Table of Contents
- Contractors, Subcontractors: Using Permit Data Works
- Finding and Accessing Building Permit Data
- Analyzing Building Permit Data for Contracting Opportunities
- It Works if You Work It
Updated on 12/4/2024.
Most construction industry companies depend on new business to maintain or increase profits. Using permit data can take your lead generations in surprising directions, whether you are a small business or a large corporation. But you must use building permit information with intent.
Related: Which Businesses Can Benefit from Building Permits?
Click here to get a sample of our building permit data.
Contractors, Subcontractors: Using Permit Data Works
Construction general contractors and subcontractors fall into basic categories and those include everything from Tom Sawyer painting his aunt’s fence (obviously a non-union job) to working on power lines, sheet metal, highway grading, underwater rock removal… OSHA has a detailed list of major construction groups.
You have plenty of “good old” tools – referrals are a great example. Take that from yesterday’s word-of-mouth to online testimonials, and you have possibly the most powerful tool trending for developing new business. Using permit data generates building permit information that generates leads. You can get weekly or monthly updates.
Related: Building Permits: Your Secret Weapon.
Using Permit Data the Right Way to Find Contracting Opportunities
Frequency is important but what’s most important about using permit data is knowing how to use it. Basic information starts with the type of project; solar, swimming pool, renovation, new-build, razing, etc. Most recently, security installations are a trending type of construction project; most involve electricians but some require more detailed contractors.
Related: Construction Industry Home Trends.
Identifying niches within the general contracting industry, such as specializing in LEED-certified hotel renovations, can provide a competitive edge over being a general contractor that covers a broad range of services.
Related: What Are Construction Aggregates?
Building permit information also includes:
- Contact information for contractors, owners/other important project partners
- Project location, address
- Project start date, permit number
- Project value
Related: Why the Construction Industry Runs on Building Permit Data.
Finding and Accessing Building Permit Data
Building permit data is a treasure trove of information for contractors looking to uncover new business opportunities. Fortunately, accessing this data is easier than ever, thanks to various government websites, county records, and online databases. Many government websites offer web-based portals where users can search for building permits by address, parcel number, or contractor name, making it simple to find the relevant data you need.
Related: Contractors and Suppliers: Tips for Maintaining this Crucial Relationship.
Find Building Permit Data with Ease
Counties often provide online services that allow users to accept and pay for building permits electronically, streamlining the process and saving valuable time. Additionally, Hubexo offers comprehensive resources for searching building permits and contractors. Digital platforms provide a one-stop-shop for all your building permit data needs, ensuring you have the information necessary to make informed business decisions.
Related: How to Get Construction Leads.
Analyzing Building Permit Data for Contracting Opportunities
Once you have access to building permit data, the next step is to analyze it for potential contracting opportunities. By examining the data, contractors can identify the types of projects being permitted, their locations, and the general contractors involved. This information is invaluable for targeting specific markets, networking with potential clients, and tailoring your services to meet the needs of the local construction industry.
Related: Using Construction Data as Home Builder.
Analyze Building Permit Data to Find Trends
Analyzing building permit data also allows contractors to identify trends and patterns in the market, helping them make informed decisions about their business strategy. For example, if you notice a surge in residential construction permits in a particular area, you can adjust your marketing efforts to target homeowners in that region. Cities like Chicago, known for their bustling construction activity, can be prime targets for contractors looking to expand their business.
Click here to get a sample of our building permit data.
By leveraging building permit data, contractors can uncover high-demand areas for their services and position themselves as the go-to experts in their field. This strategic approach not only helps in securing more projects but also in building a robust network within the construction industry.
Related: Improving Communication Between GCs and Subcontractors.
It Works if You Work It
Hubexo uses a powerful search engine to filter information. –Remodeling
“Building your own home” once meant a homeowner would apply for a building permit before hiring a builder. Construction companies that were experienced using permit data would quickly introduce themselves to the project owners.
Today, contractors use building permit information to ease-out the competition by tracking top companies’ bids. They analyze historical data. They align themselves with smaller companies looking for mentorship and seek alliances with other contractors.
Marketing strategies can be developed using permit data alone. It’s not rocket science, but it’s a job. If you’re too busy to put the information to work, it would better serve your company to dedicate one person to the task.
Our Support team can help you get started.
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Thank you for sharing! Wonderful tips on using permit data!
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