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Adapted from articles on builderonline.com and nahb.org

Data collection and organization. Design changes. Smart home automation. To be competitive in this challenging market, builders need to make the most of every project opportunity, and artificial intelligence could be a game changer. The possibilities associated with artificial intelligence (AI) are endless as various industries search for ways to implement it into daily tasks. The home building industry is no exception as developers create various solutions to common home builder issues. From the juggling of paperwork and data storage to securing material bids or design plans, startups are arriving with answers to everyday stresses and challenges.

While AI can certainly be a valuable tool, human touch is still needed to not only develop these technologies but see each solution through to completion. Below, learn six ways AI can improve the new-home construction process for builders and their teams.

  1. Creating a Home’s Digital Copy
    AI can help organize the build process through room segmentation and data association by ingesting messy build documentation (selections, change orders, etc.), then collecting and organizing everything to create the most accurate representation of the home. AI-enriched file management enables builders to work more efficiently and easily hand off each home’s information to homeowners in a highly organized and interactive digital copy. Users can drop files onto a space on a floor plan enabling spatially associated selections for each room. Additionally, users can store files, that will then be associated with the correct room (e.g., bathroom #1) on the floor plan.
  2. Streamlining Bidding and Sourcing
    Procurement software can help builders gather bids, find materials and niche suppliers—including sustainable, minority-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses—order materials on a predictive schedule, and make change orders with a click of a button.
  3. Supporting Customers and Sales
    In terms of customer service and sales, AI can help new-home sales teams answer questions through chatbots at all hours of the day. Chatbots (also refered to as digital assistants) can meet buyers wherever they are in their journey—without the pressure of live chat solutions. Home buyers are two to three times more likely to engage with a chatbot versus live chat because of the ability to immediately get answers to their questions. Builders can implement a chatbot to operate autonomously, guiding a buyer until they have indicated that they are interested, at which point a live representative could take over the process.
  4. Keeping Jobsites Safe
    AI also plays a significant role in enhancing on-site safety. Construction sites can be monitored in real-time, identifying safety hazards such as workers not wearing protective gear or machinery operating outside safe parameters. AI systems can then alert site managers immediately, helping to prevent accidents and improve overall safety compliance. AI object detection can also recognize specific vehicle types and license plates, handle access control, and verify deliveries for management. AI proximity advisories are also sent when workers are close to energized equipment keeping workers aware of their surroundings and allowing in-person safety site visits the option of remote inspection.
  5. Simplifying Interior Design Choices
    To envision how an area will look, AI systems such as Planner 5D can simplify interior design projects by allowing builders or architects to brainstorm ideas without investing excessive time or effort. By uploading a picture of an area, users receive multiple options for a potential space, and it can serve as a collaboration tool between builders, designers, and clients. Once an image is uploaded, users are asked to specify the type of space: a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office, living room, or children's room. Builders or designers can experiment with various formats and see how the space could potentially appear if its functionality were changed. The end results might even inspire users to reconsider the room's layout unexpectedly.
  6. Automating Smart Home Tech
    As builders continue adding and prioritizing smart-home solutions in their new-build packages, there’s an increased focus on smart-home technology automation and how AI can help. Some industry professionals foresee “smart power” becoming a bigger part of what drives the smart-home market. It is believed that AI will significantly influence the next wave of smart-home technology. Where current products require manual programming in order to be automated, AI and machine learning have the potential to enable solutions that provide true home automation. This has the potential to be an exciting development in the industry that can adapt and offer efficiencies based on a customer’s habits, usage, and preferences.

The continued development of AI technologies presents an opportunity for the construction sector to fundamentally reimagine its processes and operations. As more companies recognize the value of these tools, the industry will likely see a shift toward more data-driven, efficient, and innovative ways of working, ultimately benefiting both businesses and their clients.

Your client has saved and budgeted and finally pulled the trigger on financing their brand-new home construction. It’s all smooth sailing from here, right? Perhaps not, as “life happens” even when things are brand new.

That’s where a warranty – and Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC) – come in!

RWC offers a comprehensive array of products to help you choose the right solution for your company and in turn, your clients. But even with all that is in place to protect them and their home, it is important to make sure there is transparency regarding what exactly is and isn’t covered.

Some new homeowners may call for help regarding a nail pop, a faulty door hinge, or some other issue that is beyond the scope of the warranty coverage. Others may have unrealistic expectations regarding the natural wear and tear that occurs to a structure over time, or damages that are a result of improper maintenance on their part. This is where the clarity of a written warranty is crucial, as it indisputably outlines what you as a builder are responsible for and what you are not. When buyers know what to expect, they’re less likely to ask you to address issues that aren’t truly issues at all, and that can save you unnecessary stress, time and money. Beyond that, a well-educated client will be a happier client, which will enhance your reputation as a builder.

Even with the detailed explanations of coverage that are in each RWC warranty, situations may still arise where the homeowner does not see eye-to-eye with you regarding a problem. If you are at an impasse, you can still turn to the warranty book. It clearly outlines the responsibilities of the builder, homeowner, and the warranty company; and provides instructions on how to handle the matter at hand. And RWC offers neutral third-party mediation at no cost to help reach a fair and reasonable agreement.

Establishing and defining expectations is crucial to your success, and an RWC Warranty is an excellent way to do so. It provides a clear solution to qualified structural defects, which gives your buyers confidence in you and peace of mind for their home, and the future of their family.

In a city where dreams go to die and wallets go to empty, the RWC sales force excelled at everything (except at the bowling alley).

The RWC sales team recently returned from Las Vegas with heads held high after a productive showing at the International Builders Show 2025. While Vegas might be designed to separate fools from their money, our team managed to separate potential clients from their contact information with impressive efficiency.

STACI COOL: OUR DESERVING CHAMPION

In a well-earned recognition that surprised absolutely no one who works with her, Staci Cool claimed the National Account Executive of the Year award. Cool, who represents the company across multiple facets including as our national account executive for manufacturers, continues to demonstrate why she's such a valuable asset to both the team and company. Her contributions are genuinely appreciated, and this award simply confirms what we already knew.

The accolades were spread across the table, including Freddy Pesquera who edged out Logan Canby for most new applications in a friendly but determined competition. Both representatives showed exceptional skill in connecting with potential clients, though Freddy ultimately claimed the top spot by a narrow margin.

BOWLING: OUR HIDDEN TALENT GAP

Las Vegas is never for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to after-hours activities. While our sales team approaches the bowling lanes with unbridled enthusiasm, we've never claimed to be particularly skilled at the game. What we lack in bowling technique, however, we more than make up for in team spirit and good-natured competition.

This year, the team may have collectively decided to focus on "enjoying the weather and company" after previous gambling adventures left certain unnamed team members explaining suspicious ATM withdrawals to their significant others. Sometimes the best Vegas experiences happen away from the casino floor.

THE NUMBERS: GENUINELY IMPRESSIVE

The show statistics reflect a team firing on all cylinders:

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Our team successfully connected with key representatives for productive conversation with builders from across the country, laying groundwork for future collaborations.

Competition maintained a modest presence this year with RWC taking the lead in presence in the New Home Structural Warranty field.

LOOKING AHEAD: ORLANDO AWAITS

Next year's show will be relocated to Orlando, providing a fresh venue for industry engagement. Our booth operations ran smoothly this year, though we're considering refreshing our giveaway items to maintain interest and engagement.

As we reflect on what was genuinely "one of the most efficient and well-executed experiences to date," the RWC sales team returns home with valuable connections, industry insights, and tangible opportunities for business growth. The coming months should reveal the full impact of our successful showing at this year's International Builders Show.

While some trends can be hard to predict, experts say there’s no doubt that 2025 is shaping up to be all about “Japandi” kitchens. If you haven’t heard of this style before, here is a good way to sum it up: Japandi is a fusion between the design philosophies of Scandinavian design, which is characterized by simplicity and functionality, and Japanese design, which is all about elegance and warmth. When brought together, it’s a beautiful fusion of clean lines, natural materials, and minimalism. The result? A kitchen that feels both serene and functional.

What makes Japandi ultra-appealing is how it creates an inviting vibe while keeping things simple and clutter-free. Japanese and Scandinavian styles both have an aesthetic with an overall ideology that less is more, taking the design and stripping it down to its essentials. Japandi is all about form and function without distraction. With people looking to make their spaces feel peaceful and promote wellness, Japandi’s mix of soft, neutral colors, nature-inspired materials like wood and stone, and carefully chosen decor really hits the mark.

What Does Japandi Look Like?
A shared element across both Scandinavian and Japanese design is nature: natural materials, colors found in nature. Materials in a Japandi-inspired kitchen lean toward organic elements like high-quality wood cabinets in light natural hues, rattan, bamboo, and even metal. This focus on nature gives the space a calm, grounded feel — something both design styles really emphasize separately. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between warmth and minimalism.

How to Incorporate the Japandi Trend into Your Kitchen
Aside from organic materials, there are plenty of other ways to add warmth and natural beauty to your space. The overall goal here is to create a cozy, peaceful kitchen that feels sophisticated and intentional — here are a few other expert ways you can do that.

Kitchen Colors
When it comes to color palettes for Japandi kitchens, neutrals are the key to nailing the style. Think: soft whites and grays, beiges, and other warm earth tones often found in nature. If you want to add some depth and contrast, try mixing in darker shades like charcoal or muted blues — they help ground the space without being too distracting. What’s great about this color palette is how versatile it is.

Cabinetry and Storage
Look for sleek, minimalist cabinets that seamlessly blend into the design. Japandi cabinetry is all about smooth and clean lines, but it also focuses on the functionality of the room. You will usually see this with flat panel doors in natural wood finishes, which have become super popular with this style. Open shelving will also be popular, but it’s not used quite as much. For additional storage, consider hidden compartments or soft-close drawers that’ll keep clutter hidden.

Kitchen Appliances and Hardware
Look for appliances with integrated designs or matte finishes in black, white, or stainless steel. This, when used with hardware in brushed brass, black, or brushed nickel, will work beautifully in this style, making the room feel elegant but not too bold. As for hardware, it’s all about simplicity and subtle elegance. Popular finishes like stone, textured tiles, light wood, and brushed stainless steel all give off a natural, earthy vibe — and would be great if you want to make an easy kitchen swap.

The Parmer Group has celebrated the start of 2025 by adding The Zigmund Company to its family of operations. The Zigmund Company is an independent insurance consulting business that, for over forty years, has provided its clients with analysis, advice, and risk management assistance related to their property, liability, professional, and workers compensation insurances. The Zigmund Company is now located at 5300 Derry Street, Harrisburg, and Courtney Scamardella, a long-time Zigmund consultant, will head up the operation.

The Parmer Group owns and/or operates Fine Line Homes, Residential Warranty Company, HOME of Texas, and Eastern Atlantic Insurance Company among other companies associated with the home building, warranty and insurance industries. The Parmer Group continues to expand its footprint in these industries and has found that each newly acquired company has made its sister companies and the overall operation stronger.

This is the fifth company the Parmer Group has acquired in the last fifteen months. Other recent acquisitions include Delaware Valley Plumbing of King of Prussia, PA, West End Hardware Supply Company of Voorhees, NJ, Musser Home Builders of Dillsburg, PA, and LTS Homes located in the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania.

At Residential Warranty Company, we know that home isn’t just about four walls: it’s about everything inside it, including your identity and even the title to your home. That’s why we’ve partnered with Iris to offer home title, cyber-attack, and identity theft early warning systems to our members.

One of the biggest threats homeowners face today is home title fraud where criminals forge documents and place liens against your home! Recovering from title fraud can be an expensive legal battle, and many homeowners don’t realize they have been victimized until it’s too late. That’s where RWC DataShield Protection comes in.

For just $10/month, RWC DataShield Protection provides:

Beyond title protection, RWC DataShield offers additional security benefits like Scam Assist and Personal Cyber Protection Services, giving homeowners a comprehensive defense against modern digital risks.

With our identity theft protection partnership, you get total peace of mind. We’re proud to help bring this essential layer of security to eligible RWC homeowners*, because protecting your home should also mean protecting the title to your home and your identity.

Curious to know more? Go to RWC DataShield to learn how to keep your assets protected.

*Not all builders are participating in this program.

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:

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:

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!

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.