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If you’re in construction, you’ve probably heard of Barbour ABI and Glenigan. Both have been around for years and are known for their big databases of construction leads.
But if you’re a builder or contractor chasing residential jobs – extensions, new builds, conversions, specialist homes – you’ve probably found that most of what they offer isn’t really relevant.
That’s where Buildscout comes in. It’s a platform built specifically for contractors who want residential jobs without all the noise.
Here’s how they compare.
Barbour ABI
Barbour ABI is one of the biggest names in the construction data world. They cover everything – residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, you name it.
Strengths
- Huge database with thousands of projects across the UK.
- Well-established and widely recognised.
- Good for suppliers, manufacturers, and developers who need to see all sectors.
Weaknesses
- Too broad – you’ll spend a lot of time filtering out projects you’ll never touch.
- Data updates are usually weekly, so you can miss out on being first.
- Expensive – and costs rise with extra filters or user licenses.
Best suited for: large suppliers, developers, or consultants chasing multi-sector work.
Glenigan
Glenigan is very similar to Barbour ABI. Another long-running name, another big database, another tool that tries to cover the whole market.
Strengths
- Covers projects across all sectors.
- Long track record and trusted by bigger firms.
- Useful for consultants who need to see commercial and public projects.
Weaknesses
- Same issue as ABI – too much irrelevant info for builders.
- Updates aren’t live; data takes time to come through.
- Pricing is on the high side, especially if you only want residential leads.
Best suited for: consultants, suppliers, and bigger players in the industry.
Buildscout
This is where Buildscout changes the game. It was built specifically for contractors who want residential jobs – no factories, no warehouses, no retail parks. Just the type of projects that actually put money in your pocket.
Strengths
- Residential only – everything’s tailored for builders.
- Live updates – planning applications are added instantly, so you’re first to know.
- Smart search – filter by keywords like timber frame, extensions, loft conversions – and Buildscout tells you exactly where it’s mentioned in the documents.
- Targeted areas – lock in the postcodes you want and ignore the rest.
- Direct contact – reach out to homeowners or clients straight from the platform.
- Cheaper – around two-thirds the price of ABI or Glenigan.
Weaknesses
- If you’re chasing big commercial or industrial projects, Buildscout isn’t for you.
- Still the “new kid” compared to ABI/Glenigan
Best suited for: contractors, SME builders, and trades focused on residential jobs.
If you want to see Buildscout in action and how it can generate the right leads for contractors, we've embeded interactive demos for London, Manchester and Brighton in these articles.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The Bottom Line
If you’re a supplier or developer chasing large commercial projects, Barbour ABI or Glenigan may still be your go-to.
But if you’re a contractor chasing high-quality residential leads, Buildscout is built for you. It’s faster, more relevant, and cheaper – and it cuts through all the noise so you only see the jobs that matter, because you don’t need all the jobs. You just need the right ones.
Click here to book a 15min demo and find out how Buildscout helps contractors land more of the right residential jobs — without wasting time on irrelevant leads.
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