How to Build a Referral Network as a Home Service Contractor

Your best customers came from referrals.

They trust you before you even show up. Close rate: nearly 100%.

How do you get more?

The Referral Sources

1. Happy customers
They know people with houses. Houses need work.

2. Complementary contractors
Plumber refers to electrician. Electrician refers to HVAC.

3. Real estate agents
Constant need for inspections, repairs, move-in fixes.

4. Property managers
Ongoing maintenance needs, multiple properties.

Building Customer Referrals

Step 1: Do great work
No amount of asking overcomes bad work.

Step 2: Ask at the right time
After the compliment: "Thanks! If you know anyone who needs [service], I'd really appreciate the referral."

Step 3: Make it easy
"Just have them text me at [number] or give them my card."

Step 4: Reward referrals
$25 gift card, discount on next service, or simple thank-you.

Building Contractor Referrals

Identify complementary trades:

• You're a plumber → partner with electricians, HVAC, GCs


• You're an electrician → partner with plumbers, roofers, solar installers

The pitch:
"I get calls for [your trade] that I can't handle. Can I send them your way? And maybe you send [my trade] calls to me?"

Track and reciprocate:
If they send you 5 jobs, make sure you're sending them jobs too.

Building Professional Referrals

Real estate agents:

• Offer preferred vendor rates


• Be responsive (they need fast turnaround)


• Attend open houses, leave cards

Property managers:

• Offer volume pricing


• Provide consistent, reliable service


• Be available for emergencies

The System

Monthly: Check in with top referrers
Quarterly: Send small thank-you (gift card, note)
Yearly: Review who's sending business; nurture those relationships

Fixly's Referral Network

Fixly is building a network where contractors share overflow jobs.

If you can't take a job, refer it to a trusted partner. They do the same for you.

Everyone wins. Customers get served. Contractors stay busy.

Referrals > Ads. Always.