Questions? Here are the answers.

Call the Trades is a platform that connects homeowners with experienced, license-verified tradespeople over live video. You buy call credits, choose an expert, and get real-time help with your project, paying only for the minutes you use.

We're building now and opening in stages. First we're signing up founding experts. Then we'll run an invite-only beta, and we'll open to homeowners once about 200 experts are ready to take calls. Join the waitlist and you'll be the first to know.

We're starting in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. More states will follow.

Electricians first, with plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, masons, painters and handymen alongside. We'll add more trades after launch.

Yes. We're launching on the web first for our invite-only beta, with iPhone and Android apps planned for the full launch.

Just a phone, tablet or computer with a camera and a decent internet connection. If you can make a video call, you can use Call the Trades.

Pick an expert, start a video call and point your camera at the problem. Your expert sees what you see and walks you through it. You're billed by the minute from your credits, and you can end the call anytime.

Your first call with each new expert starts with 5 free minutes, so you can make sure they're the right fit. After that, and on later calls with the same expert, minutes are billed from your credits.

You and your expert get a 60-second heads-up before your balance runs out, with a one-tap option to top up. If you don't top up, the call ends when your balance reaches zero.

If you both want that, absolutely. Many projects start with advice and end with a pro on site. You arrange in-person work directly with the expert.

If a platform or connection problem on our side cuts your call short, we credit that time back to you.

Every expert is identity-verified, and licensed trades go through a state license lookup. Experts are placed in tiers by years in the trade, and reviews after every call keep the quality honest.

Founding pay is $75 an hour for Professional experts (5–10 years), $110 for Advanced (10+ years) and $150 for Distinguished (25+ years), paid for every connected minute. Founding pay rates are subject to change before launch.

Founding experts are the first tradespeople on the platform. The first 500 earn their tier's full rate from day one, go live first in our invite-only beta, and help shape how Call the Trades works.

Payouts go to your bank account through Stripe. Choose weekly automatic payouts, or request a payout once your earnings clear (about 48–72 hours). Stripe handles bank details, identity checks and your 1099.

Experience in your trade, identity verification and, for licensed trades like electrical and plumbing, a valid state license. We'll confirm the full requirements with founding experts before launch.

Yes, and we'd love to have you. Retired and semi-retired tradespeople have exactly the experience homeowners are looking for.

Yes. You can pause billing at any time to give a customer free minutes, whether it's building a relationship or making things right.

Yes. Ratings go both ways, so experts can see how customers have treated other experts, including no-shows.

You'll be able to show your rating from other platforms on your profile, or start fresh with Call the Trades reviews. It's your choice.

Business accounts are on the way: your team under one company name, with calls and earnings in one place. Contact us and choose "Trade business" as the topic.

You buy credit packs of $50, $75, $120, $199 or $399. How many minutes a pack buys depends on the expert's tier: Professional experts use 0.75 credits a minute, Advanced 1 credit and Distinguished 1.35 credits. This is founding pricing and may change before launch.

No. Your credits stay in your account until you use them.

Bigger packs include more credits per dollar, so each minute costs less. It's our way of rewarding homeowners who plan to keep us on speed dial.

Card processing is included on the $50, $75 and $120 packs. On the $199 and $399 packs, a card processing fee is added at checkout.

No subscription, no monthly fee and no minimum per call. You only pay for the minutes you use.

Yes. Every expert can tell you when a job needs a licensed professional on site, and electrical, gas and structural work carry clear safety boundaries on every profile.

It depends on your state and town. Some work needs a permit or a licensed professional. Your expert can explain what typically applies, but you're responsible for following local codes and permit rules.

Not always, and we'll never pretend otherwise. Video coaching is great for planning, troubleshooting and checking work. When a job is hazardous or beyond your experience, the safest call is a pro in person.