Living abroad brings many rewards, but maintenance issues create immediate stress. You juggle language differences, unfamiliar building codes, and landlord expectations. You also risk surprise bills and poor workmanship when you pick the wrong plumber, electrician, or handyman.
This post gives practical steps you can use in Turkiye to find reliable home services, handle repairs with confidence, and protect your home investment. Follow these tips to save time, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your rental or property in good condition.
1. Where to find qualified tradespeople
Start your search in places expats use daily. Local community groups and neighbourhood notice boards often list experienced technicians who already work with non-Turkish speakers.
- Expat Facebook groups, WhatsApp threads, and Telegram channels
- Customer reviews on local marketplaces like Sahibinden and Emlakçı forums
- Word-of-mouth from neighbours, building managers, or your landlord
- Local hardware stores — shop owners often recommend trusted plumbers and electricians
Example: After a leaking radiator flooded a flat in Kadıköy, a tenant posted in a neighbourhood WhatsApp group. The recommended plumber arrived within hours and fixed the valve, saving the tenant from water damage and a long claims process with the landlord.
2. Vet credentials and check references
Don’t rely on a friendly phone voice. Verify certificates, ask for prior customer contacts, and request photos of recent work. Confirm whether the technician has experience with the type of property you occupy — old stone flats, modern apartments, and new developments require different approaches.
Ask these direct questions:
- How many years have you worked in this trade?
- Can you show ID and trade registration (usta kartı) if applicable?
- Do you provide a written estimate and a short invoice after the job?
- Have you handled similar problems in apartments with shared systems?
Example: An electrician in Ankara explained his experience replacing older distribution boards common in 1980s buildings. He showed pictures of prior jobs and provided a written price breakdown. The tenant avoided an unnecessary full-panel replacement and paid only for required safety upgrades.
3. Compare quotes and focus on value
Tradespeople may quote different prices for the same job. Don’t choose the cheapest blindly. Compare details and pick the offer with clear scope, arrival time, and warranty terms.
Look for value features that matter:
- Detailed itemised quote instead of a single lump-sum figure
- Clear timeline for completion and cleanup
- Parts and labour warranty period
- Ability to communicate in your language or use a translator
Example: Three plumbers submitted quotes for replacing a bathroom shower valve. The lowest bid omitted new seals and used cheaper parts. The mid-range quote included branded parts and a two-year seal warranty. The tenant chose the mid-range option and avoided repeat leaks within the next year.
4. Communicate and manage on-site work
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings. Describe the problem with photos and short videos before the visit. During the job, monitor progress and document key steps with images you store with invoices.
Use these simple rules on-site:
- Agree on start and finish times before the technician arrives
- Ask for a written change order if the scope expands
- Keep receipts and a short job note for your records
- Pay only agreed deposits and settle remaining balance after completion
Example: When the electrician needed to order a specific breaker, he provided a written update and new cost estimate. The tenant approved the change through WhatsApp and saved a copy of the message. This transparency kept both parties aligned and prevented disputes.
5. Build a reliable local network and plan preventive maintenance
Once you find trustworthy professionals, keep their contacts and schedule regular checks. Preventive maintenance reduces emergency calls and extends the life of appliances and systems.
Benefits of a local maintenance plan:
- Lower risk of sudden breakdowns
- Faster response times in emergencies
- Clearer budgeting for upkeep and repairs
- Stronger relationships that lead to priority scheduling
Example: An expat family in İzmir saved on heating costs after scheduling annual boiler servicing with a trusted technician. The technician tuned the system, replaced worn components proactively, and the family avoided a costly midwinter breakdown.
Practical checklist before you hire
Use this quick checklist to make hiring decisions faster and safer.
- Collect at least two quotes and compare itemised costs
- Ask for references and verify recent work photos
- Confirm parts brands and warranty terms in writing
- Agree on payment terms and keep receipts
- Save contact details for future maintenance and emergencies
Finding reliable home services takes a bit of work at first, but you reap calm and savings over time. Use community recommendations, verify credentials, compare value, communicate clearly, and build long-term relationships with technicians. These steps help you protect your home and avoid unnecessary stress while living abroad in Turkiye.
