🔍 How CostChat Ratings & Editorial Badges Work
At CostChat, transparency, authenticity, and consumer trust are at the heart of everything we publish. Our Rating & Editorial Badge System is designed to help users identify outstanding service providers based on verifiable public data — not paid promotion.
⭐ The Power of Real Reviews
All listings pull directly from trusted public sources like Google Reviews. These ratings are verified, unfiltered, and reflect real customer experiences. Businesses cannot pay to alter or manipulate this data.
🏅 Editorial Badges: Quality You Can See
Our editorial team awards performance-based badges to top-rated providers:
- 💎 Trusted Choice: 4.6+ rating and 50+ reviews
- 🏅 Top Rated Pro: 4.7+ rating and 150+ reviews
- 🏆 Elite Provider: 4.8+ rating and 250+ reviews
❌ No Badge? No Problem. Many reputable providers are still building their review footprint. Use our comparison tools and read reviews to make smart hiring decisions.
✅ Why This Matters
- For Consumers: A trusted, quick-scan indicator of service quality.
- For Providers: Recognition based solely on merit — not ad spend.
- For CostChat: Reinforces our commitment to transparency and zero-pay-to-play listings.
🧠 Editorial Policy & Content Review Process
Our content is written, reviewed, and regularly updated by the CostChat Editorial Team, including experienced researchers, consumer analysts, and local services experts. Every article and listing is reviewed for:
- ✅ Accuracy of pricing and provider data
- ✅ Use of trusted sources and verified citations
- ✅ Clarity, usefulness, and neutrality for consumers
We also include expert-reviewed content when appropriate — and clearly mark it as such. Our editorial team does not accept payment to feature, rank, or recommend any service provider.
🔒 Editorial Independence
CostChat is 100% consumer-first. Our platform is built to help homeowners make confident decisions — not to sell leads to the highest bidder. Providers can’t pay for placement, badge upgrades, or fake reviews. Editorial discretion is final and follows published standards.
🧑💻 Meet Our Editorial Team
Our team combines real-world expertise, research precision, and a passion for helping homeowners make confident, cost-smart decisions across North America.
Ethan Blake
Lead Content Strategist
Kitchener, ON 🇨🇦
Leads strategy, cost insights, and editorial excellence across all CostChat city and service guides.
Derrick Moore
Home Systems Contributor
Atlanta, GA 🇺🇸
Delivers expert advice on HVAC, smart home systems, and emergency repairs for real-world homeowners.
Samantha Riley
Senior Home Services Analyst
Denver, CO 🇺🇸
Analyzes pricing data and contractor performance, ensuring every CostChat insight is backed by real market research.
📣 Want to Reach Us?
For corrections, feedback, or badge questions cotact us at cotcat@costchat.com
ℹ️ Disclaimer: All listings and ratings on CostChat are compiled using publicly available business data to serve user interests. We do not guarantee service outcomes. If you are a service provider and wish to opt out of being listed, please contact us directly.
