Here’s an overview of five popular contractor review websites to help you find reliable remodeling professionals, compare prices, and gather design ideas.

1. Angie's List

• Subscription Cost: ~$10 per year (free starting summer 2016).
• Pros Listed: 1.2 million.
• Coverage Area: National.
• Key Features:
• Verified user reviews audited annually to ensure authenticity.
• Search by recent grades (A-F) or by coupons.
• What We Like:
• Extensive database with 10 million verified reviews for credibility.
• High user review sample sizes bolster trustworthiness.
• Caveats:
• Advertisers appear first in default search results. Use “Recent grade” filter to bypass this.

2. Checkbook.org

• Subscription Cost: $34 for two years.
• Pros Listed: 45,000.
• Coverage Area: Select metro areas (e.g., Boston, Chicago, San Francisco).
• Key Features:
• Independent, ad-free ratings based on user surveys and secret shopper comparisons.
• Price comparisons and “superior” ratings instead of stars or grades.
• What We Like:
• Unbiased and comprehensive assessments.
• Transparent price info.
• Caveats:
• Available in only seven metro areas.

3. HomeAdvisor

• Subscription Cost: Free.
• Pros Listed: 116,000.
• Coverage Area: National.
• Key Features:
• Matches you with up to four prescreened contractors.
• Provides cost estimates with a detailed "True Cost Guide."
• Background checks for criminal and civil histories.
• What We Like:
• Service providers can’t buy top rankings.
• Background checks add a layer of trust.
• Caveats:
• Limited background checks in 22 states.
• Short history window: three years for criminal and one year for civil judgments.

4. Houzz

• Subscription Cost: Free.
• Pros Listed: Over 1 million.
• Coverage Area: U.S. and Canada.
• Key Features:
• Massive library of design inspiration photos searchable by room, style, and budget.
• Option to save and share design ideas.
• Links to professionals and product shops.
• What We Like:
• Great for visualizing ideas and communicating with contractors.
• Caveats:
• Advertisers can buy top spots in search results, even without reviews or ratings. Sponsored listings are marked but easy to overlook.

5. Porch

• Subscription Cost: Free.
• Pros Listed: 3.5 million.
• Coverage Area: National.
• Key Features:
• Project descriptions and photos to inspire ideas and set realistic budgets.
• Integration with the Better Business Bureau ratings.
• "Ask Porch" app for free DIY advice.
• What We Like:
• Extensive project database for budget-friendly remodeling options.
• DIY support from professionals.
• Caveats:
• User reviews and ratings may be less comprehensive compared to other platforms.

Which Site is Best for You?

• For comprehensive reviews and authenticity: Angie’s List or Checkbook.org (if you’re in one of its seven areas).
• For cost estimates and contractor screening: HomeAdvisor.
• For design inspiration and project planning: Houzz or Porch.

Pro Tip:

Always cross-reference reviews across multiple platforms and conduct your own interviews to ensure the contractor is a good fit for your project!

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