EPAB President’ sMessage
Innovation, Personalization & Steady Progress
2026Issue2
EPAB President’ sMessage
BuildersOutlook
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Lydia Mhouli Crown Heritage Homes 2026 EPAB President
Insights from IBS & KBIS 2026
Innovation, Personalization & Steady Progress
I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2026 International Builders’ Show( IBS) and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show( KBIS), held February 17 – 19 in Orlando, Florida. Held in conjunction, these events continue to be the premier destination for discovering new products, evaluating emerging trends, and learning directly from national industry leaders. This year’ s show featured more than 2,250 exhibitors, spanned 1.2 million square feet, and welcomed over 115,000 attendees— an impressive display of the strength and scale of our industry.
A consistent highlight of IBS is the annual New American Home. The 2026 home, just under 8,000 square feet, exemplified modern luxury, innovation, and energy efficiency. Expansive glass walls, steel and concrete elements, and seamless indoor-outdoor living were thoughtfully balanced with warmth, comfort, and livability,
demonstrating that performance and design can coexist at the highest level.
The Industry Outlook article,“ Making Moderate Headway,” reflected a tone of cautious optimism for 2026. National experts anticipate modest but steady gains, with remodeling remaining a bright spot as aging homeowners invest in functionality and longevity. Townhomes have gained market share, and higherend custom homes now represent nearly 20 % of the single-family market. At the same time, material price volatility, tariff uncertainty, and skilled labor shortages continue to present challenges that require strategic planning and adaptability.
On the KBIS side, one of the most compelling themes came from the research article“ Personalization Is the New Luxury”. Today’ s homeowners are seeking ultra-customized spaces
that reflect their lifestyle and priorities. Bathrooms in particular are evolving into personal retreats, with spa-inspired showers, integrated smart technology, improved storage solutions, agingin-place features, and wellnessdriven design elements becoming mainstream expectations rather than upgrades. Personalization, functionality, and comfort are driving purchasing decisions as much as aesthetics.
Overall, the message from Orlando was clear: while economic headwinds remain, there is meaningful opportunity for builders who stay informed, embrace innovation, and deliver thoughtful, personalized design solutions. Our industry continues to adapt, evolve, and move forward and IBS and KBIS 2026 reinforced that the future remains strong for those prepared to lead.