Use This NAHB Resource to Help Select New Home Building Materials

Business Management
Published

Home builders throughout the United States are grappling with building material price surges, and shortages or delays for certain orders, which are leading many to explore alternatives to complete or start projects.

Builders face many choices in selecting new products, materials, equipment and fixtures to use in constructing a home, and can determine which building materials best fit their needs by getting information about new or unfamiliar items from manufacturers and distributors. Carefully reviewing building material choices in advance may help eliminate non-conforming building materials, returns and possibly disputes.

NAHB has developed a guide, Assessing Building Materials, for builders who may not have their own review process for gathering information from manufacturers and distributors when considering the selection of new building materials.

The guide is intended to arm members with the most important factor when evaluating new materials or products: information. Use the guide to step through the information collection process to make an informed decision on deploying new products or materials. The guide is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive, but it will help builders ask the right questions and seek the most relevant information.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Codes and Standards
Aug 27, 2026
2027 Building Codes Finalized: Big Changes Ahead for Off-Site Construction and Flood Resistance

The International Code Council recently released the final results of the Public Comment Hearings and Online Governmental Consensus Vote. This marks the final stage of the 2024-2026 code development cycle leading to the 2027 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) and the other 2027 I-Codes.

IBS
Aug 26, 2026
3 Ways to Maximize Your 2027 IBS Registration

Registration for the 2027 International Builders’ Show (IBS), taking place Feb. 2-4 in Las Vegas, opens Sept. 1. Make the most of your IBS experience by adding education courses, special events and more when you register.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky

The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.

Economics
Aug 26, 2026
Multifamily Missing Middle Falls Back

Multifamily missing middle construction declined during the second quarter of 2026.

Economics
Aug 25, 2026
Economic Uncertainty, Affordability Challenges Weigh on New Home Sales

Elevated borrowing costs, rising inflation and broad economic uncertainty continue to curb buyer demand and hold back new home sales.