Directory Data Methodology

Where Listing Data Comes From

Directory records are assembled from publicly available business information. Depending on availability, a record may include a business name, category, public address or service area, phone number, website, hours, rating, review count, review excerpts, photos, and service or brand signals.

A listing does not imply a partnership, endorsement, certification, or payment relationship with the business.

How Categories Are Assigned

Listings are mapped to directory categories using their available primary business category. Businesses are not automatically included in loosely related categories. Service descriptions, review language, and detected specialties may add useful context, but they do not replace the primary category mapping used to build directory pages.

Ratings and Review Counts

Combined review totals are the sum of the published review counts available for listings on that page. A directory average, when displayed, is calculated only from listings with an available numeric rating. Review counts and ratings can change after a page is generated, and the directory does not independently verify every reviewer or review statement.

How “Open Now” Is Calculated

Open-now counts use each listing’s published weekly hours and the business’s estimated local time zone. The calculation runs in the visitor’s browser and refreshes every minute. It handles regular schedules, 24-hour schedules, and hours that continue past midnight.

Holiday hours, temporary closures, appointments, and last-minute schedule changes may not be reflected. Always confirm availability directly before traveling or booking.

Storefronts and Service-Area Businesses

Some providers serve customers at their homes or project sites and do not publish a storefront address. These are identified as service-area businesses where the source data supports that distinction. Coverage notes summarize the mix of public addresses and service-area listings without implying that every provider serves the entire city or state.

Distances and Nearby Directories

Nearby-city distances are estimates based on the available coordinates of businesses represented in each city directory. They are intended for browsing and may differ from driving distance, travel time, or a provider’s actual service radius.

Updates and Corrections

Pages are regenerated when the directory dataset is refreshed or site content is updated. Publication and update dates appear on directory pages. Business information can still change between updates.

Business owners and visitors can request a correction through the contact page. Include the affected listing URL, the information that appears incorrect, and a reliable public source supporting the requested change.

How to Use the Directory

Directory statistics and ordering are comparison aids, not guarantees or editorial endorsements. Before hiring, confirm current services, address or service area, availability, project scope, equipment responsibilities, licensing or insurance where applicable, warranties, and total pricing directly with the business.