KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown startup company Handibee Sdn Bhd aims to shift the perception of home warranty by serving as a single contact point for all handyman services, simplifying the management of home maintenance.
While many homeowners in Malaysia are relatively new to the concept of a home warranty, the company’s value proposition is multifaceted.
Through its Handibee Home Warranty service, the company offers comprehensive financial protection against significant home malfunctions.
Furthermore, its services are calculated hourly, distinguishing itself from regular quote-based pricing models.
This calculation method eliminates the need to negotiate costs, making the repair process transparent.
Selected plans offered by Handibee have added complementary services, and all repairs come with a 30-day guarantee.
Homeowners have peace of mind knowing that their homes are maintained efficiently and reliably.
Despite its beginnings as a start-up, Handibee is bold in crafting its business strategy centred on leveraging and adopting technological innovations to offer seamless and preventive home maintenance solutions.
Chief executive officer Mohamed Shakir said Handibee is committed to exploring and integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into its systems and services.
“By integrating AI into our system, we can develop preventive maintenance schedules that proactively address and prevent potential breakdowns before they occur.
“This approach enables us to navigate potential disruptions, which positions us to lead the home service industry through innovation.
“Our investment in IoT technology ensures homes are maintained efficiently. The focus on preventive maintenance helps us establish long-term relationships with homeowners, as we offer them peace of mind and unparalleled reliability in the market.
“Our focus on technology and innovation ensures we remain at the forefront of the home warranty industry and continuously improve our services to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Mohamed Shakir told The Exchange Asia in an interview.
The company can enhance its diagnostic capabilities and service delivery by integrating AI and investing in IoT technology.
Response time is quick, pricing is transparent, and plans can be customised.
“To retain customers, we focus on delivering superior service quality. We leverage technology to offer personalised and efficient maintenance solutions and engage with customers through feedback and continuous improvement processes,” he said.
Mohamed Shakir said the subscription-based home service market is witnessing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours.
He said Southeast Asia, in particular, has a growing demand for convenient, reliable, and transparent subscription-based home services.
“In post-pandemic times, we observe trends in property ownership and investment such as increased rental rates, changing home-buying behaviours, and a shift towards digital services.
“These trends present an opportunity for Handibee to redefine home maintenance by offering subscription-based warranties that provide financial protection, convenience, and peace of mind,” Mohamed Shakir said.
Despite the potential growth of subscription-based home services, the industry has its fair share of challenges.
Mohamed Shakir revealed that Handibee’s biggest challenge is changing homeowners’ traditional mindsets toward embracing subscription-based home warranties.
To address these challenges, Handibee has a three-angled strategic plan to increase awareness and adoption of home warranties.
First, the company is engaging in educational campaigns to highlight the benefits and value of its services.
Second, the company will form partnerships with property developers and residential associations, and third, it will boost its marketing efforts by utilising social media marketing to reach a broader audience.
When navigating the challenges of subscription-based home services, Mohamed Shakir acknowledges that government regulations and policies are potential catalysts for promoting sustainable practices and consumer protection within the home service industry.
“Handibee advocates for regulations that recognise the value of home warranties in enhancing the quality of life for residents.
“By working alongside government agencies, we establish a framework that supports the growth of the home warranty sector, ensuring it serves the best interest of consumers and contributes to sustainable residential maintenance practices,” says Mohamed Shakir.
He added that Handibee is actively exploring new service offerings to broaden its impact.
One such initiative is the development of a builders’ warranty for house developers. This warranty extends the defect liability period, providing homebuyers with added protection and peace of mind.
Additionally, Handibee is considering entering the market of renovation home warranties, protecting homeowners from risks associated with renovation projects.
These new ventures align with its mission to provide comprehensive and reliable home maintenance solutions.
“Our immediate expansion plans involve solidifying our presence in the Malaysian market and extending our services to include integrated products that combine home insurance with warranties.
“Following this, we aim to expand our footprint to Singapore and Brunei before exploring opportunities in Indonesia and Thailand with tailored home warranty solutions.
“This phased approach allows us to adapt our offerings to meet the specific needs of each market, ensuring our services resonate with homeowners across Southeast Asia,” Mohamed Shakir said.
