Decision making in the purchase of siding: a survey of architects, contractors, and homeowners in the U.S. Northeast
Damery, D. T. and Fisette, P.
2001 Forest Product Journal, 51(7/8):29-36
Damery, D. T. and Fisette, P., (2001), "Decision making in the purchase of siding: a survey of architects, contractors, and homeowners in the U.S. Northeast", Forest Product Journal, 51(7/8):29-36.
Abstract:
Architects, builders, and homeowners in 12 northeastern U.S. stateswere surveyed to learn howsiding productswere selected in new residential construction projects. This study revealed that several issues control the selection and purchase of specificmaterials and products. Responses in this study defined existingmarket shares ofwood and non-wood products in the Northeast region.Therelative importance of performance, cost, appearance, and other factors in the product selection process were discussed. Logistic regression analysis tested the significanceandcorrelationof the demographic datawith the decision-makingvariables.Avery smallnumber ofhomeowners indicated they chose the siding for their home.However, architects and contractors indicated thathomeowner opinion is importantwhenselecting siding. Appearance and performance weremoreimportant influencesonthe selectionof sidingcompared to cost and personal recommendations. Significant attributes indicated that siding is expected to fit the style of house and hold up over time. Respondents were less concerned with the environmental record and service life of the preferred siding; they were, however, concerned that sidingmaybe easily damaged.Amongcost factors, installation cost and having a goodwarranty ranked highest.Other important factorswere product reputation and the respondents¨ªfirst-hand knowledge of the product.Architects, contractors, and marketing managers for siding producers can use these results to: 1) focus on important siding product attributes that match their target customer perceptions; and 2) identify siding product concerns, features, and benefits formore effective promotion to customers and the ultimate homeowner.
This publication in whole or part may be found online at: here.
Damery, D. T. Building Materials and Wood Technology,
Dept. of Natural Resources Conservation,
Univ. of Massachusetts,
Holdsworth 120, Amherst, MA 01003
Fisette, P. Paul Fisette
Building Materials and Wood Technology,
Dept. of Natural Resources Conservation,
Univ. of Massachusetts,
Holdsworth 120, Amherst, MA 01003
