Using Angi, HomeAdvisor and Yelp to find contractors.

What contractor marketplaces and review sites provide.

Platform experiences vary. Angi allows homeowners to research local pros, request and compare quotes, and book certain services with upfront pricing. Yelp allows users to review business profiles, message a business directly, request a quote, and in some cases choose to send the request to additional businesses.

These services may be useful when a homeowner is still researching the market. Direct contact may be useful when the homeowner already knows which licensed contractor they want to interview. Neither path guarantees a lower price, better workmanship or a particular service experience.

Compare the proposal, not only the referral source.

When a marketplace may be useful.

• ✓You are beginning the search: a marketplace can provide names, reviews, cost information and quote-request tools.
• ✓You want to compare several approaches: multiple proposals can show different equipment, scopes and project strategies.
• ✓You are booking an eligible pre-priced service: some platforms offer upfront pricing and platform support for specific categories.

When direct contact may be useful.

• ✓You already selected businesses to interview: contact each contractor directly and request the same written scope.
• ✓The project involves several trades: ask whether one licensed contractor can coordinate the work or whether separate specialists are more appropriate.
• ✓You need detailed site review: HVAC, solar, battery, roofing and electrical projects usually require property-specific measurements and conditions.
• ✓You want to verify credentials yourself: check CSLB, insurance, permits, manufacturer listings, complaint records and recent reviews before signing.

A homeowner can use both methods. A marketplace may help create a shortlist, and direct contractor communication can then be used to clarify the final scope, pricing and contract.

Use the same five steps for every contractor.

1. Write one project description: include the address, requested work, photos, equipment preferences, schedule concerns and known property conditions.
2. Request the same scope: ask each contractor to identify included equipment, labor, permits, inspections, cleanup, exclusions and change-order conditions.
3. Verify before negotiating: confirm CSLB licensing, insurance, manufacturer credentials and the legal entity that will sign the contract.
4. Compare total cost: review cash price, financed price, lender fees, payment schedule, warranties and any incentive assumptions separately.
5. Read the agreement: confirm cancellation rights, payment milestones, permit responsibility, subcontractors, estimated schedule and dispute provisions before signing.

For a direct HUS proposal, use the free estimate request. For payment-structure questions, review the solar and battery financing guide before comparing monthly payments.

How to verify any California contractor.

Platform screening and online ratings are only part of the review. Verify the contractor and the project independently before signing.

• 1CSLB license search: use the California Contractors State License Board lookup and match the legal entity, license number and classification to the agreement.
• 2Insurance and bond: request current certificates and confirm coverage directly with the issuing company when the project risk justifies it.
• 3Permit responsibility: confirm which permits and inspections are required and whose license will appear on the permit.
• 4Manufacturer credentials: verify any certification or dealer status through the manufacturer's current directory and confirm it applies to the proposed product.
• 5Reviews and complaints: read recent reviews across more than one source and look for patterns involving communication, change orders, workmanship and warranty response.

Review HUS credentials and project process →