Builders

Every point comes from public facts we recorded from each builder’s own website and published projects. Nobody can pay to move up, and paid placement, when it exists, will be labeled.

• Where: builders in your ZIP’s area start with 40 points. If fewer than six of them fit, we add builders based in your state (28), in the areas next door (22) and those who work nationwide (15).
• What you want: +30 if they list that kind of project (−20 if they don’t), +8 if it is their specialty.
• Must-haves: +12 for each one they meet. Approach: +8 when it matches.
• Proof of work: +6 for films of their own projects, +6 for named projects on their site (or +4 for a project gallery), +4 for a public review score, +3 for 10+ years in business.
• Verified: +10 once we have checked a builder; none is verified yet.