Introduction
Finding quality leads is the lifeblood of any successful roofing contracting business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand into commercial work, knowing where to find projects and how to access them is critical.
Key Insight: The best contractors don't wait for work to come to them. They actively pursue opportunities across multiple channels.
1. BuildingConnected (Autodesk Construction Cloud)
BuildingConnected (now part of Autodesk Construction Cloud) is the largest network for commercial construction bidding in North America. It's where general contractors post projects and invite subcontractors to bid.
How It Works:
- Free to join as a subcontractor
- Create a detailed company profile highlighting your roofing specialties
- Get notified when GCs invite you to bid on projects
- Search for public projects in your area
- Download plans, specs, and addenda electronically
Getting Started Checklist:
Pro Tips:
- 1Be Specific:
Don't just list "roofing" - specify TPO, EPDM, metal, green roofs, etc. GCs filter by specialty.
- 2Respond Quickly:
When invited to bid, acknowledge within 24 hours. GCs notice response times.
- 3Search Regularly:
Check for new public projects daily. Set your search radius to 50-100 miles depending on your capacity.
2. Dodge Construction Network
Dodge (formerly McGraw-Hill Construction) is a paid subscription service that provides early-stage project intelligence. This is where you find projects before they go out to bid.
Advantages:
- • Early project notification (pre-bid stage)
- • Contact info for owners, architects, GCs
- • Project scope and budget estimates
- • Bidder lists (see who else is bidding)
Disadvantages:
- • Expensive ($200-500/month depending on region)
- • Requires proactive outreach to GCs
- • Not all projects result in bids
- • Learning curve to use effectively
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
Is Dodge worth it? Here's the math:
Recommendation: If you're doing $500k+ in annual revenue and want to grow, Dodge is worth the investment. If you're smaller, focus on free platforms first.
3. Other Bid Platforms
PlanHub
User-friendly platform popular with mid-sized GCs. Free basic account, paid plans for advanced features.
iSqFt
Well-established platform with strong presence in certain regions. Subscription-based.
BidClerk
Free and paid tiers. Good for finding public projects and smaller private work.
ConstructConnect
Comprehensive construction data platform. Premium pricing for enterprise-level features.
4. Government Bid Sources
Government projects (federal, state, local) are publicly advertised and must follow competitive bidding processes. These can be lucrative but require patience and understanding of public procurement rules.
Federal Projects:
SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
The official U.S. government system for finding federal contracting opportunities.
- 100% free to use
- Required registration for all federal contractors
- Access to opportunities across all federal agencies
- Electronic bid submission
State & Local Projects:
Each state and municipality has its own bid portal:
- →California: Cal eProcure, PlanetBids
- →Texas: ESBD (Electronic State Business Daily)
- →New York: NYS Contract Reporter
- →Florida: MyFloridaMarketPlace
Important: Government projects often require bonding, certified payroll, and prevailing wage compliance. Make sure you understand these requirements before bidding.
5. Building Relationships with General Contractors
The most successful roofing contractors don't just wait for bid invitations - they actively cultivate relationships with GCs who become repeat customers.
Relationship-Building Strategies:
1. Cold Outreach
Research GCs in your area who do projects in the $1M-$10M range. These are often perfect for roofing subs.
"Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name] with [Company]. We specialize in commercial TPO and EPDM roofing in [City]. I noticed you recently completed [Project Name] and wanted to introduce our company. We'd love to be on your bid list for future roofing work. Can I send you our company profile and recent project portfolio?"
2. Industry Events
- AGC (Associated General Contractors) chapter meetings
- ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) events
- Local construction networking groups
- Trade shows and conferences
3. Be a Problem Solver
When a GC has a project with a tight deadline or tricky detail, be the contractor who says "yes" and delivers. One successful emergency project can lead to years of repeat work.
4. Stay in Touch
Even if you don't win a bid, send a follow-up:
"Thanks for the opportunity to bid [Project]. We know we weren't the low bidder this time, but we'd appreciate being included on future roofing projects. Please keep us in mind."
6. Digital Marketing for Lead Generation
Modern contractors use digital marketing to attract inbound leads. This takes time to build but can create a steady stream of opportunities.
Website & SEO
- • Professional website showcasing projects
- • Target local keywords ("commercial roofing [city]")
- • Case studies and portfolio
- • Contact form and quote requests
- • Connect with local GCs and project managers
- • Share project updates and expertise
- • Join construction industry groups
- • Post regularly about your work
Google Business Profile
- • Free listing in Google Maps
- • Collect reviews from satisfied clients
- • Post photos of completed projects
- • Respond to inquiries quickly
Email Marketing
- • Quarterly newsletter to GC contacts
- • Highlight recent projects
- • Share industry insights
- • Announce new capabilities
Key Takeaways
- ✓Start with free platforms like BuildingConnected before investing in paid services
- ✓Government projects require additional compliance but offer steady work
- ✓Building GC relationships is more valuable than chasing every bid opportunity
- ✓Diversify your lead sources - don't rely on just one platform
- ✓Digital marketing builds long-term value even though results take time
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