The Fine Homebuilding crew got back from Las Vegas this month after spending a week at the International Builders’ Show, and one thing is for certain: There’s a lot of excitement around residential building and remodeling. The attendance numbers for this show put it at the largest in over a decade, and having been on the show floor (spread out across multiple convention halls), it certainly felt that way.

Sustainability was a talking point for lots of manufacturers, both in new products as well as manufacturing. One major positive is that nearly all the foam makers have transitioned to blowing agents with significantly less global warming potential. I also saw many building materials that were touted as being recyclable (though I couldn’t always get straight answers on how exactly to recycle them).

Resiliency was top of mind for many folks, too—I saw wall assemblies with rainscreens, products designed to hold up better in wildfire country, and brackets and structural screws to handle high wind loads. Electrification also seemed to be everywhere: new and better-performing heat pumps from multiple manufacturers, smaller standalone minisplits that don’t require outside units, solar shingles, smart panels, and all kinds of battery backup systems.

And of course, there were plenty luxurious, high-design products that likely would never have a place in my home, but were incredibly cool to see and touch in-person. Beautiful plumbing fixtures, high-end countertops and flooring, and fancy induction ranges and cooktops. You can see some of our favorite finds on Instagram, and soon, you’ll see more of them on the website and in upcoming issues of Fine Homebuilding.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.

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Musings of an Energy Nerd: Toward an Energy-Efficient Home

Fine Homebuilding readers know Martin Holladay well and love his practical, cost-effective approach to energy-efficiency and green building. In this book, he walks you through every step of planning an energy-smart home that is healthy, durable, and comfortable.

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Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave

Joanna Gaines may have started as a celebrity designer on HGTV, but she’s proven to be the real deal. This book help you understand how and why good design works so that you can recreate it on your own.

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