Modernize Editorial Star Rating Methodology
At Modernize, our ratings are designed to help homeowners make confident, informed decisions about their homes. This page explains the data-driven system we use to evaluate contractors, products, and brands and links to the detailed methodology for each trade we cover.
How Our Ratings Work
Modernize scores every contractor and product on a one-to-five scale using a weighted formula that combines objective data with real-world performance signals:
Final Score = Σ (Criterion Score × Criterion Weight)
In case you didn’t know: The symbol Σ (sigma) is standard math notation for summation — it means we add up the weighted score for each criterion to arrive at the final score.
Criteria and weights vary by trade and subject type — what matters most for an HVAC contractor differs from what matters most for a flooring product. In every case, the weights reflect the factors that most affect real homeowner outcomes: safety, installation quality, long-term performance, and reliable support.
Our evaluation draws on a combination of:
- Verified credentials, certifications, and licensing
- Customer feedback aggregated across trusted review platforms
- Manufacturer specifications and technical performance data
- Business operations signals, including responsiveness and availability
- Market presence, brand reputation, and longevity
Where applicable, we also consider real-world factors such as installation quality, regional climate suitability, and product durability over time — not just listed specifications.
Star Rating Scale
Once the final weighted score is calculated, it maps to a five-star rating:
- 4.75–5.00 stars: Excellent
- 4.25–4.74 stars: Very Good
- 3.50–4.24 stars: Good
- 2.75–3.49 stars: Fair
- 2.00–2.74 stars: Poor
- Below 2.00 stars: Very Poor
A five-star rating means a contractor or product is excellent relative to comparable options in the same category — not that it’s perfect. Ratings are always evaluated within the same trade and subject type, so a top-rated HVAC contractor is compared only to other HVAC contractors, not to window or flooring companies.
Our Editorial Principles
Every Modernize rating is built on three commitments:
- Consistency: Every provider and product is evaluated using the same structured framework within its category. We don’t adjust scoring standards based on advertising relationships or brand partnerships.
- Transparency: Scoring criteria and weights are clearly defined for each trade and published on the methodology page for that category. You can see exactly what we measured and how much each factor contributed to the final score.
- Relevance: Ratings prioritize the factors that most affect homeowner outcomes. For a foundation contractor, that means technical credentials and warranty quality carry more weight than market presence. For a window product, thermal performance outweighs brand recognition. The weights are set to reflect what actually matters for each type of project.
Methodology by Trade
Each trade has its own detailed methodology page explaining the specific criteria, weights, and scoring philosophy we use for that category. Contractors and products are always evaluated separately within each trade.
- HVAC contractor and product ratings
- Window contractor and product ratings
- Flooring contractor, retailer, and product ratings
- Foundation and basement waterproofing contractor and product ratings
- Stairlift installer and brand ratings
- Gutter guard brand and company ratings
- Water treatment product, brand, and company ratings
- Bathroom remodel company and product ratings