Question 1

Does Contractor Shield perform construction work?

Accepted Answer

No. Contractor Shield does not perform roofing, decking, siding, concrete, landscaping, installation, repair, or any other construction work. We are an independent advisory and matching service that helps homeowners evaluate and connect with separate, independent contractors.

Question 2

Is Contractor Shield a general contractor?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not a general contractor or a construction company. The contractors you hire are independent businesses responsible for their own licensing, insurance, contracts, workmanship, and project execution.

Question 3

Who is responsible for the actual work?

Accepted Answer

The independent contractor you choose is responsible for performing the work. Contractor Shield helps you verify credentials, compare your options, and make a more informed hiring decision. You contract directly with the contractor.

Question 4

How do I verify a contractor in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Verifying a contractor can involve confirming appropriate licensing when it is required for the work, checking the license classification and limits where they apply, requesting current insurance, and looking at company history, reputation and reviews, completed work, and the details in their proposal and documentation. Contractor Shield helps gather and organize this information so you do not have to research everything on your own.

Question 5

Should I pay a contractor before work starts?

Accepted Answer

It is common for contractors to request a deposit before work begins, particularly when materials must be ordered. The amount and payment schedule should make sense for the size and type of project and should be clearly documented in your contract. Be cautious when a contractor requests a very large upfront payment without a clear explanation, written scope, or payment schedule.

Question 6

What insurance should a contractor carry?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, general liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers’ compensation. Always request a certificate of insurance directly from their carrier and confirm it is current before work begins.

Question 7

What should every contract include?

Accepted Answer

A good contract typically covers a detailed scope of work, the price, a payment schedule, anticipated timing, major material and specification information, who is responsible for permits where applicable, the change-order procedure, warranty terms, cleanup, and any important exclusions. Contractor Shield can help you identify areas that deserve clarification before you sign, though we do not provide legal advice.

Question 8

How do I avoid contractor scams?

Accepted Answer

Watch for pressure to sign immediately, an unusually large upfront payment, cash-only demands, refusal to provide insurance or license information, a vague written scope, an unusually low bid without explanation, and reluctance to put promises in writing. A single warning sign does not automatically mean someone is dishonest, but it is a good reason to slow down and confirm the details before you commit.

Question 9

What is a Contractor Shield Report?

Accepted Answer

A Contractor Shield Report gives you a clear side-by-side comparison of the contractors you are considering. We organize important information such as company background, credentials, insurance, reputation, proposal details, warranty information, and other factors that can affect your project so you can see the differences more clearly and make a more informed decision.

Question 10

How does Contractor Shield compare contractor proposals?

Accepted Answer

We organize proposals so important differences are easier to see, including scope, pricing, materials, allowances, warranties, timing, and other project-specific details. That helps identify where two quotes may look similar at first but actually include very different work.

Question 11

Do you work for the contractor or for me?

Accepted Answer

We work exclusively for you, the homeowner. Our goal is to help you understand your options and protect your investment when you make one of the largest decisions in your home project.

Question 12

How much does Contractor Shield cost?

Accepted Answer

Your initial Contractor Shield consultation is free. We will walk you through how the process works for your specific project before you commit to anything.

Question 13

How long does the Contractor Shield process take?

Accepted Answer

The timing depends largely on how quickly the contractors provide their estimates and information. In many cases, we can organize the information and prepare the comparison within a few business days once the necessary information is available. We will keep you informed throughout the process so you know what to expect.

Question 14

What types of projects do you help with?

Accepted Answer

Contractor Shield can help homeowners evaluate contractors for many residential construction and improvement projects, including decks, roofing, siding, windows and doors, outdoor living spaces, concrete, landscaping and hardscapes, additions, remodeling, and similar major home projects throughout East Tennessee.

Question 15

What is a fair deposit amount?

Accepted Answer

Deposits typically range from 10% to 30% depending on the project and materials. Anything above that, or a demand for full payment before work, deserves a closer look.

Question 16

What is a lien waiver and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A lien waiver confirms that a contractor or supplier has been paid and waives their right to place a lien on your property. Collecting waivers as you pay protects you from paying twice.

Question 17

How do I know if a contractor is licensed?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee requires a state license for most projects over $25,000, and that license also carries a classification and monetary limit. We help confirm the license number, classification, and limit so you can check that it fits the work you are planning.

Question 18

What are red flags in a contractor bid?

Accepted Answer

Look for a vague scope, missing material details, unclear allowances, a large upfront payment, no estimated timing, verbal promises that are not reflected in writing, a significant price difference with no explanation, and an unclear warranty. Any of these is a reason to ask more questions before you decide.

Question 19

Should I get multiple quotes?

Accepted Answer

Getting multiple comparable proposals gives you a much better picture of realistic pricing, scope, materials, timelines, and warranty differences. The lowest number is not always the best overall choice. Contractor Shield helps organize the proposals side by side so you can understand what is actually included and what may be missing.

Question 20

What is a change order?

Accepted Answer

A change order is a written amendment to your contract that documents any change in scope, cost, or timeline. Every change should be in writing and signed by both parties before work proceeds.

Question 21

What warranty should I expect on construction work?

Accepted Answer

A workmanship warranty of at least one year is standard, and many quality contractors offer more. Materials often carry separate manufacturer warranties. We help you confirm both in writing.

Question 22

How do I handle a dispute with my contractor?

Accepted Answer

Start with clear, documented communication that references your contract. Good documentation from day one is what makes disputes resolvable, which is exactly what a well-organized project supports.

Question 23

Do you serve areas outside Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contractor Shield serves homeowners throughout East Tennessee, including the greater Knoxville area, Maryville, Alcoa, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, Sevierville, Farragut, and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether your project is within our service area, contact us and we will let you know.

Question 24

What documentation should I keep during a project?

Accepted Answer

Your signed contract, all quotes, permits, insurance certificates, change orders, receipts, lien waivers, and a log of communications. We help organize all of it for you.

Question 25

Do contractors need permits?

Accepted Answer

Most structural work, additions, decks, and electrical or plumbing changes require permits. A contractor who wants to skip permits is a serious red flag.

Question 26

What if a contractor asks for cash only?

Accepted Answer

Cash-only demands make it difficult to document payments and often signal an unlicensed or uninsured operator. Always pay in a traceable, documented way.

Question 27

How do I confirm a contractor’s references?

Accepted Answer

Contact recent clients directly, ask about timeline, budget adherence, and communication, and when possible view completed work. We help with reference checks as part of verification.

Question 28

What happens at the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

We start by learning about your project, what stage you are in, and what decisions you are trying to make. If you already have estimates, contractor names, proposals, or other documents, we can look through what you have and explain what information may still be needed. We will then explain how the Contractor Shield process can help you compare your options. There is no obligation to move forward.

Question 29

What should I bring to my Contractor Shield consultation?

Accepted Answer

If you already have contractor names, estimates, proposals, plans, photos, inspiration images, or questions about your project, bring or send whatever you have. You do not need to have everything organized before contacting us, we can help determine what information is still needed.

Question 30

Do I have to already have contractor quotes before contacting you?

Accepted Answer

No. You can contact Contractor Shield whether you are just beginning to look for contractors or already comparing proposals. We will start with where you are in the process.

Question 31

Can you compare contractors I have already met with?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You do not have to start over or use only contractors introduced through Contractor Shield. If you already have contractors or estimates you are considering, we can include that information in the side-by-side comparison so you can evaluate your options together.

Question 32

Do I have to use a contractor from the Contractor Shield network?

Accepted Answer

No. If you already have contractors you are considering, Contractor Shield can help you compare those options as well. The goal is to help you make a better-informed decision, not force you into a particular contractor.

Question 33

Is my information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your project details and documents are handled confidentially and used solely to help with your project.

Question 34

What makes Contractor Shield different?

Accepted Answer

Contractor Shield is not just an online directory that sends your information to a list of contractors. We work directly with homeowners to understand the project, help gather and organize meaningful contractor information, and make the differences between proposals easier to understand. The goal is to give you better information before you make one of the largest decisions in your home project.

Question 35

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Schedule your free Contractor Shield consultation or call us at (865) 680-9080. Tell us a little about the project and where you are in the contractor-selection process, and we will help you determine the next step.

Everything homeowners ask us.

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