Had a similar thing happen after a storm damaged our roof a couple years back. Insurance recommended a roofer who was upfront about using some contractor network I'd never heard of. Like you, I thought transparency was great at first—until I started asking questions. The more he explained, the less clear it got. He kept mentioning certifications and "approved" contractors, but when I tried to verify any of it online, it was like chasing ghosts. No reviews, no solid info, just vague marketing-speak.
Honestly, it felt like transparency without substance. Sure, he wasn't hiding anything, but what good is openness if it doesn't actually help you make an informed decision? It almost felt like he was passing the buck—like, "Hey, I told you everything, now it's your problem if you can't figure it out."
Ended up going with someone local who had fewer fancy affiliations but plenty of real-world references. Sometimes simpler really is better, even if it seems less "transparent" on the surface...
We had something similar—not roofing, but with a plumber who kept mentioning some "certified network" of specialists. Sounded legit at first, but when I tried to look it up, same deal—nothing but vague promises and zero solid reviews. Ended up just asking neighbors for recommendations and got someone local who was straightforward and affordable. Makes me wonder, do these contractor networks ever actually help homeowners, or is it mostly marketing fluff...?
Yeah, I had a similar experience with an electrician who kept pushing some "trusted contractor network." Did some digging and found mostly generic marketing fluff—no actual homeowner reviews or credible endorsements. Seems like these networks are more about branding than genuine homeowner benefit...
"Seems like these networks are more about branding than genuine homeowner benefit..."
Yeah, that's been my experience too. Had a roofer once who kept pushing a similar "trusted network," but when I asked around locally, nobody had even heard of them. Honestly, you're usually better off asking neighbors or checking local FB groups for real recommendations. Those contractor networks always feel kinda corporate and disconnected from actual community feedback...
I get why these networks can feel kinda corporate or impersonal, but sometimes they're not all bad. Have you asked the roofer directly how contractors get vetted or chosen for their network? A good one should be open about their criteria. I've seen some networks that genuinely screen for licenses, insurance, and references—stuff homeowners might overlook. Still, nothing beats local word-of-mouth, but it doesn't hurt to dig a little deeper before dismissing them completely...
