Eric Lyon
Scorpion Agency LLCTop Member
- Impact
- 29,172
Today, I'll be analyzing the .builders gTLD to see if I can dig up any helpful data points that could be stacked with someone elses research into the .builders extension.
Note: At the time of this analysis there was a 1-character minimum to register a .builders domain. There was also a lot of 1-character .builders domains available to register, but at a mid-3-figure premium cost.
With the above in mind, lets dive right in...
Note: NameBio.com shows 10 .builders domain sales reports ranging from $126 to $997.
Based on data from DNS.Coffee, the .builders gTLD has experienced a net growth of approximately 37% over the last five years. While the extension has seen fluctuations, it has maintained a consistent presence as a niche industry domain.
.builders Registration Timeline (2021โ2025)
The following yearly totals represent the number of active domains in the .builders zone file:
The "Community & Platform" Hack
This is the most common use of .builders, where the prefix defines a specific group or interest. It frames the website as a hub for people who "build" in a particular niche.
By using a verb before the dot, the domain becomes a functional phrase that describes what the service does. This is popular for software (SaaS) and coaching businesses.
This hack uses the prefix to describe the type or quality of the builder, effectively creating a premium brand name. This has proven successful in the secondary market, as seen with NameBio.com reports like:
Businesses can use the prefix to claim a local monopoly on the term "builders."
While rare because "builders" is a long extension, creative phrasing can work for specific project-based sites:
Why the language before and after the dot should match
Using an English word before the dot to match the English gTLD .builders ensures linguistic consistency, which is vital for user trust and brand recognition. Because ".builders" is a specific, plural English noun, pairing it with a non-English word often creates a jarring "language mismatch" that can confuse visitors and negatively impact the domain's memorability and SEO potential. Maintaining a monolingual English structure, as seen in successful sales like creative.builders or american.builders, allows the entire URL to be read as a natural phrase or descriptive title. This clarity is essential for the current 6,171 active registrations recorded by DNS.Coffee, as it ensures the domain immediately communicates its purpose to a global audience that identifies the term "builders" within an English-speaking professional context
Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA)
In the United States, the ACPA allows trademark owners to sue domain registrants who, in bad faith, register a domain that is identical or confusingly similar to a distinctive mark.
All ICANN-accredited registrars (where you buy .builders domains) require you to agree to the UDRP. A trademark holder can file a complaint to have the domain transferred to them without a lawsuit if they prove:
To prevent a UDRP or ACPA claim during an outbound campaign, consider the following:
Approaching a business to sell them a domain could be viewed as "use in commerce." If your domain leads to a site that offers similar services to the trademark holder, it could be seen as infringement (causing consumer confusion). Even if the site is blank, if the domain is a "hack" that utilizes a famous brand name, it could be considered dilution, which weakens the uniqueness of the brand.
Fair Use vs. Commercial Gain
Using a word before the dot that is a common English word (e.g., ocean.builders, which sold for $126 according to NameBio.com) is typically protected as "nominative fair use" because the words are descriptive. However, if that word is also a registered trademark in the construction space, the owner may still have a legal claim if they believe you are blocking their digital expansion.
Prioritize Generic, Descriptive Keywords:
The market analysis from NameBio.com shows that descriptive, common English words (like creative.builders, american.builders, and ocean.builders) have established aftermarket values up to nearly $1,000. Focus on acquiring available dictionary-word domains that function well as domain hacks (e.g., [Industry].builders or [Action].builders). Avoid trademarked terms to mitigate legal risks associated with ACPA and UDRP policies.
Focus on the "Niche Market" Opportunity:
The primary users are highly specific trade professionals (architects, remodelers, plumbers, etc.). Target terms relevant to the top 8 niches identified (e.g., roofing.builders, deck.builders, commercial.builders). These terms have clear commercial intent and immediate appeal to businesses found on lead sources like The Blue Book Network or Houzz Pro.
Leverage Low Acquisition Cost & High Renewal:
The initial registration cost is very low (as little as $3.99 at Sav), making entry into this market highly accessible. Understand that renewal costs are significantly higher ($25โ$40/year). This makes the strategy better suited for quick flips of high-value names or for developing the domain into a revenue-generating asset that justifies the renewal fee.
"Build and Develop" vs. "Park and Hold":
With only 6,171 active domains per DNS.Coffee, the market is not heavily saturated, but the total volume is low. A passive holding strategy is unlikely to yield high returns. The best approach is to develop the domain into a lead-generation site, an affiliate marketing hub (DIY blogs), or a mini-directory. This creates "legitimate interest" and builds the domain's intrinsic value, making it a more defensible and valuable asset if a potential end-user approaches you.
Utilize Outbound Campaigns Strategically:
Use industry directories (Dodge, BuildingConnected) to identify businesses using long, generic, or local URLs (e.g., contractorofhoustontx.com) that would benefit from a concise .builders name (e.g., houston.builders). Approach these businesses not with a "takeover" pitch, but with a value proposition about branding and market relevance, keeping legal aspects around trademarks in mind.
Helpful Outbound articles and tools
What works for one may not work for another and vice versa.
have a great domain investing adventure!
Source
Source
Note: At the time of this analysis there was a 1-character minimum to register a .builders domain. There was also a lot of 1-character .builders domains available to register, but at a mid-3-figure premium cost.
With the above in mind, lets dive right in...
.builders domain registration costs
According to Tldes.com the .builders domain registration cost ranges from $3.63 to $27.20+..builders domains registered today
According to DNS.Coffee there are 6,171 .builders domains registered today.Public .builders domain sales reports
It's hard to find many .builders domain sales reports online, indicating most are private sales.Note: NameBio.com shows 10 .builders domain sales reports ranging from $126 to $997.
5-year .builders domain growth summary
Based on data from DNS.Coffee, the .builders gTLD has experienced a net growth of approximately 37% over the last five years. While the extension has seen fluctuations, it has maintained a consistent presence as a niche industry domain.
.builders Registration Timeline (2021โ2025)
The following yearly totals represent the number of active domains in the .builders zone file:
- January 2021: 4,509 registrations
- January 2022: 5,756 registrations (+27.6% growth)
- January 2023: 6,239 registrations (+8.4% growth)
- January 2024: 5,644 registrations (-9.5% decline)
- December 20, 2025: 6,171 registrations (+9.3% recovery)
- Initial Momentum (2021โ2023): The gTLD saw its strongest period of expansion during the early 2020s, peaking in early 2023 at over 6,200 registrations. This aligns with the broader surge in digital presence for trade professionals during that period.
- Market Correction (2023โ2024): The extension experienced a noticeable dip of nearly 10% in 2024. This contraction often occurs when initial promotional registrations expire or when registrants consolidate their online portfolios.
- Recent Recovery (2025): Throughout 2025, the extension has rebounded. With 6,171 domains currently registered, the TLD has recovered nearly all the ground lost in 2024, approaching its all-time high.
8 niches for .builders domains
- General Contractors and Construction Firms: The core market for the TLD, used by companies handling large-scale commercial or residential projects to showcase their services and portfolios.
- Home Builders: Businesses specializing in developing new residential properties, including custom luxury homes and eco-friendly housing projects.
- Renovation and Remodeling Specialists: Firms focusing on home improvement, restoration, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom renovations use this domain to highlight their specific services.
- Specialty Trade Contractors: Individual contractors in specific trades, such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, carpenters, and masons, use the TLD to brand their niche expertise.
- Architects and Designers: Architectural firms, interior designers, and landscape architects use the domain to display project case studies and design portfolios.
- Building Material Suppliers: Manufacturers and retailers that supply materials, equipment, and tools to the construction industry can use this TLD to target their specific audience.
- DIY and Home Improvement Bloggers: Individuals or organizations creating informational content, guides, or blogs related to DIY projects can establish a relevant online presence.
- Construction Education and Recruitment: Training centers offering courses in building trades, or job boards focused on the construction sector, can leverage the domain's clear industry association.
What a playful .builders domain hack might look like
A "domain hack" occurs when the word before the dot and the domain extension after the dot combine to spell a single word, phrase, or meaningful title. Because .builders is a plural noun, it is primarily used to create "Company Name + Industry" identities or "Action + Subject" phrases.The "Community & Platform" Hack
This is the most common use of .builders, where the prefix defines a specific group or interest. It frames the website as a hub for people who "build" in a particular niche.
- Body.builders (Fitness and bodybuilding communities)
- Brand.builders (Marketing and identity agencies)
- Boat.builders (Marine manufacturing and hobbyists)
- Model.builders (Scale modeling and miniature enthusiasts)
By using a verb before the dot, the domain becomes a functional phrase that describes what the service does. This is popular for software (SaaS) and coaching businesses.
- Empire.builders (Business coaching or wealth management)
- Resume.builders (Tools for job seekers)
- Website.builders (CMS or design platforms)
- Legacy.builders (Estate planning or philanthropic services)
This hack uses the prefix to describe the type or quality of the builder, effectively creating a premium brand name. This has proven successful in the secondary market, as seen with NameBio.com reports like:
- Creative.builders (Sold for $997)
- American.builders (Sold for $322)
- Ocean.builders (Sold for $126)
Businesses can use the prefix to claim a local monopoly on the term "builders."
- London.builders
- Texas.builders
- Sydney.builders
While rare because "builders" is a long extension, creative phrasing can work for specific project-based sites:
- WeAre.builders
- Master.builders
- Skill.builders
Why the language before and after the dot should match
Using an English word before the dot to match the English gTLD .builders ensures linguistic consistency, which is vital for user trust and brand recognition. Because ".builders" is a specific, plural English noun, pairing it with a non-English word often creates a jarring "language mismatch" that can confuse visitors and negatively impact the domain's memorability and SEO potential. Maintaining a monolingual English structure, as seen in successful sales like creative.builders or american.builders, allows the entire URL to be read as a natural phrase or descriptive title. This clarity is essential for the current 6,171 active registrations recorded by DNS.Coffee, as it ensures the domain immediately communicates its purpose to a global audience that identifies the term "builders" within an English-speaking professional context
10 lead sources for .builders domain outbound campaigns
- The Blue Book Network (OneTeam):
- A major commercial construction directory and project platform used by general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Dodge Construction Network (Construction.com):
- Provides comprehensive, early-stage commercial construction project data, including detailed contacts and timelines, trusted by industry analysts.
- BuildingConnected:
- A bid management and networking platform specifically for commercial general contractors and subcontractors to track and manage projects and invitations to bid.
- Houzz Pro:
- An all-in-one platform and directory for home improvement professionals, designers, and architects where they showcase portfolios and connect with homeowners planning high-quality projects.
- Angi (formerly Angie's List) / HomeAdvisor:
- Widely used platforms for connecting homeowners with local contractors for various residential projects.
- BuildZoom:
- A data-driven platform that matches property owners with contractors and vets them using permit and licensing data, offering valuable public profile information.
- LinkedIn:
- A powerful source for B2B leads, where you can identify decision-makers (CEOs, Marketing Directors) at development firms, architectural companies, or large construction corporations.
- Google Business Profiles (Google Maps/Search):
- A critical source for local leads. Searching locally will reveal businesses that are active but might lack a premium domain, presenting an opportunity for a domain hack like "London.builders".
- Trade Shows and Industry Associations:
- Events like The International Builders' Show (IBS) or local chapters of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provide opportunities for face-to-face networking and lead generation.
- Construction Monitor:
- This service turns building permit data into actionable leads, providing information on who is building what and where as soon as a permit is issued.
- eMail Marketing Best Practices for Domain Outreach
- List of FREE tools for outbound domain sales
- Outbound Domain sales Tips
Legal considerations when selling a domain to an existing business
When approaching a business to sell a domain that matches their existing trademark, you must navigate specific legal frameworks to avoid being labeled a cybersquatter. While owning a domain like one of the 6,171 registered .builders names is legal, the intent and method of the sale are subject to strict scrutiny.Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA)
In the United States, the ACPA allows trademark owners to sue domain registrants who, in bad faith, register a domain that is identical or confusingly similar to a distinctive mark.
- The Risk: If you register a domain specifically because it matches a businessโs trademark with the sole intent of selling it to them at a profit, a court may find you acted in bad faith.
- The Defense: You are on safer ground if the domain uses generic industry terms (e.g., creative.builders) rather than a unique brand name (e.g., nike.builders).
All ICANN-accredited registrars (where you buy .builders domains) require you to agree to the UDRP. A trademark holder can file a complaint to have the domain transferred to them without a lawsuit if they prove:
- The domain is identical or confusingly similar to their mark.
- The registrant has no rights or legitimate interests in the domain.
- The domain was registered and is being used in bad faith.
To prevent a UDRP or ACPA claim during an outbound campaign, consider the following:
- Initial Intent: Ensure you can demonstrate a legitimate interest in the domain (e.g., you intended to build a directory or a generic construction blog) rather than simply "targeting" a specific trademark holder.
- Passive Holding: Merely holding a domain and waiting for an offer is generally safer than actively soliciting a specific trademark owner with a high-pressure sales pitch.
- The Sales Pitch: Avoid mentioning the recipient's trademark directly in your outreach. Instead of saying, "I have your brand's domain," frame it as, "I am selling this industry-relevant asset."
Approaching a business to sell them a domain could be viewed as "use in commerce." If your domain leads to a site that offers similar services to the trademark holder, it could be seen as infringement (causing consumer confusion). Even if the site is blank, if the domain is a "hack" that utilizes a famous brand name, it could be considered dilution, which weakens the uniqueness of the brand.
Fair Use vs. Commercial Gain
Using a word before the dot that is a common English word (e.g., ocean.builders, which sold for $126 according to NameBio.com) is typically protected as "nominative fair use" because the words are descriptive. However, if that word is also a registered trademark in the construction space, the owner may still have a legal claim if they believe you are blocking their digital expansion.
Potential .builders domain investing strategy
Based on the comprehensive analysis of the .builders gTLD market, the optimal investment strategy is a niche-focused, value-add approach that prioritizes generic, industry-relevant keywords and utilizes a long-term "build-out" holding plan rather than speculative "bad faith" trading.Prioritize Generic, Descriptive Keywords:
The market analysis from NameBio.com shows that descriptive, common English words (like creative.builders, american.builders, and ocean.builders) have established aftermarket values up to nearly $1,000. Focus on acquiring available dictionary-word domains that function well as domain hacks (e.g., [Industry].builders or [Action].builders). Avoid trademarked terms to mitigate legal risks associated with ACPA and UDRP policies.
Focus on the "Niche Market" Opportunity:
The primary users are highly specific trade professionals (architects, remodelers, plumbers, etc.). Target terms relevant to the top 8 niches identified (e.g., roofing.builders, deck.builders, commercial.builders). These terms have clear commercial intent and immediate appeal to businesses found on lead sources like The Blue Book Network or Houzz Pro.
Leverage Low Acquisition Cost & High Renewal:
The initial registration cost is very low (as little as $3.99 at Sav), making entry into this market highly accessible. Understand that renewal costs are significantly higher ($25โ$40/year). This makes the strategy better suited for quick flips of high-value names or for developing the domain into a revenue-generating asset that justifies the renewal fee.
"Build and Develop" vs. "Park and Hold":
With only 6,171 active domains per DNS.Coffee, the market is not heavily saturated, but the total volume is low. A passive holding strategy is unlikely to yield high returns. The best approach is to develop the domain into a lead-generation site, an affiliate marketing hub (DIY blogs), or a mini-directory. This creates "legitimate interest" and builds the domain's intrinsic value, making it a more defensible and valuable asset if a potential end-user approaches you.
Utilize Outbound Campaigns Strategically:
Use industry directories (Dodge, BuildingConnected) to identify businesses using long, generic, or local URLs (e.g., contractorofhoustontx.com) that would benefit from a concise .builders name (e.g., houston.builders). Approach these businesses not with a "takeover" pitch, but with a value proposition about branding and market relevance, keeping legal aspects around trademarks in mind.
Helpful Outbound articles and tools
- eMail Marketing Best Practices for Domain Outreach
- List of FREE tools for outbound domain sales
- Outbound Domain sales Tips
Questions for you
- Do you own any .builders domains?
- If so, how are they doing for you?
- Thinking about investing into .builders domains?
- If so, what niche will you target and why?
What works for one may not work for another and vice versa.
have a great domain investing adventure!
