The residential home building industry is an important sector of the U.S. economy. Unfortunately, it has not shared the productivity gains experienced by other industries, in part due to a lack of innovation. Government studies and university research indicate that the structure of the housing industry is an impediment to the adoption of innovation. As used in this report, an innovation is a product that is perceived as new by the user.

To help counter this trend, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) has funded several studies to better understand the process of innovation in housing. PATH recognizes that innovation is important to the housing industry in making homes more affordable, durable, and energy efficient.

This guide is designed to assist manufacturers in transferring new innovations into the home building industry. Containing lessons learned through interviews, focus groups, and case studies, this guide takes an inside look at today’s home building industry and provides tips for manufacturers looking to commercialize an innovation.