Using Market Research to Drive Growth and Competitive Advantage in Construction
Unlike other sectors, construction projects involve multiple stakeholders and long procurement cycles—meaning decisions are rarely made on price alone.
Specifiers, contractors and developers need assurance that products, suppliers and processes will meet performance, compliance, and sustainability standards.
Market research helps businesses at every stage:
✔ Understand where demand is growing
✔ Engage decision-makers more effectively
✔ Differentiate from competitors
✔ Align product development with client requirements
At Leading Edge we have over 35 years of experience working with our clients in the construction industry so, let us explain how market research supports businesses in construction:
1. Understanding Market Demand and Sector Growth
The construction market isn’t a single entity—it spans residential, commercial, infrastructure and refurbishment projects, each driven by different investment patterns and policy decisions.
Market research answers key commercial questions:
✔ Which construction sectors are growing or slowing?
✔ Are housebuilders scaling up new-builds, or is retrofit work increasing?
✔ Is infrastructure investment creating opportunities for suppliers?
For example, government net-zero commitments are driving demand for energy-efficient materials, while MMC adoption is changing how products are procured.
➡️ Explore Leading Edge’s Construction Forecasting Services.
2. Gaining Insight into Customer Needs
Buying decisions in construction are rarely made by one person.
Multiple stakeholders—each with different priorities—are involved across every project.
✔ Architects and Specifiers – Require certified, performance-led, and sustainable materials.
✔ Contractors – Seek ease of installation, on-site reliability, and cost control.
✔ Developers and Housebuilders – Demand speed, efficiency, and long-term value.
✔ Merchants and Distributors – Prioritise stock availability, margin potential, and supplier relationships.
Market research reveals what truly matters to each group—allowing you to position your offering accordingly.
3. Benchmarking Competitor Performance
The construction supply chain is highly competitive.
Knowing how your company is perceived versus competitors is vital to refining your positioning.
Key questions market research can answer:
✔ How do contractors view your product quality and delivery performance compared to others?
✔ Do specifiers see your business as an innovator—or falling behind on sustainability?
✔ Are you losing sales because merchants find your competitors easier to work with?
Competitor research helps you identify gaps, strengthen your offer, and stand out.
4. Reducing Risk When Launching New Products
Launching a product into the construction market without research can be costly.
Materials need to meet performance expectations, gain specification approval, and align with sustainability goals.
Research helps you validate demand and avoid costly mistakes:
✔ Does the market want your product—or is it already saturated?
✔ Are specifiers prioritising low-carbon alternatives?
✔ Would faster installation or better technical support give you an edge?
➡️ See our Case Study on Assessing Market Opportunities to see how insight drives better product decisions.
Types of Market Research in Construction
1. Qualitative Research
✔ Interviews with architects, contractors, and developers for in-depth feedback.
✔ Focus groups to test product concepts or understand specification challenges.
2. Quantitative Surveys
✔ Online or telephone surveys to measure satisfaction, track NPS, or assess demand.
✔ Surveys with merchants and buyers to track product perception or pricing pressures.
3. Desk Research & Data Analysis
✔ Reviewing planning applications, market output data, and competitor activity.
✔ Analysing product positioning, pricing trends, and supply chain movements.
➡️ Learn about Leading Edge’s Market Research Techniques.
Why Partner with Leading Edge for Construction Market Research?
At Leading Edge, we have over 35 years of experience delivering market research across the construction and building products sectors.
Our insight helps clients:
✔ Understand demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure markets.
✔ Identify customer needs and improve specification support.
✔ Benchmark performance against competitors.
✔ Develop data-led marketing, sales, and product strategies.
We go beyond data—we interpret insight into action so you can make confident, commercially driven decisions.
➡️ Discover our Construction Market Research Services.
➡️ Explore our Client Case Studies.
Looking for Market Insight to Support Your Business Growth?
Whether you need to evaluate market demand, engage with customers, or gain clarity on your competitive position,
Leading Edge can provide the research and strategic insight to support your success.
➡️ Contact Us to discuss how we can support your next steps.
