Where can you find the best contractors online? There's something special about being a homeowner and being able to transform the place you reside into exactly what you want. Remodeling can be magical for those who enjoy changing the look of a space or repurposing it for something different. Other home improvements aren't as much fun as necessary, such as replacing a leaky roof or a toilet. But they all have one thing in common - the need for someone who knows what they're doing.
Pro Referral is home improvement hardware giant Home Depot's contractor referral platform. Founded in 2008 as Redbeacon, the company was acquired by Home Depot and became a way to serve their customers better.
It's just what the name suggests
The Pro Referral service helps homeowners find local pros for home improvement projects. While you will get the names of qualified pros from them, that's it - this is simply a referral service. The pros themselves don't pay for the leads in this program; instead, their loyalty-based Pro Xtra Account points are exchanged for the referrals.
Easy to use
From carpentry work and masonry to landscaping and house cleaning, Pro Referral can connect homeowners with a local pro to do needed work on their house. Fill out the request form by describing the work needed to be done and then Pro Referral will match your request with qualified pros. When you are shown the list of pros, click on each to view the full profile, though in quick view you can see a small photo, a star rating from those who have used the service, insured status, and certified status. To learn more, click on the listing and you'll see a full list of services the professional offers and read customer reviews. Choose up to five to connect with, submit your personal contact information, preferred method of contact, and see what they can do for you. Keep in mind that this is a referral program, and it's possible not to have a pro available in your area for the task you need done.
Matching you to nearby contractors
Using an algorithm to match your contractor request with the top three qualified local pros, Pro Referral only sends you relevant and local professionals who meet the criteria of your project. Once you submit a request, you can expect to receive a confirmation email and then be contacted by the matched pro within 24 to 48 hours of your request. They suggest you take your time and compare the pro options you received, along with their pricing estimates and verification of licensing. All further contact goes directly through the hired pro, including coordination of schedules, contracts, and payments.
Pros are background checked but...
As a mandatory part of the program, all professionals have background checks performed when joining and periodically throughout, but they don't guarantee that they are up-to-date at all times. Insurance, bonding, skill sets, and licensing are not verified by Pro Referral, who encourages you to do your own research. While we appreciate that there is a background check, it doesn't seem sufficient if it's a one-and-done process.
Satisfaction guarantee offers refund
While Pro Referral says they can't guarantee the quality of work or materials, they are sticking behind their pro referrals. A $500 refund is possible for those who receive an unsatisfactory referral.
Worrisome complaints and limited reviews
Pro Referral is not accredited by the BBB but has an excellent "A+" rating. However, some of the complaints are a bit worrisome about pro referrals which were made and turned out to be for unqualified or unsafe contractors, including one with a long criminal history. Since Pro Referral makes no claims about those they connect you with, except that they were once background checked, this is always a possibility. Having less than 30 reviews for the Pro Referral service online makes it difficult to judge, but more than half of those are 1-star reviews. Some customers were pleased with the referral and subsequent service provided, though many more are irate about disastrous work performed or being scammed by dishonest referrals.
Not your best choice
While Pro Referral can connect homeowners with a local pro who was once background-checked, their credentials aren't verified, which means this is just a step up from an online bulletin board of contractors. Considering the troublesome complaints and limited reviews, we suggest looking at the higher ranked options to find an online contractor referral.
Continued from above...
There's something special about being a homeowner and being able to transform the place you reside into exactly what you want. Remodeling can be magical for those who enjoy changing the look of a space or repurposing it for something different. Other home improvements aren't as much fun as necessary, such as replacing a leaky roof or a toilet. But they all have one thing in common - the need for someone who knows what they're doing.
Most people who know their DIY limitations seek professionals when a job is too big for them to handle or they lack the skills necessary to complete it properly. At that point, they look for a contractor to do the work. But how do you find someone who is both qualified and trustworthy to do a job?
That's where contractor platforms come in. Whether you're seeking a handyman or a skilled electrician, these online services exist to connect homeowners to professionals, typically for no cost to the homeowner. Looking online for a contractor has replaced scanning newspaper advertisements in recent years. Yet not all referral services are created equal.
Because there are so many platforms promising to match you with the right expert, it helps to understand how they work behind the scenes. Some services simply maintain large directories of professionals and leave most of the vetting to you, while others pre-screen contractors for licensing, insurance, and customer satisfaction. The more you know about a platform's process, the easier it becomes to feel confident that the person you hire will show up, communicate clearly, and finish the project the way you expect.
Homeowners also appreciate the convenience these platforms bring to the early stages of a project. Instead of making dozens of phone calls, you can submit a brief description of the work you need and let contractors reach out to you. Many services even allow you to compare quotes, read verified reviews, and see photos of past jobs in one place. This takes much of the uncertainty out of choosing the right professional and helps you move forward with a project feeling far more prepared.
There are many factors to consider when comparing these services. Here are the top factors to consider when you check out places to find a contractor or other qualified help for work on your home:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we want to help you find the right person to take care of your home projects, so we've reviewed and ranked the best sites to find contractors for hire. Our hope is that this information leads you to the perfect person to complete your home projects so you can sit back and enjoy your living space once again.
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