Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People: which should you use?
Checkatrade, MyBuilder and Rated People are three of the best-known ways to find a tradesperson in the UK. All three are free for homeowners, but they work in different ways. This guide explains the differences in plain terms.
Terms, fees and checks change, so read each company’s own website before you rely on anything here. We are a separate service and do not work for any of them.
At a glance
| Checkatrade | MyBuilder | Rated People | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you find someone | Search a directory and contact traders | Post a job and traders respond | Post a job and traders respond |
| Who pays | Traders pay a membership | Traders pay when they respond | Traders pay to quote |
| Free for homeowners | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Browsing profiles and reviews | Larger or specific jobs | Getting a few quotes fast |
How each one works
Checkatrade
Checkatrade is a directory. You search for a trade in your area, read profiles and reviews and contact traders directly. Tradespeople pay a membership to be listed. Checkatrade says it checks members before they join, so read its own description of the checks and what they cover.
MyBuilder
On MyBuilder you post a job, and interested tradespeople respond. You compare their profiles, past work and feedback, then choose who to talk to. Tradespeople pay when they take part, not homeowners.
Rated People
Rated People works in a similar way to MyBuilder, although the details differ. You post a job for free and receive responses from interested tradespeople. Tradespeople pay to take part, and only customers who used the site can leave a review there.
Checks and reviews
Each site says something different about how it checks tradespeople, and the depth varies. A checked listing is a good start, but it never replaces your own checks. Ask for ID and insurance, and search any registration yourself.
Reviews also work differently, because each site collects them in its own way. Read how it handles complaints. Our guide to reading tradesperson reviews shows what to look for.
Which suits you?
For a big project where checks matter most, a directory with member profiles may feel safer, because you can browse at your own pace. For one specific job, posting it and letting tradespeople come to you can save time. For small jobs, try more than one route, since the best price may come from either.
Whatever you pick, get at least three written quotes, because one quote tells you little. Compare them like for like.
Another way to compare
You can also send us your job. We pass it to up to five local tradespeople, and you compare the quotes. It is free for you. We do not vet or guarantee the tradespeople who respond, so the checks in our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust still apply.
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Keep reading and compare quotes
Our builders page explains what to expect from the quotes you receive. The same checks apply to every trade.
For more on judging a tradesperson, read how to read tradesperson reviews and questions to ask a builder.
Frequently asked questions
Is Checkatrade or MyBuilder better?
Neither is better for every job. Checkatrade suits browsing profiles, while MyBuilder suits posting a job and comparing responses. Try both if the job is large.
Are these tradesman sites free to use?
They are free for homeowners, while tradespeople pay in different ways. Check each site’s terms.
Which site is best for small jobs?
Sites that let you post a job and receive responses often suit small jobs. Describe the work clearly so tradespeople can price it.
Is it cheaper to use a directory or hire direct?
It depends on the job. A directory can save you time, but it does not set the price. Compare written quotes either way.