5 popular handyman apps reviewed

Sometimes it's hard to find time to accomplish all the household jobs on your ever-growing list. With the aid of technology, help is not far away. A surge of new apps have arrived to make hiring a handyman quick and easy. Whether you want someone to weed your flowerbeds, or need a helping hand to get that big TV on the wall, one of these handyman apps could help you get the job done.

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Android 3.7
Apple 4+
How it works: After setting your location, the Task Rabbit app leads you through a menu of task categories, but also provides a search box for free text, so you can type in exactly what service you're looking for. Once you find the task you need, you can add details about your specific job, your location, and when you need service.
What's it good for? Task Rabbit can connect you with people to assist with deliveries, event services and cleaning, as well as handyman help. Its handyman services include furniture assembly, TV mounting & picture hanging, heavy lifting, painting, yard work, carpentry, and electrical and plumbing work. You can use Task Rabbit in major cities including New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and more.

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Android 4.3
Apple 4+
How it works: The Housecall app starts with a menu of services, which opens up to reveal the provider options. You can see the names and pictures of the service providers in your area, plus the rates they charge for each job, reviews, and their ETA from your location. Click on a provider and either request immediate service, or schedule for sometime later.
What's it good for?: Located in San Diego and planning for expansion, Housecall connects professional service companies with local customers. They can handle the big jobs, like professional carpet cleaning, plumbing, painting, or hanging a wall mounted TV. These are not anonymous odd-jobber types, but skilled professionals, with companies and reputations to protect.

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Android 4.4
Apple 4+
How it works: Once you set your location in the ServiceX app, you can scroll through available services. Once you've selected a service, the app shows how far a provider is from your location, and what they charge. It charges by the minute, ranging from .25/minute for general handyman help, to $2 for professional tradespeople. You can use the job cost estimator to get an idea of what the job will cost. Then, input your payment information to request service.
What's it good for?: Located in the Washington D.C. area, and expanding to parts of CA, ServiceX wants to be the Uber of home services. It offers general handyman services as well landscaping, house cleaning, painting, plumbing, electrical, heat & air, moving, deliveries, and pet sitting.

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Android 4.7
Apple 4+
How it works: The Takl app is simply broken down into a menu of different chores. Select your major category, like yard work, hauling away, or electronics & tech, and then navigate through the menu specifics. The charges for each chore are clear, and all you need to do is sign in and confirm the job you want done to receive services. 
What's it good for?: Based and available in Nashville, TN, Takl is best for light household tasks -- things that don't require a permit. They won't do electrical or plumbing work, but can they unclog your sink or change a light bulb? They sure can. Chores like lawn mowing, cleaning baseboards, or taking down the Christmas tree are all among the 500+ chores you can contract on Takl. Anything that takes less than 2 hours and costs less than $200 is fair game.

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Android 2.9
Apple 2
How it works: The Handy app allows you to choose from 5 major categories (Home Cleaning, Handyman Services, Plumbing, Electrical, and Interior Painting). Choose from a selection of services (picture hanging, or knobs & locks, etc.) provided, and it will prompt you to input your zip code, and provide specifics regarding the job you need done. There's a free text section for extra details. You schedule the date and time you need services, then input your contact and payment information to complete your reservation. 
What's it good for?: Operating out of 35 major cities in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., Handy offers general handyman services as well as electrical, plumbing, interior painting, and home cleaning. Moving help, furniture assembly, hanging window treatments, and air conditioner installation are also among the most popular menu items on the app.