What actually makes you different from Angi or HomeAdvisor?

Those platforms sell your contact information to multiple contractors who then call you. We don't do that. We talk to you first, understand your project, then handpick 2–3 contractors who are actually right for it. We're not a marketplace — we're more like a knowledgeable friend who happens to know every licensed contractor in LA.

This is really free? What's the catch?

No catch. We charge a small advisory fee to the contractor we place — only after they've been introduced and you've decided to work with them. You never pay us anything. Good contractors value a qualified, well-prepared client. They'd rather pay our fee than spend hours on calls with homeowners who aren't ready.

How do you actually pick the right contractor for my project?

We start by understanding your project in detail — scope, budget, timeline, the type of home you have. Then we go through our network and look for contractors who've done similar work in your area, don't have capacity issues right now, and have a track record we can actually point to. We call references, not just collect them.

I've already gotten bids. Can you still help?

Yes — this is one of the most common situations. Contractors format proposals in ways that make them hard to compare. We take everything apart and put it back together in a format where the differences are obvious. It usually changes which bid looks best.

Which parts of Los Angeles do you work in?

All of greater Los Angeles — Westside, San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, South Bay, Northeast LA, the Eastside. Permitting in LA is jurisdiction-specific, and our contractors know the differences between LADBS, Santa Monica, Culver City, Burbank, and the others.

What if I don't like the contractors you introduce me to?

Tell us what didn't feel right — too expensive, wrong specialty, something felt off in the first call — and we'll go back and find different options. We'd rather take another pass than have you sign with someone you're unsure about.

How do you vet the contractors in your network?

License verification through CSLB, insurance verified in real-time through TrustLayer, financial stability check, past project photos reviewed, and reference calls with actual past clients. We ask the uncomfortable questions — how did they handle a problem, did the budget hold, would you hire again. We accept fewer than 1 in 10 contractors who apply.

How to Vet a Contractor for a Home Renovation in Los Angeles: Scorecard & Red Flag Checklist

Step 1: Verify the License (5 Minutes, Always Required)

All general contractors in California must hold an active license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Verify at cslb.ca.gov before any further evaluation. Check that: the license is Active; the classification matches your work type (B = General Building, C-10 = Electrical, C-36 = Plumbing); there are no disciplinary actions; and the bond is active.

Red flag: Any contractor who gives you a license number that doesn't match CSLB records, or claims they're "in the process of renewing" — do not proceed.

Step 2: Verify Insurance (Ask for Certificates)

Request certificates of insurance directly from their insurance broker — not from the contractor. Two policies are required:

General Liability Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate. You should be named as Additional Insured.

Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if the contractor has any employees. Without workers' comp, an injured worker on your property may be your liability.

Keystone Connect uses TrustLayer for automated insurance verification on all contractors in our network — eliminating the risk of expired or falsified certificates.

Step 3: Review Financial Stability

Signals of financial instability: requires a large upfront deposit (above 10%), outstanding judgments or liens on CSLB record, can't provide trade references from suppliers, pushes urgency around cash, or cannot describe their cash flow management across multiple projects.

Reference Check Questions (Call Every Reference)

"Was the project completed on time? If not, what caused delays?"
"Was the final cost within 10% of the original bid? If not, why?"
"How did the contractor handle problems or surprises mid-project?"
"How was communication throughout? Did they respond promptly?"
"Were there any warranty issues after completion? How did they handle them?"
"Would you hire this contractor again?"
"Is there anything you wish you'd known before hiring them?"
"Can you give me an example of a contractor who's worked on a problem that went poorly? How did you handle it?"

The Contractor Vetting Scorecard

Category	Criterion
Legal	CSLB license active and in good standing
Legal	No disciplinary history on CSLB
Legal	General liability insurance verified and current
Legal	Workers' comp verified (or legitimately exempt)
Experience	Has completed 3+ projects similar to yours
Experience	Los Angeles local knowledge (permits, jurisdictions)
Experience	References confirm on-budget performance
Experience	References confirm on-schedule performance
Transparency	Provides line-item bid (not just total)
Transparency	Can explain pricing when asked
Communication	Responds to calls and emails within 24 hours
Financial	No unusual cash flow pressure signals

Red Flag Checklist

Verification flags: License not verifiable on CSLB; insurance certificate provided by contractor, not their broker; license classification doesn't match your scope; has active complaints or disciplinary actions.

Bidding flags: Bid is a single lump sum with no line items; allowances are far below market rates; cannot explain pricing; bid dropped dramatically when you pushed back on price.

Behavior flags: Pressures you to sign quickly; discourages other bids; refuses to put verbal commitments in writing; requests cash or a large check before work begins.

Financial flags: Requests more than 10% deposit (violates CA law); cannot provide trade references; has liens or judgments on public record.