NEW YORK – One of the most challenging aspects of owning a home for many people is the need to find a reliable contractor.
Whether looking for someone to fix a roof or to overhaul a kitchen, homeowners want to know they are hiring someone they can trust to do the job well and at a fair price. While the proliferation of internet reviews can help and a variety of websites such as HomeAdvisor and Facebook Marketplace add to the availability of Yelp reviews, two relatively recent entries into the contractor space introduce more variety to the contractor search.
HomeKeepr, an online marketplace that recently announced it has made more than 5 million recommendations, relies on sources popular with many recent homeowners: more than 110,000 real estate agents, mortgage and insurance professionals.
These professionals share their local network of trusted contractors and businesses. The site has a database of more than 320,000 contractors and service vendors recommended by real estate agents and other professionals. HomeKeepr partners with Keller Williams and eXp Realty, among other companies. Real estate agents can send home maintenance and repair reminders and tips to the homeowners via email or text after they request a contractor referral.
Remodelmate, a Washington-based real estate tech company, offers online quotes for homeowners for contractor services. Homeowners enter basic information for their project and receive quotes from contractors who have been vetted.
The company charges 20 percent of the project cost to contractors for using the service. The service is free for consumers if they self-manage their projects.
Consumers can opt for Remodelmate’s concierge service and be matched with a contractor and work with a project manager for the entire undertaking for a fee of 10 percent of the total cost of the job.
For more information, visit www.homekeepr.com or www.remodelmate.com.
