Checkatrade vs Fort: what each is for

Homeowners often search for the best way to find a tradesperson. Directory platforms and project marketplaces solve overlapping but different problems. Here is a clear, factual comparison.

What directories typically offer

Well-known UK directories (including Checkatrade and similar services) generally help you:

• Discover local tradespeople
• Read reviews and ratings
• Check membership or vetting badges offered by that platform
• Contact businesses for quotes

They are useful for discovery and reputation signals. Payment arrangements and day-to-day project management usually still happen off-platform, between you and the trader.

What Fort is built for

Fort is a project marketplace with Fortified milestone payments. Beyond connecting homeowners and companies, it focuses on:

• Securing funds for each milestone before work starts
• Releasing payment when the stage is complete
• Shared project plans, documents, and messaging
• A structured dispute pathway if work is contested
• Verification for companies becoming Fort Certified

See Fort for homeowners and Fort for companies.

Side-by-side (high level)

Need	Directories	Fort
Find local trades	Strong focus	Job listings + invite existing builder
Reviews / reputation	Core feature	Profile and project showcase
Escrow-style milestone payments	Generally off-platform	Built into the product
In-app project documents & plans	Varies / limited	Core workflow
Dispute process tied to payments	Usually separate	Integrated pathway

Neither approach is "wrong". Many homeowners use a directory to shortlist, then need a clearer payment and project structure once work begins.

When Fort is a better fit

Consider Fort when you want:

• Protection against paying too far ahead of progress
• One place for plans, messages, and stage payments
• A builder you already know invited onto a structured process
• Clearer recourse if a stage is disputed

Bottom line

Directories help you find people. Fort helps you run and pay for the project with milestone protection. You can use research from multiple sources — then register interest in Fort when you are ready for Fortified payments.