The business chose to be accountable
Joining is voluntary. A member applied to a professional association and agreed, in writing, to a published standard of conduct — knowing customers can read it.
For Homeowners
A professional signal you can actually check before you hire.
The Craftsmen Association of America is a professional association for independent tradespeople. Members display the association badge because they were accepted into membership and agreed, in writing, to a published code of conduct — one more meaningful data point when you are comparing quotes.
Active CAA members · 4,205+ directory listings · 330 cities · all 50 states
What the badge means
The badge is a commitment you can hold someone to.
You should get things in writing
Members agree to provide a written scope, estimate, and payment terms before work begins, and to document change orders before performing the added work.
You should hear about changes early
Members agree to communicate schedule and cost changes before they happen, and to answer a customer inquiry within two business days.
Complaints have a path
Members agree to stand behind completed work, honor their written warranty, and acknowledge a complaint within five business days.
What it does not mean
We'd rather be plain than impressive.
- Not a license. Licensing is issued by your state, county, or city — always verify it directly.
- Not a verification of licensing or insurance. Members attest to holding what their trade requires; CAA does not audit it. Where a member has supplied documentation, it is noted on that member's profile.
- Not insurance or a bond. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming the work and the coverage period.
- Not a warranty. The association does not guarantee, inspect, or supervise any member's work.
- Not a background check or a ranking. Members are not scored, and paying dues does not buy a better position.
Before you sign
Six questions worth asking anyone.
- · May I see a written scope of work with payment terms?
- · May I see your license and current proof of insurance?
- · Who pulls the permit for this work, and when?
- · How are change orders priced and documented?
- · What warranty comes with this work, in writing?
- · Can you share two recent references for similar work?
A professional welcomes these questions. Hesitation is your answer.
How to use the directory
Search by trade, state, and city — then vet the shortlist.
1 · Find the trade
Filter by the work you need and your city. CAA members are marked with the badge; every other listing is a public reference listing and is labeled as not a member.
2 · Get it in writing
Ask for a written scope and payment schedule from each business you consider, then compare like for like rather than by headline price.
3 · Verify independently
Confirm licensing with your local authority and insurance with the carrier. The association never asks you to take its word for it.
Ran into a problem with a member?
Anyone can raise a concern about conduct that falls short of the code. The association reviews what was reported, asks the member for their account, and pursues resolution first — with removal from membership where conduct is dishonest or repeated. The association does not arbitrate contracts or inspect job sites.
info@craftsmenassociation.org