> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Assessing Contractor Quality Through Data

> Learn how to use Shovels data metrics to evaluate contractor quality and performance, including permit volume, completion times, and inspection rates.

Shovels evaluates contractors based on objective data points that can serve as indicators of quality and performance.

## Key Quality Metrics

### Permit Volume

The quantity of permits pulled indicates:

* Experience level
* Business activity
* Market presence

### Jurisdictional Coverage

How many jurisdictions a contractor works in shows:

* Geographic reach
* Familiarity with different building codes
* Business scale

### Completion Timeframes

How quickly contractors complete jobs indicates:

* Efficiency
* Resource availability
* Project management capability

### Inspection Pass Rates

Track record with inspections shows:

* Work quality
* Code compliance
* Attention to detail

## Using Data for Assessment

These metrics help you evaluate contractors for:

* **Experience** - How many times they've done similar work
* **Local familiarity** - Their experience in specific cities
* **Efficiency** - How quickly they complete jobs

## Supplementing with Qualitative Data

While Shovels focuses on quantitative data points, customers often supplement with qualitative feedback from:

* Google reviews
* Yelp
* Thumbtack
* Word-of-mouth recommendations

<Tip>
  Combine Shovels' objective permit data with customer reviews for a complete picture of contractor quality.
</Tip>

## Related Articles

* [Contractor data overview](/docs/knowledge-base/data/contractors/contractor-data-overview)
* [Contractor search](/docs/knowledge-base/api/contractors/contractor-search)