As we continue to distance ourselves from an economic downturn that had a deep impact on the remodeling industry, one key variable is still evolving at a brisk pace and that is the introduction of new products to the remodeling industry.
Rarely a day goes by without a new product announcement landing in an email in box of the Professional Remodeler editorial staff. Of course, the pace picks up in the days and weeks prior to the industry’s major trade shows when dozens of new products are unveiled.
Whether the product is a new launch or an updated iteration of an existing product, the competition between manufacturers to introduce new products to the marketplace is fierce. The technological innovation and investment manufacturers incorporate into new products not only give their product a competitive advantage; ultimately this innovation makes your job easier and your clients happier with your work.
This investment in technology by the product manufacturers is also a key indicator of their confidence in the recovery of the remodeling industry. They see the potential in your business today and tomorrow, and they are investing in the success of your remodeling business.
This past year, hundreds of products were introduced to the remodeling industry and many of those products graced the pages of Professional Remodeler as well as our website housingzone.com.
In an effort to streamline the best of the best from the past year, our 101 Best New Products is a reflection of the industry’s business segments.
How do we make up the 101 Best Products list? The formula is based on data from our reader service card, suggestions from remodelers, and recommendations made by the editorial staff.
My personal favorite product of this year’s 101 Best New Products is the DeWalt Gyroscopic screwdriver. This tool is based on the same technology that is used in a Nintendo Wii gaming controller. The unit recognizes the motion of your wrist—either left or right movement—and will either tighten or loosen the screw. The faster you move your wrist, the faster it will operate. The slower you move your wrist, the slower the tool will operate. The adjustable handle can operate as an in-line at 180 degrees, then can switch to a pistol-grip at 90 degrees.
One of these screwdrivers was sent to the Professional Remodeler offices earlier this summer, and I haven’t been able to put it down. Co-workers, friends, and family have also had the opportunity to use this tool, and most agree it’s the coolest tool they’ve picked up in some time.
As manufacturers introduce new products to the industry, you can expect to see technological innovations that advance far beyond the technology introduced a few short years ago. For example, some power tool batteries will soon offer a run-time that lasts nearly all day even under continual use, and when they do need to be recharged, it only takes a fraction of the current time used to recharge a battery.
Technology and ergonomic changes are pushing your employees to work smarter, not harder. Concurrently, effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions available for the home are designed to make your customers confident in their remodeling investment.
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