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TarSignal vs BuildZoom
BuildZoom is a matching service: homeowners describe a project and BuildZoom sends it to contractors, who pay only when they talk to the owner or win the job. TarSignal doesn't match anyone. It shows you every permit filed near you and who's on it, so you decide whom to call.
Choose TarSignal if…
- You want to see all the permitted work in your area, not only the jobs routed to you.
- You sell to other contractors (subcontracting, supply) rather than to homeowners.
- You'd rather pay a flat $199/mo than a fee per job won.
Choose BuildZoom if…
- You want homeowners to come to you with a project already described.
- You'd rather pay nothing until a lead turns into a conversation or a job.
Side by side
| TarSignal | BuildZoom | |
|---|---|---|
| How you find work | How you find workBrowse and get emailed every new permit near you | Homeowner requests matched to you |
| Who you reach | Who you reachProperty owners and the contractors on each permit | Homeowners who asked for bids |
| Cost | CostFree, or a flat monthly plan | Free to join; you pay when you talk to the owner or win the job (fee not published) |
| Data | DataEvery permit at the offices we cover, three years back, also as an API and bulk CSV | Permits and licenses used to score and match contractors |
What we say about BuildZoom comes from their own website, as of October 14, 2026. Prices and plans change; check their site for the latest.
Inbound vs outbound
BuildZoom brings homeowners to you. TarSignal shows you the work that's already happening (a new house framed, a roof replaced, a pool going in) so you can reach out first, or find the general contractor who'll need your trade.
Questions
How does BuildZoom charge contractors?
Its contractor page says joining and receiving leads are free, with no subscription, and that you pay only when you talk to the property owner or win the job. It doesn't publish the fee.
See your area's permits first
Start free: three years of permits from the offices we cover, with the contractor wherever the permit records name one.
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