Home builders say that big data and analytics is not just a buzzword but also the top area of innovation in home building over recent years, according to a new survey by BUILDER. This includes the process of leveraging consumer data to determine patterns, trends, and preferences to make more informed business decisions.
“Today’s technologies provide home buyers with more opportunities than ever to connect with us,” a spokesperson with David Weekley Homes said of the survey. “Using big data to analyze and understand their journeys will allow us to make informed decisions on how to create and deliver the best homebuying experience.”
The survey of builders revealed the most important areas of innovation in the homebuilding industry:
- Big data/analytics: 40%
- Robotics/automation: 20%
- Super materials: 18%
- Other: 12% (which included smart home technology, value engineering, and energy efficiency)
- Artificial intelligence/virtual reality apps: 11%
Further, builders say they are focused this year on hiring talent to their team members. Forty-seven percent say their sales team is where they're making their most important hires this year.
Source: “Builder 100: Most Innovative Areas of Home Building,” BUILDER (April 26, 2017)