I'm struggling to find reliable local shops for home services like carpentry or HVAC in my area. Every review site seems filled with big companies that sound overly sales-y, and the communication is often poor. When I try asking for recommendations on apps like Nextdoor, it feels like I'm getting shilled. I'm really looking for small, reputable businesses, preferably owned by individuals with a couple of employees. How do you all go about tracking these people down?
2 Answers
The best way to find a good local service provider is to ask your neighbors or friends who have gone through similar projects. They'll often have recommendations for small shops they trust. Plus, local hardware store employees usually know who the legit pros are in your area. They deal with these folks regularly and can point you in the right direction!
I believe referrals are golden! Start with friends, neighbors, or coworkers who have had home improvements done recently. Online reviews can be sketchy and could be faked, so it's best to go for personal recommendations. Also, if you visit big box stores, the employees at the commercial counter might have some solid leads on reliable small businesses. One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes, reviews on social media can be from friends or family members, so take those with a grain of salt!