HomeAdvisor, now sold to contractors as Angi Leads, is an inbound marketplace where homeowners request quotes, and contractors pay for those leads. At $15 to over $100 per lead, it can be a fast way for a new roofer or HVAC technician to book their first jobs. But as a contracting business scales, relying entirely on a pay-per-lead platform where you compete against three other companies for the same homeowner becomes an expensive way to grow.
The economics of shared leads
The primary issue with Angi Leads and similar platforms is that the leads are not exclusive. When a homeowner submits a request for a new roof, that contact information is sold to several local pros simultaneously.
- The race to the bottom: Because the homeowner receives calls from multiple contractors within minutes, winning the job often comes down to whoever answers fastest or quotes the lowest price. This compresses your profit margins.
- Cost per acquisition: If you buy five leads at $50 each to close one job, your customer acquisition cost is $250. Over hundreds of jobs, the capital spent on leads you do not win becomes a significant drain. For an overview of outbound alternatives that avoid this, see our guide on solar detach and reset leads.
Taking control with outbound data
Established contractors eventually transition from buying shared inbound leads to running their own outbound prospecting. Instead of waiting for a homeowner to submit a request to a third party, you purchase a list of properties that fit your ideal customer profile—such as homes with roofs older than 15 years—and reach out directly.
With outbound lists, the data is yours. You are the only contractor calling that specific homeowner on that day. If you want to understand how regional differences affect your market, explore our state-level insights like the Austin roofing market overview.
Frequently asked questions
How much do HomeAdvisor and Angi Leads cost for contractors?
Angi Leads (formerly HomeAdvisor) charges per lead, with prices often ranging from $15 to over $100 depending on the project type, trade, and local market competition.
Are Angi Leads shared with other contractors?
Yes. Most leads generated through the platform are shared with up to three or four competing contractors, meaning you must race to contact the homeowner first.
Why do roofers and HVAC pros stop using shared lead services?
Contractors often leave marketplaces because the cost per acquired customer is too high when competing on shared leads, and they prefer to own their prospecting data to target specific neighborhoods directly.