Guide
Buyer’s guide: the best apps for home service pros
What to look for before you pay for another app, and the questions that separate useful tools from busywork.
Start with the job you hate most
Most owners buy software to fix a problem they can’t quite name. Write down the task that eats the most of your week. For many crews it’s answering the phone, chasing invoices or juggling the calendar.
What every good app should do
It should work from your phone, because that’s where you are. It should connect your calls, calendar and invoices so you aren’t typing the same details twice. And you should be able to set it up in an afternoon.
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask how long setup really takes. Ask who answers when something breaks. Ask whether you can leave without penalty. A good company will have short answers to all three.