Professional Builder (1993) articles from April 2002

Professional Builder (1993) archives from April 2002

Letters.
April 1, 2002... Fuzzy Math The November article "The Little House That Could" on analyzing the costs and benefits of growth was interesting, but I believe there are major flaws in the logic. In the Alachua County, Fla., example, infrastructure is...

Intersections. (Perspective).(evaluation of forecasts for the home construction industry)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
April 1, 2002... In the town where I grew up there was an infamous landmark--the dreaded traffic circle. Four major roadway, each two lanes, came together around a grassy bit of land, and not anywhere was there a traffic signal, street sign or lane marker to...

Leadership Ensemble builders inc. (Publisher's Letter).(Brief Article)(Column)
April 1, 2002... One of the many things I recently learned from working on a Habitat for Humanity project was how important shared leadership and ownership are to the success of a group project. While watching the teams work on each home, I was thinking...

Selling the great outdoors: Manage the indoor/outdoor relationship to maximize buyer appeal. (Outfront).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The most frequently neglected aspect in model home merchandising is the one new home shoppers see first - the great outdoors surrounding the new home. A bit of attention to this area can go a long way in setting one new home apart from another...

Builders cite species variation in the case against new duties on softwood lumber. (Outfront).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Whether the 29% duties imposed by the Commerce Department on Canadian softwood lumber actually take effect depends on the view taken by the U.S. international Trade Commission in a ruling expected by mid-May. If this quasi-judicial...

In my spare time. (Outfront).(Lucy Dunn of Hearthside Homes)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... When Lucy Dunn, a lawyer-turned-builder/developer with Irvine, Calif-based Hearthside Homes, is away from the day-to-day regulatory and entitlement issues she deals with, she sings. A longtime member of a professional choral group that...

A creditable initiative. (NAHB Opinion).(proposal for homeownership credit program)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Bush administration's fiscal 2003 budget proposal includes an innovative homeownership tax credit program that would help achieve two national objectives. The Renewing the Dream initiative would jump-start the economy by creating jobs and...

Close my house today ... or else! (Outfront).(two Florida lawmakers propose penalties on home builders)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Florida home builders would have been subject to penalties of as much as $1,000 a day for missing promised delivery dates on new homes under a bill recently introduced by state Sen. Betty Holzendorf, a Jacksonville Democrat. A similar bill was...

Amid high-end luxury, builder offers affordable solution. (Outfront).(Spectrum Skanska offering townhomes with average price of $198,900)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Despite building homes in some of the priciest suburbs in the nation, Valhalla, N.Y.-based Spectrum Skanska is delivering homes to New York-area buyers who often are priced out of the market: police officers, fire-fighters and teachers. In...

Civano know-how: Water conservation in the desert. (Outfront).
April 1, 2002... Civano, an 818-acre, mixed-used community in arid Tucson, Ariz., is living up to its initial billing as one of the most resource-efficient housing developments ever built. A recent independent study of water use there concluded that its...

April fools. (The H.R. Department).(managers should practice what they preach)(Brief Article)(Column)
April 1, 2002... Empty messages don't fool many anymore. Platitudes, vision statements, mission statements, posters, speeches and value statements are meaningless unless action is in place to create trust between employee and employer. That action starts with...

Transform a Front Stoop Into an Entry Court. (Outfront).(Kephart Architects in Denver)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... A few details can turn an ordinary front door into an entry court, says Paul Campbell, AIA, of Kephart Architects in Denver. "In this particular house, it gave character to what was otherwise a pretty plain space," Campbell says. "It sets...

Rating system helps builders select air-cleaning appliances. (Outfront).(Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has created the only standard, certified performance measurement of air cleaners with the CADR, or clean air delivery rate. The rating label usually appears on the back of an air cleaner's...

As online auctions grow, eBay enters the new home arena. (Outfront).(eBay Real Estate and Builder Homesite Inc. form joint venture)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... EBay and Builder Homesite Inc. have partnered to offer builders listing and transaction capabilities on eBay's Web site. eBay's new home channel will begin operating in the second quarter this year. "eBay has really conditioned millions of...

For many homeowners, income tax deductions will wane by 2010. (Outfront).(Tax Relief Act of 2001)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... With homeownership at a record level of about El 68%, a burning question among economists and housing industry watchers is how high it ultimately will go. Figuring into that debate is the Tax Relief Act of 2001. Few Americans realize that...

Bigger, Better, Stronger: Uber-Giants: The 400 largest builders outmuscle an economic slowdown while claiming a larger share of housing's pie. (Giants).(Industry Overview)(Statistical Data Included)
April 1, 2002... A year ago, the chief executives of the industry's 400 largest home builders tried hard to keep a lid on their optimism. In the face of a weakening economy it seemed foolish to do otherwise. Every previous economic downturn had hurt builders...

Marvin Windows and Doors launches a new Web site. (Special Advertisement).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Marvin Windows and Doors launched a completely redesigned, restructured Web site, www.marvin.com, on Dec. 13, 2001. This site utilizes leading-edge design, exciting multimedia, easy navigation and a wealth of information unmatched in the window...

Innovative insight to your future site! (Special Advertising Section--Focus on Builder Sales Centers).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The subdivision plan has been accepted. The water and sewer are ready to go... and the roads are just about completed in Phase-One. Plans are being finalized for the entrance monument in your newest community. You're ready to start selling. ...

Consolidation: Swift and Massive; Outside analysis: By 2011, as much as 75% of all new home sales will be controlled by the top 20 builders.(Industry Overview)
April 1, 2002... When it comes to consolidation in the home building industry, there is a huge divergence of viewpoints. But there seems to be agreement on one point: The question is not if the industry will consolidate, but rather how much and how fast. ...

Scheduling -- Part IV: Follow a process when creating your schedules. (Learn).(Column)
April 1, 2002... This series has been concentrating on creating the job-scope description (JSD) and gathering pertinent information from a survey of site conditions and from the pricing portion of a construction estimate through the use of requests for proposal...

Mold: A growing concern: There's uncertainty about its risks, but not about its increasing prevalence. (Construct).(dealing with mold is of increasing importance as houses are slower to dry out, with mold-friendly materials)(Column)
April 1, 2002... From damp Delaware to dry Denver, home builders are struggling with rising risk related to mold. In the Water Management Guide, to be published this month by the Energy and Environmental Building Association, a key message is that...

Tub Magic. (Fancy Feet).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Restoria antique bathtub is designed to mimic the look and feel of a cast-iron claw-foot tub but weighs only 125 pounds. The tub features a steel-reinforced bottom for durability. The clawfeet can be customized with a brass, chrome or...

USG. (Products).(gypsum concrete)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Made for radiant-heat floor systems, Levelrock RH underlayment delivers 2,500 to 3,200 pounds per square inch of compressive strength and is designed to maintain it for the life of the floor. The poured gypsum concrete product can be used with...

Contractors Software. (Products).(for filing job-site reports)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Superintendent's Report [Manager.sub.2] is the network version of the original SRM. Job-site superintendents can complete daily reports anywhere in the field without re-entering repetitive information, such as a contractor's or employee's name,...

Management Information Control Systems. (Products).(software for use with construction accounting software)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Report Writer lets users of the company's Builder Information System construction accounting and management software create custom reports from any related data in the BIS program. The new module also can modify existing printables within the...

PrimeSource Building Products. (Products).(fastener line)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Designed for professional-grade use, Pro-Twist fasteners have sharper points for faster and more consistent penetration, the company says. The line includes drywall screws, light-gauge steel fasteners, self-drilling screws, self-drill steel...

Tongue Twister. (Products).(trailer for construction equipment)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The swiveling trailer eliminates the need to back construction equipment on or off trailer ramps. The product has spring-assisted front and rear ramps, and is available in various trailer styles, including flat, cargo, bumper pull and...

Estimating4U. (Products).(software for construction estimating)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Designed specifically for the construction industry, Estimating4U is an Internet-based cost-estimating software offered on an application service provider subscription basis, so front-end licensing fees are replaced by a monthly usage fee....

Fen-Tech. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Architectural casement windows include stainless steel, tamperproof hinging; multipoint locking systems; and various glazing options, including tinted, single or thermo pane. Extruded aluminum screens are available, and the windows can be...

Republic Windows & Doors. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Classic II vinyl windows feature fusion welding and metal reinforcement, night vent latches, stepped sloped sills, double-wall lift rails, anti-lift blocks, a brass roller system, and tiltin and crank-out options for cleaning. Glass options...

DoorCraft alterna. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... For more latitude in customization, the line of fusion-crafted wood exterior doors has been expanded to include a variety of panel options, glass inserts, sidelights and surfaces. The decorative designs have wood-grain surfaces that can be...

Architectural products by outwater. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Builders Collection hardware includes cremone bolts for French doors, multipurpose barrel bolts, surface bolts and mortise flush bolts. Surface bolts are designed for vertical or horizontal applications such as French doors, inactive doors and...

Broan-NuTone. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The stainless steel Rangemaster RM50000 houses a centrifugal blower that operates at 270 cubic feet per minute. The fully enclosed bottom contains a dishwasher-safe filter and dual 40-watt incandescent lighting. The ducted/nonducted telescopic...

Certain teed. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... By breaking the path of sound vibration and absorbing noise, NoiseReducer fiberglass batts can help add four to 12 points to a wood stud construction's Sound Transmission Class rating, the company says. Each batt is 31/2 inches thick, 93 inches...

Amana. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Families can leave voice messages to each other with the Messenger refrigerator's built-in voice recorder. The 26-cubic-foot unit also tells homeowners when the water or air filter needs changing, the exact length of power outages and if its...

Unicell Body. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The fiberglass Aerocell SRW for the Chevrolet and GMC single-rear-wheel cutaway chassis is designed to provide more space and headroom in a cargo van. The standard model includes a built-in skylight, a polyethylene lining, a cargo-control...

ODL. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Traditions is a line of wide-panel doorlights for fiberglass entry doors. Six styles are offered; Heirloom Master is shown. Each doorlight is 25 3/8 inches wide and features various glass styles, including clear bevels, granite, glue chip,...

General Electric. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Profile Spacemaker XL1800 over-the-range microwave ovens are large enough to accommodate six dinner plates or three casserole dishes, the company says. Features include a 14 1/4-inch-diameter recessed turntable, halogen lights, quick defrost,...

Delta Faucet. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Victorian collection of kitchen faucets comprises single- and two-handle models that have high-rise swivel spouts and are available with matching sprayers. Single-handle models include a Victorian-style soap dispenser. Handle options...

ViWin Tech. (Products).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The 6100 Series is a line of full-frame, all-vinyl, 4 9/16-inch windows that use SunShield vinyl, which is formulated to withstand the effects of weather and ultraviolet light. Double-hung, glider, picture window and geometric shapes, all with...

Kenwood Communications. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The ProTalk XLS is a two-way radio designed specifically for job-site communications. The palm-size device has a 4-mile range and transmits UHF signals. Features include voice encryption, channel scanning and a backlighted LCD display with...

American Tool. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The portable Quick-Vise features a slide-and-lock mounting system so a base can be mounted wherever a clamp is needed. The product weighs 3.5 pounds but provides more than a quarter-ton of clamping pressure, the company says. It also has...

Georgia-Pacific. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Mocha Ice (pictured) and Winter Morning are additions to the Mount Vernon line of decorative wall panels. Like the line's 14 other styles, they feature a medium-density fiberboard substrate and simulated wood grains or decorative finishes. All...

CraftMaster. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Carrara raised-panel interior door now comes in an 8-foot version, along with standard (6-foot, 8-inch) and 7-foot heights. Carrara is a two-panel, square-top, smooth-surface design. The 8-foot door can be specified with solidcore...

Wellborn cabinet. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Teaberry, a reddish-brown finish available on maple in the Select Series of cabinets, is designed to offer the look of cherry at a more affordable price. Shown on a diagonal corner cabinet with a mullion door in the Harvest Square style,...

Vantage Products. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... New 18-inch round and 18-inch octagon gable vents are available in more than 300 exact-match colors to correspond to virtually any siding. Two-piece construction means no J-channeling or caulk is required, the company says. The polypropylene...

DeWalt. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The company's 12-, 14.4- and 18-volt compact cordless drill/drivers are now 7/8 inch shorter in length and have redesigned motors with all-metal planetary gears for more power and durability. All three models are faster and produce more torque...

Bridge city tool works. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Turn a 6-inch caliper into a protractor with the Angle Master Pro 6i. Clamped to the caliper's jaws, the product determines or creates angles to within 1 minute of a degree, the company says. To measure an unknown angle, position the product in...

Moen. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... MoenStone granite composite kitchen sinks resist heat as high as 535 degrees, the company says, as well as scratching, chipping and staining. Available for undermount or drop-in installation, they come in five colors: black, blue, metallic,...

Mastic. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Cedar Discovery siding features a random groove design in seven traditional colors for the look of hand-installed cedar shingles. A continuous snap-in lock system the entire length of each panel and a full-panel side lock are designed to make...

Windsor windows & doors. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Pinnacle casement window has an extruded aluminum sash and frame, and a clear pine interior. The sash is 2 inches thick. Features include a sequential locking system designed to create a sleek look with less visible hardware. Also, a...

Kolbe & Kolbe. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Heritage and Ultra casement windows now offer the Mirage concealed multipoint locking system as an option. Designed to be barely noticeable, the handle and escutcheon can be removed in the field while the windows are painted or stained. Choose...

Hartco. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Metropolitan Classics hardwood flooring is available is 3- and 5-inch widths with micro-beveled edges and ends. The five-ply, cross-grain planks are offered in wild pecan (pictured), walnut and cherry, with a natural finish for all and...

Owens Corning. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Independence Collection of vinyl siding incorporates TruColor technology to minimize heat retention and increase resistance to fading. Available in 4-inch traditional and 5-inch Dutch lap, the siding is designed to look like freshly painted...

DuPont. (Products).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... With nine new colors for 2002, Corian solid surfaces now come in 100 colors. The new offerings are Storm Blue, Stone Washed (a light blue background), Seashell (taupe), Abalone (yellow-beige), Night Sky (black), Fossil (warm beige), Oyster...

Consolidation is temporary. Industry veteran: The top 20 get more inefficient as they grow, and the next major downturn will defuse consolidation. (Counter Point).
April 1, 2002... The Andersen Corporate Finance paper on housing industry consolidation and the conclusions it reaches fly in the face of recent data, years of study by industry economists and the history of past rounds of consolidation -- all of which ended...

Brought to you by weather shield windows & doors.
April 1, 2002... Lynbrook Plan Number: F-4339 Buyer Profile: This home is a great investment for a homeowner looking for elegance as well as a functional living area. Unique Selling Features: The rear of this home was accented with twin turrets...