind some listings are pay-to-play. Use filters to narrow your search by:
- Verified reviews
- Response time
- Specialty (especially for homes with unique needs)
Always cross-reference what you find with a second source.
3. Always Ask These 5 Questions Before Hiring
Before booking any contractor, get clear answers to these:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide references from recent jobs?
- What’s your typical response time for follow-ups or emergencies?
- How do you price jobs—flat rate, hourly, or by estimate?
- Do you offer service guarantees or warranties?
A good pro will have confident, clear answers to all five.
4. For Multi-Property Owners: Build a Go-To Roster
If you manage more than one home, it’s smart to streamline your provider list. Aim to keep a shortlist of trusted contacts for:
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Handyman/general repairs
- Lawn care and snow removal
Keep contact info, pricing, and response time notes in one place. (Shameless plug: Tendly makes this part easy.)
5. Red Flags to Watch Out For
No matter how urgent the job, pause if you see:
- Vague or changing pricing
- Pushy upsells or scare tactics
- Poor communication or delayed responses
- No written estimates or agreements
- A complete lack of online presence or references
A little caution now can save you a costly mistake later.
Final Thoughts
Finding great service providers doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a little upfront work and a smart system for tracking contacts and jobs, you can build a reliable team that keeps your homes in top shape—without the headaches.
Pro tip: Tendly lets you save and organize your favorite service pros by property, so you’re never scrambling for that plumber’s number again.
Looking for a smarter way to manage your homes? Sign up for Tendly.