How VettedBest ranks local pros
Our rankings are editorial — built from public data, not advertising. Here's exactly what goes into a score, and what doesn't.
The four things we score
- Licensing & credentials. We confirm each contractor holds an active California (CSLB) license with the correct classification for the trade, plus any manufacturer or trade certifications (GAF Master Elite, Tesla Powerwall Certified, NATE, EVITP and similar).
- Verified reviews. We weigh both the rating and the volume of public reviews across Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. A 5.0 from 11 reviews is treated differently from a 4.8 from 5,000.
- Local track record. Years in business in the San Diego area, ownership stability and depth of completed work all count toward trust.
- Specialty fit. We note what each company is genuinely best at, so a "best for" recommendation points you to the right pro for your job — not just the highest overall score.
What does not affect rankings
Payment. Companies cannot buy a spot, buy a higher position, or pay to remove a competitor. Our business program lets a featured pro add a verified profile and receive referrals, but it has no effect on editorial order — featured placements are always labeled.
How we make money
When you request quotes, we may earn a referral fee from the pro you connect with. That fee is the same regardless of where a company ranks, so we have no incentive to distort the order. This keeps VettedBest free for homeowners.
Keeping data current
Ratings and review counts reflect public data as of June 2026 and are refreshed periodically. Licensing can change — always verify a contractor's current status at cslb.ca.gov before you sign anything.
Corrections
Spotted something out of date or inaccurate? Email hello@vettedbest.com and we'll review it.