The Canadian residential renovation, maintenance and repair industry is worth $105-billion, and is a major source of employment, responsible for more than 525,000 jobs across Canada. The market is experiencing rising demand due to factors such as property age — in fact, a considerable proportion of housing in Canada needs either major or minor repairs.
Despite its considerable market size, the home services industry remains inefficient and under-digitized, leaving both homeowners and skilled tradespeople underserved. Enter RepairFind, a Vancouver-based startup with bold ambitions to bring the sector into the digital era. Gilbert Moore, CEO and Founder, joined us at Techcouver to discuss how RepairFind is using technology to reshape home services for a digital age.
What was the driving force behind RepairFind? Why does the industry need disruption through technology?
GM: The home services industry has been incredibly resistant to change, even as digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide. Much of it relies on outdated processes, and the sector continues to grapple with a range of deeply entrenched challenges. Homeowners struggle to find credible contractors, pricing is inconsistent, and communication is disjointed. Contractors, on the other hand, have to rely on expensive, inefficient advertising or word-of-mouth to get work, face payment insecurity, and lack the tools they need to streamline operations.
We saw an opportunity to design a solution that would bring the industry into the digital era. With RepairFind, we’ve built an end-to-end tech platform that unites homeowners and contractors in a seamless, efficient, and trustworthy digital ecosystem. It’s all about leveraging innovation to solve the broken processes that have plagued the home repair and maintenance sector for years.
How does RepairFind integrate technology into what has historically been a manual process?
GM: RepairFind leverages technology to simplify every step of the home services process. For homeowners, the Customer App uses a clean, intuitive interface to take the guesswork out of finding and hiring reliable professionals. It uses a four-step system: create an account, browse verified contractors, book services, and communicate in real time. This removes the need for endless research or relying on unverified recommendations.
For contractors, the platform automates unnecessary administrative work. Through the Contractor App, they can manage appointments, track projects, send invoices, and even receive instant notifications for job opportunities that match their expertise. By consolidating these tools, we eliminate dependency on outdated methods, like placing classified ads or cold-calling for jobs. Everything happens efficiently within the app.
How is RepairFind addressing the industry’s under-digitization with its digital ecosystem?
GM: When we talk about being ‘under-digitized,’ we’re referring to the lack of integrated digital systems in place to make life easier for homeowners and contractors. RepairFind changes that by creating a unified platform that brings transparency, ease, and structure to what has historically been a fragmented industry.
For example, one key innovation we’ve introduced is intelligent job-matching. Our algorithms match projects to contractors based on their skills and expertise, ensuring the right professional gets the job and reducing irrelevant leads and wasted effort on both sides. The secure, in-app payment system is another step in closing the digital gap. Homeowners pay only after the job is completed to their satisfaction, and contractors no longer have to chase payments.
We’ve also integrated real-time communication tools. Contractors and homeowners can chat directly within the app, making it easy to align on job requirements, timelines, or any changing details. These features collectively eliminate the inefficiencies of the current system by replacing them with streamlined, tech-enabled workflows.
Trust is a big hurdle in the home services market. How does RepairFind use technology to bridge that gap?
GM: Trust is the foundation of what we’re building, and technology enables us to foster transparency and credibility. Every contractor on RepairFind is thoroughly vetted through license and background verification. This is all done digitally, streamlining the onboarding process while ensuring contractors meet our standards.
Ratings and reviews are displayed publicly on the platform, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions based on real feedback. Meanwhile, our secure payment system ensures satisfaction-based transactions, where money is only released once the homeowner is happy with the work. This creates built-in accountability for everyone involved.
How does RepairFind plan to expand its technological offerings to further disrupt the space?
GM: We have several exciting developments in the pipeline. One major feature we’re working on is material procurement. This tool will allow contractors to order and receive supplies within 60 minutes, cutting down on project delays and improving efficiency. We’re also planning to introduce financing options for larger projects. By integrating financial technology, we’ll give homeowners access to more flexible payment plans for major repairs or renovations.
Our long-term goal is to create an all-encompassing platform that simplifies everything from job sourcing and material management to payments and communications.
How does RepairFind’s community-focused approach tie into its larger digital strategy?
GM: A core goal for us is inclusivity, and our technology allows us to serve diverse communities better. RepairFind is multilingual, supporting English, French, Punjabi, Mandarin, and Spanish. This ensures that both homeowners and tradespeople from different backgrounds can communicate effectively and feel confident using the platform. It’s part of a broader vision to use digital transformation not only for efficiency but also for building stronger, more connected communities.
What does RepairFind represent for the future of the home services industry?
GM: RepairFind represents the shift from analog, inefficient processes to a fully integrated, technology-enabled ecosystem. It’s not just another listing site—it serves as the backbone of a new era in home services and trade careers, ultimately creating a more connected future.
Where can people learn more?
GM: RepairFind’s dual-platform app is available for download on iOS and Android. Learn more at www.repairfind.ca.
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