Eyes4Research Blog

The World of General Contractors: Insights and Challenges For Research

The construction industry is a dynamic and multifaceted space, and at its core lies the crucial role of general contractors. They are the linchpins of construction projects, overseeing everything from initial planning to the final touches. Understanding their perspectives and experiences is essential for stakeholders across the construction landscape. 

However, conducting market research with general contractors presents unique challenges. Here, we will delve into the intricacies of the world of general contractors, and explore the hurdles in conducting research with this vital audience. 

What is the Role of General Contractors? 

General contractors are pivotal in orchestrating construction projects, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Their responsibilities include: 

• Project Management: Coordinating and overseeing all aspects of construction projects ensuring timely completion within budget. 
• Subcontractor Coordination: Hiring and managing subcontractors, including plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, to execute specific tasks. 
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Estimating project costs, negotiating contracts, and ensuring financial efficiency. 
• Regulatory Compliance: Enursing adherence to building codes, safety regulations, and zoning laws. 
• Problem-Solving: Addressing unexpected issues that arise during construction, such as delays, material shortages, or design changes. 

Given their multifaceted roles of general contractors, they possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that is invaluable for market research. But leveraging this deep reservoir of insight is easier said than done. 

Challenges in Conducting Research with General Contractors

1. Time Constraints: General contractors operate on tight schedules, balancing multiple projects simultaneously. Their day-to-day responsibilities leave little room for participation in traditional research methods like long surveys or focus groups.  
2. Accessibility: General contractors are often on-site, making them hard to reach through conventional communication channels. They may not have the time or even the inclination to respond to emails or phone calls, especially if the relevance of the research is not immediately clear to them. 
3. Diverse Work Environments: The work environment for general contractors varies wildly by the day. They could be in an office one day and on a construction site the next. This variability complicates scheduling and is not conducive to consistent communication. 
4. Skepticism: General contractors are pragmatic professionals who may be skeptical of market research initiatives, especially if they don’t see direct benefits in participating. They may question the value of the time spent on such activities. 
5. Highly Specialized Knowledge: The construction industry is highly specialized, and general contractors possess deep expertise in their specific areas. Crafting research questions that resonate with their experience and yield valuable insights requires a nuanced understanding of the field. 

A Solid Research Solution: Custom Online Panels

Custom online panels, such as the ones designed and managed by Eyes4Research, offer a promising solution to the challenges of conducting research with general contractors. By designing a dedicated and tailored panel of general contractors, researchers can engage with this hard-to-nail-down group more effectively. Here’s how: 

• Convenience and Flexibility: Online panels allow general contractors to participate at their convenience. They can provide input from their office, home, or even on-site, using any device with internet access. 
• Targeted Recruitment: Custom panels can be carefully curated to include general contractors with specific expertise, ensuring that the insights gained are relevant and actionable. In addition, recruitment can be tailored to include a diverse range of contractors, from residential builders to commercial project managers. 
• Engagement and Incentives: Online panels offer opportunities for ongoing engagement. Participants can be incentivized through various means, such as monetary rewards, exclusive industry reports, or access to professional development resources. 
• Efficient Data Collection: Digital platforms streamline data collection and analysis. Surveys, polls, and interactive activities can be designed to capture detailed insights without overwhelming participants.  
• Building Trust: Establishing a dedicated panel helps general contractors feel valued when they see the tangible impact of their time and input. 

The construction industry is competitive and is rapidly evolving. Staying ahead of the curve requires deep actionable insights. General contractors hold the keys to this knowledge, but traditional research methods often fall short of capturing their expertise. Custom online panels present an innovative and effective solution to bridge the gap between researchers and the expertise of general contractors. 

By utilizing custom online panels, businesses can overcome the challenges of researching general contractors and gain a competitive edge with precise actionable insights tailored to their needs. 

Read more about the construction industry on the Eyes4Research blog. Eyes4Research also has everything you need to collect high-quality insights from general contractors. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our specialty panels here.