A new app developed in Orlando is on the market to make life easier for homeowners when they are in need of some fast home repairs.
Alexander Hernandez is a 21-year-old computer programmer with a new job title as CEO and co-founder for Rapido, an app he created and just launched in late July.
"It's supposed to be very fast," Hernandez said. "You put in a work request for HVAC, plumbing, electricians, and we send out that work request to the first available company."
Users can download the free app and hire a skilled worker within the same day.
"We were trying to go for an 'Uber for service' type concept," Hernandez said. "The idea is that you can request service right now. Whatever the trade is, someone will be at your door."
Hernandez hatched the idea with his brother, who was looking for ways to fill up his calendar with jobs as an air conditioning repairman without spending too much on advertising.
Businesses connected to the Rapido app pay a fee each time a customer hires their business.
"Helping a lot of businesses get more business, and helping a lot of homeowners solve those everyday headaches," Hernandez explained.
Hernandez said he wanted the Rapido app to be different from other review-based websites. Not only does Rapido provide the reviews, but it also screens each company which opts to advertise their services — something companies like Orlando-based Comfort Zone Air Conditioning and Heating said will help weed out day laborers who may not have the proper training.
"You're always going to get a licensed and insured company," said Andy Martinez, an air conditioning installer for Comfort Zone. "Nobody that's not qualified to do the job."
For now, the Rapido app is only available in Central Florida, but in just one week, over 20 companies have created profiles advertising immediate service, and as of Monday, more than 140 people have downloaded the app.
Hernandez said while anyone can use his app, there is one target audience that he hopes to attract.
"The millenials getting out of college and buying their first home, and having no clue what to do when something goes wrong," Hernandez explained. "We want to be the app that helps them through that."