Contingent Contracts
Complete FAQ

A contingent contract is a legally binding agreement where a homeowner has already committed to proceeding with their home improvement project, subject to finding the right contractor. Unlike traditional leads where homeowners are "just looking," these customers have: • Signed a formal agreement to proceed with the project • Secured financing or have verified budget availability • Established a clear timeline and scope of work • Committed to hiring a qualified contractor When you bid on a contingent contract, you're competing for guaranteed work, not trying to convince someone to start a project.

The difference is commitment level: **Traditional Leads:** • Homeowner might be "just browsing" • No financial commitment made • Timeline often vague or flexible • May not have secured funding • High chance of project cancellation • You're selling the idea of doing the project **Contingent Contracts:** • Homeowner has signed agreement to proceed • Budget is verified and secured • Clear timeline established • Project scope is defined • Very low cancellation rate • You're bidding on confirmed work This means higher win rates, faster project starts, and less time wasted on unqualified prospects.

Yes, contingent contracts are legally binding agreements between the homeowner and our platform. The homeowner has committed to: • Proceed with the project as described • Work with the selected contractor • Honor the agreed timeline and budget • Provide access to the property for work However, the contract becomes fully executed only when: • A contractor is selected through our bidding process • Final project details are confirmed • Any required permits are obtained • Financing is finalized (if applicable) This provides security for both parties while maintaining flexibility for project refinement.

While contingent contracts significantly reduce cancellation rates, we understand that circumstances can change. Our protection system includes: **For Contractors:** • Full refund of any fees paid if homeowner cancels • Compensation for time spent on detailed proposals (case-by-case) • Priority access to similar projects in your area • No negative impact on your platform rating **Cancellation Reasons We Cover:** • Financing falls through (most common) • Family emergencies or major life changes • Property sale or relocation • Permit issues or HOA restrictions **Our Guarantee:** If a project cancels due to homeowner circumstances beyond your control, we ensure you're not financially impacted.

Our bidding process is designed to be fair, transparent, and efficient: **Step 1: Browse Available Contracts** • View detailed project specifications • See verified homeowner information • Review budget ranges and timelines • Check location and property details **Step 2: Submit Your Bid** • Provide detailed project proposal • Include timeline and pricing • Upload portfolio examples • Add references and credentials **Step 3: Homeowner Review** • Homeowner reviews all qualified bids • May request clarifications or meetings • Makes selection based on value and fit • Decision typically made within 3-5 business days **Step 4: Project Award** • Winning contractor gets immediate contact info • Project details are finalized • Work can begin according to agreed timeline • Payment terms are established

We provide comprehensive project details to ensure accurate bidding: **Property Information:** • Full address and property type • Square footage and lot size • Year built and architectural style • Current condition photos **Project Specifications:** • Detailed scope of work • Material preferences and requirements • Timeline expectations • Budget range (verified) • Special requirements or constraints **Homeowner Details:** • Verification status and rating • Previous project history • Communication preferences • Decision-making timeline **Additional Resources:** • Property blueprints (when available) • Permit requirements • HOA restrictions or guidelines • Utility locations and access points This comprehensive information allows you to bid accurately and avoid surprises later.

Bid competition varies by project type, location, and exclusivity level: **Exclusive Contracts (Premium):** • Limited to 1-3 qualified contractors • Higher success rate (60-80%) • More expensive to access • Best for established contractors **Standard Contracts:** • Typically 5-8 qualified bidders • Moderate success rate (25-40%) • Standard platform fees • Open to all verified contractors **High-Demand Projects:** • May have 10-15 bidders • Lower individual success rate (15-25%) • Often urgent or high-value projects • Competitive pricing required **Factors Affecting Competition:** • Project complexity and specialization • Geographic location • Seasonal demand • Budget range • Timeline requirements We provide bid count estimates for each project to help you make informed decisions.

Success rates vary based on several factors, but our contractors typically see much higher win rates than traditional lead services: **Average Win Rates by Experience:** • New contractors (0-6 months): 15-25% • Established contractors (6+ months): 30-45% • Premium contractors (top-rated): 50-70% • Exclusive contract bidders: 60-80% **Factors That Improve Your Odds:** • Complete, professional profile • Strong portfolio with similar projects • Competitive but realistic pricing • Quick response times • Excellent customer reviews • Proper licensing and insurance • Local market knowledge **Platform Benefits:** • Pre-qualified, committed homeowners • Detailed project specifications • Fair bidding process • No surprise competition • Quality over quantity approach **Success Tips:** • Focus on projects matching your expertise • Invest time in detailed, professional proposals • Build relationships through excellent service • Maintain competitive pricing for your market • Respond quickly to new opportunities

Our pricing is designed to be fair and results-focused: **Bidding Costs:** • Standard contracts: FREE to bid • Premium contracts: Small upfront fee ($15-50) • Exclusive contracts: Higher fee ($50-150) • Emergency/urgent projects: Variable pricing **Success Fees (Only When You Win):** • 3-8% of project value (varies by project size) • Capped at maximum amounts • No hidden fees or surprises • Transparent pricing shown upfront **What's Included:** • Full project details and specifications • Homeowner contact information • Project management tools • Payment processing support • Dispute resolution services • Platform support throughout project **No Win, No Fee Guarantee:** If you don't win the bid, you don't pay success fees. Only premium/exclusive contracts have small upfront costs.

**Payment Timeline:** **Upfront Fees (Premium/Exclusive only):** • Charged when you submit your bid • Refunded if homeowner cancels project • Applied as credit toward success fee if you win **Success Fees:** • Charged only when you win a contract • Due within 7 days of project award • Can be paid upfront or financed through project payments **Payment Methods:** • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) • ACH bank transfers • Business checking accounts • PayPal Business accounts • Wire transfers (for large amounts) **Financing Options:** • Split success fee across project milestones • Net-30 terms for established contractors • Volume discounts for frequent users • Annual membership plans available **Security:** • All payments processed through secure, encrypted systems • PCI-compliant payment processing • Fraud protection included • Detailed receipts and tax documentation provided

We believe in complete transparency with no hidden fees: **What's Included at No Extra Cost:** • Platform access and browsing • Basic project bidding • Homeowner contact information • Project communication tools • Basic customer support • Payment processing for your invoices • Dispute mediation services **Optional Paid Services:** • Premium project access ($15-150 per bid) • Featured contractor listings ($50-200/month) • Advanced analytics and reporting ($25/month) • Priority customer support ($100/month) • Marketing boost services ($100-500/month) **Never Charged For:** • Account setup or registration • Profile creation and maintenance • Browsing available projects • Customer support (basic level) • Platform updates and improvements • Educational resources and training **Refund Policy:** • Full refund if homeowner cancels • Partial refund for platform errors • No refund for contractor-initiated cancellations • Clear refund terms provided upfront All costs are clearly displayed before you commit to any purchase.

We have a rigorous verification process to ensure all homeowners are legitimate and committed: **Financial Verification:** • Bank statements or financing pre-approval • Credit checks for larger projects • Proof of homeownership • Budget verification through financial institutions **Identity Verification:** • Government-issued ID confirmation • Property ownership verification • Background checks for safety • Phone and email verification **Project Verification:** • Site visits for high-value projects • Photo documentation of current conditions • Permit research and requirements • Timeline feasibility assessment **Commitment Verification:** • Signed contingent contract with legal terms • Non-refundable commitment fee • Clear project specifications agreed upon • Timeline commitments documented **Ongoing Monitoring:** • Regular check-ins during bidding process • Financing status updates • Project timeline confirmations • Quality assurance throughout process This multi-step verification ensures you're bidding on real, committed projects with qualified homeowners.

We take project accuracy seriously and have protections in place: **Our Verification Process:** • Site inspections for projects over $10,000 • Photo verification of current conditions • Scope review by construction professionals • Permit requirement research **If Inaccuracies Are Discovered:** • Full investigation within 24 hours • Project details updated immediately • All bidders notified of changes • Option to withdraw bid with full refund • Re-bidding period if scope changes significantly **Common Inaccuracy Types:** • Underestimated project scope • Hidden structural issues • Permit complications • Access or utility problems • HOA restrictions not disclosed **Your Protections:** • Right to inspect property before final commitment • Ability to adjust bid based on actual conditions • Contract modification options • Dispute resolution support • Platform mediation services **Prevention Measures:** • Detailed project questionnaires • Professional site assessments • Homeowner education about accurate descriptions • Contractor feedback integration • Continuous process improvement We're committed to accurate project information and will work with you to resolve any discrepancies fairly.

We maintain high standards for all contractors on our platform: **Required Verifications:** • Valid contractor's license (state-specific) • General liability insurance (minimum $1M) • Workers' compensation insurance • Business registration and tax ID • Background checks on business owners **Professional Qualifications:** • Minimum 2 years experience in specialty • Portfolio of completed projects • Customer references (minimum 3) • Better Business Bureau rating check • Trade association memberships (preferred) **Ongoing Requirements:** • Annual license and insurance renewal • Continuous customer feedback monitoring • Project completion rate tracking • Quality standards maintenance • Professional development participation **Quality Monitoring:** • Customer satisfaction surveys • Project completion verification • Complaint resolution tracking • Peer review system • Regular performance assessments **Consequences for Poor Performance:** • Warning system for minor issues • Mandatory training for skill gaps • Probation for repeated problems • Account suspension for serious violations • Permanent removal for fraud or safety issues This ensures homeowners work with qualified, professional contractors while maintaining platform integrity.

We offer comprehensive support throughout your project lifecycle: **Pre-Project Support:** • Detailed project specifications review • Permit assistance and guidance • Contract template and legal support • Timeline planning and milestone setting • Material sourcing recommendations **During Project Support:** • Regular check-ins and progress monitoring • Communication facilitation with homeowners • Change order management and documentation • Payment milestone coordination • Issue resolution and mediation **Technical Support:** • 24/7 platform access and troubleshooting • Mobile app for project updates • Document storage and sharing • Photo and progress reporting tools • Integration with popular contractor software **Customer Service:** • Dedicated account managers for high-volume contractors • Live chat support during business hours • Phone support for urgent issues • Email support with 24-hour response guarantee • Comprehensive help center and tutorials **Dispute Resolution:** • Neutral mediation services • Expert arbitration when needed • Legal resource recommendations • Documentation and evidence review • Fair resolution process for all parties Our goal is to make your project experience smooth and successful from start to finish.

We have a structured dispute resolution process to protect both parties: **Prevention First:** • Clear contracts and expectations • Regular communication facilitation • Progress milestone documentation • Change order management • Proactive issue identification **Dispute Resolution Process:** **Step 1: Direct Resolution (Days 1-3)** • Encourage direct communication • Provide mediation resources • Document all interactions • Offer communication templates • Monitor progress toward resolution **Step 2: Platform Mediation (Days 4-7)** • Neutral platform mediator assigned • Review all documentation and evidence • Facilitate structured discussions • Propose fair resolution options • Document agreed-upon solutions **Step 3: Expert Arbitration (Days 8-14)** • Independent construction expert review • Binding arbitration decision • Professional assessment of work quality • Fair compensation determination • Enforceable resolution **Common Dispute Types:** • Scope creep and change orders • Timeline delays and extensions • Quality standards disagreements • Payment timing and amounts • Communication breakdowns **Your Protections:** • Documentation support throughout process • Legal resource recommendations • Fair hearing guaranteed • Professional advocacy • Reputation protection during disputes Most disputes (85%) are resolved in the first two steps without formal arbitration.

We facilitate secure, milestone-based payments to protect both parties: **Payment Structure:** • Milestone-based payments (typically 3-5 milestones) • Small upfront payment (10-20% maximum) • Progress payments tied to completed work • Final payment upon project completion • Retention held for warranty period (optional) **Payment Process:** • Homeowner funds are held in secure escrow • Payments released upon milestone completion • Photo documentation required for each milestone • Both parties must approve payment release • Automatic release after approval period **Security Features:** • FDIC-insured escrow accounts • Fraud protection for all transactions • Dispute resolution for payment issues • Backup payment methods • Insurance coverage for platform failures **Payment Methods:** • Direct bank transfers (ACH) • Business checking account deposits • Wire transfers for large amounts • Digital payment platforms • Traditional checks (upon request) **Timeline:** • Milestone approval: 3-5 business days • Payment processing: 1-3 business days • Emergency releases: Same day (when justified) • Final payment: Upon completion verification • Warranty release: 30-90 days post-completion **Fees:** • No fees for receiving payments • Standard processing fees apply to platform • Transparent fee structure • Volume discounts available • No hidden charges or surprises This system ensures you get paid fairly and on time while protecting homeowners from poor work quality.