Contractor fraud costs homeowners billions every year. Most victims did their research — they checked reviews, asked for references, got multiple quotes. Here's what actually works.
Ask for a license number and verify it with your state licensing board — not just the contractor's word.
Never pay more than 10–20% upfront. Legitimate contractors don't need full payment before starting work.
Get everything in writing: scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and what happens if something goes wrong.
References matter less than you think: contractors choose their own references. IBT certification means someone independent contacted their clients.
Demand a physical address: post-office boxes and virtual offices are red flags for contractors who may disappear after taking your deposit.
Look for IBT certification: an IBT-certified contractor has had their actual client base independently surveyed. That's a standard no fake reviewer can fake.
The IBT directory lists only businesses that have been independently certified through our rigorous acceptance sampling process.
Browse the Certified Directory