Finding a reliable home professional can be a daunting task. You need someone who is skilled, trustworthy, and fair. The last thing you want is a bad experience with a contractor, or even worse, a messy job that costs you more in the long run.

So, how do you find someone you can count on? It used to mean asking neighbors for referrals or spending hours scrolling through online directories. Today, the process can be much more streamlined. The first step is to start with a vetted list. You can use a service that does the initial search for you, sorting local options by their real-world ratings. This simple step can save you hours of searching and provides a starting point you can feel confident about.

The search results will provide you with the name of the business, its rating, and often a button to call the business directly. While this initial vetting is a great start, you should still do your own due diligence. Always be sure to read detailed reviews and check for references. Getting a second or third opinion is also a good idea for bigger jobs.

Once you find a pro you love, you can store their contact information and job history in a central place. This allows you to build your own personal team of vetted home service providers, so you'll never have to start your search from scratch again.