Verified contractor certification program

The Contractor Application is the first step in becoming a TMJ Management LLC Verified Contractor. This application is designed to gather essential information about your experience, skill set, and professional background to determine your eligibility for certification.

Through this process, contractors provide details related to their personal information, business structure, trade specialties, work history, and insurance coverage. This allows TMJ Management to conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of each applicant.

The application also helps identify whether the contractor is best suited for non-licensed project support under homeowner permits, ensuring alignment with local guidelines and project requirements.

Once submitted, applications are reviewed as part of our multi-step certification process, which may include a pre-assessment, work verification, and independent inspections.

This step ensures that all contractors entering the program meet a baseline standard before advancing to certification.

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The TMJ Management LLC Verified Contractor Certificate is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed our structured evaluation process and demonstrated a strong standard of workmanship, professionalism, and reliability.

This certification serves as a mark of recognition that a contractor has been independently reviewed and verified through TMJ’s multi-step assessment, including application review, skill evaluation, and third-party inspection.

Certified contractors are recognized as pre-qualified professionals within the TMJ network and may be considered for project opportunities, partnerships, and referrals.

This is a private certification designed to build trust and credibility—it does not replace any licensing requirements but enhances a contractor’s professional standing.

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💰 Pricing Overview

The TMJ Verified Contractor Certification Program is structured as a step-by-step evaluation process, with each phase designed to ensure fairness, accuracy, and quality verification.

Rather than a one-time fee, the program includes multiple components that reflect the level of review and professional oversight involved. From initial screening to final certification, each step contributes to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the program.

This structured pricing model ensures that every certified contractor has been thoroughly evaluated, creating real value for both contractors and the clients they serve.

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📊 Fees Breakdown

The certification program includes the following fees:

• Application Processing Fee – $50

Covers administrative review and initial eligibility screening

• Pre-Assessment Screening – $50

Basic evaluation of safety knowledge and general construction understanding

• Private Inspector Evaluation – $300

On-site or project-based inspection conducted by a licensed third-party professional

• General Contractor Review – $150

Secondary evaluation to confirm workmanship and professional readiness

• Certification Issuance Fee – $50

Final certification documentation and official TMJ recognition

Total Program Investment: $600

Additional fees may apply for re-inspections, expedited processing, or expanded trade evaluations.

 The TMJ Management LLC Verified Contractor Certification Program is a private evaluation and verification system designed to identify, assess, and recognize qualified contractors for non-licensed construction services.

This program is built to ensure that contractors working alongside homeowners and investors meet a consistent standard of skill, professionalism, and reliability.

Our goal is to create a trusted network of pre-qualified contractors who are capable of supporting projects where homeowners may legally obtain permits while still maintaining quality workmanship and accountability.

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Program Purpose

• Establish a trusted contractor network

• Verify real-world skill and workmanship

• Reduce project risk for homeowners and investors

• Provide opportunities for skilled, non-licensed contractors

• Create a standard of professionalism within TMJ projects

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Certification Process

The TMJ Certification Program follows a structured, multi-step evaluation process:

Step 1: Application Submission

Contractors must complete and submit a detailed application providing:

• Personal and business information

• Trade experience and specialties

• Work history and references

• Insurance status (if applicable)

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Step 2: Application Review

TMJ Management LLC reviews all submitted information to determine eligibility and readiness to proceed.

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Step 3: Pre-Assessment Screening

Applicants complete a basic knowledge assessment covering:

• Safety practices

• Job site expectations

• General construction knowledge

• Code awareness (non-licensed scope)

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Step 4: Work History & Portfolio Evaluation

Contractors must provide:

• Photos or documentation of previous work

• Description of completed projects

• Scope of responsibilities

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Step 5: Private Inspector Evaluation

A licensed third-party inspector conducts an on-site or project-based evaluation to assess:

• Quality of workmanship

• Structural soundness (within scope)

• Attention to detail

• Overall execution

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Step 6: General Contractor Review

A licensed General Contractor performs a secondary review to:

• Validate the inspector’s findings

• Evaluate professional readiness

• Confirm contractor competency

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Step 7: Certification Decision

Based on all evaluations, TMJ Management LLC will:

• Approve certification

• Request additional review

• Or deny certification (with feedback if applicable)

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Step 8: Certification Issuance

Approved contractors receive:

• TMJ Verified Contractor Certificate

• Certification recognition status

• Eligibility for TMJ project opportunities

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Step 9: Ongoing Compliance & Renewal

Certified contractors may be subject to:

• Performance reviews

• Project-based evaluations

• Annual or periodic renewal requirements

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Certification Standards

To achieve certification, contractors must demonstrate:

• Consistent quality workmanship

• Reliability and professionalism

• Safe job site practices

• Clear communication

• Ability to complete assigned scopes of work

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Scope of Certification

This certification applies to non-licensed construction activities, including but not limited to:

• Carpentry & framing

• Drywall & finishing

• Painting

• Flooring installation

• Demolition & site prep

• General remodeling support

⚠️ Licensed trades such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are not covered under this certification and must be performed by properly licensed professionals.

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Program Fees

The certification program includes the following fee structure:

• Application Processing Fee: $50

• Pre-Assessment Screening: $50

• Private Inspector Evaluation: $300

• General Contractor Review: $150

• Certification Issuance Fee: $50

Total Program Cost: $600

Additional services may include:

• Expedited processing

• Additional trade evaluations

• Re-inspection fees

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Benefits of Certification

Certified contractors receive:

• Verified Contractor Status through TMJ Management LLC

• Increased credibility with clients and investors

• Access to TMJ-managed projects and opportunities

• Recognition as a pre-qualified contractor

• Potential for long-term working relationships

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Important Disclaimer

This certification is issued by TMJ Management LLC as a private evaluation of contractor competency.

It does not replace or substitute any licensing requirements set by the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois. Contractors are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws, permits, and licensing regulations.

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Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for:

• Skilled contractors without formal licensing

• Independent trades professionals

• General laborers with proven experience

• Contractors seeking structured opportunities and growth

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Getting Started

To begin the certification process:

1. Complete the Contractor Application

2. Submit required documentation

3. Schedule your evaluation

4. Begin the path to certification

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Final Note

At TMJ Management LLC, we believe skill should be recognized, opportunity should be accessible, and quality should never be compromised.

The Verified Contractor Certification Program is designed to bring all three together.