12 Better Than HomeAdvisor Lead Sources Contractors Trust in 2026

Caitlyn Noble

February 18, 2026

Are you tired of paying $15 to $100 per lead that might never convert? The best lead generation companies for contractors deliver more value than HomeAdvisor’s expensive promises.

HomeAdvisor connects contractors with potential clients through their online platform and TV commercials. Their annual membership fee runs approximately $300-$350, and the per-lead costs pile up quickly. Your location and project type could mean spending $15-$50 for each lead. Their competitive shared-leads model offers no guarantee of conversion.

The contractor lead generation digital world has many options beyond HomeAdvisor. Better alternatives exist through specialized contractor lead generation companies and directory-based services that help clients find you. These options provide better value and higher quality prospects.

This piece will help you find the best lead service for contractors that protects your marketing budget and delivers qualified leads. We’ve researched 12 trusted alternatives that outperform HomeAdvisor in 2026. These tools will help grow your business without the usual frustrations.

Thumbtack

Image Source: Thumbtack

This 15-year-old marketplace Thumbtack has become a prominent platform that lines up contractors with potential clients in 500 service categories [1]. The platform gives both parties more control over connections, unlike services that automatically distribute leads.

What Thumbtack Offers

The platform lets contractors build profiles to showcase their services, experience, and previous work. You’ll find leads through a matching algorithm based on project type, location, and estimated costs [2]. Clients can browse profiles, compare options, and directly contact professionals they like. The platform also comes with an “Instant Match” feature that sends automatic quotes to homeowners for pre-selected job types [3].

Key Features

Thumbtack’s most valuable features include:

Selective Lead Targeting: You can set your priorities for specific types of leads and pay only for the ones you want to pursue [1]
Job Flexibility: Pick projects that match your schedule and expertise [1]
Customizable Profiles: Build trust by showing reviews, photos, and detailed service descriptions [4]
Bidding System: Create custom quotes for projects that fit your business goals [4]
Competition Limits: The platform restricts the number of professionals a customer can reach within a set period [5]

Thumbtack Pricing

You won’t find any annual membership fees or upfront costs like HomeAdvisor [2]. But you’ll pay for each lead based on several factors:

Lead costs range from $10 to $100+, depending on the job type and value [6]
Industry rates average: home improvement ($10-$50), event planners ($20-$100), and cleaning services ($15-$50) per lead [7]
Charges apply when potential customers message you, call you, or book your service—even if you don’t get the job [6]
Lead prices change weekly based on supply, demand, and market conditions [6]

Best For

Thumbtack works great especially when you have:

A new contracting business that needs clients without big upfront costs
Strong closing skills to convert leads into customers
A business that wants to pick specific leads rather than handle high volumes
Specialized services that can command premium prices
The desire to choose which leads to pursue

All the same, with conversion rates between 10-30% [7], you should track your ROI carefully since lead costs can add up fast if not managed well.

Angi (Formerly Angie’s List)

Image Source: Wikipedia

Angi, which started as Angie’s List in 1995, has grown into a robust platform. The service now boasts over ten million verified customer reviews [8] and draws approximately 19 million site visits each year [8]. Homeowners use the platform to connect with service providers of all types, from handypeople to major remodeling professionals.

What Angi Offers

The platform works as both an advertising and lead-generation platform for contractors. Service providers can get more visible to homeowners who actively seek services while building trust through verified reviews. Contractors can promote their work to over 1.5 million monthly opportunities [9] using customizable profiles. The platform lets professionals target specific clients based on service area, demographics, and behaviors [8], giving them better control over their marketing efforts.

Key Features

Angi’s platform has several contractor-focused capabilities:

Business profile listings showcase your services and make them visible to prospects [8]
Customer review collection system builds credibility with potential clients [8]
Search results priority puts premium subscribers at the top of relevant searches [8]
In-platform messaging enables direct communication with potential clients [8]
Targeted advertising options help you reach specific demographics in your service area [8]

Angi Pricing

The platform offers multiple pricing structures based on your participation level:

A basic listing comes free but with limited visibility [10]. Angi Ads uses a pay-per-click model with market-driven rates typically between $4-$8 per click [8], plus an annual membership fee. Angi Leads (formerly HomeAdvisor) charges on a pay-per-lead basis, with costs ranging from $15-$85 per lead [11] based on your trade and location. Most contractors need a minimum monthly budget of approximately $300 [10], along with an annual membership fee around $300 [11].

Best For

Angi works best for:

Established contractors with strong review histories who want to boost visibility
Businesses that can respond quickly to new leads (as you’re often competing for shared leads)
Service providers with effective sales processes who convert leads consistently
Legacy companies that have built their Angi reputation over time [8]
Contractors who need to fill schedule gaps during slow periods [12]

The platform sends the same lead to multiple contractors [12], which creates strong competition for each prospect. Your success largely depends on how quickly you respond, your quality reviews, and your sales capabilities.

BuildZoom

Image Source: WebFX

BuildZoom connects contractors with clients who want big construction and remodeling projects. Their projects typically have budgets over $150,000 [13]. This evidence-based platform puts quality first, making it a great choice for contractors looking for bigger, more profitable projects.

What BuildZoom Offers

BuildZoom matches serious construction professionals with the right projects. The platform looks at over 160 million building permits and 7.5 million contractor licenses [14]. Each client works with their own project consultant who guides them through picking the right contractor [15]. This personal approach means you get really vetted leads. You can expect about three quality introductions each month [7].

Key Features

BuildZoom stands out with these contractor-focused features:

Data-verified credibility: The platform checks contractor licenses, reviews, and past work before letting professionals join [15]
Premium client support: Project consultants help set requirements, handle bids, and aid contractor interviews [13]
Performance dashboard: You can track your key metrics and leads through an accessible interface [6]
Intelligent matching: You get projects that match your skills, capacity, and location priorities [7]
CRM capabilities: The system lets you manage your sales pipeline directly [6]

BuildZoom Pricing

BuildZoom uses a pay-for-results model that keeps initial costs low:

Creating a simple profile and getting leads costs nothing [16]. You only pay BuildZoom after you win a project [17]. They charge a 2.5% referral fee from the final project price [6]. Contractors who want more visibility can buy advertising packages. These start at $99 monthly [18] and include sponsored listings next to competitors.

Best For

BuildZoom works best for:

General contractors who handle large-scale construction and remodeling
Custom home builders looking for big-budget projects
Renovation experts who can manage complex projects
Contractors with proper licenses and strong project track records
Companies that want fewer but bigger opportunities

The average project on BuildZoom is worth over $150,000 [7]. This platform suits contractors who can handle major projects rather than those looking for quick, smaller jobs. It’s perfect for professionals who value quality leads over quantity.

Houzz Pro

Image Source: Houzz

Houzz Pro blends a marketplace platform with project management tools. It serves as both a source of new clients and a business management solution for home improvement contractors. The platform works with the popular Houzz network, which acts as a social hub for home improvement professionals.

What Houzz Pro Offers

The platform gives contractors a central place to showcase their work and manage projects end-to-end. You can build professional profiles that highlight your past work and client testimonials. This increases your visibility to homeowners who plan renovation projects. The platform’s concierge team screens potential clients before connecting you by phone. They verify budgets and make sure homeowners are ready to start their projects [2][3].

Key Features

Houzz Pro excels with these contractor-focused capabilities:

Project Management Tools: Create estimates, invoices, schedules, and track budgets in one central location [5][5]
3D Floor Plans and Visualization: Design tools help clients see projects before work begins [5][5]
Lead Management: Import leads from any source and track them through stages you can customize [2][3]
Online Payments: Simple payment processing setup for clients [5][5]
Reputation Management: Gather and showcase client reviews using automated request templates [3]

The platform also connects with QuickBooks Online for easier bookkeeping [5][5].

Houzz Pro Pricing

The platform offers different subscription plans based on your business needs:

The Starter plan costs $85 monthly for one user, with extra users at $60 per month [4]. The Essential plan runs $129 monthly and adds email marketing tools [4]. The Pro plan costs $199 monthly and has the most detailed project management tools [4]. The Ultimate plan at $499 monthly comes with extra lead generation services, targeted ads, and better placement in the Houzz directory [4].

Best For

Houzz Pro works great for:

Design-focused contractors who need visual presentation tools
Businesses wanting one solution for lead generation and project management
Tech-savvy contractors looking to optimize operations
Professionals who target homeowners seeking design ideas
Small teams wanting to unite multiple business tools on one platform

While Houzz Pro has detailed features, remember that its marketplace works like other lead-generation platforms where contractors compete for visibility [1].

Porch

Image Source: Handoff AI Estimating

Working as a home service concierge, Porch connects contractors with homeowners through a unique model that bridges the gap between lead generation and direct service provision. The platform’s partnership with the Better Business Bureau provides ratings and enhances credibility for participating contractors [19].

What Porch Offers

Porch works with two distinct service models. The first one, Porch Services, lets homeowners enter project details, receive quotes, book, and pay directly through the platform. The second model, Porch Pros, allows homeowners to post projects that contractors can bid on, with booking and payment handled outside the platform [9]. Porch streamlines processes for homeowners who are moving, securing insurance, or enhancing their homes [20]. The platform also has an app that helps DIY homeowners with projects that don’t require professional help [19].

Key Features

Porch stands out with several contractor-focused capabilities:

BBB Partnership: Integration with Better Business Bureau ratings adds legitimacy to contractor profiles [19]
Lead Control: Contractors can choose their preferred lead types and timing [21]
Mobile Marketplace: The Porch App has job tracking, customer management, and payment processing tools [22]
Concierge Service: Porch’s team provides homeowners with tips and advice throughout their projects [23]
Rating System: Homeowner feedback helps contractors build their reputation [22]

Porch Pricing

A basic profile on Porch is free and has two payment structures [9]. The pay-as-you-go model lets contractors receive project notifications and pick which leads to purchase. Small project leads cost $5 to $20, while larger project leads range from $35 to $65 [9]. The subscription model lets contractors set a monthly lead budget. Leads keep coming until that budget runs out, and subscribers pay less per lead than pay-as-you-go users [9].

Best For

Porch best suits:

Contractors with bigger marketing budgets who want to scale operations [21]
Businesses looking for home-related projects from small repairs to major renovations [21]
Companies that can showcase their experience with detailed profiles and strong online presence [9]
Contractors in areas with less competition who benefit from Porch’s four-contractor limit per bid [9]

Porch gives substantial flexibility but might not work well for smaller operations or contractors just starting out because of its cost structure and preference for established businesses [21].

Building Connected (Autodesk Construction Cloud)

Image Source: Autodesk Construction Cloud

BuildingConnected is Autodesk’s leading construction bid management platform that connects over 1.5 million construction professionals [24]. The platform has grown into a complete construction bid ecosystem since Autodesk bought it. Now it brings together general contractors, subcontractors, and project owners.

What Building Connected Offers

The platform makes the bid management process efficient from beginning to end. Contractors can find partners for each job, make bid workflows simpler, and track subcontractor risk as it happens [24]. General contractors send bid invitations, organize responses from subcontractors, and work with their teams [25]. Subcontractors use BuildingConnected as their main place to see and manage active opportunities and deadlines [25].

Key Features

BuildingConnected’s toolkit has:

Extensive Builder Network: Access to the most current network of 1.5M+ construction professionals [24]
Efficient Bid Management: Send bids out in under 10 minutes with accessible collaboration tools [24]
Bid Comparison Tools: Compare bids “apples to apples” to pick the best subcontractor [24]
Subcontractor Qualification: TradeTapp qualification software built in for risk analysis [24]
Performance Tracking: Detailed metrics and cost tracking over time [24]

Building Connected Pricing

BuildingConnected doesn’t show clear pricing on its website, unlike many competitors. You’ll need to ask for a sales demo to get custom quotes [8]. Industry sources suggest base-level subscriptions start at about $3,600 yearly [8]. Larger construction companies might pay more than $10,000 per year for multiple offices or special add-ons [8]. Some users say their costs doubled after Autodesk’s 2025 pricing changes [12].

Best For

BuildingConnected works best for:

Large General Contractors ($50M+ revenue): Companies that can handle the costs and use all features across many complex projects [12]
Mid-sized GCs ($5M-$50M): Businesses that need network access but might find the cost-to-value balance challenging [12]
Subcontractors seeking opportunities: Those who want access to a huge network of general contractors and new projects [12]

Small general contractors (under $5M revenue) might question the ROI given the high costs and limited feature use [12].

The Blue Book Network

Image Source: The Blue Book

The Blue Book Network has been connecting commercial construction professionals nationwide for 110 years. This digital directory has grown into one of the largest resources that contractors can use to find quality opportunities beyond traditional channels [11].

What The Blue Book Offers

The Blue Book Network connects over 1 million commercial construction companies. These include 150,000 general contractors and 400,000 subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers in 560 specialized trade categories [11]. The platform works as both a searchable directory and a bid management system. General contractors can find qualified subcontractors and send targeted invitations to bid (ITBs) [10]. Subcontractors get access to more than 450,000 bid-stage projects each year [11] and can showcase their expertise through customizable ProView profiles [26].

Key Features

The Blue Book’s standout capabilities include:

Searchable Directory: A reliable database that handles 8.5 million searches yearly for pre-qualified local construction firms [10]
Secure Plan Rooms: Private digital spaces for managing bids and project documents [11]
Targeted Project Alerts: Automated notifications that match your trade expertise [10]
ProView Profiles: Customizable company presentations highlighting qualifications and past projects [26]
Pro Services Team: Tailored assistance for sourcing partners and following up on bids [10]

The Blue Book Pricing

The Blue Book Network’s subscription plans cost between $150 and $800 per month [27]. Members who choose higher tiers appear more prominently in search results, with Premier Members showing up on the first page of network searches [26]. Small businesses typically spend around $3,029 annually [7].

Best For

The Blue Book Network works best for:

Mid-to-large commercial contractors who need subcontractor relationships
Subcontractors wanting to connect with general contractors for bid opportunities
Companies that focus on commercial construction rather than residential projects
Businesses ready to use an established industry network (97% of GCs use it to find subcontractors [11])

Note that results can vary – some contractors get multiple bid invitations weekly, while others report limited ROI [28].

Dodge Construction Network

The government trusts Dodge Construction Network’s construction data accuracy for GDP reporting. This 113-year-old platform has become the go-to source for commercial construction intelligence. Their flagship product, Dodge Construction Central 2.0 (DCC 2.0), delivers practical insights through every stage of project development.

What Dodge Offers

Contractors can tap into a big ecosystem of commercial construction opportunities through Dodge Construction Network’s complete market intelligence. The platform tracks about 600,000 projects each year and provides complete plans and specifications for roughly 240,000 of these opportunities [29]. The network maintains current research on 1.2 million construction professionals [29], which helps contractors connect with potential partners and decision-makers during construction.

Key Features

Dodge Construction Network excels with these contractor-focused capabilities:

Early Project Intelligence: Identifies opportunities at their earliest stages, giving you a competitive advantage [29]
Complete Project Data: Access to plans, specifications, and bid updates for both government and private sector jobs [30]
Advanced Search Filters: Locate opportunities by region, project type, and bidding status [13]
Workflow Integration: Tools designed to streamline preconstruction processes [18]
Business Intelligence: Market forecasting and analytics to support strategic growth planning [31]

Dodge Pricing

Dodge requires interested contractors to request customized quotes since they don’t publicly share pricing on their website. Industry sources indicate annual costs start around $180,000 for complete access [32]. Smaller firms might find this cost significant when compared to market alternatives.

Best For

Dodge Construction Network serves these main groups:

Government contractors seeking public sector opportunities [30]
General contractors pursuing both government and private sector jobs [6]
Firms using the “Two-Tier Bid Strategy” – pursuing projects as both general contractor and subcontractor [6]
Companies that need verified data for strategic planning and market forecasting
Contractors who focus on institutional and commercial construction sectors

Dodge has proven valuable for contractors who need reliable project intelligence to make bidding decisions and grow their business [33].

BidClerk

BidClerk is a complete database that guides contractors to commercial and public projects across the United States and Canada. The platform, now part of ConstructConnect, gives you project information from planning to completion.

What BidClerk Offers

You can access thousands of verified construction projects on BidClerk, both public and private [34]. The platform helps you search opportunities at every project stage and save your ideal filters. You can sort by specific metrics to make your bidding process smoother [35]. The user-friendly mobile interface keeps you updated on potential jobs while you work in the field [17].

Key Features

BidClerk’s platform has these valuable features:

Exclusive Project Access: You get 40% more privately bidding commercial projects than competitors [17]
Complete Search Tools: You can filter by location, building use, bidding status, and many more criteria [35]
Document Management: Plans and specifications are easy to view, download, and search [35]
Live Tracking: Projects and bids update automatically [14]
Saved Search Filters: Your preferred search parameters stay stored to improve efficiency [34]

BidClerk Pricing

A monthly subscription costs $50-$75 per market area [36], though some plans start at $150 per month [36]. Multi-state packages can cost about $400 monthly [37]. Small businesses spend roughly $3,029 annually [38].

Best For

BidClerk works best for:

Subcontractors and suppliers who need commercial opportunities [39]
General contractors looking for public sector projects [16]
Construction firms that need project leads and specifications [14]
Companies working in 1-3 states with government project focus [37]

Nextdoor Business

Image Source: Nextdoor

Nextdoor makes use of neighborhood connections as a hyperlocal social platform. Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. households use it [15], and contractors can build their credibility through community involvement.

What Nextdoor Offers

Nextdoor works differently than traditional lead generation services. It’s a digital word-of-mouth platform where neighbors recommend local businesses to each other. Contractors can connect directly with residents in specific neighborhoods [40] and build genuine relationships that lead to business opportunities. About 74% of Nextdoor’s users spread the word about great local businesses [40].

Key Features

Nextdoor provides contractors with:

Free Business Page showcasing your services, contact information, and customer reviews [15]
Business Posts to share project photos and expertise with potential customers [15]
Neighborhood Sponsorships to increase visibility in specific service areas [41]
Local Deals feature to promote special offers to targeted communities [42]

Nextdoor Pricing

A simple Nextdoor Business Page is free [2]. Advertising costs range between $50 and $150 monthly, based on competition, placement, and your target audience [3]. Local Deals can start at just $1 in some neighborhoods [42].

Best For

Nextdoor works best for contractors who want to build strong local reputations through community involvement. Businesses that need hyperlocal targeting at neighborhood level [40] find the platform valuable, especially when they rely on word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations from happy customers.

Google Business Profile & Local SEO

Image Source: Sked Social

Google Business Profile is a powerful free tool that helps your contracting business stand out in local searches. Contractors looking for quality leads without subscription fees can use this digital storefront to make a great first impression on Google Search and Maps.

What Google Business Profile Offers

Your Google Business Profile acts as a digital storefront that shows up right away when potential clients look for contractors nearby. This tool lets you showcase your services directly on Google Search and Maps and changes how local customers find your business [43]. Your profile works like a mini-website that prospects can check out without going to your main site.

Key Features

Complete Business Information: Add phone numbers, operating hours, and exact services offered [44]
Visual Showcase: Upload high-quality before-and-after project photos [45]
Customer Review Management: Collect and respond to client feedback [46]
Regular Updates: Share posts, offers, and events to keep customers informed [43]
Performance Analytics: Track how customers find you, what keywords they use, plus call and message metrics [43]

Google Business Profile Pricing

Google Business Profile stands out from other lead generation platforms because it’s completely free to create, manage, and optimize [43]. Contractors can build their online presence without the recurring costs that come with platforms like HomeAdvisor.

Best For

Local contractors get exceptional results with Google Business Profile. Businesses that serve specific areas gain better visibility in “near me” searches [46]. Contractors with strong project portfolios can show off their work through photos [45]. Companies with positive customer reviews can use social proof to build trust [46].

Specialized Contractor Lead Generation Companies

Image Source: ReachInbox.ai

Construction-specific lead generation companies provide tailored solutions exclusively for contractors that go beyond mainstream platforms. These specialized services achieve conversion rates between 20-35% for exclusive leads, which surpasses general marketplaces [47].

What These Services Offer

These companies target qualified homeowners through detailed project forms and verification calls [47]. Contractors receive higher-intent leads compared to platforms where users submit minimal information. The services handle advertising, screening, and lead delivery, which saves contractors 10-25 hours each week [47].

Key Features

Specialized services deliver:

Targeting Precision: Construction-focused campaigns adapt their strategies based on specific trades (roofing is different from kitchen remodeling) [47]
Lead Verification: Screening processes filter out low-quality asks before delivery [47]
Scalability Options: Lead volume adjusts based on current workload and crew capacity [47]

Pricing Models

The pricing structure includes several options:

Pay-per-lead: Each received lead costs $75-300 based on project size [5]
Pay-per-contact: Charges apply only when homeowners respond [47]
Subscription: Monthly fees range from $2,500-$10,000 for consistent lead flow [5]
Commission: Percentage of job value suits large remodels best [47]

Best For

Contractors who want exclusive, verified leads with higher closing potential benefit most from specialized services. Construction Lead Pro and Modernize stand out for contractors who prioritize lead quality over quantity [47].

Comparison Table

Platform	Pricing/Cost Structure	Key Features	Best For	Notable Characteristics
Thumbtack	$10-$100+ per lead, no annual fees	– Target leads selectively- Customizable profiles- Bidding system- Competition limits	– New contractors- Service providers with strong closing skills- Specialized service providers	10-30% conversion rates
Angi	– Simple listing at no cost- $4-$8 per click for ads- $15-$85 per lead- $300 annual membership	– Business profile listings- Review collection system- Search priority for premium- In-platform messaging	– Long-running contractors- Businesses with quick response times- Companies with strong reviews	10M+ verified customer reviews
BuildZoom	– Profile setup at no cost- 2.5% referral fee on hired projects- $99/month for advertising	– Data-verified credibility- Premium client support- Performance dashboard- Intelligent matching	– Large-scale contractors- Custom home builders- Renovation specialists	Average project size >$150,000
Houzz Pro	– Starter: $85/month- Essential: $129/month- Pro: $199/month- Ultimate: $499/month	– Project management tools- 3D floor plans- Lead management- Online payments	– Design-focused contractors- Tech-savvy businesses- Small teams	Complete platform with project management
Porch	– $5-$20 small project leads- $35-$65 large project leads	– BBB partnership- Lead control- Mobile marketplace- Concierge service	– Contractors with larger budgets- Long-running companies- Businesses seeking varied projects	Four-contractor limit per bid
Building Connected	Starting ~$3,600/year	– Extensive builder network- Efficient bid management- Bid comparison tools- Performance tracking	– Large GCs ($50M+ revenue)- Mid-sized GCs ($5M-$50M)- Subcontractors	Access to 1.5M+ construction professionals
The Blue Book	$150-$800 per month	– Searchable directory- Secure plan rooms- Targeted alerts- ProView profiles	– Mid-to-large commercial contractors- Subcontractors- Commercial construction focus	97% of GCs use for finding subs
Nextdoor	– Simple page at no cost- $50-$150/month for ads	– Free business page- Business posts- Neighborhood sponsorships- Local deals	– Local contractors- Community-focused businesses- Word-of-mouth dependent firms	Used by 1 in 3 U.S. households
Google Business Profile	Free	– Complete business info- Visual showcase- Review management- Performance analytics	– Local contractors- Portfolio-heavy businesses- Review-driven companies	Free platform with high visibility

Conclusion

The search for a perfect lead generation solution beyond HomeAdvisor starts with understanding your business needs. Each platform has unique advantages based on your contracting specialty, budget limits, and growth goals. These alternatives often deliver better value through targeted leads, lower acquisition costs, or specialized focus, though HomeAdvisor works for some contractors.

Your company’s size and project scope will determine the ideal platform choice. Thumbtack’s pay-per-lead model or Google Business Profile’s free local visibility works best for small residential contractors. BuildingConnected or Dodge Construction Network could justify their higher costs for well-established commercial contractors.

New businesses should start with free or lower-cost options for lead generation. Google Business Profile and Nextdoor let you enter the market without big upfront costs. Some specialized contractor lead services provide higher-quality leads at premium rates.

Smart contractors use multiple platforms instead of relying on just one source. This strategy creates a diverse lead pipeline and protects your business from sudden changes in algorithms or pricing on any platform.

Lead quality matters more than quantity. A platform that brings fewer but qualified prospects will outperform one that floods your inbox with random inquiries. You should track conversion rates and acquisition costs across different sources to see which platforms deserve more investment.

Starting is simple – pick one or two platforms that match your business goals. Create detailed profiles showing your best work and set up systems for quick follow-up. As your capacity grows, you can add more platforms.

These HomeAdvisor alternatives offer paths to growth without the hassle of expensive, shared leads. The right mix of platforms for your contracting business will help build a steady stream of qualified clients while making the most of your marketing budget.