Custom Home articles from May 2005

Custom Home archives from May 2005

Resources.(Editor's Page)
May 1, 2005... Is it just me, or do you also feel that the number of products now being produced for high-end houses is exploding? We've always been pretty picky about the products we show in the magazine, especially in this issue, CUSTOM HOME'S annual...

What's next: will your company survive your retirement?(On Your Mind)
May 1, 2005... In our last On Your Mind ("On Deck," March 2005) we asked builders in their prime where the next generation of their companies would come from. That question led inevitably to another: How are the owners of mature companies planning for...

Unreality TV: don't believe everything you see or read.(From the Trenches)
May 1, 2005... When my four boys were young, Sunday night at the Dixon household was always a mixture of tranquility and controlled mayhem. We'd have a family dinner followed by getting the boys ready for school the next day. Household activity wound down by...

Background check: learn to offer customized service.(Customer Service)
May 1, 2005... At 995,246 lifetime frequent flyer miles with United Airlines, I'm anxiously waiting to cross the magic million mark. As a veteran traveler I have experienced my fill of turbulence, missing flight crews, broken planes, screaming children,...

Mix it up: when to give spec building a try.(Case Study)
May 1, 2005... Scenario: Barry was a custom builder in a suburban market outside a major city. He managed to build eight houses a year and would have liked to build more, but dealing with his high-end customers was getting to him. He just wasn't sure he could...

Game plan: focus on the big picture.(Strictly Business)
May 1, 2005... Ever feel like your job has control of your life? The daily grind of running a busy company leaves little time for reflecting on the big picture. Yet time and again I have seen how important this type of planning is to maintaining a successful...

Pep talk: energize your sales presentation.(The Top Line)
May 1, 2005... Nothing will promote your work as a custom builder as effectively as your own enthusiasm for your homes. If you aren't excited, eager, and thrilled about the quality of your product, then how can you expect your buyers to be receptive? Your...

Balancing act: time management means making time for what's important.(Business)
May 1, 2005... When most of us hear the phrase "time management" our minds automatically click to the various ways of scheduling our time. Yes, we need these tools to keep us on track, but I'm going to challenge you to add another way of thinking to your time...

Fire walls.(Trend Lines/Custom Touches)
May 1, 2005... "I like to use fireplaces as objects for defining space," says Sam Van Dam, AIA, on the topic of fireplaces as room dividers. In addition to offering varied views for blaze gazing, locating a fireplace in a central space conserves energy...

New aged kitchen.(K+B Studio)
May 1, 2005... "We didn't want to walk into this Victorian-style house and see this brand-new, state-of-the-art kitchen," says Miriam Weinreb Lissak, who designed the interiors for this new home on Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield, Conn. The family of six who...

Life aquatic.(K+B Studio)
May 1, 2005... Luxurious nomadic tents respired the details in this octagonal master bath. Oval posts sawn in half vertically ring the room like tent poles supporting a dropped cornice with cove lighting that illuminates the angled ceiling. The ambient...

Well-equipped: the latest essentials for smart homes.(The Digital Home)
May 1, 2005... The cost of upscale electronics continues to slide toward the mainstream market as evidenced by the wave of flat-panel displays and multi-room audio solutions unveiled at the 2005 International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla. But it's not just...

Chris Thompson: On the Level Builders, Chaska. Minn.(Trend Lines/Gearhead)
May 1, 2005... Chris Thompson, owner of On the Level Builders in Chaska, Minn., can't say enough good things about SitePro, an online project management service his company uses. "It's been wonderful for us," he says. "It makes people accountable for what...

Mark your calendar: important upcoming events.(Trend Lines/Events)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... May 31-June 3, Greening the Heartland, The Palmer House Hilton, Chicago. For information call 215.428.9655 or visit www.greeningtheheartland.com. * June 13-15, Design Institute for Builders, Westin Tabor Center, Denver. For information call...

Sea catch: a summer home perches atop an oceanside bluff.(On Site)
May 1, 2005... When you look at something beautiful every day, it's easy to forget how extraordinary it is. Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind you. Take the clients for this summer home on the coastal Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard. They...

Composite protection.(New Products for Custom Homes)
May 1, 2005... FrameSaver wood garage door frames, available in three sizes, feature ends made from an engineered wood composite that protects against moisture wicking, insect damage, and rot. White, grey, and tan primer colors are available, and the frames...

Floating function.(New Products for Custom Homes)
May 1, 2005... The b3 kitchen is based on a functional wall panel system that supports ports a variety of elements constructed from strong, lightweight materials, b3 appliance boxes, sideboards, shelves, and cabinetry runs can all be suspended from the wall....

Running water.(New Products for Custom Homes)
May 1, 2005... The layered profile of the Aqueduct wide-spread faucet features a graduated, dual finish of silver and gold. When water flows through the open, sculpted surface of the faucet's spout, it creates a unique rippling effect, the maker says. Other...

Ancient ocean.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Freshwater limestone tiles featuring fossil fish, in 16-inch-by-24-inch and 24-inch-by-36-inch formats, are sourced from a 50-million-year-old fossil quarry that was the bed of an inland sea in the Eocene period. Tiles are available in either a...

Smooth finish.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Enhanced DensArmor Plus gypsum wallboard panels feature a glass mat facing that finishes like standard paper-faced wallboard. The completely paperless wallboard provides resistance to mold growth and finishes easily, according to the...

Glass stones.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... The Cobblestone series of glass tile features the look of tumbled fiver rocks and is now available in polished white or tumbled grey. Polished white lends a wet look, while tumbled grey gives a weathered, beach glass appearance. The tiles come...

Designs in stone.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Available in 12 types of stone, fireplace mantels can be created in custom designs or in 35 standard patterns. The mantels are first machine fabricated then finished by hand to achieve a polished, honed, or aged surface. Mantels come 55 inches...

Style by the bay.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Ranging from clear to rustic, Chesapeake collection solid hardwood flooring features maple and hickory in a variety of plank formats. Burke maple and Mitchell hickory come in a 2 1/4-inch width, while Calhoun maple (shown) and Turner hickory...

Nature's accents.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Carved from a variety of woods, Villa collection moldings encompass 24 products, including crowns, corbels, onlays, and bases. Influenced by 18th-century architectural woodcarvings, the collection reflects French country and Tuscan design...

Rare gem.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Cascapedia marble, strengthened by a fiberglass backing, is available in dimensional panels, slabs, and tiles. The burgundy limestone breccia with reddish fragments features unique textures and veining. Polycor. 418.692.4695. www.polycor.com....

Lower the lights.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... The Maestro IR remote control dimmer saves and recalls preferred room lighting levels. Once lights are set to the desired level, the user presses and holds the one-touch silver button on the infrared remote control to save the setting. Pressing...

Signs of age.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Whiskey Springs flooring is not sanded or finished, but features the original face and patina of the reclaimed wood taken from dismantled buildings. Character markings, knotholes, cracks, and worm tracks are common signs of the wood's former...

Elemental styles.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Inspired by earth, air, water, and fire, the Elements line of glass tile features hand-cast 1 1/4-inch mosaic tile, 4-inch field tile, and a variety of decorative liners with three-dimensional relief designs. Ideal for interior and exterior...

Dino dreams.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Printed on high-grade wallpaper material using digital technology, wall murals are now available in a wide variety of paintings from the book Dinotopia. Depicting dinosaurs, people, and the world of Dinotopia, the murals feature scenes of...

Darkness falls.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Several dark, saturated stains have been added to the maker's line of 2 9/16-inchwide engineered hardwood flooring. Blackberry-hued Merlot (shown) and deep black Sambuca stains are available on maple planks, while dark brown java is available...

Sound control.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... New light-grey SONEXclassic Colortec panels are made from the manufacturer's Class 1 fire-rated Willtec foam and are engineered to deflect sound waves. The coloration goes all the way through the panel, so when cutting is necessary, a...

Damage prevention.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... The WaterCop emergency water shutoff system utilizes sensors that detect water leakage and automatically cut it off before it can cause damage. WaterCop can be linked to many security systems to alert a monitoring company in the event of a...

French classic.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed of either Douglas fir or Western hemlock, 12 new full-light French doors are available with six decorative glass designs. Glass lights are made of 5/8-inch-thick triple-glazed insulated glass with black, silver, or brass caming. The...

Lustrous luxury.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Featuring a stainless steel exterior finish, stainless steel interior drums, and glass-encased touch-sensor control pad, the Pro Line Laundry pair is designed to coordinate with Pro Line kitchen appliances. The front-loading washer has a...

Fractured light.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... The Crystal Beauty Spot fixture utilizes multi-faceted lead crystal elements that break the light from its low-voltage xenon lamp, creating light patterns on ceilings. Available in round, square, and cylindrical shapes and in chrome, clear,...

Fashion flip.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Designer series windows and patio doors feature a hinged glass panel that swings open to allow between-the-glass blinds or cellular fabric shades to snap in or out for easy window fashion changes. While the interiors of shades and blinds come...

Plantation living.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed from a spun cast fiberglass composite. the square PolyStone Mt. Vernon column is styled in a simple and traditional design, featuring a single long recessed panel on each of its faces. The columns are load-bearing, fire-and...

Sleek fittings.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed from solid brass, Recess Range window fittings, door levers, handles, cabinet pulls, and push plates come in barrel and square designs. Each design features recessed areas inset with bridle leather that sits flush with the hardware...

Porcelain perfection.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... The Natura series of rectified through-body porcelain the features a slate-like appearance with surface clefting and color variations. Available in 12-inch-square and 12-inch-by-24-inch formats, Natura comes in three colors. Alcalagres-Estilya....

Gain footing.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Engineered to provide a net gain of approximately 4.8 feet in allowable duct length, the Dryer-Ell dryer exhaust fitting features a larger radius than a standard 4-inch ell. It results in significant savings in duct run length, the firm says....

Wide-open views.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... With a 44-inch-wide opening, the GDST5244 see-through direct-vent gas fireplace is designed to allow viewing from either side. The 24-inch-deep fireplace features a seamless, interior that matches the appearance and texture of traditional...

Uplifting access.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... The LEV home elevator has no machine room, which allows it to use as little space as 24 square feet. Because it does not require a separate machine room for its mechanicals, the LEV can be installed in as few as two days, the manufacturer says....

Secure storage.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... Designed to manage and store wines, the GE Monogram walk-in wine vault is a lockable chamber complete with interior redwood display and inventory racks, lighting, tasting counter, and inventory tracking software that allows bar-code labeling. A...

Time modules.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Available with a variety of countertop, hardware. and door options. Time cabinetry has a modular design that help appliances integrate and disappear easily, the maker says. The flat-panel doors sit flush with their flames and come in oak....

Cool performer.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Utilizing high-frequency alternating-current magnetic fields that react to ferrous metal cookware, Professional Induction cooktops deliver cooking performance similar to that of gas burners, the maker says. Heat energy transfers to the...

Linear lever.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Bliss single-lever, pullout spray faucet features a sleek, linear design that maximizes space around the sink area, the manufacturer says. With a ceramic-disc cartridge. Turn and Clean aerator, and JetClean faceplate, the faucet comes in a...

Chilling space.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Icon counter-depth refrigerator has a 22.6-cubic-loot capacity with 23.7 square fee of usable shelf space. The refrigerator's features include easySet digital temperature controls, the Dynamic Cooling sensor-controlled chilling system. and...

Quick cook.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Equipped with a 3,400-watt Concealed convection element, the Jade wall oven preheats to 350 degrees F in about eight minutes, reducing preheating wait time. The wall oven is available in single or double convection models as well as an upper...

Country classic.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed of solid brass, the Country Kitchen collection's A3608 single-lever faucet features a branched design with a column spout. It is available with a white porcelain or solid metal handle in five finishes. The optional handspray's...

Variable heat.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... With five burners, the KM391G gas cooktop provides variable BTUs for a range of cooking functions: a 5,000-BTU auxiliary/simmer burner, two 6,000-BTU normal burners, a 9,000-BTU high-speed burner, and a 15,300-BTU super burner. The unit is...

Air control.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Alicante island range hood features a commercial design and a three-speed blower providing up to 500 cfm of ventilation. A four-position sliding speed control adjusts the blower power and a two-position sliding light control adjusts the...

Concrete jungle.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Concrete Block collection of Zodiaq quartz countertops features four neutral, earthy tones: alabaster, sand beige, clay brown, and papyrus. Zodiaq quartz surfaces are composed of 93 percent natural quartz crystal, and are nonporous and...

Chilled and frozen.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Combining a refrigerator, ice-maker, and freezer into a two-drawer, undercounter unit, the Echelon series Combo system has a variety of interior storage features. The top drawer houses the refrigerator and the bottom drawer contains the freezer...

Vintage expression.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Orient Express single-post, pull-out spray faucet, model OE 300, features a blend of antique style and sleek, contemporary lines. The faucet is available in a polished chrome finish and in a satin nickel finish with a ceramic handle....

French cooking.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Three concentric rings providing multiple temperature zones are the main features of the maker's cast-iron continuous cooking surface, the French Top. The 6-inch-diameter cooking circle sits in the middle of a 22-inch-square surface with a...

Striking surfaces.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Eight new colors are available in the Studio collection of acrylic solid surfacing: tusk, amber, ruby glass, new caldron, cat eye, and wasabi shadow. Inspired by recycled products, glass, concrete, precious metals, and other natural materials,...

Heat wave.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Featuring the 15,000-BTU Star Burner with the patented ExtraLow simmer system, Professional series built-in ranges come in 30-, 36-, and 48-inch sizes in dual-fuel or all-gas models. With 36- and 48-inch cavities, the range's convection oven...

Security monitor.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Video Door Answering System features an exterior surface-mount or recessed security camera connected to a 7-inch monitor that mounts under cabinets. A door chime, remote control, digital voice message recorder, and clock are other features....

Bacterial defense.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Silestone quartz countertops with built-in Microban antimicrobial protection inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and fungi. Incorporated into the molecular structure of Silestone during the manufacturing process, Microban protection...

Deep Country.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Part of the For Country collection designed by Michael S Smith, the single-basin farm sink features a tall integrated backsplash and measures 20 1/4 inches by 27 inches by 24 7/8 inches. The traditionally styled, wall-mounted, dual-control...

Metropolitan flair.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Featuring overtones of Shaker, Craftsman, vintage, and contemporary styles, the Metro cannel door has a flat. recessed center panel and applied straight molding. Available in a clear orange Ginger finish, as well as soft-cold Butternut. the...

Queen Anne's kitchen.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed with 1-inch-thick frames, doors, and drawer fronts, the Victorian Designer series of cabinetry reflects classic Victorian style with recessed fiat- and beaded-panel door options, bracketed crown molding, and antique-style hardware....

Versatile tile.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Racktile system, designed to add function to ceramic tile walls, is based on aluminum rails that install with ceramic wall tiles. The rails allow a variety of components, including shelves and utensil hooks, to be distributed and hung as...

Cuppa joe.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The built-in coffee maker is designed with a two-cup brewing system, a professional-grade grinder, and customized brewing software, Two separate heating units provide consistently available hot water. Dacor. 800.793.0093. www.dacor.com. Circle...

Double decker.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... The Chateau collection 6SMOD wine and beverage refrigerator features an upper and lower compartment. It can be configured with at 54-bottle wine cellar or a 24-inch-wide dual-temperature-zone refrigerator at the top or bottom, or with two...

Curves ahead.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed from 16-gauge 304-grade stainless steel, the Rounded-Edge undermount sink features angled interior sides, curved edges, and a deep bowl. Four models are available, with several basin sizes and depths. Julien. 800.461.3377....

Sounds of silence.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... Operating at 44 decibels, the Integra Vision dishwasher features a concealed sensor touchpanel and several pre-set wash programs. The dishwasher automatically adapts the cycle to the dishes' soil level. Programs include PartyWash, PowerBoost....

High fiber.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Featuring the manufacturer's new PUR-fiber technology, the Premium Fiberglass line of doors is made with 35 percent fiberglass content, resulting in a stronger, stiffer skin, the manufacturer claims. Mahogany and alder looks with pronounced,...

Firm foundation.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... The Horizon Foundation Finishing System provides moisture and thermal protection to exposed foundation walls between the grade line and the sill plate and comes in insulated and uninsulated versions. It is a three-layer system incorporating a...

Patina progress.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Exhibiting a mottled patina over bright new copper. PatriotGreen copper uses a patented process involving a partially applied patina coating. The uncoated copper sections naturally age with exposure to the environment, developing a natural...

Station stop.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Combining aluminum and glass in a design reminiscent of Shoji screens and '50s-era gas station doors, the Average garage door features a variety of window options including clear, frosted. tinted, mirrored or acrylic glass, wire or laminate....

Shingle away.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Offering the appearance of shingle while providing the easy installation of lap siding, Hardiplank straight-Edge Shingle Plank is made from the manufacturer's impact-, moisture-, and termite-resistant fiber cement. Visible embossed shadow lines...

Framed in copper.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Copper exterior cladding is now available on many of the manufacturer's windows and doors. Left unfinished, the natural copper exteriors will patina over time. Window and door frames and panels are clad in .025-inch-thick copper, while sashes...

Architectural inspiration.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Cast in bronze, the Archetypes collection of door hardware and accents draws inspiration from a variety of architectural styles. The Villa, Chateau, and Craftsman (shown) families are available in a range of tubular and mortise entry styles, as...

Forces of nature.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... StormForce windows and doors come in three grades to meet building codes in hurricane- and storm-prone regions: StormForce DP products are structurally enhanced for coastal environments and lakefront applications and meet IRC requirements....

Made in the shade.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Designed for balconies, galleries, porches, patios, garage openings, and more. Executive Oversizcd Power Screens slide into place and retract with the touch of a button and operate with wall-mounted and remote controls. The screens are...

Smooth curves.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Constructed with heavy-duty .060 extruded aluminum-clad exteriors and a variety of wood interiors, the Full Radius door features a precision-milled top rail with a crisp curve. Available in a double-door configuration, the Full Radius door...

Locked out.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... Made with a specially formulated termiticide between two layers of polymer material, the Impasse Termite Blocker is designed to protect utility penetrations and bath trap areas from termite invasion, The blockers are installed around utility...

Drain game.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2005... DuPont Tyvek DrainWrap is engineered with vertical grooves on the material's non-woven surface, providing bulk water drainage by channeling it to the outside. The material also resists air infiltration and water intrusion while allowing...

Ventilated views.(Exterior Product)
May 1, 2005... Providing both unobstructed views and ventilation, the Venting Picture Window is also designed to appear closed from the outside for security when it is open. The entire plane of the window lifts up and outward 2 1/4 inches for ventilation. A...

Ceramic strength.(Exterior Product)
May 1, 2005... Weighing 598 pounds per square foot, improved Celadon ceramic slate rofing tiles are look like quarry slate, but are lighter and easier to handle, the manufacturer says. The tiles feature a side-interlocking design. Ludowici Roof Tile....

Stormy weather.(Exterior Product)
May 1, 2005... Constructed with a layer of polyvinyl butyrel bonded between panes of annealed laminated glass, insulated Hurricane Impact products provide energy efficiency and impact resistance. Available with aluminum-clad exteriors and wood interiors, the...

Double take.(Exterior Product)
May 1, 2005... Part of the Residential Maxum deadbolt line, the Captive Thumbturn deadbolt features a removable key that converts the deadbolt from a single cylinder to a double cylinder and back again. Leaving the thumbturn key in the lock allows the...

Durable entrances.(Exterior Product)
May 1, 2005... Available with a factor; finish, the maker's fiberglass entry doors are available with a variety of decorative glass, options. The doors come in a smooth surface and a stainable textured surface with a deep embossed wood grain. They feature a...