DIY No More: The Best 7 Handyman Apps That Will Change the Way You Hire Pros

Forget the frustration of DIY projects and the endless search for reliable handymen. The digital age has brought a solution straight to our fingertips, making it easier than ever to find skilled professionals for any home repair or improvement task. With a selection of apps designed to connect homeowners with expert help, you can say goodbye to the old hassles of hiring help and say hello to your professional handymen. Ready to make smart home care decisions with just a few taps?

TaskRabbit is an on-demand service app designed to help users efficiently find help with everyday tasks like moving, cleaning, and minor home repairs. It connects users with skilled 'Taskers' through a mobile-friendly platform, available on both iOS and Android. The app allows users to specify their task needs, select a Tasker based on pricing and reviews, and manage all interactions including payment within the app.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: TaskRabbit offers a straightforward interface that allows users to navigate the app easily, find services, and book Taskers.
• Wide Range of Services: From furniture assembly to yard work, the app covers a broad spectrum of household and personal task categories.
• Customizable Bookings: Users can customize their bookings based on their schedule and the specific details of the task.
• Secure Payment System: All payments are handled directly within the app for added convenience and security.
• Real-Time Updates: Users receive updates about their task status and can communicate directly with Taskers.

Advantages:

• Flexibility: TaskRabbit gives users the flexibility to book services at times that suit them.
• Background Checks: Taskers undergo background checks, adding an extra layer of trust and security.
• Immediate Assistance: The app often allows for same-day service, which is a significant advantage for urgent task needs.

Disadvantages:

• Service Fees: Users pay a service fee for each booking, which can add to the overall cost.

Overall, TaskRabbit's integration of features designed to facilitate the management of household tasks makes it a practical choice for those looking to outsource their to-do lists efficiently.

Thumbtack helps homeowners to easily manage and execute home improvement projects. It offers a streamlined platform where users can find local service professionals for a wide array of tasks, from minor repairs to major renovations. Available on both iOS and Android, Thumbtack provides tools that personalize the home maintenance experience, enhancing the ease and efficiency with which users can plan and oversee their home projects.

Key Features:

• Goal-Based Guides: Offers over 15 different guides, such as "Curb Appeal" and "Energy Efficiency," which provide tailored project recommendations along with valuable insights to help homeowners enhance their property's value.
• Actionable Plans: Users can manage home maintenance tasks, set reminders, track progress, and access a comprehensive comparison of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional, including timelines and cost estimates.
• AI-Powered Search: Utilizes advanced language models to interpret user queries and connect them with appropriate professionals quickly.
• Instant Booking: Enables users to book services directly through the app, simplifying the process of hiring professionals across more than 100 service categories.
• Communication Tools: Facilitates easy communication with service providers through features like one-click rebooking and direct messaging.

Advantages:

• User-Centric Design: Intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and use.
• Comprehensive Service Range: Covers a broad spectrum of home services, offering users a one-stop solution for most home care needs.
• Personalization: Customizable plans and guides adapt to individual homeowner needs, making project management more effective.

Disadvantages:

• Service Costs: While the app itself is free for homeowners, professionals pay to connect with potential clients, which could influence the cost of services offered.

Overall, Thumbtack is well-regarded for its comprehensive approach to home improvement and maintenance, providing an all-in-one platform that supports homeowners through every step of their project planning and execution.

Angi, formerly known as Angie's List, is a comprehensive platform designed to connect homeowners with local service professionals for a wide range of home improvement, maintenance, and repair projects. Available on iOS and Android, the app simplifies the process of finding qualified professionals by offering user-generated reviews and direct booking capabilities.

Key Features:

• Extensive Service Categories: Angi lists hundreds of professional services, from routine maintenance to complex renovations, making it easy for users to find the specific help they need.
• Fixed-Price Options: For many common jobs, Angi provides a fixed-price model which simplifies budgeting and hiring by offering a predetermined cost that includes the service.
• Project Guides and Plans: Users can access various resources to help plan and execute projects effectively, including detailed guides for different types of home improvement endeavors.
• Certified Pros: Professionals on Angi can become Angi Certified, indicating they have passed background checks and meet specific service quality standards.

Advantages:

• User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed for ease of use, allowing users to quickly navigate through services and find the right professionals.
• Robust Review System: With a wealth of reviews, users can make informed decisions based on the experiences of other community members.
• Direct Communication: Users can directly contact professionals for quotes and project discussions, streamlining the coordination process.

Disadvantages:

• Service Costs: While the app itself is free for homeowners, service professionals pay to be featured, which might influence the cost of services listed.
• Information Overload: Some users may find the abundance of options and information daunting when trying to select a service provider.

Overall, Angi offers a user-centric platform that enhances the process of finding and hiring home service professionals, supported by a strong community of users and a wide range of services. This makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to undertake home projects.

Handy.com is a user-friendly app that connects individuals with local service professionals for a range of home services, from cleaning to minor repairs. The app simplifies the process of booking and managing household tasks and offers clear pricing, easy scheduling, and secure payment options. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Key Features:

• Broad Range of Services: Handy.com offers an extensive array of home services including cleaning, furniture assembly, electrical work, and plumbing.
• Transparent Pricing: Users can view detailed pricing information upfront, helping to manage budget expectations.
• Easy Booking and Scheduling: The app allows users to book services at their convenience with just a few taps.

Advantages:

• Convenience: Handy.com provides a central platform to manage bookings, making it easy to schedule and reschedule appointments.
• Quality Assurance: Service professionals are vetted and background-checked, providing peace of mind for users.
• Customer Support: The app includes strong customer support features to resolve any issues promptly.

Disadvantages:

• Service Fees: Booking through the app may include service fees, which could increase the overall cost of services.

Overall, Handy.com is designed to offer a convenient and reliable way to manage home maintenance tasks, providing valuable services that can be easily accessed through its app.

Houzz is developed to facilitate home design and remodeling projects by providing inspiration, resources, and professional advice. Available on iOS and Android, Houzz allows users to explore over 25 million high-resolution photos of home interiors and exteriors, categorized by style, location, or room type, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to renovate or decorate their home.

Key Features:

• Extensive Photo Library: Browse millions of interior and exterior photos to gather ideas and inspiration for your own home design.
• Enhanced Search Functionality: The app includes a robust search tool that lets users filter results by specific features such as layout, style, or even the number of elements like islands in kitchens.
• Direct Communication with Professionals: Users can easily find and connect with architects, designers, and other home improvement professionals.
• IdeaBooks: Save and organize your favorite ideas into personalized collections.
• Real-Time Updates: Keep up with the latest in home design through constantly updated content and articles.

Advantages:

• User Engagement: Users can participate in the Houzz community, sharing ideas and getting feedback from both professionals and peers.
• Easy Access to Professional Help: The app simplifies finding and vetting home improvement professionals with user reviews and project portfolios.
• Global and Localized Content: Offers localized content for users in the UK, Australia, and other regions, with language and country-specific settings for a personalized experience.

Disadvantages:

• Search Function Issues: Some users find the search function to return mixed results when looking for specific ideas or solutions.
• Community Interaction: While generally helpful, the community feedback can sometimes be critical, which may deter users from engaging fully.

Overall, Houzz offers a wealth of resources and tools for anyone interested in home improvement, from browsing inspiring images to connecting with professionals who can help turn vision into reality.

Porch is a home management app designed to simplify the lives of homeowners by offering a wide range of services from moving assistance to home maintenance. Available on iOS and Android, it seamlessly integrates with your home inspection data to create personalized to-do lists and maintain detailed records of your home appliances.

Key Features:

• Inspection Report Integration: Automatically syncs with your home inspection report, allowing for streamlined tracking and maintenance planning.
• Custom To-Do Lists: Generate personalized task lists directly from inspection report data.
• Appliance Tracking: Keep detailed records of home appliances, simplifying maintenance and repair scheduling.
• Moving Checklist: Provides a customized checklist to help manage moving processes.
• Service Booking: Instantly book over 200 different types of home services directly through the app.
• Insurance and Service Comparisons: Offers tools to compare home insurance quotes and find the best local service deals.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive Home Management: Integrates various aspects of home management into a single platform.
• Personalized Experience: Tailors its features based on the specific needs and details of your home.
• Connectivity with Service Providers: Direct access to a network of vetted professionals for various home services.

Disadvantages:

• Initial Availability: Initially launched with some features limited to specific locations, such as Seattle.
• User Experience Concerns: Some users have reported issues with accessing stored documents and customer support responsiveness.

Overall, Porch aims to provide homeowners with a convenient and efficient way to manage their homes, from maintenance to moving, backed by a network of professional service providers.

Dolly connects users with local truck owners and helpers for moving and delivery tasks. This service is particularly useful for handling heavy or bulky items, providing a convenient alternative to traditional moving and delivery companies. Dolly is available on iOS and Android and focuses on flexibility and affordability, enabling users to get assistance on their schedule and within their budget.

Key Features:

• On-Demand Booking: Users can specify their moving or delivery details, receive an upfront price, and schedule services to fit their timeline.
• Real-Time Tracking: The app offers the ability to track the status of the delivery or moving task in real-time, enhancing the user's control over the process.
• Direct Communication: Users can directly communicate with their assigned helpers through the app, making the coordination smoother.
• Customer Reviews and Tipping: After the service is completed, users can leave reviews and tip their helpers, fostering a community of trust and appreciation.

Advantages:

• User Flexibility: Dolly provides significant scheduling flexibility, allowing users to arrange services according to their own timing and requirements.
• Cost Efficiency: The service is priced competitively, often offering more affordable rates compared to traditional movers.
• Vetted Helpers: Helpers are vetted to ensure reliability, although the level of vetting and the independent contractor model may vary in effectiveness.

Disadvantages:

• Reliability Concerns: As helpers are independent contractors, there might be variability in reliability and service quality. There have been instances where users faced challenges with helpers not accepting jobs last-minute.
• Limited for Large Moves: Dolly may not be suitable for more extensive moving needs, such as full-home moves, especially in areas where only labor (no truck) services are available.

Overall, Dolly is a practical solution for small to medium-sized moves or when needing to transport a few items. It offers a modern, tech-friendly approach to hiring moving help but with some limitations regarding the scope of moving services and the dependability of hired help.

Gone are the days of uncertainty and inconvenient scheduling. These apps have not only simplified the way we find and hire professionals but have also instilled confidence in homeowners, ensuring that every job, no matter how small or large, is handled with expertise and efficiency. So, embrace the convenience, embrace the expertise, and let these handyman apps change the way you manage home repairs.