Survey: Durability, Performance, and Curb Appeal Outrank Cost in Remodeling Products

The 2026 State of the Market study, developed by Endeavor Media and sponsored by ProVia, provides valuable insight into how builders and remodelers are selecting exterior products amid changing customer expectations and increasing pressure on profitability.

Based on responses from industry professionals, the survey highlights both shared concerns and meaningful differences between the two groups. Builders and remodelers alike cite rising material costs, labor shortages, product durability, and customer price sensitivity as major challenges. At the same time, their distinct business models and customer bases shape different priorities, purchasing decisions, and growth strategies.

Perhaps surprisingly, price is not the primary driver of exterior product selection. Across windows, doors, roofing, and siding, both builders and remodelers rank durability, curb appeal, performance, and warranty ahead of cost when specifying products.

Remodelers report that windows and entry doors generate the largest share of their revenue, reflecting a business centered on replacement and retrofit projects. Because remodeling activity is closely tied to consumer confidence, remodelers are often the first to experience slowdowns during periods of inflation—and among the first to benefit when economic conditions improve.

Builders, by contrast, are more heavily concentrated in the custom and luxury home market, where homeowners prioritize premium materials, architectural design, and long-term value. As a result, builders are more likely to specify products such as metal roofing, fiber cement siding, and manufactured stone rather than asphalt roofing or traditional vinyl siding. They also place greater emphasis on creating cohesive exterior designs, particularly in planned communities and upscale residential developments.

The skilled labor shortage that emerged in the 1990s as Baby Boomers began retiring and fewer younger workers entered the trades continues to impact the industry.

Remodelers report feeling the strain more acutely than builders. Many remodeling businesses operate with small crews responsible for every phase of a project, from estimating and purchasing to installation and customer service. Builders, meanwhile, are more likely to rely on specialized trade contractors, allowing them to spread labor demands across multiple partners.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 45% of residential construction workers are over the age of 45, underscoring the industry’s urgent need to attract and develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Overall, the findings point to an exterior construction market where product performance, aesthetics, and long-term value continue to outweigh price alone, even as builders and remodelers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, labor constraints, and evolving customer expectations.

Jaime Huckeba and Chad Hall, Senior Sales Directors at ProVia, say the survey validates what they’ve been hearing from customers and homeowners across the market.

Hall comments, “The report reflects accurately what our team is hearing from the marketplace. Labor shortage is often at the top, followed by price, consumer confidence, and increasing material costs. At ProVia our Account Managers are equipped to speak to these narratives, but more importantly bring solutions. We have a strong focus on training our customers’ sales team, focusing on value over price. Acknowledging the labor shortage, we offer comprehensive Installation Certification Programs, multi-day classes to help installers further develop their skillsets to ultimately have more satisfied end users.”

Huckeba confirms the finding that homeowners value performance over price: “In general, homeowner’s wallets seem to be tightening, so where and what they spend their money on matters. They favor value and longevity in the products that they purchase.” Huckeba also notes that customers want transparency and open communication with their contractors. “Even if they don’t know the exact date of completion, building pros should be clear and forthcoming about the status of a project. Transparency is a large component of the customer experience.”

Overall, the findings point to an exterior construction market where product performance, aesthetics, and long-term value continue to outweigh price alone, even as builders and remodelers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, labor constraints, and evolving customer expectations.

Jaime Huckeba and Chad Hall, Senior Sales Directors at ProVia, say the survey validates what they’ve been hearing from customers and homeowners across the market.

Hall comments, “The report reflects accurately what our team is hearing from the marketplace. Labor shortage is often at the top, followed by price, consumer confidence, and increasing material costs. At ProVia our Account Managers are equipped to speak to these narratives, but more importantly bring solutions. We have a strong focus on training our customers’ sales team, focusing on value over price. Acknowledging the labor shortage, we offer comprehensive Installation Certification Programs, multi-day classes to help installers further develop their skillsets to ultimately have more satisfied end users.”

Huckeba confirms the finding that homeowners value performance over price: “In general, homeowner’s wallets seem to be tightening, so where and what they spend their money on matters. They favor value and longevity in the products that they purchase.” Huckeba also notes that customers want transparency and open communication with their contractors. “Even if they don’t know the exact date of completion, building pros should be clear and forthcoming about the status of a project. Transparency is a large component of the customer experience.”