Customer Terms of Service

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By using Anderson SC Home Services Directory ("Directory," "Website," "Service," "we," "us," "our"), you ("User," "Customer," "Homeowner," "you," "your") agree to be bound by these Customer Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use this Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement. By browsing our directory, submitting service requests, or contacting contractors, you acknowledge you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms herein.

2. WHAT OUR SERVICE IS (AND ISN'T)

2.1 We Are a Free Listing Service

Anderson SC Home Services Directory is a free directory and connection service. We provide:

• Contractor Listings: Free directory of contractors and service providers in Anderson County, South Carolina
• Service Request Forms: Ability to submit service requests and get connected with contractors
• Lead Distribution: We send your request to up to 3 contractors in your service category
• Self-Reported Information: Insurance status, service descriptions, and photos contractors provide to us

COMPLETELY FREE FOR HOMEOWNERS: There is no cost to browse listings, submit requests, contact contractors, or receive quotes. Our service is 100% free for homeowners.

2.2 What We Are NOT

CRITICAL - We are NOT:

• ❌ A contractor verification or credentialing service
• ❌ A licensing or insurance verification agency
• ❌ A quality assurance or inspection service
• ❌ A dispute resolution or mediation service
• ❌ A warranty or guarantee provider
• ❌ An employer or supervisor of contractors
• ❌ A party to contracts between you and contractors
• ❌ Responsible for work contractors perform
• ❌ A referral service that endorses or recommends contractors

Translation: We connect you with contractors. Everything after that is between you and them. We're not involved and we're not responsible for what happens.

3. UNDERSTANDING CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

3.1 How Contractor Listings Work

Contractors in our directory:

• Pay one-time listing fees (Basic $99, Standard $199, or Premium $299) to participate
• Pay per-lead charges ($30-$75 per lead based on project size) when receiving service requests
• Self-report their insurance status, coverage amounts, and credentials
• May optionally subscribe to Premium AI Services ($197/month) for marketing automation
• Are independent businesses - we do NOT employ, supervise, or control them

What we display:

• Exactly what contractors report to us (not independently verified)
• Self-reported insurance status and coverage amounts
• Business descriptions and service offerings they provide
• Photos and information they upload
• Disclaimers that information is "self-reported - not verified"

What we DON'T do:

• ❌ Verify licenses with South Carolina LLR
• ❌ Call insurance agents to verify coverage
• ❌ Check contractor work quality or references
• ❌ Inspect credentials or certifications
• ❌ Monitor insurance expiration dates
• ❌ Track licensing status changes
• ❌ Get involved in disputes or guarantee work

3.2 Contractor Insurance Badges

Some contractors display insurance badges on their profiles. These badges indicate ONLY what contractors have reported to us - NOT what we have verified.

4. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY - VERIFY BEFORE YOU HIRE

4.1 How to Verify Contractors (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Verify License

• Call South Carolina LLR: (803) 896-4686
• Visit: verify.sc.gov
• Confirm contractor's license is current and active
• Check for disciplinary actions

Step 2: Verify Insurance

• Request Certificate of Insurance from contractor
• Call the insurance agent listed on certificate
• Verify policy is current and coverage amounts are accurate
• Ask to be added as "additional insured"
• Get your own certificate with YOUR name on it

Step 3: Check References

• Ask for at least 3 recent customer references
• Actually call those references
• Google their business name and read reviews
• Check Better Business Bureau

Step 4: Get Written Estimates

• Get estimates from at least 3 contractors
• Compare pricing, timeline, scope of work
• Get EVERYTHING in writing - never accept verbal-only quotes

Step 5: Use Written Contracts

• Never start work without a written contract
• Contractor provides their own contract (we don't provide contracts)
• Read it carefully before signing
• For expensive projects ($10K+), have YOUR lawyer review the contract

Step 6: Smart Payment Practices

• NEVER pay 100% upfront
• Typical: 10-30% down, progress payments, final payment upon completion
• Pay by check or credit card (never cash only)
• Get receipts for all payments

4.2 Red Flags - When to Walk Away

Don't hire a contractor if they:

• 🚩 Refuse to provide license number
• 🚩 Refuse to provide insurance certificate
• 🚩 Pressure you to sign immediately
• 🚩 Require 100% payment upfront
• 🚩 Only accept cash payments
• 🚩 Won't provide written contract or estimate
• 🚩 Won't give you references
• 🚩 Have multiple serious complaints online

5. HOW SERVICE REQUESTS WORK

5.1 Submitting a Request

When you submit a service request through our website:

• We collect your contact information and project details
• We send your request to up to 3 contractors in the relevant category
• Contractors receive your: Name, phone, email, location, project description, timeline, budget (if provided)
• By submitting, you consent to us sharing this information with contractors

5.2 What Happens Next

After submitting:

• Contractors will contact you directly (timing varies by contractor)
• They'll discuss your project and provide estimates
• You're under NO obligation to hire any of them
• Interview all contractors, compare estimates, check references
• Choose the contractor that best fits your needs

5.3 No Response from Contractors?

If no contractors respond within 2-3 days:

• Your project may be outside their service area
• Your project may be too small or too large
• Your timing may not work for available contractors
• Try submitting a new request or calling contractors directly

We cannot guarantee contractor response or availability. Contractors are independent businesses and decide which jobs to pursue.

6. WHAT WE'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR

6.1 We Are NOT Responsible For:

• ❌ Work Quality: Quality, craftsmanship, or professionalism of contractor work
• ❌ Work Completion: Whether contractors finish jobs, meet deadlines, or honor commitments
• ❌ Property Damage: Any damage contractors cause to your property
• ❌ Injuries: Any injuries occurring on your property during contractor work
• ❌ Pricing Disputes: Disagreements about pricing, estimates, or final costs
• ❌ Contract Disputes: Any disputes arising from contracts between you and contractors
• ❌ Licensing Violations: Whether contractors have proper licenses or follow regulations
• ❌ Insurance Accuracy: Whether self-reported insurance information is accurate or current
• ❌ Fraud or Misconduct: Fraudulent, deceptive, or criminal behavior by contractors
• ❌ Code Violations: Whether work meets building codes or passes inspections
• ❌ Warranty Claims: Any warranty or guarantee issues
• ❌ Payment Disputes: Disputes about payments, refunds, or billing

6.2 Customer-Contractor Relationship

When you hire a contractor:

• You form a direct contractual relationship with THEM, not us
• All work agreements, payments, and warranties are between YOU and THEM
• We are NOT a party to your contract
• We CANNOT force contractors to do or pay anything
• We CANNOT mediate disputes or resolve conflicts
• Legal disputes must be between you and the contractor

6.3 What We CAN Help With

We CAN assist with:

• ✓ Technical issues with our website
• ✓ Questions about how our directory works
• ✓ Removing contractors who committed fraud or serious violations
• ✓ General guidance on hiring contractors

We CANNOT help with:

• ✗ Mediating work quality disputes
• ✗ Forcing contractors to finish work
• ✗ Forcing contractors to issue refunds
• ✗ Legal disputes or lawsuits
• ✗ Insurance claims

7. FREE SERVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS

Using our directory is completely FREE for homeowners.

• ✓ No cost to browse contractor listings
• ✓ No cost to submit service requests
• ✓ No cost to contact contractors
• ✓ No membership fees or subscription charges
• ✓ No fees to receive quotes or estimates

How we operate: Contractors pay listing fees ($99-$299 one-time) and per-lead charges ($30-$75 per lead) to participate in our directory. Some contractors also subscribe to Premium AI Services ($197/month) for marketing automation. These fees support our operations while keeping the service completely free for homeowners. Contractor fees do not affect the prices you receive in estimates.

8. PRIVACY & DATA SHARING

8.1 What Information We Share

When you submit a service request, we share the following with up to 3 contractors:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Property location (address or ZIP code)
• Service type requested
• Project description
• Timeline and budget (if provided)

By submitting a service request, you consent to us sharing this information with contractors.

8.2 Contractor Use of Your Information

Once contractors receive your information:

• They may contact you via phone, email, or text
• They are independent businesses - we don't control how they use your info
• You can ask individual contractors to stop contacting you
• For detailed privacy information, see our Privacy Policy

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• Anderson SC Home Services Directory provides this service "AS IS" without warranties of any kind
• We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
• We are not liable for any damages arising from your use of our service or hiring of contractors
• Our total liability to you shall not exceed $100
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages

Translation: We're a free directory service. If something goes wrong with a contractor, we're not financially responsible. You must pursue the contractor directly.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION WITH CONTRACTORS

10.1 If You Have Problems

Step 1: Try to resolve directly with contractor

• Most issues can be resolved through communication
• Document everything in writing (emails, texts)
• Take photos of problems
• Give contractor reasonable opportunity to fix issues

Step 2: If direct resolution fails

• File complaint with South Carolina LLR: (803) 896-4300
• Report to Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org
• File complaint with SC Consumer Affairs: (803) 734-4200
• Consider small claims court for monetary damages
• Consult an attorney for large disputes

Step 3: Serious violations only

• If contractor committed fraud or serious misconduct, contact us
• We may remove their listing after investigation
• We still cannot mediate disputes or provide refunds

11. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

We may modify these Terms at any time by posting updated Terms on our website. Material changes will be communicated via notice on our website. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

12. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Carolina. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Anderson County, South Carolina.

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms or our service:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (864) 527-2499
• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST

14. FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT