1. Platform Overview
| 🏠 Platform |
📅 Launched |
🚀 Focus |
🛠️ Service Model |
| Houzz 🏡 |
2009 |
Interior design, remodeling, pro services |
Search pros, view portfolios, message directly |
| Thumbtack 🖌 |
2008 |
Home services, events, personal services |
Clients post job, pros respond via lead system |
2. User & Pro Ratings
| 🌟 Platform |
🔍 Trustpilot |
🔎 Sitejabber |
📜 ConsumerAffairs |
| Houzz 🏡 |
4.4/5 |
2.1/5 |
3.8/5 |
| Thumbtack 🖌 |
3.6/5 |
1.8/5 |
1.5/5 |
🔔 Complaints:
-
Houzz: More focus on design; slower responses for handyman-type tasks
-
Thumbtack: High cost per lead, variable pro quality, slow customer support
3. Services Offered
| 📋 Category |
🏡 Houzz |
🖌 Thumbtack |
| Handyman |
✅ |
✅ |
| Plumbing |
✅ |
✅ |
| Electrical |
✅ |
✅ |
| Interior Design |
✅ |
❌ |
| Remodeling |
✅ |
✅ |
| Landscaping |
✅ |
✅ |
| Pest Control |
❌ |
✅ |
| Events / Personal Services |
❌ |
✅ |
4. Quick Service Comparison
| 🔖 Service Category |
🏡 Houzz |
🖌 Thumbtack |
| Home Design |
✅ |
❌ |
| Remodeling |
✅ |
✅ |
| Verified Handymen |
✅ (via listings) |
✅ (based on reviews) |
| Business Variety |
✅ High-end focus |
✅ Broad service range |
5. How Each Platform Works
| 🔄 Step |
🏡 Houzz |
🖌 Thumbtack |
| Search |
Browse pro profiles, contact directly |
Post job, pros respond with quotes |
| Booking |
Message and hire through profile |
Accept a quote or contact pro |
| Payment |
Off-platform |
Off-platform |
| Communication |
Direct messages |
Multi-pro chat interface |
6. User Experience
| 🔎 Feature |
🏡 Houzz |
🖌 Thumbtack |
| Project Inspiration |
✅ Extensive gallery |
❌ Minimal visuals |
| Response Time |
❌ Slower for small jobs |
✅ Faster quote turnaround |
| Profile Quality |
✅ High-detail listings |
✅ Varies by pro |
| Job Control |
✅ Pick from listings |
✅ Control who replies via filters |
7. Pricing and Costs
| 💸 Cost Element |
🏡 Houzz |
🖌 Thumbtack |
| Client Fees |
Free |
Free |
| Pro Fees |
Subscription, ads |
Pay-per-lead (Direct Leads auto-charged) |
| Price Transparency |
✅ Often shown |
❌ Only after pro responds |
| Visibility Control |
✅ Via portfolio/ad upgrades |
✅ Based on quote response time and quality |
8. Pro Verification & Quality
| 🕵️ Platform |
Background Checks |
Badges |
Verified Reviews |
| Houzz 🏡 |
❌ Optional |
✅ “Best of Houzz” |
✅ Verified post-job |
| Thumbtack 🖌 |
✅ Available |
✅ “Top Pro” badge |
✅ Verified post-hire |
9. Rating & Review System
| 🌟 Platform |
Rating Type |
Review Source |
| Houzz 🏡 |
5-star system |
Verified customers |
| Thumbtack 🖌 |
5-star system |
After client hires & completes job |
10. Pros and Cons Summary
| 🔄 Platform |
✅ Pros |
❌ Cons |
| Houzz 🏡 |
Great for design-focused projects, detailed portfolios |
Slower handyman hiring, less active small-job market |
| Thumbtack 🖌 |
Wide service variety, faster responses |
High lead costs for pros, occasional lead quality issues |
Need a handyman who blends quality with reliability?
Murmulini provides expert handyman services for repairs, installations, and small remodels — with guaranteed satisfaction or your money back.
Serving Houston, Spring, Katy, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land.
