Frequently Asked Questions (online membership)
Is this just another online advertising service for contractors?
Absolutely not. The HOC's online service includes no advertisements whatsoever. No sponsored links, no articles written by contractors, none of that. In fact, you won't find a single contractor mentioned by name. This is purely an informational service for you, the homeowner. See a sample contractor profile.
How is the online membership program different from other contractor referral services?
Contractor referral services have been around for many years in a variety of different forms. The most popular type has been the "pay-for-listing" model. Contractors pay a fee to the service in return for the promise of referrals. Any contractor willing to pay can participate.
This service from the Home Owners Club® is different. Instead of someone else trying to match you up with a compatible contractor, you're empowered with all the information necessary to locate qualified contractors and make your own selection.
Does the Club accept advertising or payment from contractors or vendors?
No. This is an independent, objective, member-focused information service. The Home Owners Club does not allow contractors to advertise via this service, it does not recommend any contractors as part of this service, and it does not accept any fees from contractors or vendors.
What if I don't know what kind of contractor I need - or even what service to ask for?
That's the great thing about being a member ... the information you need will always be right at your fingertips. The Club's online service helps you match your project to the right contractor(s), then uses layman's terms to provide you with the inside information necessary to select the contractor who's best suited.
Will I end up paying less for the work done on my house?
There's no guarantee of that, of course, but knowledge is power when it comes to making big buying decisions. Educated consumers can almost always command the best service and expect the best pricing.
What types of contractors are included in this program?
You'll find in-depth information about more than 30 different types of contractors:
Appliance-repair person
Architect / Architectural designer
Brick / stone mason
Carpenter
Carpet / upholstery cleaner
Chimney sweep
Cleanup service
Communications technician / consultant
Electrician
Energy conservation consultant
Fence builder
Floor-covering installer
Gardener
Gutter specialist
Handyman
Interior designer
Landscaper
Landscape architect / designer
Locksmith
Organizer (closet, home, office)
Painter
Pest-control / exterminator
Plasterer / drywall installer
Plumber
Property appraiser / surveyor
Roofer
Security consultant
Shower / bath specialist
Tile installer
Tree-trimmer / tree-care service
Wallpaper installer
Water-damage consultant
Window and door consultant
Window washer
What information will I learn about these contractors?
- The best places to look for a qualified contractor.
- The key interview questions to ask.
- The information you should provide to get the most accurate estimates - and avoid extra charges.
- When it's wise to get multiple estimates - and when it's not necessary.
- The best time of year to hire specific types of contractors.
- What resources are available in your area for checking the work history and qualifications of any contractor you're considering hiring.
- The hourly rates charged by different contractors.
- Step-by-step help comparing the features of multiple bids.
- Tips for negotiating a better price.
- Plus much more.
- See a sample contractor profile.
Where does all this information come from?
The information provided through the Club's online service is the culmination of almost five decades of real-world experience and research by Home Owners Club staff.
- Mary B.
Since 1959, the Home Owners Club has been authorizing contractors of all types for all kinds of work in Washington state. Over the years, Club staff has checked the qualifications for hundreds of contractors; they've referred contractors for hundreds of thousands of jobs; and they've managed to do all that without even one unresolved Better Business Bureau complaint.
Now, for the first time ever, we're providing you with the secrets of our success - the knowledge we've gathered, the real-world lessons we've learned.
Does the Club sell its membership list to marketing companies?
No. None of the information you provide when applying for membership is ever sold or given to any outside party. You can take comfort in knowing that any personally identifiable information will be securely stored and kept strictly confidential.
How will the personal information I provide be used by the Home Owners Club?
When you sign up for HOC's online service, you'll be asked for a very limited amount of personal information. None of that information will be shared with anyone outside of the Club, and you'll receive no marketing offers from the Club or anyone associated with it. You could receive informational updates about the Club's online program in the future.
Note: Your membership dues for the online program will be processed via PayPal. No one but PayPal sees your billing/payment information - not even the Home Owners Club.
For more information, see our Privacy Notice 
.