The worst time to look for a plumber is when water is spreading across the kitchen floor. The worst time to find a locksmith is when you’re standing outside your locked door at night. In those moments, you end up calling whoever answers first.
There’s a better way: build a short list of trusted pros before you need them. It takes a little time now and saves a lot of stress later. Here’s how to do it.
Why a trusted-pro list matters
When you already have names, emergencies become phone calls instead of searches. You’ve had time to ask friends, check licenses, and get a feel for each pro. You’re also more likely to get a fair price, because you aren’t negotiating in a panic.
A list helps with everyday needs too. When a friend asks “Do you know a good painter?” you’ll have an answer.
Step 1: Start with the pros you’d need in a hurry
Prioritize services where timing matters:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- Locksmith
- Garage door repair
- Roofer, especially before storm season
- Auto mechanic and tow service
- Veterinarian, including an emergency clinic
Then add regular and seasonal services:
- Handyman
- House cleaner
- Landscaper or lawn care
- Pest control
- Pool service, if you have one
- Appliance repair
- Babysitter, pet sitter, or dog walker
Step 2: Gather names from people you know
Personal recommendations are the foundation of a good list.
- Neighbors, especially with similar homes
- Friends and family who’ve hired recently
- Coworkers who live nearby
- Your real estate agent, home inspector, or property manager
- Pros you already trust, who often know good people in other trades
Ask follow-up questions, not just “Who do you use?” Ask what the job was, whether the bill matched the estimate, how the pro communicated, and whether they’d hire them again.
Don’t forget friends of friends. Someone two steps away from you may know exactly the pro you need, and their experience is still something you can trace and ask about.
Step 3: Do the basic checks now
While there’s no pressure, take a few minutes to verify:
- License, where required, through the official licensing board
- Insurance, especially for work in your home
- Business details: a real name, phone number, and service area
- Pricing approach: service call fees, hourly versus flat rates, after-hours rates
Note anything important, like “charges a trip fee” or “does emergency calls.”
Step 4: Try them on a small job
If you can, hire a pro for something small first. An HVAC tune-up, a minor plumbing fix, or a handyman task lets you see how they communicate, whether they show up on time, and how they treat your home. If it goes well, they move to the top of your list.
Step 5: Organize your list
Keep it simple and easy to reach:
- Name and company
- Phone number and best way to reach them
- Who recommended them
- License number, if relevant
- Notes on pricing, availability, and past jobs
- A backup for each key service
Store it somewhere you and your household can access quickly. Include important home info nearby, like the location of your main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff.
Step 6: Keep it current
Pros retire, move, or get too busy. Every so often:
- Update phone numbers and notes
- Add new names when friends share great experiences
- Remove anyone who didn’t work out
- Ask your pros whether they have a backup they trust when they’re booked
Share the love
Your list is valuable to the people around you. When a neighbor or friend needs help, share the names you trust and what they did for you. Good pros thrive on these recommendations, and your network gets stronger every time you share.
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
Building a trusted-pro list is exactly the kind of thing that works better with your network in one place. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
Which pros should be on my list first?
Start with services you might need urgently, such as a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, locksmith, and mechanic. Then add regular services like cleaning and lawn care.
How do I find trusted pros for my list?
Ask neighbors, friends, coworkers, and pros you already trust. Ask follow-up questions about the job, and verify licenses and insurance where they apply.
Should I hire a pro for a small job first?
If you can, yes. A small job shows you how they communicate, show up, and treat your home before a bigger need comes up.
How often should I update my list?
Check it every so often, and update it whenever a pro changes, retires, or doesn’t work out.
What should I include for each pro?
Include name, company, phone, who recommended them, license details where relevant, pricing notes, and a backup.
Start your list with people you know
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.