Six Alternatives to Angi (Formerly Angie’s List)

Choosing a contractor is one of the most important steps in any renovation, and while Angi is a well-known name for browsing options, it may or may not be right for you. Many homeowners find that Angi’s paid tiers can limit their access to contact information, reviews may feel surface-level rather than in-depth, and contractor vetting isn’t always clear or consistent. Occasional concerns about upselling and advertising clutter can also leave you searching for a better experience.

There are other alternatives to Angi that let you search for free—each with different strengths, structures, and subtleties. Below, we’ll explore Block Renovation, Thumbtack, Houzz, Yelp, Nextdoor, and BuildZoom Marketplace. Each has its own character and role—think of this as your map for navigating the many ways homeowners now find the right fit.

Block Renovation

Block Renovation caters to homeowners tackling renovation projects, such as bathroom, kitchen, basement, or whole home remodels, where quality, planning, and expertise matter most.

Unlike Angi, Block doesn’t list thousands of contractors through which users can scroll. Rather, you complete a quiz in which you enter project information like scope, budget, location, and design preferences. In turn, you’ll be matched with contractors who are a part of Block’s network, all pre-vetted based on specific criteria. In short, this Angi alternative is built to provide quality options rather than quantity.

Block Renovation separates itself from Angi and other alternatives particularly through its team of Project Planners as well as its project management technology:

• Project Planners: Every homeowner who uses Block is paired with a dedicated project planner. These team members help homeowners navigate every step of their renovation—all without extra charge. They can help you clarify project details, compare bids, and get support if change orders arise. In short, they’re available to answer questions and help you find solutions.

• Project dashboard: Block Renovation conveniently hosts project communication, payments, and documentation in a single homeowner dashboard that’s powered by AI technology to help you along the way. Proposals are reviewed for completeness and accuracy before you even see them, helping you understand exactly what’s included and where your money goes. Payments are structured by project milestones and handled securely within the platform, which protects homeowners by releasing funds as work progresses. 

Pros of Block Renovation

• Designed for projects where you want structured planning before the build starts.

• Helps you avoid surprises by showing you what careful scoping and diligent proposal review look like.

• Vetted contractor network and project planners provide support that goes far beyond a simple lead list.

• It’s entirely free for homeowners to use.

Cons of Block Renovation

• Not set up for urgent repairs or very small jobs; focused on projects that justify in-depth pre-construction work.

• Block’s contractor network of vetted options may have fewer options for homeowners in less populated areas.

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Thumbtack

Thumbtack is one of the largest digital marketplaces for local services, including home improvement, repairs, cleaning, and more. If you want lots of rapid responses to a small or midsize job—think new tile, a faucet swap, or even extensive painting—it’s a popular place to start.

On Thumbtack, you can post a project, review pro profiles, see ratings, and invite quotes from multiple companies. Because many pros pay to be matched or to respond, the site moves quickly: it's common to get several replies in a short period. Thumbtack covers a broad mix from appliance repair to full kitchen updates, making it versatile but variable in depth for bigger, more involved renovations.

Pros of Thumbtack

• Fast replies and many category options if you’re not sure who to call for a given project.

• Direct messaging allows you to gauge communication style and responsiveness early.

• Especially practical for getting quick clarity and setting up multiple estimates.

Cons of Thumbtack

• Pro quality can be inconsistent, especially in less-regulated project types—expect to do deeper screening for big-ticket renovations.

• Licenses and insurance are not always checked or displayed, so verification is still up to you.

• Quotes are sometimes broad ranges until the pro sees the job in person, which may complicate apples-to-apples comparison.

Houzz

Houzz allows you to explore project ideas, save favorites, and then connect with pros whose portfolio style fits your goals. Many firms update their photo feeds with recent, detailed work, sometimes tagging collaborators. You’ll see reviews, contact information, and automated Houzz awards. 

Pros of Houzz

• Gives you strong insight into a pro’s approach to design, finishes, and space use—before you even request a quote.

• Reviews may highlight process strengths (planning, communication) as well as outcomes.

• Works particularly well for design-forward projects, personalized remodels, or choosing between multiple “finalists.”

Cons of Houzz

• Anyone can make a profile on Houzz and populate it however they’d like; this makes the results overall less exclusive or discerning of quality

• It’s easy to be visually swayed by portfolios without checking the fine print of experience, licensing, or who actually did the work pictured.

• Some placements are paid, so sponsored listings often surface first.

• Not all reviewed projects are recent, so it's good to double check the date and relevance for your job.

Yelp

Yelp built its reputation as the go-to review site for restaurants, but it’s also a staple for finding local tradespeople, cleaners, and contractors. For home projects, Yelp allows you to review ratings, read nuanced customer stories, and view photos from actual spaces.

Contractors on Yelp have profiles with business histories, customer-uploaded photos, star ratings, and sometimes direct quote request forms. This Angi alternative is especially valuable when you want to get a feel for reliability, service attitude, or small red flags (like frequent no-shows, poor cleanup, or communication problems). 

Pros of Yelp

• Abundant, ongoing reviews can reveal long-term patterns in punctuality, cleanliness, and courtesy.

• Customer-uploaded photos show real results, imperfections, and what to expect—not just marketing gloss.

Cons of Yelp

• Widely accepted as being unfriendly to small business owners.

• User reviews can be emotional or reflect expectations outside the scope of your own project, so look for repeated themes.

• For large renovations, you may have to do more work to clarify scope and compare detailed proposals.

• Lead-handling can sometimes route you to a call center or third party, rather than directly to the team doing the job.

Nextdoor

Though not a direct competitor of Angi, Nextdoor is still a popular alternative method for finding local contractors. 

Nextdoor connects you to your immediate neighbors for everything from lost pets to advice on general contractors and remodelers. Instead of simply listing businesses, the forums allow residents to share feedback, post about their renovations, and respond to recommendations.

In short, posts in Nextdoor’s contractor and home improvement sections focus on lived experience—how the work went, what it was like to have a team on site, and what other neighbors should know. 

Pros of Nextdoor

• First-hand, hyperlocal feedback often reveals what day-to-day working with a company is really like.

• Especially relevant for buildings, subdivisions, or co-ops where rules (and work hours/noise) are tightly regulated.

• Can help you crowdsource multiple opinions and compare notes on cost or timelines from people with nearly identical homes.

Cons of Nextdoor

• No formal vetting of recommendations or accumulative aggregate reviews to be found.

• Even a strong neighbor referral requires you to still verify insurance, permits, and licensing.

• Sometimes the most recommended contractor may be booked far in advance because of strong word of mouth.

BuildZoom Marketplace

BuildZoom Marketplace—recently acquired by Block Renovation—stands apart from other Angi’s alternatives by weaving building permits and public contractor records into its matching and vetting process. It’s especially valuable for medium to large remodels where code compliance, inspections, and municipal records play a significant role.

You start on BuildZoom by describing your project, which the platform then uses to suggest relevant local contractors. With recommendations arguably based on more quantitative insights than qualitative, BuildZoom considers the contractors’ current licensing status, project history, and reviews when making recommendations.

Pros of BuildZoom

• Saves you the work of independently verifying contractor licenses and credentials.

• Permit histories can offer an extra layer of confidence that a contractor works above-board and has tackled similar jobs.

• Matching and quoting is more structured than a generic service directory.

Cons of BuildZoom

• Onsite imagery is less prevalent than it is for other Angi alternatives.

• Even a solid permit background isn’t a guarantee of craftsmanship, clear communication, or fair billing.

Questions to ask potential contractor candidates

When you’ve narrowed your shortlist, a few key questions will help you assess whether a contractor is right for your project. Open, thoughtful answers offer insight into their reliability, communication, and overall fit with your goals.

• Can you provide recent references from homeowners with similar projects? Reputable contractors should be able to readily share contact information for recent clients. Hearing directly from another homeowner about process, timeliness, and professionalism can offer clarity and peace of mind.

• Are you licensed and insured in this city/state? It’s essential to confirm licensing and active insurance. The right answer is an immediate yes, with documentation available upon request, ensuring accountability and legal standing. Remember that, with Block Renovation and BuildZoom, this step is done on your behalf. 

• What experience do you have with projects similar to mine? Look for alignment in project size, style, or logistical complexity. Contractors with a relevant track record can better anticipate challenges and provide more accurate estimates.

• What is your availability and expected project timeline? Understanding if your timeline matches theirs—both for starting and completion—sets expectations early and can prevent frustrating delays down the line.

• Can you walk me through your proposal in detail? A quality contractor welcomes this question and is able to explain each line item, helping you spot where savings or upgrades can be considered while clarifying exactly what’s included. Block Renovation further supplements this process by having a designated Project Planner also evaluate the proposals.

• How do you handle dust, debris, and waste removal during and after the project? Renovation projects can disrupt your home and daily routine. Heavy dust can travel far beyond the work zone, affecting air quality and even causing damage to your belongings. Proper clean up and waste disposal prevent hazards and mess from building up during the project and ensure you’re not left with a big job after construction ends. Understanding your contractor’s approach also sets expectations for what your home will look like each day and at completion

Start your build with Block Renovation

Homeowners deserve a process that’s clear, collaborative, and built around their vision. Block Renovation brings structure, real expertise, and attentive partnership to every project, supporting you from the initial idea through to the finishing touches. With a vetted contractor network, dedicated project planners, and a platform designed for transparency and peace of mind, your renovation journey starts on solid ground. When you’re ready to take the next step, Block is here to help you build the home you imagine.

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