Extension Enquiries Don't Wait for Monday. Neither Should Your Website.
Couples plan extensions on Saturday evenings. Landlords research builders at midnight. Architects browse portfolios during their lunch break. Your chat bot is there for all of them — answering questions, qualifying projects, and capturing leads worth tens of thousands.
Try the AI receptionist yourself — it's a live demo
See It In Action
Here's how Speed Receptionist handles a real enquiry from start to finish.
A couple in Chesterfield are browsing builder websites after getting planning permission for a wrap-around extension. They ask: "We've got planning approved — how long would a wrap-around extension typically take from start to finish?"
The AI explains that a typical wrap-around extension takes 12–16 weeks depending on complexity, ground conditions, and internal finishing. It asks about the extension size, whether Building Regs have been submitted, and what internal finish they're after — just a shell, or fully fitted kitchen and flooring included.
High-value lead: wrap-around extension, planning granted, Building Regs in progress, 6m x 8m footprint, customer wants full turnkey including kitchen fitting. Available for a site visit next Saturday. You respond first thing in the morning and book the visit.
An architect in Rotherham messages through the chat asking whether you're available to tender for a loft conversion with rear dormer in a Conservation Area. Structural calcs are done, party wall agreements are underway. The AI captures the project scope and the architect's practice details.
Why UK Builders Use AI Website Chat
Qualifies High-Value Projects
Not every website visitor is planning a £40,000 extension. The chat bot asks about project type, planning status, budget range, and timeline — so you focus your time on the leads that match your capacity and price bracket.
Handles Architect and Designer Referrals
When architects browse your website looking for builders to recommend, the chat bot captures their project details and practice information. These referrals are gold — serious projects with drawings already done.
Planning and Building Regs Awareness
The AI asks whether planning permission has been granted, whether Building Regs have been submitted, and whether structural calculations are in place. This saves you from pursuing leads that are months away from being build-ready.
Portfolio and Case Study Guidance
If your website has project galleries, the chat bot can reference them conversationally: "We completed a similar wrap-around extension in Barnsley last year — have you seen our portfolio?" This builds trust.
Budget Expectation Capture
The AI asks about budget range naturally. This tells you whether the customer's expectations are realistic before you invest time in a site visit. It doesn't quote — but it captures the information you need.
Weekend and Evening Coverage
Couples discuss home improvements after the kids are in bed. That's when they're browsing builder websites and comparing options. Your chat bot is there at 10pm on a Sunday capturing leads your competitors are missing.
Included in Core Plan
Included in Core (£89/mo)
AI Phone Answering and Website Chat included in the £89/month Core plan.
See Full PricingUp and Running in 3 Steps
We handle everything — you just tell us about your business.
Tell Us About Your Business
Your trade, your services, your service area, and how you want enquiries handled. That's all we need from you.
We Set Everything Up
We train the AI with your trade terminology, configure your phone routing, install your chat widget, and connect every channel. Done-for-you — zero technical knowledge needed.
You Focus on the Work
Every enquiry answered instantly. Every lead captured. Every emergency escalated. You carry on doing what you do best — we handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the chat bot handle complex building project enquiries?
Yes. The AI asks about project type (extension, conversion, renovation, new build), planning status, architectural drawings, structural calculations, and timeline. It captures the level of detail you need to assess whether the lead is worth pursuing.
Does it ask about planning permission?
Always. One of the first questions for extension and conversion enquiries is whether planning has been granted, refused, or not yet applied for. This tells you where the project is in its lifecycle and whether it's ready for a builder.
What if an architect contacts me through the chat?
Architect referrals are captured with practice details, project scope, drawing status, and timeline. The AI recognises that architect referrals represent serious, well-planned projects and captures the information accordingly.
Can the chat bot show my previous work?
If your website has a portfolio or project gallery, the AI can reference it in conversation and direct visitors to relevant examples. This is a powerful trust-building tool — showing, not just telling.
Does the chat bot handle smaller jobs too?
Yes. Not every visitor wants a £50,000 extension. Garden walls, patio installation, structural alterations, underpinning — the chat bot captures these enquiries with appropriate questions. You decide which jobs to pursue.
What about snagging and warranty queries from previous clients?
The chat bot distinguishes between new enquiries and existing client contacts. Snagging queries from past projects are captured separately and flagged so they don't get mixed into your new lead pipeline.
Does the chat bot mention my FMB or NHBC membership?
Yes. Federation of Master Builders, NHBC, TrustMark, Checkatrade, and any other credentials are referenced when visitors ask about qualifications and guarantees. For building work, accreditation is often the deciding factor.
How does the chat bot handle visitors who are just getting prices?
Price comparison visitors are still leads. The AI captures their project details and contact information so you can follow up with a proper estimate. Even "tyre-kicking" visitors often convert when you respond quickly and professionally.
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