As I entered the annual remodeling show last Thursday morning in Baltimore, Md., I was looking forward to finding out how many doors and windows might be on display, as I’d scanned an exhibitor list in advance and spotted several.

But, of course, we’re also always interested in the state of the market. And, while the show floor seemed to be filled with attendees, one unfortunate sign of the times was that, as you entered the show, there was a job board that had gathered quite a crowd.

About 10 minutes into the show, I ran into a long-time family friend—someone I’ve know for more than 20 years but hadn’t seen in the last couple of years—who is in both the new construction and the remodeling business. He advised me that, while he doesn’t take classes at these events, the Remodeling Show is always a great one to see the newest products.

“I’m an old guy and I’ve been in the business a long time,” he joked, “so I don’t really need all these courses. But I always want to see what’s new here.”

And I quickly found out he was right. Several door and window manufacturers were showing their latest wares, and it seems the trend was, of course, energy efficiency, as the tax credits for these products currently is set to expire at the end of this year.

In fact, in our area, in recent weeks I’ve heard many commercials from Thompson Creek Windows on WTOP news (our local news station) encouraging consumers to take the plunge and purchase new energy-efficient doors and windows before it’s too late.

While there were a good number of door and window companies on-hand, I found that most of the show was promoting items such as decking, railing—common add-on options for homeowners. And I’m not the only one who noticed this trend.

“A few years ago it seemed that it was mostly a window and door show,” said Jim Lett, president of A.B. E. Doors and Windows based in Allentown, Pa., who attended the show this year and in years’ past. “This year it was mostly a deck and re-bath show.”

And, while the job board was not the greatest sign to see, there were a good number of excited builders and remodelers on-hand, hopefully showing some optimism in the remodeling market.

Be sure to visit https://dwmmag.com/index.php/energy-efficiency-meets-practicality-at-remodeling-show/ for our full report, and watch future issues for more products from the show.