FirstDig vs DigPermit

Permit leads for contractors in 26 US metros, with free ZIP alerts and owner-name unlocks. How it compares with FirstDig for local service businesses, from both sites (checked Oct 31, 2026).

DigPermit and FirstDig are different companies with similar names.

	FirstDig	DigPermit
Built for	Home-service businesses and contractors (pool, roofing, solar, HVAC, plumbing, remodel and more) who want the new jobs in their own service area.	Contractors looking for leads.
Coverage	100 city and county permit feeds in 29 states and DC; 113,450 permits in the last 30 days. Any other city can be requested.	26 US metros and about 500,000 permits by its own count, with a new metro every two to three weeks.
How fresh	City feeds read about every hour; the matching permits arrive by email every morning (Pro), within the hour (Business) or weekly (Free).	Refreshed every few hours; on the free plan new filings show after 7 days.
Alerts	Draw your service area on a map and pick your trades; plus job-finished alerts, ready dates, busy streets and a route planner. Works inside ChatGPT and Claude too.	An email when new permits are filed in your ZIP code: up to 5 alerts free, unlimited on Pro.
Homeowner names	Never: owner and applicant names are removed before anything is saved. Alerts go to businesses.	Owner-name unlocks: 10 every 30 days free, unlimited on Pro.
Contractor details	The contractor's business name on each permit; the busiest builders in your area (Business).	Rankings and profiles of the most active contractors; watch a contractor's new permits (Pro).
Exports and API	No exports; connect ChatGPT or Claude to ask about your permits (Pro and Business).	CSV export on Pro; no API mentioned.
Price	Free (weekly, one area, one trade); Pro $49 a month, Business $99 a month. Every account starts with 14 days of Pro, no card.	Free; Pro $79 a month (launch price).

Choose DigPermit if

You work in one of its 26 metros and want owner names.
You want a CSV of permits to work in a spreadsheet.

Choose FirstDig if

You want your service area drawn on a map rather than ZIP by ZIP, and several trades at once.
You want more than the permit list: job-finished alerts, ready dates, busy streets, a route planner.
You prefer to approach the job through the permit and the contractor, without homeowners' personal data.

Questions

What is the difference between FirstDig and DigPermit?

FirstDig: Home-service businesses and contractors (pool, roofing, solar, HVAC, plumbing, remodel and more) who want the new jobs in their own service area. DigPermit: Contractors looking for leads.

How much does DigPermit cost compared with FirstDig?

DigPermit: Free; Pro $79 a month (launch price). FirstDig: Free (weekly, one area, one trade); Pro $49 a month, Business $99 a month. Every account starts with 14 days of Pro, no card.

Does DigPermit or FirstDig include homeowner names?

DigPermit: Owner-name unlocks: 10 every 30 days free, unlimited on Pro. FirstDig: Never: owner and applicant names are removed before anything is saved. Alerts go to businesses.

Start free with FirstDig (14 days of Pro, no card needed).

Sources

DigPermit's side comes from its own website, read on Oct 31, 2026; prices and features may have changed since. FirstDig's side is live. Spotted a mistake? Write to support@firstdig.net.