Simple. Transparent.
No surprises.
Hourly rates, one transparent fee, and every question you might have — answered in one place.
Three things on every invoice
Each handywoman sets her own hourly rate within recommended ranges. You see her rate before you book, and your final invoice reflects actual hours worked. Rates vary by skill and service type.
One transparent fee supports the Safety Meet & Greet™, vetting (background checks and insurance verification), customer support, and our mission. That’s it.
Per hour, if you choose to add a learning session. Your handywoman earns $20/hr extra for teaching. You walk away with real skills.
All services carry a 2-hour minimum. Materials billed separately at cost. Tips always appreciated and go directly to your handywoman.
Here's exactly what you'd pay
Two real scenarios showing how the pricing breaks down.
3-Hour Painting Job
She earns: $210.00 + tips
4-Hour Shelving + Shadow a Pro
She earns: $260.00 + $80 teaching + tips
Booking Questions
How do I book a handywoman?
Describe your project through our platform, browse matched handywomen, select one, and complete the Safety Meet & Greet call. Once both of you confirm you’re comfortable, the booking is locked and your handywoman arrives on the scheduled date.
What is the Safety Meet & Greet?
A private 10-minute video call inside the app between you and your handywoman before every first-time booking. Calls are never recorded, you join with your first name only, and neither of you sees the other’s phone number or email. You introduce yourselves, confirm the scope of work, and make sure you both feel comfortable. Either party can decline without penalty. Repeat bookings with the same handywoman skip this step.
Is there a minimum booking?
Yes, all services have a 2-hour minimum. This ensures your handywoman has enough time to do thorough, quality work and makes the trip worthwhile for her.
Can I request a specific handywoman?
Absolutely. Save your favorites and rebook them directly. Repeat bookings with the same handywoman skip the Meet & Greet since you’ve already been introduced.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations made 24+ hours before the scheduled job are free. Late cancellations may incur a fee to compensate the handywoman for her reserved time. Emergency situations are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Pricing Questions
What does the Safety, Trust & Insurance Fee cover?
The Safety Meet & Greet scheduling system, handywoman vetting (background checks and insurance verification), customer support, quality assurance, and our mission to support women in the trades. It’s one fee. No hidden charges.
Does my handywoman really keep 100% of her rate?
Yes. The Safety, Trust & Insurance Fee is charged to you on top of her rate — not deducted from it. If she charges $70/hour, she earns $70/hour. Period. Plus 100% of tips and $20/hour for Shadow a Pro sessions.
How do I pay?
Payment is processed securely through the platform via Stripe after the job is complete. You can add a credit or debit card. Your invoice shows the handywoman’s rate, hours, the Safety, Trust & Insurance Fee, and any add-ons as separate line items.
Are materials included?
Materials are billed separately at cost. If you’d like your handywoman to source materials for you, a small coordination fee (10–15%) applies. You approve all material purchases before they’re made.
Can I tip my handywoman?
Always welcome and always appreciated. Tips go directly to your handywoman — we take nothing from tips. You can tip through the platform after the job is complete.
Safety Questions
Is my handywoman insured?
Yes. Every handywoman carries her own general liability insurance, either an existing policy or one from a provider such as Thimble, and we verify her certificate before her first job and again before every booking. Hometown Handywomen does not insure jobs itself; per-job insurance is something we hope to offer in the future.
What if I’m not comfortable after the Meet & Greet?
Tap “Decline — I’d prefer a different match.” The booking is cancelled with no penalty, no charge, and no negative review. We’ll offer you alternative handywomen. The same option is available to the handywoman.
Are handywomen background-checked?
Yes. Every handywoman completes a background check through a third-party provider as part of the onboarding process, in addition to skills assessment and a personal introduction conversation.
Learning Questions
What is Shadow a Pro?
An optional add-on where you learn alongside your handywoman during any service call. She completes the job and walks you through every step — why she’s doing it that way, what tools she’s using, and the knowledge you’d need to confidently handle it on your own next time. $30/hour added to your booking.
Does the job still get done if I add Shadow a Pro?
Yes. The shelves still go up, the wall still gets painted, the garden still gets planted. Shadow a Pro adds a teaching layer on top of the service — it doesn’t replace it.
Is Shadow a Pro covered by my handywoman’s insurance?
Shadow a Pro sessions happen during a normal booking, so they fall under the same general liability policy your handywoman carries. The exact coverage depends on her policy, so ask her if you have questions.
Bigger Project Questions
What if my project is too big for a handywoman?
Our Trusted Partners Directory connects you with women-owned licensed contractors, architects, designers, and engineers who’ve been personally vetted for values alignment. Your handywoman can refer you, or you can browse the directory directly. Browsing and contacting partners is free.
Are Trusted Partners insured through Hometown Handywomen™?
No. Trusted Partners carry their own general liability and workers’ comp insurance, which we verify before listing and re-verify annually. You hire them directly — the contract is between you and the partner.
Still have questions?
Reach out anytime. We respond within one business day.