Knowing that our future depends on builders is reason enough to attend their best exhibition, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders Show (IBS). Understanding the technology that they adopt, the changes impacting them, and the shape of their new products helps us serve them better. Because we are just one of the thousands of trades there, attending this show requires extensive preparation, and excellent stamina. But it is exciting to witness the magnificent displays (Kohler’s for example) at one of the largest exhibitions in the world, and learn a great deal along the way.
Start with a “Building Knowledge Session” that may appeal to you. In recent years, these included a presentation on proper lifting and installation of trusses, and the increased scrutiny by OSHA inspectors. This year, “Cross Laminated Timber” attracted my interest, and was also featured on the exhibition floor. Though targeted at multi-family and high rise commercial projects, this product vastly expands the reach of wood framing, and three U.S. plants are under construction, one by International Beam in the South.
Secondly, go see the Architectural Design and Estimating Software exhibits. These will wow you with realistic depictions of nearly every part of a home, accompanied by intricate Bills of Material (BOM). You’ll see “free” programs, such as SketchUp (which can quickly render 3D plant layouts), originally developed by Google; and industry standby’s such as Cadsoft and Chief Architect that offer photo-realistic walk-throughs. Like truss software, these products keep growing their user base and enriching their capabilities. Now several have “baked-in” building code rules for egress and required clearances.
Close to the software booths are technical innovations that may benefit us in the near term, such as “employee time tracking via mobile phone”, a time clock for remote associates, or GPS enabled trackers for drivers. Affordable wearable devices are becoming available, which will soon enable more accurate tracking of plant labor, and ultimately improve job costing.
If you bring your spouse, or have an architectural inclination, you must see the featured Show Home. For the past several years, flat roofs have been their most distinctive structural feature. The 2015 Home, sponsored by 84 Lumber, showcased floor and flat roof trusses. And finally this year, a typical Florida hip roof was displayed. Prior to visiting the home site, view the several phases of construction via YouTube videos to admire how well trusses accommodate the extensive mechanical systems employed. While onsite, enjoy the million dollar accoutrements.
The easiest path to the Show runs through your local home builders group. Your association typically has a block of hotel rooms and a reception where you can meet your potential or existing customers. For the next two years, you’ll have to avoid the distractions of Las Vegas, and focus on the show, which will be held February 19–21, 2019. Don’t forget your running shoes!