Is HouseTom free for homeowners?
Yes. HouseTom is free for homeowners. You can search, compare, request, and book without paying anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions people ask before they start.
How does HouseTom make money?
We charge contractors a small success fee only when a job closes. Every pro can start free at 8% on closed jobs with no monthly cost. An optional membership buys that rate down: Pro is $99/month and 4% on closed jobs, Elite is $199/month and 2.5%. There is no up-front contact charge and no minimum fee. We do not charge homeowners and we do not sell phone numbers.
Are all workers licensed?
No, because not all work requires a license. Some work requires a licensed specialist. Other work may fit a skilled local handyman. HouseTom tries to make that distinction clear before you call. Handyman-style workers will be background-checked before their first job, and state-license information is shown where it applies.
What is handyman-style help?
Handyman-style help means local workers who can handle smaller jobs that do not require a licensed trade. Background checks will be part of onboarding, so every worker in this category will be background-checked before their first job. This is not a replacement for licensed contractors. It is for the everyday work homeowners still need done.
How do you help me avoid overpaying?
We show pricing context and fair-price guidance so you can compare before you book. We do not promise the lowest price or a guaranteed quote. We help you see what is fair.
How do I get help with an urgent job?
Post the job through our single request flow and describe what is happening, including that it is time-sensitive. We route it to one available pro or handyman-style worker who fits, never a broadcast to many. We do not run a separate emergency dispatch and we do not add surge pricing.
Why might HouseTom ask for payment information?
Some pros use a service-call or visit deposit. When that applies, HouseTom may collect payment information before the intro. That screens out fake calls and no-shows, which helps pros keep those costs out of everyone else's price. Any visit deposit is credited against the final bill.
What if the job is bigger than expected?
The pro can send an estimate, invoice, or change order through HouseTom. You review and approve it before additional work or payment, and any visit deposit shows as a credit. HouseTom is not the contractor, escrow, or guarantor of the work; your agreement is with the pro you hire.
When is my phone number shared?
Your phone number stays private until you choose to request a specific pro or handyman-style worker. Searching our site does not blast your contact information to a list of companies.
What areas do you serve?
HouseTom starts in West Michigan: Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo counties.
How much do contractors pay?
Homeowners always pay $0. Contractors pay a success fee only when a job closes — there is no up-front contact charge and no minimum fee. Three tiers are open to any pro by volume: Free is $0/month at 8% on closed jobs; Pro is $99/month at 4%; Elite is $199/month at 2.5%. The membership buys your success-fee rate down — it is not a charge for names or phone numbers. No annual contract; change or cancel anytime.
How is HouseTom different from lead sites?
Some shared-lead systems charge pros for contacts, clicks, calls, or quote opportunities before anyone knows whether the job will close. HouseTom charges contractors only after closed work. On HouseTom, a Pro pays 4% only on work that closes, and the model is built around one qualified recommendation at a time.