Two Simple Steps to Find the Best Repair Contractor

Owning a home in Ottawa comes with rewards and challenges. The biggest challenge is repair and maintenance. When your basement leaks, shingles fly off your roof, the air conditioner stops working, or you notice cracks in your foundation, you need to find someone to help. But who?

At Renco, we help our customers navigate the maze of home repair contractor options by recommending companies we trust. For over 20 years, we have built a trusted network of partners, friends, and companies that support Ottawa homeowners.

If you encounter a home repair issue, here are the steps we suggest to find the right person for the job:

  1. Ask Your Neighbours

At the start of your list, ask your neighbors if they’ve had similar home problems. Ask:

  • Did the company promise a warranty?
  • How much did it cost?
  • Did they finish on time?
  • Do they have their own workers?
  • Would you tell others to use them?

Getting advice from neighbors is essential. Next, call the companies to ask how much it’ll cost whennNneyy canstart andnd if they can come over to give you a price in person.

2. Search Google, Look at “Organic” and “Map” results

Showing up at the very top of Google Ads does not mean a company offers the best service. Anyone with a large enough budget can show up at the top, for a short period. Instead, focus your search on the results below the ads, this includes the map and organic results.

Here you will find the top companies Google thinks are the right fit based on geo-proximity, customer reviews and length of time in business.

For best search results, follow these steps:

  • Use “Ottawa” +” repair service you need” (i.e. Ottawa Foundation Crack Repair)
  • Do multiple searches using different service variations (i.e. Ottawa Basement Repair, Ottawa Foundation Repair, etc.)
  • Choose a list of your top 5-8 companies based on review quality and search presence
  • Visit each of the company’s websites, look for warranty, insurance, service offering, time in business
  • Type each of the company’s names in Google + reviews (i.e. Renco Reviews). Do you see any negative views? If so read them.
  • Narrow down your lsit to 3-5 companies, call them. Ask about budget, timeline, insurance, time in business, will they come out for in-person quote)

Use the same process above for any home repair job you need, even when looking for very specific types of contractors.

For example, if you are a homeowner with solar panels installed on your roof in need of repair, follow these steps:

  • Search “Ottawa” + “Solar Panel Maintenance Company“
  • Do multiple searches using different variants (i.e., Solar Installers, Solar Panel Company).
  • Get a list of 3-5 companies.
  • Search the company name + reviews.
  • Narrow your list down to 2-3 companies.
  • Call them for quotes.

After you complete the steps above, you should have a shortlist of contractors you want to ‘interview’ for your job. Depending on the time of year and the specialty of the skill involved, this list may be small! Speak to each company individually, ideally the owner if possible. If everything feels good, hire them and go on enjoying life in your beautiful Ottawa home.