Trade Services Authority

Somewhere between "I'll just watch a YouTube video" and "why is there water coming through the ceiling" lies the vast, complicated, jurisdiction-specific world of skilled trades services. Licensing requirements shift at state lines. Building codes vary by county. What qualifies a contractor in Texas is not what qualifies one in Massachusetts. Trade Services Authority exists because that complexity is real, it matters, and someone ought to explain it clearly.

This division covers more than 850 reference sites across 18 trade verticals, organized from national policy down to specific metro markets. Every vertical links to a national hub, and from there, state-level and local sites provide the jurisdiction-specific detail that actually matters when permits, licenses, and building codes are involved.

Major Trades

The verticals that account for most of the regulatory complexity — and most of the "I really should have checked this before hiring someone" moments.

Pools — The largest vertical in the division, covering more than 250 sites. Pool construction permits, barrier and fencing codes, health department regulations, and contractor licensing across every major market. The regulatory variation between states is genuinely remarkable.

Contractors — General contractor licensing, subcontractor relationships, lien rights, bond and insurance requirements, and the classification frameworks that determine who can legally pull a permit. More than 120 sites covering national standards down to metro-level requirements.

HVAC — EPA refrigerant handling certifications layered on top of state licensing frameworks, energy efficiency standards, and equipment installation codes. More than 80 sites covering a trade where overlapping regulatory requirements are the norm, not the exception.

Plumbing — State plumbing codes, local amendments, cross-connection control requirements, backflow prevention standards, and water heater installation regulations. Nearly 80 sites addressing a framework that varies meaningfully across every jurisdiction.

Construction — Building codes, commercial construction licensing, project management regulations, and the permitting frameworks that govern how structures get built legally. Nearly 70 sites covering residential and commercial construction requirements.

Restoration — Disaster recovery, water damage, fire restoration, mold remediation licensing, and the emergency contractor frameworks that activate after storms, floods, and the other events nobody plans for. More than 65 sites covering a trade where speed and compliance have to coexist.

Electrical — Licensing requirements that range from simple registration to extensive apprenticeship and examination programs. The National Electrical Code is widely adopted but not universally, and local amendments are common. More than 55 sites across the network.

Specialty Trades

Smaller verticals, but each with its own licensing frameworks and regulatory quirks that make generic advice useless.

Roofing — State licensing requirements range from comprehensive to nearly nonexistent, making contractor qualification guidance particularly valuable for homeowners. More than 30 sites covering licensing, material standards, and warranty regulations.

Landscaping — Irrigation system installation, water usage regulations, pesticide applicator licensing, and the increasingly complex landscape of water conservation mandates. More than 30 sites addressing outdoor service trades.

Pest Control — Pesticide applicator licensing, integrated pest management standards, fumigation regulations, and the state and federal frameworks governing chemical application. More than 30 sites covering a trade with significant EPA oversight.

Solar — Electrical licensing, structural permits, utility interconnection agreements, and state-specific incentive program requirements converge in ways that make solar one of the more complex trades to navigate. More than 20 sites and growing as the regulatory landscape expands.

Cleaning — Commercial and residential cleaning certifications, carpet cleaning standards, restoration cleaning protocols, and the licensing requirements that vary by service type and state.

Automotive — Auto repair licensing, emissions testing certification, consumer protection regulations, and the state-level frameworks governing automotive service businesses.

Carpentry — Finish carpentry, structural carpentry licensing, apprenticeship programs, and the trade certification standards that distinguish residential from commercial work.

Appliance — Appliance installation and repair licensing, energy efficiency standards, and the manufacturer certification requirements that govern who can legally service major household equipment.

Window — Window installation and repair standards, energy performance ratings, and the contractor licensing requirements specific to fenestration work.

Moving — Interstate and intrastate moving company licensing, FMCSA registration requirements, liability coverage standards, and the consumer protection frameworks governing household goods carriers.

Gutter — Gutter installation standards, drainage system codes, and the contractor requirements for a trade that sits at the intersection of roofing and water management.

Contractor Standards & Provider Program

At some point, homeowners need an actual contractor, not more information about contractors. The provider program routes people to qualified, vetted providers in their area. Details on contractor participation, qualification standards, and how the program operates are at contractorstandards.org.

Trade Services Authority is a division of Authority Network America.