Brass Tacks – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brass Tacks?
Brass Tacks is a platform specifically designed to serve property owners who were impacted by the Eaton Fire. The platform allows owners to post their construction projects and receive
competitive bids from qualified builders. We’re here to help you find the right contractor at the right price, without the hassle.
How does Brass Tacks work?
You start by posting your project — whether it’s remediation, ground up build, renovation or an ADU. Contractors then have the option to submit bids, or you can invite specific builders to
quote on the work. Our platform limits how many bids are open at once to keep things focused
and efficient. Once you select the builder you want to bid, we help you set an initial meeting and
bid review. We recommend you meet and interview at least three builders so you can compare
them side-by-side and choose the right one.
What kind of projects are best for Brass Tacks?
We’re built for projects where quality, cost, and transparency matter — including:
- Ground-up home construction
- Additions and major remodels
- ADUs and garage conversions
- Fire rebuilds
- Multi-unit residential or investment builds
If you’re looking to spend wisely and want multiple qualified options, Brass Tacks is a great fit.
How is Brass Tacks different from other contractor sites?
Unlike review sites or lead platforms, Brass Tacks creates a competitive bidding
environment. Builders don’t pay to advertise — they earn your trust by offering strong bids and proven work. You control who bids, what happens next, and when to move forward
Is Brass Tacks free?
For homeowners, Brass Tacks bid and match is always free. Our vetted builders, pay a reasonable platform fee for the opportunity to bid on projects. This fee helps cover staff time, maintain the quality of support we provide to homeowners, and ensure that every builder on the platform meets our standards.
Importantly, a portion of all proceeds is donated to our nonprofit arm, which directly assists severely underinsured homeowners in their rebuilding process. Our goal is to make selecting a contractor and moving through the rebuild process less stressful, more transparent, and community-centered, so homeowners can focus on restoring their homes with confidence.
How are builders vetted?
Every builder on Brass Tacks goes through a multi-step screening and interview process that
includes:
- License and insurance verification
- Project portfolio review
- Background check
- Client references
- On-platform performance metrics
Only those who meet our standards — and maintain them — stay active in the network.
Can I invite my own contractor?
Absolutely. If you already have a contractor in mind, you can invite them to bid on your project through Brass Tacks. We encourage transparency and fair comparisons, whether you’re starting
fresh or just verifying pricing.
What if I don’t like any of the bids?
No pressure. If the bids don’t meet your needs, you can decline them and reopen the project to
new builders — or walk away entirely. There’s no obligation to hire through the platform.
Do you help with reviewing bids or next steps?
Yes. Our team is available to help you understand your bids, vet contractors, and make sense of your options. We’re here to make sure you feel confident before you sign any contract
Does using Brass Tacks lead to better pricing?
Yes. Because contractors know they’re in a competitive environment, you get sharper bids and clearer scopes of work. That transparency helps drive fair pricing, and gives you more leverage
as a homeowner.
Does Brass Tacks offer any other help?
If taking on a ground up build seems like too much of a daunting process and you would like
some additional help, consider using our team as an Owner’s Representative (OR). The team at
Brass Tacks acts as your advocate from start to finish. That means we help you navigate the
project, cost & budget control, schedule oversight, risk management, quality control, manage
communication, and keep your contract accountable to the contract and timelines. Contact us
at info@brass-tacks.com to request information about our Owner’s Representative option.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Reach out to our support team anytime, and we’ll walk you through how
Brass Tacks can make your next project simpler, smarter, and more successful
We are available to help answer your questions. Contact us today and we'll be happy to help.
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