Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

HomeAdvisor helps you take immediate action when you need home services

The sheer number of things that can go wrong in a household can be overwhelming, and finding someone to provide home services can be just as stressful. There are ways, however, to streamline the process. Digital Trends spoke to Emily Sherman, director of business development of HomeAdvisor, during CE Week 2016, and she explained how the company quickly connects homeowners with contractors.

With a nationwide network of roughly 125,000 service providers — all of whom are screened and approved by HomeAdvisor — the company offers a marketplace of contractors qualified to perform more than 500 types of tasks. The pros cam handle issues ranging from remodeling projects to plumbing emergencies, and they also are rated and reviewed by HomeAdvisor users. To choose a contractor, homeowners can either search through the options or use the service to find a provider on their behalf.

When a subscriber is ready to take the next step with a contractor, the HomeAdvisor instant booking option displays the pro’s schedule and set up an appointment, eliminating back-and-forth communications. Alternatively, users can opt to connect instantly, and HomeAdvisor will get a pro on the phone within 90 seconds. That’s certainly faster than most of us can flip through the yellow pages or comb through internet search results.

HomeAdvisor is integrated with the Amazon Echo, so you can also use Alexa to get a pro on the phone. As Sherman pointed out, this takes the connected device beyond alerting users to problems by giving them the ability to take action. For example, compatible connected devices can inform homeowners of a leak, and then HomeAdvisor would offer a solution. The company plans to add integrations with other smart home companies later this year.

HomeAdvisor doesn’t charge a subscription fee, so homeowners can reach pros for free. The contractors, on the other hand, must pay to be included in the marketplace.

iOS Android

Editors' Recommendations

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
There’s a huge sale on Arlo security cameras happening right now
Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera

If you're thinking about taking advantage of security camera deals to add an extra layer of protection for your family, you're in luck because Best Buy just slashed the prices of Arlo security cameras. There are even some bundles with reduced prices, so you can install surveillance on most of your home with just one purchase. There's a catch though -- you'll have to decide what to buy as fast as possible, because these offers may disappear at any moment. We've gathered some of our favorite bargains, but feel free to browse through everything that's part of Best Buy's sale of Arlo security cameras.

What to buy in Best Buy's Arlo security cameras sale
Standalone cameras are the most affordable options in Best Buy's Arlo security cameras sale. The cheapest one is the

Read more
Everything announced at Amazon’s fall 2023 devices event
The Amazon Echo Show 8 at the Devices Event 2023.

The leaves are starting to turn color, and you know what that means: Amazon's annual fall Devices and Services event is upon us, bringing with it a veritable smorgasbord of product announcements, from new Fire TV streaming gadgets and Echo devices to Amazon smart home gear like Blink and Ring cameras, as well as Eero Wi-Fi routers and Alexa galore.

Taking place Wednesday, September 20, from Amazon's shiny new HQ2 second headquarters in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, the invite-only event was heavy on themes of generative AI and its use in the home, specifically how it relates to its own products. Dave Limp, Amazon's outgoing senior vice president of devices and services, delivered his last keynote, spilling the details on Alexa's most significant AI upgrade yet. Limp revealed its all-new advanced large language model (LLM), which will make the smart assistant more intuitive, conversational, and able to understand more complex nomenclature and nuances. And it's all integrated with Amazon's Alexa devices throughout your smart home.

Read more
New Ring and Blink cams bring extended range, battery life, 3D motion detection
Blink's Outdoor 4 flood light has built-in LED illumination.

Amazon's fall devices event not only brought AI features to Alexa and a host of new Echo devices; it also ushered a fresh batch of cameras and accessories from Ring and Blink, both of which are owned by Amazon. And if you've been looking for a low-cost outdoor camera equipped with powerful floodlights, today's your lucky day! Here's everything we know about the new hardware so far.
Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera

 

Read more