As part of our due diligence and company qualification process, we analyze Google reviews. If needed or requested, we also conduct independent consumer satisfaction surveys with homeowners who had firsthand experience with home service providers. Our internal surveying is an independent process conducted through our own call center or through our sister research company GuildQuality, an industry leader in consumer satisfaction surveying.
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true
- Avoid unknown companies selling door to door
- Be wary of the high-pressure sales technique
- Be patient during the busy season
- Avoid moonlighters
- Don’t make a hiring decision based on a company’s sign in your neighbor’s yard
- Remember that one referral is only one referral
- Thoroughly check references
- Only compare apples to apples
- Avoid business on a handshake
- Avoid large, up-front payments
- Never open an account for a contractor at a local store
- Do not help contractors
- Do not lend tools to the people you hire
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Monitor workers in your home
- Avoid cash payments
- Write a check to the company you hired, not to an employee
- Request lien releases on major work
- Never make the final payment until you are completely satisfied
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How does Five Star Rated conduct research?
HomeownerResearch Methodology •
Fully vetting each Five Star Rated company is something we take a lot of pride in. We know you trust our recommendations, and we work hard to ensure that the companies we recommend truly are the best of the best.
Do you check company credentials?
HomeownerResearch Methodology •
Yes, we verify that all companies hold general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance when required by the state. We also verify that companies carry proper trade licenses.
How can I contribute feedback to Five Star Rated?
HomeownerResearch Methodology •
We do not accept opt-in reviews as part of our research. Our company qualification and research process is conducted in-house to ensure that we get an unbiased and randomly sampled understanding of a company’s performance.