Do you guys use Home Depot for install?

Question

Brandon Beaudoin · Answer

@Connie Chan

I use the Thumbtack app for ALL my maintenance needs on both my SFH rentals on the east coast and even our primary residence.  I've used it for everything between roof repairs, A/C blower motor replacement, washer leaks, and general house cleaning/deep cleaning.

You can get quick bids for the work, verify licensing/insurance/bonds and have them contact you directly for the specifics of the job.  You also can read reviews of the provider, as well.  Very convenient and handy for me in properties I self managed.

Allan C. · Answer

@Connie Chan I use TaskRabbit for my one off handyman repairs for my remote properties. I used to keep dedicated handyman but everyone eventually becomes unreliable. TR has a rating system similar to Yelp that allows you to choose your service provider. Taskers also list different hourly rates, so you’ll eventually figure out which one is better value for money.

I was reluctant to go with a platform like TR at first, but they have not disappointed.

Jim K. · Answer

I'm just writing to back up what @Bryan Devitt is saying here. HD and Lowes hire the cheapest guys they can find who are willing to work under their pricing schedule. These contractors are not happy about this state of affairs but working under the HD or Lowes umbrella are the only way they can make any money, because they lack the skills necessary to build their own business or haven't been doing what they do long enough to build their own business. This is the bottom of the barrel when it comes to hiring work out, the very lowest tier of competence that exists. And of course HD and Lowes are charging you significant above local market prices for their services. It's often impossible for these contractors to make any money at all if they don't make a determined effort to screw you, the end customer, in terms of time spent doing the work, quality and thoroughness of the workmanship, and materials.

Matt M. · Answer

I can’t tell you how many jobs I’ve gotten to fix HD and Lowe’s work. Call a local plumber or Handyman

Matt P. · Answer

@Jim K. It's just tough not being local for something like this. For you or I it's a quick trip to Lowe's for a new badger and a half hour at our unit. This person will end up paying a couple hundred above materials for this job to hopefully get done right and probably get sold a new trap or supply line or whatever else they can get her for as well since she isn't there.

Matt P. · Answer

@Connie Chan Normally I wouldn't use Lowe's or home Depot to install anything. A garbage disposal is pretty simple to install so I would probably be comfortable using them in a pinch if I wasn't there.

Peter Tverdov · Answer

I did it once and would never do it again. You can easily find a local handyman to do this task.

Bryan Devitt · Answer

Don't do it!! They hire the cheapest contractors they can get. If the contractor needs work that bad right now, they aren't someone you want working on your property. I hate Home Advisor for what they do to contractors, but they're your best bet. You'll get a couple of quotes and you can check the reputation and reviews of the guys actually doing the work instead of getting whoever shows up that day for the big box stores

Anthony Angotti · Answer

@Connie Chan I have never used them, but have had clients that had.

I've found that for anything other than flooring/appliances you are at the mercy of whoever HD uses as their local person.

For something small like this I'd find a local handyman or plumber.

Michael Noto · Answer

@Connie Chan Tenants are pretty rough on garbage disposals. Have you considered just having someone remove it and not replacing?

Do you guys use Home Depot for install?

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