The 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is in Vegas from Feb 25 – 27. After a long day at the show and before evening social events, take a culinary journey through the hottest and newest dining destinations to hit the area.
#1 Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant
Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt offers the latest dining spot to hit Resorts World, Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant. Dine like a high roller as you order from an extensive menu ranging from caviar and antipasti to entrees and more.
#2 Beerhaus
Whether you’re a beer nerd or casual drinker, Beerhaus, inside New York New York, is a fresh take on a classic beer hall. With a promise to find your favorite beverages, grab your choice cold and order savory sausages, sandwiches or snacks with hormone-free meat and locally sourced produce. Participate in trivia or watch the biggest game of the year indoors or on the outdoor patio.
#3 Canteen Food Hall
Canteen Food Hall inside the Rio Hotel & Casino is an upscale adult food court with six eateries, including Southland Burrito Co., Shogun Ramen, Tony Luke’s (a cheesesteak chain), Tender Crush (a chicken tender concept from the people behind Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer), Nama Nama (a sushi spot) and Attaboy Burger.
#4 Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant
Send your tastebuds south of the border at Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant to immerse yourself in the diverse flavors of coastal Mexican cuisine and spirits. Mijo puts an unconventional twist on prime meats, fresh whole fish, decadent desserts and elevated street food favorites. Explore Mexico’s most beloved spirits with Mijo’s one-of-a-kind tequila and mezcal program guided by “catadores,” tequila experts, and find hidden gems in tequila lockers.
#5 Ole Red Las Vegas
Country star Blake Shelton has begun his restaurant residency at Ole Red Las Vegas in the Horseshoe. Dine on delicious food or catch some live entertainment with a fun music-venue-meets-restaurant vibe. It’s also the venue for the IBS Young Pro Party for our industry pros under 40.
#6 Orla
Chef Michael Mina combines timeless flavors and textures to create culinary genius in his brand-new Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, inside Mandalay Bay. Embark on a dining journey with seafood, charcoal-roasted meats and zesty vegetables.
#7 Vic’s
Vic’s downtown is where jazz club meets supper club. Socialize, drink, dine and enjoy music by national and local jazz artists. Vic’s is a culinary experience like no other – adding new twists and eclectic flavors to Italian and American favorites.
After the Builders’ Show ends for the day, explore, indulge and savor the flavors of Las Vegas, where dining is not just a meal but a culinary adventure.
Download the IBS 2025 App from your app store! It’s the best way to ensure you see, do and experience everything you want to at the Builders’ Show in Vegas.
What Do Attendees Do at the Builders’ Show?
The Builders’ Show is massive and spread out over three halls in the convention center. This year is the biggest show in 15 years with 1,800+ companies, brands and exhibitors (which includes 739 new IBS exhibitors), spread over 720,000 net square feet. So that you can quickly and easily find the products and services that interest you the most, the Builders’ Show floor is segmented into six main product categories.
Connecting and networking with other industry pros is one of the biggest advantages of the show. There are receptions, parties and exciting events every day. Sprinkle in some networking opportunities by attending DCW Opening Ceremonies, Powered by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Featuring David Spade, buying tickets (if they’re not sold out already) for the Official IBS House Party and IBS Closing Concert, Sponsored by LG, Featuring Chris Janson.
Make time to visit one (or more) of six IBS Centrals. Centrals are open to all IBS registered attendees: Remodeling, Custom Building, Multifamily, 55+ Housing, Design and Sales.
What You Can Do with the IBS App
The IBS App is the quickest and easiest way to find everything happening at the show. It’s your mobile guide to the Builders’ Show.
With the app, you can:
- Search the 1,800+ exhibitors to find the ones that interest you.
- Choose the education sessions you want to attend from the 120+ options.
- Create your daily show schedule so you won’t miss a minute!
- Add your education sessions, events and meetings to My Agenda so you have a daily plan in place, ready to execute.
- Network with other attendees to make new connections – possibly finding a new supplier or business partner.
- Receive real-time IBS alerts so you’re where you need to be and when you need to be there.
- Navigate the convention center to get you from one place to another.
How to Download, Set Up and Use the App
Download the IBS App on your smartphone or tablet. You can download the app at BuildersShow.com/app or go to your app store and search “IBS 2025.” If you’re registered for IBS 2025 and downloaded the IBS 2025 App, log in with your confirmation/badge ID and last name. When logged in, you can find everything IBS-related to events or education, create your schedule and more.
Find & Favorite IBS Education Sessions in the App
When you click on Education, education sessions are sub-divided by major track, speaker, type or professional interest. Once you choose a session, you can quickly and easily view descriptions, speakers and locations for the IBS Education sessions. To add an IBS Education session to your agenda, click the Add to My Agenda Button while in the education session. When you add an education session to My Agenda, you can view it in the IBS Schedule. You can also view all events via the IBS Schedule and apply filters.
Find & Favorite Exhibitors in the IBS App
Exhibitors are separated by segments, product categories, zones, Best of IBS™ Awards and Outdoor Exhibits. You can also view IBS Exhibitors by show specials, celebrities or new products. When you tap on the exhibitor listing, you can find contact information, booth number, social media connections and exhibitor-provided materials, such as brochures. To add an IBS Exhibitor to your Favorites, tap the star next to Add to Favorites while in the exhibitor listing or the star next to the exhibitor in the All Exhibitors listing. You can find your favorite exhibitors in the My Favorites section of the app. At the show use the map to find exhibitor booths and navigate between locations.
How to Create Your Daily Schedule in the App
Creating your schedule for the show is simple and easy using the IBS App. Tap the Add to My Agenda in the IBS Education session, event or meeting you want to attend during the show. When you favorite any events in the app, it automatically adds it to your agenda. You can access your daily show schedule under the My Agenda tab of the app. If you add a speaker or exhibitor to your favorites, these show under the My Favorites tab of the IBS Schedule in the app.
How to Set a Meeting or Event Reminder in the App
Next to the meeting or event in the app is a bell icon. If you click on the bell icon, this sets a reminder in the app. You receive a notification reminder five minutes before the event or meeting begins.
IBS App User Tips:
- Tap the Add to My Agenda to add a session, event or speaker to your agenda in the IBS Schedule section of the app.
- Tap the star to add an exhibitor to your Favorites.
- You can add education sessions or meetings happening at the same time, then decide later which one to attend.
- The app will also check your agenda for free time slots and make suggestions in that section.
- You can add notes to an individual education session in the app. It is a great way to jot down short notes, reminders and names of people or products you want to look up later. You can save the notes and/or email them to yourself. You can email and share the notes by individual session or all your notes by tapping the “Share” icon.
- Use the map feature in the app to navigate the show floor. Zoom in to read the names of exhibitors, booth numbers and rooms. Tap on a room to see all the events happening there. The best way to view the map is to turn the device to landscape view and zoom in and out.
Any time you have a question, you can use the search feature in the app to find information on show hours, safety and security, The New American Home®, Design & Construction Week®, IBS Centrals, transportation and much more. You can also receive real-time alerts about what’s happening at the show, such as giveaways. Set your notification preferences so you don’t miss a thing!
With sustainability being a top priority these days, eco-conscious homeowners are seeking materials that reduce environmental impact, offer durability and embrace an aesthetic that promotes comfort and well-being. Enter: the practice of biophilic architecture. But what exactly is biophilia? How does it translate to architecture and design?
Biophilia is defined as ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life and nature’. Originating from Greek, it translates literally as ‘love of life’. In a design context, the concept of biophilia refers to architecture that mimics natural environments to enhance and improve well-being. While this concept has been around for a long time, its popularity has grown in recent years as we as a society begin to prioritize mental health and physical welfare.
However, biophilic design is about more than just plants. It’s about designing homes that breathe, that feel alive in the way they interact with their surroundings. Imagine sunlight pouring through oversized windows, warming floors made of natural bamboo. Or perhaps a vertical garden climbing a wall in your living room, its greenery softening the edges of modern furniture. This connection to nature isn’t just aesthetic; it’s practical. Materials like wood, stone and brick are being chosen not only for their appeal, but also for their sustainability. Builders and homeowners are looking for choices that are kind to the environment, favoring durability and renewability over the disposable trends of the past.
Studies show that exposure to nature — even in small doses — can reduce stress, enhance creativity and improve overall well-being. Biophilic design applies this principle by integrating natural elements into the home, creating environments that promote health and tranquility.
Some popular methods of incorporating this philosophy in a build are installing large windows and sliding glass doors, or constructing atriums which diminish the boundary between inside and out, filling spaces with natural light and views of the world beyond. For those who wish to add an even more dramatic flair to their living spaces, vertical gardens can be included to bring a literal breath of fresh air into interiors while acting as a dynamic design feature.
Natural materials such as bamboo flooring, wooden beams and stone accents provide tactile connections to nature. Brick, with its organic texture and earthy tones, is a premium choice for walls and flooring. The embrace of these materials also aligns with a broader focus on sustainability as homeowners seek materials that not only look good but also have a minimal environmental footprint. Bamboo, reclaimed wood and sustainably sourced bricks offer beauty and durability while supporting eco-friendly practices.
One thing is clear: 2025 isn’t just about how homes look. It’s about how they feel, and perhaps even more importantly, how they make us feel. It’s about stepping into a room with a sense of serenity, knowing that every element has been chosen with care. It’s about walking up to a house and seeing not just a structure but a story. And it’s about creating spaces that honor the world around us while embracing the lives we live within them. This is the future of design — a future that feels like home.
NJ Directive 15 serves as a critical cornerstone in ensuring homebuyers in New Jersey receive the full benefits of their home warranty. The state has been clear in its intent to enforce this directive, prioritizing consumer protection and holding builders accountable for compliance with established guidelines. For builders, adherence to these regulations is not just about maintaining licensing but safeguarding their reputation and financial stability.
At Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC), we understand the challenges builders face in navigating these requirements. As the preferred home warranty company in New Jersey, we work closely with the state to ensure all procedures align with NJ Directive 15. Our role is to protect both builders and consumers by diligently guiding our partners through the compliance process, helping to avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize their operations.
Builders who fail to meet the expectations set forth in Directive 15 risk more than fines or penalties—they risk damaging their reputation and eroding trust with their clients. With decades of experience operating in New Jersey, RWC provides the expertise and support necessary to help builders streamline their processes, ensuring state mandates are met with efficiency and accuracy.
We encourage builders to leverage our knowledge and resources to navigate these challenges effectively. RWC is committed to making compliance with NJ Directive 15 as straightforward as possible, protecting your business while meeting the state’s rigorous standards.
When you partner with RWC, you gain more than a warranty provider; you gain a trusted advocate dedicated to ensuring your success in New Jersey’s dynamic housing market. Let us help you stay compliant, protect your license, and build with confidence. Together, we can uphold the highest standards in home construction and warranty service.
For more info on how the process works with your RWC warranty, click here.
Reprinted from nahb.org
INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW
FEBURARY 25-27, 2025
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
Is 2025 your first time attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS)? The Builders’ Show is an experience packed with innovation, learning opportunities, networking and fun. As a first timer, the Builders’ Show can be an overwhelming experience – from the sheer size and everything happening at the show – but it doesn’t have to be. Use this insider’s guide for the must-see and do things and some tips to make the most of your IBS experience. This is not a comprehensive list of everything, but rather some top stops on your show agenda.
- Special Events: IBS is known for its impressive lineup of special events that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether it’s an informative pre-show learning opportunity by a respected industry expert, a celebrity keynote speech or an awards ceremony add some of these events to your schedule. Events like the Official IBS House Party, Young Pro Party and NAHB Award ceremonies, such as the Best in American Living™ Awards and The Nationals are ticketed events that often sell out, so buying tickets as soon as possible is best.
- New Product Zone: Make sure you have the New Product Zone as a stop on your show plan to witness the latest and greatest residential construction products and technologies making their grand debut. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to discover the next industry-changing innovation. This area tends to get crowded, so try to visit early in the day for the best experience.
- Segments on the Show Floor & Outdoor Exhibits: For the second year, the exhibit show floor is separated into 6 categories and then there’s the Outdoor Exhibits. With 1,700+ exhibitors, it’s impossible to visit every one of them. Instead, look at the exhibitor list or floor plans ahead of time. Identify the categories or exhibitors you want to visit so you know before you go where to concentrate your times on the show floor.
- Demo Zones: Live demonstrations in the Construction Performance Zone and the Craft Techniques Zone are hot spots at the Builders’ Show. Step into the Construction Performance Zone to see industry experts reveal industry best practices for building more durable, efficient, higher-quality homes. Explore the details and finishes that complete a home in the Craft Techniques Zone. There’s a variety of interactive demos you can participate in these zones.
- IBS Education: One of the biggest draws to the Builders’ Show is the 120+ IBS Education sessions, where you can learn strategies and discover new trends directly from industry experts. As an NAHB Member who is a first-time attendee, you can enjoy an Expo+Education Pass at a greatly reduced rate, which gives you access to the show floor AND 120+ IBS Education sessions.
To read more about these IBS sessions and learn about the IBS mobile app check out the nahb.org website blog: https://blog.buildersshow.com/
If you're heading to the Builders' Show, don’t forget to stop by RWC's booth #W3955 and say hi. We'd love to catch up, and while you're there, be sure give our prize wheel a spin for a shot at winning great swag or cash prizes! Chat with one of the Account Executives and make sure you're tuned into all of the great services we offer, all under one roof. Plus - hot tip - if you're not yet part of RWC’s Incentive Program, be sure to ask about it—it’s a great way to earn cash back on your good claims experiences, get the best rates, and save money on annual membership fees.
There are many components that go into designing your dream home. Historically, reigning considerations have included the amount of storage space, natural light, open floor plans, outdoor living areas, energy efficiency, a well-designed kitchen layout, ample bathroom facilities, a dedicated laundry area and externally, the surrounding environment and location, including access to amenities and the general neighborhood vibe. However, a surprising new factor is emerging with those who are building homes – and that is the comfort of their pet.
In a survey done by Houzz of approximately 1,000 pet owners, it was discovered that nearly half (48%) prioritize pets in their decision-making process when designing their home. Barkitecture is the term used in reference to the recent trend of constructing residences - whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating special areas - to make family dogs and cats feel more at home.
Prospective homeowners often start with the classic elements of barkitecture, such as durable flooring choices. Choosing to go with luxury vinyl plank flooring in lieu of easily scratched hardwood or hard-to-clean carpet, or if carpet is required, selecting a rug that matches the color of the pet’s fur are common decisions. However, many have elevated their designs to the next level with home additions like built-in dog washing stations, plush and padded sleeping nooks, dedicated eating areas, or for the very lucky feline – catios (safely enclosed open air spaces that can include multi-level climbing and resting spots).
While pets have been altering the way homes look for a long time, these changes seem to be getting bigger and more extravagant every year!
Evaluating Risk Retention Groups Against Property and Casualty Insurers
RWC prioritizes providing members with strong insurance backing to ensure peace of mind and security. This robust support not only protects our members' investments but also reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable coverage and service, safeguarding them against unforeseen issues. That’s why RWC has backed its warranties with a Risk Retention Group (RRG) since 1990.
You see, Property and Casualty (P&C) coverage can be extremely volatile both in terms of rates and continuity. When using a P&C carrier, a warranty company’s rate structure is vulnerable to rate increases derived from losses in totally unrelated industries. For example, the country has seen more than its fair share of both natural disasters and environmental catastrophes. Consider the losses caused by the recent hurricanes. If a P&C company suffers huge losses in even one of these events, the company’s rating may drop and it may be compelled to raise its insurance rates across all its lines of coverage. The end result is that a builder’s warranty rate goes up even though the warranty company’s loss ratio may be extremely low.
RWC also discovered that P&C carriers are quick to drop blocks of business for a variety of reasons: too little premium generated, changes in corporate strategy, etc. If a P&C insurer chooses not to renew its master policy, the warranty company is left scrambling for a replacement.
With an RRG, only one type of risk is insured - in this case, that means new home warranties and general liability insurance issued by RWC for our member builders exclusively. Consequently, our rates are based solely on our own loss ratio. If we continue to keep control of claims and continue to stringently screen members for quality, RWC will be able to maintain a sound and economically competitive rate structure. Oil tankers running aground or category 4/5 hurricanes will have no effect on the cost of a new home warranty or the strength of the insurance company.
Additionally, RRG’s are not fly-by-night organizations that are easily formed. Not only are they subject to insurance laws in their own domiciliary state, but they must also fulfill certain criteria before offering insurance in any other state. For example, each RRG must submit a copy of its plan of operation to the insurance commissioner of each state in which it intends to do business. It must also submit a copy of its annual financial statement to each state. Formation involves licensing, ownership and membership requirements. Failure to adhere to the strict mandates can subject groups to claims of unauthorized insurance activity.
We feel our members deserve an insurance structure that is committed to our program for the long haul. It is our philosophy that warranties insured with a stable RRG will provide our builders and their homeowners with secure and reliable coverage for 5 years, 10 years and beyond.
More than a century ago, Americans were fascinated by the speed and convenience of personal, motorized travel. Rather than feeding, housing and otherwise caring for horses that needed prepped for riding or drawing a carriage and would take a long time to get to their destinations, automobiles offered a vastly more convenient mode of transportation. In place of lining up for a spot on a crowded streetcar or feeding a horse that needed fuel to live and not just to carry its owner, car owners purchased gasoline that would be used only while the car was operated, and the car was always at the owner’s beck and call. There was no need to worry about illness or vet bills and no mucking of stalls. A car could be parked in front of one’s house, eliminating the need for a barn or a meadow where a horse could sleep and eat. The more urban car owner no longer had to race downtown to catch public transportation.
While that first generation of motor cars had many doubters, in less than a decade most people could see that automotive travel was the wave of the future. Nearly every household wanted a car. The problem was that few could afford to own one. In 1915, the average annual pay for a man was $687. The average pay for a woman was about half that. Meanwhile, a typical car cost $2,005, nearly three years wages for the average man. The disparity between what people earned and how much cars cost made it impossible for most Americans to purchase a car.
Some American entrepreneurs, recognizing the seemingly unquenchable thirst for cars in our country, searched for ways to satisfy that thirst while generating profits for themselves. Most prominent among them was Henry Ford. In 1913 and 1914 Ford put his assembly line into operation and worked to perfect it so that he could bring the reality of automobile ownership to the masses and make a killing for himself in the process. Already producing one of the more affordable everyman’s cars, the Model T, Ford’s assembly line lowered the cost of manufacturing that popular model by more than 65 %. Within a couple of years Ford had reduced the price of the Model T to $360. For nineteen years Ford manufactured the Model T and sold 15 million of them, which was half of the automobiles manufactured in the world during that time.
Today there is a housing shortage in our country that has been forming for more than a decade. Following the boom-and-bust cycle that ended in 2008, the United States had an excess of available housing. Then, as the new home construction industry reeled from the aftereffects of the bust, builders were not able to keep up with the rising demand for new homes. Indeed, from 2012 to 2022, 6.5 million more households were formed than new homes were built. The Covid-19 pandemic and the financial and labor issues that flowed from it have only exacerbated the problem. Housing experts estimate that the shortage of available housing today approaches seven million homes. Not only are builders not building enough homes, but potential buyers are finding it difficult to afford the homes that are being built.
More than a century after Henry Ford revolutionized the auto industry by mass producing the Model T,there is another seemingly unquenchable thirst in our country—not for cars this time, but for homes. Ford designed a car for the masses and figured out a way to spend less in the manufacturing process and thus was able to meet his customers at a price point they could afford. We believe today’s builders can take a similar approach to quenching America’s thirst for housing.
Seniors who are downsizing and younger first-time home buyers want homes with a smaller and cozier footprint than they did a generation ago. Homes built in clusters in mixed use developments are more popular now with some buyers than the large single-family homes with half acre lots that dominated the market twenty years ago. Smaller homes with simpler layouts and roof designs on smaller lots could be the product that not only appeals to more of today’s buyers, but also can be afforded by today’s buyers. Like Ford’s Model T, these homes could be the backbone of any builder’s inventory.
Affordability was only one reason for Henry Ford’s triumph. Another was a leaner and more cost-effective method of manufacturing his cars. The manufacture and use of modular housing components is one way a builder can reduce costs. Another is the repetitive design of, for example, row homes. The row functions like an assembly line, except that the tradesmen move along the row rather than the items to be worked on passing in front of them.
There is a thirst in the land for affordable housing. Whether using Henry Ford’s ideas, some of ours, or better ones, we know that our member builders will quench that thirst and provide another generation of Americans with high quality and affordable new homes. When those homes are built, do yourself and your buyers a favor and place an RWC warranty on every home you sell.
Over nearly four and a half decades RWC has provided warranty protection on more than four million homes. We offer a wide variety of warranty options like our standard ten-year warranty, our Day 1 coverage warranty, our extended appliance and system warranties, and our specialty warranties for remodeling projects, detached garages, and commercial construction. Only RWC has developed and offers its members a customized state warranty that mirrors each state’s statute of repose and accommodates other state specific issues. All RWC warranties provide clear performance standards that help create realistic homeowner expectations and provide a road map to resolve even the stickiest customer complaints.
At RWC, every guarantee our warranties make is backed by Western Pacific Mutual Insurance Company, RRG. Western Pacific has an "A- (Excellent)"rating from A. M. Best and only insures home warranty and similar new home construction risks, like builders’ general liability, which can be offered through the RWC Insurance Advantage program to RWC members. No other warranty company has an insurer with this kind of strength solely dedicated to covering builders and their homes.
There are a lot of thirsty homebuyers waiting out there for you. Go build their homes and leave your warranty concerns to us. We’ve got you covered!
Have a great fall and winter!
Extended warranty coverage on appliances and systems is an excellent approach to add an extra level of protection to the homes you build. Even brand-new appliances can sometimes be unreliable, and our aim is to ensure both you and your buyers feel more at ease and have heightened confidence in their new home.
Did you know that as a member of the RWC warranty program, you are automatically approved to offer your homeowners our Key Estates Extended Warranty without paying additional membership fees. And best of all, you can start enrolling homes today at www.KeyEstatesWarranty.com/builders.
Buyers want a worry-free living experience, especially in a brand-new home, so if a covered item fails, Key Estatehttps://www.rwcwarranty.com/builders/key-estates/s will be there to ease the financial burden of repair or replacement.
You'll find we do a few things differently than the other warranty folks. For example, coverage is flexible, there are no black out areas, and homeowners can use the repair provider of their choice to perform service work if needed. We do not force them to choose from a limited pool of technicians.
Our extended warranty benefits you as a builder, too, by enhancing your reputation and credibility. Offering a high-quality, affordable warranty shows your commitment to long-term value. Plus, when issues arise post-settlement, homeowners contact Key Estates directly—not you—so we help take those post-sale hassles and concerns off your plate. Peace of mind for homeowners means more signed contracts for you.
Feel free to contact your Account Executive with any questions, call 866-394-5135 x2188, or email sales@KeyEstatesWarranty.com.
Reprinted from nahb.org
Nearly all construction sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall openings or floor holes at some point, which pose a hazard to the workers moving around the jobsite. These openings and sides MUST be protected with guardrails or covers.
Safe Work Practices:
- Guardrails must always be installed around openings in floors, and across openings of walls and windows greater than 18", when the work area is 6 ft. or more above a lower level.
- For window openings with a 6 ft. fall hazard, guardrails must be installed if the bottom sill height is less than 39".
- A complete guardrail system consists of: 1) a top rail; 2) a midrail; and 3) a toeboard.
- Install top rails at 42" high, with midrails placed halfway between the top of the guardrail top rail and the floor or walking/working surface.
- Install toeboards a minimum of 4" along the edge of the walking or working surface to protect from falling debris and objects, such as tools or materials.
- Any stairway with four or more risers or a height of more than 30" must be protected by a guardrail system, also known as stair rails.
- Any 2" or greater opening in the floor must be protected and covered.