Exclusive Research: New Products and Suppliers

Builders, designers, and architects weigh in on what they value in relationships with suppliers and which attributes would make them consider trying a new product.

By Mike Beirne, Editor August 26, 2014

Among the key ideas that participants expressed in Professional Builder’s Supplier Survey is they want show-and-tell, real-life installation demonstrations of the new products that are being pitched to them. They also are interested in new products that can satisfy their customers’ needs while either enhancing or sustaining their own profit margins.

Methodology and Respondent Information

This survey was distributed between July 7 and July 21, 2014, to a random sample of Professional Builder’s print and digital readers. No incentive was offered. By closing date, a total of 268 eligible readers responded. Respondent breakdown by discipline: 35.1 percent diversified builder/remodeler; 15.7 percent custom home builder; 15 percent architect/designer engaged in home building; 6.1 percent production builder for move-up/move-down buyers; 2.7 percent multifamily; 2.2 percent luxury production builder; 1.7 percent production builder for first-time buyers; 1 percent manufactured, modular, log home, or systems builder; and 20.1 percent other. Approximately 55 percent of respondents sold one to five homes in 2013, and 13.3 percent sold more than 50 homes.

The biggest impediments to trying something new were increased costs and fear that the product will fail, which could lead to callbacks and more costs.

For more results from the Supplier Survey, see the charts below: