Restoring confidence in the construction industry using iCIRT to rate building professionals
Building professionals can request an iCIRT star-rating by undergoing an independent and rigorous review process. Only businesses that receive a 3 gold-star rating or higher appear on the registry and consumers can search this list to find trustworthy builders and developers.
What is iCIRT?
The Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT) is an industry-led market surveillance tool using a star-rating methodology, allowing consumers to choose building professionals with confidence.
iCIRT is provided by Equifax, a global ratings agency well-known for its credit assessment services used by insurers, financiers and public agencies.
An iCIRT rating is based on an objective and independent assessment of a business across six categories:
- Capability
- Conduct
- Character
- Capacity
- Capital
- Counterparties.
Each criteria has several sub-criteria that measure the transparency, trustworthiness, experience, track record, financial stability and regulatory compliance of the builder or developer.
The rating system ranges from 0 to 5 stars and only parties with 3 or more gold stars are included on the iCIRT register.
How iCIRT helps you when choosing a building professional or buying a home
If you are looking to purchase a home or apartment, you now have the ability to search the iCIRT registry to find building professionals who have a proven track record of quality and integrity.
You can use the iCIRT registry to:
- access reputable information about construction professionals and their projects;
- compare different builders based on their star ratings and track records; and
- choose a builder that meets the minimum benchmark of 3 out of 5 stars or above. This indicates they are trustworthy and capable of delivering a quality home or apartment.
To find out if your developer or builder is iCIRT rated, visit the register.
How building professionals can apply for an iCIRT rating
iCIRT ratings are available to evaluate home builders, property developers and other building professionals like certifiers, designers, architects, engineers, consultants, project and development managers.
The assessment process
The iCIRT rating assessment process can vary, depending on the complexity and size of the business or project being rated.
The process involves four steps:
- Application
- Assessment
- Validation
- Rating (the rating is valid for 12 months and can be updated or renewed at any time).
The assessment process includes criteria such as the trustworthiness of the business, its trading history, track record on previous projects, compliance with regulatory obligations and financial strength and stability. Read more about the assessment process including methodology(PDF).
Apply to become iCIRT rated
To become iCIRT rated, a business needs to go through an independent and rigorous review process by Equifax. You can apply by contacting the iCIRT team to get started.
Find out more
Visit the iCIRT website for more information.