Highest state license
The top license level for the trade, such as Master Electrician or Master Plumber, carries the most weight.
Preferred partner network
Preferred Partner Standards
Homeowners and businesses retain RPS Trades as their trusted advisor. We are not a sales organization, and we never sell jobs for contractors. When we recommend a company from our preferred partner network, our clients are trusting our judgment. These standards are how we earn that trust.
Every trade
Baseline standards
Every preferred partner must meet all of these, whatever the trade.
- At least 3 years in business under the same company name.
- Insurance always in force, with RPS Trades listed as a certificate holder so we are notified if coverage changes.
- An active state license wherever the trade requires one, with no disciplinary actions.
- Strong online reviews from real customers across Google and other review sites.
- Few Better Business Bureau complaints, and every one of them resolved.
- No class action lawsuits, and no pattern of liens filed against clients' properties.
- A written workmanship warranty on completed work.
- Written, itemized estimates and no large upfront deposits.
- Background-checked crews for any work inside a client's home.
- Coming soon: the RPS client satisfaction rating, built from feedback by the clients we advise.
Preferred, not required: workers' compensation or occupational accident coverage for crew members is a plus we look for, but it is optional.
Credentialing
Credentials are the gold standard
Every trade is different, so we judge each one on the credentials that matter for that work. We stay brand neutral and never favor a company because of the products it carries.
Independent industry certifications
A strong plus. Examples include a HAAG Certified Inspector for roofing, NABCEP for solar, NATE for HVAC, IICRC for restoration, EPA Lead-Safe for older homes, a TCEQ Licensed Irrigator, or a Texas Department of Agriculture certified applicator for pest control.
Manufacturer installer certifications
A certification from any manufacturer counts equally as a plus. It shows training on that maker's installation requirements, but it never decides partner status on its own.
Many manufacturers award top contractors special status levels. Each manufacturer sets its own criteria and uses its own titles. We recognize any of them as a plus.
Third-party recognition
Recognition we value
Recognition from independent associations and community groups tells us a company stands out. These are examples, not a complete list, and no single award is required.
Across every trade
- BBB Torch Awards for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau.
- OSHA SHARP recognition for small businesses with strong safety programs.
- Trade association safety awards, such as those from NRCA, ASCC, IEC and NECA.
- Local chamber of commerce and "Best of" awards chosen by the community.
- Veteran-owned certification through the SBA VetCert program, and community service awards.
By trade
Roofing
NRCA membership and Gold Circle Awards for outstanding workmanship, a HAAG Certified Inspector on staff, RCAT (Roofing Contractors Association of Texas) membership.
Siding, gutters and windows
VSI Certified Installer (through PEPA, the Polymeric Exterior Products Association), NARI Contractor of the Year awards, EPA Lead-Safe certification for pre-1978 homes.
General remodeling
NARI Contractor of the Year awards and Certified Remodeler (CR), NAHB Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), local home builders association awards.
Kitchen and bath
NKBA certifications such as Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD), NARI Contractor of the Year awards for kitchens and baths.
Electrical
Master Electrician license through TDLR, IEC or NECA membership and apprenticeship programs, IEC and NECA safety awards.
Plumbing
Master Plumber license through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, PHCC membership, backflow and medical gas endorsements.
HVAC
ACCA membership and ACCA Quality Assured (QA) Contractor credential, NATE certified technicians, TDLR air conditioning contractor license.
Water, fire and mold restoration
IICRC Certified Firm status, RIA (Restoration Industry Association) membership and credentials, Texas mold remediation license.
Foundation
Repairs designed or signed off by a licensed professional engineer, National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA) membership and certification training.
Painting
PCA (Painting Contractors Association) membership and industry awards, EPA Lead-Safe certification.
Flooring
NWFA certifications and Wood Floor of the Year awards, International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) certification.
Fencing and decks
American Fence Association membership and Industry Excellence Awards, including Contractor of the Year.
Concrete
ACI certifications such as Concrete Flatwork Finisher, ASCC membership and safety programs.
Landscaping and irrigation
NALP Awards of Excellence, TCEQ Licensed Irrigator, Irrigation Association certifications, TNLA membership.
Pest control
Texas Department of Agriculture certified applicator, NPMA QualityPro accreditation, Texas Pest Control Association membership.
Solar and battery storage
NABCEP certification, SEIA membership, a Master Electrician overseeing installs.
Pools
PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance) certifications and International Awards of Excellence.
Insulation and energy
BPI certification, RESNET HERS Rater credentials.
Low voltage, security and smart home
CEDIA certifications and awards, ESA membership, BICSI credentials, Texas DPS Private Security licensing for alarm work.
Why it matters to us
Our clients count on us to recommend companies we would hire ourselves. Third-party recognition gives us independent proof that a company does quality work, operates ethically, keeps its crews safe and keeps training. It is earned from people who have no stake in our recommendation, and it helps protect our clients from contractors who only look good on paper.
Not there yet?
Your path to Preferred
Every great company started somewhere. If you don't meet every standard today, you can still join the RPS Trades network, and we'll help you work toward the Preferred Partner badge.
- Licensing upgrades: how to move up to your trade's highest state license.
- Certifications: which independent credentials fit your trade and how to earn them.
- Insurance: getting the right coverage in place and keeping it in force.
- Reviews: building a strong, honest review history with your customers.
- Awards: how to find and apply for industry and community recognition.
Workshops are coming soon. We want to see you grow, and we'll be glad to recognize you when you get there.
Ongoing review
Reviewed every year
Every preferred partner is reviewed at least once a year. If a company stops meeting these standards, its preferred partner status can be removed.