Builder articles from May 2005

Builder archives from May 2005

Unbelievable year: 2004 will go down in the builder record books as one of the greatest in history.(EDITOR'S NOTES)(Editorial)
May 1, 2005... MAYBE BUILDER 100 EXECUTIVES WILL BE THE next ones hauled before a congressional committee to answer allegations about steroid use. How else can you explain a single company, D.R. Horton, building 44,005 homes a year? Let's do the math--that...

R.W. Hertel & Sons: quality products help create quality homes.(INTEGRITY CELEBRATES ITS RED DIAMOND ACHIEVERS)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... R.W. Hertel & Sons has been building homes in the southern and central California regions for more than ten years. 2005 however, is expected to be one of their busiest. "Right now we are gearing up to build an entire community of about 300...

Seal of approval.(B MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED MATT POWER'S article, "Cut Your Losses" (March 2005, page 130). However, we in Florida have been living under the "seal or fail" code for a long time. A quick reference for your readers as to the code requirements (which...

Life-cycle.(B MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... WE READ "LIFE-CYCLE REVISITED" IN the January issue of BUILDER to see what we might learn from this new study. We concluded that it "revisited" this complicated subject too briefly to gain the pertinent and balanced facts about life-cycle...

Callback.(B MAIL)(Correction Notice)
May 1, 2005... THE CORRECT PROJECT CREDIT FOR THE developer of Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear, Ariz. (March 2005, "Seeing Stars," page 122), is Phoenix-based Sun ME We regret the error.

Calendar.(BOOK IT)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... MAY 4-5 BUILDER 100, Pebble Beach, Calif. This year's invitation-only event, "Evolution: How the Strong Will Survive," is for the top executives from the country's 100 largest builders. They will share ideas during roundtable...

Kickbacks probed: sixteen builders alleged to have received illegal kickbacks.(TITLE INSURANCE)
May 1, 2005... THE HOME BUILDING AND TITLE INSURANCE industries were in damage control mode this spring after it was widely reported in early March that 16 home builders allegedly received kickbacks in exchange for sending business to First American Title...

Change in plans.(National Association of Home Builders )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The NAHB's 2,000-member Beard of Directors voted at its spring board meeting in April to cancel plans to host the 2007 and 2008 International Builders' Shows (IBS) in Atlanta, citing the show's double-digit growth to more than I00,000 attendees...

Foreclosed.(HOUSE BLEND: TRENDS, TIPS, COOL STUFF)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... A bill filed in the Texas state senate would curb the power of HOAs by limiting their ability to foreclose on property owners over association fines. SB 244, authored by state Sen. Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio, prohibits HOAs from foreclosing...

Goal tending.(BIG DEALS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Hovnanian Enterprises furthered its reach in the Midwest and South with two March acquisitions. First, the builder bought Orlando, Fla.-based Cambridge Homes, which closed 599 homes for $166 million in 2004. The next day, in a deal believed to...

Tax freeze fails.(HOUSE BLEND: TRENDS, TIPS, COOL STUFF)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Efforts by Republicans in Wisconsin to freeze property taxes met Gov. Jim Doyle's veto pen in February. The bill, while politically popular, provided no guarantees of alternative methods of fund raising. As a result, it would have denied school...

Lots of perks.(HOUSE BLEND: TRENDS, TIPS, COOL STUFF)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Inventories of new homes in the Dallas area are about twice what they were four years ago. Builders are responding by offering lots of perks: from free maid service for a year to fancy appliances, landscaping, interior upgrades, and even cash...

Roof relief.(HOUSE BLEND: TRENDS, TIPS, COOL STUFF)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Ads for everything from plumbers to the rock band Kiss are covering the roofs of hurricane-damaged homes in the Florida Panhandle, courtesy of a billboard company. Months after hurricanes devastated the area, roofers and insurance settlements...

No more to pour: rising material prices aggravated by continued cement shortages continue to hammer builders, throwing schedules and estimates out of whack.(LONG-TERM SHORTAGE)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... ECONOMISTS AT THE NAHB EXPECTED TO SEE a cooling off in material prices by this point in 2005, but rising oil costs, Competition for shipping, another threes continue to drive prices higher, especially for critical commodities such as steel,...

Affordable housing barriers: regulations called a "crucial obstacle" to homeownership.(HUD REPORT)(Department of Housing and Urban Development)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... NEARLY 15 YEARS AFTER A major report on regulatory barriers to affordable housing, a new study from HUD reveals that outdated, unnecessary governmental regulations continue to thwart efforts to build decent housing for working families. ...

Helping cancer kids.(GOOD DEEDS)(First Home Builders )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... A pledge by Patrick Logue, president of First Home Builders of Florida in Ft. Myers, in February helped raise $156,000 to support children with cancer. First Home Builders served as sponsor for the Cattle Barons' Ball, an annual American Cancer...

Twice the reward.(real estate industry)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The real estate boom has reached the second-home market, and baby boomers who are now in their peak home buying years stand to reap the biggest rewards. The second-home market is being fueled by the escalation of primary home values, which is...

Leaving hotlanta: Morrison Homes follows through on its plan to sell Atlanta division.(MARKETING STRATEGIES)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... ATLANTA-BASED MORRISON Homes is no longer building in its home market--one of the nation's hottest--and as of early March was in active discussions with several builders to sell off its Atlanta division. Kathi James, vice president of...

Dirt deals: builders and developers stake their claim to nearly 7,500 acres of land through three government auctions.(LAND ACQUISITION)
May 1, 2005... WITH LARGE PARCELS OF LAND INCREASINGLY hard to find, builders and developers seized the opportunity to bid at three recent government land auctions. The various players described the auctions as win-wins, because the builders added coveted...

Energy lawsuit.(HOUSE BLEND: TRENDS, TIPS, COOL STUFF)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Michigan Association of Home Builders filed a lawsuit earlier this year to stop the enforcement of new state-mandated energy rules for new and remodeled homes. The new rules would require builders to add insulation in basements and exterior...

Lancaster leader.(HOUSE BLEND: TRENDS, TIPS, COOL STUFF)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Charter Homes, based in Lancaster, Pa., announced plans to redesign and rehabilitate an abandoned and fire-ravaged former bakery as its new 16,000-square-foot office headquarters. The builder says it will preserve many of the building's...

Super-size this homeowners opposed to gigantic 5,000-square-foot homes seem to be popping up everywhere--and Tennessee is feeling the cultural divide.(GI--NORMOUS FOOTPRINTS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... FOR ABOUT A DECADE NOW, SCATTERED BATTLES between settled homeowners and wealthy newcomers have been heating up. The construction of so-called McMansions--ostentatious million-dollar (or multi-million-dollar) homes--in old neighborhoods feels...

Weather vane: need accurate weather information? One company says it has you covered.(INTERNET PICK)(www.ac cuweather.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... WHEN PEOPLE NEED weather information. they check with local TV stations or any or the many sites on the Web. But we all know how accurate local weather broadcasters are, and with so many Internet-based sites, which one do you use? One company...

"Extreme" construction: Builder goes behind the scenes of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.".(SURVIVING HOLLYWOOD)
May 1, 2005... EVERY SUNDAY EVENING AT 8 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, millions of Americans spends an hour being amazed at how a team of a half dozen good-looking designers on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" can take a house from drawing to completion...

Another successful framer saves time and money with SpaceJoist[R] TE[TM].(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(SpaceJoist TE)(Interview)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... 7200 E. Dry Creek Road, A-203-A * Centennial, CO 80112 "SpaceJoist service and product availability is perfect for our needs."--William Piranian, President Q How long has Westar Framing been in business? A We have been in business...

Wood looking.(TOP SHELF: THE LATEST AND GREATEST BUILDING PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... FOR SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT, TRY THESE EXOTIC hardwood basins and sinks. Made from African species, the sinks are carved into a variety of shapes and tones measuring up to 15 inches high and 22 inches wide. Species, which were chosen for...

Screen shot.(TOP SHELF: THE LATEST AND GREATEST BUILDING PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... TAKE A WALK ON THE MOD SIDE WITH THESE NEW aluminum and glass contemporary garage doors. Part shoji screen, part '50s-era gas station door, the Avante features a 2 1/8-inch-thick aluminum frame that can be custom painted or sealed with a clear,...

Suck up.(TOP SHELF: THE LATEST AND GREATEST BUILDING PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... SOMETHING THAT SUCKS ISN'T ALWAYS bad. The manufacturer of this central vacuum cleaner system says, for instance, that it pulls more dust from indoors than a traditional upright vacuum. Made from lightweight polymer, the bag-less unit has an...

Steel deal.(TOP SHELF: THE LATEST AND GREATEST BUILDING PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... THESE LASER-ETCHED STAINLESS STEEL DOORS STRIKE A HIP POSE IN A LOFT KITCHEN or high-end condo with an industrial aesthetic. The line includes seven designer textures that can be customized with a wide variety of glass inserts. They are...

Points of light.(TOP SHELF: THE LATEST AND GREATEST BUILDING PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... LIGHT TILE IS A CERAMIC FLOOR AND WALL tile that has integrated light emitting diodes lighting. The light source comes in a wear-resistant stainless steel frame that is fitted flush to the surface. Low in energy consumption, the light lasts...

Good Vu.(TOP SHELF: THE LATEST AND GREATEST BUILDING PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... UNLIKE MANY TRADITIONAL WOOD WINDOWS, VuMax is engineered to carry the load of a building, the manufacturer says. Made from glue-laminated Douglas fir beams and columns that carry the load, the unit also has an integrated header able to carry...

Virtual care: this innovative, Web-based approach to customer satisfaction makes buyers feel like pampered members of the family and gives past customers a place to call for help (and upgrades).(IN THE LOOP)
May 1, 2005... NOT EVERY TECHNOLOGICAL ADvance turns out to be as good for consumers as the marketing hype suggests. How many people really think pumping their own gasoline is better (or cheaper) than full serve? Has the availability of 100 television...

Designing to avoid mold.(HOUSE CALL)
May 1, 2005... Q: What design details make a home more susceptible to mold and mildew problems? A: U.S. BUILDERS SPEND ROUGHly $9 billion a year on callbacks, with most of those dollars going to fix moisture damage. Law journal articles estimated about...

Attic option.(FIRST DRAFT)
May 1, 2005... Q: How can I efficiently offer optional space in a smaller and narrower plan? A: IN THE PAST, ESPECIALLY WITH LARGER PLANS, OPTIONAL SPACE WAS OFTEN ACCOMPLISHED BY ADDING A FINished "bonus" room over the garage. Unfortunately, this...

Building on a blueprint for success with SAP[R] for engineering, construction & operations: integrated information, processes, and partners deliver speed and agility in meeting customer needs.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... As in many other industries, success for homebuilders means keeping up with demand while adapting to changing economic conditions. It means managing relationships with a wide array of subcontractors, suppliers, and customers. And it means...

Industry-focused solutions.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... SAP for EC&O helps you to keep your entire network of partners moving forward as quickly and smoothly as possible. An integrated set of solutions designed specifically for the homebuilding industry, SAP EC&O lets you integrate information,...

Putting it all together: an integrated look at SAP for EC&O.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Because the capabilities and tools provided by SAP for EC&O solutions are closely integrated, you can streamline the flow of information among your employees and business partners. For example, sales information for a new job is automatically...

Start benefitting from SAP for EC&O today.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... H information and coordinate work with trades, subcontractors, and customers. In an industry dominated by decentralized and disparate organizations and systems, this is not easy. But with SAP for EC&O, you can standardize and integrate business...

High bid: a sealed-bid process for the first two phases of Reno's exclusive Belsera community nets triple-digit premiums for developer-builder Landmark Homes.(MARKET SMARTS: NEW MARKETING AND SALES TECHNIQUES WITH PROVEN RESULTS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... WHAT'S A DEVELOPER OF AN EXclusive gated community to do when more than 150 prospects are clamoring for just 50 home sites? A simple lottery seemed too low-end for Belsera, Landmark Homes' newest semi-custom village in downtown Reno, Nev., and...

Name that project: allowing residents to name a redeveloped neighborhood in downtown Portland, Ore.'s Pearl District generated community pride, connections ... and sales.(MARKET SMARTS: NEW MARKETING AND SALES TECHNIQUES WITH PROVEN RESULTS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... FOR THE PAST DECADE, THE PEARL DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN Portland, Ore., has been steadily redeveloped from an abandoned rail yard to a vibrant upscale urban community of mixed-use buildings and parks. The most ambitious among the developers is...

Nature's call: RiverRim leveraged its natural landscape in a direct mail campaign that drove prospects back to the country.(MARKET SMARTS: NEW MARKETING AND SALES TECHNIQUES WITH PROVEN RESULTS)
May 1, 2005... PICTURE THIS SCENE: A MEADOW OF WILDFLOWERS UNDER A big blue sky with groves of Ponderosa pines and Mount Bachelor or the Deschutes River in the background. That's the image Newland Communities wanted to portray in a direct mail piece for...

Double-edged sword: what does it mean to operate in some of the nation's most affordable--but sluggish--markets?(VITAL SIGNS)
May 1, 2005... "AFFORDABILITY" AND "APPRECIAtion" may be listed near each other in the dictionary, but they don't co-exist in many markets. Many of the markets considered most affordable are also those where home-price appreciation--and the economy supporting...

Hard times: an improvement over granite, quartz surfacing has hit the big time.
May 1, 2005... PICK UP A REAL ESTATE LISTING AND you might conclude from the entries that the housing market is going absolutely bananas and that the term "loft" is overused. You also may conclude that the only thing buyers want to know about a kitchen is if...

Gray's anatomy.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... GRAY'S ANATOMY: Concrete Palette is the manufacturer's newest collection of Zodiaq quartz surfacing. Consistent in color throughout, the product's toughness registers a 7 on the mohs hardness scale, so it is durable, nonporous, and requires no...

Marble magic.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... MARBLE MAGIC: One of the great things about quartz, the manufacturer says, is that it can look like almost any stone. Marble Vision, the company's new color line, comes in marble-like Jerusalem Sand, Lagos Blue, and Misty Carrera. Unlike real...

Bacteria fighter.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... BACTERIA FIGHTER: Silestone is the only quartz surfacing that comes with built-in Microban antimicrobial protection, the manufacturer says. The material provides a deterrent to the growth of bacteria on countertops. The surfacing is still...

Granite rock.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... GRANITE ROCK: If you like granite but dislike the maintenance, the manufacturer's Quarry Collection provides a good alternative. The company says the product has the look of granite, but that it is nonporous, so it doesn't have to be sealed and...

Faux stone.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... FAUX STONE: The company says this new line of stone-inspired quartz surfacing offers the opulence and durability of granite without the maintenance. Like most quartz surfaces, it is stronger than granite because it is 93 percent quartz. It is...

Hot-blooded: a long-lasting supply of hot water is just a pipe away.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... LARGE-CAPACITY WASHING MACHINES, dishwashers, luxury shower systems, and whirlpool tubs can put a severe strain on a standard water heater with even the largest-capacity tank. Eventually; the tank runs out of hot water and requires time to...

Fast flow.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... FAST FLOW: The Pronto! RTG-74 tankless water heater unit delivers up to 7.4 gallons of water per minute. With BTU outputs ranging from 19,000 to 199,900, the RTG-74 heats water to temperatures between 100 and 140 degrees F. The unit's...

Digital age.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... DIGITAL AGE: Rinnai's tankless water heaters are now available with a 7-inch-wide, flat-screen digital control pad that not only allows users to set temperature limits on hot-water usage but also lets them watch television, listen to FM radio,...

Freeze thaw.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... FREEZE THAW: The ProTankless by Bosch 635 ESO tankless water heater installs outside the home and incorporates built-in freeze protection down to 5 degrees E Delivering more than 6 gallons per minute, the 635 ESO runs on natural or liquefied...

Efficient delivery.(PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS AND TOOLS EVERY BUILDER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT)
May 1, 2005... EFFICIENT DELIVERY: The gas-fueled T-HI tankless water heater uses a preheating system that consists of dual heat exchangers that heat water in a two-step process, allowing the unit to deliver up to 10.5 gallons of water per minute. A...

Legrand merger: On-Q's merger with Legrand North America creates a powerful force in the residential structured wiring market.
May 1, 2005... THE RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURED WIRing world went through a major consolidation earlier this year when Legrand North America acquired On-Q Technologies, which is best known in the market for its On-Q Home brand. Terms of the deal were not...

Network centric.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... A home network creates interest in additional home technology services, according to a recent Parks Associates report, "Home Networks and Residential Gateways: Analysis & Forecasts." The Parks research found that households with a home data...

Smart moves.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)(Ingrain Micro)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Smarthome, the large provider of home automation products, recently announced two important marketing moves. It is now selling its products through Amazon.com. The company now offers about 1,000 products--about 20 percent of its product...

Driving force: new Consumer Electronics Association/NAHB study says home buyers want sleek entertainment options.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)
May 1, 2005... NEW-HOME BUYERS ARE EOCUSED ON ENtertainment and communications--and they want the latest flat-panel monitors and audio systems to blend seamlessly into their homes, according to the "CEA/NAHB 2005 Home Builder Study;" the third annual study on...

Leviton's extreme.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Leviton is one of the first home technology companies out of the box with certified Category-6 products for residential applications. Leviton's new eXtreme 6+ product line can support the latest gigabit networks and home entertainment products...

Web tips.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)(Homebuilder.com)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Homebuilder.com, the online real estate marketplace for builders, recently released a series of tips for builders to make their Web sites more effective. Highlights include: Use photos to showcase your inventory; use virtual tours to highlight...

Digital zone: distributed digital audio system now available for about $4,500.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)(Oxmoor Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... THE PROBLEM WITH DISTRIBUTED AUDIO systems up until now is that most of them worked from a central media server. The systems could send audio throughout the house, but the homeowner couldn't initiate audio from every room. Now, Oxmoor...

In the flow: document management software helps builders improve customer service, strengthen relations with subs, and eliminate paperwork.(TECH TOOLS: TECHNOLOGY FOR THE SMART BUILDING BUSINESS)
May 1, 2005... HYLAND SOFTWARE OF WESTLAKE, OHIO, has made great progress during the past five to 10 years deploying document management systems with a select group of builders. Hyland's OnBase software is deployed at builders such as Brookfield Homes...

Fair play.(NAHB BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Senate passed a bankruptcy bill that reaches an evenhanded balance between the rights of tenants and the rights of property owners. The bill, which is expected to be passed by the House and signed by President Bush soon, would stop...

Easy access.(NAHB BRIEFS)(Department of Housing and Urban Development)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... HUD is endorsing the International Building Code (IBC) 2003 edition, recognizing it as a safe harbor for compliance with the accessibility requirements of the federal Fair Housing Act. HUD's decision to acknowledge the IBC and incorporate its...

Insurance policy: rising health-care costs are making it exceedingly difficult for small businesses to provide coverage.(FROM THE PRESIDENT)
May 1, 2005... WITH AMERICA GRAPPLING WITH RISING health-care costs, Association Health Plan (AHP) legislation in the House and Senate would enable the nation's small businesses to offer better and more affordable health-care options for their employees. ...

Blowing bubbles: builder concern about investor/speculator activity is growing.(SEIDERS ECONOMY)
May 1, 2005... REPORTS OF RAMPANT BUYING BY INVESTORS and speculators in hot U.S. housing markets have proliferated in recent times. The buying binge, in turn, supposedly has driven house prices to unsustainable levels, creating an unstable condition that...

All access.(NAHB BRIEFS)(HGTV)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... A new Web site gives home builders unparalleled access to NAHB green building resources. The site (www.HGTVPro .com)is part of the Scripps Network, developer of HGTV and the Food Network. It will feature a series of some 30 NAHB-produced...

Going for the gold: the NHQ Awards application season is in full swing.(THE NAHB RESEARCH CENTER CORNER)(National Housing Quality)
May 1, 2005... HOW MANY BUILDERS AND trade contractors will go for the gold this year? All U.S. home builders and trade contractors are eligible to apply for the premiere quality award in home building: the National Housing Quality (NHQ) Awards. The NHQ...

Energy efficient.(NAHB BRIEFS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Energy cost savings touted in changes to the residential energy requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) would take as many as 40 to 90 years to materialize, according to a recent Department of Energy (DOE) report. ...

Hot sellers: sold out! Fast-moving communities.
May 1, 2005... Value Added Addington Corners, Commerce Township, Mich. WHY IT WORKED: Affordable prices and a convenient location are the two biggest draws at Addington Corners, located within commuting distance of Detroit and Ann Arbor, Mich. Throw...

A place in the sun: on the outskirts of Phoenix, town-building principles make Verrado a design--and business--success.
May 1, 2005... MENTION PHOENIX TO JUST about anyone in the home building industry and you're likely to hear talk of a red-hot market, albeit one that praises efficiency over aesthetics, subdivisions over neighborhoods, profit over charm. The...

Survival of the fit: the Builder 100 flexed their muscle once again in 2004, breaking records and grabbing market share. But they're not easing off. Stick builders are doing all they can to bulk up, while apartment builders and factory-built home producers look for new ways to grow.(Builder 100)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... NO STEROIDS HERE. That's not to say that the BUILDER 100 companies didn't enjoy the effects of natural performance enhancers last year. Continued strong demand drove home prices ever higher--11.17 percent, on average--and interest rates that...

High jump: the Builder 100's market share catapulted ever higher, as builders made good on promises to deliver thousands more homes, and profits soared.(Builder 100)
May 1, 2005... IN 2001, OFFICIALS AT M.D.C. Holdings raised the bar for their Denver-based company when they set it on an ambitious course to double its size within five years. The builder, which markets itself as Richmond American Homes, would no longer...

Brains and brawn: with the books closed on yet another record year, builders are focused on shaping up for the future. If their new strategies succeed, they'll be better prepared when leaner times come.(Builder 100)
May 1, 2005... LAST YEAR, FIRST HOME Builders of Florida was struggling with too much of a good thing. Sales were soaring, and, coupled with significant price increases, so were the company's revenues. Yet, despite the record demand, the Fort Myers,...

Trimline helps builders profit across the country: Trimline Ridge Vents offer quality performance, great appearance and quick installation.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Trimline[R] Ridge Vents provide superior roof ventilation by creating a balanced system to continuously release hot, moist attic air while drawing in fresh air through soffit vents. A balanced, continuous ventilation system increases a home's...

The 2004 top 100.(Builder 100)
May 1, 2005... Alan Laing President, Pratte Building Systems Pulte Homes Ranked 2 Paulte Homes, a strong advocate of vertical integration, put its money where its mouth was in late 2003 when it entered into a joint-ownership deal for...

A grand entrance for a grand hotel.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... For the new sidewalk patio and entrance of a $10 million hotel renovation project in Syracuse, New York, the choice of material was vital to the project's success. "We had mentioned two or three wall systems of this type available and sent...

The 2004 alphabetical listing.(Builder 100)(Directory)
May 1, 2005... THE 2004 ALPHABETICAL LISTING COMPANY RANK WEB SITE ADMIRAL HOMES 168 www.admiral-homes.com AMERICAN WEST DEVELOPMENT 38 www.americanwesthomes.com ANDERSON HOMES ...

The 2004 gross revenue ranking.(Builder 100)(Illustration)
May 1, 2005... THE 2004 GROSS REVENUE RANKING RANK COMPANY GROSS REVENUE * 4 CENTEX CORP. $12,062 2 PULTE HOMES $11,711 1 ...

Modular makeover: as manufactured housing firms fight to regain their footing, modular homes are on the rise.(Builder 100)
May 1, 2005... THE CURSE OF LOW INterest rates continues. That may sound like crazy talk to a conventional on-site builder, but the people who make HUD-code homes in factories know exactly what it means. The market for these homes has been shattered in recent...

Returning to form: new niches and a changing economy help multifamily players get back in the game.(Builder 100)
May 1, 2005... WHEN ASKED TO NAME their biggest concerns for the coming year, multifamily builders aren't short on answers. Their lists include everything from zoning and permitting, to rising materials prices, to environmental regulations, to mold and...

The 2005 Watermark Awards: Builder's kitchen and bath design competition proves that high style comes in many forms.
May 1, 2005... THIS YEAR'S WATERMARK WINners show there's a lot of great design out there. In kitchens, high-end, Old World luxury is still going strong, but architects and builders are striving for even higher levels of detail with this ageless look....

Merillat. Helping to create inspiring living spaces.(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... Dear Builders, At Merillat, we are proud to be a part of the 2005 Watermark Awards. I congratulate this year's winners, whose designs exemplify true excellence in craftsmanship and attention to detail. They serve as an inspiration to all...

Research helps builders design kitchens around prospective homebuyers.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Merillat recently conducted the unprecedented research study, Model Behavior: How People Act, Think And Shop In A Model Home. This study is the first-ever to gain insights into the motivations and preferences of new home shoppers. The...

Merillat Classic[R] becomes more chic with addition of Accent Collections[TM].(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The introduction of Accent Collections is another example of Merillat Classic's virtually limitless design flexibility. Like all Merillat Classic cabinetry, the Accent Collections line allows builders to offer fashionable, furniture-style...