The past year, we’ve seen innovative new smart technologies emerge both in the home and on the jobsite and learned that green, healthy homes are a top priority for buyers. With these trends, a variety of new home products and building materials hit the market, and builders were interested to know about construction apps, the best green products, interesting innovative products that could prove to be industry game changers, and products and technologies that were going to be “the next big thing” and maybe take the market by storm in 2017.
BUILDER rounded up our 10 most popular product stories of the past year, as determined by what our readers read most. Here are the industry’s favorites of 2016.
1. Three Field-Ready Construction Apps
Mobile apps, which allow managers to work from the road, have changed the way construction managers do business. Here are three of the best for staying organized on the jobsite.
2. BUILDER’s 2016 Father’s Day Gift Guide
For handy work or just hanging out, BUILDER’s Lauren Hunter presented readers with 10 gift ideas for dad last June.
3. Five Up-And-Coming Building Products
Never heard of Kite Bricks or Gigacrete? A few years from now they may be the next big thing in residential construction. BUILDER tracked down five alternative construction methods that are gaining ground among builders because they help them to save time, money, headaches—or all of the above—while also producing better results for their homeowners.
4. New Drywall Product Keeps Noise Levels Down
Home buyers love big, open living spaces and tall ceilings but these design details can cause big problems with noises that reverberate around the home. CertainTeed’s easy-to-install product helps combat a common nuisance for builders and their buyers: indoor noise.
5. The Next Big Thing: Healthy Homes
Many building pros have been reluctant to offer health and wellness features because they think they will cost more and interfere with schedules and budgets. But buyers are demanding–and paying more for–homes that don’t make them sick.
6. PCBC’s 20 Most Innovative Products
The winners of PCBC’s Parade of Products Award illustrate the originality and inventiveness of building industry manufacturers, say the judges.
7. The Next Big Thing Isn’t a Gadget
Blaine Brownell spoke at our HIVE 206 conference in September where he explored products of the future and explained where the future of residential building is headed.
8. Product Finds from IBS/KBIS 2016
In this final day wrap up of the International Builders’ Show in January, our editors power through the show floor to find the best products on display.
9. Six Affordable Smart Home Security Solutions
Homeowners without security systems are about three times more likely to be broken into. Give your buyers peace of mind with one of these inexpensive tech products.
10. New Product Makes Backyards Mosquito Free
A new mosquito-repellent system from NuTone allows homeowners to enjoy the outdoors more.
