41–50 of 96 posts
I will use this when you go live in the Bay Area. Side note: I would also pay for a "Landlord as a Service". I want to treat a company like my landlord, even though I own my house. "Hi Bill, my roof is leaking" and they say "Someone will be there next week" and then send me a bill.
I think this is a very viable business model that can provide tremendous value to consumers. If you guys want to chat, shoot me a DM — I’d be happy to share my experience.
I (American) started an extremely similar VC-backed business in Germany. We were focused on car maintenance and detailing, but otherwise we had the same business model that you describe: our major selling point was upfront, fixed pricing without a diagnostic appointed, supplied by a network of independent mechanics and backed by a guarantee. We also had a sister company who focused on home services, although their in…
p.s. there’s no way to DM on hacker news, unless you leave some details on your profile.
As a homeowner for 8+ years, this is a HUGE problem. Like really huge. Companies like thumbtack, home advisor, angie's list, craigslist etc are mostly not useful (I have tried them all). I hope you guys succeed. The issue is however not just about price or cost. It is mostly about finding reliable, knowledge and honest contractors which for some reason is not that easy. The great contractors are usually very busy alr…
I (American) started an extremely similar VC-backed business in Germany. We were focused on car maintenance and detailing, but otherwise we had the same business model that you describe: our major selling point was upfront, fixed pricing without a diagnostic appointed, supplied by a network of independent mechanics and backed by a guarantee. We also had a sister company who focused on home services, although their in…
Let me add a bit of advice to any homeowners out there: learn to do the job yourself! I bought my house 5 years ago and I went from zero knowledge to remodeling the entire thing mostly on my own. Not only does it save you the hassle of having to deal with contractors, but in the cases when you need one, you'll be a lot more prepared to gauge the quote and timing.
I (American) started an extremely similar VC-backed business in Germany. We were focused on car maintenance and detailing, but otherwise we had the same business model that you describe: our major selling point was upfront, fixed pricing without a diagnostic appointed, supplied by a network of independent mechanics and backed by a guarantee. We also had a sister company who focused on home services, although their in…
what’s the name of the sister company? is it available in English? (as a non German speaker in Berlin I have an even bigger problem finding crafts people, let alone negotiate or explain the problem or repair job… but I guess that’s a lot to ask) p.s. there’s no way to DM on hacker news, unless you leave some details on your profile.
The sister company was named Homebell, but I don’t think they’re in business anymore.
I used in live in Berlin too, and yes, figuring these things out without knowing German is probably very difficult. Honestly, I think your best bet is probably to ask a German-speaking friend for help.
I (American) started an extremely similar VC-backed business in Germany. We were focused on car maintenance and detailing, but otherwise we had the same business model that you describe: our major selling point was upfront, fixed pricing without a diagnostic appointed, supplied by a network of independent mechanics and backed by a guarantee. We also had a sister company who focused on home services, although their in…
Vineet, one of the cofounders here. Would love to chat! Don’t see your contact info anywhere - could you email myhomebreeze at gmail?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
what’s the name of the sister company? is it available in English? (as a non German speaker in Berlin I have an even bigger problem finding crafts people, let alone negotiate or explain the problem or repair job… but I guess that’s a lot to ask) p.s. there’s no way to DM on hacker news, unless you leave some details on your profile.
Oh, I didn’t realize that, thanks for the headsup. The sister company was named Homebell, but I don’t think they’re in business anymore. I used in live in Berlin too, and yes, figuring these things out without knowing German is probably very difficult. Honestly, I think your best bet is probably to ask a German-speaking friend for help.
yeah we get help, but it obviously adds one more link to an already tricky chain trying to find and coordinate home repair jobs, plumbing etc