Free alternatives to Checkatrade & MyBuilder (2026)
Updated 13 July 2026 · by the Craftaven team
Most established UK trade platforms are funded by the tradespeople: monthly memberships, pay-per-lead fees, or charges when a homeowner shortlists you. Those costs — often hundreds of pounds a month for an active trade — ultimately find their way into the quotes homeowners receive.
| Model | How trades typically pay | Craftaven |
|---|---|---|
| Membership platforms | Monthly subscription fees, commonly £70+/month | £0 |
| Pay-per-lead platforms | A fee for every lead or shortlist, won or not | £0 — leads arrive free every morning |
| Commission platforms | A percentage of the job value | £0 — you keep the whole job |
*Competitor pricing models summarised from their public information as commonly reported; check each platform's current pricing directly.
Why Craftaven is free right now
Craftaven is in its founding period: the platform is 100% free for homeowners and trades until 31 August 2026, and the first 100 trades to register keep free access forever. We're building the network first — vetted trades (Gas Safe and Part P credentials checked), reviews tied only to genuinely completed jobs, and a matching engine that delivers leads to trades every morning instead of making them chase.
Frequently asked
Yes — 100% free for homeowners and trades during the founding period (ends 31 August 2026), and the first 100 registered trades keep free access permanently. No membership fees, no pay-per-lead charges.
The established UK platforms typically charge tradespeople — via monthly membership fees, pay-per-lead charges, or fees when a homeowner shortlists them. Costs of hundreds of pounds per month are common for active trades. Homeowners usually post free.
During the founding period it doesn't — the goal is building the best network of vetted trades and happy homeowners in England. Any future pricing will never apply to founding trades, who keep free access for good.