The Remodeling Corner

Janet Cook

There are two major building and remodeling industry shows where vendors showcase their products for professionals: the International Builders Show (IBS), and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (KBIS). New products can be submitted to be recognized as a significant gain in technology and design. Here are some of our favorites that won the coveted 2021 awards.

Best in Show and Best Window Product at IBS: Easy Slide Operator by Pella Corporation. Pella has replaced the clunky hand crank to open and close a casement window with an innovative lever (like a large dimmer switch) which easily slides up and down. This ease of use is revolutionary.

Best in Show at KBIS: Dekton Craftizen Collection by Cosentino. This is a large format stucco material, the first of its kind, for application on floors and walls, both indoors and out. It has a texture and look mimicking Venetian stucco and is durable. It comes in five hues in tan, dark gray, powder white, red, and silver.

Best Home Technology Product and Best Indoor Product at IBS: 36-inch Dual Fuel Pro Range with Sous Vide, Induction, and Gas by Signature Kitchen Suite. Having both induction with two gas burners cuts down on heat output into the kitchen. This is the first of its kind with built-in sous vide functionality. Sous vide is low temperature cooking method with food sealed in silicone, glass, or plastic and submerged and heated to the exact temperature of the water, perfectly cooked throughout, moist, and flavorful.

Impact Gold Award at KBIS: Tandem LED by Task Lighting. Its unique two-wire system lets the homeowner adjust the desired lighting levels from a 2700K Warm White to 5000k Daylight White color temperature while being able to dim or brighten the light level as well. Options for operation include a wireless remote and the new WAV Smart Control System via a smartphone app.

Most Innovative Building Material at IBS: Ascend by Alside. This innovative Composite Cladding System has 20 fade-resistant colors of 7-inch-wide simulated wood grain planks for a home’s exterior. Its secret is the addition of glass fibers in its core that keeps it sturdy and lightweight. It is virtually maintenance-free with a limited lifetime warranty.

Impact Silver Award at KBIS: LG Studio WashTower by LG Electronics. This sleek, one unit/stacked washer and dryer can tackle ultra-large loads, with convenient controls, built-in intelligence, and advanced cleaning.

Happy home remodeling! Happy Independence Day! God bless America!

Janet Cook, certified aging in place specialist, president of Cook Remodeling (celebrating their 42nd year), invites you to check out their website for links and photos to these award-winning products.