Digital Ordering Trends in Building Materials

Builders and contractors are increasingly turning to digital solutions for placing material orders. Traditionally, placing orders for building materials involved phone calls, emails, or in-person visits. However, continuous adoption of technology has resulted in a noticeable shift in purchasing behavior. According to Principia’s ongoing, monthly survey of builders and contractors, nearly two-thirds of orders are placed digitally.

A significant portion of orders (34%) are placed directly through a dealer’s website or app. This may indicate a strong preference for user-friendly digital interfaces that offer instant access to product catalogs, pricing, availability, and order status rather than experience a possible delay with more traditional ordering methods.

Builders and contractors are also using estimation software platforms to place a large portion (31%) of their orders. These platforms often integrate seamlessly with project management tools, enabling a smoother workflow. As builders and contractors wrangle with tight deadlines and complex specifications, estimation software platforms may help reduce the risk of errors and potential project delays. In addition, it is in the interest of product manufacturers to consider encouraging their dealer partners to adopt estimation software. The benefits are twofold; builders and contractors have software that addresses several needs, as manufacturers increase exposure to their products.

As more builders and contractors experience the benefits of digital platforms, adoption rates will likely increase further. Principia will continue to track the purchasing habits of builders and contractors over time to see if these trends will continue.