Custom Home articles from May 2002

Custom Home archives from May 2002

Out there. (Editor's Page).(Editorial)
May 1, 2002... OUT THERE You are, I hope you know, on the cutting edge, a true trendsetter. You may be looking down at your sturdy shoes, pressed Dockers, and neat company polo shirt, wondering what I'm talking about. But look at the houses you build. Aren't...

Extras caution: stop and consider before you make--or deny--precedents. (Customer Service).(home building)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... To custom builders precedent means "everyone I've built for on the street will ask for something extra because I did something extra for one homeowner." Clients, it seems, want the best of both worlds--they expect to get whatever anyone else...

Takedown shakedown: developers' lot program require thorough research. (Case Study).(custom home building)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... SCENARIO: In addition to building six to eight custom homes a year, Barry Builder tries to have one spec house going at all times. While some of his buyers come to him with their own lot, many others want Barry to provide the whole package. But...

Build a nest egg: there are several ways to accumulate retirement savings. (Strictly Business).(retirement savings for independent home builders)
May 1, 2002... It's never too soon to begin thinking about retirement how you are going to fund it. While your business may attract a buyer when you're ready to kick back and relax, there's no way to predict that it will or how much you'll be able to sell it...

Connectivity: more devices for the wired--and not so wired--house. (The Wired House).(home electronics networking)
May 1, 2002... Home networking proponents have long said that entertainment is the engine that will drive consumers to the connected home. Now those once-futuristic entertainment products and services are starting to stream to stores. Audio and video...

Geometry lesson. (Great Rooms).(room remodel)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Someday, high school kids will be studying this remodeled great room. The owner, a San Francisco high school geometry teacher, was so taken with architect Ed Kaplan's renovation plan, he included it in a geometry textbook he was writing. ...

Mark your calendar: important upcoming events. (Events).
May 1, 2002... June 10 to 12, Builder Technology Conference. Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, Washington, D.C. For information call 888.227.6539 or visit www.hanley-wood.com * June 23 to 25, Builder Marketing Workshop, sponsored by BUILDER magazine....

Grande opening: a gulf coast vacation home joins two proud Florida traditions. (On Site).(Boca Grande housing development)
May 1, 2002... When you think of resort communities in south Florida. you might not think of places loaded with historical context, places with a lot of "there" there. But in the case of Boca Grande you should. Located north of Fort Meyers on the Gulf Coast's...

Peace and quiet: balance an open floor plan with a room designed for solitude. (Design Studio).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Every home needs a main-floor get-away room. It can serve as a sanctuary from the noise and bustle of family life, or as a place to play the piano and smoke a cigar without disturbing anyone. Whether a library, an office, or a music room, its...

Tune in. (New Products for Custom Homes).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Centered around a digital network hub, the MC2000 home audio system includes localized room stations, allowing users to listen to different music sources simultaneously. The system also has an intercom and sleep and wake functions. M&S...

Sleek reflections. (New Products for Custom Homes).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Inspired by the Art Moderne movement of the '30s and '40s, the Metallique framed medicine cabinet features clean, simple lines. The unit, which comes in polished chrome or brushed nickel, measures 30 inches by 20 inches with an interior depth...

Select stone. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... A range of new custom options is available on the company's line of soapstone fireplaces, including custom carving and 18 sandblasted picture tile insets. Two new stone colors, Kianta blue and Kianta sky, also have been added, The one of-a-kind...

Leather lever. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The Club lever handle features a solid brass handle and a leather grip. It comes in polished brass, chrome, and matte nickel-plated finishes; leather is available in 12 colors, including ivory, light brown, cobalt blue, and black. Olivari....

Rustic accents. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Matterhorn trim and accent pieces blend travertine and marble stone accents to provide a rustic contemporary complement to a range of tile designs. The line includes 3-inch-by-12-inch block listello, 1-inch-by-12-inch marble liner, two...

Tile style. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Terra Antica porcelain wall and floor tile features color variation from tile to tile for a random, cotto look. The tile comes in gold, brown, red, and blue/grey in three square sizes: 6 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch. Borders and corner decos are...

Soft burn. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The Bora fireplace features a tall, slim design with a softly curved steel front, a curved glass door, and a soapstone top. The contemporary stainless steel handle remains cool to the touch. Rais & Wittus. www.raiswittus.com. Circle 404 ...

Modern marble. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Reflecting New York City architecture reminiscent of early 20th-century classic modernism, the Tribeca honed marble collection combines a blend of marbles for a marbled grey and white complexion. The mosaics, which are mesh-mounted, and...

Sliding system. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Designed for walk-in wardrobes or room partitions, the Klass sliding door system features a natural aluminum-finish frame with an oak. horizontal-grain panel, The system comes with aligned or overlapping doors. Panels also are available with...

Wide open. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The industry's largest wood-burning fireplace, the I100 unit offers a 50-inch-by-33-inch opening, the company says. The unit comes with a brick or herringbone refractory, a choice of fully framed vintage iron glass doors or traditional DM glass...

Tile set. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... A range of new porcelain tiles is available, including Lazio Marfil, a 2-inch-by-12-inch glazed piece from Tau (bottom left), 18-inch-square Tebas Marfil from Colorker (top left), 13-inch-square Trieste Beige from Penarroya (top right), and...

Renewable style. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... An all-natural material, Marmorette linoleum flooring is manufactured with renewable raw materials such as linseed oil, resin, and cork. The flooring is available in 16 colors and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Armstrong....

Pull it off. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Line of stainless steel hardware includes knobs, cabinet pulls, and door pulls in a range of designs and sizes. The pieces will not rust or stain, and can be used in coastal environments. Omnia. www.omniaindustries.com. Circle 410 ...

Cider house rules. (Interior Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Salvaged from cider mill vats in England, this English brown oak has been steeped in British-style cider for 100 years. Strongbow offers a soft, toasted-brown color and dark-colored accents. Scrumpy Jack, shown here, was milled from the vats'...

Quartz collection. (Kitchen Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The company has introduced seven new colors to its line of quartz surfacing: Magellan green, storm grey, Argo green, Borealis blue, galaxy black, nova brown, and Vega rose. The surfacing comes in 2- and 3-centimeter thicknesses. Fifteen...

Counter act. (Kitchen Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Geocrete Pangea modular concrete workstations are available with a range of accents, including integral trivets, a fitted cutting board, an integral fruit bowl, and inlays. The modules, which are 2 1/2 inches thick, measure 25 inches long by 30...

Vast range. (Kitchen Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... The Grand Veneur range includes two 2.8-cubic-foot ovens in gas, electric, or one of each. Twelve cooktop configurations are available, including simmering areas, a deep fryer, burners, a steamer, and a grill. Reminiscent of traditional French...

Chill out. (Kitchen Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Available in five models, the Luxury series of wine and beverage refrigerators features black gloss interiors and a range of door styles with double-pane, tinted, UV-resistant glass. This unit, model 6BAR, measures 24 inches wide. Marvel....

Keep cool. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Top-mount refrigerator features FastFresh door cooling, which directs airflow through the back and through a vent in the door, maintaining an even temperature throughout the unit. The model is available with a titanium finish, which offers the...

Filter fresh. (Kitchen Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Part of the Victorian collection, this filtering faucet features vintage styling in polished chrome, old bronze, brushed nickel, or the company's Diamond finish. The filtering function operates with a slight shift of the handle and includes an...

Furniture feel. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Inspired by the furnishings of 18th-century palatial estates and romantic styles of the French countryside, the company's hand-painted and hand-finished kitchen and bath furniture can be used for a variety of applications. The Sussex kitchen...

View through. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The 601RG custom refrigerator has a dimmed interior light that can stay on when the door is closed and will switch to full illumination when the door is opened. The unit offers 19.9 cubic feet of storage space. Sub-Zero. www.subzero.com. Circle...

Get the message. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... A built-in voice memo function on the Messenger refrigerator allows homeowners to record voice messages for other family members. The unit also will alert users to a range of refrigerator issues, including filter changes and the length of power...

Bridge the gap. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Bridgemaster is the first bridge-style faucet to incorporate a pullout spray, the maker says. The faucet, which is crafted in London, is available in a range of finishes. Soho Corp. Circle 172 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Free to vent. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Designed for use with the company's Designer series of cooktops, this rear downdraft rests flush with the cooking surface when not in use. The unit features four ventilation speeds, a remote-mounted control, a delay-start feature, and filter...

Kitchen combination. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Polara 30-inch refrigerator/range allows homeowners to refrigerate and bake meals in one unit. The Polara sets cool and cook start and stop times for up to 24 hours. The refrigerator compressor is located under the oven cavity where a...

Practical pewter. (Kitchen Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Tacoma cabinets, shown with the company's new Pewter glaze, include maple interiors, 3/4-depth base shelves, and steel drawer boxes. The door style also is available in natural, ginger, nutmeg, and espresso. Canac. www.canac kitchens.com....

Clean slate. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Slate roofing is available in a range of sizes, thicknesses, and colors that can be blended together to create multicolored or graduated roofs. Color selections include purple, unfading black, gray, and weathering sea green. North Country...

Preserve and protect. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Designed to protect exotic hardwood decks and outdoor furniture, Australian Timber Oil combines three oils--linseed, tung, and durable long oil alkyds--for a deep-penetrating, hand-rubbed finish that guards against harsh weather, the maker...

Rugged roof. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Made with 29-gauge Galvalume, Centura steel shingles are easy to install, energy efficient, and weather resistant, says the maker. The shingles, which carry a Class B fire rating, are guaranteed against color fading for 25 years. Six colors are...

Easy entry. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Fiberglass pre-hung entry doors are available with a paintable and stainable wood or smooth skin surface. The doors are available with no panels or with four- or six-panel designs in a range of widths. Crystal Window & Door Systems....

High fiber. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Part of the Vintage collection, the Citadel fiberglass patio door features an oak-look interior and a low-maintenance, pre-finished exterior. The doors feature low-E argon-filled insulated glass and flush glazing. Four exterior colors are...

True colors. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... ColorPlus pre-finished lap and shingle panel fiber-cement siding features a mar-resistant surface that blocks efflorescence, resists fading, and won't peel, chip, or crack, the company says. The panels come pre-painted in soft pastels, warm...

Bronze age. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Empire series custom bronze doors are made from solid bronze extrusions in both in-swing and out-swing configurations. The doors are available with various true and false muntin shapes and dimensions. Snap-in glazing beads allow for up to...

Double up. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Legacy series tilt double-hung wood window features top and bottom sash tilts with fingertip latch releases and a new sash profile for a tighter primary seal and cleaner sight lines. Five standard exterior finish colors and six interior...

Brick in the wall. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The PastelCote brick finishing system combines the textured and colored look of stucco with the durability of brick. PastelCote finish covers PastelBriks, which are specially treated and surfaced, to create the texture and look of stucco. The...

Raise the roof. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Available in any wood species, Soveco shingles are impregnated with a special oil that protects them against the effects of humidity, insects, and fungus. According to the firm, the shingles are resistant to winds of more than 180 mph. The...

Coat of armor. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The company offers any of its custom or standard entry and interior doors clad in brass, bronze, copper, iron, and pewter, in one of 11 metal-finish combinations. TruClad doors are available in a range of sizes and styles. Clad frames,...

Reef revisited. (Exterior Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... With a surface texture of fossil and coral patterns Coral Stone wall veneer replicates the look of endangered coral reef stone. Stone come in 10 sizes, varying from 3 1/4 to 14 1/2 inches in height and from 7 to 22 inches in length. Cultured...

Color calm. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Sok bath, which submerges users up to the chin while eye-level water cascades over the edge, is now offered with chromatherapy. A sequence of eight colors is transmitted for about eight seconds each through four LED light ports along the...

Full circle. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Cella bathtub features clawed feet and a flat or rolled deck and comes with 40 air jets, a heated backrest, and a remote control. Clawfeet are available unplated or with chrome or brass finishes. A soaking tub also is available. Ultra...

Vanity fair. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Line of vanities is crafted by custom making or converting fine furniture. The Gentleman's Demilune unit shown here features cherry solids and veneers, antique-styled hardware, and two working drawers. Cole & Co. www.vanitybath.com. Circle 154...

Finish off. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Now available in polished nickel, the Axor Carlton wide-spread lavatory faucet features traditionally styled heavy cross handles or lever handles. The collection also includes bidet, tub, and shower units. Five additional finishes are...

Fill up. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Offering advanced temperature and pressure management, this one-piece solid brass unit combines a thermostatic shower valve and a 6-inch tub filler. Three handles control tub volume, temperature, and shower/accessory volume. A range of metal...

Period pieces. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Company crafts vanities using reproduction chests and mirrors. More than 30 finishes are available, including black crackle, lemon, and coventry wheat with gold accents, as well as custom hand-painted details. The French-leg bow-front vanity...

Classic combination. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Calvari Rain Bath combines a freestanding bath and shower area with glass shower walls and chrome faucets. Shower bars come with chrome or chrome with brass accents. The unit, which measures 72 1/2 inches long by 36 to 41 inches wide, also...

Expert panel. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Featuring the company's xTool shower system, this shower panel incorporates an adjustable three-way showerhead, four body sprays, and an optional adjustable handshower. Overhead and hand sprays offer three volume settings. The panel features...

Stainless style. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Part of the XO collection, the JO matte stainless steel thermostatic shower offers minimalist design with a showerhead, tub filler, and handle set with three horizontal handles. The series also includes a narrow handshower with wall mount....

Tiny bubbles. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Available in the Champagne Bubbler bathtub series, Air Bubbler technology encircles the bather with warm bubbles from air portals at the bottom of the deep bathing well. Users can select from three settings and multiple speeds. Seven tub styles...

Simple solids. (Bath Products).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Part of the Transcendence line of bath furniture, the Java vanity includes a solid-surface top and shelf with a wood frame. Two wood finishes and 33 solid-surface colors are available. The units features a Vascello solid-surface vessel....

Smart switch. (Home Electronics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Utilizing passive infrared technology, the SuperSwitch 2 detects room occupancy, automatically shutting off lights when a room is vacated. Users also have the option to control lights by hand. Novitas. www.novitas.com Circle 415 ...

Missing link. (Home Electronics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The RadioLink wireless home automation system handles up to 15 controllers, each supporting 60 stations. The system can control lighting, audio/video, draperies, security, HVAC, and more. To avoid interference, the system's frequency hops...

Forget me not. (Home Electronics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The KC-32EU video entry unit includes a memory function that saves images of visitors who arrive when the homeowner is away. The unit, which is available for new and existing systems, comes in color or black and white and retains up to eight...

In the zone. (Home Electronics).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... The Z-630 MultiSource/Multi-Zone controller allows the Z-System to connect audio and to up to 12 zones. The unit routes the home's audio sources to predetermined speaker zones. The Z-880 video controller can be connected to add video sources to...

Great finds. (Product Report From The Field).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Every once in a while, a builder will try a new device or an unfamiliar building material that makes his life a little easier or her houses a little better. We asked nine custom builders to tell us what products they've tried in the last year...

Air care: air cleaners help clear things up. (Products/Nuts & Bolts).
May 1, 2002... Thanks to homes built ever tighter, there's more bad stuff in the air these days, and more homeowners are aware of it. "Sensitivity about indoor air quality (IAQ) has definitely increased," says Robert Criner, head of Criner Construction in...

Sink or swim. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... From fish to billiard balls to musical scores, any taste, decor, or hobby can be reflected in these custom ceramic sinks. Artisans at Marzi Studios handcraft each sink using a blend of clays from around the world. Each piece is custom designed,...

Room with a view. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... One reason Alan Stein based his conservatory business on Maryland's Eastern Shore was the area's rich tradition in woodworking. Stein, who has been working with wood for decades, was able to hire craftsmen with years of experience in...

Coupled carvers. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Bob and Gwen Mugliston are the perfect match. In South Africa, Bob worked in construction and eventually began crafting his own doors, windows, and closets. As a child, Gwen learned the family tradition of whittling and carving. A few years...

Set in stone. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Combining a long family history in sculpting and a rich, well-rounded career path, Gregory Muller's mosaics and stone work are both well-crafted and original. After studying fine art, Muller received technical training and experience with stone...

Glass act. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Art Glass Environments designs and custom crafts a range of etched and stained glass projects for residential and commercial environments. It was founded by Bill Klug, whose years of experience include self-training in stained glass and...

Works of art. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Stephen and Kristin Powers launched Trikeenan Tileworks in 1987. combining their studies and experience in ceramics and print illustration to create handmade ceramic files with unique and festive designs using traditional tile-making...

Paint the town. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Before opening his mural business in Connecticut three years ago, Randy Davis spent 22 years in Hollywood as a scenic artist for television and movies, including stints with "The Johnny Carson Show," the Academy Awards, and Disney. "I've been a...

Ancient origins. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Brought over from a family business in Morocco, Maison Sijilmassa offers fossil rock salvaged from a dried-up ancient seabed in the Sahara Desert. Dating back millions of years, the slabs contain a variety of fossils, including rocket-shaped...

Stone age. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... A true conversation piece, this time-stopping material features genuine fossils of plants and animals deposited more than 50 million years ago. The stone from Fossil Lake in southwest Wyoming is quarried by the Green River Stone Company and is...

Brick by brick. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Proving that pavers don't have to be ordinary, Historical Bricks supplies three types of brick originally crafted and used decades ago in locations in the Midwest. With the name of the original manufacturer impressed in each one, reclaimed...

Cast in stone. (Fine finishes: a collection of custom products from artists' studios, specialty manufacturers, and traditional artisans).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... From staircases to door surrounds to range hoods, Materials Marketing can carve "just about anything you can imagine in stone," says Marry Fahey. In business since 1966, the staff of experienced artisans uses marble, limestone, and travertine....

Custom builders use top brands. (Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... When you're building custom homes, you use top brand products. Everybody has some input in product selection: the sub-contractors like timesaving products that feature ease of installation and high-performance products that reduce callbacks by...

Cultured Stone[R]: it's what builders use. (Manufactured Stone: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND USED THE MOST [check] BRAND QUALITY Year after year, Cultured Stone[R] veneer and trim products dominate the industry in just about every measurement of brand leadership. The reasons are clear. These...

The Andersen[R] brand: helping build your business. (Patio Doors & Wood & Clad Wood Windows: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND USED THE MOST [check] BRAND QUALITY Over the past century, Andersen Windows, Inc., has built the nation's best-selling brand of windows and patio doors--and the strongest brand in the business. ...

Dupont Corian[R]: brand leader in versatility and design. (Surfacing Solid Surfaces: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND USED THE MOST [check] BRAND QUALITY DuPont Corian[R], who pioneered solid surfacing more than 30 years ago, continues to be a leader in the industry today. Homebuilders rely on Corian[R], a brand that...

Enkeboll Designs[c] 1996-2001 the top rated finishing touch. (Decorative Mouldings/Trim/Columns: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND QUALITY CUSTOM HOME Readers Rate Their Favorite Brands Builders know that finishing touches are important, and they turn to Enkeboll Designs for boldly designed architectural woodcarvings. Enkeboll products...

MonierLifetile: the custom homebuilder's partner in achieving quality goals. (Clay/Concrete/Synthetic Roof Tiles: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND USED THE MOST CUSTOM HOME Readers Rate Their Favorite Brands Today, successful custom homebuilders strive to maximize quality in both construction and materials. When it comes to roofing, MonierLifetile...

ABTco Hardboard Siding: top brand for custom builders. (Hardboard Siding: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND QUALITY CUSTOM HOME Readers Rate Their Favorite Brands ABTco Hardboard Siding by LP has been protecting and beautifying homes for more than 30 years. But longevity is just one reason why so many architects,...

LaHabra exterior stucco: a true advantage. (Stucco Finishes: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... First In [check] BRAND QUALITY CUSTOM HOME Readers Rate Their Favorite Brands Custom home builders rank LaHabra the number one brand for Stucco. LaHabra continues to dominate the industry as the leading manufacturer of...