Last Updated: January 2026
We use a multi-factor evaluation system to rank local service providers. Our approach combines objective criteria (licensing, years in business) with qualitative factors (service quality, customer satisfaction) to create comprehensive, trustworthy rankings.
This methodology is applied consistently across all companies we evaluate, regardless of whether they're paying clients or not. Rankings are based on merit, not marketing budgets.
We evaluate service providers across seven key criteria, each weighted according to its importance to consumers and service quality outcomes.
What we verify:
Why it matters: Proper licensing protects consumers and ensures the company meets minimum competency standards. Insurance protects both the company and the customer in case of accidents or damage.
How we verify: State licensing databases (LCB in Oregon, similar agencies in other states), direct confirmation with licensing boards, insurance certificates.
What we evaluate:
Why it matters: Longevity indicates business stability, customer satisfaction, and refined expertise. Companies that have been in business for many years have proven their ability to deliver consistent quality.
How we assess: Business registration records, historical presence verification, company disclosures, portfolio documentation.
What we evaluate:
Why it matters: Comprehensive service offerings indicate depth of expertise and ability to handle complex, multi-faceted projects. Specialized knowledge is critical for specific problem-solving.
How we assess: Company websites, service documentation, project portfolios, direct inquiry when available.
What we evaluate:
Why it matters: Local knowledge leads to better project outcomes, compliance with regional requirements, and understanding of area-specific challenges.
How we assess: Service area focus, project locations, community engagement, knowledge of local codes and conditions.
What we evaluate:
Why it matters: Customer satisfaction is a direct indicator of service quality, reliability, and professionalism.
How we assess: Aggregated review data, Better Business Bureau records, complaint patterns, resolution quality.
What we evaluate:
Why it matters: Professional practices reduce project risks, prevent misunderstandings, and indicate a mature, well-run business.
How we assess: Review of communication quality, contract transparency, project management approach, warranty offerings.
What we evaluate:
Why it matters: Modern service providers should demonstrate environmental responsibility and ethical operation.
How we assess: Company policies, certifications, material choices, business practices.
| Criterion | Weight | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Insurance | 20% | Mandatory baseline; protects consumers |
| Service Breadth & Specialization | 20% | Indicates depth of capability and expertise |
| Years in Business & Stability | 15% | Strong indicator of reliability |
| Local Expertise | 15% | Critical for optimal outcomes |
| Customer Satisfaction | 15% | Direct quality indicator |
| Professional Standards | 10% | Reduces risk, ensures good experience |
| Sustainable Practices | 5% | Increasingly important differentiator |
Note: Weights may vary slightly by industry based on what matters most in that specific field.
We gather information from verified, authoritative sources:
We update our rankings on a quarterly basis (every 3 months), or more frequently if:
Transparency is paramount. Some companies featured in our rankings are paying clients who have requested inclusion in our evaluation process. This is clearly disclosed on each comparison page.
Important: Client status does NOT affect ranking position. All companies are evaluated using the same criteria shown above. We include comprehensive comparisons in markets where we have no clients to demonstrate our editorial independence.
Companies cannot pay to improve their ranking. They can only pay to be included in our evaluation pool. Their final ranking position is determined solely by how they score against our methodology.
If you believe information in our rankings is inaccurate:
We continuously refine our methodology based on:
Major methodology changes will be announced on this page and applied consistently across all rankings. Minor refinements may occur between quarterly reviews.
Our rankings are based on publicly available information and our research methodology. We:
Rankings are not guarantees: A high ranking indicates a company meets our criteria for quality and professionalism based on available information, but does not guarantee specific outcomes for your project.
We encourage users to:
If you have questions about how we evaluate specific criteria or want to understand our process in more detail, please contact us. We're happy to explain our approach and answer any questions about our rankings.