Most Michigan contractors get their leads one of three ways: referrals, a shared-lead service like Angi or Thumbtack, or a bid board. Referrals run out. Shared leads get resold to four competitors. Bid boards put you against everyone else on the platform. There is a fourth way, and it is hiding in public records.
Every real construction project in Michigan pulls a permit before work starts. That permit names the address, the scope, often the estimated value, and whoever filed it. Build Siren monitors those permits across Southeast Michigan and turns them into a daily, trade-filtered lead report — so you reach the homeowner or GC first, on an exclusive lead, for a flat monthly price.
Why permit data is the best construction lead source in Michigan
| Lead source | Exclusive? | Verified project? | Cost model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permit data (Build Siren) | Yes | Yes — permitted & scheduled | Flat monthly, unlimited |
| Angi / Thumbtack / HomeAdvisor | No — sold to several | No — a form fill | $30–$150 per lead |
| Bid boards (ConstructConnect, Dodge) | No — whole board | Yes | $1,000s / year |
| Referrals | Yes | Yes | Free but unpredictable |
Full breakdown: Best Construction Lead Services in 2026, Compared.
Construction leads by trade
Build Siren filters permit activity to your trade and scores every lead Premium / Strong / Usable:
- Roofing leads — re-roofs, tear-offs, storm damage, commercial roof replacements
- HVAC leads — furnace and A/C changeouts, rooftop units, boilers, new-construction mechanical
- Plumbing leads — water heaters, sewer and water service, repipes, rough-ins
- Electrical leads — panel upgrades, generators, EV chargers, rewires, solar
- Remodeling leads — kitchens, baths, basements, additions, whole-home renovations
- General contractor leads — new builds, commercial build-outs, tenant improvements, demolition
Construction leads by city
Coverage spans Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. High-volume markets include Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, Livonia, Troy, Dearborn, Canton, Novi, Southfield and Clinton Township. See all coverage areas.
Detroit construction leads
Detroit has one of the largest and oldest housing stocks in the country, plus active commercial and multi-family redevelopment across Downtown, Midtown and the neighborhoods. That means constant re-roof, mechanical, rehab and demolition permits — and demolition permits that flag new construction months early. See Detroit building permits.
How to turn a permit into a booked job
- Get the daily report for your trade and cities.
- Work the Premium and Strong leads first — high value, no competitor named.
- Mail or door-knock homeowner-pulled permits; call the GC on new-construction permits.
- Reach out within 3 to 5 days, before the homeowner finishes calling around.
Detailed playbook: Permit-to-Bid: Winning Jobs Before Your Competitors Call and How to Get Construction Leads from Building Permits.
Is this legal?
Yes. Building permits are public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Using them to identify projects and contact the owner or GC is standard practice — follow normal telemarketing rules and do not imply the city sent you. See Are Building Permits Public Record in Michigan?
FAQ
What are the best construction leads in Michigan?
For exclusivity and cost per booked job, building-permit leads beat shared-lead marketplaces — you get a verified, permitted project with the address and no competitors on the same lead. Referrals are still the highest-converting source; permit data is the most scalable.
How much do contractor leads cost in Michigan?
Shared leads run $30 to $150 each and are resold. Build Siren is a flat $99/month for one trade in Metro Detroit with unlimited permits, $199 for two trades, $399 for all trades.
Do you cover contractor leads in Detroit specifically?
Yes — Detroit is core coverage, along with the rest of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties.
How fast can I start getting leads?
Reports begin the next weekday morning after your territory is activated.
Request access — from $99/month. Call (248) 290-8979.