Effective Date: December 06, 2025
Entity: Contractory, LLC (“Contractory,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)
Platform: Contractory mobile apps and website (collectively, the “Platform”)
By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”), our Privacy Policy, and our Cookie Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.
These Terms constitute a binding agreement between you and Contractory. You accept when you create an account, click “I Agree,” or use the Platform. If you use the Platform on behalf of an organization, you represent you have authority to bind that organization.
You must be at least 18 and capable of forming a binding contract. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to keep it updated. Accounts are personal; you’re responsible for all activity under your credentials.
• Homeowners must provide full name, email, and password.
• Contractors must provide full name, email, password, legal name, SSN and/or EIN (for tax and identity purposes), business address, and consent to background screening.
• We may verify identity and tax information via Stripe and conduct background checks for Contractors only through backgroundchecks.com or other vetted providers. Verification services are provided by third parties; we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or ongoing validity of any verification or badge.
By registering as a Contractor, you authorize Contractory and our background-check provider(s) to obtain background reports as permitted by law. You will receive any legally required disclosures/authorizations separately within the onboarding flow. Disqualification criteria may include certain criminal convictions or licensing issues, subject to applicable law. You must immediately update expired or changed documents.
Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share personal information including Stripe (payments), and backgroundchecks.com (screening). By using the Platform, you consent to our data practices and cross-border transfers as described there.
We use cookies and similar technologies for authentication, security, analytics, and personalization. See our Privacy Policy for details and controls, including browser-level settings and any consent banner options that may apply in your region.
We may change providers at any time. Your continued use constitutes consent to the updated stack, subject to our Privacy Policy.
Firebase Authentication & Firestore (Google) – user authentication, messaging, and database services
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) – hosting, infrastructure, and data security
Microsoft Azure Blob Storage – file and image storage
Convex – real-time database and serverless data synchronization
Stripe Payments – provides payment processing, escrow-like holding, and payouts to Contractors. Users agree to Stripe’s terms in addition to ours.
BackgroundChecks.com – identity verification and background-check services
By using the Platform, you authorize Contractory to share and receive necessary information with these providers to operate, maintain, and improve the Platform—for example, to process payments, verify identities, or store data securely.
Each third-party service is governed by its own Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which you agree to comply with when using the Platform. Contractory does not control or endorse these third parties and is not responsible for their acts, omissions, data handling, uptime, or security practices.
Liability Disclaimer. Contractory is not liable for any loss, delay, or damage arising from a third-party provider’s performance, downtime, data breach, or failure. Any disputes related to third-party services should be directed to the respective provider.
App Stores. If you download or access the Contractory App through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store , you acknowledge that:
• The app-store provider is not a party to these Terms.
• The app-store provider is not responsible for the App’s content, maintenance, or support.
• Your use of the App is also governed by that provider’s standard terms and conditions.
9.1 Funding & Order of Operations.
a) Client accepts a Quote in-app → b) Client funds all Milestones through Stripe → c) Contractor begins work on first milestone → d) Contractor marks milestone complete → e) Client reviews and approves/rejects → f) Upon approval (or if no timely dispute), Stripe releases funds to Contractor → g) Repeat for subsequent Milestones → h) After final Milestone, Contractory holds a 10% retainer until Final Approval (Section 9.4).
9.2 Escrow & Holds.
Funds are held via Stripe until release under these Terms. Processing and transfer times are determined by Stripe.
9.3 Client Review Window.
The Client must approve or provide a written rejection with specific reasons within 3–5 business days of Contractor marking a Milestone complete. Failure to respond within the window authorizes release.
9.4 10% Retainer & Final Approval.
After the last Milestone, 10% of the total Project price is retained. Contractor must request Final Approval and upload any required completion documentation (e.g., photos, permits sign-off, lien waivers). Client has 3–5 business days to approve or dispute. Upon approval (or lapse), the retainer is released.
9.5 Change Orders.
Any change to scope, milestones, price, materials, or timeline must be made as a written in-app Change Order and accepted by both parties before work proceeds.
9.6 No Off-Platform Payments.
Users will not bypass the Platform for Projects initiated on Contractory for 12 months after first contact. Circumvention may incur account suspension or ban.
9.7 Taxes & 1099s.
Contractors are independent businesses responsible for all taxes. Where applicable, Stripe (as payments provider) may issue 1099 forms directly to Contractors in accordance with U.S. law. This does not make Contractory a party to your tax obligations.
9.8 Fees.
Contractory may charge platform, service, or processing fees to Clients and/or Contractors, disclosed in checkout or account settings. Fees are non-refundable unless required by law.
• Provide accurate Project details, photos, site constraints, and access.
• Review Quotes and Change Orders carefully; respond to Milestone completions within the review window.
• Ensure safe site conditions and compliance with applicable laws and HOA/lease requirements.
• Do not request illegal work or work requiring permits unless you or the Contractor have obtained them per the Service Contract.
• Maintain all required licenses, registrations, and insurance; comply with building codes, OSHA, and safety laws.
• Provide complete Quotes with clear scope, exclusions, materials responsibility, milestones, and timelines.
• Use qualified personnel and manage any subcontractors.
• Obtain required permits if assigned in the Quote; otherwise coordinate with the Client.
• Uphold Quotes once accepted, subject to Change Orders after site visit.
• Promptly provide lien waivers if requested and applicable.
Where required by law or requested by the Client, Contractor agrees to provide conditional and unconditional lien waivers corresponding to payments received. Users acknowledge that lien laws vary by state, and you are responsible for compliance.
Contractors must carry commercially reasonable insurance (e.g., general liability, workers’ compensation if required). Upon request, Contractor must furnish certificates of insurance. Contractory does not provide insurance to users.
• Marketplace Disclaimer. Contractory does not perform, warrant, supervise, or guarantee Services. All Services are provided by independent Contractors.
• No Consequential Damages. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither Contractory nor its affiliates will be liable for indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive, or consequential damages.
• Cap. Our total liability for any claim is limited to the greater of (i) $100 or (ii) the fees you paid to Contractory related to the claim during the 3 months preceding the claim.
• No Warranties. The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” We disclaim any implied warranties (merchantability, fitness, non-infringement). Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimers/limits; your rights may vary.
You grant Contractory a nationwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, display, reproduce, modify, and distribute your User Content solely to operate, improve, and promote the Platform (including listings, galleries, marketing, and trust/safety). You represent your own or have rights to submit such content and that it does not infringe third-party rights.
Reviews must be truthful and based on actual experiences. We may moderate or remove content that violates policy or law but do not guarantee removal.
Use in-app messaging only for legitimate Project communications. No harassment, discrimination, doxxing, illegal solicitations, spam, or sharing sensitive personal data (e.g., full payment info, passwords). We may monitor for trust/safety and compliance.
You will not:
• Use the Platform for illegal acts or code violations;
• Circumvent fees, payments, or the escrow process;
• Misrepresent identity, licenses, or insurance;
• Interfere with Platform security, scrape without authorization, or reverse engineer;
• Post infringing, deceptive, or defamatory content;
• Engage in discrimination, hate, or harassment.
Non-public information disclosed by one party to the other (including pricing, designs, plans) must be kept confidential and used only for the Project, except where disclosure is legally required.
Clients must ensure lawful access and disclose known hazards (e.g., asbestos, lead paint, electrical/gas risks, structural issues, pets). Contractors must maintain safe practices and comply with OSHA and applicable safety standards. Either party may pause work if a serious safety issue is identified until remediated via Change Order if needed.
If the property is leased or subject to HOA/coop rules, the Client is responsible for obtaining approvals and ensuring the Project complies. Lease/HOA disputes are between the Client and the property owner/association and are not the responsibility of Contractory.
• Clients may cancel a booking within twenty-four (24) hours of acceptance without penalty, provided the scheduled service has not yet commenced.
• Cancellations made less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled start time may result in the Client being charged twenty-five percent (25%) of the platform fee.
• Any material costs already purchased by the Contractor under a material-advance payment are non-refundable once incurred.
• Pre-Work Cancellation (Client). If canceled before work or special-order materials, Client may receive a refund of unfunded or escrowed amounts less non-recoverable processing/platform fees.
• After Start (Client). Refunds are net of work performed, materials purchased, restocking fees, and platform/processing fees.
• Contractor Cancellation. Contractor must provide prompt notice; unearned Milestones may be refunded, but not gaurenteed. Repeated cancellations may lead to suspension.
• If a Contractor cancels a confirmed booking, the Client shall receive a full refund of any service fees and unspent material advances. Contractor will be charged 25% of platform fee from quote.
• No-Shows. If a party fails to appear for a scheduled site visit or start, the attending party may request (i) rescheduling or (ii) compensation for reasonable direct costs (e.g., trip fee) if disclosed in Quote. Multiple no-shows may lead to suspension.
• Special Orders. Custom/special-order items may be non-refundable.
• Milestone Disputes. If Client rejects a Milestone, both parties must attempt resolution in-app (messages, photos, punch lists). If unresolved within 5–10 business days, either may initiate the Dispute Resolution process (Section 27).
• Chargebacks. You agree not to initiate chargebacks contrary to these Terms. If you do, you remain liable for amounts Stripe determines owed, plus any assessment fees. We may suspend accounts pending resolution.
• Refund Method. Refunds, where approved, are processed via Stripe to the original payment method, subject to Stripe’s timing.
Stripe, Firebase, Convex, backgroundchecks.com, analytics, and other vendors are third-party providers. Your use of their services may be subject to their terms and privacy notices. Contractory is not responsible for third-party acts or omissions.
You consent to execute agreements, receive notices, and transact electronically. We may provide disclosures and records electronically via the Platform or email. You can withdraw consent by closing your account (some obligations may survive).
We may send notices via in-app notifications, email, or mail to your last provided address. You must keep your contact details current. Legal notices to Contractory: [legal@contractory.com]
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Contractory and its affiliates from claims, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the Platform or Services; (b) your breach of these Terms or applicable law; (c) your User Content; (d) your disputes with other users.
• Good-Faith Resolution. Parties must first attempt to resolve disputes in-app within 5–10 business days.
• Mediation. Non-binding mediation with a mutually agreed provider (costs split unless agreed otherwise).
• Arbitration. If mediation fails, any dispute with Contractor will be resolved by binding arbitration on an individual basis under the Federal Arbitration Act and the rules of [AAA/JAMS]. No judge or jury. No class actions or class arbitration.
• Venue & Governing Law. Michigan law governs (without regard to conflict rules); arbitration seat [Detroit, MI] unless otherwise required by law.
We may suspend or terminate accounts for policy violations, illegal conduct, fraud, chargebacks, safety risks, or failure to maintain required verification, licensing, or insurance. You may close your account at any time; certain obligations survive (e.g., confidentiality, payments due, dispute resolution).
We may modify these Terms by posting an updated version with a new Effective Date. Material changes will be reasonably noticed (e.g., email or in-app). Continued use after the Effective Date constitutes acceptance.
Except as required by law, parties will keep non-public Project information, bids, and proprietary materials confidential and use them solely for evaluating and performing the Project.
Contractor is responsible for damage caused by its negligence or willful misconduct. Client is responsible for pre-existing conditions and undisclosed hazards. Parties should promptly document and report issues and attempt a reasonable remedy plan; unresolved claims follow Section 27.
You retain ownership of your content. We retain ownership of the Platform and Contractory Content. For alleged infringement, send DMCA notices to [legal@contractory.com] with required details.
Except for Contractory’s affiliates, there are no third-party beneficiaries to these Terms.
If any provision is unlawful or unenforceable, it is severed and the remainder remains effective. These Terms, plus incorporated policies and any in-app Service Contract terms, are the entire agreement. You may not assign without our consent; we may assign in a merger, acquisition, or sale.
Headings are for convenience only. Sections that by their nature should survive (fees, confidentiality, IP, indemnification, limitations, dispute resolution) will survive termination.
All payments must be made through the Platform and processed via Stripe. Contractory is not a bank, money transmitter, or escrow agent; all funds are held and managed exclusively by Stripe. Contractory assumes no liability for payment delays, errors, compliance holds, or insolvency of Stripe.
• Any attempt to solicit or accept off-Platform payments (cash, checks, direct transfers, or otherwise) is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate suspension or permanent termination of your account.
• Contractory reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make the final determination based on available evidence including, but not limited to, photographs, communications, receipts, and time-stamped records.
After a job, Clients and Contractors may leave reviews. Reviews must be honest, relevant, and not defamatory or unlawful. Contractory may (but has no duty to) remove content that violates these Terms. We do not verify reviews.
o the maximum extent permitted by law, Contractory and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, revenue, goodwill, data, or business interruption, arising out of or in connection with the Platform, the Services, or these Terms, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.