Finding the Right Worker : The End Result can fill your order for almost any household job--and there’s no charge for the service.

The phones have been ringing off the hook at The End Result, which isn’t surprising, since this is a referral service for all kinds of work around the house. Teddie and Karen Kessie, a mother-and-daughter team, work from dawn to dark at their home, helping people find people when they need help.

Whatever you need, from a chimney expert to a tile worker to beginning or master carpenters, the referral charge to the consumer is zip. The tradespeople pay The End Result a small fee: 10% or less of the profit they realize from a job.

“We work out a fair arrangement with the workers and are careful that the consumer doesn’t get a bigger bill because of it,” Teddie Kessie said.

She and her daughter make it up in volume. “When you have several jobs out there a day, it adds up fast,” she said.

Apparently, it’s enough to allow a staff of three assistants and a living for the Kessies.

Over the last 10 years, I have used The End Result on about 15 occasions. Only once did I get a job done that was less than terrific, and that was by a painter who was very reasonable and very speedy, but also very myopic. When I pointed out where he had missed a few spots, he didn’t object, but just repainted them. Fourteen out of 15 isn’t bad.

During the first few days after the 6.6 quake, the majority of calls to The End Result were for experts who specialize in chimney repair, block-wall repair, glaziers, plumbers and inspectors of all kinds. The End Result was able to fill the orders.

On file at The End Result’s office is information and references on all its 400 listings, 100 of which are on the active list. When a call comes in, it’s simply a matter of matching the worker to the job. The consumer then places the call and sets up an appointment.

The screening process begins with an informal interview, allowing Kessie to get a view of the worker’s overall personality. Three current references are required, and both Karen and Teddie Kessie believe that they have a handle on what questions reveal someone’s true character.

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“There are clues,” Kessie said. “One expert closet organizer told me his wife thinks he’s a schnook because he leans over backward to give his clients whatever they need. She shouldn’t pick on him; he’s a wonderful worker, and his business will thrive.”

The End Result staffers work closely with contractors and try to fit the type of contractor to the client’s needs. If the first referral doesn’t work out, they’ll be happy to suggest another. Most of their referrals are licensed and bonded, but should there be a problem, The End Result will act as mediator. Its tradespeople cover the San Fernando Valley west to Thousand Oaks, the San Gabriel Valley, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and the Westside.

Remember, there is no referral charge to the consumer. It’s like having a friend with a finger on the pulse of the workplace.

Where and When What: The End Result. Location: 13061 Hartsook St., Sherman Oaks. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Call: (818) 784-1572.