Construction market research

The construction sector is driven by multiple complex audiences: from individual homeowners and the builders, architects and small traders they choose to work with on their domestic projects, to organisations across the public and private sector, conducting large-scale construction and civil works, and their chain of engineers, specifiers, main and subcontractors and end users. At DJS Research, we recognise that understanding the specific needs of every audience within a construction supply chain, for projects of every shape and size, is crucial for operational success.

In a recent brand study for a brick manufacturer we provided insight on architects, main contractors and subcontractors (roofers and bricklayers), merchants, developers and housing associations, delivering 360-degree insight into perceptions and awareness with no audience untouched.

The economic and regulatory landscape of the construction sector is also complex and subject to constant change. Such changes can include anything from variations in demand to altering safety or sustainability regulations, advancements in construction technology, such as the increasing use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), to changes in how construction materials are purchased. With over two decades’ experience in this sector, DJS Research has a deep appreciation of this ever-changing context and knows that its impact on different audiences is, again, crucial to the success of those who operate in this sector. 

In a recent detailed survey to determine how BIM is managed within the design and build process, we were able to identify what digital tools and services were needed from a manufacturer specifically, as well as what was not needed in order to rationalise and justify investment.

Construction research built on solid foundations

Our extensive knowledge of this sector, and deep understanding of its nuances and varied audience groups, has been honed through our work with high-profile clients across the industry, from customer satisfaction and end-user studies for British Gypsum, persona research for Saint-Gobain and customer needs analysis for Wienerberger. 

The vast experience of our sector leads is essential to the success and effectiveness of the solutions we develop and the outputs we deliver. With senior-level sector experts guiding every project, our teams have the confidence and proficiency to meet the needs of all construction research – from unpicking multifaceted supply chains to examining complex product sets.

Crafting tailor-made research solutions for the construction sector

We provide bespoke research solutions which are designed entirely to meet your objectives, incorporating desk-based research, qualitative in-depth interviewing and quantitative surveying to best effect. We have the means and ability to reach all construction audiences, led by our specialist B2B recruiters and our in-house online consumer panel, Opinion Exchange. As a nationally representative panel, Opinion Exchange can provide access to individuals who are employed across the construction sector to enhance our audience samples. 

Having worked on a diverse array of construction projects over the years, our team is as comfortable running focus groups with consumers about aluminium profile windows as they are discussing the intricacies of supply chain efficiencies. Our in-house team of B2B interviewers is highly skilled and have the confidence, born from experience, to survey all sorts of construction audiences. We also hold proprietary samples of certain key cohorts which can be useful to further enrich our outputs. 

Our research often extends beyond the UK as many of our construction clients operate globally. The strength of our international research offering means that, where necessary, we can employ a network of native partners to help us with on-the-ground fieldwork around the world.

Ask how we can support you with data-led insight

Research projects conducted in the same field can require vastly different methods and approaches, as all business needs and stakeholder requirements are unique. Our breadth of experience, working across a diverse array of construction projects, means we can turn our hand to any area of the industry to deliver the data-led outputs you need for your organisation.

Some of the key topics we have explored recently for our clients include:

• Audience segmentation: Examining differences between key construction audiences including specifiers, contractors and merchants to help develop tailored audience strategies.
• Brand development and tracking: Measuring the brand equity and impact on decisions across diverse stakeholders involved in the eventual specification and use of the product/s.
• CX research: Mapping customer expectations and client performance on CX touchpoints, from the specification and ordering stages through to delivery and after-sales care.
• Pricing research: Obtaining data on a competitor’s prices and using customer feedback to establish the optimum price for a product.
• Any topic of interest in your sector – chances are, we have explored it!

To find out more about our expertise in the construction sector, and discuss how we can provide the actionable insight you need to meet your business objectives, contact our team today.