At this year’s International Builders Show, Marvin and Integrity Windows and Doors showed off several new and improved products for 2010: the Ultimate Lift and Slide Door,  a retractable screen for our Ultimate Casement and Awning windows, the Ultimate Push Out French Casement and the Integrity All Ultrex Casement and Awning windows. Home improvement expert [...]

The energy-efficiency tax credit our federal government is offering homeowners will continue to be a driving force for much of the building and remodeling industry, and that’s evident from the focus on efficiency at the 2010 International Builders Show. The tax credit gives homeowners back 30 percent — up to $1,500 — when they install [...]

After spending the week with architects, builders and suppliers at the International Builders Show, Lou Manfredini files this report on the industry’s outlook for 2010. Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, foresees growth in “green building” — perhaps no surprise, driven by consumers’ desire for green products. Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows, is [...]

Continuing his reporting from the International Builders Show, Lou Manfredini uncovers some of the more innovative products on the show floor. He meets with a representative from Bosch Appliances to learn about their new dishwasher, which operates with a focus on efficient use of energy and water. Lou also gets an introduction to a home [...]

As part of the myMarvin campaign, Marvin Windows asked author and architect Sarah Susanka to design her dream window — then we built it. Now, at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, she sees the completed window on display. For more information go to mymarvin.com.

The Sears cookie ladies have been one of the sensations of IBS, and they didn’t even know it. They’ve been so busy baking 4,800 cookies a day in their Kenmore oven that they didn’t realize showgoers have been tweeting about them practically nonstop. So here’s a little well-deserved recognition for (from left) Dawn, Anna and [...]

Lou Manfredini reports from the show floor at IBS on Wednesday, “Green Day.” Sponsored by Marvin Windows, the day is focused on a number of sustainability and efficiency-related topics. Lou shows us a residential wind turbine from Windtronics as well as GAF’s reflective shingles and ventilation systems for cooling your roof — thereby reducing cooling [...]

Marvin’s sliding patio and sliding French doors now have an innovative option with the addition of the Low Profile Sill.   Just ¾” off the base flooring, the Low Profile Sill provides an easy transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.  Those looking for a clean look will appreciate the Low Profile Sill’s flush profile. The Low [...]

More than 80 million U.S. residents belong to the Baby Boom generation, born between 1946 and 1964 – and more than 8,000 of them turn 60 every day. This aging demographic has dramatic implications for the homebuilding industry. Consider these findings from a recent study of older Americans (age 55 and up) by the Mature [...]

  Now here’s a great reason to bring your bathing suit to the Builders’ Show — I sure wish I could have jumped in and tried the Fountainhead VibrAcoustic Bath from Kohler. The tub combines water, vibrations and sound to create a unique bathing experience. The vibrations sweep through the water in concert with the music. [...]