How CONP Verifies Contractors (Behind the Process)
Every Pro Is Verified Before They Bid
Most platforms let anyone create a profile and start quoting jobs. Add a logo, write a bio, collect a few reviews — and you are "verified."
That is not verification. That is a profile.
CONP verifies contractors before they can access projects. Not after. Not optionally. Every professional on the platform passes a multi-step verification process that checks documents, contacts references, and confirms payment eligibility. No shortcuts. No exceptions.
This post explains exactly what that process involves, what we check, and why it matters for both homeowners and contractors.
What We Verify
Verification at CONP covers four areas. All four must pass before a contractor can bid on projects or receive payments.
1. Documents
Contractors upload professional documents during onboarding. Each document is reviewed individually by a CONP admin — not an algorithm.
We verify:
Trade licences — valid licence numbers checked against issuing bodies. Expiry dates tracked.
General liability insurance — proof of coverage with expiration date. We track renewals.
Professional certifications — trade-specific credentials relevant to the services offered.
Government-issued ID — identity verification to confirm the person matches the business.
Each document is marked approved or rejected. If something is missing or unclear, we request more information. Nothing moves forward until documents are confirmed.
2. Professional References
Every contractor submits at least two professional references. These are not testimonials on a website. They are real contacts — general contractors or subcontractors who have worked with the applicant — that our team contacts directly.
We call or email each reference. We ask about the quality of work, reliability, and professionalism. Each reference is marked as verified, failed, or unreachable. If references do not check out, the application does not proceed.
3. Background Check
Contractors undergo a background check as part of the verification process. Results are reviewed by our admin team. This is a standard safety measure for professionals entering private homes and commercial properties.
4. Payment Verification (Stripe Connect)
Every contractor completes Stripe Connect onboarding — a separate, independent verification process run by Stripe. This includes:
Identity verification (government ID, personal information)
Business verification (legal name, tax ID, business structure)
Bank account verification (for receiving payouts)
Terms acceptance
Stripe independently confirms that the contractor is who they claim to be and that their bank account is valid. This process runs parallel to our internal verification. Both must pass.
How the Process Works
The verification workflow has clear stages:
Application — Contractor creates an account, selects their trades, and begins uploading documents.
Document Review — A CONP admin reviews each uploaded document. Approved, rejected, or flagged for more information.
Reference Check — Admin contacts submitted references. Minimum two must verify successfully.
Background Check — Results reviewed and recorded.
Stripe Verification — Stripe independently verifies identity and banking details.
Final Approval — When all checks pass, the contractor's status moves to "approved." They can now browse projects and submit bids.
If any step fails, the contractor receives a clear explanation of what needs to be fixed. They can resubmit documents or provide additional information. The status updates to "more info needed" until resolved.
What Happens After Verification
Verification is not a one-time checkbox.
Insurance and licences have expiration dates. We track them. When documents approach expiry, they need to be renewed. A contractor whose insurance lapses is not verified until updated documentation is provided.
This protects homeowners from working with contractors whose credentials were valid at signup but have since expired.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
When you receive a bid on CONP, the contractor behind it has passed document verification, reference checks, a background check, and independent payment verification through Stripe. You do not need to call licensing bodies, ask for proof of insurance, or wonder if the person is legitimate.
That does not mean every verified contractor is the right fit for your project. Verification confirms credentials and identity — not whether their style matches your vision or their schedule aligns with your timeline. You still compare bids, review portfolios, and make judgment calls.
But the baseline is handled. The red flags that trip up most homeowners — no credentials, no insurance, no verifiable history — are eliminated before you see a single bid.
Why This Matters for Contractors
Good contractors resent being lumped in with unverified operators who undercut on price and disappear when problems arise. Verification separates professionals from pretenders.
On CONP, every contractor you compete against has passed the same process you did. Bids are evaluated on qualifications, not on who charges the least. Homeowners who post projects here have committed funds to escrow — they are serious. And payment is guaranteed on milestone completion.
Verification is not a hurdle. It is the reason the platform works.
Key Takeaways
Four verification layers: documents (licences, insurance, certifications, ID), professional references, background checks, and Stripe Connect payment verification.
Human-reviewed, not automated: every document and reference is reviewed by a CONP admin — not an algorithm.
Both CONP and Stripe must approve: two independent verification processes must pass before a contractor can bid or receive payments.
Ongoing compliance: insurance and licence expiration dates are tracked. Credentials must stay current.
Start Your Project With Verified Pros
Every contractor on CONP has passed document verification, reference checks, and background screening before they can bid on your project.
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