Inside International Builders’ Show

Each year, thousands of companies from around the world gather for the International Builders’ Show® (IBS), a showcase of the latest products and technologies available to builders. More than 92,000 building industry professionals visited this year’s IBS, which brought together a record 1,900 companies exhibiting products in more than 300 different categories spread across 1 million net square feet space.

Innovation and environmental awareness were the leading themes of the show, where exhibitors premiered new products that help make the homeowner’s experience easier and more enjoyable. Below are some exciting products and trends that you and your family and friends may start enjoying soon.

•Kitchens are becoming more sophisticated and are boasting restaurant-grade technology on a homeowner’s budget. Ovens that prepare meals up to 15 times faster than conventional methods or that can double as a fireplace when entertaining are a few examples of this trend.

•The futuristic world of “The Jetsons” doesn’t seem so far away with the introduction of home automation systems allowing homeowners to control lighting, heating and air-conditioning, security, garage doors, irrigation, spa and pool temperatures, cameras, and more from anywhere in the world from nearly any Internet-connected device.

Innovation brings about new ways to create homes that are both pleasing to the home buyer, but can also be designed, built and maintained to leave minimal environmental impact.

•New flooring options feature hardwood products which use reclaimed wood, including pine, oak, and chestnut. These reclaimed woods are recovered from old buildings and recycled for new use, reducing the need chop down living trees.

•Solar hot water systems are designed to reduce water heating bills by 50 to 80 percent. While they are initially more expensive on the front-end, they will save the homeowner money in the long run through increased savings on bill payments.

•The latest electric fireplaces use technology that provides the warmth and ambiance of a real fire without the use of combustion so they do not produce carbon monoxide or greenhouse gases, making them a true “green” fireplace option.

The products mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg of both innovative and green products on the market that can increase both the enjoyment of your home as well as its value.

Home Improvement Show Coming April 18-20

For more information on the exciting things you have to look forward to in the world of home products, plan to attend the Premier Home Improvement Show April 18-20 at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center. The event is presented by Lumbermen’s ProBuild and produced by the Spokane Home Builders Association.

For more information, please contact the SHBA at (509) 532-4990 or visit our Web site at www.shba.com.