Handvetted and HomeGuide both help you find a local professional. The difference is what happens next: HomeGuide shows you a list of matching professionals and you contact them, while Handvetted sends one verified professional for your specific job.
- HomeGuide shows you a list of professionals matching your search; you reach out to the ones you like.
- Handvetted matches you with one licensed, background-checked professional and offers a free rematch if it is not right.
- Handvetted's four checks: license confirmed through official registries, background screening, verified 4.5-star ratings, human approval.
- HomeGuide holds a 3.2/5 rating on Trustpilot; read recent reviews on any platform before you commit.
- Both are free for homeowners.
How HomeGuide works for homeowners
You enter your location, the service you need, and project details. HomeGuide shows a list of professionals that match your search preferences, and you contact them directly. The platform describes itself as a lead generation and booking platform for pros; from your side, the experience is a directory-style list you sort through yourself.
How Handvetted works
You describe the project, timeline, ZIP code and budget range. Handvetted selects one verified professional based on the project, location and qualifications, and briefs that professional before contact. Every business passes four checks before you ever see it, published on the Handvetted standards page: an active license confirmed through official state registries, background screening of every owner and principal operator, verified ratings of 4.5 stars or higher across review platforms, and a human reviewer on every application. If the match is not right, a rematch is free.
Which one fits you
| HomeGuide | Handvetted | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A list of professionals to contact | One verified professional, briefed on your job |
| Vetting | Standard marketplace listing | Four checks, including background screening and human approval |
| Your effort | You compare and chase responses | You review one introduction |
| If it is not right | Keep searching the list | Free rematch |
| Cost to you | Free | Free. Always |
What to check on either platform
- Does the professional carry an active license for your state and trade?
- Can they show a certificate of insurance?
- Do recent reviews describe work like yours?
- Is the scope, price and warranty in writing before work starts?
Our guide to roofing contractor warranties shows what a written warranty should say.
FAQ
Is HomeGuide free for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners submit a search and contact professionals at no cost; professionals pay for the connection.
Is Handvetted free for homeowners?
Yes. The service is free for homeowners, always.
What is the main difference between Handvetted and HomeGuide?
HomeGuide gives you a list to sort through yourself. Handvetted sends one professional who has passed four verification checks, and offers a free rematch if the match is not right.
Does Handvetted background-check professionals?
Every owner and principal operator of every business on Handvetted undergoes background screening before the business is approved.
What if the Handvetted match is not right?
Tell Handvetted what did not fit and it will rematch you at no cost.
Get Matched
Tell us what you need. We will find your pro. Get Matched.