House & Home
House Fly: The New Orleans Home Services Startup Creating a Buzz
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Published in House and Home on Sunday, August 10th 2025 at 5:47 GMT by NOLA.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
When a faucet is leaking or you need help cleaning around the house, most homeowners start the same frustrating ritual of Google searches, voicemail, and waiting for quotes that never
House Fly: Revolutionizing Home Services in New Orleans
In the vibrant city of New Orleans, where historic homes blend with modern living, a innovative startup named House Fly is making waves in the home services industry. Founded in 2022 by local entrepreneurs Sarah Thompson and Michael Rivera, House Fly aims to simplify the often cumbersome process of maintaining and repairing homes. Drawing inspiration from the agility and ubiquity of its namesake insect, the company positions itself as a nimble, on-demand solution for everything from plumbing fixes to electrical repairs, HVAC maintenance, and even minor renovations. The startup's tagline, "We Buzz In, Problems Fly Out," encapsulates its promise of quick, reliable service that "creates a buzz" among residents tired of unreliable contractors and long wait times.
At its core, House Fly operates as a tech-driven platform that connects homeowners with vetted, skilled professionals. Users can download the House Fly app or visit the website to request services, where an intuitive interface allows them to describe their issue, upload photos, and receive instant quotes. This digital-first approach sets it apart from traditional service providers, leveraging algorithms to match jobs with the most suitable technicians based on location, expertise, and availability. Thompson, a former software engineer with experience at tech firms in Silicon Valley, brought her expertise to develop the platform's backend, ensuring seamless integration with real-time tracking and payment systems. Rivera, a New Orleans native with a background in construction management, focused on building a network of local tradespeople, emphasizing quality and community ties.
The startup's origins trace back to the founders' personal frustrations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thompson recounts how a simple leaky faucet in her Garden District home turned into a weeks-long ordeal due to unresponsive plumbers. Similarly, Rivera dealt with hurricane-related damages that highlighted the gaps in the local service market. Recognizing New Orleans' unique challenges—such as aging infrastructure, frequent flooding, and the need for preservation in historic districts—they launched House Fly to address these pain points. The company prioritizes eco-friendly practices, encouraging technicians to use sustainable materials and offering incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, which resonates with the city's growing emphasis on resilience against climate change.
House Fly's services cover a broad spectrum. For routine maintenance, they handle tasks like gutter cleaning, pest control (ironically nodding to the company name), and lawn care. More specialized offerings include smart home installations, where experts integrate devices like thermostats and security systems. Emergency services are a standout feature, with a 24/7 response team promising arrival within hours for urgent issues like burst pipes or electrical outages. Pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees, and customers appreciate the flat-rate options that avoid the surprises common in the industry. To build trust, House Fly implements rigorous background checks, insurance verification, and customer reviews, boasting a 4.8-star rating on platforms like Yelp and Google.
What truly sets House Fly apart is its community-oriented ethos. Operating exclusively in the Greater New Orleans area, the startup partners with local nonprofits to provide discounted services for low-income households and veterans. For instance, they've collaborated with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to assist in post-storm repairs, contributing to the city's recovery efforts after events like Hurricane Ida. This hyper-local focus has fostered loyalty, with many customers becoming repeat users. Testimonials highlight the professionalism and speed: one Uptown resident praised how a House Fly electrician fixed a wiring issue in her 19th-century Creole cottage without damaging its historic charm, while another in Mid-City appreciated the app's ease during a midnight plumbing emergency.
The buzz around House Fly extends beyond satisfied customers. The startup has attracted attention from investors, securing seed funding from regional venture capitalists who see potential in the $500 billion U.S. home services market. Thompson and Rivera plan to expand the team from their current 20 employees to 50 by year's end, including more in-house technicians and customer support staff. Future enhancements include AI-powered diagnostics, where users can use their phone's camera to get preliminary assessments, and integration with smart home ecosystems like Google Nest or Amazon Alexa for proactive maintenance alerts.
Challenges haven't been absent. The competitive landscape in New Orleans includes established players like national chains and independent contractors, but House Fly differentiates through its tech edge and customer-centric model. Regulatory hurdles, such as licensing requirements for trades, have been navigated by ensuring all partners comply with Louisiana standards. The founders also address the city's labor shortages by offering competitive wages and training programs, drawing talent from local trade schools.
Looking ahead, House Fly envisions scaling to other Southern cities facing similar home maintenance issues, like Houston or Atlanta, while maintaining its New Orleans roots. Thompson emphasizes that the company's success lies in blending technology with the human touch—technicians aren't just service providers; they're neighbors helping neighbors. As New Orleans continues to evolve, House Fly is poised to become an integral part of its fabric, proving that innovation can thrive in even the most tradition-bound settings. With over 5,000 services completed in its first year and a growing waitlist for partnerships, the startup is indeed creating a buzz, transforming how residents care for their homes one swift visit at a time.
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