Ever feel like finding a trustworthy home repair professional is harder than keeping a finicky houseplant alive? You’re not alone. A new survey from Leaf Home reveals that many homeowners struggle to trust service providers, citing concerns about reliability, transparency, and professionalism. Instead of rolling the dice on a contractor, more people are choosing to tackle repairs themselves—even if it means learning as they go. But is that the best approach? Understanding why this trust gap exists can help homeowners make smarter decisions, whether they’re hiring help or picking up the toolbox themselves.
Homeowners Struggle to Find Trustworthy Contractors
According to the survey, nearly 70% of homeowners worry about unreliable contractors, and 41% say they have been misled by a service provider at some point in the past. The most common complaints include incomplete jobs, poor communication, and professionals who fail to show up as promised.
Many homeowners feel most vulnerable during cost discussions, project completion, and when evaluating the final results. In an effort to mitigate risk, 61% rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, while only 14% trust third-party review platforms. Notably, nearly 30% of homeowners report having negative experiences with professionals hired through such platforms.
The Rise of DIY Home Improvement
Faced with uncertainty in hiring professionals, many homeowners are turning to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. The survey found that 58% of homeowners have attempted a DIY project in the past five years. However, not all efforts go smoothly—20% of DIYers eventually hire a professional to fix their work.
The trend is especially common among younger generations. About 33% of Gen Z and 29% of Millennials have had to call in a pro after a failed DIY attempt, compared to just 18% of Gen X and 11% of Boomers.
Despite the popularity of DIY projects, safety remains a concern. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of homeowners believe safety is often overlooked during home improvement work. This underscores the risks associated with tackling complex repairs without the necessary expertise.
Industry Experts Call for More Transparency
The survey makes one thing clear: homeowners want more trust and transparency when it comes to home improvement services. Rocco Mango, CEO of Leaf Home, agrees, saying, “Homeowners shouldn’t have to choose between neglecting repairs and taking on DIY projects beyond their expertise because of distrust in home improvement. They deserve reliable professionals who get the job done right at every step.”
As the demand for home improvement services grows, experts say that trust, reliability, and clear communication will be key factors in shaping the future of the industry.
