FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Local Solutions FAQ page! As a local, one-man operation serving the St. John’s area, I’m here to answer your most common appliance repair questions. My goal is to provide clear and honest information, helping you feel confident and informed about every step of the repair process. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, covering everything from scheduling a service call to understanding warranty coverage.

Scheduling & Service Questions

1. How do I schedule an appliance repair service with your company?
   You can easily schedule an appliance repair through my online booking system. It’s simple, fast, and allows you to choose the best available appointment time that fits your schedule.

2. What appliances do you repair at Local Solutions?
   I specialize in a wide range of household appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, cooktops, and more. I’m experienced with multiple brands and models to ensure efficient service.

3. How long does a typical appliance repair take?
   The duration depends on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts, if needed. During the initial assessment, I’ll provide an estimated repair time. Don’t worry—I use a flat-rate pricing system, so feel free to ask questions and engage during the repair!

4. Are you authorized and experienced in appliance repair?
   Yes, I’m highly trained, authorized, and experienced. I continually update my skills to stay on top of the latest industry trends and repair techniques, so your appliances are always in capable hands.

5. Do you offer same-day repair services?
   The short answer would typically be no and I don’t pretend to offer it like some. However I do my best to accommodate same-day repairs whenever possible, depending on availability, location, and the type of issue. The earlier you contact me, the better I can meet your needs. Life happens and people need to reschedule so you never know!

Brands & Warranty Questions

6. What brands of appliances do you service?
   I service a wide range of brands, including Bosch, Thermador, Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Amana, KitchenAid, and more. I’m an authorized servicer for select brands like Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, and Thermador. A comprehensive list is available HERE.

7. Are your appliance repairs covered by warranty?
   Yes, I stand by the quality of my repairs and parts. Most services come with a three-month warranty on parts, reflecting the typical manufacturer standards. I’ll provide you with specific warranty details during your service.

8. What should I do if my appliance is still under manufacturer warranty?
   If your appliance is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, I recommend contacting the manufacturer or their authorized service center directly to ensure you’re fully covered under their terms.

Pricing & Payment Questions

9. What is a service call?
   A service call includes an initial diagnostic visit where I assess your appliance, identify the problem, and provide a repair estimate if applicable. My standard service call diagnostic fee is $85+tx, and I use flat-rate pricing for repairs. Specialty appliances may have different rates due to additional complexities.

10. What payment methods do you accept?
    Easy answer is anything but crypto! I accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, checks, transfers, and cash. You’ll receive a detailed invoice, and you can choose the payment method that suits you best.

11. Do you offer a full breakdown of repair costs?
    Absolutely. You can find a full pricing breakdown HERE. I believe in transparency and will provide a clear estimate before starting any work.

Repair Process Questions

12. What areas do you serve for appliance repairs?
    I proudly serve St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Torbay, Logy Bay, Middle Cove, Outer Cove, Flatrock, Paradise, and Pouch Cove. If you’re outside the St. John’s Metro region, please contact me to confirm availability.

13. Do you offer emergency or after-hours appliance repairs?
    My regular hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. While I currently don’t offer emergency or after-hours services, I’ll do my best to accommodate urgent requests when possible. Most newer appliances will give an error code when trouble is detected. There is an error code section HERE that can be helpful for the next steps. If not listed you search online as well as some codes will tell you the nature of what you are dealing with. Generally if applicable, it’s best to shut off the incoming water supply if leaking is suspected and/or turn the breaker off to the appliance while determining the root issues

14. Can I attempt to repair the appliance myself before calling for professional help?
    While some minor issues can be addressed through basic troubleshooting, I recommend consulting a professional before tackling bigger projects if unsure. Ultimately I don’t really know if you have hands right now so saying yes is not even possible. DIY repairs can sometimes lead to more significant problems or safety hazards. The hesitation in completing an abandoned repair that wasn’t started by a professional is simply the liability. All the work needs to be rechecked taking more time and effort. There could be things broken if done improperly. Many part suppliers do show installation videos which can be referenced. Unfortunately, they do not usually include any diagnosis so mostly guesswork. You may void certain warranties as well so weigh all options carefully. I support people however I can in repairing it themselves so certainly not opposed to it by any means.

15. What happens if my appliance cannot be repaired?
    If an appliance is beyond repair due to cost or parts discontinued by the manufacturer, I’ll provide an honest assessment and recommend potential replacement options. I can also suggest trusted vendors if a new appliance is needed. Ultimately repairing is the priority and the goal. There are times when repair outweighs the value of investment required to fix the appliance.

Eco-Friendly & Maintenance Questions

16. Are your appliance repairs eco-friendly?
    Yes, I prioritize eco-friendly practices. I responsibly dispose of old parts and materials and recommend energy-efficient solutions when possible, striving to reduce environmental impact.

17. Do you offer maintenance tips to prevent future appliance issues?
    Absolutely! I’m a big believer in preventive maintenance. Check out my blog for valuable articles on extending appliance lifespan and minimizing potential breakdowns.

18. What safety precautions do you follow during repairs?
    I strictly follow industry safety protocols and am fully insured, prioritizing your home’s safety and mine.

19. What should I do with my pets during the repair?
    I’m very pet-friendly and don’t mind animals being around during service. In over 10+ years of in-home work, I’ve never let a pet escape, and I aim to keep it that way!

20. How long have you been in the appliance repair business?
    I’ve been providing appliance repair services since 2017, building a reputation for quality, reliability, and personalized service.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

21. Can I get a receipt or invoice for the service?
    Yes, you’ll receive a detailed invoice after each service call, outlining all parts and labor involved. The Client Hub will store all past invoices, quotes, visits, and requests for your convenience, ready on demand!

22. How do I know if it’s time to replace an appliance rather than repair it?
    If repairs become frequent or costly, it may be more economical to replace the appliance. I’ll provide a clear recommendation based on the appliance’s condition and repair history. The general investment strategy people use as a baseline is as follows; If the appliance is past half of its lifespan, then you won’t spend more than half of the replacement cost on the repair. These are on a case-by-case basis and include the total of delivery, disposal, and installation. There are many other factors to consider like environmental impact, availability, and the shopping experience but they are unique to each person. 

23. Do you offer appliance installation services?
    Yes, I offer some installation services for most major appliances, ensuring they are set up and functioning correctly from the start. I install dishwashers most commonly. I do not install venting, microwaves, or stacked laundry products. Custom or integrated appliances are best installed by the kitchen contractor company supplying the cabinetry.

24. What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
    You can easily reschedule or cancel your appointment through the online booking portal or by contacting me directly. Life happens so there's no issue having to reschedule. I greatly appreciate as much notice as possible and the person who takes your place will surely thank you as well!

25. What does flat-rate pricing mean for my repair?
    Flat-rate pricing means you’ll pay a set fee for the repair rather than by the hour, giving you peace of mind with no unexpected costs. You're invoiced for the required work, not the conversation.

26. How do I prepare for my service call?
    Ensure the appliance is accessible, and if possible, have the model number ready. If you have special instructions (like which door to enter), let me know during booking.

27. Do you handle commercial appliance repairs?
    I specialize in residential appliance repairs, but feel free to inquire about small-scale commercial needs—I’m happy to discuss possibilities. I do service residential appliances in a commercial setting. 

28. What if a replacement part isn’t available right away?
    If a part needs to be ordered, I’ll communicate the timeline clearly and do my best to expedite the process. Most parts from my main supplier come via air freight at no additional cost to you.

29. How do I know if my appliance issue is covered under your warranty?
    I’ll explain all warranty coverage during the service, including what’s protected and for how long, based on the parts and labour involved. Most parts are covered by the manufacturer's 90-day guarantee. 

30. What appliances are considered ‘specialty’ for pricing purposes?
    Specialty appliances include propane units, induction cooktops, wall oven combos, built-in OTR microwaves and larger-than-standard appliances, requiring extra care and expertise.

31. Can you service built-in appliances?
    Yes, I have experience working with built-in appliances, including fridges, ovens, cooktops, and dishwashers. Just provide the model details during booking.

32. Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
    Occasionally, I run promotions for new customers or repeat clients. These are generally found on this site or Google listing. 

33. What happens if the same problem reoccurs after a repair?
    If the issue persists, I’ll return to diagnose and resolve it, honouring the warranty provided with the repair! 

34. Do you provide appliance parts for DIY repairs?
    I don’t sell parts directly, but I can recommend trusted suppliers if you prefer to handle repairs on your own.

35. How do I know if I need a diagnostic service call?
    If your appliance shows unusual behaviour—like strange noises, not starting, or failing to perform—scheduling a diagnostic service call is the first step to identify the problem. Things don’t tend to fix themselves and leaving it may be doing more harm than good. In the Client Hub you can request a service to determine if a service call is needed or not without booking a call.

What’s the best way to contact you if I have more questions?

18. When I am doing service calls I do not answer calls or messages as my attention is solely focused on the task at hand to provide the best service for my client. In between locations and free time, I will respond but email is generally the fastest. In a world of instant messages, I can’t always give instant answers but will respond as soon as possible thank you.