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All homes require regular home maintenance services, and sometimes, they need more—they need the services of home repair experts who can unclog a backed-up sewer, discover why an outlet keeps shorting out, or even take immediate steps to repair a roof after a tree limb falls through it.
Home repair needs consist of a wide variety of projects. While most are not emergencies, such as needing drafty windows sealed and weatherstripping replaced, others require prompt attention, and that’s where the best home repair services come in. They provide quality workmanship at competitive prices, and their workers are familiar with local building codes. Discover what to look for when shopping for the best home repair services, and find out why the following companies are among the top options for homeowners across the country.
- BEST OVERALL: The Home Depot
- RUNNER-UP: Mr. Handyman
- BEST FOR PLUMBING: Roto-Rooter
- BEST FOR ELECTRICAL: Mister Sparky
- BEST VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE: Frontdoor
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Repair Services
A house is often the single most expensive purchase someone makes, so it’s essential for homeowners to keep it in good working order to protect their investment. After a major storm or flooding, out-of-state companies often swarm a community, handing out fliers advertising their home services, but is it a good idea to hire them? In many cases, the answer is no, not because they might not do good work, but rather because they’re not from the local area and may not be able to make callbacks.
Home repairs can be costly, and they’re almost always intrusive to a family’s way of life. Even if a homeowner is in a crunch to find a home service company, it’s a good idea for them to take the time and vet them thoroughly, including researching the type of house repairs the company offers, where they’re located, and how quickly they can help—if the need is urgent.
Service Area
Most of the time, it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to hire a contractor that is located less than an hour’s drive away. This usually isn’t an issue in large cities, where many home repair companies compete for work. Still, it can be problematic in rural areas, especially if the homeowner is looking for a specific type of repair, such as repointing brick walls or repairing copper gutters.
Sometimes the best option is to hire a general home repair company that offers a wide range of services rather than looking for a specialized company if the specialized company is farther away. Many companies provide services within a set range of their home base, and they will tack on an extra fee if they have to travel farther.
Types of Repairs
A general contractor is among the best options for many home repair needs because the company offers common repairs, such as window and door replacement, siding and roof repair, limited structural and driveway, sidewalk, and patio repairs. But these general contractors often don’t provide emergency services, such as same-day furnace repair in winter or charging an AC with Freon in the summer.
A specialized home repair service may be necessary for urgent problems that threaten the home or family’s safety. Many general contractors don’t offer plumbing or wiring services, so it’s a good idea to keep a list of specialized companies that can come out within a day—or a few hours—when emergency repairs are necessary.
Scheduling and Availability
Many of today’s home repair companies still schedule their services over the phone—the homeowner calls in and explains the problem, and then the company coordinates a time when a service technician or repair person can visit and fix the issues. Some companies advertise same-day services for emergency home repairs.
A few of the more tech-friendly service companies have online scheduling available. Some even have their own apps that customers can download and use to schedule repairs, see invoices, and even pay their bills online. This is an appealing option for those who use their smartphones to handle several needs.
Customer Service
Home repairs don’t always go as planned. If something comes up and a homeowner needs to reschedule a repair date, it’s imperative for them to be able to get in touch with the company quickly and easily. This might mean making a phone call for some home repair service companies, although others may encourage contacting customer service via email. Still others will respond promptly to a customer’s text.
As part of the vetting process, homeowners will want to find out how best to contact the company. Suppose one of the local handyman services a homeowner contacts is so small that it has only an answering machine to take calls during the day and doesn’t respond until evening. In that case, it might not be the best option if the homeowner needs emergency repairs or consultations, so it’s worth considering how urgent the repair is and the level of customer service that might be needed.
Licensing and Insurance
The best home repair service companies often work with various independent technicians, but they take over the role of monitoring a technician’s current licenses and whether they carry liability insurance. For this reason, it may be best to go with a reputable nationwide company, which has already vetted the technicians it partners with and provides blanket insurance coverage.
Few things are worse than the nightmare scenario that can result if an unlicensed worker becomes injured on a homeowner’s property. Homeowners can check with their local building authority to determine whether a company (or a technician) is licensed to work in the community. However, finding out whether a technician is insured takes a little more effort. The homeowner will want to ask for a copy of the company’s proof of insurance before hiring.
Our Top Picks
We evaluated top-rated home repair companies across the nation to put together this list. These companies have branches nationwide, making it easier for homeowners to find a branch near them.
Best Overall
The Home Depot
Why It Made the Cut:
The Home Depot offers online scheduling and a variety of indoor and exterior repair services, and customers also have access to a wide array of materials and fixtures.
Many homeowners are familiar with The Home Depot, a consumer-favorite home improvement center. However, not everyone knows that the company also offers virtually unlimited repair services in local and surrounding communities. With The Home Depot stores in most midsize to large towns, there’s likely one nearby.
The Home Depot works with a full line of contractors and technicians and can offer reliable repairs, although it’s worth noting that these professionals are not employees of The Home Depot, so customer experiences may vary. In many cases, The Home Depot can provide emergency repairs if needed, but same-day service won’t be available for every repair. Homeowners can visit a local store to check availability and schedule repairs or schedule online on The Home Depot’s website.
For many, The Home Depot is a one-stop repair shop that will send out a technician or handyman, replace a faulty appliance, or even install new carpeting.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Types of repairs: Whole home
- Appointment scheduling: Online
- Availability: Emergency and standard availability
- Customer service: Phone, email
Pros
- Services available at most store locations
- Experienced professionals can service any area of the home
- Emergency or same-day service available
Cons
- Same-day service not available for all repairs
- Work contracted to other local professionals
Runner-Up
Mr. Handyman
Why It Made the Cut:
Offering whole-house services, branches nationwide, and online scheduling, Mr. Handyman is an excellent choice for all kinds of home repairs.
Good customer service is of utmost importance for Mr. Handyman, a nationwide network of home repair professionals who are up for tackling interior and exterior home repairs. The company boasts of having served more than 1 million homeowners since 1996, offering reliable solutions for large and small home-repair issues. The average Mr. Handyman technician has 10 years of experience, so customers can feel confident that their repair is in the hands of a seasoned professional. The company also backs up its work with the “Neighborly Done Right Promise,” which guarantees all projects up to 1 year after the service is completed.
Customers can schedule repair services online or by phone. Mr. Handyman syncs with the Neighborly app for Android and Apple devices, simplifying how busy homeowners can schedule repairs. Personalized offers are also available by using the app, such as coupons for a percentage off a home-repair service.
With an extensive handyman services list, Mr. Handyman handles most home repairs, even installing new appliances, troubleshooting existing ones, and pinpointing and fixing plumbing problems. One potential downside is that since locations are franchised, customers may have varying customer service experiences and some services might not be offered at every location. But with its overall positive reputation, Mr. Handyman can be a one-stop shop for all home repairs.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Types of repairs: Whole home
- Appointment scheduling: Online or phone
- Availability: Standard availability
- Customer service: Phone, email
Pros
- Experienced professionals can service any area of the home
- Each professional is knowledgeable with an average of 10 years’ experience
- Convenient booking via Neighborly app
- Satisfaction guaranteed or follow-up work is free
Cons
- Customer experience may vary by location and franchise
- Some services may not be available at all locations
Best for Plumbing
Roto-Rooter
Why It Made the Cut:
Roto-Rooter specializes in clearing sewer blockages but offers a wide range of plumbing and restoration services. Easy online scheduling and emergency availability are additional perks.
When a commode overflows or sewage backs up in a basement shower, no one can enjoy their home until it’s fixed. That’s where Roto-Rooter shines. This clog-removal company has plumbing professionals on standby 24 hours a day, and it provides not just emergency clog removal but other vital plumbing services. Roto-Rooter offers water removal, basement flood cleanup, mold remediation, and more extensive repairs that include excavation and sewer line replacement. The company’s online education resource even helps homeowners identify the problem themselves so they know what kind of service to request. However, not all of these services may be available at all locations, so homeowners will want to check with their local branch before scheduling an appointment.
Roto-Rooter has branches nationwide, so most homeowners will be near a service outlet and able to receive emergency plumbing services within 2 hours. Customers can get in touch via phone or using the company’s convenient online scheduling system. These plumbing pros are vetted, insured, and know how to quickly solve plumbing problems to reduce the risk of additional damage to the home.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Types of repairs: Plumbing
- Appointment scheduling: Online or phone
- Availability: Emergency or standard availability
- Customer service: Phone
Pros
- Convenient, easy-to-use online scheduling system
- Emergency technicians arrive within 2 hours
- Wide range of plumbing and water damage restoration services available
- Web-based educational information available for homeowners
Cons
- Some repair services may not be available at all locations
Best for Electrical
Mister Sparky
Why It Made the Cut:
With emergency availability, transparent pricing, and guaranteed punctuality, Mister Sparky is a company homeowners can rely on for residential electrical services.
Mister Sparky, a nationwide home repair company that specializes in assisting homeowners with wiring and electrical safety issues, offers standard scheduling or 24/7 emergency scheduling for those times when it’s imperative to have an electrical issue checked out. Electricity can be deadly, so if there’s one repair DIYers ought to think twice about tackling, it’s their home’s wiring. The Mister Sparky website offers safety tips for immediately identifying electrical problems, such as the smell of wires burning or flickering lights.
The company has a standing guarantee—the electrician will arrive on time, or the repair service is free. This means homeowners won’t have to anxiously await their technician’s arrival when the safety of their home is at risk. Mister Sparky also promises straightforward pricing with plenty of options so customers only pay for exactly the service they need. Homeowners can call or schedule online, but franchised locations mean that customers may have varying service experiences.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Types of repairs: Electrical
- Appointment scheduling: Online or phone
- Availability: Emergency or standard availability
- Customer service: Phone
Pros
- Emergency technicians available 24/7
- Transparency around available options and pricing
- On-time guarantee
Cons
- Customer experience may vary by location and franchise
Best Virtual Assistance
Frontdoor Pro
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide (for video consultations)
- Types of repairs: Whole home
- Appointment scheduling: Varies
- Availability: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, 7 days a week
- Customer service: Video, online chat
Pros
- Easy-to-schedule, virtual-first professional consultation for time- and cost-efficient DIY repairs
- Relatively low yearly cost for unlimited video chat sessions
- Exclusive discounts on home products and services
Cons
- On-site repair services not available in all locations
- On-site work contracted to third-party professionals
Why It Made the Cut: Offering virtual consultations from top-tier experts, Frontdoor is a convenient and low-cost option for homeowners who prefer to troubleshoot their own home repairs when possible. Since this company is unlike most other home repair services, homeowners may wonder: “What is Frontdoor?” Frontdoor offers a one-of-a-kind service that connects homeowners with home repair experts who can remotely assist them with the repair they need. Customers can log on to the Frontdoor app and select the nature of their issue. Depending on what they selected, the customer is then connected with an HVAC technician, electrician, appliance repair professional, plumber, or handyman via video chat who can inspect the problem and recommend solutions. The expert stays on the line while the homeowner completes the repair. The downside to virtual service is that homeowners may need to purchase or rent the recommended tools if they do not already own them. Those with limited DIY experience may also find that they need in-person support to complete the job. In this case, Frontdoor has databases of vetted local professionals that homeowners can contact to complete the repair on-site, although these in-person services are not yet nationwide. Homeowners can access one free video chat by creating a Frontdoor account, or they can get unlimited calls with a $25 annual membership. Members also receive access to discounts of up to 50 percent on select products such as HVAC units and security systems, as well as some home-related services such as lawn care, home cleaning, and interior design.
Our Verdict
All the picks in this lineup come highly recommended, but The Home Depot rises to the top of the list for providing an extensive range of services and offering emergency repairs. Mr. Handyman also takes top honors as the runner-up choice for nationwide availability, online scheduling, customer satisfaction, and emergency repair services.
How We Chose the Best Home Repair Services
We evaluated dozens of top-rated home repair services across the nation to find the ones that offered the best services, guarantees, and workmanship. Companies were also rated on how easy it is to schedule their repair services, whether they are available in an emergency, and how satisfied their customers are.
This extensive research unearthed many highly qualified home repair companies. Still, the ones in this lineup are among the best options for most homeowners because they’ve earned good reputations and have comprehensive coverage areas. Another consideration was how well the companies vet the technicians and contractors they partner with and whether they insist on their technicians being licensed and insured to protect the customers.
Before You Hire One of the Best Home Repair Services
When homeowners aren’t sure about simply searching online for “Home repair services near me” and hiring a stranger to make the necessary repairs, they may put off repairs, and the damage can worsen. Homeowners will want to consider a few factors before hiring someone who left a flier in their door.
- Does the person (or company) have adequate experience with the type of work?
- Is the worker licensed?
- Is the worker insured?
- Can a customer get in touch with the company if they need emergency repairs?
- Does the homeowner have the time to check references?
With these recommendations, homeowners can feel comfortable about calling these professionals and having those little projects around the house repaired before they worsen.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Home Repair Services
The cost of hiring qualified professionals to make home repairs varies, depending on the extent and complexity of the project and the going rate of labor in the community. There are some projects that homeowners will likely need to tap into their home repair emergency fund to cover. For example, a typical roof replacement starts at around $5,727, while other repairs are better gauged by the hours needed to complete them.
For instance, an electrician costs around $40 to $100 per hour to hire, and sewer line replacements cost up to $150 per hour, just in labor costs. Inexpensive home repairs such as winterizing or painting a room often run under $500 per project.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Home Repair Services
Some small home repairs are not urgent, such as replacing cabinet hardware or fixing a squeaky door hinge. Others types of repairs need to be taken care of quickly before the issue becomes more costly to fix—or even dangerous. The best course of action is to address home maintenance projects sooner rather than later. However, not all companies—or individuals—offering home repair services offer equal quality.
Many homeowners put off needed house repairs because they don’t know how to choose a reputable company. They’re concerned about having strangers in the home and upsetting the family’s schedule. Stories of hiring repair workers that ask for payment first and then never finish the job are sadly all too common. The best home repair services:
- Provide quality workmanship at a competitive price;
- Stand behind their work and make callbacks, if necessary; and
- Use only qualified and insured workers.
FAQs
Hiring someone to come into their home and perform maintenance or make repairs can be nerve-wracking for homeowners. Using workers from a reputable and trustworthy company makes a homeowner more likely to be satisfied with the project and use the same repair company again in the future. A few questions are expected from those looking for a good home repair service to address house problems.
Q. How do I know when I need repair services?
This will vary, but in general, when an appliance isn’t working as well as it once was, or something in the home is broken or damaged, it’s a good idea to have an expert take a look and make recommendations.
Q. Do home repair services offer discounts on memberships?
If the homeowner joins a maintenance program, some home maintenance companies offer discounts on routine and seasonal maintenance, such as HVAC servicing or gutter cleaning.
Q. What are some of the most common home repairs?
These include garbage disposal issues, toilet problems, peeling paint, damage to drywall, and cracks in sidewalks or patios.
Q. What should I fix first in my house?
Homes need regular maintenance, but some repairs take precedence. When a budget is tight, prioritize repairs that involve faulty wiring, water leaks (exterior and plumbing), and foundation issues.
Q. What repairs do home repair services cover?
It varies. Some offer whole-home repairs, while others perform only specialized services, such as electrical or plumbing. Handyman services may offer more extensive repairs, but they may not be qualified to handle electrical or plumbing repairs.
Source: HomeAdvisor