How To Get Construction Leads
There are many ways to get more construction leads, Google Ads, SEO, referrals, social media posts and ads, but they all have one thing in common. They are all reactive, not proactive.
Proactive lead generation is easier than you think. Learn how it can be done in 4 simple steps or speak to one of our team to find out how Buildscout can proactively put your business infront of homeowners that are a good fit for you, early on in the process.
What our clients say about us
We’ve been using Buildscout for a while now and it’s made a huge difference to how we manage our projects and communication with clients. The platform is straightforward, reliable and keeps everything organised in one place, which has really helped streamline our admin and follow-up process. Overall, Buildscout has been a great tool for us as a growing construction company, and we’d happily recommend it to anyone looking to bring more structure and professionalism to their workflow.
Buildscout has been excellent for us at Simply Extensions & Lofts Ltd. The software does what it should—clean interface, stable, and easy to use—but the real value is the team behind it. Responses are fast, solutions are practical, and nothing feels like a runaround. We’ve had a consistently personal, efficient service that helps us get the most out of the platform, not just “use” it. In short: reliable tech, backed by people who care. Highly recommended.
Mercia Electrical has been using Build Scout for just over two months, and it has already proven to be an invaluable tool for expanding our customer base. Through the platform, we’ve been able to view both domestic and commercial projects commencing in our chosen areas, giving us access to detailed information on project managers, homeowners, and architects.
Buildscout works! Ganesh and his team are so helpful and have really made a difference to J H Building Services - We have secured 2 new projects through the platform and queries keep coming in from the letters we have sent. Great customer service and fresh ideas. We highly recommend them.
Buildscout have been absolutely brilliant at finding us construction leads through the local planning portal. It’s made a real difference to our business and saves us loads of time. Grant’s been amazing every step of the way, super helpful, always quick to respond, and really knows his stuff. Couldn’t ask for better service. Thanks guys
The staff are always on hand whenever you need them and so far being with build scout it has been an absolute joy, compared to our previous providers of this sort of service. would absolutely recommend buildscout to anyone that is looking for a portal into planning applications for their local area.
The platform provides us with more in-depth data than ever before, which significantly aids other processes across our entire business. We are also able to see the outreach process working in real-time, which is the most important measure of success.
Fantastic company transitioned from another provider to Buildscout, and my business has grown since making the switch.
Reactive vs Proactive Lead Generation
Put simply, reactive lead generation is where you wait for the homeowner or client to come to you. This means you have to work very hard to stand out from the crowd, and more often than not, the homeowner or client are also talking to other builders.
Proactive lead generation is where you are actively reaching out to homeowners and clients before they have even considered who is going to carry out their work. The benefit of this is that you can position yourself as the practical expert and build trust, giving you a better chance of winning the project and avoiding competing on price.
Instead of waiting to be invited to quote, you identify serious homeowners the moment they submit planning and position yourself early. Here’s how it's done in 4 simple steps:
Step 1 - Find serious leads
The first step is to identify homeowners who are actually serious about starting a project. You don’t want to waste time on leads who are just “thinking about it”. One way to do this is to:
- Check planning submissions in your area
- Track updates to applications so you know when someone is moving forward
Buildscout makes this easier: by collecting planning data across the UK and updating it daily. Every lead you see has shown real intent to start their project.
Step 2 - Find the right proejcts
Next, you'll need to find the projects that are right for you. There are 3 key questions to ask:
- Is this project in in a location that is good for me?
- Does it match my expertise and skills?
- Is it high-value enough to make it worthwhile?
Buildscout helps with advanced filters: you can sort by project type, location, and even search for keywords inside planning documents and drawings. This ensures your pipeline is full of the projects that suit you.
Step 3 - Position yourself as the expert
The next step is engaging early in the planning process and demonstrating your practical expertise. This builds trust with the homeowner and increases your chance of winning the work. Here's how to do it:
- Reach out at key moments in the planning process, e.g. At Submission and approval
- Have all project documents and drawings ready to have an informed conversion about their project
- Have reviews and examples of similar projects that you've done
Buildscout supports this: by letting you automatically send professionally designed letters at key stages, and giving you al lthe documents and drawings to have a meaningful conversation about their project.
Step 4 - Encourage Architect Referrals
Proactive lead generation isn’t just about homeowners. It’s also about getting ahead through your network. Architects often submit multiple projects, and reaching out early puts you in a strong position. Here's how to do it:
- Track architect submissions
- Review drawings and project details
- Contact them with informed advice
How Buildscout does this: anytime an architect in your network submits an application, you will get notified and get all the projects documents and drawings. This gives you the opportunity to have a well educated conversation about the project and why you're best suited for it, often before they've reached out to anyone else.
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Discover the High Quality Leads Waiting For You Speak to One of Our Team
Erection of single storey extension and raised platform to rear of dwellinghouse.
Loft conversion including raised ridge height and dormer window to rear; roof lights to front
Conversion of an existing two storey commercial building into 8 x 1 bedroom flats
Retrospective renovation to the shop front
Proposed 3 metre single storey rear extension to create enhanced kitchen/dining/family area and utility
Installation of dormer windows and roof lights to facilitate loft conversion; alterations to existing kitchen extension; new door to side
Installation of two ensuite bathroom facilities
Two storey front extension and part single/two storey rear extension
Demolition of canopy tower outside retail unit
Listed Building consent - Proposed internal wall insulation at first and second floors. Proposed replacement lime render on rear elevations.
C3 dwellinghouse to C4 6 occupant HMOUse dwellinghouse (Class C3) as 6 person HMO (Class C4).
Erection of first floor side extension, ground floor rear extension and resiting of existing prefabricated garage.
