No model names specific home services providers with any real frequency (0-2.5%), so AI visibility in this industry is about shaping how a business is described generically, not securing brand mentions.
Original research · 2026-07 edition
AI SEO Statistics: Home Services (2026-07 edition)
Across 120 AI responses to 40 home services questions, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini diverge sharply on whether to recommend hiring a professional (87.5% vs 67.5% vs 27.5%) and on how much guidance they give around credentials, reviews, and multiple quotes. No model names specific providers with any consistency, meaning AI visibility in this industry hinges on being described favorably in generic terms rather than being cited by name. With a divergence index of 22.1, home services businesses need model-specific strategies rather than a single AI-SEO playbook.
40 questions · 120/120 expected AI responses · 3 models · measured 2026-07-02
Key statistics
Every number below is measured, anchored, and sourced.
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
MeasuredAI SEO Statistics: Home Services, 2026-07
The question bank
The questions we tested: a frozen buyer-intent benchmark for home services.
The question set was curated from a predefined buyer-intent taxonomy and held constant for this edition. Each model received the same wording. These are the prompts behind every percentage on this page.
How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system in 2024?
Is it better to repair or replace a 15-year-old furnace?
Who are the best and most reliable roofers near me?
What should I do immediately if my pipes freeze and burst?
How long does a typical bathroom remodel take?
Why is my AC blowing warm air even though the filter is clean?
Is it normal for a garbage disposal to smell like rotten eggs or sulfur?
Can I install a smart thermostat myself if my current system doesn't have a C-wire?
Show all 40 questions
How much should I expect to pay an electrician to install a Level 2 EV charger in my garage?
What are the warning signs that my electrical panel is outdated and needs a full upgrade?
Should I choose architectural shingles or a metal roof for a house in a high-wind area?
What is the average hourly labor rate for a master plumber in a major metro area?
How do I know if the mold in my attic is a DIY fix or if I need professional remediation?
What specific questions should I ask a general contractor before signing a kitchen renovation contract?
Is a tankless water heater worth the extra upfront cost for a family of four with high hot water usage?
Why do my ceiling lights flicker every time the refrigerator or microwave kicks on?
How can I tell if a foundation crack is a structural issue or just natural settling?
What is the most energy-efficient way to heat a finished basement without extending the ductwork?
Do I typically need a city permit just to replace an existing water heater?
How much does it cost to have a professional plumber snake a main sewer line clog?
What are the biggest red flags to watch out for when comparing three different roofing bids?
Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas for under $4,000 including labor?
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom only during the final rinse cycle?
How do I find a local contractor who specializes in historic home restoration and matching old trim?
Is it significantly cheaper to refinish existing kitchen cabinets rather than buying new RTA ones?
What should I do immediately if I smell gas near my stove but all the knobs are turned off?
How long can I realistically expect a new asphalt shingle roof to last in a very humid climate?
Are modern heat pumps actually effective in regions where winter temperatures drop below zero?
What is considered a fair and standard deposit amount to pay a contractor before they start work?
How much equity or resale value does a professionally finished basement actually add to a home?
Should I invest in a whole-house surge protector at the main panel or just use power strips?
How can a homeowner tell the difference between a load-bearing wall and a simple partition wall?
Why is there water pooling around the base of my toilet every time I flush it?
How do I vet a local HVAC company if they have a lot of five-star reviews but a few scary one-star ones?
Is it better to use PEX or copper piping for a full-house repipe project in an older home?
What are the most effective ways to soundproof a home office during a bedroom-to-office remodel?
How can I lower my monthly electricity bill without replacing my major appliances yet?
What legal recourse do I have if a contractor disappears halfway through a bathroom remodel?
Is it feasible to add a small half-bath under a standard staircase, and what is the budget?
How often should I have my septic tank pumped if we have five people living in the house?
By service
Not all home services services are treated the same by AI.
We ran the same measurement on 86 distinct home services services. The rate at which ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini push buyers toward a professional swings widely, and that gap is exactly where authority is won or lost.
Measured service register86 evidence rows
Citable dataset| Service | Hire-a-pro rate | Sample | Question-level disagreement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restoration Companystudy →Directional panel | 86.6% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 18.5% |
| Tailorsstudy → | 82.5% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 17.8% |
| Locksmithstudy →Directional panel | 82.2% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 25.6% |
| Gas Engineersstudy → | 81.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 19.9% |
| Wildlife Removalstudy → | 74.2% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 21% |
| Sample SEO for Home Inspection Companystudy → | 71.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 19.6% |
| Electricianstudy →Directional panel | 71.1% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 23.7% |
| Hvac Companystudy →Directional panel | 71.1% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 20.7% |
| Plumberstudy →Directional panel | 71.1% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 16.7% |
| Fire Damage Restorationstudy → | 70% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 18.6% |
| Foundation Repairstudy → | 70% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 22.1% |
| Junk Removalstudy →Directional panel | 68.9% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 29.3% |
| Water Damage Restorationstudy →Directional panel | 68.9% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 20.4% |
| Mold Removal Companiesstudy →Directional panel | 68.6% | 35 questions / 105 responses | 19.5% |
| Demolitionstudy → | 67.5% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 23.8% |
| Home Furnishingstudy → | 67.5% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 23.8% |
| Dry Cleaningstudy →Directional panel | 66.7% | 38 questions / 114 responses | 17.4% |
| Dryer Vent Cleaningstudy → | 66.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 18.6% |
| Hvac Contractorstudy →Directional panel | 66.7% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 22.2% |
| Rooferstudy →Directional panel | 66.7% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.1% |
| Senior Carestudy →Directional panel | 66.7% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 18.1% |
| Pest Controlstudy →Directional panel | 66.6% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 20% |
| Fire Protectionstudy → | 65.8% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 21.1% |
| Window Installerstudy →Directional panel | 64.5% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.8% |
| Constructionstudy →Directional panel | 64.4% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 20.7% |
| Handymanstudy →Directional panel | 64.4% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 20.4% |
| Pool Servicestudy →Directional panel | 64.4% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 22.6% |
| Servicesstudy →Directional panel | 64.4% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 25.6% |
| Contractorstudy →Directional panel | 62.2% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 29.3% |
| Flooring Installerstudy →Directional panel | 62.2% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 23.3% |
| Garage Door Companystudy →Directional panel | 62.2% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 23.3% |
| Carpenterstudy →Directional panel | 60% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 27.8% |
| Outdoorstudy → | 60% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 22.8% |
| Tree Servicestudy →Directional panel | 60% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 23% |
| Carpet Cleanerstudy →Directional panel | 57.8% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 18.1% |
| Gutter Contractorstudy →Directional panel | 57.8% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.1% |
| Landscaperstudy →Directional panel | 57.8% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 23.7% |
| Painterstudy →Directional panel | 57.8% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.1% |
| Lightingstudy → | 55.8% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 20.1% |
| Pet Groomersstudy → | 55.8% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 17.9% |
| Appliance Repairstudy →Directional panel | 55.6% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 22.6% |
| Concrete Contractorstudy →Directional panel | 55.6% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.4% |
| Remodeling Companystudy →Directional panel | 55.6% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 23.7% |
| Pool Companystudy →Directional panel | 55.5% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 21.5% |
| Basement Waterproofingstudy → | 55% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 23.8% |
| Plasterersstudy → | 55% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 18.6% |
| Glass Repairstudy → | 54.2% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 19.7% |
| Cabinet Makersstudy →Directional panel | 53% | 39 questions / 117 responses | 21.5% |
| Dog Boardingstudy →Directional panel | 52.6% | 38 questions / 114 responses | 23.1% |
| Hoa Managementstudy → | 51.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 22.2% |
| Fencing Companystudy →Directional panel | 51.1% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 18.9% |
| Funeral Homestudy →Directional panel | 51.1% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.1% |
| Carpet Fittersstudy → | 50% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 20% |
| Spray Foamstudy → | 50% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 17.9% |
| Garage Door Repairstudy →Directional panel | 48.9% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 22.6% |
| General Contractorstudy →Directional panel | 48.9% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 25.9% |
| Home Builderstudy →Directional panel | 48.9% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.1% |
| Paving Companystudy →Directional panel | 48.9% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 22.6% |
| Cleaning Servicestudy →Directional panel | 46.7% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 19.3% |
| Deck Buildersstudy →Directional panel | 46.7% | 35 questions / 105 responses | 21.7% |
| Moving Companystudy →Directional panel | 46.7% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 26.7% |
| Kitchen Renovationstudy → | 45% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 21.4% |
| Drywall Businessesstudy → | 44.2% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 17.4% |
| Dumpsterstudy → | 42.5% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 18.3% |
| Solarstudy → | 42.5% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 21.5% |
| Solar Companystudy →Directional panel | 42.2% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.8% |
| Scaffoldingstudy → | 41.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 19.9% |
| Window Door Installersstudy → | 41.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 22.2% |
| Flooring Companystudy →Directional panel | 40% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.1% |
| Gardenersstudy →Directional panel | 40% | 5 questions / 15 responses | 13.3% |
| Pressure Washingstudy →Directional panel | 37.8% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 17.4% |
| Window Companystudy →Directional panel | 37.8% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 24.8% |
| Awningstudy → | 35% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 19.6% |
| Window Treatmentstudy → | 33.3% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 18.9% |
| Garage Floor Epoxystudy → | 32.5% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 14.6% |
| Artificial Grassstudy → | 31.7% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 14.7% |
| SEO Optimized Smart Home Sitesstudy → | 30.8% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 16.8% |
| Blindsstudy → | 29.2% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 20.1% |
| Landscape Lightingstudy → | 29.2% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 17.5% |
| SEO Marketing for Deck Builderstudy → | 28.3% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 20.6% |
| Self Storagestudy →Directional panel | 24.4% | 15 questions / 45 responses | 19.3% |
| Garden Center Websitesstudy →Directional panel | 21.3% | 39 questions / 117 responses | 19.5% |
| Google Maps SEO for Glass Companiesstudy → | 20.8% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 16.4% |
| SEO Strategy for Construction Companiesstudy → | 20.8% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 16.5% |
| Home Inspector SEO Marketingstudy → | 19.2% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 17.4% |
| Builders Merchantsstudy → | 15% | 40 questions / 120 responses | 19.2% |
Exact API model versions are listed in each study. Panels below 40 questions are marked directional. Rates describe the measured edition, not a population estimate. Free to cite with attribution.
Model by model
22.1% question-level model disagreement.
This rate is the average pairwise disagreement between binary behavior codes across questions and behaviors. It is not the gap between the highest and lowest aggregated model percentages.
Behavior matrixModel-by-model evidence
MeasuredBehavior prevalence across 40 home services benchmark questions, 2026-07 edition. Last column: equal-model mean.
| Behavior | ChatGPT | Claude | Gemini | Equal-model mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommends hiring a professional | 87.5% | 67.5% | 27.5% | 60.8% |
| Suggests DIY first | 32.5% | 30% | 17.5% | 26.7% |
| Names specific providers | 0% | 0% | 2.5% | 0.8% |
| Gives price or cost info | 45% | 35% | 35% | 38.3% |
| Tells to check reviews | 15% | 5% | 5% | 8.3% |
| Tells to verify credentials | 32.5% | 12.5% | 7.5% | 17.5% |
| Mentions case studies / portfolio | 7.5% | 2.5% | 0% | 3.3% |
| Mentions local proximity | 27.5% | 30% | 15% | 24.2% |
| Gives selection criteria | 37.5% | 20% | 17.5% | 25% |
| Warns about red flags | 7.5% | 7.5% | 12.5% | 9.2% |
| Asks a clarifying question | 80% | 55% | 2.5% | 45.8% |
| Recommends multiple quotes | 32.5% | 12.5% | 2.5% | 15.8% |
Question-level agreement
How often all measured models received the same binary code.
Agreement is calculated question by question for each behavior. A high value can coexist with a low behavior prevalence; it means the models usually agreed on whether the behavior appeared.
Behavior matrixModel-by-model evidence
MeasuredAll-model binary agreement by behavior across 40 benchmark questions.
| Behavior | All-model agreement |
|---|---|
| Recommends hiring a professional | 35% |
| Suggests DIY first | 82.5% |
| Names specific providers | 97.5% |
| Gives price or cost info | 50% |
| Tells to check reviews | 90% |
| Tells to verify credentials | 65% |
| Mentions case studies / portfolio | 90% |
| Mentions local proximity | 60% |
| Gives selection criteria | 62.5% |
| Warns about red flags | 90% |
| Asks a clarifying question | 17.5% |
| Recommends multiple quotes | 62.5% |
Home Services evidence boundary
Start with what this Home Services benchmark measured
This Home Services benchmark is built from 40 frozen benchmark questions and contains 120 observed responses. Because the questions are frozen and matched, the page compares assistant behavior within the same buyer evaluation situations rather than mixing different needs or prompt types. The recorded 100% response coverage shows how much of the expected response set is present. Read that coverage first so any later pattern is understood as evidence from the observed sample, not as a claim about the whole home services market.
Use the benchmark as a record of how assistants framed provider evaluation in the measured home services questions. It is not evidence of customer demand, search visibility, lead volume, provider quality, or business results. The useful comparison is narrower: which evaluation cues recur across matched responses, which cues appear unevenly, and which assumptions a buyer should verify directly before choosing a provider. That distinction keeps model output in the role of research input rather than independent proof.
Home Services assistant coverage
Check each assistant's contribution before comparing patterns
The available assistant contributions are ChatGPT contributed 40 responses, Claude contributed 40 responses, and Gemini contributed 40 responses. These counts define how many recorded outputs from each assistant feed the coded comparison. They are evidence-volume markers, not scores for answer quality, subject expertise, reliability, or commercial value. Review them before interpreting differences so a visible pattern is not mistaken for stronger evidence than the underlying response set supports.
For buyers evaluating home services providers, the practical question is whether a cue is repeated across assistants or concentrated in one model's responses. A repeated cue can become a consistent question for every provider under consideration. A model-specific cue is better treated as a prompt for verification: ask for the relevant scope, evidence, responsibility, or reporting detail directly instead of assuming the assistant's framing reflects a shared standard.
Home Services model divergence
Treat disagreement as a signal to verify the buying criteria
For the matched questions and coded behaviors, the benchmark records average pairwise disagreement of 22.1% across questions and coded behaviors. That value summarizes how often coding differs at model level inside this study. It is not a correctness score, and it does not make agreement inherently trustworthy or disagreement inherently problematic. Its decision use is to highlight where a buyer may encounter different evaluation emphasis and should check the underlying point with prospective home services providers.
The study boundary includes 3 measured models, an expected set of 120 expected responses, and 0 missing responses. Read those measures together with the divergence result because they define the response set behind the comparison. Where assistants differ, turn the difference into due diligence: compare what is included, what evidence is available, who owns implementation, how progress will be reported, and which terms require confirmation. The assistant wording itself should not be treated as proof of provider capability.
Home Services buyer decision use
Convert the measured response patterns into provider questions
Begin with the observed 120 observed responses, then read the coded behavior comparisons as a map of questions worth testing during provider evaluation. Cues that recur across assistants can support a common review list, making it easier to compare providers on the same points. Cues that appear only in part of the response set should be treated as assumptions to investigate, not requirements created by the benchmark. This keeps the study useful without extending its findings beyond the recorded assistant outputs.
Before selecting support for a home services business, write down the business objective, the scope being considered, the evidence needed to assess fit, the work that remains with the internal team, and the way outcomes will be reviewed. Then ask each prospective provider for current, relevant detail on those same points. The benchmark can help expose gaps in the questions being asked, but the provider decision should rest on verified scope, applicable experience, implementation responsibilities, and accountable measurement for the business in question.
To compare these research findings with a separate service description, review the Home Services SEO overview. Keep the research benchmark and commercial scope distinct, then confirm deliverables, supporting evidence, ownership, exclusions, and reporting expectations directly with any provider before making a decision.
What this means
What this means for home services businesses.
ChatGPT is by far the most directive model, recommending professionals (87.5%), verifying credentials (32.5%), and suggesting multiple quotes (32.5%) at rates 2-3x higher than Claude or Gemini, meaning content optimized for ChatGPT's framing may not transfer to other assistants.
Gemini rarely asks clarifying questions (2.5%) and gives the least selection guidance across every category measured, producing shorter, less structured answers (258 words) that leave less room for businesses to be represented by proxy criteria like credentials or reviews.
Trust-and-safety guidance -- reviews (5-15%), red flags (7.5-12.5%), and credential checks (7.5-32.5%) -- is inconsistently surfaced by all three models, representing an open content opportunity for home services brands to fill via their own sites and listings.
The 22.1-point divergence index confirms that model choice materially changes the advice a consumer receives, so businesses should audit their visibility separately across ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini rather than assuming uniform AI behavior.
Use your own evidence
Turn the benchmark into a useful baseline for your own site.
Run a free technical audit, or use the short AI SEO quiz to identify which visibility questions deserve a deeper review.
Methodology
A controlled snapshot, documented end to end.
40 frozen benchmark questions, one expected response per model per question (ChatGPT API (gpt-5-mini), Claude API (claude-sonnet-5), Gemini API (gemini-3-flash-preview)), collected 2026-07-02 and coded against a fixed 12-behavior rubric. The pipeline validates the schema, recomputes aggregates and reports consistency issues. AI outputs vary with model version, location and time, so the figures describe this edition's exact sample and measurement window. Read the full methodology →
Citation
Cite this edition.
Authority Specialist. “AI SEO Statistics: Home Services (2026-07 edition).” AuthoritySpecialist.com. https://authorityspecialist.com/research/ai-seo-statistics/home