Custom Home articles from July 2006

Custom Home archives from July 2006

You're it.(Editor's Page)
July 1, 2006... In case you didn't get to the 2006 International Builders' Show in Orlando in January or were otherwise occupied during this year's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Chicago in April, you might not appreciate the fact that there's a race to serve...

Sticker shock: coping with commodity price volatility.(On Your Mind)
July 1, 2006... We think of custom building as a productive endeavor, and while that is true enough, production represents only half of the story. Custom building companies are also voracious consumers. Concrete, wood, copper, mechanical equipment, lighting...

Buyer beware: hiring a low-ball builder can be a costly mistake.(From the Trenches)
July 1, 2006... Playing by the roles--carrying insurance, getting licensed, paying taxes--is an expense reputable custom home builders bear. When low-cost, unlicensed, and uninsured competitors take work away from us, we experience frustration at the very...

Survey time: some lesson come straight from the client.(Customer Service)
July 1, 2006... J.D. Power and Associates' recent survey of home builders' customer service quality has shaken the industry to its foundations--no pun intended. Participating builders in 30 of the largest U.S. home building markets who had previously...

Spec-ulation: what not to do in a downturn.(Case Study)
July 1, 2006... Scenario: Charlie C. builds six custom homes a year, priced from $600,000 to $1 million. He also builds two spec homes a year. While business is still good, Charlie has noticed a recent softening of demand. Buyers seem to be more price...

Team work: set benchmarks for employee success.(Strictly Business)
July 1, 2006... To attract new hires it's important to offer a healthy salary and benefits package, but when it comes to retaining current employees, a well-thought-out bonus program can give you the most bang for your buck. Bonus programs that contain...

Bring it home: personalize your sales presentation.(The Top Line)
July 1, 2006... You know your product. You know your market. You understand how to sell your new home but do you know your client? In the custom home building business, the sales presentation is the time when knowing your audience is as important as knowing...

Deep sleep.(Trends Lines/Custom Touches)
July 1, 2006... A bed is a microcosm of the house, a shelter within a shelter, says architect Mark Simon, who frequently designs built-in beds as part of a home's architecture. A built-in bed saves space when it includes compact, convenient storage, and it can...

Kitchen connections.(K+B Studio)
July 1, 2006... The owner of this retreat in Washington State's San Juan Islands is a "major cook," according to architect Geoff Prentiss. Since the homeowner is also his cousin, Prentiss knows his client's cooking habits well and designed his side-by-side...

Peaceful separation.(K+B studio)
July 1, 2006... The bath in this San Juan Islands vacation compound is designed to be a room apart from other aspects of daily life, including the toilet, which is located separately. Walking 100 yards through the woods from the main house to the sleeping...

Under wraps: a New York condo's integrated electronic command center.(The Digital Home)
July 1, 2006... What do you get when you convert adjacent condominiums in Manhattan's Trump Tower into a single 3,500-square-foot space? You get stunning wraparound views of the east, south, and west sides of the Big Apple from 49 floors in the sky. You also...

Beverly Garine: Caletti Construction, Mill Valley, Calif.: gear that helps 21st-century custom builders get ahead.(Trend Lines/Gearhead)
July 1, 2006... As a service to clients, Caletti Construction provides remote viewing access to their active jobsites so clients can view still photos taken daily and, by entering a password, view streaming video of their home's progress. But Beverly Garine,...

Mark your calendar: important upcoming events.(Trend Lines/Events)(Calendar)
July 1, 2006... * Oct. 18-21, Remodeling Show 2006, Chicago. For information visit www.theremodelingshow.com. * Oct. 27-29, Custom Builder Symposium, Las Vegas. For information call 800.368.5242, ext. 8338, or visit www.nahb.org. * Nov. 8-11, StonExpo, Las...

Sound decision: living--and working--on a Connecticut waterfront.(On Site)(Cover story)
July 1, 2006... Along the shores of Long Island Sound, marsh grasses sway gently in the breeze as sailboats drift in the distance. Sunlight glints off the water, and fish trace patterns beneath its surface. Egrets swoop back and forth from their seaside nests....

Color clarity.(New Products for Custom Homes)
July 1, 2006... Produced by fusing lead-free pigments directly into the glass, colors in the UltraLites line of architectural glass panels are permanent and can be made in nearly any degree of translucency. UltraLites panels can be used in doors, walls,...

Perfect rest.(New Products for Custom Homes)
July 1, 2006... The NeoRest bath collection includes a programmable airbath with three waterfall fillers controlled by a deck mounted color LCD touchpanel unit that confirms commands with an audio response. The RainShower tower features three body sprays and a...

Flirty Faucet.(New Products for Custom Homes)
July 1, 2006... The K4 kitchen suite includes dual-spray pullout faucets for main and prep sinks, a cold-water pillar tap, and a pot filler. The maker's SilkMove system controls water with a fingertip touch and smaller angle of operation. Grohe. 630.582.7711....

Well-dressed details.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Designed to wrap structural beams or install as faux beams, Box Beams are constructed of character-grade Douglas fir or other hardwoods to match a home's woodwork. The beams feature period construction details and aging techniques such as hand...

Receding light.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... For wall-washing, accent, spot, or perimeter lighting applications, Precision Modules' multiple recessed spotlights can be interchanged with the precise number and types of lamps necessary. They are available in low- and line-voltage systems....

Darkness falls.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Designed by Philippe Starck, the Darkside collection of lighting includes the cut black crystal Zenith chandelier and sconce. Black silk shades are available. Baccarat. +33 820 32 22 22. www.baccarat.fr. Circle 491 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Organic art.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Art Nouveau woodwork embellishments incorporate motifs from nature in the stylized forms of the Art Nouveau era. Carved from a variety of woods, the collection features moldings, corbels, feet, and decorative onlays. Enkeboll. 800.745.5507....

Textural impressions.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Part of the Geological collection. NewStone porcelain tiles recreate the appearance and texture of quarried slate. Several field tile sizes and mosaics are available in four colors. GranitiFiandre. 800.903.4263. www.granitifiandreusa.com....

Sleek control.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... The Monochrome Touch Screen provides fingertip control of lighting and electrical systems. Displays and controls can be configured with symbols, images, clocks, time, and text. Square D Clipsal. 888.778.2733. www.squared.com/clipsal. Circle 496...

Flow simple.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Classic contemporary designs mark the VCR collection's H 1025 and H 1037 door levers. The smoothly curving lever of the H 1025 softly flares above its circular rosette. Several finishes are available. Valli & Valli. 877.326.2565....

Eastern inspiration.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Composition, deco, and perimeter inlay medallions incorporate materials such as stone, glass, slate, metal, and semi-precious stones. For use in flooring as well as walls, the Inspiration collection features four Zen-inspired designs. Oshkosh...

Options galore.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... More than 30 glass and designer resin glazing patterns are available across the maker's interior door line. Bendheim architectural glass patterns include ripple, groove, reeded, shoji, swirl, and a variety of others. Resins from 3Form encase...

Knots' landing.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Sporting shades from light brown to warm red and peach with a strong grain pattern, the Knotty Alder door collection is available in a variety of configurations and panel styles. Woodgrain Millwork. 800.452.3801. www.woodgrain.com. Circle 499...

Elements of style.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Designed in an Old World style, more than 225 hardwood moldings and architectural embellishments are part of the Adornments collection. Elements are handcarved from American cherry and maple in several sizes. White River Hardwoods....

Spot illumination.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Incorporating a central LED module that sits flush with the porcelain tile body, tiles in the LED collection can be installed on walls or floors. The LEDs come in six colors. Steuler-Fliesen/Una Terra. 877.207.2333. www.unaterra.com. Circle 501...

Store more.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Combining cabinets, shelving, workstations, and epoxy-coated baskets and hooks, the freedomRail Garage system is constructed of heavy-gauge steel. Uprights and spanners allow storage components to be reorganized as needed. Schulte Strong Home...

Complete care.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Three integrated components and one freestanding unit make up the UltraCare Laundry System: a front-loading stacked washer and dryer, the UltraCare drying cabinet, and the UltraCare cold iron. Asko. 800.367.2444. www.askousa.com. Circle 503 ...

Fire stopper.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... The Rapid Response home fire sprinkler system activates when the surrounding air temperature rises to between 150 and 160 degrees F. Sprinklerheads are available in a variety of finishes and styles that blend into the home. Tyco Fire & Building...

Natural beauty.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Vallarex cork flooring uses a sustainably harvested cork surface over a high-density fiber-board core for strength, supported by a cork underlayer. The glueless floating floor system comes in nine 12-inch-by-36-inch patterns. Expanko....

Filling a Niche.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Available in several standard configurations and custom designs, the Niche Door creates a secret passage concealed by storage and display space. Available in a variety of woods, Niche Doors combine bottom cabinets with top shelving, wine...

Tiger stripes.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Exotic Tigerwood flooring is available in the maker's Classic collection. Tigerwood flooring comes in a 3 1/4-inch-wide plank with semi-gloss and cashmere finishes. Mirage. 800.463.1303. www.miragefloors.com. Circle 507 [ILLUSTRATION...

Air-dry.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... The DRIcore subfloor features an engineered wood surface backed by a rigid polyethylene moisture barrier with a raised, star-shaped grid pattern that creates a 1/4-inch airspace between the concrete slab and subflooring, increasing airflow by...

Wireless suction.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Eliminating the need for wiring between the central vacuum power unit and its wall outlets, the wireleSS control system on the Beam Advocate central vacuum makes installation easier, says the maker. Pressing the switch on the hose handle from...

Fire squared.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Engineered to use clean-burning denatured ethanol, the flue-less EcoSmart Cube fireplace features a square fascia with a stainless Steel rim and firebox. The freestanding fireplace comes in several exterior colors. The Fire Company....

Locker room.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Boot Benches and Lockers cabinetry organizes mud rooms and entry halls. Boot Benches in widths up to 96 inches are outfitted with hinged wood tops or drawers. Locker units, coat rocks, and hall trees can be incorporated or used independently....

Steam clean.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... The front-loading LG SteamWasber features a steam cycle that removes wrinkles and odors from clothing without water or detergent. The large-capacity washer has a 4.0-cubic-foot drum and a menu-driven control panel. LG Electronics. 800.243.0000....

Fill 'er Up.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The deck-mount pot-filler faucet, model 157-064, is constructed of solid brass with ceramic-disc cartridges. A shut-off valve on the faucet's main stem and another on the swing arm provide control and safety. Blanco. 800.451.5782....

Accessory integration.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Two Ultra Magnum sink models provide multifunctional features and storage for kitchen tools and accessories. The ORX 710 is integrated with an accessory shelf, wooden knife rack, utensil well, towel bar, and removable odor-tight waste bin....

Into the Blue.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Shown on an island incorporating the beaded inset Kent door, the aerial blue finish is a blend of milky teal and powder blue. Part of the Blue's Traveler kitchen concept, aerial blue is now available across the firm's cabinetry line. Plain &...

Simply stable.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The Rainier line of cabinetry, is constructed with cores of WoodStalk agrifiber board sandwiched between quarter-sliced book-matched cherry or maple wood veneers. Rainier's full-overlay 3/4-inch slab doors are available in several finishes....

Visual pull.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Sixteen appliance pull designs coordinate with the manufacturer's most popular cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Designed for use on oversized cabinetry and appliances, the pulls come in satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, weathered nickel, and...

Quiet grinder.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Evolution series disposers are engineered with a system that reduces operating noise up to 60 percent. MultiGrind and MultiGrind Plus systems let users grind nearly anything, the maker says. In-SinkErator. 800.558.5700. www.insinkerator.com....

Ultimate options.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The Wolf sealed-burner rangetop features dual-stacked burners that provide maximum output and simmer temperatures. The range, with porcelain-coated iron grates, is available in 30-, 36-, and 48-inch models and can be combined with accessory...

Multi-zones.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The 48-inch refrigerator installed side by side or separately features five temperature zones: a two-zone wine cabinet, freezer compartment, refrigerator column, and vegetable compartment. Liebherr. 866.543.2437. www.liebherr-appliances.com....

Lighten up.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Each glass pane of the Cordova and St. Johns mullion doors is individually cut and hand-fitted into the frame for a tree-light construction and a rattle-free product. Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry. 717.351.1700. www.ruttcabinetry.biz. Circle 407...

Door story.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The stainless steel Icon Drop-Down Door microwave allows for easy access and increased installation options. A variety of automatic settings include 40 cooking selections and preprogrammed recipes. Electrolux. 877.435.3287....

Waste away.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The Starco trash containment system uses a through-the-wall, stainless steel chute assembly. The Quick Clamp system securely attaches trash bags to the bottom of the chute. The spring-loaded trapdoor can be finished in several steel patterns or...

Primitive art.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Primitive decorative hardware is finished in polished chrome, burnished bronze, brushed nickel, or black. Knobs and pulls are complemented by coordinating appliance pulls. Atlas Homewares. 800.799.6755. www.atlashomewares.com. Circle 411 ...

Exotic streak.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Keramos cabinetry features large-format slab doors with either integrated or brushed-aluminum handles. The horizontal grain of the dark wenge wood veneer creates a continuous pattern and is available in matte and high-gloss finishes. NY Loft....

Cold compartments.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The all-refrigerator model 736TR offers an upper cabinet refrigerator compartment and two refrigerator drawers below. Dual evaporators allow each drawer to be set at different temperatures. Sub-Zero. 800.222.7820. www.subzero.com. Circle 412...

Burn marks.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Hand-woven copper kitchen backsplashes are made from precision-cut copper slats worked into a checkerboard pattern. The seared patina finish is produced by applying heat to the copper. Several sizes are available. Frigo Design. 800.836.8746....

Bright lights.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The GE Monogram fully integrated dishwasher with Xenon interior lighting features an extra-tall stainless steel tub and concealed electronic controls. It accommodates 16 place settings, including oversized serving dishes. GE Appliances....

Nature's pattern.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Craft-Art offers four new light-colored wood options: elm, quarter-sawn sycamore, and spalted maple and sycamore. The spalted woods are created by applying, then killing, a naturally occurring fungus to the wood, creating dark graining...

Wash & go.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The single-drawer dishwasher accommodates up to five place settings and offers five cycles, removable racks, flip down cup shelves, and dual covered silverware baskets. The dish drawer is available in stainless steel and in a panel-ready model....

Tap a vein.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... Manufactured from quartz, Marble Vision surfacing offers three marble-like finishes and colors, all with the characteristic veining of natural marble. CaesarStone. 877.978.2789. www.caesarstoneus.com. Circle 416 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Open wide.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The French Door wall oven features a top cavity with two out-swinging doors. The stainless steel oven offers convection bake and broil functions. Jade Appliances. 866.820.9401. www.jadeappliances.com. Circle 419 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Conjoined curves.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The Vetro kitchen ventilation hood features a sweeping canopy of clear black glass intersected by its elliptical stainless steel shaft. Low-downlights illuminate the work space below. Kristen Victor Design. 619.696.1068....

Multi-tasker.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The chromium/nickel stainless steel Profi sink is 8 inches deep and features an interior shelf that supports prep boards, drip trays, and baskets while allowing the inner well to be filled at the same time. KWC. 888.592.3287....

Culinary power.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The ComuFe range, measuring 43 inches wide, features one all-convection oven, one multi-function oven, and a five-burner gas cooktop. Its enamel surface comes in several colors and stainless steel. La Cornue. 800.892.4040. www.lacornueusa.com....

Wide angle.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... The Elio kitchen faucet comes in single-lever and two-hole mixer configurations, The single-lever pullout Elio switches from aerated stream to spray, All models come in polished chrome and platinum matte. Dombracht 800.774.1181....

Swing set.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The push-out casement window swings open with a push of its lever, as does its interior wood-framed screen. The casement's stainless steel four-bar friction hinge opens the window a full 90 degrees for room-side access to the exterior glass...

Patina cure.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Reclaimed from circa 1930s olive-curing tanks made from old-growth redwood, the maker's siding planks have a patina that varies from deep red to gray. Solid lengths are available ill 5/s-inch-thick, 4 -inch-wide shiplap profiles with a re-inch...

Natural beauty.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Now available 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick, Riviera natural thin-cut limestone requires no supporting footing for wall-cladding applications. The product adheres to the wall over a cementitious bed applied on top of a composite lathe. It is...

Private screening.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Designed to complement the manufacturer's NanaWall system, the operable NanaScreen is a series of collapsible, pleated polypropylene mesh panels that connect across the full width of a NanaWall system. Its reinforced wire tensioning system...

Permanent colors.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Corrosion-resistant stainless steel tiles and panels for roofing, siding, and accent applications are manufactured from 70 percent recycled steel. Each tile and panel has a built-in shadow cup for dimension and noise reduction. Available in...

Historic openings.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The six designs in the Biltmore For Your Home garage door collection are constructed of Western red cedar over a 2-inch commercial steel frame for durability. Each design--including Antler Hill (shown)--is available in standard sizes. Amarr...

French design.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Designed to work like conventional roll-up sectional garage doors, FrenchPorte garage doors offer the appearance of French doors with aluminum frames and translucent frosted polycarbonate panes. Available in single- and double-door...

Dirt defense.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Low-E4 glazing deflects radiant heat, reduces glare, and cuts ultraviolet light. A sunlight-activated exterior coating reduces dirt buildup and water spots. Andersen Windows. 800.426.4261. www.andersenwindows.com. Circle 471 [ILLUSTRATION...

Rugged Russian.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Available in 13-foot lengths, Siberian larch siding is naturally resistant to decay, fungal growth, and insects and is dimensionally stable. The Wood does not require chemical treatments or finishes, but can be painted and stained. Stein Wood...

Special profile.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... From tongue-and-groove and plain bevel to rabbeted bevel and shiplap, the company can mill nearly any standard siding profile or custom profile in several redwood grades. The wood comes from sustainable forests, the company says. Redwood Lumber...

Hot outside.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The patented single-handle hot/cold outdoor sill faucet delivers a mix of hot and cold water for outdoor uses at up to 12 gallons per minute. The sill faucet installs with one common line for water flow and a directional groove helps ensure...

Slide away.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... With spans up to 24 feet and heights up to 10 feet, the VistaPointe Multi-Slide patio door can stack against a fixed wall or slide into a wall pocket. The system can be automated. Eagle Window & Door. 866.998.3940. www.eaglewindow.com. Circle...

Artful metals.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... With bronze and copper cladding in several living finishes, Cyprium windows and doors feature one-piece frame cladding, a protruding sill, and recessed mullions. Loewen. 800.563.9367. www.loewen.com. Circle 477 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hit the bricks.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The Eldorado Brick line of veneer bricks are molded from European bricks and finished by hand. Combining highly textured surfaces and random variations in thickness and size with 14 color blends, veneers come in four profiles including...

High energy.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The Cool Roof Met-Tile line utilize architectural coating system that provides solar reflectivity values between 26 percent and 67 percent. The Energy Star-qualified metal roofing comes in 10 colors and has a 230-mph wind rating. Met-Tile....

Smooth slate.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... InSpire composite synthetic slate-like shingles feature a camber design that eliminates the need to manually flex each shingle before installation. The design locks the shingle edges to the roof after nailing to prevent wind uplift. Tapco...

Open quad.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The four-panel sliding patio door features two center-parting panels and two stationary panels, all with slim stiles and rails. Dual-point locks secure the active panels. The door is available with a sliding screen. Marvin Windows and Doors....

Dragon smoke.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Handmade terra-cotta chimney pots feature fanciful dragons wrapped around them or carved in relief. Some chimney pots are designed with the dragon's body as the functional element. The Chimney Pot Shoppe. 724.345.3601. www.chimneypot.com....

Turn a corner.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... The HR175 radius-front window is a gently bowed single-hung unit. The bottom sash slides up and tilts in for cleaning. Its historically accurate construction includes traditional suitcase lock and lift handles. Weather Shield. 800.477.6808....

Crisp folds.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... Available in a variety of wood species as well as the maker's Aurora Custom Fiberglass, the IWP exterior folding door can be speced for opening widths of 48 feet. The door opens accordion-style and panels fold and stack against each other....