Good help is hard to find

13ANG0007_SuperServiceLogo_Final_LessGradient-2200pxWe are pleased that we were chosen, once again, for the Angie’s List Super Service Award. We have won it four years out of the five that we have been listed on Angie’s.

If you are a member, please take a look at our reviews and add one of your own. Your good word about our business is the best thing you can ever give us.

As an aside, Angie’s List made a political statement this month that I support. In response to a ruling against public accommodation in Indiana, Angie’s list has cancelled their plans to expand their business in that state. (The law, called Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, supports businesses that want to refuse to serve gay customers.)

Which brings me to today’s topic. Good help is hard to find.

Angie’s List is one of the places where the reviews are not screened, so they include the good and the bad. I like that. Some other on-line review sites that have been accused of helping with the review process for business that advertise with them.

Crowd-sourcing through FaceBook, Twitter or other social media is another way.

Our company also keeps an informal list of workers who have done good things for our clients. However, we find these lists to be less reliable than a site where there are current reviews.

When you interview a worker, here are some things to ask about, besides “how much?”

  • How long will it take?
  • Will you need access to the inside of the house?
  • What time will you start and stop each day?
  • Will I be able to use the house/room/basement/water/electric service while you are working? At night after you finish for the day?
  • How do I contact you?
  • Who else will be working with you?
  • Are you insured and bonded?
  • Will this job require permits? Will you be getting them?
  • Check references. Preferably, the references are for recent jobs.

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