Highlights from International Builder Show

Annemarie Diaz, UDCP • February 17, 2023

At TRS Build we believe in continuing education and staying current on trends and best practices. One of the best ways to do so is through memberships in industry associations. TRS Build is an active member of both the Home Builder's Association (HBA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

In addition to staying active in local chapter events, we try to attend key industry events like the International Builder Show put on every year by the National Association of Home Builders. This year's show provided a chance to learn and network with nearly 70,000 builders, remodelers and industry providers! Three days packed with informational sessions, demonstrations, and more than 1000 companies exhibiting products on the expo floor. Check out some of the highlights below:

Kitchen:

Lots of new product ideas including a virtual rainbow of multi-tasking sinks with all the gadgets, beautiful new colors and diverse materials.

After years of black, white, gray and wood dominating the market, people are bringing in softer colors and hues for cabinetry, accent walls and paints. In terms of cabinet style, overall shaker cabinets are still the favorite, with clean and modern frameless styles as runner up.

Also for kitchens, we enjoyed visiting the Bastille booth with unique custom hoods and beautiful metal countertops.

Bath:

Our favorite stop for new bath products was the Kohler display, among which included of the latest toilets in a rainbow of pastel colors! Also in the Kohler section were automated toilets with lights, motion sensors, and built in speakers. These techno-marvels are a bit beyond everyday functionality, but it is fun to see where the market may be heading. While we haven't had any requests for toilets with built in speakers, we are incorporating toilets with bidet functionality and heated seats as much more common features in projects with new baths.

Another trend evident at the show - backlit and custom framed mirrors to create the perfect look for this essential bathroom accessory.

While this hasn't become a trend yet, we look forward to it becoming one! Bathroom safety bars that are both beautiful and functional like those on display with Vista D'Oro! The best time to install these bars is when doing a new build or gut remodel. And they are not just for the elderly, anyone of any age can use these bars, whether from necessity after a sports injury or for added stability when facing an illness, and can also be used to hang essentials.

New Fireplaces:

Continuing the home design trend of upgrading and adding fireplaces - the show had multiple providers with an amazing breadth of styles for new fireplaces. Ranging from super modern electric versions with multiple options for flame color and shape, to indoor/outdoor wall insert fireplaces, to more traditional shapes and styles. Some of the electric models also give off a substantial amount of heat.

Fakro Balcony Window:

We have done several projects to leverage attic space to add rooms, closets, bathrooms and storage areas, and continue to get requests to find ways to better take advantage of open attic space. One of the unique building products at this year's show was this “balcony window” made by Fakro. Designed to be inserted into a rooftop as an attic window, this “window” can fold out into a small balcony! This could be a great add-on to a small den, reading nook, or home office interior addition into attic space.

Housing Market Trends:

The cooling housing market was of course a hot topic at this year's show. Here locally we find some homeowners regaining interest in purchasing new properties as housing costs have fallen below previously skyrocketing values. Interest in remodeling existing homes is still largely the preferred option for homeowners looking to stay in the same neighborhood or school district, and wanting to avoid current high interest rates.

Annemarie Diaz, UDCP

Development & Engagement

TRS Build

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By Annemarie Diaz • March 10, 2025

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By Annemarie Diaz, UDCP • February 3, 2025

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