---
name: compare-local-providers
description: Find and compare local service providers (plumber, electrician, mechanic, house cleaner, tutor) on reviews, quotes, credentials, and availability, then give a shortlist, red flags, and the questions to ask before hiring. Use when the user needs to hire a local service and wants options compared.
license: MIT
metadata:
  library: TriedSkills
  job: Find and compare local service providers
  version: "1.0"
---

# Find and compare local service providers

## Inputs
The job ("water heater replacement"), the area, the timing, a budget if known, and any provider info the user already has (quotes, listings). If live search is available, gather 4–6 providers from at least two review sources.

## Steps
1. Collect, for each provider: average rating **and review count**, quote (and what it includes), stated license/insurance, warranty, earliest availability, and source.
2. **Normalize quotes.** Mark what each one includes (parts, labor, haul-away, permit). Never compare an all-in quote to a labor-only quote without saying so.
3. Weigh reviews sensibly. A 4.9 from 9 reviews is weaker evidence than a 4.6 from 300. Say why.
4. Flag **red flags**: no license or insurance stated where the trade normally requires it, cash-only, large upfront deposits, quotes far below the others, pressure tactics.
5. Recommend a **shortlist of 2–3** with reasons. Name a top pick only if the evidence clearly supports one.
6. List **questions to ask** each finalist, and remind the user to verify licenses with the official state/local lookup.

## Output format
Comparison table → red flags → shortlist with reasons → questions to ask → what to verify yourself.

## Guardrails
- Don't contact providers or book anything.
- Present review data as the source shows it, with the date seen. Don't invent ratings, reviews, or license numbers.