2026 Hacking for Homebuilding

Problem Statement:  We are living at a time of greater environmental consciousness. Our use of natural resources and how we dispose of, or recycle refuse, is a topic of public discussion. How can sustainable messaging in the homebuilding supply chain effectively drive consumer and builder adoption of sustainable wood products?

Challenge: Develop a practical and innovative messaging strategy or tool that encourages the adoption of sustainable wood products by a specific target audience (e.g., builders, specifiers, or homeowners). Your solution should address the challenges of balancing sustainability with other factors like cost, availability, and quality.

Things to Think About:

1. Who should be the audience for sustainable wood product messaging be in the supply chain? Is it the builder, specification community or the homeowner/end-consumer?

2. How do end-consumers prioritize sustainability among other attributes like pricing, quality, and availability?

3. Are builders and end-consumers open to paying more for sustainable products? Or are other product attributes more important?

4. Do builders assess sustainable products and sustainable messaging differently than homeowners? How?

5. What types of sustainable messaging are builders interested in?

6. How can industries like forestry, manufacturing and construction improve its sustainable messaging for wood-based framing materials?

7. What areas of current sustainable messaging can be improved? How can it be improved?

Problem Sponsor: Weyerhaeuser

Problem Statement: Builders face significant challenges due to inconsistent and complex Building Code requirements that vary not just between states, but often by county. Furthermore, discrepancies in interpretation and enforcement by local municipalities add uncertainty and delays to the building process. How can the homebuilding industry simplify navigation of and compliance with varying Building Codes across counties and states?

Challenge: Develop a practical solution or tool that helps builders and developers efficiently navigate varying Building Code requirements while minimizing the risks of misinterpretation and enforcement delays. Your solution should streamline compliance processes and enhance consistency in how Building Codes are applied.

Things to Think About:

1. This uncertainty adds cost in lost efficiency for builders (and homeowners). 

2. What can we do to get uniform, consistently enforced Building Codes implemented across a wide region, even the Country?

Problem Sponsor: Weyerhaeuser

Problem Statement: As experienced workers retire, they take with them decades of invaluable knowledge gained through hands-on learning and problem-solving. Newer employees could benefit greatly from this expertise, but the challenge lies in preserving and making that knowledge accessible in a practical, actionable way. How can organizations efficiently capture and transfer the knowledge of retiring workers to support the success of the next generation of employees?

Challenge: Design a solution or system to effectively capture, retain, and share the situational lessons, best practices, and insights of retiring workers. Your solution should help bridge the knowledge gap and empower new employees to succeed in their roles.

Things to Think About:
1. How can we “capture” situational lessons, and best practices from this group of talented people?
2. Is there something we can do to retain and quickly access key lessons, procedures, details and information, to help new people succeed in their roles?  

Problem Sponsor: Weyerhaeuser

Problem Statement: How might we design affordable homes that optimize every square foot of space, using innovative layouts, organizational tools, and cost-effective building practices?

Challenge: Students should aim to develop a specific solution that addresses how space can be better utilized in home design or how the building process can be adapted to create more functional and affordable homes. Solutions could include physical prototypes, digital tools, or process innovations.

What Companies are Doing Now to Solve the Problem:

• Building larger, more expensive homes as a perceived solution to meet consumer demands.

• Introducing modular or prefabricated housing systems, though adoption is limited.

• Exploring new materials and technologies to reduce construction costs.
  
  

Things to Think About:

• How can we design homes that maximize underutilized spaces, such as areas under stairs, attics, or dead walls?

• What can we learn from past design innovations, like the 1950s futuristic kitchen or 1920s bungalow style homes, to inform modern layouts?

• How can technology help streamline the design and construction process, making efficient homes more cost-effective to build?

• What tools or systems could bridge the gap between builders and designers to incorporate functional design without adding significant costs?

• How can we challenge the "bigger is better" mindset and shift consumer and industry focus toward more sustainable and efficient housing options?

The Big Picture:

• The cost of housing is increasing, while traditional floor plans often fail to address efficiency and practicality.

• Rising costs of land, labor, and materials demand innovative solutions to make better use of smaller spaces.

• Future-forward designs must balance affordability, functionality, and sustainability to meet the needs of homeowners in 2025 and beyond.

Problem Sponsor: Masonite

Problem Statement: The Treasure Valley construction and development community is facing challenges due to a shortage of skilled labor. Local skilled labor is increasingly expensive, and constrained availability is causing delays in project schedules. Many projects struggle to find enough experienced workers to complete specialized tasks such as welding, electrical work, plumbing, and masonry.

Challenge: Develop a technology-driven solution that mitigates the skilled labor shortage in the Treasure Valley construction industry. Your solution should improve access to skilled labor, enhance productivity, or reduce reliance on specialized workers without compromising the quality of work.

Things to Think About:

1. How can technology help increase the efficiency and productivity of the existing skilled workforce?

2. Are there ways to attract and train new workers through innovative technology or educational tools (e.g., VR/AR training, online certification programs)?

3. What role can automation play in reducing reliance on human labor for specialized tasks like welding, electrical work, or masonry?

4. How can project scheduling and resource allocation be optimized through technology to minimize delays caused by labor shortages?

5. What partnerships or collaborations (e.g., with local schools, trade organizations, or tech firms) could help create long-term solutions?

6. What are the cost implications of introducing technology solutions for the labor shortage, and how can they be managed?

7. How might technology solutions be marketed or implemented to ensure adoption by construction firms of all sizes?

Problem Sponsor: City of Boise

Problem Statement: How might we establish a system for gathering and analyzing customer feedback on cabinet designs, functionality, and overall satisfaction to drive continuous improvement and innovation?

Challenge: Students should aim to develop a specific solution that enables real-time feedback collection and analysis, allowing cabinet shops to identify areas for improvement based on user experiences. Solutions could include digital platforms, interactive design tools, or streamlined communication channels between customers and manufacturers.

Things to Think About:

1. How can technology be leveraged to collect and analyze customer feedback efficiently, ensuring continuous improvement in cabinet design?

2. What role could augmented reality or interactive design tools play in allowing customers to visualize and customize cabinets before purchase?

3. How can manufacturers create a feedback loop that translates customer insights directly into design modifications?

4. What incentives or engagement strategies could encourage more customers to participate in the feedback process?

5. How can we balance customization, affordability, and production efficiency in cabinet manufacturing?

The Big Picture:

• Consumer expectations for personalized and functional home design are increasing, but current cabinet manufacturing processes lack dynamic feedback integration.

• A well-designed feedback system could lead to better customer satisfaction, increased sales, and more innovative cabinet solutions.

• The future of homebuilding demands adaptable, customer-driven design solutions that evolve with lifestyle changes and industry advancements.

Problem Sponsor: Franklin Building Supply

Problem Statement: How might we develop a solution that effectively monitors indoor air quality and provides actionable recommendations to improve it, such as increasing ventilation, using air purifiers, or selecting low-VOC materials?

Challenge: Students should aim to create a system that not only detects air quality issues but also offers practical solutions to enhance indoor environments. Solutions could include smart sensors, data-driven recommendations, or integrated home automation systems that respond to air quality fluctuations. 

Things to Think About:

1. How can real-time air quality monitoring be made more accessible and affordable for homeowners?

2. What role can IoT and smart home integration play in automatically improving indoor air conditions?

3. How can data visualization and user-friendly apps help homeowners understand and act on air quality insights?

4. What incentives or policy changes could encourage the use of low-VOC materials in construction and renovation?

5. How can air quality monitoring solutions be adapted for different indoor environments, such as homes, schools, and workplaces?

The Big Picture:

• Poor indoor air quality contributes to health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses, yet many homeowners lack awareness or effective solutions.

• Advancements in sensor technology, AI, and smart home systems present new opportunities for proactive air quality management.

• Future-forward designs must integrate air quality solutions into homebuilding and renovation practices to promote healthier living environments.

Problem Sponsor: Franklin Building Supply

Problem Statement: How might we build a platform that facilitates resource sharing among similar industry businesses, allowing them to exchange materials, inventory items, and other assets to reduce waste and improve efficiency?

Challenge: Students should aim to develop a solution that enables businesses to easily list, share, and access surplus materials or inventory in a streamlined and cost-effective way. Solutions could include a digital marketplace, blockchain-based tracking systems, or AI-driven resource-matching platforms.

Things to Think About:

1. How can a platform ensure trust, transparency, and fair exchange between businesses?

2. What incentives or gamification elements could encourage participation in a shared resource network?

3. How can AI or data analytics optimize the matching of surplus resources with businesses that need them?

4. What role could sustainability and circular economy principles play in shaping the platform?

5. How can we integrate logistics and transportation solutions to make sharing resources more efficient?

The Big Picture:

• Businesses across industries are facing rising material costs and supply chain disruptions, making resource optimization crucial.

• A well-designed sharing platform could reduce waste, cut costs, and promote sustainability within industries.

• Future-forward solutions must address barriers to adoption, such as trust, logistics, and integration with existing business operations.

Problem Sponsor: Franklin Building Supply

Problem Statement: How might we develop a system that leverages delivery truck cameras to capture and analyze jobsite photos using AI, enabling sales teams to proactively determine what materials are needed and when, without requiring site visits?

Challenge: Students should aim to design a solution that allows delivery trucks to automatically take jobsite photos during deliveries, transmit them for AI analysis, and generate actionable insights for sales teams. The system should streamline the sales process by reducing unnecessary jobsite visits while ensuring materials are supplied efficiently. Solutions could include AI-driven image recognition, automated reporting dashboards, or predictive analytics for inventory needs.

Things to Think About:

1. How can AI accurately assess jobsite progress and material requirements from captured images?

2. What data privacy and security measures should be in place to protect jobsite images?

3. How can notifications and insights be effectively delivered to sales teams for quick decision-making?

4. What level of automation should the system include to minimize manual input from drivers or sales representatives?

5. How can this solution integrate with existing logistics and inventory management systems?

The Big Picture:

• Sales teams currently rely on manual jobsite visits, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

• AI-powered image analysis can provide real-time insights, improving responsiveness and customer service.

• A well-designed system could optimize material deliveries, reduce waste, and enhance overall jobsite productivity.

• Future-focused solutions must consider AI accuracy, data security, and seamless integration with existing business processes.

Problem Sponsor: Franklin Building Supply

Problem Statement: How might we develop a system that continuously analyzes and optimizes store layouts using data-driven insights, enhancing merchandising efficiency and customer experience while remaining ERP-agnostic?

Challenge: Students should aim to design a solution that helps businesses analyze and refine store layouts, including gondola placements, merchandise positioning, sales counter locations, and endcap utilization. The system should enable retailers to make informed decisions that enhance customer experience, improve sales, and streamline operations. Solutions could include data-driven layout planning tools, real-time feedback systems, or dynamic merchandising dashboards.

Things to Think About:

1. How can businesses evaluate and adjust store layouts to maximize sales and customer flow?

2. What key factors—such as product demand, foot traffic, and seasonal trends—should influence layout decisions?

3. How can the system remain ERP-agnostic while integrating with various merchandising and inventory tools?

4. What types of data collection and analysis methods can be used without requiring advanced AI?

5. How can retailers measure the impact of layout changes on sales and operational efficiency?

The Big Picture:

• Store layouts significantly impact sales performance, yet many retailers rely on static, outdated strategies.

• A more flexible and responsive approach to merchandising can improve product visibility and customer engagement.

• A well-designed solution can help businesses reduce inefficiencies, optimize space usage, and enhance the overall shopping experience.

• Future-ready systems should prioritize ease of use, adaptability, and seamless integration with existing retail operations.

Problem Sponsor: Franklin Building Supply

Problem Statement: How might we develop a system that ensures trusses meet design specifications as they come off the assembly table, reducing errors and improving quality control?

Challenge: Students should aim to design a solution that inspects trusses in real time, verifying that they match build plans and identifying potential issues such as incorrect truss plates or lumber grades. The system should integrate with Alpine truss design software to streamline quality assurance and reduce rework. Solutions could include automated scanning technology, digital verification tools, or integration with manufacturing workflows to flag discrepancies before trusses move to the next stage.

Things to Think About:

1. How can trusses be efficiently inspected for accuracy without slowing down production?

2. What technologies or processes can be used to detect incorrect components or materials?

3. How can the system seamlessly integrate with Alpine software to ensure design compliance?

4. What methods can be implemented to alert workers of detected errors in real time?

5. How can this solution improve efficiency, reduce material waste, and minimize costly rework?

The Big Picture:

• Errors in truss manufacturing can lead to structural issues, delays, and increased costs.

• A real-time inspection system can enhance quality control and streamline production processes.

• An effective solution could reduce waste, improve consistency, and increase confidence in final products.

• Future-ready systems should focus on accuracy, ease of integration, and minimal disruption to existing workflows.

Problem Sponsor: Franklin Building Supply