When deciding which next-generation products to purchase or consider, multifamily builders, developers, and architects like to get their information from people more so than written materials. Respondents in MFE’s exclusive 2017 Concept Community study said the most useful sources for such information are architects or engineers and manufacturer sales representatives, which were each used by 18% of survey participants (see chart below).
Not far behind, word of mouth was deemed the most useful by 16% of respondents, followed by trade shows or conventions (14.7%) and manufacturer websites (10%).
When looking for information in general on next-gen products, without necessarily deciding to make a purchase, respondents again said they rely on human sources but rated manufacturer websites and trade shows or conventions at the top of the list, at 52.8% (see chart below).
Nearly half of respondents said they use an architect or engineer (49.1%) for information on next-gen products, while 47.8% said they use manufacturer sales representatives, and 46.5% tap catalogs or trade magazines.
Respondents also said that next-gen appliances command a higher return on investment by 11% over standard products.
The survey, conducted by our data partner on the 2017 MFE Concept Community, The Farnsworth Group, examines usage and perceptions regarding next-generation building performance. This year’s survey, which received responses from 159 multifamily builders, developers, and architects, sheds light on current conditions for industry professionals by addressing the following questions:
· What are the current trends in next-gen products?
· Which next-gen products are industry pros currently installing or considering installing?
WHAT IS NEXT-GENERATION BUILDING?
Next-generation building can be defined as forward-thinking practices and improved building materials that can help apartment builders overcome today’s biggest hurdles—land, labor, and materials—to produce tomorrow’s properties in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner.
· What efficiencies are being promoted to residents about these products, and how are they being communicated?
Given the myriad variables involved in producing housing, it’s always smart to prepare for the future. With that in mind, the 2017 Concept Community examines processes and products that can help close the gap on code, land, labor, and materials challenges by shaving time and cost from the construction process.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll share additional tidbits and stats from the survey in anticipation of the annual Multifamily Executive Conference, which will be held this year Sept. 18–20 in Las Vegas.
