How to choose a renovation platform
In 2026, renovation platforms in France fall into three models. A turnkey platform runs your project for you. A lead-generation platform connects you with tradespeople, then steps back. And an autonomy platform like Mastros gives you the tools and protection to run the project yourself, while keeping control. The real difference is not the brand, it is how much control you keep: handing over your decisions, or making them with the right tools.
The real question: who keeps control?
When an architect works with a homeowner, they do not replace the homeowner. They work alongside them. Article 7.3 of the Ordre des Architectes standard contracts says it plainly: it is the client who approves each stage, signs off each payment, and authorises the work to continue.
Renovation platforms fall into three models, and they differ mainly in how much control the homeowner keeps.
The turnkey model (delegation): the platform acts as a general contractor. It chooses the tradespeople, supervises the works, and manages payments. The homeowner hands over control, and the platform's margin is built into the quote.
The lead-generation model: the platform puts you in touch with tradespeople, then steps back. It does not manage the project or protect the payment, and your details may be passed to several tradespeople at once.
The autonomy model (Mastros): the platform provides the tools and the protection, and the homeowner keeps control. You choose your tradespeople from a verified directory, sign off each stage, and decide at every step. It is the architect's model, the homeowner as project owner (maître d'ouvrage), made accessible without hiring an architect.
The three models side by side
| Turnkey (delegation) | Lead generation | Mastros (autonomy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Runs the project for you | Connects you, then steps back | Gives you the tools and protection |
| Who chooses the tradesperson | The platform | User | User, from a verified directory |
| Who signs off each stage | The platform | No one | User |
| Secure payment | Managed by the platform | None | Built-in milestone payments |
| Tradesperson verification | Varies, often not transparent | Varies, often the homeowner's responsibility | Automated (SIRET, insurance, identity) |
| Cost to the homeowner | 0%, but the platform's margin is built into the quote | 0%, the tradesperson pays per lead | 0% |
| Cost to the tradesperson | A commission on the project | Pays for leads | 5.5 to 10% commission |
| Coverage | National | National | Île-de-France (launch) |
What each model does well
Turnkey: the most hands-on. The platform coordinates everything. A good fit if you want to delegate fully and budget is not the main constraint.
Lead generation: speed and volume. Useful for getting a few quotes quickly for a simple job.
Mastros (autonomy): protected control. You choose your tradespeople from a verified directory, sign off each payment stage, and keep full control. It is the model architects use with their clients (article 9.1 of the Ordre des Architectes standard contracts), made accessible without hiring an architect.
What each model does not do
Turnkey: the platform's commission is usually not shown to the homeowner, so you cannot see how much is taken from the tradesperson's quote.
Lead generation: no project management and no payment protection. Verification of insurance varies and is often left to the homeowner, so the responsibility sits with you.
Mastros: at launch, with coverage limited to the Île-de-France region. The number of tradespeople is growing.
How to choose?
You want to delegate everything
budget unconstrained: a turnkey platform. The service includes coordination and handover.
You want a few quick quotes
for a simple job: a lead-generation platform. Fast and free, with the largest pool of tradespeople.
You want to keep control
and secure your payments: Mastros. You choose your tradespeople, you sign off each stage. The architect's method, without the cost of an architect.
FAQ
Are these platforms free for the homeowner?
Most are free for the homeowner. The cost is borne by the tradesperson, and it is usually passed on indirectly through the quote: a tradesperson paying a commission or buying leads builds that cost into their price.
Which model gives the best tradespeople?
No platform guarantees quality. Verification reduces the risk but does not remove it. Always check the ten-year (décennale) insurance yourself.
Can you use several platforms?
Yes, it is reasonable to. Getting quotes through two platforms lets you compare price and quality.
Sources
- Ordre des Architectes, standard contracts articles 7.3 and 9.1 : — https://www.architectes.org/
- DGCCRF, 2024 annual report : — https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf
- France Rénov' : — https://france-renov.gouv.fr/