BuildZoom Review 2024: Is it Worth it for Contractors?

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September of 2022 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

BuildZoom.com is a digital marketplace headquartered in San Francisco, that helps to connect property owners to licensed contractors throughout the United States who can do and complete construction projects for them. The jobs vary in size, ranging from minor improvements and mid-sized remodels to full-blown construction projects. BuildZoom serves as a recommendation engine, taking into account the public data of different construction companies before suggesting the right one for a specific construction project. The platform introduces transparency into the industry, making it easy for people to hire reliable general contractors and helps craftsmen to build trust and access lucrative projects.

To get connected with reliable construction contractors, clients should start by providing information about their projects. This information includes details such as the budget, project specifications, personal preferences, contact information, and goals. Once the prospect submits the details, the project will be assigned a dedicated project consultant. The expert will help in refining the project details and providing guidance throughout the hiring process. BuildZoom will then go through more than 160 million building permits and 7.5 million contractor licenses. Clients will be introduced to local, experienced, trustworthy, and reviewed contractors, and get a chance to meet the contractors in person. Property owners will be able to work with the dedicated consultant to compare and hire the contractor that offers the best value. BuildZoom’s premium service plays a crucial role in managing project costs and providing transparency during contractor sourcing, helping to save property owners money and time by identifying project feasibility and minimizing unforeseen expenses.

Additionally, BuildZoom uses an internal cost estimating tool to provide rough cost estimates for construction projects based on various factors such as project type and budget.

How does BuildZoom work?

BuildZoom operates by linking property owners with local contractors who match their project needs. The platform combines data science with human expertise to curate a list of qualified contractors for homeowners. To get started, clients submit their project details by answering a few questions about the project specifications, budget, and personal preferences. Based on this information, BuildZoom matches the client with at least three local contractors. The results are generated considering factors such as contractor licenses, building permits, and customer reviews. Additionally, BuildZoom offers project consultants who assist clients by providing a list of bids and guiding them through the hiring process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

Is BuildZoom worth it for residential or commercial contractors?

According to BuildZoom, the marketplace helps over 10 million people annually to find contractors for their different construction projects. While the new service promises contractors numerous opportunities, it is important to determine whether it is worth it for your business.

Pros of BuildZoom

Below are some of the advantages of the online marketplace:

Great inbound marketing strategy

Whether you are a residential or commercial contractor, marketing plays an important role in gaining new clients. BuildZoom makes for an effective marketing strategy through which contractors can connect with potential clients and solve their problems. The platform also allows contractors to create valuable content tailored to their target customers. Additionally, BuildZoom helps contractors connect with local businesses and potential clients within their community, enhancing their visibility and opportunities.

More lucrative jobs based on performance

To grow their business, contractors must continuously work to earn more lucrative jobs. Once a company gets the first few clients, it will be possible to win more business based on their performance reviews. In the long run, positive reviews will win you more businesses, while negative reviews could impact lead flow.

You build trust with your audience

Most construction projects will require huge investments in terms of time and money. As such, property owners will look for a trustworthy contractor who will deliver quality work. BuildZoom gives potential clients access to important information such as project photos, work history, and reviews from previous clients. Ensuring you have an impressive track record will help you build trust with your audience and earn more valuable clients.

Contractors pay once they get hired

Project referrals on BuildZoom are free. However, like many other third-party services, contractors will be subjected to a referral fee from the platform. BuildZoom charges a standard 2.5 percent based on the value of the project. The good news is that contractors are required to pay the fee only after they have been hired.

Cons of BuildZoom

For all the benefits that BuildZoom offers construction contractors, the service has its downsides. Below are some of the disadvantages you should keep in mind when evaluating whether the service is worth your time and investment.

Contractors have to pay a referral fee

One of the downfalls of this service is that contractors have to pay the standard 2.5 percent of the agreed-upon price once they have been hired to do a job. There are also certain additional costs that you will incur for using the service. Both standard fees and extra costs will eat into your profits.

There is stiff competition

BuildZoom has a database that contains all the contractors in the U.S. This comprehensive database means that there is a good chance clients in different areas will find contractors around their location. As such, there is stiff competition among construction businesses in the same location. With BuildZoom, businesses have to put in more effort to stand out from the competition and ensure they get chosen over other contractors.

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BuildZoom Reviews and Ratings

BuildZoom boasts a rating of 4.1 stars based on customer reviews, reflecting a mix of positive and negative feedback. Many customers have reported positive experiences, praising the platform for its ease of use and the quality of contractors. On Trustpilot, 73% of users rated BuildZoom as “Great,” while only 2% rated it as “Bad.” The platform has also garnered reviews on other sites, maintaining an overall rating of 4.0 stars. These reviews highlight the platform’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing a balanced view of its performance.

BuildZoom vs. Competitors

When compared to other home services platforms like HomeAdvisor, Houzz, and Thumbtack, BuildZoom stands out for its extensive contractor database and the use of public data to provide accurate contractor information. BuildZoom’s premium service is tailored to help property owners achieve their project goals while adhering to their budget. Unlike HomeAdvisor, BuildZoom offers a more user-friendly interface and a more comprehensive contractor database. Compared to Houzz, BuildZoom provides a more streamlined hiring process and detailed contractor profiles. In contrast to Thumbtack, BuildZoom is a full-service platform that connects homeowners with general contractors and other home service providers, making it a versatile choice for property owners looking to undertake various types of projects.

How to make the most of BuildZoom for local businesses

Once a contractor has put their business on the BuildZoom website, they will want to make the most of the platform. Factors such as contractor license, building permits, and customer reviews play a critical role in determining whether prospects will choose your company. As such, you will need to do quality work and put out great products to build your reputation. In addition, you should consider using digital marketing services to promote your business and services on Google. Some of the options you can explore include search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, and social media marketing.

Home improvement is more than just a financial transaction; it is a partnership between a contractor and a property owner. BuildZoom allows contractors to build relationships with clients and make a strong case on why they are a good fit for the specific construction project. If you are to become a top contractor, you should ensure that your messaging strategy helps you connect with potential clients. Make sure you have an excellent bid proposal, upload it on the platform, and update it from time to time. You may also want to optimize your profile so that potential clients learn a lot more about your business. Lastly, turn a past hire into a future job by asking them to vouch for you through submitting a positive review.

Final thoughts about BuildZoom

BuildZoom is a great resource for consumers, saving them time and ensuring they find contractors who will deliver on their expectations. The fact that the service is free for consumers means that more and more people are likely to use it to enjoy a streamlined hiring process.

BuildZoom also offers a number of benefits for contractors with a good reputation and the relevant licenses. However, contractors have to put in work if they are to achieve success. In a nutshell, whether or not this marketplace will be worth it for your business will depend on how you make use of the opportunities it presents.