Where can you find the best contractors online? There's something special about being a homeowner and being able to transform the place you reside into exactly what you want. Remodeling can be magical for those who enjoy changing the look of a space or repurposing it for something different. Other home improvements aren't as much fun as necessary, such as replacing a leaky roof or a toilet. But they all have one thing in common - the need for someone who knows what they're doing.
Best Option
Networx stands firm on their mission to connect homeowners with qualified and trustworthy professionals and products. The company has helped homeowners find pros in 20 specialty areas since 2004.
They screen companies so you make an easier decision
Networx aims to act with speed, integrity, and ownership "even when it's hard." They want to earn your trust and deliver more value for their contractors and homeowners. Pros on Networx are required to carry appropriate licensing and maintain a high level of professionalism. The company uses background checks to monitor their contractors, even mentioning that if one is to be found with a serious conviction or becomes a registered sex offender, he will be promptly removed from their platform. Contractors' customer experience is paramount and all companies are searched for reviews regarding customers' satisfaction. We appreciate this level of investigation into pros that are being referred to work on our homes and wish more contract referral companies would commit to similar standards.
Helpful guides to ballpark cost for you
To help homeowners estimate the cost of a project, Networx provides numerous cost guides on different improvements you may seek. Click on one of the 80 projects listed and get an average cost for materials and labor. You can input your ZIP code and give more information about your desired project to get an emailed quote. Read on to find out the cost range and what would contribute to the differences in pricing. A helpful cost breakdown also gives you an idea of what to expect, such as materials, labor, clean-up, permit, and other fees.
Profiles only available with personal information
From the Networx home page or project listings, you can choose the job you're interested in getting quotes on. They'll ask for details if you choose to provide them. But to see any listings, you're required to provide your name, phone number, address, and email address. This is the only way to access a list of available contractors near you. From there you'll be able to look at their profiles, read reviews from previous clients, and see projects they've completed before comparing prices.
Other helpful features on the platform
One helpful feature of the Networx website is their blog, which includes articles advising you when to replace plumbing fixtures, how to move a refrigerator, the positives and negatives of hard water, and more home-centered tips. The articles are written in clear, friendly language, making it easy to understand the topic instead of filling it with technical jargon. Additionally, Networx offers a collection of first-person experiences from homeowners on topics ranging from lawn repair and tiling tips to advice for choosing a contractor and red flags or what to avoid when negotiating with a contractor.
Millions of happy homeowners
An accredited business with an "A+" rating by the BBB, Networx says millions of homeowners have used their network to connect with local contractors. Over 10,000 reviewers have rated this platform with 5 stars, raving about the quality professionals, great contractor service, polite customer service, and fair pricing received from the professionals they were connected with. One reviewer was impressed that Networx contacted them, despite the fact that it was a weekend, and led them through the process of getting contracted work completed. Another said she'd struggled to find a contractor on her own until she contacted Networx and was able to get the job done.
Our top pick once again
Taking into consideration the amount of time saved because referrals are vetted, it's easy to see why tens of thousands of homeowners are raving about the service pros Networx connected them with. We confidently place Networx as our top choice for online contractor referral services.
Great
If you've got a "task" to complete in your home, Taskrabbit has someone to help you. Boasting millions of projects completed, this company will help you to book trusted help to assemble furniture, move, clean, and complete other small home improvement jobs.
9 million tasks finished and counting
Over 36,000 5-star reviews rave about the service provided by Taskers on the Taskrabbit contractor platform. Started in 2008 as RunMyErrand, the company has come a long way in the past 15+ years. From simple help to skilled providers, Taskrabbit's "Taskers" have completed over 9 million jobs in 40 states, D.C., and seven other countries. The company was acquired by IKEA in 2017, providing furniture assembly for millions of people in need of assistance.
Vetted pros for your small home projects
The focus of this company is "transforming lives, one task at a time." Taskrabbit brings together those who need help with those who are ready, willing, and able to provide that help immediately. The Taskers are vetted and background-checked prior to joining the Taskrabbit platform, so you can be confident in the people you've invited into your home. Their customer service is available 7 days a week.
More than a referral service
Taskrabbit is not like other contractor referral services, leaving you to get the estimate and choose who to hire. Instead, you work directly with them to book the help from their pro Taskers. To get help with a small household task such as painting or flooring, click on what you want done in one of eight categories (assembly, mounting, moving, cleaning, outdoor help, home repairs, painting, and "trending"). Input your task location and answer a few questions (size of task in hourly estimate and details of the task). You'll be directed to Taskers who are available to work in your area. (We like that we're able to get some idea about price without providing too much personal information.) Filter the results by date, time, and hourly pay amount, reading profiles of those who want to help. They have a short bio and photos of their work, along with reviews from those who have used them. When you find a Tasker who fits your budget and other needs, select a date and time and get connected through your Taskrabbit account. You choose who you would like to work with based on your budget and other preferences while still staying on one platform.
App could use improvement
Taskrabbit has an app available for Android and iOS but the ratings are uneven, receiving just 2.7 in the Google Play Store and 4.7 in the Apple App Store. Hopefully the tech crew will make improvements to the Android version so everyone can easily access the Taskrabbit platform via app.
Pricing and payments through platform
The homepage of Taskrabbit lists popular projects and starting prices, including furniture assembly ($49 and up), minor plumbing repairs ($74 and up), and electrical help ($69 and up). Sign up for their email list to get $10 off your first task. Your card on file will be charged within 24 hours of the invoice after the job is done. A cancellation fee will be charged if you are unavailable for the task to be completed or they are canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled task (unless canceled within five minutes of booking). Same-day bookings that are canceled are also subject to this fee.
Guaranteed happiness
It's nice to have someone stand by their work and Taskrabbit does just that. They guarantee your satisfaction with their "Happiness Pledge." If you aren't satisfied with the job, they will work to make it right. When you book through their platform, you're covered with up to $10,000 for damages in the event that a task wasn't properly completed. That's comforting to know that they've got your back.
Other perks and projects performed
Aside from home improvement, Taskrabbit offers delivery help, mounting, cleaning, and more. Via this platform, you could hire someone to hang your Christmas lights, wash your car, and deliver some baby food for you. While that may not connect with the home improvement project you had in mind, it is an added bonus.
One downside we have to mention
However, the rating for the company Taskrabbit on the BBB is a dismal "F" for 335 complaints filed against the business. Some online reviews focus on terrible experiences with the platform, such as on Yelp where they have earned a terrible 1.2 out of 5 stars for dishonest Taskers and poor customer service experiences. Similarly, the complaints on the BBB website list concerning issues with Taskers not properly performing tasks they're hired to do. This is a huge decline compared to the last time we reviewed this company, which is disappointing. We hope Taskrabbit will address these problems quickly and improve their rating with the BBB again soon. Despite this, we feel the tens of thousands of 5-star reviews make Taskrabbit worth a high spot on our list.
Worth checking out
Taskrabbit is a solid choice for your smaller home improvement projects. While we are concerned about some recent issues with their rating from the BBB and some negative reviews, with over 36,000 5-star experiences for customers, Taskrabbit still deserves their spot near the top of our list.
Very Good
Ace Handyman Services (formerly Handyman Matters) is a network of locally owned and operated franchise businesses offering home improvement and maintenance services for over 1,162 projects. Entrepreneur magazine's Best of the Best of 2025 gave top honors to Ace Handyman Services, which has been in business since 1998.
Find your local franchise first
Enter your ZIP code to see if there is an Ace Handyman Services franchise in your area, and you'll be directed to one near you. The page not only provides a button to click for an estimate, but it also lists the phone number of the independently owned and operated business nearest you. There are reviews and a listed range of services available. Each listing will give a bit about the local franchise, such as how long they've been in business, photos of completed projects, accreditations, and customer reviews. If you choose to click for an estimate, you'll need to provide your contact information and planned project details to receive a free estimate. While each local franchise handles their own scheduling, the Ace Handyman Services website claims to provide "a seamless booking experience that fits your schedule."
Why choose Ace
Aside from the obvious name recognition, Ace Handyman Services offers to listen and solve your problem, respect you and your home as their own, and deliver on-the-way text notifications. They use only their background-checked reliable, uniformed professionals who are bonded and insured. Ace's "Like It's Our Home" promise even lists what that specifically means to them, including not smoking on your premises, wearing booties or removing shoes, over-communicating, and not requiring advance deposits for small or medium jobs.
No mark-up for supplies
Interestingly, Ace Handyman Services works on a time-and-materials pricing system, only charging for what they actually do. They will advise you on materials to buy and even help you make the shopping list if you want so you don't have to pay for marked-up supplies or for them to take the time to do the shopping. The downside is that they will not give you an exact price quote upfront, instead providing an approximate cost and timeframe. Also look at the bottom of your Ace Handyman Services location's page for a coupon to print which can save you money on the services you use.
No other options
With the Ace Handyman Services website, you only receive one local contractor, if there is one in your area. There is nothing to compare, so if you plan to get more than one quote for your home project - which most wise homeowners will do - you will have to contact other companies elsewhere.
Give them your list
The Ace Handyman Services are available to get those honey-do lists done with their special four-hour or eight-hour packages if desired. Their multi-skilled handmen are employees, not subcontractors. Not only can they do big projects, they can get all of your small ones done. There are also other "package" options, including pet doors, accent walls, TV mounting, and kitchen backsplash.
Website bonuses
The Ace Handyman Services website offers some free resources for homeowners. A checklist for selling your home, another for contractors, and home tips and tricks can make it easier to navigate home improvements.
Craftsmanship guaranteed
While individual franchise pages noted there was a guarantee, we noticed they were listed differently depending on the Ace Handyman Services location. However, on the main page, it says that they provide a one-year craftsmanship guarantee on their work (and on supplies if they purchase them for you). With the backing of Ace's trusted name, the company boasts they offer trustworthy service from "helpful folks" with a fully insured, professional local team to serve you.
Look at local page reviews
Individual franchise locations are reviewed on their own across online review platforms as well as rated and accredited (or not) by the BBB separately. We looked at different locations and noticed that some were accredited with high rankings while others weren't and had low grades. Some reviews mention friendly and knowledgeable workers at a reasonable cost, while others complain of bad experiences. Each location's Ace profile page lists reviews, so be sure to read those, as well as doing a location search on Yelp, Google, or Trustpilot when available.
Ace is still the place to find a helpful handyman
Ace Hardware's trusted name in the industry for over a century lends credibility to this service of individual companies adhering to the overall franchise standards. We like their unique method of not charging for supplies you could buy yourself and only charging for the time the project takes them. All together, this earns Ace Handyman Services a spot on our list of recommended contractor referral services.
Good
Calling themselves the "easy, reliable way to take care of your home," Handy offers 10 different categories of services to help homeowners. Started by college students who sought quality handymen to help with their renovation projects in 2012, Handy aims to be the easiest and most convenient method of finding household help across most major cities in the United States and into Canada and the United Kingdom.
Millions of completed projects
Previously named Handybook, Handy boasts millions of completed bookings throughout their worldwide platform. Offering cleaning, handyman, plumbing, furniture assembly, and more, if you're looking for help with a task around the house, they likely can connect you with a screened pro to do it.
Focus on safety
What sets Handy apart from some of the other platforms is that they screen the independent professionals who complete work for you through Handy instead of just giving you a referral. They say pros are experienced and will arrive on time, which you know is a big plus if you've ever waited to receive any kind of service. Rest assured that handyman and cleaning providers you book and pay for through their platform have been background checked and completed credential verification. However, Handy also says they can't guarantee licensing for handyman services because their pros are independent service providers. (This feels a little frustrating for those wanting to work with qualified professionals.)
Hard to know if they're near you
The Handy website lists all of the cities they serve but has no way to search for yours without scrolling or choosing the closest metro city. We clicked on Chicago and then had to scroll to the bottom of the page before it would give us a link to all neighborhoods served in this metro area. Since it's such a big area, it's possible not all services are available in all of the suburbs. It's frustrating to have to search another list of neighborhoods and suburbs in alphabetical order with no search bar only to find out your city isn't included. There has to be a better way to allow customers to see if your service can help them find home help.
How it works for small projects
Once you click on a city, you can browse their lists of providers by service offered. Choose what type of smaller project you're looking for and you'll be shown a listing of the service. Profiles include a small photo of the Handy worker, first name and last initial, star rating, number of jobs completed, and a brief bio of the type of work done. Customer reviews are at the bottom of the page. However, you will be assigned the "best professional available" based on the time and date of your request. We like all of this information... but then we find that we don't get to choose our pro? Not our favorite.
Finding your contractor
When your booking goes into the Handy system, they share it with their network of pros who are then able to claim it if it suits their preferences. If you like a specific pro, you can add them to your team in the mobile app and they will be requested first for future bookings. Handy will give you instant pricing once you choose an appointment time and allow you to book and pay for your appointment, though you will be required to provide an email address for this. Before you are actually given a price, you must also include your full name and phone number. While Handy claims this is a "seamless 60-second booking process," we found that many unanswered questions kept us from wanting to book with them (such as unclear cancellation fees until you dig for the information).
The process is different for major home projects
When you choose a home project that requires something Handy workers don't do (bathroom remodeling, for example), you'll be taken to a general page which permits you to request a quote marked "powered by Angi" (the company acquired Handy in 2018; see their separate review on our list). The webpage gives information about the project, how Handy connects you to professionals, a breakdown of possible costs, and some frequently asked questions; you may also be asked for more information about your task and when you would like service.
Hybrid platform can result in matching without comparison
Unlike some other contractor service companies, since it's a hybrid platform Handy doesn't allow you to compare prices for most of their small services. You are just given a quote for service and matched with someone to do the work for you. This is different when you choose from the home improvement projects that go through Angi, where instead you're given quotes for the work based on your answers to their questions plus anything you wish to add. To get the quotes, you must include your full name, phone number and email address. Angi will then give you the quotes. You cannot see the pros prior to this step. We would definitely prefer to see some information before providing ours.
Happiness guaranteed for their work
The Handy Happiness guarantee states that they want to match you with the right pro every time. Unsatisfied due to quality? They say they'll send another pro at no extra charge for your next booking. If your property is damaged, Handy is insured and will take care of you (but be very aware that the terms of service limit the amount of financial loss and say that your homeowner's insurance is considered to be primary over their secondary policy).
Communication with your Handy pro on small tasks
Prior to your booking, you will be given a phone number for your Handy professional using a masked number system for the safety of everyone involved. In-app chat is also open within 24 hours of the job start time. Available on Android and iOS, the app has decent ratings, with Google Play users ranking it just 3 stars out of 5, while Apple App Store reviewers give it 4.1 out of 5 stars. Reading the reviews makes it clear that some are rating the Handy service and not the app, so if you're going to use Handy, try the app for easier booking, communication, and payment.
Customer service options
Providing customer service, Handy has your back. Their helpful team is just a call or click away. Their phone is only open during certain hours, though live chat is available 24/7.
Cancellation can cost you
After seeing references to a cancellation fee, we did some digging to find out how much it was. Eventually we discovered that rescheduling or skipping a booking with Handy's service will incur a $25 fee - if you cancel or reschedule within 2 to 24 hours of the booked start time. Any closer to your booking time and you'll forfeit the entire booking fee; the same goes for a missed appointment fee. We are not crazy about this policy, since life happens.
Mixed reviews raise concerns
Handy is not accredited by the BBB but has an excellent "A+" rating from them with less than a dozen complaints in the past year. Across online review platforms, Handy receives mixed reviews ranging from 1 to 4.1 stars out of 5. With over 12,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, we would love to highly recommend this company, but thousands of Yelp reviewers have rated the company 1 star, leaving us to wonder why there is such a discrepancy between service experiences. Many experienced no-shows or were frustrated with assigned Handy pros. Others raved about excellent, friendly service and quality work.
Just above average for contract work
There are some things we like about Handy, such as tens of thousands of 5-star reviews, their vetting of pros for small projects, and the easy booking process. However, we don't like the clunky website, using Angi to refer work for major home projects, and the many 1-star reviews we found. As a result, Handy is a mid-range option for finding contractors online.
Good
Porch says they can help you with "moving, improving, and everything in between." Started in 2012 as a way to make homeownership easier, this service is focused on providing solutions to the most common problems with just a click or call.
More than home improvement help
For those who want more than finding a professional to complete a home project, Porch offers a place to compare insurance quotes (via phone call), book movers, compare TV and internet deals, compare home security systems, schedule handyman services, book an inspector, and more. To utilize Porch, answer a few quick questions about the project so they can determine pricing and the right pro for your job. Then they'll match you with one of their pros or recommend someone in their network.
Porch pros do the work or refer you to their network
Porch makes it convenient to request assistance for multiple household tasks with one form, providing help at fixed hourly rates through their Porch services. These pros are all vetted and background checked, trained to complete the desired task, and licensed and insured where required. They are able to complete smaller tasks like mounting a TV, replacing a faucet, or performing lawn care. A price is quoted upfront, and all of the details are handled by Porch. For larger jobs like remodeling, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC, Porch's home assistant guides you through the request process, permitting you to compare up to 4 pros on your larger jobs by reviewing details (licensing, reviews, response rates, years in business, and other important considerations) before hiring.
Selecting your contractor
If you're satisfied with the Porch Pro Network offering, the assistant can either book for you or give you the freedom to directly contact your pro. Unlike some companies which openly display listings, you'll have to provide your contact information to get the pro referrals. Keep in mind, Porch doesn't do any vetting of the pros in their network and suggests it's your responsibility to check on them prior to making a hiring decision. We find this to be added work and wonder about the point of the network. Why should we look at your pros if you don't bother to check them out for us?
Price matching and satisfaction guarantee
Porch promises the most competitive pricing on the market. If you get a quote from another local, background-checked professional, Porch will match it with their own pros. Their Property Protection Plan covers work performed by pros in the network. Porch will help recover costs for damage or unfinished work while allowing up to $1,000 for losses, though not covered are quality of work, project delays, payment disputes, and more (so read the fine print). When you search for a service, if this is included, it'll be noted. The Porch Guarantee Satisfaction Promise applies to services directly performed by their Porch pros. It says that if it's not right the first time, they'll fix it or refund your money. That's a lot to keep straight but essentially, if they do the work, they'll price match and guarantee your satisfaction, while jobs completed by their network pros may be covered by a protection plan.
Compare up to four bids in the network
In order to get more than one quote, Porch will provide up to 4 pros for customers to contact through their Porch Pro Network. Pros connect via phone, text, or email to discuss, and the project page on Porch's platform is a place to track conversations as well as update project status and leave reviews on the pros you hire. It's up to customers to do the comparison and vetting.
More reviews needed
An accredited business by the BBB, Porch has earned an excellent "A+" rating for their company with less than 90 complaints in the past three years. Reviews across online platforms are mixed, however, ranging from one place where under 70 reviews give them an average of 2.19 stars up to another where they average 3.8 out of 5 for 1,500 reviews. Pleased customers rave about their great customer service and professional contractors, whereas unhappy contractors blasted their leads and customers complained of no-show pros. Since they have so many different offerings, it's hard to accurately gauge their Porch services and Porch Pro Network (too many other services reviewed). Before being confident in recommending them, we'd like to see significantly more positive reviews on both of these aspects of Porch.
Might be worth a look
With so few reviews available to give us an idea of their Porch Pro services, it's hard to give a hearty recommendation of Porch as a contractor referral platform. However, we like that they review their in-house pros and provide both a price match and guarantee satisfaction. As a result, we place them above average as a choice to consider when looking for home improvement help.
Average
Covering every county in the United States, Thumbtack shows you only local, trusted pros to work on your home maintenance, remodeling, and other essential home services in 500 categories for jobs of all sizes. They act as a matchmaker between contractors who have services to provide and people who want to hire them.
All types of jobs and information
Not just for home improvement, Thumbtack offers pet sitters, photographers, and personal trainers. If you're looking for help, they want to assist you in locating the professional you need. The website also features how-to articles to help homeowners fix their clogged sink, stop procrastination, or check for water-damage on siding. Their simple wording without use of technical jargon is easy to follow and may save you from needing to hire a service professional. If not, they've got their service to direct you to someone in your area.
Browse profiles to look for what you need
A way to connect service providers with clients in need, Thumbtack gets you started with a few questions about the job that you want done. Without giving any personal information (though the website automatically detects your location through the browser if you use one that logs you in like Google Chrome), you are able to see profiles of numerous pros in your area. Details included include number of times hired through Thumbtack, years in business, number of employees, background checks, payment methods, customer reviews, photos of their work, and more. Some give a price estimate while others have you contact them for a price.
Choose your contractor
Thumbtack is confident that their profiles provide all of the information needed to make a hire and get the work done. In the past we noted that the company listed if a pro was licensed, but either that feature has changed or we did not see any licensed plumbers or other contractors in our area (less likely). Keep in mind that it's up to you to decide if the pro you choose will meet your needs and expectations. Thumbtack encourages you to get proof of the contractor's insurance before beginning projects. They say that safety is their top priority but that it's up to customers to verify these things prior to hiring a pro on their platform.
Some pros are guaranteed
If the job isn't done as agreed, Thumbtack offers a guarantee to provide up to $2,500 back. Look for the graphic indicating that the pro you're considering has this guarantee (it's a blue shield near the request estimate button). We're not sure why all pros aren't covered under this policy, but if you want extra protection, only consider these options.
Millions of projects with mixed reviews online
With over 300,000 local service businesses, Thumbtack says their professionals have completed over 12 million 5-star projects. They are not accredited by the BBB but have earned an "A" rating, the slight downgrade resulting from over 1,000 complaints filed against the business. These complaints are mainly from unhappy contractors who aren't satisfied with their leads, though there are also clients who had trouble with the people they hired. Across online review platforms, customer feedback for Thumbtack is poor overall. From a dismal 1.5 to an average 3.1 out of 5 stars from 7,500 reviews, we're not very impressed. While the pleased customers rave about quality of work and professional behavior, unhappy users rant against substandard work and destruction of personal property.
Just okay
While Thumbtack offers a sleek website with plenty of information, we dislike having to do extra research on the contractor referrals we're given. Despite their claims of millions of excellent ratings, what we found was just average. Though Thumbtack may connect you to a professional, we prefer other options that do the contractor vetting for us.
Fair
With over 3 million professionals listed, Houzz boasts that they provide the best experience to match 100,000 or more homeowners with pros monthly. Started in 2010, the platform serves as a community to help both industry pros and home design enthusiasts.
What makes Houzz different
With AI powered software for professionals to use and countless resources for those seeking to do something new in their home, Houzz provides inspiration, products, and the people to make your home renovation dreams a reality. Browsing the site, you can view professionals in six categories - remodeling, renovation, outdoor, services, appliances and systems, and cleaning services. In home remodeling, you can find the general contractors you seek plus architects, home builders, cabinetry, and more. Electricians and plumbers can be found in appliances and systems, and they even offer contractors like painters, closet designers, and handymen. The company has expanded their offerings since we last reviewed them, offering many services a homeowner may need, including tree removal, installing an appliance, or working on your driveway. It seems Houzz has upped their platform offerings to meet the myriad of needs homeowners have to make their living space work for them.
Their hiring guide can direct you where to begin
We love that Houzz doesn't assume you know what you're doing when looking for help. They offer a hiring guide and project checklist to help you through the planning, pricing, and project completion. Different jobs are explained to help homeowners know the difference between professionals (architects, interior designers, design-build firms, and general contractors), so you can hire those who can do what you need without wasting time. Frequently asked questions about topics including common pricing structures, budgets, and timelines are addressed. You can also browse listings on your own to see finished projects, credentials, and read client reviews. Some profiles mention benefits such as quick response, years in business, online consultation, custom work, and even 3D visualization.
More filter options
Filter listings by pro category, location, project type, style, credentials/awards, budget, business highlights, languages, and rating. Alternatively, they will ask you a few questions and connect you with the pros best suited for your job. Tell them what you need to do, give a general project timeline, and rank price versus quality. Then give your name, email, and project address before you can receive the results. Remember, this is not required to just browse the listings, but it can help you narrow them down if you're overwhelmed with the variety offered. Once you've chosen someone you want to contact, the Houzz website offers an easy way to send the pro a message right on their profile page.
Fancy online home improvement phone book
There is nothing on the Houzz website to tell how professionals are chosen to be in their directory. According to one of their own VPs in a pro tips newsletter, pros "creating a free professional profile on Houzz automatically" are listed in the online directory. They explain that they use an algorithm to connect homeowners with nearby professionals and encourage pros to make their profiles as complete as possible to be considered for searches, noting that paid listings are also permitted. So, while Houzz seems to be great at first, it's just a fancy online phone book of contractors.
Cost calculator is helpful tool
Houzz is free to use to connect you with the professional of your choice. They say that using their platform permits you to hire the right person for your home project with confidence. Also of help is the cost calculator on the website to give you an idea of how much to expect to pay for a project.
Highly-rated app
Houzz has an app which allows users to share images with their friends and pros, make a virtual ideabook, learn about decorating or remodeling, view DIY tutorials, get advice from the community through discussion boards, find pros, and shop for products. It's an added benefit that even earned mention on "Today" as a favorite app and was listed in Time's 50 best iPad apps. Available for both iOS and Android, the app has excellent ratings, and it's free. If this sounds a bit like Pinterest, that's a valid comparison, as the contractor listing platform has been compared to the visual link-saving website, serving as a place to provide lots of inspiration for homeowners.
Ratings for contractor service are limited
Houzz is accredited by the BBB and has received an "A+" rating, despite over 500 complaints in the past three years. Ratings range from 1 star to 4.4 out of 5, with over 17,000 reviews. The Houzz platform also has home products for sale, and that seems to be a point of both many problems and pleasant experiences mentioned by reviewers. However, one person wrote about her poor experience using the platform for finding a home contractor, mentioning communication failures, unexpected financial demands, and unmet expectations in workmanship quality.
Other options provide better results
If you want to browse window treatments and flooring options, Houzz may be the place for you. However, if you want to hire a trusted and vetted professional for your home improvement project, we recommend looking at the top-ranked contractor platforms on our list first.
Subpar
With a mission of helping people love their homes, Angi (previously Angie's List) has been connecting contractor professionals with homeowners since 1995. They started their platform at the beginning of the dot-com boom and were at one time the go-to place to find a contractor.
Millions served by their contractor referrals
For over 30 years, Angi has been in the home improvement connecting business. They claim that every second someone turns to them for help with a home project, resulting in over 150 million homeowners assisted with 500+ home services.
Upfront about everything on this platform
The focus at Angi is booking home services in an instant with upfront pricing and instant booking if desired. Alternatively, you can request and compare quotes from highly-rated professionals in your area. Pros on the platform are screened to ensure you receive a qualified home service professional connection from over 1,000 pros. Each pro's listing has verified customer reviews to help you make your decision on who to hire. To be Angi Approved, they must pay to advertise on the platform, have a review, maintain an average of 3 stars or higher, pass a criminal background check, and maintain applicable licenses. We appreciate that they do the work so we don't have to.
No listings without personal information
To get a quote from Angi, click on one of the featured projects or fill in the search bar to find the top-rated pros available in your area. Answer some basic questions about the job you'd like done for you and then provide your personal contact information before you are given your pro listings. There is no way to browse their pros without completing this step.
Price guides and transparency to guide you
Price transparency is a key feature on Angi, saying they want to be sure the pricing you receive is fair and upfront. Saying they've done the homework for you, Angi also mentions that you can search member pricing guides to compare similar home projects. It's also recommended that you get a minimum of three quotes before choosing a pro. Their price guides are offered free to your inbox if you provide your email address.
Happiness guarantee for customers
Customers who book and pay with Angi are covered by their Happiness Guarantee, which states that the project is covered for up to the purchase price plus limited damage protection.
Concerning complaints
Though Angi has been around for so long, the lack of rating from the BBB for this unaccredited business is concerning. Apparently they are considering a pattern of complaints for Angi, which is the same as the status from the last time we reviewed them. According to the BBB regarding the pattern of complaints, consumers allege that Angi provides false or outdated leads, fails to clearly disclose contractual terms and service details, avoids responding to calls for refunds or previously mentioned issues, suggests unreliable or poor quality professionals, and charges unexpected fees. The company responded to the BBB with denial that there is a pattern of complaint and even said "the vast majority of our customers do not experience these issues." However, the numbers speak for themselves with over 2,300 complaints in the past three years. Over 3,000 separate customer reviews on the BBB website rate Angi with 1.96 out of 5 stars, which is consistent across online review platforms where the company has received average ratings of 1.5 to 2.9 out of 5 stars from over 9,200 reviews, nearly half being 1-star reviews. Complaints mentioned bad or unfinished work, dishonest contractors, and unqualified workers being sent for jobs. With so many people complaining about the service, we cannot recommend them either.
Needs to improve
At one time Angi was the place to get a recommended contractor, due to their vetting process and other policies. However, concerned about the complaints in recent years, we urge you to look elsewhere to find your contractor referral.
Pro Referral is home improvement hardware giant Home Depot's contractor referral platform. Founded in 2008 as Redbeacon, the company was acquired by Home Depot and became a way to serve their customers better.
It's just what the name suggests
The Pro Referral service helps homeowners find local pros for home improvement projects. While you will get the names of qualified pros from them, that's it - this is simply a referral service. The pros themselves don't pay for the leads in this program; instead, their loyalty-based Pro Xtra Account points are exchanged for the referrals.
Easy to use
From carpentry work and masonry to landscaping and house cleaning, Pro Referral can connect homeowners with a local pro to do needed work on their house. Fill out the request form by describing the work needed to be done and then Pro Referral will match your request with qualified pros. When you are shown the list of pros, click on each to view the full profile, though in quick view you can see a small photo, a star rating from those who have used the service, insured status, and certified status. To learn more, click on the listing and you'll see a full list of services the professional offers and read customer reviews. Choose up to five to connect with, submit your personal contact information, preferred method of contact, and see what they can do for you. Keep in mind that this is a referral program, and it's possible not to have a pro available in your area for the task you need done.
Matching you to nearby contractors
Using an algorithm to match your contractor request with the top three qualified local pros, Pro Referral only sends you relevant and local professionals who meet the criteria of your project. Once you submit a request, you can expect to receive a confirmation email and then be contacted by the matched pro within 24 to 48 hours of your request. They suggest you take your time and compare the pro options you received, along with their pricing estimates and verification of licensing. All further contact goes directly through the hired pro, including coordination of schedules, contracts, and payments.
Pros are background checked but...
As a mandatory part of the program, all professionals have background checks performed when joining and periodically throughout, but they don't guarantee that they are up-to-date at all times. Insurance, bonding, skill sets, and licensing are not verified by Pro Referral, who encourages you to do your own research. While we appreciate that there is a background check, it doesn't seem sufficient if it's a one-and-done process.
Satisfaction guarantee offers refund
While Pro Referral says they can't guarantee the quality of work or materials, they are sticking behind their pro referrals. A $500 refund is possible for those who receive an unsatisfactory referral.
Worrisome complaints and limited reviews
Pro Referral is not accredited by the BBB but has an excellent "A+" rating. However, some of the complaints are a bit worrisome about pro referrals which were made and turned out to be for unqualified or unsafe contractors, including one with a long criminal history. Since Pro Referral makes no claims about those they connect you with, except that they were once background checked, this is always a possibility. Having less than 30 reviews for the Pro Referral service online makes it difficult to judge, but more than half of those are 1-star reviews. Some customers were pleased with the referral and subsequent service provided, though many more are irate about disastrous work performed or being scammed by dishonest referrals.
Not your best choice
While Pro Referral can connect homeowners with a local pro who was once background-checked, their credentials aren't verified, which means this is just a step up from an online bulletin board of contractors. Considering the troublesome complaints and limited reviews, we suggest looking at the higher ranked options to find an online contractor referral.
Poor
Since 1976, CertainTeed Saint-Gobain has been known for the insulation, drywall, siding, and other products they manufacture. They also have a contractor program to help bolster credentials for pros who use their products. As a result, CertainTeed offers homeowners and businesses the opportunity to find a credentialed pro to help with some projects.
Limited offerings found here
If you'd like to have residential or commercial roofing, solar roofing, siding and trim, or insulation products and systems installed, navigate to their "find a pro" page where CertainTeed asks you a few questions. Choose the project, location, and contractor option (find your own or have them contact you). When you choose to find your own, you're shown three options in your area, with the opportunity to filter by customer rating, credentials, and distance from your location. This low-frills matching shows the minimum information about each pro: name, location, phone number, services, and credentials. If they have a website, that may be listed. Click on up to three contractors to contact for an estimate on your home project, provide your personal contact information, and receive your estimates for projects to be completed using CertainTeed products. If you want anything else done on your home, you can't find a contractor here and you'll need to look elsewhere.
Earning credentials may equal extended warranties
CertainTeed doesn't endorse or recommend the service pros on their platform, though they say they "take certain steps to examine the credentials" of the listed professionals. Contractors may complete specialized training courses with CertainTeed, which provides added benefits for both the contractors and those homeowners choosing to use them. For example, using a credentialed contractor may offer extended manufacturer warranties.
Website offers tips on using their products
Offering how-to help on their website, CertainTeed says their instructional videos show how easy it is to use their products. Also, they have articles to help you hire a contractor, winter-proof your home, and budget for a siding project.
Customers complain about the warranty
CertainTeed is not accredited by the BBB and has an "A-" rating due to not responding to a complaint. On the BBB platform, multiple complaints regarding the quality of their materials are mixed with charges of the company not honoring their warranty. We only found a few reviews on an online platform and they were ranting about the warranty issues, including the ominous warning, "Stay away from this company at all costs!"
Look elsewhere for your contractor
Offering only select services to those who want specific products installed, CertainTeed is unable to meet the needs of most people seeking a contractor online. Reports of the company not honoring their product warranty leads us to recommend that you choose another more helpful contractor referral company from the top of our list instead.
Continued from above...
There's something special about being a homeowner and being able to transform the place you reside into exactly what you want. Remodeling can be magical for those who enjoy changing the look of a space or repurposing it for something different. Other home improvements aren't as much fun as necessary, such as replacing a leaky roof or a toilet. But they all have one thing in common - the need for someone who knows what they're doing.
Most people who know their DIY limitations seek professionals when a job is too big for them to handle or they lack the skills necessary to complete it properly. At that point, they look for a contractor to do the work. But how do you find someone who is both qualified and trustworthy to do a job?
That's where contractor platforms come in. Whether you're seeking a handyman or a skilled electrician, these online services exist to connect homeowners to professionals, typically for no cost to the homeowner. Looking online for a contractor has replaced scanning newspaper advertisements in recent years. Yet not all referral services are created equal.
Because there are so many platforms promising to match you with the right expert, it helps to understand how they work behind the scenes. Some services simply maintain large directories of professionals and leave most of the vetting to you, while others pre-screen contractors for licensing, insurance, and customer satisfaction. The more you know about a platform's process, the easier it becomes to feel confident that the person you hire will show up, communicate clearly, and finish the project the way you expect.
Homeowners also appreciate the convenience these platforms bring to the early stages of a project. Instead of making dozens of phone calls, you can submit a brief description of the work you need and let contractors reach out to you. Many services even allow you to compare quotes, read verified reviews, and see photos of past jobs in one place. This takes much of the uncertainty out of choosing the right professional and helps you move forward with a project feeling far more prepared.
There are many factors to consider when comparing these services. Here are the top factors to consider when you check out places to find a contractor or other qualified help for work on your home:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we want to help you find the right person to take care of your home projects, so we've reviewed and ranked the best sites to find contractors for hire. Our hope is that this information leads you to the perfect person to complete your home projects so you can sit back and enjoy your living space once again.
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