When hiring a handyman for any home project, checking online reviews can be one of the best ways to ensure you’re making a good choice. But how can you tell if those reviews are genuine, balanced, or simply too good to be true? Here’s a detailed guide to help you interpret and verify online handyman reviews effectively.
This blog is part of our series on how to hire a reliable handyman – sharing everything you need to know to get the best handyman for your needs.
The Importance of Reading Reviews
Handyman services can vary greatly in quality, so reading reviews can help you gauge what to expect. Reviews often highlight key points about reliability, quality of work, and overall customer satisfaction. However, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. Fake or misleading reviews are common, and even genuine reviews can sometimes give a skewed perspective.
Tips for Recognising Genuine Reviews
When browsing through reviews, it helps to know what signs to look for to separate genuine feedback from misleading content. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Look for Detail and Specificity
Authentic reviews often contain specific details about the project. For example, a reviewer might mention, “Tom replaced our leaky kitchen tap and even gave advice on how to prevent future issues,” rather than just saying, “Excellent service!” Vague reviews might be fabricated or written under pressure.
2. Watch Out for Overly Positive Language
If a review sounds too good to be true, it might be. Reviews that use extreme phrases like, “The best handyman ever!” or seem overly promotional should be taken with a grain of salt. Real-life experiences typically balance praise with constructive comments, like, “Great work, but he was a bit late on arrival.”
3. Check for Patterns in Multiple Reviews
When a handyman has many reviews, look for consistency in the feedback. Are there common themes? For instance, if several people mention the handyman’s punctuality or great communication, there’s a good chance those traits are accurate. On the flip side, if all reviews are five stars without a hint of constructive criticism, you may want to dig deeper.
Assessing a Handyman’s Reputation
Beyond spotting genuine reviews, understanding the overall reputation of a handyman is crucial. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use Multiple Review Platforms
Don’t just rely on a single source like Google or Trustpilot. Check other platforms such as Facebook, MyBuilder, Checkatrade, or even local community groups. A broader view can give you more confidence in the feedback you’re reading.
2. Consider the Age of Reviews
Recent reviews are more relevant than older ones. If a handyman has mostly glowing reviews from three years ago but more recent ones are critical, it could indicate a decline in service quality. Always weigh newer experiences more heavily in your decision-making.
3. Check for the Handyman’s Responses
A professional handyman often replies to reviews, especially negative ones, in a polite and constructive way. These responses can give insight into how they handle complaints and interact with customers. A respectful and problem-solving response shows a commitment to customer service.
Red Flags to Watch For
There are some clear warning signs to be aware of when reading handyman reviews:
- Too Many Reviews at Once: If a business has gained a sudden influx of positive reviews, it could be a sign that they’ve incentivised customers or posted fake reviews to boost their rating.
- Repetitive Language: Watch out for reviews that seem to use the same phrasing or expressions. This could mean someone has written multiple fake reviews, or there’s an unnatural marketing push.
- No Negative Feedback: Even the best handyman will have a few less-than-perfect reviews. If you can’t find a single piece of critical feedback, it might be that negative reviews are being removed or hidden.
How to Verify Reviews
Lastly, here are some ways to validate what you’re reading:
1. Cross-Reference with Social Media
Sometimes, you’ll find mentions of a handyman on social media or local community pages. These informal reviews can add context or highlight recurring problems not mentioned on official platforms.
2. Ask for References
If you’re still uncertain, there’s no harm in asking the handyman directly for references. A well-regarded handyman will usually be happy to share contacts of past clients who can vouch for their work.
3. Check for a Portfolio
Many reputable handymen have portfolios of their previous work. These can often be found on their website or social media. Seeing real examples of completed projects can be just as useful as reading reviews.
Key Takeaways
- Genuine reviews are usually specific, balanced, and consistent across platforms.
- Be cautious of reviews that are overly positive or seem to follow a pattern of repeated language.
- Checking multiple review sites and social platforms helps you get a complete picture.
- The age of reviews and how a handyman responds to feedback are key indicators of reputation.
- Verifying reviews through social media, references, or portfolios provides added assurance.
By understanding how to interpret online handyman reviews, you’ll be better equipped to make a confident and well-informed decision when choosing someone for your next home improvement project. Happy reading, and may you find the right handyman for your needs!
