How to Use Tags and Filters in BuildAlert to Find Your Ideal Jobs
08/09/2025
The best jobs aren’t hidden – they’re just buried across hundreds of planning portals. With BuildAlert, you can zero in on profitable leads by postcode, project type, or specific features like dormers, bi-fold doors, or EV-ready upgrades. The right filter setup means less wasted time and more quotes on jobs that actually suit your trade.
The problem? Councils all label projects differently – one says “roof extension”, another “dormer addition”, another “re-roofing”. Manually searching these variations is a slog and risks missing golden opportunities in the higher-value postcodes.
Using BuildAlert, filter live applications by relevant tags/keywords, set your radius, and send a branded letter for £1.75 within minutes.
For a broader local strategy, see our guide to winning steady local leads.
How to Find Your Ideal Jobs Fast
Sign up and set your radius in BuildAlert. Target premium postcodes or nationwide searches if you cover wider areas.
Select domestic or commercial depending on your trade.
Apply top-level tags like Loft Conversion, Garage Conversion, Roof Extension, or niche ones like Dropped Kerb or Renewable Energy.
Add sub-tags such as Dormer, Rooflights, or Bi-fold Doors to focus in on your exact skillset.
Review drawings and Design & Access Statements for budget cues.
Send a £1.75 branded letter directly through BuildAlert and follow up by phone within 3–5 days.
Trade-Specific Plays That Win Work
Builders: Filter extensions in affluent postcodes, showcase your structural know-how and local references.
Roofers: Target Re-roofing or Roof Extension tags, highlight guarantees and quick turnaround.
Electricians: Use New Build or Garage Conversion tags, mention EV chargers and consumer unit upgrades.
Plasterers/Decorators: Look for lofts and extensions, stress tidy sites and clean finishes.
Tips to Increase Your Win Rate
Use postcode filtering to target high-value streets where budgets are bigger.
Combine broad tags (e.g. Extension) with sub-tags (e.g. Bi-fold Doors) to qualify quickly.
Show one clear case study with before/after photos.
Get Started Today
Want better leads and less wasted time? Register with BuildAlert today. See our Pricing page or explore more about Tradespeople leads and Builder leads.
Related reading
- Builder lead generation strategies that work
- Why planning applications are a goldmine for builders
- Loft conversion leads in London: how to find and win them
FAQs
1) What’s the benefit of using BuildAlert filters?
You avoid wasting time on irrelevant jobs and focus only on projects that match your trade, budget level, and postcode targets. Start here: See local leads.
2) Can I target high-end areas only?
Yes – you can search by postcode and radius to focus on wealthy neighbourhoods where budgets are bigger and jobs are higher value. Combine with domestic/commercial filters for best results.
3) How detailed are the tags?
Very. From broad categories like Extension or New Build to specifics like Rooflights, Dormers, and Bi-fold Doors. This lets you drill down to your exact trade specialism.
4) Do I need planning knowledge before quoting?
It helps to understand basics – see the Planning Portal for guidance – but BuildAlert provides the application details you need to qualify projects quickly.
5) Can I use BuildAlert nationwide?
Absolutely. You can run searches locally, regionally, or across the whole UK. Perfect if you’ve got multiple crews or want to expand coverage. Details here: How BuildAlert works.