The building shell is the core component that, when constructed properly, can meet buyers’ demands for a home that can save them money by being energy efficient and durable. Although many consumers don’t understand the importance of a higher-quality building envelope—only 35 percent of survey participants said building envelope construction was a top consideration for their customers—builders know it plays a critical role in managing issues such as solar gain, air quality, and moisture infiltration and exfiltration.
Methodology and Respondent InformationThis survey was distributed between May 2 and May 6, 2014, to a random sample of Professional Builder’s print and digital readers. No incentive was offered. By closing date, a total of 355 eligible readers responded. Respondent breakdown by discipline: 30.4 percent diversified builder/remodeler; 26.4 percent custom home builder; 16.1 percent architect/designer engaged in home building; 7.7 percent production builder for move-up/move-down buyers; 3.4 percent luxury production builder; 2.6 percent multifamily; 2.3 percent production builder for first-time buyers; 2.3 percent manufactured, modular, log home, or systems builder; and 8.9 percent other. Almost 64 percent of respondents sold one to five homes in 2013, and 13.9 percent sold more than 50 homes.
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