How escrow protects you
Your money is safe at every step of the project.
Hiring a contractor is a big decision. SideKick's optional escrow system makes sure your payment is only released when the work is done to your satisfaction. Here's how it works.
1. Fund the escrow
After you accept a contractor's bid, you can choose to fund escrow with the agreed amount through a secure checkout. Your money is held safely by our payment processor — the contractor is not paid yet. Escrow is optional; you can also arrange payment directly with your contractor.
2. Funds held securely
Your payment is held in escrow throughout the project. The contractor can see the funds are committed, which gives them confidence to start work — but they cannot access the money until the job is done.
3. Work happens
The contractor completes the agreed work. You can message each other, share updates, and coordinate details through the platform the entire time.
4. Both confirm completion
Once the work is finished, both you and the contractor confirm the project is complete. This two-sided confirmation keeps things fair for everyone.
5. Funds released
After both sides confirm, the escrowed payment is released to the contractor. You only pay for work you've verified is done.
What if something goes wrong?
If a dispute comes up — whether it's about the quality of work, timing, or scope — you can flag the project through the platform. SideKick may review the situation and help mediate. While a dispute is being resolved, the escrowed funds stay protected and are not released until things are settled.