Realty Times - Exciting Building Products For Exciting Times

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Exciting Building Products For Exciting Times

by Dena Kouremetis

Okay, so cars still don't drive themselves and most of us still have to walk up and down aisles to buy groceries -- two things I predicted in my teens we wouldn't have to bother with in the 21st century. Personal Baby Boomer predictions notwithstanding, there are still a lot of exciting things happening in the building industry for the new millenium. BUILDER magazine (in an article by Matthew Power and Loretta Williams) enters the new century with 50 of the most inquired-about new home products in their December issue.

Although space prohibits all 50 being mentioned here, see if any of these cutting edge products gets you feeling "switched-on" about the future of homebuilding:

Concrete: One of the most durable materials in homebuilding, concrete is now used in much more exciting ways than just foundations and driveways in new homes. Products from Insulated Concrete Forms, to patterned floors make the future of concrete look bright indeed. The low maintenance and design flexibility of concrete makes it practical and energy efficient when used structurally. Stay tuned for more and more uses for concrete as wood product prices continue to skyrocket.

Moldings made of polymers and fiberboard that don't cost an arm and a leg to dress up the interior or exterior of a home, giving any home the look of quality and grace.

Home automation ranging from home theater systems, structured wiring linking "networks" of computers, home appliances and security systems. There's no back-treading on this one. Big Brother is here, even if it is "us watching us" . . . .

Daylight-producing products: Homebuyers realize there will never be an adequate substitution for natural light, and they want it wherever they can get it, with skylights, tunnel tubular lights, glass or vinyl block walls and windows and massive window displays.

More and more bathroom conveniences, such as "power showers", massage units and whirlpools. With a premium put on personal time these days, we look for luxurious ways to recharge our own batteries.

A wide array of "niche" products, such as hot water accelerators, antique reproduction lighting fixtures, designer concrete fencing, "leafproof" gutter covers, designer garage doors, new steel bracing systems, and showers with temperature regulators. Others include interlocking vinyl fencing, replica wood columns, low voltage contemporary lighting, keyless entry systems, custom mosaic tile, acoustic room systems for home theaters, ultra low-flow toilets that are more effective at waste removal, and designer series garage windows.

Thousands of home products will be showcased at the 56th annual International Builder's Show in Dallas, Texas on January 14-17, 2000. Hundreds of educational opportunities by way of timely and interesting seminars are on the agenda. Over 1,000 suppliers, and some 70,000 industry professionals will be on hand, and guest speakers are from among the "Who's Who" of the building industry.

For information on the manufacturers and for some fascinating looks into the future of homebuilding, check out this month's BUILDER magazine, or visit www.builderonline.com. Information on the International Builder's Show can be accessed through www.Buildershow.com

Also See:

Builders Bet Future On Hardwired Systems

Engineers Ready to Build MIT's 'Home of the Future'

Exploring the Dark Side of the Digital Home

The Latest In Innovative Products For New Homes

Published: December 15, 1999

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