Custom Home articles from March 2004

Custom Home archives from March 2004

Second's best.(Editor's Page)
March 1, 2004... Four years ago, people began to flock to real estate as a sale harbor for their money after the stock market meltdown of 2000. Spurred by the lowest interest rates in a generation, they moved up to new houses, fixed up old ones, snapped up...

A vote for business.(Readers have their say)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Your article in the November/December issue of CUSTOM HOMB entitled "Self Image" (page 12) really hit home. I started my own business at the age of 19 with a toolbelt on and no business experience. Now, 25 years later, I consider myself more of...

The next generation.(Readers have their say)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Enjoyed your article ("Career Counseling," January/February 2004, page 14), especially the quotes from Pat McNeil (he happens to be in my Builder 20 Club). While my daughter is only 20 months old, I'll certainly provide her with the opportunity...

She's thinking about it.(Readers have their say)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... You offer good ideas for dealing with the "procrastinator" style of customer ("Decisionitis," by Al Trellis, January/ February 2004, page 22), but I'd like to suggest that not all people who take a long time to make up their minds are...

Money isn't everything: how do you retain key employees in a tight labor market?(On Your Mind)
March 1, 2004... The construction labor market is notoriously transient. When builders are busy, it is a simple matter for a carpenter to move down the road to another company: Different house, same hammer. When business is good, as it has been in construction...

Words of wisdom: advice for avoiding burnout.(Customer Service)
March 1, 2004... A small plaque hangs on the wall above my desk: Illegitimus Non Tatum Carborundum. With the exception of one or two houseplant names, this phrase represents the sum total of my knowledge of Latin. The translation is "Don't let the bastards...

Get a life: find the time to enjoy yourself.(Case Study)
March 1, 2004... Scenario: Due to the market demand, Barry has more work than he can handle. He already works six days a week, and now he finds that he's getting up earlier and coming home later. He doesn't feel that he can delegate the work, because his two...

Pricing for profit: what's your markup?(Strictly Business)
March 1, 2004... The question I am always asked in seminars I give around the country is, "What markup should I use?" I always give the same, simple answer, "It depends." Each custom builder must evaluate his or her own situation in order to establish the...

Talent scout: recruit and retain a dynamic team.(The Top Line)
March 1, 2004... "It's so hard to find good help and to keep good people on staff." This is the most common challenge I hear from contractors around the country. And without quality staff--both in the office and in the field--your sales and marketing efforts...

Entertainment hub: the PC is at the center of multi-room audio and video.(The Wired House)
March 1, 2004... Twenty years ago, when PC makers were trying to convince a skeptical public about the benefits of a home computer, they offered the promise of storing recipes on a hard drive and using number-crunching software to simplify tax returns. It...

The art of audio: when sound looks good.(The Wired House)
March 1, 2004... For years the hang-on-the-wall TV was merely a fantasy for interior designers and homeowners frustrated by oversized TV cabinets. Now that plasma and LCD TVs have made the dream come true, TVs are finding their wav into places they weren't...

Movable walls.(Custom Touches)
March 1, 2004... "How do you take something as common as a door and give it expression of unique character?" asks San Francisco-based architect James Zack. The projects below offer several innovative solutions. These movable walls transmit light while...

Healthy cooking.(K+B Studio)
March 1, 2004... The recipe for this Scarborough, Maine, kitchen includes many healthy house ingredients such as zero-VOC finishes, natural cooling, long-lasting materials, and radiant heating. To the P.C. mixture, architect Scott Simons adds conscientious...

Soothing soak.(K+B Studio)
March 1, 2004... Architect Whitney Sander admires the way the Japanese elevate bathing into a celebrated ritual, and he used that idea when he designed the master bath of his Venice, Calif., home. The room crowns a barrier-free floor plan that enfolds a...

Contemporary contingent.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Available to the architectural and design market, the Catalonia series combines countertops, mirrors, washbasins, fixtures, and supports into all-in-one contemporary bathroom fixtures. The combinations are available in three styles--Tarraco,...

Bathing beauties.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Constructed of Englishcast mineral crystal composite, Victoria & Albert roll-top tubs are now available in the United States. Offering an alternative to traditional cast iron tubs, Victoria & Albert tubs come in a range of styles and sizes,...

Historical details.(What's New)
March 1, 2004... Handcrafted from original pattern book designs. Hull Historical Millwork's authentic mantels are reproductions of mantels found in trade catalogs of the Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Period Revival eras. The custom-milled mantels feature...

Mortar and stone.(What's New)
March 1, 2004... Mur-Mur decorative wall cladding stones from Modulo USA are made from reconstituted natural stones collected from France's Valois region. The crushed stone material is colored with several metal oxides, then molded and imprinted with 100...

Mark your calendar: important coming events.(Events)(Calendar)
March 1, 2004... March 23-26, Coverings tile, stone, and flooring expo. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. For information visit www.coverings.com. * April 1-4, Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference. McCormick Place, Chicago. For information call...

Time well spent: a Long Island home proves more than worth the wait.(On Site)
March 1, 2004... Every custom home represents a shared journey for its architect and builder. But architect Kenton van Boer and builder Arthur Trifari traveled an unusually long road to complete this East Hampton, N.Y., project. "It was six years overall,"...

The good life: a vacation home is the ultimate dream.(Portfolio)
March 1, 2004... No matter how busy custom home clients get, they never stop dreaming of relaxing at the beach--or on the ski slope, on the golf course, or by the pool. "A second home is obviously discretionary spending, so it's subject to changes in the...

Deep clean: central vacuum systems improve indoor air quality.(State of the Art)
March 1, 2004... Central vacuum systems have become a standard offering for many custom builders. Over the years, homeowners have come to appreciate the conveniences central vacuums offer, and custom builders have become comfortable installing them. But even...

Michael C. Brown: custom builders share their latest product finds.(Great Finds)
March 1, 2004... For eight years, custom builder Michael C. Brown has been building homes using the Arxx High-Performance Wallsystem of insulated concrete forms. Brown says the system provides a true structural foundation and provides for an excellent...

Jay Grant: custom builders share their latest product finds.(Great Finds)
March 1, 2004... Custom builder Jay Grant prefers to have cabinetry made for his clients' homes by Knight Kitchens because the cabinetmaker works one-on-one with Grant's designers to deliver a high-quality, custom product. He particularly likes that Knight...

Shower therapy.(Fine Finishes)
March 1, 2004... Combining the technologies of hydraulics, plumbing, and electronics with the ancient practice of hydrotherapy, the SilverTAG shower provides a European-style spa treatment custom-designed to each client's specific needs. The shower is designed...

Moving mosaics.(Fine Finishes)
March 1, 2004... Working primarily with tesserae (mosaic materials) in split stone red glass and sometimes in vitreous glass and unglazed porcelain, George Fishman produces original mosaic art in a range of styles. He has created mosaics for fountains, swimming...

Ancient art.(Flooring)
March 1, 2004... The Pietra Art line of natural travertine floor tiles includes field tiles, mosaics, decors, and rosones (stone area mgs). The 4-inch-square field Sir tiles come in four earth tones and are tumbled for a weathered look. The 12- and...

Wide wood.(Flooring)
March 1, 2004... Teragren 6-inch wide. 6-foot-long bamboo planks come prefinished or unfinished in both vertical and flay grain. The three-ply Moso bamboo plank is made using a formaldehyde-free adhesive, and the fiber-coat finish system uses water-based,...

Shades of stone.(Flooring)
March 1, 2004... Quartzite series porcelain stone tiles replicate the variations of natural quartzite. The maker's finish enhances the colors and allows stains and scuffs to be easily removed. They come in cream multicolor, green multicolor, Noce multicolor,...

Handcrafted planks.(Flooring)
March 1, 2004... Hardwood boards from select American mills are hand-scraped, hand-stained, and then sealed with a clear finish for durability. Different wood grains can be combined. Available wood species include American walnut, hickory, and Southern yellow...

Vividly grained.(Flooring)
March 1, 2004... Hand-scraping enhances the natural wood grain of the American Legacy collections hardwood planks. The Heritage Hickory line comes in reddish-stoned Saffron, yellow topaz, deep Brown hazelnut, and rich brown espresso. The Woodbridge Walnut line...

Pure and simple.(Showers)
March 1, 2004... With its stainless steel floor and plumbing column, marble base, and ultra-clear crystal enclosure, the Proxima shower system appears to float within a space. A hidden drain and open doorway add to the uncomplicated aesthetic, the company says....

Vertical massage.(Showers)
March 1, 2004... Stamina showers come in 48- and 60-inch sizes and feature a 3/4-inch thermostatic valve, 22 body jets, and a triple-function showerhead. Built-in seating, two large shelves with guardrails, and a 12-inch grab bar are also included. Maax...

Open and shut.(Showers)
March 1, 2004... The Cesana Logic Active shower's central column has an adjustable showerhead and hand-held shower--both with hydro-massage functions and controls that are accessible from outside and inside the unit. Other features include a thermostatic mixer,...

Home spa.(Showers)
March 1, 2004... The Temazkal offers sauna-like thermotherapy, aromatherapy, and light therapy along with the option of a hydro-massage shower. The 42-by-42-inch unit adjusts from 95 to 97 inches high. Framed or frameless doors are available. BainUltra....

Crystal clear.(Showers)
March 1, 2004... The Evolution oval shower features a tempered-glass enclosure and quartz-based floor. An electronic panel controls the body jets, adjustable seats, mood lamps, and stereo. Hastings Tile & Il Bagno. 800.351.0038. www.hastingstile bath.com....

Sculptured style.(Kitchen Lighting)
March 1, 2004... Contemporary ceramic pendant lights are 6 inches in diameter and 13 1/2 inches high and feature a natural off-white bisque finish. More than 350 customizable styles are available. Fabby. 323.939.1388. www.fabby.com. Circle 535 ...

Versatility plus.(Kitchen Lighting)
March 1, 2004... Configured-to-order pendants are offered in 22 styles, two body lengths, and five finishes, and with 30 different canopies. Shown here is the adjustable Sierra patina copper pendant in a rush finish. Hubbardton Forge. 800.826.4766....

Period pieces.(Kitchen Lighting)
March 1, 2004... The company offers lightning fixtures grouped by historically similar styles including Ranch, Modern, Art Deco, and Arts & Crafts. They come with a variety of period-appropriate hand-applied finishes. Custom orders also are available....

Shine on.(Kitchen Lighting)
March 1, 2004... The 20-watt recessed halogen fixture features an ultra-polished aluminum reflector bulb and requires a depth of only 5/8 inch. Numerous finishes are available, including chrome, white, black, and brass. Richelieu. 800.619.5446....

Lighten up.(Kitchen Lighting)
March 1, 2004... The Linea low-voltage lighting system is designed for applications such as counter fighting, undercabinet fighting, display lighting, and task lighting. Lampholders are offered in six styles, two sizes, and three finishes. Halo. 770.486.4800....

Ebb and flow.(Lavatories)
March 1, 2004... The Ebb single-piece stainless steel basin features a sloped surface that overlaps and conceals the drain opening. It is available in depths from 21/2 to 7 inches and heights ranging from 19 to 38 inches. Acorn Engineering. 800.591.9050....

A modern classic.(Lavatories)
March 1, 2004... The Aquaware collection includes a variety of imported European console units, basins, and storage components made of wood, glass, steel, stone, and composites. Shown in mahogany, the basin sink also is available in 1/2-inch-thick clear glass,...

Bathroom beauty.(Lavatories)
March 1, 2004... The Perfect Chisel collection features stone lavatories in a variety of textures and colors, each hand-finished to bring out the characteristics of the stone. Stainless steel and glass bathroom fixtures and accessories also are available....

One of a kind.(Lavatories)
March 1, 2004... Made from amber onyx, the shell-shaped Pompei basin is part of the Natural Stone collection and measures 16 inches by 19 inches with a depth of 5 1/4 inches. The basin is available in other stone choices: no two basins are exactly alike, claims...

Disappearing act.(Lavatories)
March 1, 2004... The Magic Square sink features a slightly angled tray that causes water to disappear into the drain below. Available in 14- and 17-inch-square sizes, the sink is available in black granite or travertine with a removable mosaic tray made of...

Fiberglass force.(Weather-Resistant Products)
March 1, 2004... Available in custom and standard sizes, fiberglass Ultra and WoodClad double-hung windows feature top and bottom tilt-in sashes and come standard with SunCoat low-E glass. Both models are available in five exterior colors; the Ultra comes with...

Melting magic.(Weather-Resistant Products)
March 1, 2004... The Nexans TXLP electric radiant heating cable melts snow and ice buildups along roof edges and in gutters. Providing up to 15 watts per foot when in operation, the UL-listed cable has three waterproof coverings. Available in voltages from 120...

Coastal cedar.(Weather-Resistant Products)
March 1, 2004... Measuring 1/2 inch thick, kiln-dried Western red cedar Coastal Panel comes in 8-foot panels of either mixed or vertical-grain shingles in one and two courses. The panels have concealed nailing patterns and are certified to withstand winds up to...

Garage guardian.(Weather-Resistant Products)
March 1, 2004... Measuring 1/2 inch thick, kiln-dried Western red cedar Coastal Panel comes in 8-foot panels of either mixed- or vertical-grain shingles in one and two courses. The panels have concealed nailing patterns and are certified to withstand winds up...

High impact.(Weather-Resistant Products)
March 1, 2004... Meeting hurricane-resistant construction requirements in ASTM Zone 3 regions, StormPlus Impact Zone 3 windows and doors feature multi-layer glazing and hardware reinforcements. The line includes several window styles, as well as French doors in...

Range hood exhaust.(Custom Product Showcase)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... CFM (Continental Fan Manufacturing) AXC fans are perfect for Remote Range hood applications. They are STRONGER (up to 1200 cfm), QUIETER (by virtue of the remote mounting), and are available in MORE sizes (11) for any job. All units are...

The Aladdin Light Lift.(Custom Product Showcase)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... The ALLADDIN LIGHT LIFT is an easily installed motorized lift system that automatically lowers your chandelier for easy cleaning or bulb changing.... with just the turn of a key. Models are available to lift up to 700 pound chandeliers and 65...

Waterproof membranes under ceramic tile.(Custom Product Showcase)
March 1, 2004... Use Our 40 mil COMPOSEAL BLUE sheet membrane for shower floors, our 40 mil COMPOSEAL GOLD for thin-set moisture and crack protection, and try our new 10 mil COMPOSEAL SKY BLUE Water Barrier (available in 6 ft. x 100 ft. or 200 ft. rolls) to...

Coat tower.(Last Detail)
March 1, 2004... This Telluride, Colo., home weathers an average annual snowfall of 325 inches, so it's only fitting that the coat closet is a monumental two-story stone tower. The addition of decomposed granite exaggerates the texture of the mortar, which is...

Dive in.(Editor's Notes)
March 1, 2004... Sot long ago, POOL& SPA NEWS published a lengthy article about the decline in sales of diving boards over the past five years. The piece, written by AmyJo Brown, focused primarily on the now-famous Shawn Meneely lawsuit. It also looked at...

Campfire redux.
March 1, 2004... Outdoor spaces need to provide the comfort and convenience of indoor living," says Phoenix-based architect Bob Bacon. Part of indoor luxury is climate control, so adding a flick-of-the-switch fire pit or an oversized fireplace to outdoor areas...

Triple feature.
March 1, 2004... For clients who frequently entertain large groups, architect Bob Bacon's primary concern was easy circulation throughout the amenity-packed outdoor spaces. The solution includes a three-sided fireplace that anchors free-flowing dining, living,...

Fireside formal.(Campfire Redux)
March 1, 2004... This 32-foot-by-18-foot loggia with its oversized fireplace takes the place of a formal indoor living room in this 3,800-square-foot home in Austin, Texas. "It was actually more expensive to build than most interior spaces," says builder Greg...

Lap of luxury.(Campfire Redux)
March 1, 2004... "We always knew we wanted a combined fire and water feature that could be seen from the living room windows" of this 20-acre property in Cave Creek, Ariz., says designer Deborah Malone. Water trickles over two sides of a raised...

Bonfire of the vanities.(Campfire Redux)
March 1, 2004... Landscape architect Greg Trutza designed a wok-shaped fire pit and stacked it high with lava rocks, encouraging natural gas flames to achieve bonfire status. Several more of the hand-carved cantera stone "woks," used as planters, were placed on...

Children at play: landscape with kids in mind.
March 1, 2004... Safety first: It's the mantra on the job, in the house, and out of doors. While indoor building codes dictate details from the placement of electrical outlets to the design of stair rails, outdoor spaces--residential ones, at least--enjoy a...

Below the surface: added force on pool walls may require a specially engineered shell.(Problem Solved)
March 1, 2004... Pool builders working with custom homes often face challenging conditions. For example, the design may call for a pool to be built very close to the house. In other instances, a hillside lot or loose fill create unstable environments. Sometimes...

Correction.
March 1, 2004... The "Home Games" in the Fall 2003 issue incorrectly listed the name of the project's pool contractor. The correct name is E.F.G. in Coral Springs, Fla. CUSTOM HOME OUTDOORS regrets the error.

No diving? The diving board is disappearing from backyard pools. A court case that has baffled the industry for years may provide answers.(In Depth)
March 1, 2004... Picture a backyard swimming pool in 1974: Kids splash and play, fighting over multicolored rafts. Sunlight dapples the water. In the deep end, a diving board is being used by a slew of teenagers, and the rhythmic, springy sound of their feet...

Beautiful & profitable landscape ideas for custom builders.(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... Nothing adds value to a home faster than great landscaping. Let Allan Block bring an extra dimension to the style and function of your next building project. Our mortarless landscaping blocks make it easy for home builders to install elegant...

Sweetening the lot: value-added vista.
March 1, 2004... The .8-acre lot in The Sanctuary at Lake Butler Sound certainly wasn't a lemon, but it needed a little sweetening to be worthy of the $2.5 million house Jones Clayton Construction intended to build on it. Views from the landlocked site normally...

Grounds for elegance: an outdoor space for a grand Victorian.
March 1, 2004... The centerpiece of the plan is a pool complex designed by Schujman that provides everything necessary for Marin County, Calif.'s, outdoor good life. Linked to the house by formal, terraced steps, the pool is on axis with the home's entry and...

Recycled beauty.(What's new: decking products)
March 1, 2004... Monarch decking is made of 100 percent recycled wood and plastic and features a slip-resistant wood-grain pattern. The decking resists termites, mold, and mildew, and will not split, crack, warp, rot, or cup. The material does not need to be...

Executive suite.(What's new: decking products)
March 1, 2004... In either jatoba or massaranduba woods, Executive Wood Decking naturally resists termites, mold, fire, and surface checking without the use of CCA preservatives, and is three times harder than red oak, says the producer. Planks come in 4-and...

Lasting colors.(What's new: decking products)
March 1, 2004... GeoDeck composite decking and railing feature a brushed, non-slip grain finish and are available in three profiles mad three fade-resistant colors. The decking's fastening system eliminates exposed screws. Kadant Composites. 877.804.0137....

Sealed tight.(What's new: decking products)
March 1, 2004... Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish provides water resistance and UV protection against fading, aging, and sun damage. It penetrates wood fibers in one coat and does not form a surface film. Penofin. 800.736.6346. www. penofin.com. Circle 26 ...

Two-faced textures.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... The TwinFinish 5/4 plank features two different textures: One side has a brushed surface; the opposite side has a wood-grain surface that replicates the look of vertical-grain lumber. The wood-grain surface varies from plank to plank to...

Hot sounds.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... Available on the maker's Grandee and Vanguard spa models; Clark Synthesis' completely invisible SpAudio sound system uses the entire surface of the spa shell to create high-fidelity sound without the use of external speakers, Sound can be felt,...

Gated community.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... Custom-designed, pre-hung automatic driveway and garden gates run on low-voltage electrical connections or on solar panels and are available in single-swing, bi-parting pair swing, or sliding operation. The maker offers a wide range of access...

Concrete quarry.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... The massive concrete Quarried Paver features patent-pending mortar-less joints with a self-aligning tab-and-groove system. Designed to provide the look and feel of natural rock, the 4-inch-thick pavers are available sized up to 24 square feet...

Surf and turf.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... Featuring a 160,000-BTU, eight-burner Big John grill with a stainless steel hood and a separate module with two 60,000-BTU burners, the Steak & Lobster combo island is constructed of ipe wood and measures 72 inches long. A refrigeration island...

Plank position.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... TenduraPlank porch flooring is now available in a through-color plank in battleship gray. The new plank requires no priming or painting and comes with predrilled holes for easier installation. The maker has added a high-density polypropylene to...

All-weather storage.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... Made of a solid through-color polymer composite board with UV inhibitors, Signature series outdoor cabinery is designed to withstand the elements and will not rot, split, change color, or swell. The cabinets are resistant to more than 300...

Sound wall.(What's new: outdoor products)
March 1, 2004... Designed to perform in extreme environmental conditions, Symphony Extreme in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are resistant to shock, vibration, salt spray, and chemicals. The speakers can survive temperatures ranging from -30 to 220 degrees F, the...