Market Research in the Construction Products Industry: Why It’s Essential for Manufacturers
The construction products sector is constantly evolving, shaped by regulatory changes, supply chain pressures, and shifts towards sustainability and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
For manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, understanding these shifts is essential—not only to maintain competitiveness but also to align products with real market demand, improve sales strategies, and secure specifications.
At Leading Edge, we specialise in construction product market research, delivering insight that helps businesses make informed commercial decisions. With over 35 years’ experience, we have researched a wide range of building materials and construction products, including:
✔ Flooring – Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), carpet tiles, sports floors
✔ Insulation – Thermal and acoustic insulation
✔ Cladding & Facades – External wall insulation, rainscreen cladding
✔ Roofing – Flat and pitched roofing systems
✔ Doors & Windows – Fire doors, aluminium and uPVC windows
✔ Adhesives & Sealants – Flooring adhesives, waterproofing solutions
✔ Structural Components – Concrete, timber, steel framing systems
✔ Flooring & Cable Management – Floor boxes and cable containment solutions
With market research, manufacturers can stay ahead of industry changes, respond to customer needs, and differentiate from competitors.
How Market Research Helps Construction Product Manufacturers
1. Understanding Market Demand & Sector Growth
The demand for building products fluctuates based on economic cycles, regulations, and industry trends. Manufacturers need clear market intelligence to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
Key Questions Market Research Can Answer:
✔ Which construction sectors (residential, commercial, infrastructure) are driving demand for your products?
✔ How are sustainability targets (e.g. net-zero policies, Future Homes Standard) reshaping material choices?
✔ Are product trends shifting—for example, is demand increasing for offsite-compatible materials or fire-rated components?
➡ At Leading Edge, we conduct market sizing and forecasting to help manufacturers align product development with future demand.
2. Understanding the Specification & Decision-Making Process
Winning product specifications requires an understanding of how architects, designers, and contractors select materials. Market research can uncover:
✔ What influences specification choices—compliance, sustainability, installation speed, or aesthetics?
✔ Why do specifiers switch brands? Is it due to lack of technical support, price, or lead times?
✔ How can manufacturers support specification—through CPD training, BIM models, or sustainability credentials?
Insight = Competitive Advantage
At Leading Edge, we survey decision-makers across the construction supply chain to help manufacturers position their products more effectively and increase specification retention.
3. Benchmarking Against Competitors
In a crowded market, understanding where you stand against competitors is critical. Market research helps manufacturers:
✔ Compare pricing models—Are you positioned as a premium, mid-market, or budget brand?
✔ Assess brand perception—Are competitors outperforming on sustainability, technical support, or innovation?
✔ Identify competitor weaknesses—Is poor product availability creating opportunities for your brand?
At Leading Edge, we conduct competitor benchmarking research to highlight strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities—helping manufacturers refine pricing, product positioning, and marketing strategies.
➡ Explore our Competitor Analysis Services.
4. Strengthening Sales & Distribution
Manufacturers rely on merchants, distributors, and direct supply channels to reach customers. But how well is your brand supported?
✔ Are stockists actively promoting your brand or favouring competitors?
✔ Are contractors experiencing supply chain issues that affect brand loyalty?
✔ Are you missing opportunities to improve merchant engagement through digital tools, training, or marketing?
Our research evaluates distributor relationships, helping manufacturers streamline supply chains and strengthen sales channels.
5. Supporting Product Development & Innovation
Launching a product without market research is risky. You need to ensure:
✔ There’s real demand—not just an internal assumption.
✔ The product solves a problem—does it enhance compliance, sustainability, or installation efficiency?
✔ Pricing and positioning align with market expectations—is it perceived as premium or cost-effective?
How Leading Edge Adds Value:
✔ We conduct focus groups, product trials, and contractor interviews to validate demand.
✔ We assess industry trends to ensure product development aligns with future market needs.
✔ We provide go-to-market strategies to maximise adoption and sales.
Types of Market Research for Construction Products
1. Qualitative Research
✔ Interviews & focus groups with architects, contractors, and distributors.
✔ User feedback sessions for new product testing and specification analysis.
2. Quantitative Surveys
✔ NPS (Net Promoter Score) and customer satisfaction surveys to measure loyalty.
✔ Industry-wide surveys to track buying behaviour, product trends, and pricing perceptions.
➡ See how we measure NPS & Customer Satisfaction.
3. Desk Research & Data Analysis
✔ Reviewing planning applications, construction output data, and policy reports.
✔ Analysing pricing trends, sales performance, and brand positioning.
➡ Explore our Market Intelligence Services.
Why Choose Leading Edge for Building Products Research?
At Leading Edge, we bring over 35 years of experience helping manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in the construction sector.
✔ Understand market demand and sector trends.
✔ Engage decision-makers to improve specification rates.
✔ Benchmark against competitors to strengthen brand positioning.
✔ Refine sales, pricing, and distribution strategies for better performance.
Looking for Market Insight into the Construction Products Sector?
Whether you need to:
✔ Refine your product strategy based on real demand.
✔ Evaluate customer preferences and improve engagement.
✔ Assess your market position and stay ahead of competitors.
We can help.
➡ Contact Us Today to discuss your market research needs.
