A study for the Home Improvement Research Institute conducted by the Caney Group revealed that larger percentages of both general remodeling contractors and remodeling specialists are "very satisfied" with wholesaler/distributors and specialty supply houses vs. those who say they are very satisfied with warehouse home center stores.

The survey results indicated that 44% of remodeling specialists said they were very satisfied with both specialty supply houses and wholesaler/distributor outlets, compared with 30% who said they were very satisfied with warehouse home centers. Among general remodeling contractors, 40% were very satisfied with specialty supply houses, 41% with wholesaler/distributors, while 24% said they were very satisfied with warehouse home centers.

As clarification to SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES' report on this study in the August issue (page 6), the Caney Group asked general remodeling contractors and remodeling specialists where they most often purchased tools, supplies and building materials. The percentages of both groups of contractors who said they shopped most frequently at wholesaler/distributors vs. other outlets were higher in the current study than in the 1999 edition.

While lumber and building material dealers declined in shopping preference with general contractors, they received the highest satisfaction ratings: 46% of general contractors and 50% of remodeling specialists said they were very satisfied with that source.

The study was conducted by phone with 500 general remodeling contractors and 1,003 specialists. The report based on the study is available only to HIRI members until June 2004, after which it will be offered for sale. For information on HIRI, visit www.hiri.org or call 813-627-6750.