He cited new software and online programs that allow buyers to mix and match brick colors and styles, mortar colors, roofing products and paint colors.
“We would prefer lighter-weight, faux samples in a model office versus at a distributor showroom, perhaps made out of plastic or other material with color disclaimers,” said Wade Hooker, director of purchasing and estimating, Centex Homes, Dallas/Ft. Worth region. “We’d also like software that offers choices in our designs,” he said. “Our buyers would click on the screen and get choices to fit the trim and wall colors.”
Sheryl McKim, purchasing manager for Landstar Homes, Dallas, said her company showcases brick in its own design studio.
“One thing I do like and recommend is that the brick samples have mortar with them,” said McKim.“Sometimes the appearance can change drastically when you put the brick up with mortar if you have not seen that before. We use gray, buff and white here, and it will vary the look depending on what color you choose.”
Custom builder Bill Kettell, owner and president, W. Kettell Construction, Naperville, IL, said he’s relying on his primary brick distributor for bigger samples, expertise on color variation and job addresses for his customers.
“Larger sample boards are helpful,” said Kettell. “The main distributor I use has actually set up walls outside of their showroom, so we’re getting more of a 4’ x 4’ section of wall versus a smaller panel. You just can’t work from a one-foot square, since there’s too much variation. Siding and roof samples in the showroom would be more helpful, too, since people are always trying to match them.”
Atlanta-area production builder Peachtree Homes, Jonesboro, GA, says brick distributor showrooms are an untapped resource for greater selection and updates on product availability.
“I have several home buyers who want a little something different than our samples in the color selection room of our model homes and sales centers, and the brick showrooms are a great resource for them to find exactly what they’re looking for,” said Whitney Aguilera, Peachtree’s marketing coordinator.
“Also, I would assume the showroom could let the home buyer know if a brick had been discontinued or was out of stock,” she said.“Often there is a delay in the brick being laid if the home buyer has to come back out to pick another brick if after the superintendent orders it, he’s told that it’s discontinued. My fear with the showroom is that they might pick out a brick that costs us a little more than the others,” she said.
Builders who choose to buy directly from brick manufacturers are also working with the industry to obtain better selection.
“We’ve asked the manufacturer to take the next step from just having the brick panels to creating color-coordinating boards with other brick,” said Mike Gibson, purchasing manager, David Weekly Homes, Dallas/Ft. Worth. “They’ll work with us to put panels together in six to eight different color patterns with that particular brick — not that our buyers are forced to use them, but these are the ones that we recommend for avoiding issues with home owner associations, etc.,” he said.
Gibson said he also wants brick manufacturers to keep him updated on buyer preferences. “We appreciate any information on color trends they’re seeing and what blends are their best sellers; also, ways that we can interact with them to get better pricing,” he said.
He said the top three benefits of working directly with brick manufacturers are a consistent supply of product, the ability to handle any warranty issues quickly and efficiently and being assured of a quality product.
The Brick Industry Association is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — the Supplier 100 of NAHB.
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