i Independent consumer information for residential home improvement
NationalHomeAuthority.org

Independent home improvement guidance

Better Information.
Better Home Decisions.

The National Home Authority provides homeowners with clear, objective information about contractors, home improvement products, consumer protection practices and professional certification standards.

Published standards Independent guidance Consumer-focused research

Contractor Directory Search

Search by contractor or company name and location. Directory listings are being added as records are reviewed.

The National Home Authority contractor directory is currently being compiled. Please check back as verified contractor records and published ratings are added.

About the organization

A Clearer Standard for Home Improvement Information

The National Home Authority is an independent consumer resource dedicated to improving transparency, professionalism and accountability within the residential construction and home improvement industries.

NHA develops published evaluation criteria, reviews contractor practices, provides homeowner education and establishes certification standards intended to help consumers make more informed decisions before entering into a home improvement contract.

Our purpose is not to replace a homeowner's independent research. Instead, we provide an organized framework for evaluating important factors such as licensing, insurance, reputation, warranty coverage, business history and complaint response practices.

Important disclosure: National Home Authority is an independent private consumer-information organization.
01

Transparency

Present standards and evaluation criteria in language that homeowners can understand and apply.

02

Accountability

Encourage contractors and industry participants to maintain responsible business and customer-service practices.

03

Consumer Education

Help homeowners recognize common risks, compare proposals and ask better questions before work begins.

04

Independent Review

Evaluate available information using consistent, published standards rather than advertising claims alone.

Core programs

Information Built Around the Homeowner

National Home Authority is being developed as a central resource for contractor research, certification standards, product evaluation and responsible home improvement planning.

Contractor Evaluations

Contractor records may include company information, contact details, service areas, published ratings and certification status.

Search contractor records →

Product Reviews

Product evaluations consider warranty terms, published specifications, customer feedback, pricing transparency and manufacturer support.

View evaluation principles →
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Homeowner Resources

Educational guidance helps consumers compare estimates, understand contracts, evaluate warranties and recognize common warning signs.

Read homeowner guidance →
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Certification Standards

NHA certification is intended to recognize contractors that meet defined requirements for business practices, transparency and consumer protection.

Review certification factors →

Evaluation framework

Factors Considered in Contractor Review

Contractor review and certification decisions may consider multiple areas of business responsibility. No single factor should be relied upon when selecting a contractor.

Licensing and Registration

Verification of applicable state, county or municipal licensing and registration requirements where available.

Insurance Documentation

Review of available general liability, workers' compensation or other relevant insurance information.

Business History

Consideration of years in operation, public business records, company identity and consistency of contact information.

Consumer Reputation

Review of available customer feedback, complaint patterns and the contractor's response to consumer concerns.

Warranty Practices

Evaluation of whether warranty terms are clearly stated, reasonably accessible and supported by written documentation.

Contract Transparency

Consideration of proposal clarity, payment terms, change-order practices and disclosure of project exclusions.

Public Accessibility

Availability of current company contact information, service details, business policies and customer-support channels.

Professional Conduct

Assessment of ethical marketing, responsiveness, project communication and responsible treatment of consumers.

Before signing a contract

Six Steps for a More Informed Hiring Decision

Homeowners should complete their own review of every contractor, product and proposal before authorizing work or making a payment.

01

Obtain Multiple Proposals

Request at least three written proposals whenever practical and compare scope, materials, warranties and exclusions—not price alone.

02

Verify the Company

Confirm the contractor's legal business name, address, phone number, website, licensing and insurance information.

03

Review the Contract

Require a written agreement that clearly identifies the work, products, payment schedule, estimated timing and warranty terms.

04

Investigate Reputation

Review multiple information sources and pay attention to complaint patterns, not merely the contractor's overall star rating.

05

Understand the Warranty

Determine who provides the warranty, what is covered, what is excluded and whether labor and materials have different terms.

06

Avoid Pressure Decisions

Be cautious of unusually large deposits, urgent same-day offers, incomplete documents or pressure to sign before reviewing terms.

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Consumer Information Notice

Information published by National Home Authority is intended for general educational and informational purposes. Ratings, certifications or directory listings do not constitute a guarantee of contractor performance or product suitability. Consumers should independently verify all credentials, obtain multiple proposals, review applicable laws and consult qualified professionals when appropriate.

Contact the National Home Authority

Questions regarding contractor records, certification standards, consumer information or future participation may be submitted to National Home Authority for review.

Email NHA