Home improvement focusing on better efficiency and value

  • By James and Morris Carey / Special to The Herald
  • Wednesday, February 8, 2006 9:00pm
  • Life

We recently attended the International Builders Show presented by the National Association of Home Builders, which gives builders, remodelers, architects and other building industry-associated occupations a peek at the latest in building materials and technology.

Windows, doors, fireplaces, appliances, cabinets, siding, decking, roofing, heating and cooling, ventilation, foundation systems, steel framing, plumbing fixtures, insulation, door hardware, safety and security systems, electrical and lighting, and home automation were just a sampling of the more than 300 product categories represented at the show.

The most popular themes of the show were looks, lasting quality, thinking green and automation.

Manufacturers were clear that the American consumer wants products that look good and at the same time add value to their home. Additionally, the style of the products in their homes – be they sleek stainless steel appliances, brushed nickel plumbing fixtures and accessories or classic Craftman-style windows – must reflect their sense of style and way of life, whether casual, contemporary or classic.

Equally apparent was the trend toward high-end product designed to add value. For example, many leading plumbing fixture manufacturers offered faucets with maintenance-free valves and upgrade finishes complete with a lifetime warranty. Keep in mind that style and improved value aren’t without a price tag. The consensus: So what? With escalating home values, increased equity and still-low interest rates, the American consumer can venture out as never before.

Homeowners are looking for products that require a minimum of maintenance, while continuing to last and look good for a long time. Thus, the growth in composite building products such as windows, doors, decking, railing systems, fencing, siding, roofing, garage doors. Gone are the days when weekends were devoted to sanding and staining or painting doors, windows and decking. Today’s mantra is KISS – keep it simple stuff!

One of the benefits of composite building products is the reduced demand on natural resources and the “green” building movement – another fundamental theme of this year’s event.

Manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for maintenance-free products that use environmentally friendly technology.

For example, one of the biggest growth categories in composite building materials is decking and railing systems. The past several years have produced products that remarkably mimic the look of dimensional lumber. Most of the leading products in the category have several styles, patterns and colors from which to choose. Most products are handled like wood; they can be cut with a saw, nailed or fastened with screws. The better products hold up well to ultraviolet rays and require nothing more than periodic cleaning. They don’t need to be sanded, stained or painted and best of all, won’t get in the way of that special family outing that you have planned.

Manufacturers are responding to the other side of the “green” coin as well: energy efficiency.

Skyrocketing energy costs have sent consumers scrambling for building products that will improve personal comfort and lower their utility bills.

Insulation with better R-values, more energy-efficient windows and doors, and state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems lead the pack of products that are making a big dent in utility bills. Photovoltaic energy systems – where homeowners use the sun to generate their own power – are the rage.

For more home improvement tips and information from James and Morris Carey, visit their Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call 800-737-2474 Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 8 a.m. every Saturday.

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