In the world of trade services—builders, plumbers, carpenters, and the like—the trickiest part isn’t always doing the work. It’s finding the right work. That’s where lead-generation platforms come in. One such option is BuildAlert, a tool designed especially for tradespeople who want to get in early on major home-improvement jobs. But does it live up to the promise? In this review we’ll walk through how it works, what’s good about it, what’s not so good, and whether it might be the best fit for your business.
What is BuildAlert and how does it work?
BuildAlert takes a slightly different route compared to traditional job-boards. Instead of waiting for homeowners to post a job, BuildAlert mines public planning-application data (in the UK) and alerts you to properties where a homeowner has submitted plans for an extension, loft conversion, bifold doors or similar works. According to their own blog, these planning applications are arguably a higher-quality signal than “please send quotes for any job” style postings.
Once the system flags a planning application in your chosen area, you are notified and can then send a branded letter (or other contact method) to that homeowner for a relatively modest cost. The idea is to reach them before they have multiple quotes or even entered a bidding war.
In essence, you’re positioning yourself early, using data that your competition might not be harnessing yet.
What works well: the strengths of BuildAlert
One of the most appealing aspects of BuildAlert is the proactive nature of the leads. If a homeowner has submitted a planning application, they are serious—they’ve committed to some form of building work. That means you’re not chasing vague interest; you’re connecting with someone who is likely further along in the decision process.
Another big plus is competition. Because these leads are less “crowded” compared to public job-boards where dozens of tradespeople might bid, you may have a better chance of standing out. As noted on BuildAlert’s comparison page: “you’re not competing in an online bidding war.”
From a cost perspective, the pay-per-use model (for each letter sent) can be more manageable than subscribing to large monthly platforms or buying bulky credit packs. The low upfront cost means you can test the platform without huge risk.
The targeting options also offer value. Since you can filter by radius, trade type, and job type (extensions, windows, rooflights etc.), you have control over the relevance of the leads you receive. This lets you align the platform with your actual services rather than wasting effort on irrelevant leads.
Where BuildAlert may fall short: the limitations
No tool is perfect, and BuildAlert is no exception. First, its strength in using planning applications can also be a weakness. Planning applications may not always translate into actual, completed jobs. Some get delayed, some are cancelled, and some get revised. That uncertainty means some leads may never convert into work.
Second, while the cost per letter is relatively low, there is still cost. If your conversion rate (i.e., number of letters sent to actual jobs won) is weak, you could end up spending without enough return. Without strong follow-up systems and sales processes, this risk grows.
Third, the platform seems best suited for certain types of trade and job size—those involved in extensions, loft conversions, major home-improvement projects. If your trade is more small-scale (emergency plumbing, minor repairs, quick service jobs), this may not be the optimal fit. BuildAlert’s own blog suggests smaller repair trades might fare better with other platforms.
Finally, as with any lead-generation tool, you’re only as good as your follow-up. If you send the letter but don’t engage quickly, build a strong pitch or differentiate yourself, the lead may go cold or fall to someone else anyway. The tool gives the opportunity; you still have to convert it.
How BuildAlert compares to other platforms
When you stack BuildAlert against more traditional platforms like Rated People or Checkatrade, distinctions emerge clearly. For example, Rated People is a reactive job-board: homeowners post a job and you bid. That means more volume, but more competition and less control. BuildAlert flips that by reaching out proactively before broad bidding begins.
Checkatrade, on the other hand, is more directory-based. Trades build a profile, gather reviews, and wait for enquiries. It’s more passive—so if you prefer waiting for customers rather than seeking them, that might fit better. But if you like being proactive, BuildAlert gives you a different route.
The bottom line: BuildAlert may offer better return for tradespeople involved in bigger builds and who want to beat the competition to the punch. For smaller jobs or reactive quoting, other platforms may still have value.
Is BuildAlert the best tool for tradespeople? The verdict
“Best” is always subjective, because it depends on your business model, trade type, geography and how you manage leads. But I’d say that for tradespeople working in the UK on home-improvement projects of moderate to large size (extensions, conversions, major refurbishments), BuildAlert offers a compelling route into higher-quality leads.
If you are a smaller-scale service provider, doing frequent but lower-value jobs, the platform might not deliver the same fit. The cost of letters, the need for follow-up, and the job types targeted might make other platforms more suitable.
What matters most is how you use it. To get the most out of BuildAlert you’ll want to:
- Set clear filters to match your trade and services so you avoid irrelevant leads.
- Respond promptly to leads—homeowners with planning applications are already serious and time-sensitive.
- Have a clear offering ready—something that makes you stand out, rather than just “We do extensions.”
- Track your conversion rate (letters sent to jobs won) so you understand your return on investment.
- Combine it with other lead sources rather than relying solely on one tool—diversification is wise in any lead-generation strategy.
Final thoughts
Lead generation is a major challenge for many tradespeople. Tools like BuildAlert bring innovation by tapping into data that fewer competitors may use, and by giving you early access to homeowners committed to building work. If used well, it can become a valuable part of your business growth strategy.
However, it’s not a magic bullet. The platform alone won’t win you the job—your pitch, speed, pricing, and follow-through will. But if you are willing to invest in the system, track your results, and adopt a proactive mindset, BuildAlert could very well be among the best lead generation tools available for your trade.
If you like, I can dig into user-reviews and real conversion numbers for BuildAlert (UK) so you can see how others in your trade have done using it. Would you like me to get that?
