How it works
- Tell us about the project. The short form asks what you want done, where, and when. It takes about a minute.
- We review it. A person at Pittsburgh Home Projects reads every request, and may call or text to confirm details so contractors don't waste your time.
- We introduce up to 3 contractors. We pick independent contractors who serve your ZIP code and do your type of work. You can ask us who they are before we share your details.
- You compare and decide. Get estimates, ask questions, check credentials. You are never obligated to hire anyone.
How we screen contractors
Before a contractor can receive requests through Pittsburgh Home Projects, we ask for and check:
- Registration with the Pennsylvania Attorney General under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Most home improvement contractors in PA must register and put their registration number on contracts and advertising. Electrical and plumbing licensing is set locally; the City of Pittsburgh licenses trades through PLI.
- A current certificate of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage where the state requires it.
- Time in business and a physical business address (not just a cell phone).
- Recent customer references and public review history.
- Agreement to our partner terms: honest written estimates, permits pulled when required, and no high-pressure or same-day-only pricing.
Screening reduces risk but is not a guarantee. Always confirm license status and insurance yourself before signing, and never pay a large deposit in cash.
How we make money
Pittsburgh Home Projects is free for homeowners. Contractors who join our network pay us a fee for referrals. That fee never gets added to your bill as a separate charge from us, and we never ask you for payment. Because contractors pay us, we have a clear incentive to send them good, real requests — and an equally clear incentive to match you with contractors who treat customers well, because complaints cost us partners and reputation.
What we are not
We are not a contractor and we do not perform, supervise, or warranty any work. We do not hold a contractor license. The contractor you hire is responsible for the work, permits, and warranty. Cost figures on this site are planning estimates, not quotes.
Pennsylvania licensing basics
- HICPA registration with the Attorney General is required for most home improvement contractors. There's no general state contractor license.
- City of Pittsburgh: the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) issues permits and licenses trades such as electricians and plumbers.
- Suburbs: each municipality enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) through its own code official or a third-party agency.
- Lead paint: work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes requires EPA RRP lead-safe practices.