The three ways homeowners start
Side by side
A fair look at the trade-offs. We've described the lead-generation model by how it generally works, not any one company.
| Calling contractors yourself | A lead-generation site | United Build Partners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it costs you | Free, but all the legwork is yours | Usually free to you | No direct fees — contractors compensate UBP |
| How many will contact you | However many you call | Often several, quickly | Up to three, matched to your project |
| Are they vetted for you | No — you screen them yourself | Varies; lists are often unscreened | Yes — license, insurance, track record, communication |
| Independent advice first | No — each one sells their own work | No — the site sells the lead | Yes — a property review before any intro |
| Who the service works for | — | The businesses buying leads | You first — we're paid by contractors only on a good match |
| One point of contact | No | No — a form or queue | Yes — one advisor, start to finish |
| Will tell you an ADU isn't a fit | Unlikely | No | Yes — with the reason, up front |
This compares general models, not any specific company, and reflects how United Build Partners operates. Your experience with any provider can vary.
When each one makes sense
We're not going to pretend our way is the only way. Here's the honest read on when to pick each.
The short version
All three can get you to a built ADU. The difference is what happens before you're on the phone with someone who profits from the build: with an advisor, you get an honest read and a vetted short list first. That's the entire reason we exist — and why we can afford to be honest with you.
Common questions
No. Those are lead marketplaces — their model is generally to distribute your contact details to businesses that pay for them. We work differently: you get an advisory property review first, then an introduction to up to three contractors we've already vetted, and you don't pay UBP directly. It's a short, screened, no-obligation path rather than a wide, unscreened one.
Because the contractors in our network compensate us when we introduce them to a genuinely qualified homeowner — never you. You're not the product being sold to the highest bidder, which is exactly what lets us give you an honest read, including telling you when an ADU isn't a fit. Here's the full breakdown.
Absolutely — and if you already have a contractor you trust, that's a great option. What you give up going direct is an independent second opinion before someone who profits from the build weighs in. That first, unbiased read on feasibility and fit is the gap we're built to fill — see exactly how it works.