How We Keep Home Index Fair and Safe
Home Index is built on a simple idea: when you hire a contractor, you should know exactly who you're working with. We verify credentials against official records, monitor them continuously, and give both homeowners and contractors a fair, transparent process when things don't go as planned.
Verified Credentials You Can Trust
A lot of platforms slap a generic "Verified" checkmark on a profile and call it a day. We don't do that. Home Index awards individual badges for specific, verified credentials — each one checked against official records and continuously monitored. When you see a badge, it means something real.
What homeowners see
"This contractor holds a current, valid state license verified directly against government records."
How it works
When a contractor joins Home Index and provides their license number, our system automatically checks it against their state's Licensing and Regulation (LLR) database. We confirm the license is active, has no disciplinary actions, and has a valid expiration date.
What makes it different
This isn't a one-time check. We monitor license status continuously and re-verify 30 days before every expiration date. If a license lapses or gets flagged, the badge comes off immediately.
What homeowners see
"This business has been confirmed as a real, operating company through public business records."
How it works
We verify the business through Google Business Profile matching, email domain confirmation, and phone verification. This is especially important for trades that don't require a state license — painters, handymen, cleaners, landscapers, and pressure washing professionals where there's no government database to check.
What makes it different
Identity verification is re-checked annually to make sure the business is still active and operating. If a business closes or contact information becomes invalid, the badge is removed.
What homeowners see
"This contractor carries active general liability insurance, verified through official records."
How it works
Contractors submit their insurance documentation through the platform, and we verify active coverage through our verification partner, TradeProof. We confirm the policy is current and covers general liability.
What makes it different
We don't just check once and forget about it. Our system monitors for policy lapses, so if a contractor's insurance expires or gets canceled, the Insured badge is removed right away — before they can bid on your next project.
What homeowners see
"This business is independently owned and operated by a local owner — not a franchise or national chain."
How it works
Contractors submit their owner information and attest that their business is independently owned — not a franchise, branch, or subsidiary. Our team manually reviews each request to confirm the business is locally owned and operated.
What makes it different
This badge is about supporting your local economy. When you hire a locally owned contractor, more of your money stays in your community. We verify that the business owner lives in the service area and the company is truly independent.
Every badge on Home Index is backed by real verification — official records, manual review, or both. Not self-reported claims or uploaded documents that anyone can fake.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
Even with verified professionals and careful vetting, sometimes things don't go as planned. A project runs over time. The finished work doesn't match what was agreed to. Communication breaks down. It happens. What matters is how it gets resolved. Home Index has a structured, transparent dispute process — not a black-box customer service ticket that disappears into the void.
The Three-Step Process
Work It Out Together
48 HoursMost issues are best resolved between the people who were actually involved. When a dispute is filed, both parties are prompted to work it out directly through the platform's messaging system.
- Pre-built resolution options like a partial refund, redo work, or schedule a correction visit make it easy to find common ground without starting from scratch.
- All messages are logged automatically, so there's a clear, time-stamped record of every conversation.
- If both sides agree to a resolution, the dispute is closed and everyone moves forward.
Show Your Side
24 HoursIf direct resolution doesn't work, both sides get the chance to make their case with evidence.
- Upload photos, screenshots of messages, receipts, contracts — anything that supports your position.
- The platform automatically pulls in the original project details, submitted bids, and all communications that happened through Home Index.
- Each party writes a brief statement explaining their side of the story.
Fair Decision
48 HoursHome Index reviews all submitted evidence against clear, published policies. No gut feelings, no favoritism.
- A written decision with a full explanation is sent to both parties.
- The decision outlines exactly what evidence was considered and which policies applied.
- Most disputes resolve within 5–7 days from start to finish.
Built for Both Sides
We protect both sides. Contractors aren't penalized because a homeowner tells a more compelling story. Decisions are based on documented evidence and published policies. Period.
And homeowners who file frivolous or bad-faith disputes face consequences too. The system only works if both sides play fair.
Accountability Without Overreaction
Contractors who consistently deliver poor work or no-show on projects face escalating consequences, up to permanent removal from the platform. But a single dispute — even one a contractor loses — won't end their account. We believe in due process and giving people a fair chance to learn and improve.
On the homeowner side, false or exaggerated claims are taken seriously. Repeat frivolous filers face account restrictions, and any attempt to use the dispute system as leverage for free work results in swift action.