Practitioners’ Perspectives on Early-Stage Decision-Making Factors for Selecting Preferred Building Materials: Multicriteria Decision-Making Framework in the US Construction Industry

Abstract Construction is a highly resource- and energy-intensive industry where decisions are often made without sufficient domain knowledge, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts in project management. Selecting the most suitable building material during the early stages of a project is critical to its success, yet there is currently no structured approach to guide stakeholders in this process. This study addresses this gap by recommending a set of essential early decision-making factors for material selection, utilizing the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) within a comprehensive multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) framework. Through a nationwide survey of major stakeholders, including designers, engineers, and constructors, the research identifies that material cost, labor cost, and operational and maintenance (O&M) costs are key considerations. The proposed framework facilitates structured stakeholder engagement and promotes clear communication pathways that minimize misunderstandings among the project stakeholders. By aligning stakeholder priorities early in the project life cycle, the study effectively reduces conflicts and supports consensus-driven decisions. This evidence-based, multicriteria approach enhances overall project outcomes by optimizing cost efficiency, improving sustainability, and ensuring superior construction quality.