Trust Badges & What They Mean for Remodeling
May 28, 2024Finding a trusted contractor can be tough. looking for these seals as signs of a reputable business.
Educated homeowners make the best decisions for their homes and families, and at Improveit we’re happy to help offer any guidance we can along the way. After all, we talk a lot about worry-free remodeling, and helping you feel confident in your decision is a big part of that!
With that in mind, for National Home Improvement Month, we’re taking a closer look at trust badges and what they mean so you can make informed decisions.
Finding a trusted contractor can be one of the most challenging parts of a remodeling project. If you’ve never hired a contractor before, or need to find someone new for a different type of project, it’s hard to know where to begin.
As friends and neighbors offer references, and internet searches bring up countless options for service providers in your area, keep an eye out for seals, icons, and logos that highlight the company’s experience.
These “trust badges” can help you differentiate one contractor from another, while also letting you align the business you choose with the characteristics you value in a service provider.
Here are a few you might come across in your search for a trusted contractor, and some details about what each one means.
Nationally Recognized Trust Badges
BBB Accredited Business
Companies with this accreditation have met the Better Business Bureau’s high standards for trust, honesty, and integrity.
You can find accredited businesses by visiting BBB.org where homeowners can share their reviews and experiences, all vetted by the BBB for validity. BBB-accredited businesses are also held to high standards requiring them to resolve any issues promptly and fairly.
Product-related Trust Badges
The Good Housekeeping Seal. More than a century ago, Good Housekeeping magazine created the the Good Housekeeping Seal to give consumers a reference point for product quality and trust. Today, the Good Housekeeping Seal is widely respected across a range of products, which must pass rigorous testing to prove they meet manufacturers’ performance claims.
Energy Star. Products that earn the Energy Star are designed and verified to help homeowners save energy and reduce energy costs. Thousands of manufacturers participate, and may display the Energy Star label only if their products are meet the strict efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Special Trust Badges for the Home Improvement Industry
HomeAdvisor Trust Badges
When homeowners work with HomeAdvisor, they provide details about their upcoming project and are then connected to trusted contractors that can fulfill that need. After the project is completed, HomeAdvisors will ask the homeowner to submit a rating and review. Contractors in good standing with HomeAdvisor can earn a variety of trust badges, including:
- HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved: Background checks, licensing, insurance, and other good business practices are confirmed in good standing.
- HomeAdvisor Elite Service Award: An overall customer service rating of 4.5 or better, and no outstanding complaints in the last 6 months.
- Best of HomeAdvisor: Highlighting the highest-rated service professionals in the HomeAdvisor network, an average rating of 4.0 or better, and zero customer comaplints.
Angi Super Service Award
The Angi organization has recognized service professionals with the Super Service Award since 1999. Companies who earn this designation exemplify high quality, excellent service, and great value to their customers. To earn the honor, an Angi member business must maintain a 4.5-star rating and receive at least three new reviews during the review period.
GuildQuality GuildMaster Award
Established specifically for the home improvement industry in 2003, GuildQuality collects unbiased ratings and reviews through independent homeowner surveys that cover more than a dozen categories, including communication, cleanliness, problem resolution, and value. Businesses that demonstrate a consistently positive customer experience are eligible for GuildQuality’s annual Guildmaster award.
Community Awards & Honors
More than 180 cities across the country participate in the Official Community’s Choice Awards each year, and other cities host their own programs. These programs allow community members to nominate and vote for their favorite businesses in a wide range of categories from restaurants to remodeling. Results are in the hands of community members, so you can feel confident that the winning businesses are trusted by your very own neighbors. Programs include:
- CBus Top Picks
- Cincinnati’s Best
- Best of Dayton
- Best of Butler County
- Louisville’s Community’s Choice Awards
- Nashville’s Best of Music City
Trust Badges Align with Your Values
When it’s time to hire a home improvement company, trust badges are a great resource as you start your search. Whether you’re looking for a business that’s trusted by your neighbors, stands out for its reliable products, is committed to long-term service, or all of the above, keep an eye out for the seals that support what you value most.
Ready to learn more about how Improveit has earned all of these trust badges and more? Fill out the form below to request a no-obligation meeting with an Improveit team member!
