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Conference Recap: International Builders Show 2019

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The conference and expo is the largest annual light construction show in the world with more than 1,500 manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting the latest, most in-demand products and services. IBS 2019 offered a look at the newest trends and advancements in technology and energy-efficiency throughout the housing industry.

 

TAKEAWAYS FROM IBS 2019

1. LOCATION: Active adults aged 55 and older want to be around a vibrant community setting. They don’t want to move away from existing life and connections. This demographic tends to not want to go 10 miles outside of their current community when searching for a new home.

 

2. SINGLE-LEVEL LIVING: Important components in single-level living include a entertaining/great room space (not just the master on main). This room is filled with natural light to help with aging eyes and wellness, and is a flexible space, one that can be customizable as an office, man cave, or craft room.

 

3. WINDOWS: Manufacturers providing many new products that stretch the limit of the traditional residential window and move toward the commercial style. New contemporary designs with many new companies moving into the affordable window market. There are a wide range of window compositions without breaking the installers’ backs. At the factory, interlocking fiberglass joining plates are pre-applied to the window frames. The combinations arrive ready to install, making life on the job site easier.

 

4. EXTERIOR CLADDING SYSTEMS: Continuing to be developed and expanded. Along with cementitious siding, manufacturers are coming out with a competitive option of wood fiber and plastics to provide options for the designers.

 

5. CONTEMPORARY DESIGN BECOMING MORE THE NORM: The days of the traditional home are waning with the increase of the younger boomers and the next wave of retiring working their way into the +55 housing market.

 

6. AMENITIES, AMENITIES, AMENITIES: For the +55 Housing purchaser, the amenities are a big part of what attracts them to a particular community. Open spaces, Hospitality-driven, Clean design, thoughtful layouts (open floor plans for units or homes) encompassing a community feeling.

 

7. AFFORDABLE LIVING: The need for the ‘B’ and ‘C’ level communities to help provide the necessary living for the resident that is not able to afford luxury fees.