Terms of Service

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the BuildTrust platform ("Service"), including our website, mobile app, and all related services. By accessing or using BuildTrust, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you may not use the Service.

2. User Eligibility

To use BuildTrust, you must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements. Service Providers must comply with all local, state, and federal licensing requirements for their respective trades.

3. Account Registration

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and password. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, truthful, and complete information during registration
• Notify BuildTrust immediately of any unauthorized access to your account
• Accept responsibility for all activities on your account
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

4. Service Provider Listings

BuildTrust allows service professionals to list their businesses on the platform. Service Providers may self-report credential information such as license numbers, insurance status, and bonding status. BuildTrust displays this information on provider profiles but does not independently verify all credentials. Users are encouraged to verify credentials directly with the professional before hiring.

• We do not guarantee the quality or lawfulness of any Service Provider's work
• We are not responsible for disputes arising from service performance
• Credential information is self-reported unless otherwise noted on the profile
• Service Providers are independent contractors, not BuildTrust employees

5. Payments

BuildTrust does not process payments, hold funds, or charge transaction fees. BuildTrust is a matching and connection platform. When you hire a professional through BuildTrust:

• You arrange payment directly with the professional
• BuildTrust does not collect, hold, or transfer any funds
• There are no connection fees or platform commissions during the launch period
• You and the professional agree on payment terms, methods, and milestones independently

BuildTrust provides messaging tools to help you document agreements. We recommend agreeing on scope, price, and milestones in writing before work begins.

6. Dispute Resolution

Since payments are arranged directly between you and the Service Provider, payment disputes should be resolved between both parties. BuildTrust:

• Provides messaging tools to help document agreements and communication
• Does not mediate financial disputes or hold funds
• May suspend or remove listings that violate platform terms
• Is not liable for disputes arising from service performance or payment arrangements

7. User Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Harass, threaten, or defame other users
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Bypass vetting requirements or use fraudulent credentials
• Attempt to manipulate ratings or reviews
• Engage in illegal activities or violate intellectual property rights

8. Liability & Disclaimer

BuildTrust is provided "as-is" without warranties. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free service
• The quality or legality of any Service Provider's work
• Protection against personal injury or property damage
• Resolution of all disputes in your favor

To the maximum extent permitted by law, BuildTrust's total liability is limited to the fees you have paid to BuildTrust for the Service (if any) in the past 12 months. Since BuildTrust does not process payments for services rendered by professionals, BuildTrust is not liable for any amounts paid directly to a Service Provider.

9. Termination

BuildTrust may terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Repeatedly receive complaints from other users
• Fail vetting re-verification (for Service Providers)

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the state where the service is performed. Any legal disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration as permitted by state law.

11. Changes to Terms

BuildTrust may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. We will notify you of material changes via email.

12. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at: legal@buildtrust.com