Typing 'plumber near me' or 'house cleaning near me' into a search engine returns a confusing mix of local businesses, national platforms, and marketplace apps. Not all results are the same kind of service. Before you pick, it helps to understand what you're actually getting — and what questions to ask.
Two types of results dominate home service searches
When you search for home services, results fall into two categories. First: companies that actually perform the service using their own employees. Second: platforms that connect you with independent contractors and take a fee for the introduction. Both look similar in search results, but the experience — and accountability — is very different.
How to tell which is which
Read how the service provider describes itself. A company that employs its own crews will say things like 'our plumbers,' 'our cleaning crews,' or 'our employees.' A marketplace will say things like 'we connect you with top local pros,' 'find trusted contractors,' or 'get up to 5 quotes.' The language gives it away. Also look for: does the company offer its own guarantee? Does pricing come from the company or from the individual contractor?
- ✓'Our plumbers come out same-day' — company model
- ✓'Get matched with local plumbers' — marketplace model
- ✓'Backed by the Novum Guarantee' — company model
- ✓'Contractor satisfaction guaranteed' — marketplace model (limited)
Why the model matters for you
If something goes wrong with an independent contractor from a marketplace, your recourse is with that individual. The platform may offer some dispute support, but they didn't do the work. If something goes wrong with a Novum job, you call Novum — one company, full accountability, a guarantee. Which type of service you prefer depends on how much you value that accountability vs. the flexibility of comparing multiple contractors.
What questions to ask before booking
Before booking any home service, ask four questions:
- ✓Are the workers employees of this company or independent contractors?
- ✓Will I get an upfront price before work starts?
- ✓Is the work guaranteed, and by whom?
- ✓Are the workers licensed and covered under the company's insurance?
Novum operates its own crews in 39 US cities
Novum Home Services is a home services company — not a marketplace. It employs its own licensed, background-checked crews across 39 major US metros and provides 20 service categories with upfront flat pricing and the Novum Guarantee. If you're searching for home services near you, Novum is a direct contractor option in most major US markets.
Bottom line
Not every 'home services near me' result is the same. Some are marketplaces, some are real companies. The difference matters when something goes wrong or when you want to know exactly what you'll pay before someone starts working. Asking the right questions before booking takes 60 seconds and tells you everything you need to know.
Need handyman work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.