And the top 10 are ...

Gary Dymski: Home Work; February 9, 2006

1. AUTOMATED LIGHTING CONTROL

What it does: New Z-Wave technology allows one-touch control of household lights, security systems and appliances plugged into electrical outlets. Devices are controlled by a wireless remote, like those for TVs.

Where you'll see it: New construction, especially high-end. Also in major remodeling projects that feature open walls and new wiring. A neat feature of Z-Wave technology is that components can be mixed and matched, regardless of manufacturer.

What it costs: New-construction prices will vary greatly, depending on manufacturer, number of outlets and type of remote-control devices. But Intermatic, one of several manufacturers with retrofit systems, has a Z-Wave line called HomeSettings, with two adapters that plug into existing outlets and a programmable remote. It sells for about $100 at home centers.

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Where to see more: www.Intermatic.com; www.Leviton.com; www.z-wavealliance.org

2. DUPONT FLEXWRAP FLASHING TAPE

What it does: This tape will appeal to anyone who hates windows that leak around the frames. The flexible, rubberized FlexWrap tape curves around windowsills and custom shapes. This flexibility eliminates the timely and often flawed process of cutting tape pieces to fit around curved and rounded openings. Contractors love the idea of quick installation. Homeowners will love the end of leaky windows.

Where you'll see it: Replacement windows, new construction and remodeling. Contractors experience fewer requests to recaulk or reflash.

What it costs: Considering ease of installation and reduced callbacks, it's pennies more than conventional flashing tapes.

Where to see more: www.construction.tyvek.com/en/productServices/Flashing/flexWrap.shtml

3. FLEXIBLE PLASTIC MOLDING

What it does: Bends and curves to complement wood and painted moldings in both interior and exterior use. For base molding on rounded walls, curves on crown molding and casing on arched openings.

Where you'll see it: Remodeling and new construction. It can match stained wood or be painted. Also being used more and more in restorations.

What it costs: From $3 to $25 a linear foot for stock styles. Custom styles might include a fee to make a mold. Available at 84 Lumber, Lowe's and lumberyards such as Best Building and Supply Lumber in Speonk, and Speonk Lumber.

Where to see more: Zago Flexible Moulding, Newark, N.J., www.FlexibleTrim.com

4. ICYNENE FOAM INSULATION

What it does: A water-based foam that replaces fiberglass insulation, Icynene is sprayed into wall cavities, where it expands as it dries. It plugs cracks and crevices, creating an airtight seal. Because it is a permeable material, it does not trap moisture. Compared with conventional fiberglass insulation, Icynene claims it can reduce monthly energy costs by 50 percent.

Where you'll see it: Primarily in new construction because it must be sprayed into open sides of walls. Once the material dries, it is cut flush to the studs with a handsaw.

What it costs: About three times more than conventional fiberglass insulation. The payback is in reduced energy costs.

Where to see more: www.Icynene.com

5. HIGH-TECH BIDET TOILET SEAT

What it does: Upon completion of a bodily function, a warm, gentle spray of water provides a more hygienic departure. The "washlet," or warm-water cleaning toilet seat, is a product of a Japanese company, Toto, and dates back to the 1960s. The newest American player is Brondell, maker of the Swash toilet seat, whose chief investors include Mark Cuban, owner of the National Basketball Association's Dallas Mavericks, and Dave Samuel, of Spinner.Com fame.

Where you'll see it: Mostly in the bathrooms of millionaires like Cuban and Samuel. It's strictly upscale. In addition to the cleaning spray, toilet seats can be heated, have optional blowers for drying and a "self-closing" lid that eliminates slamming.

What it costs: Swash models run $399 to $499. Toto's Washlet is $727. (Remember, that's just for a seat.)

Where to see more: www.Brondell.com; www.Washlet.com. Swash seats at The Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond and other specialty stores.

6. EON WOOD-LIKE FENCING

What it does: A highly engineered polymer, Eon fencing has the look and feel of wood plus the durability of vinyl. It resists rot, mold and insects. It's lighter than most composites, which blend recycled plastic and wood fibers.

Where you'll see it: With consumers pining for a maintenance-free wood look, this fencing should slice into the demand for vinyl. Eon benches and tables dot Walt Disney World's Wilderness Outdoor Lodge in Orlando, Fla. Eon decking is sold by Home Depot across Ontario, Canada.

What it costs: Depending on style, color and custom applications, Eon engineered polymer fencing runs $120 to $200 for a 6-foot-long panel.

Where to see more: www.EonOutdoor.com

7. TILEREDI WATERPROOF SHOWER MODULE

What it does: A lightweight, leakproof polyurethane form that can be tiled over. The finished work serves as a basin for tubs and showers. It makes for faster installations and more upscale appearances. Units have a preformed slanted pitch for drainage and are a cost-saving alternative to the conventional installation of felt, vinyl and cement or the cheesy-looking one-piece acrylic pans.

Where you'll see it: Because it has a lifetime no-leak guarantee, remodelers and new-home builders should lean toward these modules. Because they accept tile, they provide an affordable high-end appearance.

What it costs: Modules come in five standard sizes and are from $500 to $545, including a special tile-setting adhesive. Prices are similar to custom, cast-iron shower bases.

Where to see more: Call ADG Sales, Hauppauge, 516-356-2805, or online at www.TileRedi.com

8. WHIRLPOOL JENTLE JET LAUNDRY SINK

What it does: Jentle Jet sinks use the power of micro-jets to thoroughly launder delicate items. Jentle Jet sinks are not replacements for laundry room utility sinks; instead they are supplements to washing machines.

Where you'll see it: As laundry rooms grow larger to share space with hobby rooms and storage rooms, the sinks will be showing up in both remodeling and new construction.

What it costs: $500 and up, excluding installation.

Where to see more: www.mtiwhirl pools.com

9. OUTDOOR PELLET-BURNING FURNACE

What it does: Get off oil, get on pellets. These furnaces, which are installed outside the house, feed on pellets made from recycled wood waste, paper waste or corn, to produce residential heat. The pellet process diverts millions of tons of waste from landfills and turns it into energy. The Pellet Fuels Institute says more than 600,000 homes in North America use wood pellets for heat.

Where you'll see it: Rural construction, such as second homes upstate. But these furnaces can be used virtually anywhere. Health institutes in Wisconsin have turned to these furnaces.

What it costs: About $7,500 for furnaces that can replace existing systems of forced air and hydroponic, and even heat pools and spas. Some systems melt snow on rooftops and driveways. Prices vary by model, shipping and installation.

Where to see more: Northwest Manufacturing, www.Woodmaster.com, makes pellet- and wood-burning furnaces.

10. RADIANT FLOOR SUBFLOOR SYSTEMS

What it does: Radiant heat flooring dates to the ancient Romans. But the new version by California-based Warmboard is a structural floor and radiant panel, all in one piece. In other, more labor-intensive radiant installations, the heat system is added above or below the subfloor. Warmboard is the subfloor.

Where you'll see it: New construction and remodeling. Warmboard proponents say it has a quicker response time, so rooms heat up faster.

What it costs: Competitive with other radiant systems, but savings are realized in labor efficiency and overall energy performance. Warmboard reduces at least one step of the traditional installation process.

Where to see more: www.Warmboard.com