BBB ratings are one signal among many when evaluating a contractor. Here's what an A+ rating actually means — and what it doesn't tell you.
What the BBB Actually Evaluates
The Better Business Bureau assigns ratings based on factors including: how long the business has been operating, whether complaints have been filed and how they were resolved, whether the business has transparent contact information and business practices, and whether there are any government actions against the business. It does not evaluate the quality of work directly — it evaluates business conduct and complaint resolution.
What A+ Means
An A+ rating means the business has operated with no unresolved complaints, has responded appropriately to any complaints that were filed, has transparent business practices, and meets BBB's standards for accreditation. For a landscaping contractor, it means homeowners who had problems were responded to and resolved, not that no problems occurred. A business that has never had a complaint isn't necessarily better than one that had a complaint and resolved it promptly and professionally.
What It Doesn't Tell You
BBB ratings don't evaluate craftsmanship, technical competence, project management, or whether a contractor understands your specific soil and drainage conditions. A contractor can have an A+ BBB rating and still be wrong about the drainage solution your property needs.
How to Use It
BBB rating is one data point in a broader evaluation that should include: verifiable license (NC Chapter 89D for landscape contractors), proof of current insurance, references from comparable projects, Google reviews that describe specifics rather than just stars, and how the contractor communicates and presents information during the estimate process.
Southern Style Turf & Design is BBB A+ accredited. We're also licensed, insured, and have 86+ verified Google reviews from Lake Norman homeowners. We're happy to answer any of the questions above during a free site visit. Call 704-460-2019.
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