A nonprofit group representing local contractors and builders has set up a website intended to help consumers take the guess work out of hiring a home contractor.
Rick Herman of the Upstate Business Industry Alliance says unlike some national for profit referral sites, businesses won't pay to be listed or get certain ratings on FindTheHomePros.com, but they will have to meet certain criteria.
"Contractors will submit proof of insurances, have business references, agree to our performance guidelines, meet certain criteria and uphold a certain standard."
Herman says contractors who are listed on the site are required to take annual courses to update their skills and stay current on the latest industry standards. There is not an interactive tool to allow consumers to post feedback about contractors on the website, but Herman says he would consider adding one. "Because, just like any organization, there are always a few bad apples out there. No matter how much they fit the criteria, give you proof of insurance, no matter how many references they have, there's always going to be that bad apple out there from time to time."
The Upstate Better Business Bureau says home contractors rank number ten on its top ten list of the most complained about businesses. The BBB received 267 consumer complaints about Upstate home service providers in 2015.