Innovation in Building Products: What Do Builders Want?
A recent analysis highlights how home builders are increasingly focused on innovation in building products to combat the rising cost of new home construction. With affordability continuing to deteriorate for many prospective buyers, the construction industry is seeking tangible ways to lower both labor and material costs without compromising quality. One key strategy is to identify and adopt building materials and systems that streamline the construction process, reduce build times, and improve on-site efficiency. Builders are looking for practical product advancements that can alleviate the pressures caused by labor shortages and supply chain disruptions while still delivering high-performance homes.
To better understand what the industry values most, a national survey was conducted to capture builder perspectives on product innovation. The results showed strong interest in building solutions that simplify installation, integrate better with existing systems, and offer multi-functional benefits—like materials that contribute to energy efficiency while also being easier to install. There was also a call for suppliers and manufacturers to work more closely with builders to create and promote innovations that are realistic for wide-scale adoption. Ultimately, the future of building product innovation will depend on the ability of suppliers to anticipate evolving market demands and work collaboratively to provide cost-effective, labor-saving technologies that support long-term housing affordability.
