5 Apps to Find Repair Services

A pipe bursts in the middle of the night. You’re new in town, so you don’t have the number of a good plumber. What do you do? Try your luck with the phone book? These five apps can connect you with local plumbers – and other repair professionals – when you need them most.

1. Thumbtack

The Thumbtack app helps homeowners complete their home improvement projects by connecting them with the right professionals.

From emergency plumbers to electricians, home decorators, tile installers and everything in between, Thumbtack’s list of professionals is vast.

The app is available for Android and iOS, and it helps homeowners find professionals in their area.

2. Porch

The Porch Home Assistant app helps homeowners tackle home tasks and repairs. With the click of a button, users can book a local professional at a fixed hourly rate. They can also compare pros for bigger home renovation projects.

Projects can include appliance installation, deck repair, gutter cleaning, TV mounting and more.

Once you list your project, local professionals will contact you via text, phone or email to discuss the details of your project, your schedule and pricing.

While helpful, you’ll have to be diligent when using this app. Porch Services does not vet the contractors. You’ll need to inquire about licensing, reputation and insurance yourself.

3. HomeAdvisor: Home Services

The HomeAdvisor app is a home improvement marketplace connecting homeowners with contractors. Their network includes hundreds of thousands of professionals specializing in more than 500 projects, including (but not limited to):

  • Roofing
  • Plumbing
  • Landscaping
  • Tile
  • Windows
  • Handyman
  • Pest control
  • Decks
  • Cleaning

Unlike Porch, HomeAdvisor actually screens its professionals. The company uses the following criteria to screen the professionals in their network:

  • Licensing
  • State business filing
  • Sex offender search
  • Corporate accounts
  • Criminal records search
  • Civil judgements search

While you should still verify licensing, insurance and other credentials, it’s nice to know that HomeAdvisor has a screening process in place.

4. Takl

If you need help fast, Takl is the app you want. The company connects people with professionals who are ready to provide same-day help. Takl offers more than 400 pre-priced home services, so you won’t have to guess what your repair bill will be.

From assembly to lawn work, handyman jobs, housekeeping, moving, pet care and everything in between, Takl makes it easy to get the help you need.

Providers must submit a background check, but the company doesn’t seem to have a stringent screening process.

5. Jiffy On Demand Home Maintenance

Jiffy On Demand helps users book small jobs around the house, including: plumbing, electrical, locksmith, flooring, carpet installation, pest control, home inspection, handyman services, mobile auto services and more.

Jiffy partners must supply license and insurance information for tasks that require them. The company has personally vetted the professionals in its network.

Services can be booked in advance, and the company is constantly expanding its portfolio of available services.

When it comes to home repair, it’s best to leave things to the professionals. These five apps will connect you with local repair technicians that can resolve the problem quickly and within your budget.