The Home Of The Future

Danny Lipford Shows Latest Products From The International Builders Show

(CBS)  This weekend, Orlando is the place to be for the do-it-yourself crowd. The International Builders Show has everything from hammers and nails, to tubs and sinks, and anything else you need to create or renovate your dream home.

Danny Lipford, host of "Today's Homeowner," and Early Show contributor, showed a few products to co-anchor Harry Smith.

With more than 1,600 exhibitors covering over 1 million square feet, it showcases new building trends, materials and products.

"I'll tell you, they're paying a lot of attention right now to all of the bad weather we've had all over the country and even have hurricane resistant windows," Lipford says.

The following are the products featured on The Early Show:

Stormbreaker Plus: This impact-resistant window from Simonton Windows is designed to withstand maximum force winds and impact from flying objects, such as tree branches, etc., that may become airborne during a storm. Although the glass may shatter when struck with force, it will adhere to the interlayer.

Cost: Standard sizes double-hung window $800-$900 installed
Availability: Now
Web site: www.simonton.com

The Chalkboard Panel Door: The Simpson Door Company showcases its new collection of interior wood doors with a panel made from a magnetic material that looks and acts just like a chalkboard.
Cost: $325 - $645
Availability: Now
Web site: www.simpsondoor.com

Home Heartbeat: This Home Awareness System from Eaton complements existing home security systems, except there are no monitoring fees, etc. The system functions to alert homeowners of a problem via the Home Key - offering a glimpse of the current status of the home when you're within 60 to 90 feet of the Base Station. Outside that range, homeowners can setup SMS messaging on their cell phones, to be alerted of any problems at home. For example: It will monitor for water leaks and flooding in the basement. It also provides updates on home appliances (Did I leave that light on?). It alerts you to the routine maintenance schedules, such as when it is time to change that air filter in the furnace. And it can also oversee the comings and goings of family members.
Cost: $149 for the basic kit
Availability: Late spring to early summer 2005
Wbsite: www.homeheartbeat.com

NuTone's Video Door Answering System: This system combines a door bell with a door monitor, allowing homeowners to see and communicate with whoever is at the door. This system is also an AM/FM Radio, digital clock with alarm, hands-free telephone with the speakerphone feature. And the 7-inch LCD drop-down screen will allow you to watch cable TV with the intergrated cable tuner.
Cost: $1,200
Availability: Late spring to early summer 2005
Website: www.nutone.com

Anti-Microbial Silestone Countertop: This is a solid surface countertop material with built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection. This product inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria. Unlike surface applied coatings, Silestone incorporates Microban protection into the molecular structure of the product during the manufacturing process so it will not wash off or wear away.
Cost: $35 - $105 per square foot (fabricated and installed)
Availability: Colors will be available in late spring to early summer 2005
Web site: www.silestone.com

Armstromg Laminate Floors: This flooring features realistic exotic wood and stone imagery. It is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer with glueless locking installation.
Cost: $4 - 6 per square foot ($1 - $2 extra per square foot installed)
Availability: Now
Web site: www.armstrong.com

Whirlpool Home Appliances g2 Microven: This is a SpeedCook Appliance that combines the speed of a microwave with the grill, brown and baking features of an oven. It's like an Easy Bake Oven on steroids.
Cost: $600 - $800
Availability: Now
Web site: www.whirlpool.com

Whirlpool Fabric Freshener: This product is what you need in order to look freshly pressed each morning. Simply plug it in, hang your clothes in it, fill it with water and press the start button. In 30 minutes, you unzip it and your clothes are fresh and free of wrinkles. No chemicals or cleaners, just regular tap water.
Cost: about $200
Availability: Late spring 2005
Website: www.whirlpool.com