Task Rabbit
Taskrabbit is a platform that allows independent contractors to connect with people who need home remodeling and repair assistance. Unlike other websites, this site is all about supporting freelance workers instead of businesses, making it fairly ideal for finding specific experts for specific tasks. Need a cabinet maker? Need someone to install an in-wall aquarium? You can find that service on Taskrabbit.
TaskRabbit’s flexibility is where it truly shines. Just enter your zip, define how large the project is, and search your local area for people offering services. You can search and review ratings or books instantly once you find someone you like.
But can you really trust the people you find? Taskrabbit says yes. At the top of every page, a banner alerts you that “all Taskers are fully vetted & background checked.” This is critical in an industry where you often won’t know you’ve been scammed until after you hire, affording you some reassurance before you book.
Home Advisor
This is similar to Angie’s List, but it solely provides access to and ratings for home repair and renovation specialists. It’s a fantastic place for professional handymen to sign up and offer their services, all while being a handy review tool for homeowners.
At Home Advisor, each listing is intensively screened before being approved. The site’s goal is to provide consumers with only the most reputable and skilled professionals, but they really go over and above with screening. According to the site’s screening process FAQ, they review every pro for licensing requirements, sex offender registry entries, criminal records, civil judgments, and more.
Here’s how to make the most of Home Advisor. First, use the “ProFinder” search at the top of the page to find the best of the best; this is the “cream of the crop” for Home Advisor’s available pros. Then, manually browse through professionals based on a certain category instead. Options exist for everything from carpet installation to excavation jobs. The TruePrice section gives quick budget recommendations, ensuring you really make the most of your money when you hire.
Your State Consumer Protection Agency
If you find a contractor or business, yet something feels slightly off – or you want a bit of extra reassurance before you hire – turn to your state Consumer Protection Agency. You can’t hire a contractor through them, but they will be able to look up the business’s name or the professional to see if anyone else has registered a complaint about them in the past. They can also tell you what kind of licensing your potential contractor needs so you can verify the contractor has it before you move forward with your project.
Been burned by a contractor? Your Consumer Protection Agency may be able to guide how to move forward, as can the FTC or your local Home Builder’s Association. But in this case, prevention is worth a pound of cure; don’t pay out the contract in full until it is completed, and always do your research before you hire.
