Browse Contractor Reviews
Contractor Certification Built Around Trust, Transparency & Consumer Protection.
National Home Authority evaluates home improvement contractors using a multi-factor review process designed to help homeowners identify companies that demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and higher standards.
NHA Certified Contractor Program
Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition levels based on documented trust, quality, and compliance review standards.
NHA Directory Snapshot
NHA publishes researched company profiles in its directory. Inclusion is selective, and each profile explains the evidence, recognition level, and verification limits.
Four Levels of Contractor Recognition
Each level is designed to communicate a contractor’s reviewed standing in a simple way while protecting the integrity of the full internal evaluation process.
Bronze
For companies that meet initial review standards and demonstrate basic trust indicators.
- Business identity reviewed
- Basic licensing or registration check
- Minimum online presence review
- Initial complaint pattern review
- Entry-level certification status
Silver
For contractors showing stronger transparency, reputation, and operational consistency.
- Verified business information
- Improved customer reputation profile
- Documented service area and business identity
- Warranty and communication standards reviewed
- Stronger complaint response standards
Gold
For qualifying companies with favorable customer feedback when licensing or insurance has not been fully verified.
- Google customer rating of at least 4.3/5
- A+ BBB letter rating required; BBB customer stars are reviewed separately
- Business identity, services and customer feedback reviewed
- No concerning unresolved complaint pattern identified in the available evidence
- Unverified licensing or insurance clearly disclosed; Gold does not represent credential verification
Platinum
For companies meeting NHA’s enhanced reputation and verification requirements.
- Google customer rating of at least 4.9/5
- A+ BBB letter rating
- Applicable licensing and insurance verified
- Business transparency and complaint history reviewed
- Verification source and award date recorded on the profile
Recognition Policy · Updated September 17, 2026
New Illinois listings are limited to service businesses with a confirmed Google rating of at least 4.3/5 and an A+ BBB letter rating. Directory use and listings are free. These Gold and Platinum rules apply to new company awards. Public-source reviews do not require a company interview. Missing BBB customer reviews are not treated as a negative rating; BBB letter grades are separate from customer stars. Existing management-approved awards remain in place and may be reassessed.
NHA may issue a clearly labeled special Platinum recognition outside the contractor program. Each special profile identifies its basis and any relationship to NHA ownership. Such an award does not imply that the contractor Google/BBB requirements were met.
Multi-Factor Contractor Evaluation Criteria
NHA certification is based on a broad review of contractor trust signals, business transparency, consumer protection standards, and quality indicators.
Licensing & Compliance
We review state and local licensing or registration requirements where applicable, including whether the company appears properly documented for its trade and service area.
Business Transparency
We review whether the contractor provides clear company identity, contact information, service areas, privacy information, portfolio details, and customer-facing business information.
Warranty Protection
Written warranty practices are reviewed to determine whether homeowners receive clear information about product, labor, and service coverage.
Customer Reputation
Public reputation indicators, including Google reviews, BBB information where available, complaint patterns, and customer sentiment may be considered during review.
Business Longevity
We consider how long a company has been operating, whether its business presence is consistent, and whether public records support its stated history.
Insurance Verification
Companies may be asked to provide proof of active liability insurance or other documentation relevant to their service category.
Complaint Resolution
Contractors are reviewed for unresolved complaint patterns, responsiveness, communication standards, and willingness to address legitimate homeowner concerns.
Independent Quality Review
When applicable, NHA may review references, completed project information, consumer feedback, or other independent verification materials.
How Contractors Move Through Certification
The review process is designed to be consistent, documented, and consumer-focused.
Application
Contractors submit company details, trade categories, service areas, and documentation for review.
Verification
NHA reviews business identity, licensing, insurance, reputation, warranty practices, and complaint history.
Designation
Qualified contractors may receive Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification status.
Ongoing Review
Certification may be updated, paused, or removed if a contractor no longer meets required standards.
Bronze vs. Silver vs. Gold vs. Platinum
| Category | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Verification | Basic | Verified | Strong | Highest |
| Licensing / Registration & Insurance | Reviewed | Verified where applicable | Not fully verified; status disclosed | Applicable licensing and insurance verified |
| Reputation Review | Baseline | Moderate | Strong | Excellent |
| Warranty / Consumer Protection | Basic review | Clear standards | Strong standards | Highest reviewed standards |
| Complaint Response Review | No major unresolved pattern | Acceptable response history | Strong response history | Excellent response and consumer protection profile |
Certification Standards FAQ
What does National Home Authority Certified mean?
The NHA Certified designation means a contractor has completed a review process and met published standards related to trust, transparency, professionalism, and consumer protection. It is not a guarantee of future performance.
What is the difference between Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum?
The levels represent increasing standards of review. Bronze is baseline verification, Silver reflects stronger documentation and transparency, Gold recognizes qualifying companies while licensing or insurance remains unverified. New company Platinum awards require Google 4.9 or higher, BBB A+, and verified applicable licensing and insurance. Special recognitions and existing awards are identified separately.
Does NHA publish the exact scoring formula?
No. NHA may publish public-facing standards, but exact scoring weights and internal formulas are kept private to protect the integrity of the evaluation process.
Can a contractor lose certification?
Yes. Certification may be removed or changed if a contractor no longer meets NHA standards, fails to maintain documentation, develops unresolved complaint patterns, or provides misleading information.
Is NHA certification the same as a government license?
No. NHA certification is not a government license. Homeowners should always verify state and local licensing requirements, permits, insurance, and contract terms before hiring any contractor.