FAQs · For builders

Questions builders ask us.

Straight answers on finding work, writing to homeowners and running your jobs.

Finding and winning work

How does Buildscout find me work?+

We watch every planning application in your area and show you the ones that match the work you do, the day they're submitted. With Homeowner outreach, we write to those homeowners for you.

Who do the letters go to?+

Only homeowners with a live planning application for the work you want, so you're writing to people who are about to spend.

Do I have to send a letter to everyone?+

No. Review each new lead and choose who gets a letter, or let it send automatically. Letters stop as soon as a homeowner replies.

Who designs the letters?+

Our AI letter designer makes three designs from your website, and you change them by asking. Our outreach team helps you get your first campaign live.

How much do letters cost?+

£1 each + VAT, on top of your plan, within a daily budget you set. You'll never spend more than your budget.

How big is my area?+

1,000 planning applications a year included with Homeowner outreach. Need more? Add 500 for £50 a month, or target nationally.

Running your jobs

Can I keep track of subcontractors when I'm not on site?+

Yes. They clock in by GPS when they reach site, you get an alert if someone isn't there yet, and the timesheets build themselves.

Do subcontractors cost extra?+

No. Add your whole team and every subcontractor on every plan, at no extra cost.

Can my clients see how the job is going?+

Yes. Share one link to a client portal. Walkthroughs, photos and a weekly update written by AI appear on it automatically, with no login or app.

I don't have a website. Can you help?+

Yes. Every plan includes Portfolio, a website built from your jobs with your reviews and a quote form. Your own web address is an add-on.

Plans and offers

Which plan should I start with?+

If gaps between jobs are the problem, Homeowner outreach, which includes Planning data and Projects. If you just want to run your jobs better, start with Projects.

Is there a contract?+

Projects and Planning data are rolling monthly with a 14-day free trial. Homeowner outreach is a 12-month plan.

I'm an FMB member. Do I get anything extra?+

Yes. FMB members get 500 extra planning applications a year, free, on Homeowner outreach. That's on top of the 1,000 included, and normally £50 a month.

Is there a mobile app?+

It's coming soon to the App Store and Google Play, for you, your team and your subcontractors, and it works with no signal.

Still got a question?Our team will talk it through with you, and help you pick the right plan.Speak to the teamSee how we solve builders' problems →

Choose your next job. Don't wait for it.

Try Projects or Planning data free for 14 days, or talk to us about what you need.