websites for contractor reviews

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

We don’t recognize that sign in. Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.

We still don’t recognize that sign in. Retrieve your username. Reset your password.

Forgot your username or password ?

Don’t have an account?

• Account Settings
• My Benefits
• My Products
• Donate Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Other Membership Benefits:

Suggested Searches

• Become a Member

Car Ratings & Reviews

2024 Top Picks

Car Buying & Pricing

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

Tires, Maintenance & Repair

Car Reliability Guide

Key Topics & News

Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast

Home & Garden

Bed & Bath

Top Picks From CR

Best Mattresses

Lawn & Garden

TOP PICKS FROM CR

Best Lawn Mowers and Tractors

Home Improvement

Home Improvement Essential

Best Wood Stains

Home Safety & Security

HOME SAFETY

Best DIY Home Security Systems

REPAIR OR REPLACE?

What to Do With a Broken Appliance

Small Appliances

Best Small Kitchen Appliances

Laundry & Cleaning

Best Washing Machines

Heating, Cooling & Air

Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems

Electronics

Home Entertainment

FIND YOUR NEW TV

Home Office

Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs

Smartphones & Wearables

BEST SMARTPHONES

Find the Right Phone for You

Digital Security & Privacy

MEMBER BENEFIT

CR Security Planner

Take Action

Can You Find a Good Contractor Online?

5 user review websites where you can find remodeling professionals, design ideas, and price guidance, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Online home-services directories can provide hundreds—or even thousands—of user ratings for finding a good contractor, plumber, and other remodeling professional. Here's a look at five popular sites with our take on what they're good at and what they're not to guide you in your home improvement research.  

More on Home Renovation

•  Home Renovation Without Aggravation •  Assembling the Right Home Remodeling Team •  Pros and Cons of Taking a Contractor Loan •  Know What Type of Remodeling Contract You're Signing

Editor's Note:  This article also appeared in the  June 2016 issue of  Consumer Reports  magazine .

Jeff Blyskal

I learned how corporations operate as a reporter at Forbes and now use my business savvy to uncover the tricks and find better deals for consumers like you. My passion for investigative reporting about money earned two National Magazine Awards and a Loeb Award. I love sharing wine with my wife and pitching batting practice to my MLB-focused son. Follow me on  Twitter (@JeffBlyskal).

Be the first to comment

The Best 13 Online Sites to Find Your Next Home Contractor

Founder | BPI® Energy Auditor Certified Professional

Deciding that your home needs work is the easy part.

Now you have to find a contractor. And not just anyone, but a reliable contractor that can handle the scope of work you’re looking for. Not to scare you early here, but I’d like to prepare you for what you might find an extremely frustrating process.

“Finding good contractors is one of the most exhausting, frustrating, and critical parts of doing any home renovation or project. “ – Me, after just completing my first net-zero solar home fix-n-flip renovation project.

Many questions come up –

• Where can you track down these high-caliber contractors to ensure a quality construction or remodeling experience?
• How do I know I won’t get screwed?
• Will I even get a call back or a response?
• Can they do it on the timeline I need, and will they?
• Will they actually show up on the job site?
• Will they disappear halfway through the project or delay it for weeks or months?

Don’t get me wrong – I have great relationships with some of the contractors I found online. We now have ongoing work, and lots of things went well.

I also went through a few nightmare scenarios, too – so you have to protect yourself early on in this process.

I had just moved to town, didn’t know anyone, and I sure wasn’t in the “scene” in terms of a real estate or investor network of any kind. 

So I did what most of you are looking to do now – went online to see who I could find.

Table of Contents

How We Rank The Top Online Contractor Website Resources

In this article, I’ll cover the 13 most popular and well-known online resources to find contractors out there.

For the first half of this list, I’m speaking from my own personal experience. They are sites I used myself on this last project.

These resources are numbered in terms of value and helpfulness. This is based on my one experience for a complete home renovation over six months , but your experience might be different.

The last half of the list is well-researched, but I personally used them scarcely or not at all.

For those that I had experience with, I add my thoughts under those companies, with some tips and tricks to hopefully make your life easier when you embark on this journey.

1. Thumbtack

Founded in 2008,  Thumbtack is a home contracting website and a service for connecting project-seekers with almost any kind of professional. We really mean almost any kind, with 500 different service types currently available on their website. 

You can visit Thumbtack here . The link does contain an affiliate link to help support the site, but we added that later and I don’t let affiliate links get in the way of what I think is really the best resource with these projects.

For my own net-zero renovation project here, I found contractors on Thumbtack to help in the following areas and more (too many to list):

• Landscaping
• Full kitchen renovation – down to the studs
• Roof Repair
• Handyman services – anything you can think of
• Doors and Windows
• Finish work

Using Thumbtack

To make the most out of Thumbtack, you can sign up for a free account.

If you have a Google or Facebook account, you can use either of those accounts to register with Thumbtack, so you don’t have one more login to worry about. 

If you don’t see what you need, then input the service into Thumbtack’s search bar, input your zip code, and see what results pop up. 

Thumbtack’s website is well-organized despite that they offer so many services. This makes it easy to find what you want.

If you’re more of an app person, Thumbtack has a free app on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. 

The interface is clean, and the messaging system works well to send out bids, search directly for contractors, and set up appointments or phone calls to take it from there. 

Why Thumbtack is My Favorite (No, I don’t get paid for saying this)

Thumbtack was my favorite online contractor resource to use on my project here. 

I would estimate that about 80% of my renovation was done from contractors I found on Thumbtack .

My profile is showing that I did 14 projects on Thumbtack through the renovation. Whatever they are doing – they seem to have some good contractors on there.

One key point about any type of site like this that has reviews –

Online contractor sites with reviews keep them accountable.

Not coincidentally – When contractors are not found online or have no public image to worry about, it creates an environment where people have nothing to lose .

That means they can take your money, disappear on you, or just go silent before anything happens, usually without much consequence.

I found some good contractors but also had ones that did swindle me out of money, material, and labor time. 

2. TaskRabbit

This is a newer one on the scene but one I used recently to find an amazing handyman to help me fix my banging copper pipes underneath the crawlspace.

We had a good chunk of time leftover (surprisingly), so he was able to help me finish painting the garage in the same visit.

TaskRabbit works a little differently to Thumbtack, but has a similar layout. You enter your address, details about the project, and basically go through the prompts as you are directed to.

When you narrow down exactly the type of contractor or helper you need, you’ll see a list of qualified contractors with previous work (as picked by the algorithm) that fits your current project.

You can pick the helper you want, and then it gets the chat started with them.

For me personally, it took going through a couple of contractors who rejected my project before someone accepted it.

This is a great thing in the end, because in the end I found a great person who was willing and able to help in the exact type of project, rather than them getting automatically assigned.

3. Google Maps / Google Search

Almost every legitimate business these days has some sort of web presence on Google.

You have to be able to be found on the biggest search engine on earth, or you’re just way behind as a business.

Though that is not to discount the scores of great contractors who are in such high demand. The truth is that you most likely don’t have access to them unless you’re a full-time builder, flipper, or developer. It’s just the way it is.

They are usually booked out for months and have no interest or need to seek out more work. Every business model is different, though, and different companies are set up in different ways.

For our purposes – that brings us back to Google. Here are some ways I found to use Google search to find the right company or contractor – 

Use the Regular Google Search

Type the specific type of contractor you’re looking for into the search box.

Even though Google usually narrows things down with local companies anyway, I like to help it by typing in my zip code or specific area as well.

An example would be “painting contractor 33901” or “painting contractor Tampa, FL”. This should get you close enough.

Using Google Maps

What I like even better is to type in the above search phrases first, and then click right on the Google Map that shows up when you hit the Search button.

This will bring you to not only the map, so you can see who’s directly around you, but all of the info on the left side panel with reviews.

It’s easy to scroll down the list of contractors to see who you might want to get a quote from.

Another Bidding Tip:

I’d like to offer another tip on getting bids from contractors listed online. Many people will give you a rule of thumb on the number of bids to get. Many will say get at least three, maybe five. I say:

Get bids from everybody.

After just going through this whole process, I found that  maybe three or four out of ten companies you contact will actually reply back or answer the phone . 

Prepare to leave a lot of voicemails, and prepare to never hear back from most of them. You’ll eventually find some good ones, but put in the work upfront to call everyone.  

You’ll also most likely get a great price, along with a great partner as well. 

4. Craigslist

You might be surprised to see  Craigslist  on here since you’re seeking reliable contractors, but hear me out.

Craigslist can be a good site if you know how to use it. It certainly has a long-standing reputation, having been founded in 1995 by namesake Craig Newmark, who took his creation online in 1996. 

Going on Craigslist can be a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But there are many contractors on there, not only listing their own services but seeking work but looking at your postings.

Using Craigslist

Here are a few ways to use Craigslist for finding your next contractor:

• You can search the “services” section and type the home contracting service you want in the search bar, such as kitchen remodels, electrical, home repair, and the like. Then you should click a listing that stands out, read more about the listing, and decide if you want to proceed by emailing, calling, or texting them.
• Post an actual job description in the “jobs” section. You can list your job in many categories, such as skilled trade, general labor, or real estate, but keep it to one or two to keep your costs down. Each category costs money to post in. If your city is big enough, you may get some hits here but it will also cost you money.
• My Favorite:  Post a Gig in the “gigs” section towards the bottom right of the main screen.  I wish I found this one sooner and at the beginning of my project, instead of towards the end.  Sometimes I would need general labor help for the landscaping or similar job and would post the gig for $5 at 6 a.m.  By 8 a.m., I would have 25 response emails of people looking for work.   It was like a gold mine.  This may be one to focus on for general labor help, more so than skilled labor perhaps.

Now I will say – Craigslist can be a good option but you’ll most likely have to be very comfortable with:

• Paying cash
• Being on-site the whole time.
• Being comfortable with new and random people in your house, potentially when you’re alone with them.
• Working on crazy schedules or timelines.

It’s possible, and I did it for lots of my own projects.

You can do things like verify their ID, and even run a background check for $20-30 or something if you like.

In general, you at least want to have some kind of contract written up.

Admittedly though, in the craziness of a full fix-n-flip type of renovation, plus the energy efficiency and net-zero part of it, I just didn’t have the energy sometimes. Nothing happened, luckily, but that was a mistake in retrospect.

Some More Points on Using Craigslist and Why It’s A Good Resource

When searching for contractors on Craigslist, the ad poster has a hidden email address supplied through Craigslist for safety reasons. This means you don’t have to share your personal contact info unless you want to.

Compared to the other home contracting websites we’ve discussed to this point and what’s on the rest of the list, Craigslist doesn’t quite work the same.

However, if you’ve successfully used Craigslist in the past for other services, then finding a contractor through the site should be possible when applying the above caveats. 

If you’re looking for ultra-localized services, Craigslist delivers. The site will put you on a portal for your area with listings that are only relevant to your location, and you can narrow them down by the number of miles in a radius as well.

You can also search nearby towns and cities to expand the breadth of your search. Craigslist is even available in other languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian. 

5. HomeAdvisor

HomeAdvisor is a service powered by and merged with Angi (Angie’s List), and it has nearly as much longevity.

Created in 1998, HomeAdvisor was then known as ServiceMagic. Despite that the name didn’t stick, HomeAdvisor’s services were always the same.

They’re all about connecting homeowners with contractors for remodeling, home maintenance, or homebuilding. You don’t have to worry as much about the quality of the contractors available, as  HomeAdvisor pre-screens every contractor they accept on their platform . 

After a bit of poking around on the website, you’ll notice a lot of similarities between HomeAdvisor and Angi, but not enough that you wouldn’t want to use HomeAdvisor in its own right. For example, it too has a Pro Network for contractors. 

Using HomeAdvisor to Find Contractors

When on the HomeAdvisor homepage, you can research contractors for a project without having registered an account. Some of your options include:

• Home additions
• Doors and windows
• Tree and lawn services
• Cleaning services

If none of those project areas resonate with you, then you can search for what you’re looking for in the handy search bar.

HomeAdvisor even auto-suggests options such as painting or HVAC. Then you have to go through and answer a series of questions like you would when using Angi or Thumbtack. 

First, put in your zip code. Then, using painting services as an example, HomeAdvisor asks you if you want to paint stucco or trim, if you need exterior or interior work, or if you want paint removal.

After answering more questions and adding your address, you can see a full list of contractors and their pricing for the service you requested. 

Why HomeAdvisor is a Good Resource

Though I didn’t use them much on my own project here other than soliciting for a few bids, the breadth of home projects available on HomeAdvisor is impressive.

Unlike some contracting sites that can hide their quotes for work, HomeAdvisor lets you see this information readily, fetching it in a matter of seconds once you fill in all the pertinent information about your project. 

6. Angi (Formerly Angie’s List)

Everyone is familiar with Angie’s List, a home services website that started in 1995 by company namesake Angie Hicks and William S. Oesterle. Today, Angie’s List is  Angi . 

This is more than just a name change.

From its founding until 2016, you could log onto Angie’s List and read reviews of contractors and other businesses in your area.

Then, in 2016, Angie’s List switched to a subscription-only service , which made it hard to find the kind of info the site was so renowned for.

The good news is that since becoming Angi, now its services are free to use again. The Pro Network still exists, but it’s for businesspeople.

On the Angi homepage, you can type in the service you’re looking for or choose from options such as home remodeling, electrical work, roofing, lawn care, handymen services, plumbing, etc. 

Then you input your zip code and tell Angi more specifics about the kind of work you’re looking for.

As an example, if you want electrical work done on your home, you can choose from lightning protection, vehicle charging station installation, telephone systems, or electrical systems work. 

Angi will ask you more questions about your project too, like whether you’re interested in financing and how flexible your deadline is.

Once you answer all those questions, you’re connected with pros in your area.

Why We Like Them

Despite the name change, Angi is still the same reliable service it’s been since 1995.

The site has more than 25 years on the Internet, which says a lot. We can understand why they switched to subscription-only for a while there, but it’s even better that you can use the wealth of features on Angi’s website today without being a subscriber.

This lets homeowners compare their options with no strings attached.  

If you’re in the market for home decoration, design, or remodeling, then  Houzz  is right up your alley.

This California-based company was founded in 2009 and has more than 17 million users as of this writing. 

Outside of connecting you with contractors, Houzz is also a site for finding the inspiration you need to design or redesign the home of your dreams.

We’ll focus on their contracting services for the sake of this article. Here is a smattering of the services that Houzz specializes in:

• Solar energy
• Window treatments
• Homebuilding

Using Houzz to Find Contractors

You can register an account on Houzz’s website or log in using Google, but browsing around on Houzz’s site doesn’t require an account.

That said, if you find a contractor you like and you want to send them a message, you will need to have an active login. 

When you search for a service that you’re interested in, Houzz presents a series of contractors in a list.

Each contractor listing includes their full name, one photo, and part of one review that you can click to expand.

You can see the star rating of the contractor, how many reviews they have, and their address. By tapping the “click to call” button, Houzz reveals the contractor’s phone number. 

If you want to expand any listing to see all the reviews as well as more photos, you can do this without an account. You can even leave a review on the contractor yourself to better inform other homeowners. 

Houzz makes it so easy to connect with contractors quickly and conveniently.

You can see all the info you need on a contractor, such as their address and phone number, without having an account.

Registering for an account is free, and then you can connect directly with the contractor through Houzz’s messaging system. Plus, it’s always nice to have a photo library to browse for home reno ideas. 

Next on our list is  Porch , which was founded in 2013.

When the website went online, Porch had 1.5 million contractors and other pros listed, and it’s only grown since there.

According to Porch, every month, their reach expands to over 8,000 companies and 65 percent of homebuyers in the United States , which is no small feat.

The clean design of Porch’s website makes finding a service quite convenient. Here is a list of the services you can use Porch for:

• Concrete contracting
• Carpet cleaning
• House cleaning
• Extermination and pest control
• Tree services
• Deckbuilding
• Paving and asphalt work
• House painting
• General contracting
• Electricians

Using Porch

As you would expect, you can search for contractors outside of the above areas by using the search bar on Porch’s homepage. You’ll be asked to type in your zip code when you search.

After providing some project details, you’re connected to contractors who can do the job. Porch has a Property Protection Plan and uses personalized matching for higher-quality connections with professionals.

With Home Assistance, Porch staff can get in touch with you to ensure your project is going well or to answer questions about your project.

You can even call Porch instead of answering questions on their website if you’d rather find a contractor that way. 

Porch has a huge reach among homeowners, and after using their website, it’s easy to see why.

You can get started finding contractors through Porch without a login.

Unlike the other home contracting websites we’ve discussed, Porch even lets you talk to its team via phone if that’s how you like to get things done. 

Yelp has been one of the most popular directories and widely known for restaurants and all kinds of things, but they also have a robust directory of home-related contractors as well.

When typing in “contractors” into Yelp and depending on your city, you’ll most likely find contractors able to help you with:

• General contractors
• Countertops
• Swimming Pools
• Closets & Cabinets
• Paving Services

How to Use Yelp

You’re able to search for contractors or the type of work you’ll need from the homepage without logging in.

Once you select your project type and area, the directory will then show you a list of well-reviewed and experienced contractors on the left side, along with the map.

Each contractor has a Request a Quote button with typical response times listed, so you can contact who you like.

Founded in 2004, it’s been on the scene for awhile, and has thus gained a big database on contractors with many reviews as well. It’s a fast site and easy to use.

When displaying the different contractors, it looks like they’ve recently added some nice badges, including:

• Verified License
• Veteran-owned & operated
• Certified Professionals
• Locally owned & operated
• Emergency services
• Family owned & operated
• Virtual estimates

10. Pro Referral

You probably do a lot of home improvement shopping at the Home Depot, right? If so, then you’ll want to check out  Pro Referral , a service that’s run by Home Depot (before that, it was Red Beacon, Inc.).

As the name tells you, Pro Referral’s goal is to help you find a contractor for your next home improvement project.

Pro Referral’s process is very simplified, with only three steps. First, you describe what kind of contracting service you’re looking for, such as landscaping, glass replacement, carpentry, painting, and so much more.

How to Use Pro Referral

Pro Referral will then show you contractors in your area.

You can review their credentials and read reviews that other Pro Referral users have left.

Once you choose a few contractors you might like to work with, you submit a request to Pro Referral.

About 24 hours later (sometimes sooner), you’ll hear from the contractor(s) through email.  

Pro Referral will protect your information until you hire a contractor so the contractor sees only the most relevant information about you, nothing more.

Pro Referral is free, but the site requires an account to connect with pros. 

Pro Referral has the backing of Home Depot, which makes their service more trustworthy.

You can choose the means of contact the contractor will use to reach out to you, either by phone or through email. 

11. Homeflock

Do you ever wish you could see a contractor’s public record, including any blemishes? Then you should try  Homeflock . That’s the exact purpose of their website, to paint a complete picture of home contractors. 

The staff at Homeflock have combed through building permit data as well as linked up with federal and state licensing agencies to provide this information for you. 

Having this kind of powerful data at your fingertips allows you to read through contractor reviews, recent projects, owner information, number of employees, and corporate history.

If you want to connect with an old client of the contractor before hiring them, Homeflock helps you do that.

You can even see a customer satisfaction history index of a contractor.

All you have to do to get started is search for a contracting category that matches the project you want.

Here are some options you can select from:

• Handyman work
• Carpentry 
• Wood flooring
• Home design

Using Homeflock

If you’re going to use Homeflock’s search function, you need to know the contractor’s name and their city and state .

You can also search for permits in the above categories by selecting your city or state. Homeflock doesn’t require a login to use.

Homeflock is a different kind of website to find information on home contractors.

You can learn the nitty-gritty details about any contractors that sites like Houzz and Angi just don’t reveal.

For that reason, we’d recommend using Homeflock in conjunction with one of the above sites so you can get the full breadth of information on a contractor.  

12. ConstructConnect

ConstructConnect is a comprehensive online platform that excels in providing a one-stop solution for those seeking reliable home contractors . 

What sets ConstructConnect apart is its vast database of construction projects and the extensive network of contractors associated with the platform. This resource allows you to access a wealth of information, making the contractor selection process more informed and efficient.

This website will allow you to post open job bids, find contractors, post open jobs, create estimates, manage ongoing projects, and bid on existing jobs.

Unlike other online resources we’ve discussed, ConstructConnect stands out for providing both government and private work.

ConstructConnect provides the following key features:

• Project Database: The site’s extensive project database is a goldmine for users looking to explore ongoing and completed construction projects. You can use this feature to assess a contractor’s track record and experience.
• Bid Opportunities: The platform facilitates bid management, connecting contractors with potential projects. This feature is invaluable for both contractors looking for work and individuals seeking the right professional for their home projects.
• Networking Hub: It serves as a networking hub for industry professionals, enabling users to connect with contractors, architects, and other stakeholders. This fosters a collaborative environment that benefits both parties involved in the home improvement process.

Why We Like Them 

ConstructConnect’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and industry connectivity aligns seamlessly with our goal of providing users with trustworthy resources for finding home contractors. 

The site’s user-friendly interface , coupled with robust features, empowers individuals to make informed decisions when selecting a contractor for their home projects.

13. Dodge Construction Network

Finally on our list, Dodge Construction Network is another online resource you can rely on to find your next home contractor.

The site works based on three principles:

• Connections

This website stands out for combining the experience of five brands to curate a list of the best online contractors for its audience.

As a data analytics company that deals with GDP data and reporting, Dodge Construction Network has an extensive database of government and private project contractors who can work on your home’s project successfully. 

This site has the following key features and tools to help you through your online search for a contractor:

• Industry Insights: It provides valuable insights into the construction industry, keeping users informed about trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. This knowledge empowers users to make well-informed decisions when selecting a contractor.
• Database of Professionals: The platform hosts a detailed database of construction professionals, making it easy for users to find and connect with experienced home contractors. This database streamlines the search process and ensures users have access to a diverse pool of qualified professionals.
• Project Leads: The website facilitates access to project leads and opportunities , allowing contractors to expand their client base. If you’re looking for a contractor, this feature ensures you can connect with professionals actively looking for new projects.

The company’s commitment to providing users with valuable insights, a comprehensive professional database, and project leads makes it one of the best. These features make it easily usable.

Therefore, even if it’s your first time to use this website, you can rest assured of getting an experienced contractor for your home’s renovation project. 

Also, we liked the fact that this company is dedicated to enhancing user knowledge and facilitating meaningful connections.

Consequently, this makes it a standout inclusion in our recommended list of online sites to find your next home contractor.

These websites we highlighted today are all great picks for finding a reliable home contractor.

Some offer more unconventional services than others, so there’s no reason why you can’t use at least two of these sites to streamline your search for a contractor. 

Every project scope, situation, and your own needs will be different. There was a lot here and there are many resources to use, but these should give you a great head start.

The last thing I’ll mention is that you may want to completely map out your plan and exact needs before you even start this process. The more specific you can be, and the more research you can do on your own, the better off you’ll be in finding the best contractor online.

Good luck! 

I used Thumbtack 5 years ago and found a couple of really good contractors to do some work around my home.

But now — not so much. They have no listings at all for landscaping contractors in my area.

Thank you for this helpful article! Nowadays, it’s really hard to choose a site to find a home contractor which you could trust. The good thing is you have first-hand experience with the companies here. Do you have any other advice in choosing the best site aside from your personal experience? What other things should I take into consideration?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Social Media Manager
• Automotive Services
• Home Services
• Pet Services
• Dental Practices
• Social Media Pro
• AudioEye ADA Compliance
• 800-693-1089

Related Articles

• The Best Review Websites for Local Service Businesses
• How to Manage a Google Places Listing for a Service Area Business
• Nextdoor Reviews: How They Can Help Your Small Business
• How to Remove Spam Reviews from a Facebook Page
• How to Get the Best Facebook Page Reviews with Examples

The ultimate list of contractor review sites you need to know

Whether it’s a new homeowner looking for a complete home renovation or a previous client in the market for a modest kitchen upgrade, potential home improvement customers are always looking for a solid contractor referral. A first stop in vetting local contracting businesses is checking their reputation online and reading client reviews. 

Contractor review sites showcase your contracting work, capture testimonials from satisfied clients and help grow your contracting business by attracting new customers.

Best review sites for contractors

Google business profile.

Undoubtedly, Google is still the powerhouse search engine users trust for online reviews. For everything from doctors and lawyers to contractors and plumbers, Google’s algorithm uses location information and organic rankings to display local search results. 

Contractors looking to boost their online reputation through positive customer reviews should start by creating a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Local contractors who provide roofing, landscaping and other home services can share pictures of previous jobs on their profile. Homeowners can also post photos and leave reviews and testimonials.

A contracting business might not immediately think of Facebook as a contracting review site, but its review feature — Facebook Ratings and Reviews — is an easy-to-use feature that can boost visibility for your contractor business. 

Anyone logged into Facebook who received a first-class home service can post a positive review of your contracting business. Satisfied homeowners can easily rate contractors on the app while sharing pictures of quality work.

Curious customers look to Yelp for reviews of all kinds of services. Yelp allows contractors to create a free profile of their contracting business with location, hours, contact details and the home services they provide. Yelp is free to use and allows users to rate businesses using a star system. Customer reviews are often quite detailed and can help build a solid online reputation, making Yelp a highly trusted review site.

HomeAdvisor

HomeAdvisor is another great review site for home service businesses to have a company profile. Though HomeAdvisor is free, there is a company screening process to list a business, so this helps refine listings to only reputable contractor businesses. 

Once approved, there are features to develop leads and connect directly with potential customers about specific home improvement projects. HomeAdvisor uses a familiar star rating system for all businesses.

Angi (formerly Angie’s List)

For years, Angi has been a trusted review site for home improvements and home repairs. Angi users are required to register an account and customer reviews are verified, not anonymous. 

The site uses an A-F scale to rate HVAC service providers, plumbers, electricians and general contractors, among others. Angi has a reputation for high-quality and thorough reviews from homeowners.

Should contractors respond to reviews?

Yes. Always respond to all reviews. 

For positive reviews, a simple “Thank you, I’m glad you are happy with the project” will suffice. This shows that you read their reviews and appreciate their kind words.

It’s especially critical to address negative reviews politely and professionally . Take time to acknowledge the customer’s concerns and ask what you can do to resolve the issue. Other customers will see you care about feedback and stand by your work. 

Let Broadly help you manage your reviews

You can build an online presence for your contractor business by generating customer reviews on contractor review sites. Broadly is here to help you get discovered by potential clients through positive reviews and ratings with our review management tool. Consolidate reviews from multiple platforms in one place. 

Broadly also provides a range of other services to grow your business. We will work with you to optimize your contractor business website. Our web chat feature enables you to respond to customer inquiries quickly. You can even do email marketing campaigns to keep your business top of mind for potential customers.

Transform your local business with revolutionary AI-powered software

Get more out of broadly., how to get started in automation for small business (and why), mastering small business reputation management: from crisis to success, the benefits of implementing a web chat service for local businesses, local listings management: boost your local seo, streamline your marketing with social media scheduling tools, contact management system: your secret weapon for success, how to send a text blast for local service businesses, launching effective sms campaigns for local businesses, how to do email marketing for local businesses, how to do local seo: the keys to success.

May We Suggest?

Is this it, how about this, search results.

Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

The Best Contractor Services

The 8 best contractor services, homeadvisor, where can you find the best contractors.

Every homeowner knows that as the years go by, house repairs and projects never end. Not everyone knows how to fix or build everything required to keep a home beautiful and fully functioning. And even if they do, does anyone really have time for all that? Whether it's patching a roof, pouring cement, fixing the plumbing, or bringing a remodel to life, you'll probably "need a guy" to help you out.

Contractors are a great option for home repair and upkeep solutions because you can find one who's an expert in their field and work with them directly to get the job done. You can sidestep big companies that often take longer and charge higher fees. Contractors make their own schedules, have their own equipment, and can work with you on pricing rather than having to charge what a big company might.

Tuesday, July 16th

2024 Contractor Service Reviews

Networx boasts some of the best customer reviews we have found of any contractor site out there. They have a free, simple platform for customers to use, but the quality of their pros is what sets them apart. Networx allows them to create custom profiles and design a brand that they are proud of that helps them continually take on new projects. They have an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and outshine their competitors, earning them our highest rating.

Taskrabbit is by far one of the best options for contractor referrals. They have pros in nearly every city throughout the US and their services are nearly endless. Taskrabbit allows you to browse local taskers almost instantly with little personal information required on your end. They have phenomenal customer reviews and strong leadership, making this one of our favorite options for finding a contractor.

25 Contractor Review Sites You Need to Know for Your Business

Mark Nicholson

Essential contractor referral services to get more reviews.

As a contractor, you have your hands full, from running your business to managing your crew. Adding sales to the list of things to do is just one more of the many hats a small business owner has to wear.

Fortunately, there is something you can do that will gradually help. By submitting to contractor review websites, you can build a pipeline of leads, and some of those will convert to sales.

If you haven’t already set yourself up on the main contractor review sites, it’s time to do so. You might have been putting it off, but it’s worth the time.

These sites cater to homeowners looking to hire professionals such as contractors, plumbers, roofers, electricians, carpenters, cleaners, landscapers, HVAC specialists, remodelling professionals and more. They are the most popular websites homeowners use to look for local-contractor ratings, so getting on them is essential.

Review sites for contractors can result in lots of opportunities. Most are free to register with and only take a few minutes each. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so keep at it and try to do one or more each week.

With that in mind,  reputation marketing software  may be helpful when collecting and showcasing those coveted customer reviews.

The "Big 5" Review Sites

This is the place to start. Begin with Google and Facebook and work your way down.

• Google Business Profile
• Bing Places
• Yellow Pages

When submitting to review sites, you’ll want to ensure that you’re registered on the above, especially Google My Business and Facebook.

But there are plenty of others worth the time for contractors to submit to as well.

Contractor Review Sites

These are the best contractor review sites to get more customer reviews, increase referral sales and build a reputation.

• HomeAdvisor
• Angie’s List
• Amazon Home Services
• Mr. Handyman
• Pro Referral
• QualitySmith
• 1800Remodel
• Judy’s Book
• ServiceWhale
• Better Business Bureau
• TrustedPros

How to Get More Referrals from Contractor Review Websites

When it comes to contractor review sites, you need to be on HomeAdvisor. A HomeAdvisor contractor review will go a long way in getting you more leads and improving your contractor ratings.

At the same time, Angie’s List is also recommended, along with many of the others listed.

To determine what other contractor review websites you should focus on, try doing a few searches on Google for phrases someone might use to find you. This is helpful for more locally based websites.

For example, include your city name and service, exclude competitors's sites and look at the results displayed to identify the other high-ranking websites. It's the websites that appear for several phrases that you should target as other websites for contractor reviews.

Finding these websites are great for collecting local contractor reviews. Be sure to try multiple phrases to get an overall idea of which websites are important for you.

Online Business Citations for Contractor Referrals

It’s important that when adding your business information to these types of websites that you are consistent with NAP details (Name, Address, Phone Number).

These are known as "citations." A business citation is any mention of your company on the internet that includes your NAP details, with or without a link to your website (but preferably with). Citations have a significant impact on how well you could rank in local search results on Google and Bing.

The importance of citations is not limited to just the info provided, but also spelling and formatting. Make sure your business name, company mailing address and company phone number are spelled correctly and formatted consistently everywhere—search engines can better match citations to each other and to your business.

Search engines typically lose confidence in your listing and will likely showing a competitor instead when NAP details are inconsistent. It’s also not fun to go back later to try to clean it all up. Keep it consistent and pay attention to details. The more local citations that you have, the more likely you will start seeing benefits from local search.

Get More Contractor Reviews for Your Business

While there are many contractor review sites to choose from for monitoring, you want to manage your time and choose the right   business rating websites   by industry that suit you.

Learn more about   how to get customer reviews   to generate more business for your contracting company.

Mark Nicholson is a Vancouver-based freelance marketing expert and a NiceJob guest author. He writes about reputation marketing, the importance of online reviews and improving customer experience.

Like what you see? Share with a friend.

Related articles.

How To Easily Get Referrals from Your Customers in 9 Steps

Online Review Statistics to Improve Your Company’s Reputation

How Online Reputation Marketing Improves Rankings, Traffic & Sales

Why nicejob.

Contractor Websites: 25 Excellent Examples for Inspiration

This page may contain links from our sponsors. Here’s how we make money .

If you’re a business owner, you know the importance of effective marketing. Contractor websites with a professional design are crucial for growing your client base and keeping current customers.

Building a website for your construction business can give potential clients a place to find contact and quote information or view a portfolio of your previous projects.

Current clients can use your site to read about your process, find links to your social accounts, or share your website with others. A website with an effective design can take your contractor business to the next level.

Building Your Own Contractor Website

Creating a professional website isn’t as complicated or expensive as you might think. Several drag-and-drop website builders make it easy to create your site without hiring a designer or coding. We recommend Squarespace because of their beautiful templates that make it a breeze to create a great-looking site. Start a free trial with Squarespace and build your site without commitment.

Showcase of Contractor Websites

No matter your business goals, having a website with high-quality images and an excellent design can help your company flourish. All construction businesses can use their website to turn visitors into leads, showcase their previous projects, and display their contact information.

Here’s a showcase of some gorgeous contractor website designs to inspire you. Use these examples to find elements you like to guide you through building your own company website.

Looking for more web design inspiration ? You may also like our showcases of roofing websites , plumbing websites , and handyman websites .

Oasis Builders

Oasis Builders opens up with a walkthrough video and typography style that creates a luxurious touch. On the home page, you can read about their construction process and check out past works and client testimonials .

Their website makes it easy for prospective clients to learn more about the company and see why they should choose to work with them. Find the menu in the bottom right corner to navigate throughout the site. Visit their footer for contact information, social media links, and a simple contact form.

West Village General Contractors

West Village New York is an attention-grabbing website. With a bright orange color scheme, taking inspiration from this site will help you stand out from your competitors. Features like clear calls to action and high-quality videos throughout the site will easily keep prospective customers interested.

The top menu has a dropdown feature making the site very user-friendly. Their contact page is another unique feature of the site. It includes detailed questions and contact information, starting the conversation before you even pick up the phone.

Square Footage Inc.

If you’re looking for a minimalistic , elegant contractor site, this one’s for you. Square Footage offers an elegant mouse style that flows with your movements. The home page shows high-quality images of previous projects in a clean layout. With an interactive hover-over effect, it makes for an overall gorgeous visual appeal.

The entire site features bold use of white space, giving it a modern design feel. View their design process, portfolio, or contact page with their delicate menu at the top.

McCownGordon Construction

Upon opening the McCownGordon Construction site, you’re greeted with a full-screen background video . The main page uses an impressive scroll effect as you explore, guiding the eye where to go.

The site uses a pop of color to highlight calls to action. Each page showcases plenty of professional pictures, showing off their experience with commercial projects.

Further increasing the user experience, the contact info is front and center at the top of the page. This site is a great example of an effective website in the construction industry.

Acclaim Contractors

Acclaim Contractors presents a stunning website example of a modern design. Each page brings a professional design layout with a gray color scheme. They distributed details throughout the site with text on the left side of the screen that flows as you scroll.

View their previous projects on the home page layout of images, each linked to individual project pages. Find links to individual pages in the simple pop-out menu on the right side of the page.

Overall, this construction company has a creatively immersive site for creative design concept inspiration.

GTA Builders

GTA Builders is a one-page contractor website with a white background and bold yellow pops of color throughout. They use yellow to bring attention to and guide potential customers to their call-to-action buttons and other elements throughout the site.

They use stunning bold text for their headlines, creating an elegant visual appeal. Using parallax scrolling to show off their project images is immersive and shows potential clients what skills they can offer.

JL General Contractors

This home improvement company brings a high-quality custom design to its website. Their home page opens with a full-bleed slideshow of some featured pictures. They use a mostly white background with hints of an orange color scheme, again bringing your eye to their strategically placed calls to action.

This impressive design includes services, contact information, and customer testimonials, all on the home page. The top bar menu displays services, a simple contact page, and a page about the company.

United Elite Group

This New York contracting business uses a simple layout and bold black color scheme to attract prospective clients. The home page shows off their skills with a luxury full-screen project photo.

They use a mix of white and gold text on the dark background to show beautiful contrast. Explore the full site with the simple menu at the top of the page, or navigate using the action buttons on the home page.

United Elite Group is a contracting company that uses color and design services to bring luxury to its visitors. 

DPR Construction

DPR Construction stands out from its competitors with its unique horizontal scrolling style. They use minimal typography styles and high-quality pictures. The professional pictures show off their impressive project history comprising mainly commercial projects.

Although the unique scroll effect makes a statement, they still maintain a simple layout that’s easy for a potential customer to navigate. The navigation menu is in the top right corner and opens to display all page options. This a great example of an effective website for commercial contractors.

Monumental Contractors

This site uses a generous amount of white space to engage without becoming visually overwhelming. Monumental Contractors stays minimal on their page while still showing plenty of pictures that represent their contracting services.

The website has an adaptive design for a smooth desktop or mobile experience. They show links to their customer reviews, blog, and social media links elegantly at the header and footer of each page. 

If you’re looking for inspiration to build an immersive website that’s a complete experience, Maman Corp does a great job. This impressive design uses video and scroll effects to draw you in and keep you interested. From the homepage to the loading page, the creative design concept of this site is outstanding.

Locate the menu any time at the top of the page to navigate the site effortlessly. While the home page is big on display factors, the individual pages are simple and to the point. Keeping the experience vivid without being overwhelming.

Weitz General Contracting

Weitz General Contracting is a full-bleed website with bright colors and high-quality pictures. Find the menu at the top of each page, highlighted in their signature yellow color. Client testimonials, services, and another menu can be found as you scroll through the home page of the site.

They use photos in their menu to keep interest and design quality while navigating. The full-bleed effect is consistent throughout the website, keeping it interesting and modern. 

GM Construction

Another great example of a luxurious full-bleed website is GM Construction. They balance dark and light colors to create contrast and interest while the user navigates. Each page loads with an elegant fade effect and includes many vivid images.

Their menu stays with you as you scroll, nestled at the top of the page. Easily contact or start a project with this construction company by navigating to their contact page or using the action buttons in the website footer. 

If you have many high-quality pictures you would like to showcase on your website, BNBuilders is an impressive site for you to take inspiration from. They loaded each page with vivid pictures showing the contractor’s expertise.

The menu bar stays at the top of the page as you scroll, making navigation effortless. They use their images as action buttons throughout, making their calls to action eye-catching and fluid.

Groesbeck Construction

This site uses its recognizable blue color scheme to create consistency throughout this site. Their home page includes action buttons, testimonials from happy customers, and pops of yellow to guide your eye through the elements.

Locate the menu at the top of the page, even as you scroll. Find the business contact information on their contact page and the footer of the site, and displayed effectively in the website tab.

Apex Transformations

Apex Transformations is a gorgeous website that gives a luxurious feel upon visiting. With a dark background and light text, the contrast thoroughly showcases their design skills. Access the menu on the left side of the screen, or at the top center of the page as you scroll.

They highlight action buttons and key elements in gold throughout the site. This is a great example of how powerful a color palette can be in creating an immersive and luxurious experience.

Dyna Builders

Dyna Builders uses a scroll effect that almost doubles as a slideshow while navigating through the home page. Each time you travel further down, the background image changes and displays new information with an effective action button displayed front and center.

The sticky menu stays at the top of the page, allowing you to find more information about the contractor. Their contact page opens a slide-up view from the bottom of the screen, allowing you to get the information you need without loading up a new page.

Joeris uses a strong balance of full-bleed elements and generous white-space areas. This keeps their site interesting without being visually overwhelming. Their home page works almost like a one-page website, displaying small snippets of information you may need.

If you need more about a specific topic, find the menu in the top right corner. This site is a great inspiration for a commercial construction management company with a strong client history. 

McCullough Construction

This construction business shows a great example of including a lot of information in a well-organized way. Each page offers extensive information about the company and the service without being overwhelming and lengthy.

They use vivid pictures as a header for each page and green elements throughout to bring attention to their action buttons. Their menu can always be located at the top of the page, and they display all contact information on the footer.

Straub Construction

Straub Construction opens with a high-quality video header that immediately draws the visitor in. They use wording throughout the site that invokes a powerful response, showing the potential customer that they are truly passionate about their expertise. They show off their projects, news and contact information, all on the home page.

Their simple menu is at the top of the page and offers services, contact forms, and other important information. This site is a great example for those who really want to connect with their customers.

JDG Construction

JDG Construction uses luxurious design elements throughout its site to keep visitors interested. As you scroll, you’re immersed in the design experience. Each element flows onto the page with a different visual effect.

The black and white color scheme keeps the design modern and avoids being overstimulating. The home page includes high-quality photography, project details, and services. The menu can be found in the top right corner of the page, and even that opens with a fun visual effect. 

Divine Builders

This home improvement business is another great example with fun scrolling effects. Navigate by clicking the up and down arrows on the right side of the page or simply scrolling.

The top bar stays as you navigate and includes social media links, contact information, and a pop-out menu option. The menu is minimal since most information a visitor would need is on the home page. A great inspiration for those trying to stay visually impressive without going over the top.

Continental Electrical Construction Company

This professional website is great for large commercial companies. They use icons and a red accent color to showcase important elements throughout the site. The sticky top bar includes a minimalistic menu, social media icons , and contact information.

The website footer includes a display of services, contact information, and another set of social media icons. This site features a helpful intuitive search bar in the top bar, allowing visitors to find where they need to go with ease.

Yagor opens up with a high-quality full-bleed image header, showing off its expertise. The top bar displays their social media icons, contact information, and license number in a visible yet minimalistic way.

They use a yellow accent color throughout the site to highlight important aspects and keep the visual design interesting. The home page includes Google reviews from happy customers, services, and a full YouTube video.

This is a great example site for those businesses that are content-heavy and ready to connect with new clients.

Secured Roofing & Solar

Secured Roofing & Solar is a roofing contractor showing how to turn website visitors into clients. The first thing you notice on this site is the contact form to get a quote for your project. You can enter your information here, or just navigate to the top bar any time while exploring the site.

This is a fantastic site to pull inspiration from if you’re trying to attract an abundance of potential clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, contractors should have a website because it’s one of the best methods of generating leads and clients. At a minimum, your website should explain the services you offer, show photos and details of some past projects, and provide contact information for visitors who want to get in touch with you.

We recommend using Squarespace to build your site. Squarespace offers a large selection of beautifully-design templates, so it’s easy to have a professional website in almost no time. You don’t need any technical skills, and you can easily update and add to your site without any coding. Squarespace’s prices are also extremely competitive, and you can use a free trial to create your site without commitment.

Squarespace’s pricing starts at $16 per month. There’s no upfront cost to build your site, and your monthly fee provides you access to hundreds of professionally-designed templates. With Squarespace, you can save thousands of dollars compared to hiring a designer to create a custom site from scratch.

Final Thoughts on Contractor Websites

An effective website for your business is crucial for success in this technology-dense world. A website to show off reviews from happy customers, display your hours of operation, or build trust by displaying your past projects can do wonders for building your client base. Including all of this information and standing out in the search engine is hard enough. Thinking about design styles doesn’t need to be.

I hope this list of contractor websites inspired you and gave you the confidence you needed to take the next step for your company and build your own site!

Kaitlyn Greenfield is a creative entrepreneur, graphic designer, and content writer. She has over 3 years of graphic and apparel design experience, owns her own e-commerce shop, and has a background of over 6 years doing freelance writing, editing, and transcription. Connect with Kaitlyn on LinkedIn or at her website .

• Best of 2024
• How to Spot a Trustworthy Website
• Dating Apps
• Shopping Discount Fashion
• Discount Clothing
• Discount Designer Clothing
• Affordable Wedding Dresses
• Affordable Activewear for Women
• Plus-Size Swimwear
• COVID-19 Resources
• Write a Review
• Request a Review
• Backed by the National Science Foundation
• For Business

Top Online Contractor Resources

• 5 Stars 264
• 1 Stars 112

HomeAdvisor (Powered by Angi)

Detailed ratings.

Armstrong Steel

General Steel

Emmons Electric

BeaverLogCabins

Contractor's Solutions

Contractor's solutions.

Southland Log Homes

Independence Van Lines

Edenconstructionny.com

Edenconstructionny

Exhibition Stand Contractors

APlusConstruction

AboutPainting.ca

Hill Residential Contractors

Texan Services Industries LLC

RIGHT-AWAY CONSTRUCTION CORP

Select up to five businesses to compare

• Stars (high to low)
• Stars (low to high)

Get the Reddit app

Only text posts are allowed here. YOU MUST have minimum karma to participate in the sub. Submit here: https://diy.stackexchange.com/

Best websites for contractor reviews

I'm starting a partial remodel of my apartment as a means of making it more marketable for sale within one year. Looking for advice on websites with reviews that can be used for vetting potential contractors for jobs such as replacing/repairing kitchen cabinets and flooring and replacing/repairing bathroom tile cabinets, vanity and flooring. We are just starting the process so we're looking for tips on how best to narrow down the list of potential contractors.

In the very early stages of my search, I've come across homeadvisor.com. Can anyone vouch for the site as generally reliable and unbiased? Any other recommendations?

• Gift Card News

Finding a Trustworthy Contractor: A Guide to Choosing the Right Pros

Checking credentials and references.

Before hiring a contractor, it's essential to thoroughly vet their credentials and references to ensure they have the qualifications and experience necessary for your project. Start by verifying their licensing and insurance to confirm they are compliant with state regulations. Additionally, request references from previous clients and follow up with them to inquire about their experiences with the contractor. Prioritize contractors who have a solid track record of completing similar projects successfully and have satisfied clients who can vouch for their workmanship and professionalism. It's also advisable to check with professional associations or industry organizations to see if the contractor has any affiliations or certifications that demonstrate their commitment to quality and ongoing training. By conducting due diligence in this manner, you can gain insight into the contractor's reputation and capabilities, helping you make an informed decision.

Meeting in Person and Discussing the Project

After narrowing down your list of potential contractors, schedule in-person meetings with each of them to discuss the details of your project. During these meetings, pay attention to how the contractor communicates, listens to your ideas, and provides input. A good contractor should be attentive, respectful, and transparent about their approach to the project. They should also be willing to offer constructive suggestions and address any concerns you may have. During these discussions, be sure to ask about their experience with similar projects, their proposed timeline for completion, and their process for handling unexpected challenges that may arise. Additionally, clarify the payment schedule, the scope of work, and any warranties or guarantees they offer. By having these open and thorough conversations, you can assess the contractor's expertise and determine if they are a good fit for your project.

Reviewing Contracts and Agreements

Once you've selected a contractor you feel comfortable working with, carefully review the contract and any associated agreements before proceeding. The contract should outline the scope of work, project timelines, payment terms, and any provisions for unforeseen circumstances or change orders. Take the time to read through the contract in detail, and don't hesitate to seek clarification on any terms or conditions that seem unclear. It's essential to ensure that the contract includes a detailed breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, and any potential additional expenses. Additionally, verify that the contractor's insurance and licensing information is accurately reflected in the contract. If there are specific warranty or guarantee terms that were discussed during the initial meetings, confirm that those are documented as well. By reviewing the contract thoroughly, you can protect yourself from any misunderstandings or disputes that may arise later in the project.

Managing the Project and Communication

Throughout the duration of the project, effective communication and project management are vital for a successful outcome. Maintain open lines of communication with the contractor, and be proactive in addressing any concerns or questions that may arise. Regular check-ins and progress updates can help ensure that the project stays on track and that any issues are promptly addressed. Additionally, be attentive to the quality of work being performed and the adherence to the agreed-upon timeline. If there are any deviations or unexpected challenges, discuss them with the contractor to find suitable solutions. By actively managing the project and maintaining clear communication, you can help mitigate potential issues and ensure the project progresses smoothly.

Seeking Customer Feedback and Reviews

After the project is completed, take the time to provide feedback and leave a review of the contractor's work. Honest and constructive feedback can not only benefit the contractor by highlighting their strengths but also provide valuable insights for other homeowners who may be considering hiring them in the future. If you were satisfied with the contractor's performance, sharing your positive experience can help them build their reputation and attract more clients. Furthermore, encourage the contractor to share your feedback and review on their website or social media platforms. Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients can serve as valuable endorsements for the contractor and instill confidence in potential clients. Conversely, if there were any issues or areas for improvement, addressing them in a diplomatic and constructive manner can help the contractor refine their practices and deliver better service in the future. Choosing a trustworthy contractor for your home improvement project is a critical decision that requires careful consideration and thorough evaluation. By checking credentials and references, meeting in person, reviewing contracts, managing the project effectively, and seeking customer feedback, you can navigate the process with confidence and select the right professional for the job.

June 26, 2024

Written by Trae Bodge

Related Articles

Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas: Delicious and Healthy Options

Glamping: Where Luxury Meets Nature

Glam Mom Gifts: Beauty, Fashion, and Self-Care Gift Cards

Giving Back: Donate Gift Cards to Support Mexican Communities

Give Your Clothes New Life with Simple Repairs

Advertisement

Supported by

What Is Project 2025, and Why Is Trump Disavowing It?

The Biden campaign has attacked Donald J. Trump’s ties to the conservative policy plan that would amass power in the executive branch, though it is not his official platform.

• Share full article

By Simon J. Levien

Donald J. Trump has gone to great lengths to distance himself from Project 2025, a set of conservative policy proposals for a future Republican administration that has outraged Democrats. He has claimed he knows nothing about it or the people involved in creating it.

Mr. Trump himself was not behind the project. But some of his allies were.

The document, its origins and the interplay between it and the Trump campaign have made for one of the most hotly debated questions of the 2024 race.

Here is what to know about Project 2025, and who is behind it.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 was spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation and like-minded conservative groups before Mr. Trump officially entered the 2024 race. The Heritage Foundation is a think tank that has shaped the personnel and policies of Republican administrations since the Reagan presidency.

The project was intended as a buffet of options for the Trump administration or any other Republican presidency. It’s the latest installment in the Heritage Foundation’s Mandate for Leadership series, which has compiled conservative policy proposals every few years since 1981. But no previous study has been as sweeping in its recommendations — or as widely discussed.

Kevin Roberts, the head of the Heritage Foundation, which began putting together the latest document in 2022, said he thought the American government would embrace a more conservative era, one that he hoped Republicans would usher in.

“We are in the process of the second American Revolution,” Mr. Roberts said on Real America’s Voice, a right-wing cable channel, in early July, adding pointedly that the revolt “will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

Do You Need an Architect or a Designer?

Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

April 22, 2024

One of the most common questions homeowners ask remodeling contractors is, “Should we hire an architect or a designer for our project?” For most small projects, such as enlarging a window opening or removing a non-bearing wall, the answer is no. The contractor and homeowner can handle both the design and construction end.

For large additions, whole-house renovations, and new kitchens, you should consider hiring an architect or design professional to help plan the project. A design pro can make sure the esthetic considerations meld with the structural requirements of the project and that the space is both liveable and aesthetically pleasing.

Here’s what architects, designers, kitchen specialists, and interior designers do and don’t do, what they charge and how you can pick the right one for your project.

About Architects

Architects are trained in design theory, engineering, and project management. Rates vary by region and individual architect.

If you would like the architect to manage the project, solicit bids, choose the contractor and subcontractors, control money, and oversee work; they will charge an additional 5% to 10% of the cost of the project.

Architects are skilled at coming up with inventive ideas to solve complex design problems and at making sure a project is true to itself aesthetically (whether it’s classical or original in styling).

An addition, or other complicated project with lots of roof lines, really benefits from an architect’s vision and ability to visualize ideas three-dimensionally. So does an older home where you want to extend the existing historic look to new work. And, of course, so does a home where you want to make a one-of-a-kind statement.

You’ll often see the initials “AIA” after an architect’s name. This indicates membership in the American Institute of Architects. Licensing of architects is a separate process that is administrated by each state.

As project manager, an architect can keep an eye on the progression of work. They act not only as a point person to handle the inevitable problems that arise, but also as your advocate with the general contractor and the subcontractors.

Dealing with Architects

Usually homeowners will hire an architect before the contractor is involved. After the architect meets with the homeowners to determine their needs, they will present a full set of plans for bid, including renderings of the outside of the structure and all building details from roof to foundation.

If extensive changes are made, which often arise once contractors start bidding on the project, the architect will redraw the plans for an additional fee.

Hiring an architect to oversee a project is the highest level of service you can buy, since you’re responsible for little more than writing the check. It can be a good solution for someone who doesn’t want to deal with a contractor or get involved in the day-to-day decision making process during the course of construction.

While it might be nice, in most cases hiring the architect who designed the plans to oversee an addition or remodel isn’t necessary. So if you’re on a budget, it makes more sense to handle dealing with the contractor yourself.

About Designers

Designers usually do not have academic training in architecture and engineering but are experienced in interior space planning and simple additions. If you’re remodeling a kitchen or adding a family room, a designer may have all the skills you need.

A designer’s plans will be reviewed by a structural engineer to make sure beams won’t sag and floors won’t bounce, something architects often do as a precaution as well, even though they have some engineering training. Designers typically don’t offer project management services.

Licensed Designers

Laws governing licensing of design services vary from state to state. All states require that architects be licensed, but the licensing of designers is a gray area, and many states exempt the design of single-family homes from architectural licensing. To find out the policy in your state, call the licensing board or ask your contractor.

No matter what the policy of your state is, check your homeowner’s insurance policy as well. You might have to beef it up, because professional liability or malpractice is rarely covered. In the event of a costly repair where it’s unclear if the designer or contractor is to blame, you could end up stuck with some of the bill.

Some designers work for remodeling contractors. These companies, called “design/build firms,” offer the complete remodeling package everything from plans to paint. Generally, the design of the project is included in the overall price.

Dealing with Designers

A designer or design/build firm can handle most residential remodels. And the designer and contractor typically operate as a team, not adversaries.

After initial meetings with the homeowners, the designer and contractor return for a second meeting with a partial set of drawings often just a rendering of the outside walls, or elevation, and a rough floor plan. The contractor will price out the plans only after the homeowners approve the preliminary drawings.

The designer is commissioned to finish the drawings once the budget is approved. This helps avoid sticker shock when the final bill gets presented. But even in a worst case scenario, in which a full plan set has to be redrawn, the cost is about half what an architect will charge.

There are some drawbacks to using a designer. Regulations covering designers vary from state to state, so you’re not necessarily guaranteed a basic level of skill and education. And, unlike architects, designers are not always insured against negligence or malpractice.

Hiring an Architect or Designer

After you’ve made a decision between an architect and designer, you have to find one to work with. Ask family, friends and neighbors you trust for recommendations. Then look at their last few jobs and interview the homeowners.

Remodeling contractors are another good source or architects and designers. Since they are responsible for building what that designer draws, they won’t recommend someone who does not know what they’re doing or that they have had trouble with in the past.

Other Design Professionals

Thought you had the architect/designer dilemma figured out? Think again! There are several additional types of designers to consider:

• Certified kitchen designers (CKD)
• certified bath designers (CBD)
• Interior designers (ASID)

Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers

The National Kitchen & Bath Association certifies kitchen and bath designers after they complete coursework and document years of field experience. They charge per hour and work at least 10 to 20 hours on your plan with the contractor. Many certified designers work with a kitchen and bath showroom or a cabinet dealer. You’ll also find them on staff at home centers.

Certified kitchen and bath designers bring focused expertise to the workspace, traffic patterns, electrical layout, and cabinet and appliance clearances; all of which make kitchens and bathrooms different animals when it comes to remodeling.

Like architects or designers, kitchen and bath designers draw a complete set of up-to-code plans. And, like an architect, many will provide project management for a percentage of the gross cost of the remodel.

Certified kitchen and bath designers are aware of structural basics, though they should consult an engineer if they propose any structural changes in the walls or floors.

Interior Designers

Certified interior designers are what most people call interior decorators. The certifying group is the American Society of Interior Designers.

Generally, interior designers do not present building plans to a contractor, but they will consult on space reallocation and assist in designing the finished interior space.

For an additional fee, depending on the range of services provided, interior designers also research, shop, and present you with decorating samples or introduce you to product lines for such things as furniture and lighting.

• Home Finances

Housing Markets That Beat the National Average Home Sale Price (And Those That Fell Short)

May 7, 2024

Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies for Older Homes

April 18, 2024

TotalProtect vs American Home Shield

May 3, 2024

Sears Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield

April 26, 2024

Samsung Appliance Warranty Review

April 25, 2024

15 Things to Do After Buying A Home

Can You Save Money on Taxes With Home Improvement Projects?

April 30, 2024

Ready to Pay Off Your Mortgage? Here Are 7 Ways to Speed Up the Process

Tips to Sell Your Home During COVID-19

October 12, 2023

Advertiser Disclosure

Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.

The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.

• Helping Businesses Since 2013

• MARKETING SERVICES
• CASE STUDIES
• TESTIMONIALS
• OVP NEWSLETTER

9 Best Review Sites and Directories for Home Service Contractors

(Click to Get 6 Free Proven Templates to Get More 5-Star Reviews for Your Business)

Let me guess…

You hate wasting your time.

Who doesn’t?

If you’re chasing your customers for reviews, then you probably want to know the best review sites .

The home service industry strives on reviews and a great review won’t matter if it’s in a little-known review site.

Before you go any further, take a look at how you should setup your business to receive a review.

This blog post outlines 9 essential review websites that we recommend based on their popularity and relevance to the home service industry.

1 – Google My Business

Google’s famous algorithm utilizes location information and organic rankings to display the most relevant local search results.

In order for your business’ website to be properly optimized for search, you’ll need to set up verified accounts with any and all the local directories, but especially Google My Business .

Getting reviews, comments, pictures, etc. on Google, will give you a boost in search.

You’ll also need a verified local Google My Business page if you want to respond to reviews.

As an added bonus, Google Maps pulls that information and those reviews into their mobile app, so having a lot of content in there will make your business look a lot more reputable.

Get your business listed on Google My Business here.

2 – Angi

All of its users are required to register an account, reviews are verified and can never be anonymous.

Just like high school, businesses are graded on an A-F scale, and the quality of the review itself is higher than other sites, usually more thought out with less ranting and raving.

It has been able to maintain that review quality despite moving from paid to free memberships.

The lack of anonymity contributes to fewer fake or misrepresentative reviews, and businesses are able to respond to their reviews.

It’s free to set up an account and relatively easy to set up an Angi page for your company.

Once you have your account set up and optimized, encourage your customers to create their own free membership and leave you a review.

Get started with the Angi Pro Network here.

3 – Yelp

Yelp is a review site that is free to use and allows users to rate businesses using a five-star scale.

Any business can create a profile on Yelp at no cost that includes details like hours and location.

Likewise, users are able to create their own profiles and write reviews, but they are able to maintain a level of anonymity.

Businesses have the ability to respond to reviews, though they should always take a professional approach to responding to any negative reviews.

Yelpers are known to be a tight-knit community and retaliate when they feel wronged.

Yelp has stirred up some controversy in the past few years for some questionable practices.

They’ve been known to reward businesses who advertise with them with top search results and making negative reviews less visible.

Yelp claims to have corrected this, but it’s definitely left a sour taste in many business and consumer user’s mouth.

Despite this, you shouldn’t skip out on participating on the site.

There are a lot of “buyers” hanging out here.

Most Yelp users have learned over time to consider multiple reviews for a business rather than relying on a handful of (highly entertaining) negative reviews.

It is still important to strive for a consistent stream of positive online reviews on your business’ Yelp profile so your most satisfied customers always appear at the top of your review feed.

Get started with Yelp for business here.

4 – Yahoo! Local Listings

Yahoo! offers businesses the ability to set up a local listing with a very similar set up to Google My Business.

Users can leave a review on a five-star scale that you are able to respond to.

You can set up a free listing with them, but Yahoo does make it a little tricky to find the link to do so.

Here is where it is:

You may be asking yourself, “Do people still use Yahoo!?”

Well, according to research from Search Engine Land, Yahoo! receives over 10% of the total share of search engine use.

While 10% may not seem like a whole lot, it’s still people searching for exactly what they need and you have to offer through a search engine, so it’s worth it to spend some time completing your Yahoo! Business profile , and encouraging your customers to leave positive reviews.

Get your business on Yahoo! Local Listings here.

5 – Better Business Bureau

Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) is a well-known nonprofit organization that evaluates businesses using a rubric of best practices and customer service.

A business profile on BBB.org includes a general overview, a short company bio and their accreditation status, a history of complaints and if they were resolved, customer reviews, and an A-F grade.

They do not offer recommendations or endorsements of businesses, products, or services.

What they do is provide useful information about businesses, and say whether or not they meet their accreditation standards.

I will say that a lot of business owners I’ve talked to about the BBB have said they are not excited about the program.

If that’s you, just know that consumers do visit this site to help with buying decisions.

I’d advise you to at least set up your BBB business listing  and start gathering reviews.

Get your business listed with Better Business Bureau here.

6 – Facebook Ratings & Reviews

Did you know there’s a place on Facebook for fans to leave ratings and reviews for your business?

There sure is … it’s named, aptly, Facebook Ratings & Reviews.

It appears on the left-hand side of your Facebook Page, and you can’t move or remove it like you can other parts of your Page.

Anyone logged into Facebook can post a rating or review of a business.

All they have to do is go to the Reviews section of your Page, click the gray stars to choose a rating, and then write an optional review.

They can make that review public, visible to friends, or visible only to them.

So, with over a billion users on Facebook, you’ll definitely want to leverage this as a marketing tool for your business.

Get started with a Facebook Business Page here.

7 – Houzz

Houzz is another directory tailored to home service providers that you can get leads from, but also gather comments and reviews.

Houzz showcases home improvement, home remodeling, and interior designers using lots of images, project images, and idea boards.

If your company has physical products that you sell, you can also upload pictures with those products in them and tag your products to be in the shopping area that offers products on the site.

To take it one step further, you can reach out to fellow contractors that show your products in their images and ask them to tag your products in their photos as well.

You can also participate in their discussion forum where consumers are asking questions, which could lead to more business.

Of course, make sure you’re asking Houzz customers to leave your business a review after they’ve experienced your services or bought your products.

Get started with Houzz for your business here.

8- Home Advisor

Home Advisor is another great place for home service business to have a company profile.

A quick heads up, it is free to set up an account but you’ll have to go through a screening process for criminal records, bankruptcy issues, bad reviews, sex offenses, and cases of malpractice before you can list your business.

In addition, you’ll have to really look at the pay per lead system that they offer.

They also offer tools like ProFinder, Pro Reviews, Cost Guide, Instant Booking and DesignMine to make sure the customers have resources and easy ways to take quick action on their projects.

Once you set up your account and start getting leads from their system, be sure to have a consistent, reliable way to ask these customers to go back to the Home Advisor website to leave your business a review.

It is a 1-5 star rating scale and the more positive reviews you have the more likely people will be excited to call and work with you.

Get started with Home Advisor for your business here.

9 – Porch

Porch is a local home services website that helps homeowners with projects, maintenance and repairs by connecting them with quality professionals.

Porch also serves as the exclusive in-store resource in over 1,720 Lowe’s stores across the U.S. Once you set up a free business profile on the website you’ll be able to view projects that customers post and offer your services.

Customers can also reach out to you directly after reviewing your profile.

Be sure to review the site and decide if you want to get set up with a subscription model or pay as you go.

Regardless of how you set your account up, you’ll want to pay close attention to the projects you complete with Porch customers, so you can strategically increase your review base.

Get started with Porch for your business here.

Start Using These Review Sites

There’s only a few review sites that matter…Get help from an online review service provider !

Your customers’ feedback is essential and these 9 sites are where they should be listed.

These 9 sites are packed with traffic and getting your customers review on there means more potential for new leads that you can turn into lifetime clients.

Want to embed this infographic on your website?

Author:  Brian Horwitz

Brian Horwitz is an online lead generation funnel expert and co-founder of Online Visibility Pros, a certified digital marketing firm that specializes in online lead generation for home services businesses, trade contracting and construction companies and a handful of a few other select niche markets. Schedule a Fast Action Plan Call with Brian now.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

The Secret Service is investigating how a man who shot and injured Trump was able to get so close

The FBI is investigating Saturday’s shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania as an attempted assassination and act of domestic terror. However authorities say, a motive has not yet been identified.

Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt Saturday at a Pennsylvania rally, days before he was to accept the Republican nomination for a third time. The FBI said during a press conference late Saturday that they were not prepared to release the identity of the shooter and had not yet identified a motive for the assassination attempt.

Former Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy was shot on the day there was an attempt to assassinate former President Ronald Reagan. As he watched the shooting at the Trump rally unfold on Saturday he noticed similar failures in the attempts to protect the president.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is covered by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

• Copy Link copied

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Police snipers return fire after shots were fired while Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure former President Donald Trump at a rally Saturday in Pennsylvania, in a devastating failure of one of the agency’s core duties.

The FBI on Sunday identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

The gunman, who officials said was killed by Secret Service personnel, fired multiple shots at the stage from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue,” the agency said.

An Associated Press analysis of more than a dozen videos and photos taken at the Trump rally, as well as satellite imagery of the site, shows the shooter was able to get astonishingly close to the stage where the former president was speaking. A video posted to social media and geolocated by the AP shows Crooks’ body lying motionless on the roof of a manufacturing plant just north of the Butler Farm Show grounds, where Trump’s rally was held. A different image shows Crooks wearing a gray T-shirt with a black American flag on the right arm, with a bloody wound to his head.

The roof was fewer than 150 meters (164 yards) from where Trump was speaking, a distance from which a decent marksman could reasonably hit a human-sized target. For reference, 150 meters is a distance at which U.S. Army recruits must hit a human-sized silhouette to qualify with the M16 assault rifle in basic training. The AR-style rifle, like that of the gunman at the Trump rally, is the semiautomatic civilian version of the military M16.

President Joe Biden said Sunday he has directed an independent review of the security at the rally.

Biden said he also directed the U.S. Secret Service to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday in Milwaukee. Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the Secret Service’s coordinator for the convention, told reporters later the agency was satisfied with what she called its comprehensive planning for the Republican convention.

Biden urged Americans not to make assumptions about the motive of the shooter. He said investigators are working swiftly to investigate the attack.

“Unity is the most elusive goal of all,” he said, but “nothing is more important than that right now.”

What to know :

• Timeline of events : How the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump unfolded.
• On the suspect : What we know about the 20-year-old man who tried to assassinate Trump .
• Motive still not known : The FBI said that it had not yet determined a motive , but the agency believed that the shooter acted alone.
• Biden’s response : The president appealed for “unity” and said he was ordering an independent security review.
• A “man of conviction” : Victim Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, used his body to shield his family from gunfire.

Calls for an investigation came from all sides.

Rep. Mark Green, a Tennessee Republican who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday raising questions about the shooting and demanding information about the former president’s Secret Service protection.

“The seriousness of this security failure and chilling moment in our nation’s history cannot be understated,” Green wrote.

The Secret Service did not have a speaker at a news conference Saturday night where FBI and Pennsylvania State Police officials briefed reporters on the shooting investigation. FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek said it was “surprising” that the gunman was able to fire at the stage before he was killed.

Members of the Secret Service’s counter-sniper team and counterassault team were at the rally, according to two law enforcement officials. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss details of the investigation.

The heavily armed counterassault team, whose Secret Service code name is “Hawkeye,” is responsible for eliminating threats so that other agents can shield and take away the person they are protecting. The counter-sniper team, known by the code name “Hercules,” uses long-range binoculars and is equipped with sniper rifles to deal with long-range threats.

Mayorkas said his department and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement to investigate the shooting. Maintaining the security of presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of the department’s “most vital priorities,” he said.

“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and commend the Secret Service for their swift action today,” Mayorkas said. “We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security.“

Green also noted reports that the Secret Service had rebuffed requests from the Trump campaign for additional security. A spokesman for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, said on X Sunday that those allegations were “absolutely false” and that they had added resources and technology as the campaign’s travel increased.

Police snipers return fire after shots were fired while Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Green said he would be talking with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Sunday.

Former top Secret Service agents told The AP that Crooks should never have been allowed to gain access to the roof, and the agency will have to figure out how that happened. They said such a lapse could have been caused by officers neglecting their posts or a flaw in the event’s security plan.

The agency is “going to have to go through the security plan and interview a number of people from the director on down” to figure out what went wrong, said Stephen Colo, who retired in 2003 as an assistant director after a 27-year career in the service.

Colo said presidential candidates and former presidents don’t typically get the same level of protection as the sitting president. In fact, Colo said he was surprised that the agency had staffed the event with a counter-sniper team. Such a valuable resource — there are not many of those highly trained agents — is usually reserved for the president. Candidates don’t usually get such teams.

Timothy McCarthy, a former agent who retired from the agency in 1994, said the Secret Service “better be doing a deep dive into what happened there and doing whatever it takes to figure it out” because the gunman should not have been able to occupy such a vantage point.

“How did that person get up on that building?” said McCarthy, 75, who in 1981 took a bullet when President Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. “How did that happen? I mean, that’s the key to the entire thing. And what measures were put in place to prevent it?”

James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who is the House Oversight Committee chairman, said he contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and called on Cheatle to appear for a hearing. Comer said his committee will send a formal invitation soon.

“Political violence in all forms is un-American and unacceptable. There are many questions and Americans demand answers,” Comer said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, called for investigating “security failures” at the rally.

“The federal government must constantly learn from security failures in order to avoid repeating them, especially when those failures have implications for the nation,” Torres said.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, posted on X that he and his staff are in contact with security planning coordinators ahead of the Republican National Convention set to begin Monday in Milwaukee. “We cannot be a country that accepts political violence of any kind — that is not who we are as Americans,” Evers said.

The FBI said it will lead the investigation into the shooting, working with the Secret Service and local and state law enforcement.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department “will bring every available resource to bear to this investigation.”

“My heart is with the former President, those injured, and the family of the spectator killed in this horrific attack,” Garland said in a statement. “We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and violence like this is an attack on our democracy.”

Associated Press writers Del Quentin Wilber, Colleen Long and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.

• - Google Chrome

Intended for healthcare professionals

• My email alerts
• BMA member login
• Username * Password * Forgot your log in details? Need to activate BMA Member Log In Log in via OpenAthens Log in via your institution

Search form

• Advanced search
• Search responses
• Search blogs
• News & Views
• US plastic surgeon who...

US plastic surgeon who suppressed bad reviews and falsified good ones must pay $5m

• Related content
• Peer review

A Seattle plastic surgeon must pay $3.5m to Washington State and $1.5m to 21 000 patients to resolve allegations that he pressured patients to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) then threatened them with legal and financial penalties if they tried to write bad reviews on Google, Yelp, WebMD, and other third party review platforms.

The state also accused Javad Sajan of creating fake reviews by pressuring staff to write them, and of writing positive reviews himself, then sending them to an overseas contractor whom he paid to post them online.

Sajan rigged “best doctor” competitions hosted by local media, the state alleged, by paying staff and contractors to vote for him as many times as allowed, even though they were not his patients. He also altered “before and after” photographs on the website of his clinic, Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery, to make his results appear better than they were, the …

Log in using your username and password

BMA Member Log In

If you have a subscription to The BMJ, log in:

• Need to activate
• Log in via institution
• Log in via OpenAthens

Log in through your institution

Subscribe from £184 *.

Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.

* For online subscription

Access this article for 1 day for: £33 / $40 / €36 ( excludes VAT )

You can download a PDF version for your personal record.

Buy this article