About First Rate Home Services
Tom, Owner
When you call First Rate Home Services, you talk to the person who will be on your job — not a call center and not a salesperson working on commission. Tom walks every quote, and answers the phone number on this page.
The company works Pinellas County and nowhere else. That's a deliberate limit rather than a starting point: a crew that isn't driving to Brandon and back is a crew that turns up when it said it would, and can come back for a callback the same week.
We'd rather lose a job by telling you your budget doesn't match your plan than win it and manage you toward a number you didn't agree to.
- Permitted trade work: performed by licensed Florida contractors
- Service area: Pinellas County, FL only
How we actually run a job
- We come out and measure. Free, anywhere in Pinellas County, no obligation and no trip charge. We photograph everything, including the things you didn't ask about that we think you should know.
- You get an itemized written quote. Demolition, disposal, waterproofing, tile, plumbing, electrical, permits — separate lines, with named allowances for tile, vanity and fixtures so you can see exactly what standard the number assumes.
- We tell you what needs a permit. And we file it. If your job is permit-exempt, we'll tell you that too rather than adding a fee.
- One job at a time per crew. Your project doesn't sit idle while we chase three others. You get a start date and an end date.
- Surprises get a photo and a number first. Rot, a failed shower pan, out-of-code wiring — common in homes here built before 1990. You approve the change before we do the work, not when you see the invoice.
- We walk it with you at the end. You list anything you're not happy with, we fix it, and then we invoice. In that order.
What we don't do
Being straight about this saves everyone time. We don't do structural additions, roofing, whole-house repiping, or pool work. We don't hold a Florida electrical, gas or plumbing contractor licence, so that work goes to licensed trade partners we've used for years and coordinate ourselves — you're not managing three companies.
We also don't do same-week emergency work. Our schedule is booked in blocks, and squeezing you in would mean breaking a date we already promised someone else.
Ask Us for References
Most of our work comes from repeat customers and neighbor referrals across St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo and Dunedin. We're happy to put you in touch with recent customers in your area before you commit to anything — just ask when we come out to quote.
About Us — Common Questions
Are you licensed and insured?
We carry liability insurance, and all permitted electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is performed by licensed Florida trade contractors. Ask at the quote and we'll show you the certificates before work starts.
Do you use subcontractors?
For permitted trade work — electrical, gas, and plumbing that requires a permit — yes, and deliberately. Those trades require a Florida license we don't hold. Carpentry, tile, flooring, drywall and finish work are done by our own crew.
How long have you been doing this?
First Rate Home Services works exclusively in Pinellas County, and the crew's hands-on trade experience predates the company. Ask for references in your neighborhood at the quote — we're happy to connect you with recent customers before you commit.
What makes you different from a bigger remodeling company?
We take one bathroom or kitchen at a time per crew rather than juggling several, quote itemized rather than lump-sum, and photograph and re-quote anything unexpected before doing the work instead of adding it to the final invoice.