Primary Method: biz_type Field
The most reliable method is through thebiz_type field, though it has limited coverage across our dataset.
Heuristic Indicators
As a practical heuristic, consider these signals:Business Name Analysis
If a business name appears to be a person’s name (e.g., “John Smith” rather than “Smith Construction”), it often indicates an independent contractor.Other Signals
- Single contact person across all permits
- Low permit volume compared to larger firms
- Absence of multiple employee records
Why It Matters
Independent contractors represent a significant portion of the contracting ecosystem, especially in specialized trades like:- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- More tailored marketing approaches
- Accurate market segmentation
- Better targeting for products or services
The
biz_type field provides the most accurate identification when available, but coverage varies across the dataset.