In spite of the ongoing economic downturn, homebuilding in the U.S. has weathered the storm nicely, remaining relatively unscathed through it all. In fact, it may very well be homebuilding that has been the saving grace and crucial source of strength in the U.S. economy. So it’s no surprise that the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas was even bigger than last year’s show in Atlanta.

Regional builder shows around the country are always a study in the thousands of businesses and livelihoods that are affected by residential construction and remodeling. But at the Las Vegas event, hosted by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), it was evident that homebuilding is a universal language as well. Not only was it attended by visitors from all over the globe; it was a mega-display of the latest and most innovative construction techniques, products and services ever assembled on one gigantic stage, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Each year I attempt to mention some of the most interesting and thought-provoking building and consumer products displayed at these events. This time, however, I am positive that I will only scratch the surface, since the convention floor booths were filled with products so vast and diverse that it would have taken me much more than the two days I was allotted to gather this data.

Here are but a few of the products I thought to be eye and ear-catching:

Published: February 18, 2003

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