Contractor Connection Consumer Service Program

The Contractor Connection consumer service program eliminates the hassle of obtaining multiple bids and eases the complex decision-making process involved in identifying a qualified contractor. With one click, you have a credentialed contractor - vetted by Contractor Connection - assigned to your project. This contractor will provide a high level of customer service at a fair and reasonable price using an industry approved estimating system.

If you decide to use a contractor outside of our network, make sure to protect yourself from fraud, financially unstable companies and other potentially risky situations.

Top 10 Tips to Protect Yourself
When hiring a contractor that isn't part of the Contractor Connection Network

	Using Contractor Connection	If you don't use Contractor Connection
#1 Proper Licensing	Contractor Connection handles the credentialing process for you, clearing you of the burden of having to personally verify the authenticity of the contractor license at time of hire.	Even if you unknowingly hire an unlicensed contractor and something goes wrong, there is very little recourse you have against them. Protect yourself and make sure to: Verify the contractor's license is up to date for the type of work required for your project. Know the difference between a contractor's license and a simple business license. This verification requires more than confirming a license number is listed on letterhead or a business card.
#2 Adequate Insurance	Contractor Connection conducts this process for you through a stringent credentialing procedure that requires all network members have a minimum of $1,000,000 general liability and other important insurance coverage.	When a contractor is not properly insured and something goes wrong while working in your home, you could be held liable. Stay protected: Confirm your contractor is adequately insured to include general liability and workers compensation at a minimum. Verifying insurance isn't easy and consists of more than a verbal confirmation from the contractor or their agent.
#3 Financial Stability	Contractor Connection conducts a financial screening for you by closely evaluating all network contractors' financial stability. We conduct an initial financial review as well as monitor quarterly credit reports.	Unfortunately, due to the current challenging economic conditions, it is difficult for some contractors to remain in business, jeopardizing the completion of the project and/or the validity of written warranties. You may be putting yourself at risk if your contractor goes out of business. Even though it may not seem feasible, it is imperative to run a credit check on the contractor to confirm financial stability before signing a contract.
#4 Professional Affiliations	While most contractors are willing to give you a list of references, it is unlikely you will be given a name of an unsatisfied customer. We reduce concerns regarding contractors' performance history. Contractor Connection maintains a performance history on all projects, looking for any violations or poor reviews and promptly acting if violations are found by removing repeat offenders.	Check which professional affiliations, if any, that the contractor belongs to and look for any red flags such as poor reviews, poor performance history or any ethical behavior violations. Check local Better Business Bureau for favorable or unfavorable customer feedback.
#5 Professional Company & Experienced Staff	Through our credentialing process, we ensure your assigned contractor is professional, reliable, trustworthy and experienced with home improvement. Network contractors are required to complete background checks on their employees who will be on site.	Confirm the contractor has a staff of experienced professionals. Run a criminal background check. Check that there is an actual business location with the appropriate equipment to complete your home improvement project. Confirm that the employees they're sending to your home have been properly screened and trained.
#6 Workmanship Warranty	Contractor Connection ensures all network contractors have signed a written contractual agreement indicating that they will provide a three-year workmanship warranty. If a contractor fails to honor this commitment, Contractor Connection assists in the resolution.	Discuss the offered warranty, if any, with your contractor and get it in writing. Ethical contractors stand behind their work and provide a workmanship warranty for at least a one-year period on most projects.
#7 Secure an Itemized Quote	As part of the Contractor Connection Quality Assurance program, all network contractors are required to use a common estimating platform, the same one commonly used by the insurance industry. This platform eliminates the need for you to gather multiple bids on the same project in order to ensure your bid is fair and reasonably priced.	Obtain an itemized bid that outlines the full details of the work that will be completed for your project. Compare the contractor pricing to other estimates as well as industry standards.
#8 Written Contract	Contractor Connection requires all network contractors use a thorough and comprehensive contract that protects the rights of all parties.	Carefully verify every element of the contract and make sure you understand it before signing. Have the contractor explain confusing terminology or vagueness and make sure the contract has: The start date. Warranty provision and terms. The total price for the project with a schedule of the payments or draws if required.
#9 Clear Communication	The key to a successful home improvement project is clear communication with the contractor on the project scope, price, start and completion dates and their management and oversight of workers. If a problem arises that the contractor cannot resolve to your satisfaction, the Contractor Connection program provides assistance in the resolution process.	Establish a clear and reliable point of contact should you have questions on your project. Make sure you have identified a resource to act as your advocate should issues arise.
#10 Making the Decision	There are a lot of factors that go into making the decision on hiring a contractor for your home improvement project. You should not make your decision on price alone.	A low bid could be an indicator of an unqualified contractor or use of poor quality of materials. Obtain multiple bids, making sure to carefully compare the scope of work to confirm all bids are estimating the same detail of work. Consider the overall quality of the contractor and level of professionalism.

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