Thumbtack is one of the most-used home services platforms in the US. But Thumbtack is a marketplace, not a service company. If you've wondered whether to use Thumbtack or a company like Novum that actually employs its own crews, this comparison covers the key differences.
How Thumbtack works
On Thumbtack, you describe a job and independent contractors in your area pay Thumbtack to contact you and submit quotes. You review the profiles, check their reviews, and choose who to hire. The contractor is an independent professional — not a Thumbtack employee. Thumbtack earns money by charging contractors for leads and connections, not by doing any of the work.
How Novum works
On novumhs.com, you submit a service request describing your job. Novum calls back with an upfront flat quote. You approve it. Novum sends one of its own licensed, insured, background-checked employees to complete the job. There is no bidding process. There are no independent contractors. The person who shows up works directly for Novum.
The vetting question
Thumbtack does some contractor screening — identity verification and background checks for certain categories — but the depth of vetting varies and the contractor remains an independent third party. Novum's crews are employees who went through Novum's own hiring and training process. Their tools, insurance, and conduct standards are set and enforced by Novum.
- ✓Thumbtack: screens independent contractors to varying degrees
- ✓Novum: employs and trains crews directly to consistent standards
- ✓Thumbtack: contractor's own license and insurance
- ✓Novum: all crews covered under Novum's insurance policy
What happens if something goes wrong
If a Thumbtack contractor does poor work, the dispute is between you and that contractor. Thumbtack may offer a satisfaction guarantee up to a certain dollar limit, but the primary recourse is with the independent business owner. With Novum, there is one company to call: Novum. The Novum Guarantee covers all work, and Novum handles any disputes directly.
When Thumbtack makes sense vs. when Novum makes sense
Thumbtack is useful if you want to compare multiple independent bids, hire a specific local specialist you've found there, or find someone for a very niche task. Novum is the better choice if you want a single company accountable for the result, upfront flat pricing without a bidding process, and work guaranteed by the company rather than an individual contractor.
Bottom line
Thumbtack is a well-built marketplace, but it's still a marketplace — the company doing your job is a self-employed contractor, not a Thumbtack employee. Novum's model is different by design: one company, its own crews, one guarantee.
Need handyman work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.