Frequently Asked Questions

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Find answers to common questions about finding contractors, our verification process, costs, and how cntrctrs works.

General Questions

What is cntrctrs?

cntrctrs is a contractor matching platform that connects homeowners with verified, licensed professionals for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. We verify every contractor's credentials before listing them, making it easy for homeowners to find trusted professionals in their local area.

Is cntrctrs free for homeowners?

Yes, absolutely! Homeowners never pay to use cntrctrs. You can browse contractors, request quotes, read reviews, and connect with professionals completely free. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or charges. Contractors pay to be featured on our platform, but that never affects our verification standards.

Where is cntrctrs available?

We currently serve 500+ cities across the United States. You can check if we have contractors in your area by using our location search. We're continuously expanding to new markets and adding more verified contractors to our network.

What types of contractors do you feature?

We currently focus on three core home services: HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), Plumbing (repairs, installations, emergency services), and Electrical (repairs, panel upgrades, wiring). These are the most commonly needed home services, and we're expanding to additional categories in the future.

Finding & Hiring Contractors

How do I find contractors in my area?

Use our location search to browse contractors in your city. Select your location, choose the service type (HVAC, plumbing, or electrical), and view profiles of verified contractors. You can read reviews, check credentials, compare services, and request quotes directly through our platform.

How do I request quotes from contractors?

Once you find contractors you're interested in, you can use our quote request feature to describe your project and send it to your selected contractors. You control who receives your information—we never spam multiple contractors with your details. Contractors will respond directly with their quotes and availability.

How many quotes should I get?

We recommend getting 3-5 quotes for major projects (installations, replacements, major repairs) and 2-3 quotes for smaller jobs. This gives you a good sense of fair market pricing and allows you to compare contractors' approaches, timelines, and professionalism. Avoid simply choosing the lowest bid—consider quality, experience, and reviews.

What should I ask contractors before hiring?

Key questions: (1) Are you licensed and insured? Ask for proof. (2) What's included in your quote? Labor, materials, permits, cleanup? (3) What's your warranty on workmanship? (4) What's your timeline? When can you start and finish? (5) Can you provide references? Recent jobs similar to mine? (6) Who will be doing the work? Employees or subcontractors?

Contractor Verification

How do you verify contractors?

We verify every contractor before listing them. Our process includes: (1) License verification - confirming active, current license with state boards, (2) Insurance confirmation - verifying liability and workers comp insurance, (3) Reputation check - reviewing ratings on Google, Yelp, Angi, and BBB, (4) Business standing - confirming registration and checking for major complaints. Only professionals who pass all checks are approved.

Can I trust contractors on cntrctrs?

While we thoroughly vet contractors before listing them, we encourage you to do your own due diligence too. Read reviews carefully, ask for references, get detailed written estimates, and verify insurance. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, move on to another contractor. Our verification is a strong starting point, but you should feel comfortable with whoever you hire.

What if I have a problem with a contractor?

Contact the contractor directly first to resolve issues. Most problems can be solved through clear communication. If you can't reach a resolution, document everything (contracts, photos, communication) and consider: (1) Filing a complaint with your state licensing board, (2) Leaving a detailed review to warn other homeowners, (3) Contacting your homeowner's insurance if there's property damage, (4) Consulting with a consumer protection attorney for serious issues.

Do you monitor contractors after they're listed?

Yes. We monitor contractor reviews, licensing status, and complaints on an ongoing basis. If a contractor's license expires, they receive multiple serious complaints, or their rating drops significantly, we may suspend or remove their listing. We're committed to maintaining a quality network of professionals.

Costs & Pricing

How much do common home services cost?

Costs vary widely by service, location, and complexity. General ranges: HVAC installation ($5,000-$12,000), HVAC repair ($150-$800), Plumbing repair ($150-$850), Water heater installation ($800-$3,500), Electrical panel upgrade ($1,500-$4,000), Electrical repairs ($100-$500). View our detailed service guides for more specific pricing information.

Why do quotes vary so much?

Several factors cause price variation: (1) Experience level - more experienced contractors may charge more but deliver higher quality, (2) Materials - better equipment/materials cost more, (3) Overhead - larger companies with better insurance and benefits have higher costs, (4) Scope interpretation - contractors may include different things in quotes, (5) Demand - busy contractors can charge more. Compare apples-to-apples by reviewing what's included.

Should I always choose the lowest bid?

No! The lowest bid is often a red flag. It may indicate: cut corners, unlicensed work, cheap materials, hidden fees to come, or inexperience. Compare quotes, but focus on value: quality of materials, contractor experience and reviews, what's included, warranty offered, and professional communication. A mid-range bid from a highly-rated contractor is usually your best choice.

Are there ways to save money on home services?

Yes, smart ways to save: (1) Schedule non-emergency work during off-season (HVAC maintenance in spring/fall), (2) Get multiple quotes and negotiate, (3) Bundle services when possible, (4) Ask about financing or payment plans, (5) Do prep work yourself (clear access, move furniture), (6) Ask about senior/military discounts. Avoid saving by: skipping permits, hiring unlicensed workers, or using cheapest materials.

For Contractors

How can contractors join cntrctrs?

We're currently building our contractor network and applications will open soon. Contractors must be licensed, insured, and have strong reputations to be considered. Requirements include: active state license, general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, minimum 3.5-star average rating, good business standing, and commitment to professionalism. We're selective to maintain our quality standards.

What are the benefits of joining for contractors?

Benefits include: connection with qualified homeowners actively seeking services, increased visibility in your service area, verified badge and credential showcase to build trust, quality-focused platform (not a bidding war site), and profile exposure to targeted local audiences. We focus on quality over quantity for both contractors and homeowners.

Do contractors pay to be listed?

Yes, contractors pay to be featured on cntrctrs. This keeps our service free for homeowners and ensures contractors are serious, established professionals. However, we never compromise our verification standards for revenue—every contractor must meet our requirements regardless of payment. Pricing varies by market and service type.

Still Have Questions?

Explore our comprehensive guides for detailed information on services, costs, and how to hire contractors.