Emerging trends in hardware and LBM

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He’s still wary of supply chain issues, too. “Lumber prices are coming down from their peak madness, but there can still be delays on specific materials. It’s crucial for stores to have a good handle on their suppliers and keep a buffer stock to avoid project delays.”
Anderson is also seeing more demand for sustainability and more eco-conscious design elements. “There’s a growing interest in eco-friendly roofing options like metal roofs with high solar reflectance or recycled content shingles. People are looking for ways to save on energy costs and reduce their environmental footprint. Smart hardware stores are expanding their selection of these sustainable materials.”
Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders in Massachusetts, is seeing similar building trends toward efficiency and mindfulness moving forward. “Building information modeling software is becoming crucial for efficiency and client communication, and robotics and automation are streamlining production and warehousing,” she says.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are key trends to capture. “Products like sustainable building materials, solar panels and geothermal systems are in high demand. There is also growth in modularization and prefabrication to reduce waste and speed up construction.”
While she notes that big-box stores and online retailers are always going to claim a lion’s share of sales, she says some smaller, more specialized stores that offer expertise and customization are thriving. For example, “kitchen and bath showrooms are doing well, as clients want guidance in these complex home remodels.”
Looking ahead, she says, “Off-site construction and 3D printing of homes could significantly disrupt the market. Companies need to stay on the cutting edge to compete.”
Offering a view from the manufacturing side of things, Albert Brenner, co-owner of Altraco, offers similar sentiments as those above. However, he sees a need to push harder into robotics and automation, which he says can boost “efficiency, quality control and customer experience.”
He also notes that, “Sales of solar panels, sustainable building materials and water-saving fixtures have skyrocketed,” reinforcing the need for companies to embrace and prioritize more eco-conscious materials. Brenner offers a reminder that being a good corporate citizen can reap multiple benefits. “Companies must forge strong local relationships. Sponsoring community events has raised our visibility and revenue 23% this year. Giving back builds goodwill and new customers.”
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