How to Choose a Trustworthy Local Pro Using Ratings and Reviews

1. 01

   Step 1: Check the Overall Rating and Number of Reviews

   

   Start with the big picture: look at the pro's overall star rating and how many jobs they've completed. A 4.8-star rating from 120 reviews tells you more than a 5.0 from three reviews. Aim for pros with at least 15-20 completed jobs and a rating of 4.5 stars or higher. Be wary of perfect 5.0 scores with only a handful of reviews—it's not enough data. Also watch for pros with many jobs but a rating below 4.3; that pattern suggests consistent issues. The sweet spot is high volume with consistently strong ratings. When using apps like Lumo, you'll see ratings and review counts right on each pro's profile, making this first filter quick and easy.

2. 02

   Step 2: Read Recent Reviews, Not Just the Highlights

   

   Don't stop at the star rating—read the actual reviews, especially the most recent ones. Start with reviews from the past month to see current performance. Look for specific details: 'He fixed the leaky faucet in 30 minutes and cleaned up afterward' is far more valuable than 'Great service!' Check if reviewers mention punctuality, communication, cleanliness, and whether the pro honored the quoted price. Read a mix of 5-star, 4-star, and any 3-star reviews to get the full picture. Even good pros occasionally have an off day; what matters is how they respond and whether problems are rare exceptions or recurring themes.

3. 03

   Step 3: Look for Patterns in the Feedback

   

   After reading 10-15 reviews, patterns emerge. Do multiple customers mention 'on time' or 'great communication'? That's a reliable pro. Do several reviews say 'didn't show up' or 'tried to charge more than quoted'? That's a red flag. Pay attention to how pros handle the scope of work: do reviewers say the pro asked clarifying questions, or do complaints mention surprises and misunderstandings? Also note patterns around quality—consistent mentions of 'thorough cleaning' or 'fixed it right the first time' signal someone who takes pride in their work. Patterns matter more than any single review, good or bad.

4. 04

   Step 4: Review Profile Photos and Completeness

   

   A complete profile signals professionalism. Check if the pro has uploaded a clear profile photo (not a logo or blank avatar), listed their experience, and described their services in detail. Many platforms let pros add photos of completed work—browse these to see the quality you can expect. A handyman who shows before-and-after shots of repairs, or a cleaner who posts photos of sparkling kitchens, is proud of their work. On Lumo, pros set their own availability and service types, so a filled-out profile with working hours and a clear list of what they offer (and don't offer) shows they're serious about the work.

5. 05

   Step 5: Use In-App Messaging to Ask Questions

   

   Before you book, send a message. Ask a specific question about your job: 'Can you clean a 1,200-square-foot apartment including inside the oven?' or 'Do you have experience fixing drywall holes?' A pro's response tells you a lot. Do they reply within a few hours? Is the answer clear and professional? Do they ask follow-up questions to understand the job? Good pros want to set accurate expectations. If someone is vague, slow to respond, or pushes you to book without answering questions, move on. Lumo and similar platforms include in-app messaging specifically so you can finalize details and get a feel for the person before committing.

6. 06

   Step 6: Compare a Few Pros Before Booking

   

   Don't book the first profile you see. Compare three to five pros who offer the service you need. Line up their ratings, read their reviews side by side, compare response times, and note any differences in how they describe their work. Sometimes a pro with a 4.7 rating and 80 reviews who responds thoughtfully is a better bet than a 4.9 with 15 reviews who gives one-word answers. Also compare availability—if you need someone this week, a highly rated pro who's booked out two weeks might not help. Take 20 minutes to compare; it's worth it to find someone reliable.

7. 07

   Step 7: Trust Your Gut and Start Small

   

   After checking ratings, reading reviews, and exchanging messages, trust your instincts. If something feels off—evasive answers, pressure to pay outside the app, or reviews that sound too generic—keep looking. When you do book, consider starting with a smaller job. Hire a cleaner for a single session before committing to weekly service. Book a handyman for one repair before scheduling a whole list. A first job is a low-risk test: you'll see their punctuality, work quality, and professionalism firsthand. If it goes well, you've found someone you can use again and again. After the job, leave an honest review to help the next customer.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.