Terms of service

1. Acceptance of terms

By accessing or using LocalHandyman.work (the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform. These terms apply to all users — homeowners, service professionals ("Pros"), and visitors.

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. We will notify registered users of material changes via email.

2. Accounts & eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Provide accurate information during registration — misrepresentation may result in account suspension.

One account per person. You may not create an account on behalf of another person without their explicit written consent.

3. Marketplace role

LocalHandyman.work connects homeowners and independent service professionals. We are not the contractor and do not perform the work. We do not employ Pros; they are independent service providers who set their own rates, schedules, and scope.

We verify identity and facilitate trust signals (insurance, license, background check badges), but verification does not constitute a warranty, endorsement, or guarantee of workmanship. All services are provided between the homeowner and the Pro directly.

4. Bookings & payments

Bookings create an agreement between the homeowner and the Pro. The price shown on the booking confirmation is the agreed rate. Any scope changes should be agreed in writing via the Platform's message thread before additional work begins.

Payments flow directly between homeowner and Pro using the Pro's chosen payment methods. LocalHandyman.work is not a payment processor and does not hold funds on either party's behalf. For disputes involving payment, our support team can assist but cannot force chargebacks or refunds directly.

5. Reviews policy

Reviews may only be submitted by homeowners who completed a booking with that Pro through the Platform. Reviews must be honest, based on your direct experience, and may not contain discriminatory language, personal threats, or false factual claims.

Pros may not offer incentives (discounts, refunds, gifts) in exchange for reviews, and may not pressure homeowners to remove or change reviews. Review manipulation by either party is grounds for account suspension.

6. Prohibited use

You may not use the Platform to solicit business outside of it, misrepresent your credentials, post false reviews, harvest contact information for spam, or engage in any activity that violates applicable law. Moving a booking off-platform to circumvent our review and dispute system is a policy violation.

Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent ban without refund of any subscription fees.

7. Subscriptions for pros

Pro accounts require a monthly subscription (Basic $4.99, Pro $19, Elite $49). Subscriptions renew automatically. You may cancel at any time from your account settings; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. No refunds are issued for partial months.

We reserve the right to change subscription pricing with 30 days' notice to registered Pro accounts. Continued use after a price change constitutes acceptance.

8. Limitation of liability

The Platform is provided "as is." To the fullest extent permitted by law, LocalHandyman.work disclaims all warranties, express or implied. We are not liable for the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by Pros, nor for any damages arising from a booking, including property damage or personal injury.

Our total liability to you for any claim arising from use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid to us (if any) in the 12 months preceding the claim.

9. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.

10. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and notify active registered users by email. Minor changes (grammar, formatting, clarifications that don't affect rights) may be made without notice.

Questions about these terms? Contact us at support@localhandyman.work or via the contact page.