Why All Manufacturers Should Survey the Building Products Industry

Why All Manufacturers Should Survey the Building Products Industry?

The building products industry is constantly evolving. New materials, regulations, and consumer preferences shape demand. Manufacturers who fail to survey this sector risk falling behind.

Regular industry surveys provide critical insights. They reveal trends, gaps, and opportunities. Here’s why every manufacturer should prioritize this research.

Similar to their colleagues across the manufacturing spectrum, the building products industry was hit hard by COVID-19. However, the industry was already dealing with many of the same issues before the pandemic. Some leaders saw it as a trigger to face these issues head-on and embrace predictive technologies. We should watch and learn. All manufacturers can learn from this and reap the benefits of keeping a close eye on the building products industry.

A Sleeping Giant Is Waking

More leaders in the building supplies industry are now ready to leverage the power of innovation. They realize if they don’t act now, they will only lose more opportunities (i.e., revenue). Of course, all manufacturers are facing an array of challenges due to the global pandemic, such as the following:

• Disruptions in supply change.
• Erratic supply and demand.
• Labor fluctuations.
• Ever-tightening deadlines and margins.

But the building supplies industry was already facing these challenges long before the pandemic. COVID-19 certainly made them worse. However, these pre-existing pain points may be the very reason why some building product manufacturers are ready to switch gears to apply machine health technologies. There are already a dozen major players actively expanding their digitization efforts. Let’s outline some of the ways the building supply leaders are proactively taking charge of their own futures.

1. Understand Market Demand

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Homeowners and builders increasingly favor:

• Sustainable materials (bamboo, recycled steel)
• Energy-efficient products (low-E windows, smart insulation)
• Prefabricated solutions for faster construction

Without surveys, manufacturers might miss these trends.

Regional Variations Matter

• Urban areas need high-density housing solutions.
• Coastal regions require hurricane-resistant materials.
• Cold climates demand superior insulation.

Surveys help tailor products to local needs.

2. Stay Ahead of Regulations

Changing Building Codes

• 2024 IECC mandates stricter energy efficiency.
• California’s Title 24 requires solar-ready homes.
• EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan pushes recyclability.

Surveys track these updates, preventing non-compliance penalties.

Material Restrictions

• Lead, asbestos, and VOC limits vary by region.
• Deforestation laws affect timber sourcing.

Manufacturers who monitor regulations avoid costly reformulations.

3. Identify Innovation Opportunities

Gaps in Current Offerings

Surveys reveal:

• Unmet durability needs (e.g., mold-resistant drywall).
• Price-sensitive segments (budget-friendly alternatives).
• Ease-of-installation demands (modular wiring systems).

Emerging Technologies

• Self-healing concrete (reduces maintenance costs).
• 3D-printed construction (cuts labor expenses).
• IoT-enabled materials (monitor structural health).

Early adopters gain a competitive edge.

4. Optimize Supply Chains

Supplier Reliability

• 45% of contractors report material delays (2023 NAHB study).
• Surveys identify dependable vendors for critical components.

Cost Fluctuations

• Lumber prices swung 300% since 2020.
• Steel tariffs impact global sourcing strategies.

Real-time data helps negotiate better contracts.

5. Benchmark Against Competitors

Product Comparisons

• How does your gypsum board stack up on fire resistance?
• Is your roofing shingle warranty more competitive?

Surveys uncover rivals’ strengths and weaknesses.

Pricing Strategies

• 79% of builders choose suppliers based on cost (Dodge Data).
• Blind surveys reveal what the market will bear.

6. Enhance Customer Retention

Builder & Contractor Feedback

• Top pain points: Order accuracy, delivery speed, tech support.
• Wish list items: Real-time inventory tracking, bulk discounts.

Addressing these boosts loyalty.

Architect Preferences

• 83% specify materials early in design (AIA report).
• Winning their favor leads to recurring spec-in business.