Built Not Bought

Built Not Bought is an online directory platform that lists independent, owner-operated home service contractors across the United States. It positions itself as the only directory exclusively for contractors who are independently owned and operated, explicitly excluding businesses backed by private equity or corporate ownership. The platform covers trades such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, tree service, painting, pest control, garage door, and window coverings. Its stated mission is to help homeowners identify and hire local contractors who genuinely own and operate their businesses, in response to the growing acquisition of local home service companies by private equity firms. The directory verifies that each listed contractor is independently owned, licensed, and insured, and prohibits any business that has been acquired by private equity. Built Not Bought operates through its website at backbonetrades.com, where homeowners can search for contractors by trade and contact them directly without middlemen or lead fees. Contractors can apply to be listed as founding members. The platform emphasizes community-driven values and transparency in ownership.

Built Not Bought was created as a response to the increasing acquisition of local home service companies by private equity firms. According to its website, private equity firms have purchased hundreds of local home service companies across the United States since 2022, often retaining the original brand name while changing operations, pricing, and staffing. The platform's founders observed that independent contractors who had built their businesses over decades were becoming less visible online, overshadowed by private-equity-backed competitors with large advertising budgets. Built Not Bought was established to provide a directory exclusively for independent, owner-operated contractors, ensuring homeowners can identify businesses that are truly locally owned. The directory verifies that each listed contractor is independently owned, licensed, and insured, and explicitly excludes any business that has been acquired by private equity. The platform launched with listings across multiple trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, tree service, painting, pest control, garage door, and window coverings. It invites independent contractors to join as founding members.

• Platform launched with listings across multiple home service trades.

The only directory exclusively for independent, owner-operated home service contractors, with no private equity or corporate ownership.

• Contractor directory

  An online searchable directory of independent, owner-operated home service contractors, organized by trade.

• Founding member listings

  A listing option for independent contractors to join the directory as founding members.

1. 1Built Not Bought | Independent Home Service Contractors Directorybackbonetrades.com
2. 2About | Built Not Bought | Independent Home Service Contractors Directorybackbonetrades.com
3. 3Built Not Boughtwikidata.org