Contractor Vetting & Code of Conduct
Never get stuck with a bad contractor
Every GreatBuildz contractor has passed our rigorous 10-point vetting process:
Management Interview
References
Work Experience
Background Check
Financial Review
Online Rating
Contractor License Board
License, Bond, and Insurance
Local Expertise
Contractor Code of Conduct
An Assessment Report You Can Trust
We’ll send you a full assessment report for every contractor you meet. Each report details essential information about the contractor’s experience, credentials, and client satisfaction. Read verified homeowner feedback describing what they liked most about their contractor. Use these assessment reports to confidently compare contractors and make the best decision for your home improvement project.
Vetting matters because the wrong contractor is expensive. Learn the warning signs in our guides on how to spot a bad contractor and how to tell if a contractor is overcharging you, then get matched with a vetted contractor.
Contractor Code of Conduct
Our contractors uphold the highest standards in the industry
Every GreatBuildz contractor signs our 20-point Code of Conduct
I commit to responding to homeowner calls/messages/texts/emails within 24 hours.
I commit to providing regular, timely and honest communications with homeowner. I will inform homeowner of their primary contact person.
I commit to providing homeowner a detailed written scope, contract and schedule.
I commit to advising the homeowner in writing (text, email, etc) of any necessary ‘extra charges’ or ‘change orders’ (for items not in the contracted scope) that may be required and a price for each item. I will not start work on any ‘extras’ until approved in writing by the homeowner.
If I notice a potential quality issue during the project, I will alert homeowner immediately, so we can discuss options to proceed or ideas to correct.
If I notice any potential for delays, I will alert the homeowner immediately in advance (material delays, weather delays, etc.)
If homeowner advises me in a timely manner that he/she has an issue with my quality of work, I will work with homeowner to come to a mutually agreeable solution and make repairs.
I agree to providing guidance/expertise to the owner regarding which materials work well or poorly in a specific situation (although homeowner makes the final decision regarding finish material selection).
I commit to maintaining a clean, safe and organized work site.
I agree to only use materials that are “up to code” and meet all industry standards for this specific project.
I agree to keep my license, insurance, and bond current during the life of the project.
I agree to obtain any necessary city/county permits for the project and pass all city/county inspections; my construction will meet all building codes.
I agree to take a reasonable deposit and collect further payment based on the project’s percentage completion schedule.
I agree to provide the homeowner a minimum One-Year warranty on the completed project.
I commit to charge a reasonable price for Extras or Change Orders based on my true costs of labor, materials, and profit. I will allow homeowner two days to research prices to confirm my price estimates are reasonable.
I commit to not prioritizing other projects at the detriment/delay of the homeowner’s project.
I commit to not accepting too many projects simultaneously which can cause delays for homeowner’s project.
I commit to having a crew of workers at the job site every weekday for eight full hours, except in the case of holidays and special circumstances.
I commit that my crew of workers is experienced in the trades required by the Homeowners’ project scope. I will not use inexperienced workers.
I commit to hiring only qualified, experienced subcontractors, who have applicable license and insurance.
How We Keep Quality High After the Match
Vetting gets a contractor into our network. Staying in it depends on how they treat the homeowners we introduce them to.
Since 2019 we’ve evaluated 20,000+ California contractors and helped 2,000+ homeowners. Fewer than 5% of the contractors we evaluate make it into our network. This is how we hold the standard once the introductions are made.
- We personally select three contractors from our network for your specific project, goals and requirements, and we never sell your information.
- Your Remodeling Advisor stays involved through the project. If a contractor stops returning calls or a problem comes up on site, you have someone on your side to call.
- We ask for your feedback after every project, and it shapes which contractors we keep recommending.
- Contractors whose quality or service slips are removed from our network. A signed Code of Conduct only means something if breaking it has a consequence.
We don’t get paid in full until your project is completed to your satisfaction, so we have every reason to stay involved and keep your contractor accountable.
Contractor Vetting FAQs
How does GreatBuildz vet its contractors?
Every contractor in our network passes a 10-point screening process that checks their license, insurance, background, references, financial standing, and track record. Our network is invite-only, and contractors can’t pay to join, so only those who meet our standards get in.
Is GreatBuildz free for homeowners?
Yes. GreatBuildz is completely free for homeowners. We are not a lead-selling platform, so we never charge you and never sell your information.
What is the GreatBuildz Code of Conduct?
Every contractor in our network signs a 20-point Code of Conduct that sets clear standards for communication, honesty, quality, and fair pricing, including commitments like responding to you within 24 hours and providing a detailed written scope, contract, and schedule.
What is in a GreatBuildz contractor assessment report?
For every contractor you meet, we send a full assessment report detailing their experience, credentials, and client satisfaction, along with verified homeowner feedback. You can use these reports to compare contractors and choose the best one for your home.
Does GreatBuildz sell my information to contractors?
No. We never sell your information and we are not a lead-selling service. We match you with a small number of vetted contractors and stay involved to support you, rather than selling your details to whoever pays the most.