For general contractors · vs PATLive
Morthn vs. PATLive for general contractors.
Looking at PATLive for general contractors? Here's the honest comparison. PATLive has been in the answering-service business since 1990 — they were one of the first. Their model is per-minute pricing across tiers from $39/mo (75 min) to $599/mo (1,750 min). Morthn is a 2026 alternative: AI agent, flat $99/mo, unlimited calls, no minute math. For general contractors specifically — average residential remodel ticket. one missed call per week = $1.4m/year lost.
~$28K
average residential remodel ticket. One missed call per week = $1.4M/year lost.
Side-by-side for general contractors
Real prices, real features. The same comparison applies across verticals — these are the dimensions that matter for general contractors specifically.
| Morthn $99/mo | PATLive $39–$599/mo | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | ✓$99/mo (unlimited) | ✓$39/mo (75 min only) |
| Practical cost at 100 calls/mo (avg 3 min) | ✓$99 | ✗~$220 (300 min) |
| Per-minute overage | ✓No overages — unlimited | ✗$1.45–$1.95/min |
| Who answers | ✓AI agent | ✓Live humans |
| Setup time | ✓5 min | ·1–2 business days |
| 24/7 coverage | ✓Included | ✓Included |
| Books appointments | ✓Yes — direct calendar | ·Message taking → you call back |
| Lock-in | ✓None | ·Month-to-month, minutes don't roll |
What Morthn does for general contractors
The vertical-specific value beyond the generic comparison.
Qualifies real leads from tire-kickers.
Asks the qualifying questions — project type, rough scope, target start date, ballpark budget. Tags hot leads and pings you immediately. Books estimates only for callers who clear your minimum-job-size bar.
Books site-visit windows on your real calendar.
Connects to your Google Calendar. Reads your real availability + drive time. Books 60-min estimate slots the homeowner can plan around. Sends them a calendar invite with your contact info.
Captures the photos + details upfront.
Asks the homeowner to text photos of the project area. By the time you arrive at the estimate, you already know what you're walking into. Closes faster.
Where Morthn wins for general contractors
- · Predictable cost — $99 flat regardless of call volume
- · Real appointment booking (not just message taking)
- · Sub-second pickup vs 8–12 second human pickup
- · No minutes to track, no overage anxiety
- · AI doesn't have an off day on a Friday at 4pm
Where PATLive still wins
- · If your call volume is genuinely tiny (≤25 calls/month), PATLive's $39 starter tier costs less than Morthn.
- · Legacy brand recognition — businesses that have used PATLive for 10+ years know the operational depth.
- · Live humans for emotional or complex calls outperform AI for the rare hard case.
Questions general contractors owners ask
Can I have it filter by project size?
Yes. Set rules like "only book if project is >$15K" or "only book remodels, not handyman jobs." Anything below threshold gets a polite redirect ("we focus on full kitchen + bath remodels — sounds like you might be looking for a handyman, here's a referral").
Does it tell them my licensure and insurance?
Yes. Trained on your license numbers, insurance carriers, and any state-specific requirements. Will recite them when asked, can text them on request.
How does it handle multi-trade projects?
Same way you do — qualifies which trades are involved (e.g., kitchen remodel = plumbing + electrical + tile + cabinet) and books the estimate visit. You make the trade decisions on-site.
Try Morthn for your general contractors business — free.
Paste your website. Your AI receptionist is live in 5 minutes. Cancel anytime, no card up front.
See the generic PATLive comparison → · More for general contractors →