AMA Research's 4th Edition of the 'UK Housebuilding Market 2002 - Focus on Doors, Windows & Roofline Products'

The most significant developments in 2001 have been the consolidation of the national housebuilders. The flurry of consolidation activity was instigated by the announcement of the proposed merger between Beazer and Bryant during December 2000. However, the counter offer for Bryant from Taylor Woodrow during January 2001 ensured that the deal did not go ahead with Beazer finally accepting a take-over offer from rivals Persimmon. This was followed by Wilson Connolly acquiring Wainhomes in April 2001, and more significantly, George Wimpey acquiring Alfred McAlpine Homes in October 2001.

The use of direct supply agreements for certain products such as doors and windows, has been extended within recent years. However, builders merchants remain a very significant and very important supply channel for the housebuilders market, with some manufacturers agreeing to supply products only through nominated merchants. Another major feature is the increased use of sub-contract installers and the use of 'supply and fit' contracts that have led to a devolvement of the buying process away from the housebuilders.

The increasingly onerous legislative and industry standards have seen the use of approved supplier lists increase during the last 2-3 years. Technical specification has increased in importance and for many ofthe larger housebuilders, is now considered to be a head office function. The larger regional builders use either intenlal staff, extemal architects or specialist contractors for technical specification purposes.

In the entrance door market steel and composites have gained further market share mainly at the expense of PVCu which is no longer seen as a desirable material for use in this type of application. Many housebuilders are already looking at alternatives to steel composites such as GRP which currently only hold a very small share ofthe market.
In the patio door market, PVCu has increased its market share at the expense of aluminium. PVCu is expected to continue to gain share ofthis market. In terms of aesthetics, French Patio doors have now become the most fitted style of patio doors, a move away from the sliding variety, a trend which is likely to continue.

The window market has seen the rapid adoption of PVCu in recent years, a move away from traditional wood, led on by customer demand. Traditional wooden windows will still retain a small market share due to its use in certain conservation areas, and demand from the higher sector value. However, with the improvements in PVCu such as improved wood grain effects and the slimmer profiles now available, it may only be a matter of time before they are accepted in more conservation areas. They also resemble traditional styles, such as sash windows, very well, which have already been accepted in some conservation areas.

The conservatory market in the existing housing sector has reached record sales levels, however in the new build market the take-up has remained comparably slow. The number of housebuilders offering conservatories as an optional extra has remained relatively static. There is enormous scope for growth, however, there have been limiting factors, such as increasing house prices making them unaffordable to purchasers at the time of sale, the inconvenience to the building process, associated planning delays and the lack of garden space available.

In the roofline products market is can be seen that there is a gradual change in materials usage to PVCu and PVCue for use in soffits, fascia, and barge boards away from the traditional softwood materials. This is an area for enormous future growth as more builders move away from softwood due to consumer demand. The improved aesthetics and variety of PVCu and PVCue roofline products have made it complement any style of house, as well as being virtually maintenance free. The additional cost of PVCu and PVCue as a roofline material over timber will also aid in increasing the value of the market above the growth in completion levels.

The above information has been taken from the introduction to AMA Research's 4th Edition of the 'UK Housebuilding Market 2002 - Focus on Doors, Windows & Roofline Products'.

The report analyses the new housebuilding market for both the fenestration and roofline products and is based on a research programme of interviews with housebuilders throughout the UK. The report analyses the new build market in terms of market size, key sector trends, product mixes, market share, key suppliers and distribution channels.

The report comprises 110+ pages and is available now, at £545.
Contact: Andrew Hartley or Steve Mabbutt
AMA Research
Tel: + 44 (0) 1242 235724
Fax: + 44 (0) 1242 262948
E-mail: marketing@amaresearch.com
Website: www.amaresearch.co.uk

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