Short answer
HomeAdvisor, now powered by Angi, matches your request with pros. You fill out a free request form, and HomeAdvisor sends it with your contact information to three or four pros, who contact you directly. Pros pay for those leads. Runhome is a service that handles the repair for you. You send photos, Runhome prices the job for your ZIP code, calls vetted contractors, negotiates, and sends you one price to approve. Then it schedules the work and follows up until the job is done.
Choose HomeAdvisor if you want several pros to reach out to you quickly. Choose Runhome if you want one point of contact who makes the calls, checks the price, and manages the job, so your phone doesn't ring with sales calls.
Runhome and HomeAdvisor side by side
| Topic | Runhome | HomeAdvisor |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A home repair service that handles the job for you, from the first photo to the finished work. | A lead-matching service, powered by Angi, that connects your project request with local pros. |
| Who does the legwork | Runhome calls the contractors, compares and negotiates their pricing, and schedules the work. | HomeAdvisor sends your request and contact information to three or four pros. They contact you, and you compare them and hire one. |
| Cost to you | The estimate is free. If Runhome handles the job, you approve one price that includes a management fee, usually around 10% on small jobs and up to about $100 on bigger ones. | The request form is free. You pay the pro you hire directly. |
| How it makes money | From its management fee. Runhome doesn't charge contractors for leads or sell your information. | Pros pay to receive leads, which are homeowner requests that match the services and areas they choose. |
| Pricing before you commit | A price estimate for your ZIP code in minutes, then one negotiated price to approve. | Cost guides show typical prices. Your actual price comes from the pros who contact you. |
| Contractor checks | Runhome checks licensing where the law requires it, insurance, and service history before it sends a contractor. | HomeAdvisor's screening page points to Angi's rules: the business owner passes a criminal background check, and the business attests to holding required licenses. |
| If something goes wrong | Runhome manages the job and follows up with the contractor until the work is done. | Angi's Happiness Guarantee covers pre-priced services booked and paid through Angi. For other projects, you work it out with the pro. |
| Extras | Prices every item on a home inspection report, reviews contractor quotes you already have, and manages recurring services. | Pro reviews, project cost guides, and a rewards program for project requests. |
Choose Runhome if
- You don't want your contact information sent to several pros at once.
- You want one price that has already been checked against local rates.
- You have a home inspection report or a contractor quote you want priced or checked.
- You want the repair scheduled and followed up until it is finished.
Choose HomeAdvisor if
- You want several pros to contact you quickly.
- You are comfortable fielding calls and comparing pros yourself.
- You are planning a large project and want to interview several contractors.
Common questions
- Is Runhome cheaper than HomeAdvisor?
- It depends on the job. HomeAdvisor is free to use, and you pay the pro you hire. Runhome negotiates with contractors on your behalf and adds a management fee, usually around 10% on small jobs and up to about $100 on bigger ones, inside the one price you approve.
- Will several contractors call me?
- Not with Runhome. You deal with Runhome, and Runhome calls the contractors and books the one that fits. On HomeAdvisor, your request and contact information go to three or four pros, who contact you directly.
- Who helps if the repair goes wrong?
- Runhome manages the job and follows up with the contractor until the work is done. On HomeAdvisor, Angi's Happiness Guarantee covers pre-priced services booked and paid through Angi. Other projects are between you and the pro.
- Can I use Runhome and HomeAdvisor together?
- Yes. If a pro from HomeAdvisor already sent you a quote, upload it to Runhome and Runhome will tell you whether the price and scope look fair for your area.
- Does Runhome work everywhere HomeAdvisor does?
- Runhome takes jobs across the United States wherever it can line up vetted contractors, which covers most US addresses. Start a free estimate and Runhome tells you right away whether it covers your home.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: About us
- How HomeAdvisor works for contractors
- HomeAdvisor screening, which points to the Angi FAQ
HomeAdvisor is a trademark of its owner. Runhome is not affiliated with HomeAdvisor. Details about HomeAdvisor come from its public pages and can change.