ToolBelt HIRE: Understanding a Contractor Profile

A contractor’s profile in ToolBelt HIRE includes all the information you need to assess their experience, professionalism, and reliability before hiring. This article will teach you how to evaluate each section.

• Contractor Information
• Qualifications
• Trades and Specialties
• Gallery of Work

Contractor Information

This section provides a quick snapshot of the contractor’s business, including its name, a description, and the contact details (website, phone number, and email address).

You'll find the most important information at the bottom of this section:

• Crew Count: How many people are on this crew?
  
• License: Do they hold a contractor’s license?
• Working Radius: How far are they willing to travel for work?

Qualifications

This section lists a contractor's verified credentials, highlighting their professionalism and compliance with industry standards. ToolBelt verifies each qualification and includes a validating image of licensure (when possible).

• Contractor’s License: Proves a contractor meets state requirements to perform construction.
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Covers a contractor's crew in case of job-related injuries.
• General Liability Insurance: Protects employers from property damage or injury caused by a contractor's work.
• Business License/EIN: Confirms a contractor runs a legally registered business.
• Bonded: Guarantees that a contractor will complete work or be required to reimburse an employer for issues.
• Lead Certification: Certifies a contractor is trained to safely handle lead-based materials, which is required for homes built before 1978.
• Willing to Get Lead Certification: Demonstrates a contractor's willingness to obtain training to safely handle lead-based materials, if necessary.
• Ability to Pass a Background Check: Validates that a contractor has the credentials/work history to pass a background check, adding an extra layer of trustworthiness.
• Valid Driver’s License: Proves a contractor is legally allowed to operate vehicles.
• Reliable Transportation: Confirms a contractor has dependable means of transporation to a job site.

Trades and Specialties

This section lists a contractor's primary trades and specific specialties (e.g., Metal Roofing, Tile Flooring). This ensures you find professionals with the right expertise for your project.

Gallery of Work

This section displays past project photos to give you a real look at a contractor’s craftsmanship. Review a contractor's previous work before you try to schedule an interview with them.