Working notes on contractor lead gen.
Pricing math, market selection, lead-quality benchmarks, and what we've learned running local service websites for one renter at a time. Written for contractors evaluating their options.
All posts
How to get more contractor leads in 2026: 9 channels that actually work
The nine lead channels that work for home-service businesses, ranked by close rate and cost. Plus what to skip.
Wildfire smoke damage cleanup in California (2026)
Invisible toxic residue, HVAC and duct decontamination, home hardening, and HEPA clean rooms.
Pay-per-lead vs flat monthly: which model wins for contractors?
Per-lead pricing wins on high-ticket verticals. Flat monthly wins on volume. Here's the math for both.
What contractor leads should cost in 2026 (by service vertical)
Roofing, HVAC, ADU, EV, electrical - what to pay per call and what to walk away from.
Roofing cost per square in California (2026)
Shingle, tile, metal, TPO. Per-square benchmarks across SoCal, Bay Area, and SD.
HVAC repair cost in California (2026)
AC repair, furnace replacement, heat pump, mini-split. Title 24 + rebate stack.
ADU cost in California (2026)
Garage conversion, JADU, detached new build, two-story. Per-sqft + permit reform.
EV charger installation cost in California (2026)
Level 2, panel upgrade, sub-panel. SCE / SDG&E / PG&E rebate breakdown.
Electrician + panel upgrade cost in California (2026)
100A-to-200A upgrade, sub-panel, rewire, knob-and-tube replacement.
Plumbing repair cost in California (2026)
Water heater, tankless, repipe, slab leak, sewer line, drain cleaning.
Solar + battery cost in California (2026)
NEM 3.0 economics. Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, Franklin. ITC + SGIP stack.
Epoxy floor cost in California (2026)
Garage coating, polyaspartic, metallic, basement, commercial. Per-sqft benchmarks.
Garage door repair cost in California (2026)
Spring, opener, cable, panel, new install. Smart opener + battery backup.
Pest control cost in California (2026)
Termite tenting, rodent, bed bug, mosquito, recurring service contracts.