Home Service businesses to benefit from focus on maintenance projects as homeowners regain financial flexibility Jobber, the leading provider of home service software, today released its latest Home Service Economic Report: 2024 Q3. The report features expert insights and proprietary data aggregated from more than 250,000 residential cleaners, landscapers, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and more, who Read more
Industry News
Home Service businesses to benefit from focus on maintenance projects as homeowners regain financial flexibility
Jobber, the leading provider of home service software, today released its latest Home Service Economic Report: 2024 Q3. The report features expert insights and proprietary data aggregated from more than 250,000 residential cleaners, landscapers, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and more, who run their businesses using Jobber.
The U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts are already showing early signs of impact on consumer spending, bringing cautious optimism for the home service industry. After a slower first half of 2024, Jobber’s data shows increased momentum through the end of Q3, signaling a gradual recovery fueled by improved financial flexibility for consumers. These findings are also supported by the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (MCSI), a monthly survey based on interviews that measure U.S. consumer attitudes towards personal finances, business conditions and economic activity.
“As we move through the second half of 2024, we’re seeing encouraging signs for the home service category—especially as financial conditions continue to improve and consumer confidence grows,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & co-founder of Jobber. “At Jobber, we’re committed to helping small home service businesses capitalize on these opportunities, and the data we’re seeing suggests a path toward sustained growth in the months and years ahead.”
Demand for Home Service Outpaces Consumer Goods
Despite fluctuations in new work volume, consumer demand for home services held steady in Q3, with spending on services outpacing consumer goods. Higher average invoice sizes helped stabilize revenue, balancing the variability in new work. As interest rate cuts improve disposable income and consumer sentiment, household spending power is expected to rise, potentially driving further growth in home service demand.
Economists anticipate that the interest rate cuts will continue into 2025, providing greater affordability in areas like mortgage rates and financing for home improvements. This environment is expected to boost activity across both the housing and home service markets as consumers look to invest in essential home maintenance and renovation projects.
Housing Market: A Positive Outlook Ahead
The housing market remains closely tied to demand for home services, and recent data indicates a promising future for this sector. While certain indicators, such as construction spending, new permits, and housing starts, have shown temporary stagnation, the cumulative effect of rate cuts is projected to revitalize the market by mid-2025. Rising home equity and expected increases in home improvements will drive demand for both discretionary and essential projects, pushing projected annual spending to $477 billion by Q3 2025, nearing previous peak levels.
Segment Highlights: Green, Cleaning, Contracting, and Construction
Jobber’s report includes insights on the four key segments within the home services category, revealing trends in consumer spending and business resilience:
- Green: The Green segment, which includes lawn care and landscaping, saw early growth in 2024, though activity slowed in Q3 except for July. Despite economic pressures, median revenue remained stable as homeowners prioritized smaller, recurring outdoor maintenance over large renovations.
- Cleaning: Cleaning services, including residential and commercial cleaning, have seen rising median prices but declining volumes in 2024. While new work scheduled fluctuated due to reduced consumer spending, service providers have maintained stable revenue growth by increasing prices and focusing on premium offerings.
- Contracting: The Contracting segment, covering services like electricians and HVAC, experienced a downturn in new work scheduled by late Q3. Nonetheless, median revenue stayed steady, likely due to pricing adjustments and a shift toward higher-value projects.
- Construction: Construction services, including residential and commercial projects, have seen an improvement in median revenue as consumer spending shifts toward maintenance and improvements. However, new work scheduled continued to decline in Q3, reflecting cautious spending amid the gradual economic recovery.
“The 2024 Q3 Jobber Home Service Economic Report shows a promising outlook for the home services sector as interest rate cuts start to boost consumer spending and demand,” said Abheek Dhawan, Senior VP, Strategy & Analytics at Jobber. “With rising home equity and a shift toward maintenance projects, we anticipate steady growth as financial conditions improve. The sector is well-positioned to benefit from an aging housing stock and increased focus on essential updates, setting the stage for sustained demand and expansion through 2025 and beyond.”
To download the Jobber Home Service Economic Report: 2024 Q3, visit: https://getjobber.com/home-service-reports/nov-2024/
New features, driven by feedback from thousands of Housecall Pro customers, help streamline operations and enhance revenue potential even in the slowest seasons Housecall Pro, the premier software platform serving over 45,000 home service companies, announces today a rollout of new product features and enhancements that spotlight the company’s dedication to providing home service pros Read more
New features, driven by feedback from thousands of Housecall Pro customers, help streamline operations and enhance revenue potential even in the slowest seasons
Housecall Pro, the premier software platform serving over 45,000 home service companies, announces today a rollout of new product features and enhancements that spotlight the company’s dedication to providing home service pros with the tools they need to streamline operations, improve efficiency and grow revenue.
“Our primary driver has always been to find and create solutions to the challenges home service business owners are facing, whether that’s daily challenges or even seasonal ones,” said Ian Heidt, President and Co-founder of Housecall Pro. “Thanks to feedback from more than 8,000 pros, we were able to prioritize the products and features that will help them the most. From attracting more loyal customers to getting through the slow season, our updates are designed with their needs in mind.”
Ongoing updates are intended to help users grow revenue, manage jobs, get paid and run their businesses more efficiently.
Several features have been added or updated, including but not limited to:
- New and improved online booking tool: Customers can now book from any device, day or night, with the all-new free online booking tool, to help increase the number of bookings for contractors. This feature also simplifies recurring appointments with new integrations featuring Reserve with Google and Customer Portal.
- Dashcam + Vehicle GPS tracking: The latest update features 24/7 video monitoring for vehicles, allowing contractors to see what’s happening inside and out of their trucks. This feature also promotes driver safety by automatically recording clips of unsafe behavior and disturbances.
- Improved price book: Housecall Pro has introduced a new collection of common industry services to their price book featuring homeowner-friendly descriptions, giving service technicians a clear way to communicate the value they offer homeowners.
- Offline viewing for scheduling: Poor cell reception no longer hinders technicians from accessing scheduling data with the new offline feature. This feature allows technicians to access stored job data with minimal interruptions, even in areas with no Wi-Fi or cell reception.
- Pipeline improvements: Contractors can set up both text and email automations to ensure no customer or opportunity falls through the cracks. This improves efficiency and consistency by automating routine tasks, such as follow-ups and notifications, and ensures that communication with leads and jobs happen on a regular schedule. The bulk archive feature is another addition designed to reduce clutter by allowing contractors to quickly clear out completed or outdated items from their list.
The latest round of updates comes on the heels of Housecall Pros’ AI Team launch in May, which gave home service pros the opportunity to expand their capacity, thanks to on-demand artificial intelligence team members.
As Housecall Pro continues to evolve, more updates are scheduled including:
- Housecall Pro Accounting.
- Optimized and segmentable invoice reporting.
- Improved interactive voice response (IVR) that assists in blocking spam.
“Home service pros are some of the hardest working people on the planet,” Heidt said. “That’s why we continue to offer solutions that will help them streamline their operations, work smarter, provide for their employees and grow their businesses. Everything we do is to help home service businesses not only succeed but thrive. At the end of the day, that’s how we measure our success.”
For more information about Housecall Pro, visit https://www.housecallpro.com/.
U.S. Boiler Company recently hosted a Hops & Heat learning event at Trillium Brewing Company in Canton, MA. This is the second event of its kind U.S. Boiler Company has hosted in New England. Heating contractors attended the event to learn about high efficiency heating equipment, including the Ambient Air-to-Water Heat Pump, Citadel commercial condensing Read more
U.S. Boiler Company recently hosted a Hops & Heat learning event at Trillium Brewing Company in Canton, MA. This is the second event of its kind U.S. Boiler Company has hosted in New England.
Heating contractors attended the event to learn about high efficiency heating equipment, including the Ambient Air-to-Water Heat Pump, Citadel commercial condensing boiler, Alta self-adaptive boiler, and the Ambient electric boiler.
More than 70 contractors attended. Raffle prizes were given away and attendees played a variety of games for an opportunity to win Carhartt tool bags, van wrap packages and a smokeless firepit from Solo Stoves.
“I attended the event because I have a passion for learning about products,” said George Narváez, owner of Littleman Heating in Framingham, MA. “It builds my knowledge and confidence when speaking to customers, doing installations or servicing.”
“I enjoyed getting an up-close look at an Alta boiler that was opened for display,” he continued. “The team was fantastic and happy to answer all my questions.”
U.S. Boiler Company will hold more Hops to Heat events in 2025. For more information or training opportunities, visit www.usboiler.net to learn more.
Gone are the days when word-of-mouth and a Yellow Pages listing kept your business calendar full. Digital marketing has always been essential to trades- but unlike that trusty set of wrenches, marketing tools keep changing at lightning speed. In 2024, building trade professionals face a newfound reality: adapt to new trade digital marketing trends, or Read more
Gone are the days when word-of-mouth and a Yellow Pages listing kept your business calendar full.
Digital marketing has always been essential to trades- but unlike that trusty set of wrenches, marketing tools keep changing at lightning speed.
In 2024, building trade professionals face a newfound reality: adapt to new trade digital marketing trends, or risk watching competitors snap up the customers who now live their lives online.
Why Modern Marketing Matters for Trade Professionals
Here’s the thing: amazing technical skills alone won’t fill your schedule anymore.
Today’s property managers and homeowners research everything online before making a call.
They check reviews, watch project videos, and expect instant responses to their questions.
The good news?
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be complex – it just needs to be smart and consistent.
The Real Impact on Local Service Businesses
- More first-time customers finding you through Google searches and maps
- Higher customer retention through automated maintenance reminders
- Better qualified leads that understand your services before calling
- Reduced marketing costs compared to traditional advertising
- Easier tracking of which marketing efforts actually bring in jobs
- Greater ability to showcase your team’s craftsmanship through visual content
- Stronger relationships with property managers and general contractors
Just as you’d invest in quality tools, investing time into understanding trade digital marketing trends is about working smarter, not harder.
You don’t need to master everything at once – even small, consistent steps forward can lead to significant results.
Trend #1: AI, Your Always-On Digital Employee
Remember pulling all-nighters for emergency calls?
AI now handles the initial response, giving you back your sleep schedule.
Small trade businesses are discovering that AI isn’t just for tech giants – it’s becoming as basic as having a business phone number, but way more powerful.
How AI Changes Your Customer Service Game
The beauty of AI in trade services lies in its simplicity.
Think of it as having a super-efficient office manager who works 24/7, never takes breaks, and handles routine tasks without missing a beat.
This digital helper manages the basic stuff while you focus on what you do best: solving technical problems and delivering quality work.
- Smart chatbots answer common questions instantly (like “Do you service my area?” or “What’s your emergency call-out fee?”)
- AI scheduling tools fill your calendar intelligently, considering travel time between jobs
- Automated maintenance reminder systems keep customers on track with regular service
- Lead qualification happens automatically, sending only serious prospects your way
Trend #2: Video Content, Technical Expertise Meets Entertainment
If you’re active on social media, you’ve noticed something fascinating: people are hooked on watching others work.
From satisfying pressure washing videos to complete HVAC installations, viewers can’t get enough of skilled trades in action.
This shift means your everyday work projects can become powerful marketing tools that attract both homeowners and property managers.
What Makes Trade Videos Click
- Before-and-after transformations that showcase your problem-solving skills
- Quick tip videos that help customers with minor fixes
- Time-lapse footage of major installations or repairs
These videos do more than just rack up views – they build trust and show potential customers exactly what makes your work worth every penny.
When people see the complexity behind what you do, they better understand your value.
Platform-Specific Sweet Spots
- Instagram Reels: 30-second job highlights and quick maintenance tips
- YouTube: Detailed how-to guides and longer project walkthroughs
- LinkedIn: Professional case studies targeting commercial clients
- Facebook: Community-focused content and customer success stories
Your knowledge is valuable – and when packaged in bite-sized video content, it becomes irresistible to potential customers who appreciate seeing exactly what they’re paying for.
Trend #3: Local SEO and Google Business Profiles
Remember when customers used phone books to find local contractors?
Today, they ask Alexa or Google to “find a plumber near me.”
Local SEO has evolved beyond basic keywords – it’s now about matching the natural way people search for services, whether they’re typing or talking to their devices.
The New Local Search Landscape
- Voice-optimized descriptions that match how people actually speak
- Service area pages for each neighborhood you cover
- Emergency service keywords tied to specific locations
- Mobile-friendly contact information for quick calls
The closer your online presence matches natural customer behavior, the more likely you’ll show up when they need you.
Google Business Profile Must-Haves
- Current photos of your team and vehicles
- Clear list of services with accurate pricing indicators
- Regular posts about completed projects
- Quick responses to all customer questions
- Updated holiday and emergency hours
- Service area maps showing coverage zones
Your Google Business Profile works like a digital storefront – but unlike a physical location, you can update it instantly to match seasonal demands or highlight emergency availability.
Making these updates regularly signals to search engines that your business is active and reliable.
Expert Insight
According to Bullfinch, a web design Austin studio, “The biggest mistake trades make with local SEO is not updating their service areas when they expand. Add new service areas one at a time, and post content specific to each neighborhood. This gradual approach helps Google understand your true service footprint and ranks you better for those areas.”
Trend #4: Mobile-First Services
Your customers manage their entire lives through their phones – from ordering groceries to controlling their thermostats.
They expect the same convenience from their trade service providers, and the smart ones are delivering.
The Mobile Money Movement
Mobile payment systems aren’t just convenient – they get you paid faster and reduce those awkward payment conversations.
What Customers Expect From Mobile Services
- Instant quotes through text or app messaging
- Digital invoices they can pay with one tap
- Real-time project updates with photos
- Easy scheduling and rescheduling options
- Quick access to service history
- Simple ways to approve additional work
- Video chat options for initial consultations
- Digital signatures for contracts and approvals
The beauty of mobile-first service isn’t just about making things easier for customers – it’s about creating a paper trail that protects everyone and keeps projects moving smoothly.
When everything is documented in an app, there’s no more “he said, she said” about what was agreed upon.
The Time-Saving Reality
Mobile tools cut administrative time by up to 75%.
Instead of spending evenings catching up on paperwork, you can focus on growing your business or – imagine this – actually taking time off.
Trend #5: Data-Driven Personalization, Making Every Customer Feel Like Your Only Customer
Every interaction with your customers creates data, and that data tells a story.
Smart trade businesses are using these stories to predict needs, prevent problems, and show customers they’re paying attention.
- Seasonal patterns reveal perfect timing for maintenance offers
- Usage habits inform personalized service recommendations
- Customer preferences shape communication styles
- Service histories guide custom maintenance schedules
The Power of Prediction
When you know a customer’s water heater is nearing the end of its life, or their HVAC system typically needs attention in early spring, you can reach out at exactly the right moment.
This isn’t just good business – it’s great service that customers appreciate.
Smart Data Use in Action
- Birthday discounts on annual maintenance plans
- Weather-triggered reminders for seasonal services
- Custom portal access for property managers
- Personalized video updates on long-term projects
The Human Touch in Digital Form
Data-driven personalization actually makes your service more human, not less.
By remembering every detail about your customers’ systems and preferences, you’re showing them the kind of attention that used to only come from the neighborhood handyman who’d served their family for decades.
Making Digital Marketing Work For Your Trade Business
Here’s the simple truth: you don’t need to implement everything at once.
Start with what makes sense for your business right now.
Maybe that’s setting up a basic AI chatbot for after-hours inquiries, or creating a few quick videos showing your team’s expertise.
The key is picking one thing, mastering it, and then moving on to the next.
Your Next Steps
Pick the trend that solves your biggest current challenge.
If you’re missing after-hours calls, start with AI chat.
If customers don’t understand the value of your work, focus on video content.
If you’re struggling to get found online, prioritize local SEO.
The beauty of digital marketing is that you can add pieces one at a time, testing what works best for your specific situation and customer base.
The trades aren’t just changing – they’re leading the way in how local service businesses use technology to improve customer experience.
Your skills and knowledge are more valuable than ever – now it’s just about making sure the right people can find you when they need you.
The partnership introduces Reins’ innovative stock and equity solutions to home service business leaders Reins, a pioneering technology firm dedicated to empowering small and mid-sized businesses through modern equity solutions, joined Nexstar Network as a Strategic Partner to offer its creative employee retention solutions to Nexstar’s membership throughout the United States. “Nexstar curates the most Read more
The partnership introduces Reins’ innovative stock and equity solutions to home service business leaders
Reins, a pioneering technology firm dedicated to empowering small and mid-sized businesses through modern equity solutions, joined Nexstar Network as a Strategic Partner to offer its creative employee retention solutions to Nexstar’s membership throughout the United States.
“Nexstar curates the most relevant products, services and partners in our industry to support our membership through our impactful Strategic Partner program,” said Julian Scadden, President and CEO of Nexstar network. “We welcome the Reins team and their innovative solutions that can help our members scale their impact, growth and success by investing in their employees in a meaningful way.”
The partnership will allow Nexstar’s more than 1,000 members access to Reins’ custom equity incentive programs, including the unique Modern Agreement for Rewards & Equity (MARE).
Reins’ personalized plans and advanced software empower small to mid-sized business owners to give employees a stake in the business through employer-like benefits or profit-sharing initiatives. MARE incentivizes key employees and paves the way for smooth succession planning. Offering a stake in the company’s success can encourage key employees to become deeply invested in the long-term growth of the company.
“Partnering with Nexstar Network is a no-brainer given their extensive 32-year track record educating contractors about best business practices,” said Chris Buttenham, co-founder of Reins. “The partnership allows us to reach more innovative small and independent businesses and work with owners who may be struggling to beat their local competition. Strengthening their employee retention rates will be crucial for their success.”
For more information about Reins and the MARE program, visit https://www.myreins.com.