One Quote Tells You Very Little
If you only ask one person for a price, you have no way to know if it is fair. That is why home-improvement guides in Canada consistently recommend collecting more than one written quote before you hire for plumbing, electrical, painting or repair work. The problem is that chasing several quotes by phone takes time.
On HelperGen, you post your job once and interested local providers apply to you. Then you compare them in one place.
What You See When Providers Apply
Each application gives you the details you need to compare side by side:
- Their bid. The price they are asking, shown as a fixed price or an hourly rate.
- Proposed start and estimated hours. When they can begin and, for hourly bids, how many hours they expect the job to take.
- Their profile and trust signals. Star rating, reviews, completed jobs, services with rates, years of experience and qualifications, portfolio photos, and badges. If a provider runs a business, you will also see their business name and logo.
Not sure about something? Message the provider before you decide.
Compare More Than the Price
A better deal is not always the lowest number. When you compare plumbers, electricians, painters and handymen, look at:
- Scope. Does the bid cover everything you asked for? A cheaper bid may include less work, so message the provider to confirm what is included.
- Materials. Who supplies them, and what grade? Ask if it is not clear.
- Timing. Can they start when you need, and how long will it take?
- Reviews and completed jobs. A track record tells you more than a promise.
- Badges. A Payment Verified badge means the provider has completed Stripe account setup, including required identity verification. A CRC Verified badge means they have completed a Certn criminal record check. An Insured badge is self-reported by the provider, and HelperGen does not verify insurance coverage, so ask for proof.
A bid that is far below every other one deserves a second look. Ask what is included before you say yes.
For Regulated Trades, Check the Licence Yourself
Plumbing, electrical and gas work are regulated in much of Canada, and the rules differ by province and territory. HelperGen does not verify trade licences, so ask the provider for their licence number and proof of insurance, and confirm the rules with your provincial regulator before work starts. Not every task is allowed on the platform either, so read the Terms of Service before you post.
How to Post and Compare in Five Steps
- Describe the job. Say what you need, where, and when. Add photos if you can.
- Post for free with Gen. Creating and refining a job with Gen Lightning costs no Gen Points, and a daily usage limit applies.
- Review the applications. Compare bids and start dates.
- Check profiles and message your favourites. Look at reviews and badges, and ask your questions.
- Select a provider. Review the agreement, then confirm payment through Stripe. When the job is done, release payment with your Quick Pay Code.
Found someone great? Save them to your Saved Providers list and invite them back the next time. Want more control over who sees your job? Try an optional private job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare providers on HelperGen?
Post your job once, and providers who are interested apply. Each application shows the provider's bid, their proposed start, and estimated hours for hourly bids. You can open each provider's profile to see their star rating, reviews, completed jobs, services with rates, years of experience and qualifications, portfolio photos, and badges, and message them with questions before you choose.
Does posting a job cost anything?
No. Creating and refining a job post with Gen is free, so you do not need any Gen Points, and a daily usage limit applies. You can also post with the manual form.
Is the lowest bid always the best deal?
Not necessarily. A lower price can mean less work is included, or fewer materials. Message each provider to confirm what is included, then compare the start date, the estimated hours for hourly bids, and their reviews. Ask questions about anything that is unclear. A price far below every other bid is worth a closer look.
Does HelperGen verify trade licences?
No. HelperGen does not verify professional or trade licences. For plumbing, electrical or other regulated work, ask the provider for their licence number and proof of insurance, and check your provincial or territorial regulator's rules before work starts. A Payment Verified badge means the provider has completed Stripe account setup, including required identity verification, and a CRC Verified badge means they have completed a Certn criminal record check.
How does payment work once I pick a provider?
You review the agreement and select your provider, and payment is handled through Stripe. When the work is finished, you confirm it with your Quick Pay Code.
Find local pros for Local Services on HelperGen.