RenovationRouteFAQs
Straight answers,
before you sign up
How milestone payments work, what they cost, and what happens when something goes wrong.
Getting started
What is RenovationRoute?
Tools for construction work on both sides of the job. Contractors find government bids, handle customer inquiries, send quotes, and get paid through held milestone payments. Homeowners describe a project, compare bids on the same job, and pay one milestone at a time.
Do I need a card to create an account?
No. Creating an account, posting a project, and sending a quote do not need a card.
How is RenovationRoute different from Angi, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor?
We don’t sell your details to a list of contractors. A contractor pays $20 to unlock them only on a project you posted. The hard part is not only finding a contractor, it is making sure the job is planned clearly, tracked properly, and paid safely. That is what RenovationRoute is built around.
Do I need to download an app?
No. RenovationRoute works in the browser on desktop, tablet, and phone.
Payments
How do milestone payments work?
The accepted quote includes a payment schedule. The homeowner funds each milestone when it comes due, and with a held payment the contractor’s payout is held in Stripe until the homeowner approves the work, or until our team reviews the project record if a payout request goes unanswered for 14 days. Quick Pay skips the approval hold. How it works for contractors · for homeowners.
What does it cost?
Posting a project and sending quotes are free. When a payment is released, RenovationRoute keeps 1% and Stripe’s processing fee comes out of the same payment, paid by the contractor. Contractors also pay a one-time $20 per project to unlock a homeowner’s contact details. Homeowners pay nothing. Federal bid briefs and alerts are $20 a month. See pricing.
What happens if there is a dispute?
A held payout that has not been released stays held. We are not a mediator, but our team reviews the project record, including the accepted quote, messages, photos, and approvals, before any held money moves. Quick Pay has no approval hold. See trust and safety.
Can the price change during the job?
Only if the homeowner agrees. The contractor sends a change request to add, change, or remove a payment, and nothing changes until the homeowner approves it.
Quotes, estimates, and federal bids
How accurate are the AI estimates?
They are a starting point, drafted from the project description. A contractor should always check them against the site, local rules, and anything uncovered once work starts. The homeowner’s budget estimate is private, and contractors never see it.
How do federal bid alerts work?
We check SAM.gov for construction bids every 12 hours and text or email you when one fits your trade, location, and filters. The bid list is always free to browse. See federal opportunities.
Can I use RenovationRoute with my own customers?
Yes. Send a direct quote and run the whole job here, including held payments, changes, photos, and the project record. See quotes.
Accounts and support
Can homeowners and contractors message each other?
Yes. Every project has messages and file sharing for materials, designs, timelines, and changes, all kept in the project record.
Can contractors add their team?
Yes. Team members can use everything on the account except the bank account details.
How do I reach support?
Use the contact form. We usually respond within one business day.
Still have a question?
Create a free account, no card needed, or send us a message.