How matching works
Mainstay Builders is a free matching service for homeowners planning a new build, addition, structural repair, or major renovation. You tell us about the project, we connect you with licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors in your area, and you decide who to contact, compare, and hire.
Describe your project
Tell us what you're building, your ZIP code, and a rough timeline.
We match you
We connect you with licensed, bonded & insured general contractors who serve your area and project type.
Compare quotes
Speak with a few, compare their bids, and ask the questions in our worksheet.
You choose & verify
Pick the right fit and confirm their license, bond, and insurance before signing.
Step 1: Describe your project
Start with the basics. Tell us what kind of work you are planning, where the property is, and how soon you want to begin. You do not need perfect construction words. Plain language is fine. For example, you can say, “We want to add a bedroom,” “The floor feels uneven,” or “We want to rebuild after damage.”
The more specific you can be, the better the match may be. Helpful details include the type of home, the size of the project, photos if you have them, and whether you already have plans, permits, or an engineer’s report. If English is not your first language, that is okay. Clear, simple information helps, and we welcome homeowners from many backgrounds and communities.
- Project type: new home, addition, major renovation, foundation work, framing, structural repair, or other large project
- Property location and home type
- Your rough timing and budget comfort zone
- Whether you already have plans, drawings, or permits
- Any access issues, damage, or urgent safety concerns
Step 2: We match you with contractors
After we review your project details, we look for general contractors who may be a fit for the type of work, location, and scope you described. Mainstay Builders is not a contractor, engineer, architect, or law firm. We do not perform the work, supervise the job, or give building, engineering, or legal advice. Our role is to help you get connected.
We focus on matching homeowners with contractors who are licensed where required, bonded, and insured. Even so, you should always verify license status, bond, insurance, and local registration yourself before signing any agreement. Rules vary by state, county, and city, and the right contractor for one project may not be the right fit for another.
Not every project gets the same number of matches. In some areas, you may hear from several contractors. In others, you may receive fewer options, especially for complex structural work, rural locations, or jobs that require special scheduling. A smaller match list does not mean your project is not important. It usually means local availability is limited.
Step 3: Compare quotes carefully
Once you connect with contractors, ask each one to review the project and provide a written estimate or proposal. Try to compare the same scope of work each time. One quote may include demolition, permits, cleanup, and materials, while another may leave those items out. If the scope is different, the prices will not be truly comparable.
Price matters, but it should not be the only factor. Look at experience with similar projects, communication, scheduling, payment terms, warranty language, and how clearly the contractor explains the work. For major jobs, it is smart to ask whether they recommend input from a licensed designer, architect, or engineer. Structural and code-related work often needs more than a simple verbal estimate.
These are broad U.S. estimates, not quotes or guarantees. Actual costs can vary a lot based on size, location, site conditions, finishes, design changes, permit requirements, and labor markets. The only meaningful project price is the one you receive from a licensed professional who has reviewed your specific job.
- Ask for a written scope of work, not just a total number
- Check what is included: materials, labor, permits, debris removal, and finish work
- Ask how change orders are handled if hidden issues appear
- Confirm payment schedule, start window, and what could delay the job
- Request proof of license, bond, and insurance before signing
Step 4: You choose and verify
You are always in control. There is no obligation to hire anyone you are matched with. You can ask more questions, request updated proposals, or decide not to move forward. Mainstay Builders does not choose a contractor for you. You make the final decision.
Before you sign, verify credentials directly. Check the contractor’s active license with the relevant state or local licensing agency. Ask for current insurance certificates and bond information. Read the contract closely. Make sure the business name on the contract matches the license and insurance records. If permits are required, confirm who is responsible for pulling them.
Your information and consent
We use the project details you provide to try to connect you with contractors who may fit your job. By submitting your information, you are asking us to share the relevant project details and contact information with potential contractor matches so they can reach out about your project. You can decide whether to respond, continue the conversation, or stop at any time.
We try to keep the process simple and respectful. We do not need highly sensitive personal data to make a match. Please do not submit Social Security numbers, immigration status, driver’s license numbers, or financial account details through our forms. If a contractor later asks for documents, make sure you understand why they need them and only share information you are comfortable providing through a secure process.
If you prefer clear, plain communication, that matters. Many homeowners want help finding a contractor who communicates patiently and clearly. You can tell us about language preferences or household communication needs in general terms, and we will use that information to improve the match where possible. We cannot guarantee language services, but we respect the need for understandable communication on a major project.
What to expect from start to finish
The matching process is free for homeowners. There is no obligation to hire anyone. Some homeowners move quickly and request quotes right away. Others use the match to learn what questions to ask before committing to plans or permits. Either way, the goal is the same: help you get in touch with licensed professionals so you can compare options and make your own informed choice.
Construction projects can change once a contractor visits the site or opens up walls, floors, or foundations. Hidden damage, code issues, soil conditions, utility upgrades, and material lead times can affect price and schedule. That is normal in this kind of work. It is one reason written proposals, clear contracts, and credential checks matter so much.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mainstay Builders a contractor?
No. Mainstay Builders is a matching service, not a contractor and not a licensed building professional. We help connect homeowners with licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors, but you must choose your own contractor and verify credentials before signing.
Does it cost anything to use the service?
No, the matching service is free for homeowners. There is no obligation to hire any contractor you hear from. If you decide to move forward with a contractor, any project costs would be between you and that contractor under your own agreement.
How many contractors will I be matched with?
It depends on your project type, location, timing, and local contractor availability. Some homeowners may receive multiple matches, while others may receive fewer options. We cannot guarantee a set number of matches.
Do you guarantee pricing, timing, or results?
No. Any prices shown on this page are broad estimates, not quotes or guarantees. Actual cost, schedule, and outcome depend on the specific contractor, site conditions, permits, design, materials, and other project details.
What should I verify before hiring a contractor?
At minimum, verify that the contractor is properly licensed where required, bonded, and insured, and make sure those records are current. You should also review the written contract, confirm the scope of work, and check who will handle permits before paying a deposit.
What information should I avoid sending?
Do not send sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, immigration status, passport details, or bank account information through the matching form. Basic project details and contact information are usually enough for a match. If a contractor later requests documents, ask why they are needed and use a secure method.
Ready to find the right contractor?
Tell us about your project and we'll match you with licensed, bonded & insured general contractors near you. Free for homeowners, no obligation.