Southeastern Building Conference "“ Homeowners Welcome

© SEBC

It's no secret that tradeshows are fertile grounds for growth.  While attendees can learn about new products and services, vendors can learn about the needs and interests of the people they serve. Last week the Southeastern Building Conference (SEBC) returned to Orlando and homeowners, builders, and related trades people mingled.

With the BP calamity at hand, the "green" theme was particularly heartfelt. Green products dominated the exhibits and incentive programs helped sweeten the deal. But green can be a difficult sell if a product isn"™t aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. I was intrigued with LG"™s duct-free air conditioning system "ArtCool" that offers both high-performance (and thus lower energy cost) and customized beauty. This innovative product allows you to insert artwork into the front panel of the small, wall-hung unit thereby hiding the fact that it is an air conditioner. I was also pleased to learn that CertainTeed and Dow Chemical have developed solar roofing products that are unobtrusive. These companies integrate a thin-film photovoltaic system into shingles. FusionSolar incorporates its solar system into standing-seam metal roofing. Another energy-efficient and nice-looking product is Solarbord"•a roof sheathing product that reflects up to 97% of the sun"™s radiant energy. These are only a few of the many products that can enhance your home and enrich your savings through reduced energy expenditures.    

Whether you plan to remodel, repair, or build new, it's always a good idea to research what is new in the market"•including green products that have become more affordable in recent years. Home shows as well as builder tradeshows are great venues for this information.