The Diffusion of Innovation in the Residential
Building Industry(January 2004, 95 p.)
Many home product manufacturers and home builders still rely on
traditional materials and practices. At the same time,
homebuyers are requiring higher performance and better quality
in their homes. Successful integration of new technologies and
materials with construction practices can lead to more
affordable housing, better energy efficiency, more durable
housing stock, less materials waste, and the conservation of
scarce natural resources. It is possible to accelerate the
technology adoption process with well-designed programs,
demonstrations, marketing strategies, and policy incentives.
This study by HUD and the Partnership for Advancing Technology
in Housing (PATH) was conducted to determine how and under what
circumstances residential housing innovations become standard
industry practices. The report reviews current theory and
research on the diffusion of innovations generally, and in the
construction industry. A sample of homebuilders was subsequently
queried about their decisions to use new building products,
materials, and practices. In addition, the study analyzes
innovation adoption patterns of homebuilders across several
years as tracked by the National Association of Home Builders
Annual Builder Practices Survey. The collected data advances our
knowledge about innovation in residential construction and
points to further research that is needed.
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