Supply chain challenges – and solutions
Though the industry is expected to slow down , material delays will likely continue throughout most of 2023 . That means homebuilders will have to continue to rely on the smart practices they started using last year . Here are some of the tips we recommend to our customers :
• Arm yourself with the latest product info : Reach out to your suppliers to discuss product availability and lead times before discussing options with your customer . This way , you avoid disappointing them when their favorites aren ’ t available .
• Measure twice : Delayed production also means it ’ s important to measure carefully — it can take even longer to receive new products if you place an incorrect order .
• Update your contracts : Consider updating your contracts to provide flexibility should price increases or material delays occur .
• Sell styles and colors instead of brands : Recommend common colors , like black , browns and grays , that are available from many manufacturers .
Keeping up with what ’ s hot
As costs are rising and timelines are stretching longer , many homebuilders ’ customers are looking for products that will perform well and last a long time . Customers seem to be putting a greater emphasis on products that offer convenience and cost savings over time .
Here are some of the products trending right now that homebuilders need to know about to keep up with demand : ROOFING TRENDS :
• More than 80 percent of re-roofing projects in the US use asphalt shingles
• Metal roofs ( especially black paired with gray siding )
• Solar roofing
SIDING TRENDS :
• Dark siding continues to be popular , with top choices being charcoal gray , dark green and navy blue . But white or light colors aren ’ t going away .
• Stucco homes using neutral colors and earth tones
• Fiber cement siding is popular in some areas , especially those prone to wildfires
• Blending siding materials , profiles , textures and colors
• Using contrasting siding trim
DOOR TRENDS :
• Fiberglass and wood doors , as well as doors made with mixed materials ( e . g ., wood and metal or wood and glass )
• Bold colors or those with stains that contrast with the siding
WINDOW TRENDS :
• Dark frames — especially in black
• Black hardware on windows
• Energy-efficient and impactresistant options
In addition to new and evolving materials , homebuilders are adopting more technology . Software like EagleView , GAF QuickMeasure and HOVER ’ s New Construction Solution make doing jobs easier . These technologies have been integrated with supplier
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