When you’re looking for someone to work in your home, whether it’s a handyperson, cleaner, or maintenance professional, it can be tempting to rely mainly on online reviews. But in today’s environment, that approach can be risky. While reviews can be helpful, they only tell part of the story. Some are fake, some are filtered, and others reward companies that pay to manage their reputations rather than those that truly earn them.

If you’re inviting someone into your home, you need more than five stars. You need facts, documents, and real trust.

Look Beyond the Reviews

Many review platforms make their money by selling subscriptions to businesses. Some even allow companies to hide or remove poor reviews once they start paying for “enhanced” listings. Others are flooded with fake feedback written by hired agencies that produce glowing and entirely fabricated reviews. These practices make it difficult to separate truth from marketing.

Instead of taking online ratings at face value, treat them as a starting point. Use them to identify potential providers, then take a few practical steps to confirm who’s truly professional and insured.

Trust Word of Mouth and Community

Nothing beats a recommendation from someone you actually know. Ask friends, family, neighbours, or colleagues who they’ve used and whether they’d hire them again. When possible, try to get referrals through local networks such as your place of worship, community centre, or professional circles. In smaller communities where reputation travels faster than advertising, word of mouth is still the most reliable review system there is.

Call References and Ask the Right Questions

If you’re hiring for larger work or ongoing help, ask the company for two or three references and actually call them. When you do, focus on facts, not feelings. Here are a few questions that reveal the real picture:

• How long have you used their services?
• What kind of work did they do for you?
• Did they arrive on time and communicate clearly?
• Was the work completed safely and as agreed?
• Did they clean up after themselves?
• Have you ever had to call them back for an issue, and how did they handle it?
• Would you hire them again?

Real clients can tell you more in five minutes than a hundred online reviews ever could.

Use Common Sense and Gut Feel

A professional should communicate clearly, provide written estimates, and explain their process without pressure or vague language. Look for signs of consistency such as uniforms, vehicles with branding, invoices that include HST, and clear contact information. Avoid anyone who insists on cash-only payments or refuses to issue receipts.

Ask for Proof, Not Just Promises

Any reputable home service provider should be able to provide the following documents quickly and without hesitation:

• Proof of insurance – Look for commercial general liability insurance. This protects both you and the worker if damage or injury occurs.
• WSIB coverage – In Ontario, this protects workers in case of injury. Even part-time workers or small crews should have it.
• Bonding – While not required for every service, bonding offers an added layer of protection in case of theft or damage.
• Training and safety documentation – Ask if workers have WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training or other relevant safety certifications.

If a provider hesitates or avoids showing proof, that’s a sign to move on.

A Final Thought

Good home service is built on trust, transparency, and care, not on algorithms. The best providers don’t just show up to get the job done; they show up insured, trained, and ready to stand behind their work.

If you take the time to look past the online noise and verify what really matters, you’ll find professionals who are reliable, safe, and genuinely invested in helping you maintain your home.