Professional Builder (1993) articles from January 2005

Professional Builder (1993) archives from January 2005

Industry commoditization.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Professional Builder always makes fascinating reading. The feature article on Lee Wetherington hit especially close to home, since I live in the Sarasota area and also have a business relationship with the company. More importantly,...

Forget fix 'em up.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... Scott Sedam's October column in Professional Builder had me uttering an emphatic "YESSSS!!!" upon reading: "We'd better learn to build 'em up right the first time and skip the 'fix 'em up.'" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We in the warranty...

Builder of the Year.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... I have anxiously awaited this month's PB so I could read about the Builder of the Year. What a great discovery to find that it is Bigelow Homes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What I find most appealing is that after meeting these guys and...

A time for thanks.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... For the past year you have sent to me Professional Builder. I just received notice to renew, which I did. I wish to complain about your subscription forms. You do not provide a way to say, "thank you." It takes thousands of hours to...

2005 business resolutions.(PERSPECTIVE)
January 1, 2005... New year's resolutions, made with determination before 12/31, rarely survive. Resolutions typically involve improving our personal lives: eat less, exercise more, etc. The list goes on, but changing behavior because of a change on the calendar...

A year in review.(PUBLISHER'S NOTE)
January 1, 2005... It is the time of the year where many of us look back and review what was accomplished--what improvements were made and evaluate top priorities for the current year. At Professional Builder this is a most pleasing experience. The look back...

Supreme spec: $2.1 million Santa Barbara-style Spanish Colonial shines on Texas.(Plans & Projects)
January 1, 2005... For many high-end custom builders, selling spec houses is an alluring alternative to the hassles of dealing with well-heeled clients: Build what you want and sell it later... Of course, there's that catch. You have to carry the spec until it...

Surrounded by nature: CamWest Development shows the possibilities available to create a better 'not big' house with quality architecture and product specifications.(Plans & Projects)
January 1, 2005... In Bothell, Wash., located near Seattle, builder CamWest Development created a Craftsman-style neighborhood set within nature--the North Creek Project. This eight-acre site consists of a collection of small homes on small lots at a density of...

Equestrian Estate: top-of-the line, one-of-a-kind spec sets a new bar for luxury home pricing in Saratoga.(Plans & Projects)
January 1, 2005... Betting that this delightfully detailed 6,200-square-foot luxury home designed to resemble a classic New England carriage house, would place first in the hearts of affluent empty-nester buyers in his upstate New York market, custom builder John...

Tight-spot townhomes.(Plans & Projects)(Urban redevelopment)
January 1, 2005... Urban redevelopment provides numerous opportunities to builders, particularly smaller ones, for whom a small lot can present a world of opportunity. Villa Carabelli Townhomes in Cleveland, for example, turned an underutilized 1.4-acre parking...

The architectural ensemble: well-planned neighborhood ensembles are not only a good community investment, they can be a smart financial investment as well.(NEIGHBORHOOD ENSEMBLES)
January 1, 2005... The buildings in an architectural ensemble are like the instruments in a musical ensemble, sounding together to create a compelling whole. The harmonious outcome is more important than any individual part. The conscientious arrangement of...

Introduction.
January 1, 2005... Professional Builder magazine and National Association of Home Builders are proud to bring you the Best in American Living Awards. Celebrating more than 20 years of design, creativity, passion and vision in the home building industry. Winners...

A production home with a custom attitude.(Bassenian Lagoni Architects)(William Lyon Homes Inc.)(Best in American Living Award )
January 1, 2005... Bassenian/Lagoni Architects and William Lyon Homes, hit the nail on the head winning BALA's coveted Home of the Year Award for a 5,776 square foot luxury home located in Altamura at Nellie Gail Ranch, in Laguna Hills, California. ...

How to lose a happy customer.(Real estate industry)
January 1, 2005... Lois and Hank are family friends. They are officially retired and a couple of years ago sold the big family home and bought a beautiful, low-maintenance townhouse from one of those award-winning national builders. Except for one incident where...

Change agents: too many competitors come calling for your all-stars? Learn how to retain your top talent.(THE H.R. DEPT.)
January 1, 2005... Several e-mails lately have sought suggestions on ways to retain employees. Perhaps the best way to address this is to first determine what motivates people to make changes in the first place. After 20+ years in the search business, we have...

Financial management--Part I: solid, simple financial management takes the mystery out of running your business.(Real estate developers)
January 1, 2005... Quick, what's your average gross margin? When will your business break even? How much money did you spend on sales and marketing this year? How much money should you spend on sales and marketing next year? What's your debt ratio? When will you...

Building science: Understanding heat flow; Delivering a home that meets buyer expectations for comfort starts with building science.(Residential construction)
January 1, 2005... Never has a homeowner walked a model home and asked the salesperson about building science. New home shoppers expect that their new home automatically includes a living environment as comfortable as it is beautiful. Delivering on this...

Color your world: colored masonry helps builders create dynamic curb appeal at a lower cost.(Residential construction)
January 1, 2005... Brick remains a favorite building material for many home builders and home buyers. Surveys from the National Association of Home Builders show that 60 percent of American home buyers prefer brick homes. When asked, buyers also say they prefer...

From fantasy to reality: third in a four-part series on the PATH Concept Home.(Home automation software)
January 1, 2005... Some builders view the electronic gadgetry associated with home automation systems as part of a distant, hi-tech future. But for many others, the future is now. This third article on the PATH Concept Home (see sidebar) focuses on modern...

Gross profit sets up net profit: the strong correlation between the two shows that to hit our target of a 12% net, you'd better first hit the targeted 30% gross.(Real estate industry)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2005... High gross profit is the first critical step to reaching high net profit. Our most recent study of 94 client builders' financial results for 2003 proves the strong correlation between gross and net (as shown in the chart below). Builders of...

First-time customer satisfaction: Cedar Knoll Builders exceed beyond expectations with home buyers by developing personal relationships as well as handling quality control from start to finish.(CUSTOMER SATISFACTION)
January 1, 2005... Stories of unhappy new home buyers seem all too common today. Whether it be problems with the building experience altogether, part of the process in building their home, or in the final product, too often it seems nothing can transform--or...

Designing granny flats: offering a variety of inventive floor-plan options, these detached, behind-the-house spaces hold increasing appeal to buyers--and not merely to settle an elderly parent.(DESIGN)
January 1, 2005... Accessory units, or living spaces that are secondary to the main home, are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Also called "granny flats," especially when located above a detached garage, these units have unique advantages for the builder and...

Taking granny (flats) to market: granny flats, more aptly called accessory dwelling units, can make good business sense for builders, homeowners and communities that accept them.(BUILD)
January 1, 2005... Guest rooms, like guests who overstay their welcome, have their limits. But when a builder includes a separate apartment with its own bath, kitchen and entrance in a new-home design, the result is an innovative amenity, albeit not an entirely...

The evolution of master-planned communities: examples of the past create a different road map for community making in the future.(Real estate industry)
January 1, 2005... The end of World War II marked a watershed, not only in global geopolitical relationships, but in the development of the American community as well. For over a decade and a half this nation had struggled with an unprecedented economic melt-down...

Grayson Homes.(BUILDER'S OWN)
January 1, 2005... National Gypsum Gold Bond Fire-Shield Shaftliner XP Gold Bond brand 1-Inch Fire-Shield Shaftliner XP gypsum panels consist of a fire-resistant type X gypsum core encased in a heavy, 100 percent recycled purple paper on the face and back...

Weathershield.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Warm Edge I spacer conserves energy and maximizes the performances of thermal windows by reducing the transfer of heat and cold air from the outside to the inside of the home. It is engineered to minimize the seepage of moisture into the home....

Exaktime.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Jobclock system and software enables contractors to manage employee timecards through an electronic keying and tracking system. The Jobclock is battery-powered and because it is designed to resist dust, grime, vibration and spray it can be...

Decra.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... DECRA Tile offers builders a lightweight alternative to traditional tile with the promise of a more resilient product. Weighing in at 1.5 lbs./sq. ft. installed, Decra can withstand winds up to 120 mph is rated for Class 4 Impact. Composed of...

Georgia-Pacific.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Designed to keep attics cooler and reduce the amount of heat that enters a home through the roof. Plytanium Sheathing is composed of plywood backed by a highly reflective aluminum foil. It should be installed foil side down, the radiant barrier...

Rheem.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Rheem's Corsaire Series and its Ruud brand Zephyr Series comprise a residential "value line" of air conditioners that are offered with efficiency ratings up to 12 SEER. The line is geared toward lower up-front costs and effective operating...

Delta.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Delta Simply PUR Water Filtration System is a partnership between Delta and PUR. This filtration system brings bottled-water quality through your kitchen faucet. The all inclusive filtration system processes water through three stages of...

Proficient.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... S88 Compact Sub is a free-standing, small footprint subwoofer. Designed with an enclosure that enhances its performance. Engineered to provide optimal corner-loading, the S88 works with the walls in a room to deliver sonic performance. It is...

Hitachi power tools.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... A new single-speed router kit KM12SC is ergonomically designed and comes with both a plunge and fixed-based attachment. It's a follow-up to the variable-speed KM12VC kit released in September 2004. Both are designed for precise groove cuts,...

ForSite.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Based on the anti-microbial properties of engineered silver, which has long proven to prevent the growth of mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria, ForSite is a mold prevention product. Suitable for construction materials such as plywood,...

DAP.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... In addition to its standard construction adhesives, DAP offers line intended for regulations requiring low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Both standard and low-VOC lines offer high-performance Beats the Nail adhesive and other job-specific...

Greenlee.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... The PDMM-20 is a low-impedance multimeter with an autoranging for easy voltage and resistance measurements. The non-contact voltage detection function identifies live lines, and for added safety, the end-user is freed from having to switch any...

Pass & Seymour/Legrand.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... New in the TradeMaster line are two new tamper-resistant ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles, one with a built-in hallway light that uses a high-output LED for better illumination and longer life. Tamper-resistance features include a...

Saicis.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Tico Taco is a porcelain tile with the HI-TECH Gres characteristics of unglazed, multiple-loaded porcelain with rectified and polished options. This tile can be used for both residential and commercial environments. Tico Taco offers a...

American Standard.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... Scotchgard Protector is now offered on American Standard's Cadet Round and Cadet Oval countertop sinks, which helps to make the surfaces easier to keep clean. With Scotchgard Protector, it is easy to wipe away toothpaste, lotions, makeup and...

Lance-Larkin.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... An innovative HVAC duct boot hanger for ceiling, floor and wall us, Speedi-Boot can save installation time and costs because it can be installed in two minutes or less, the manufacturer claims. A heavy-duty galvanized frame, complete with foam...

Honeywell cable products.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
January 1, 2005... The next generation of audio cable is here. The Crystal Series of high-end cables ensures that home theater enthusiasts (and their builders) will experience the full potential of electronic components. These cables are touted to deliver richer,...

Legislation: Away with impact fees? Impact fees--and the unreasonable pricing involved--remain a major issue to builders.(News2Use)
January 1, 2005... The pressure of raising impact fees remains the same today as 2001 when a superior court judge ruled California's Orange County violated state law by overbilling home buyers and builders for plan check and inspection fees. The judge ruled that...

Builders shop to differentiate their homes.(Residential construction)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... TODAY'S HOME BUILDERS now seek to include some advanced technology in their homes, according to a new survey of 400 U.S. builders conducted by Parks Associates. Programmable thermostats, security systems, and zoned HVAC systems top the list of...

Economic outlook.(National Association of Home Builders )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... How will housing fare in 2005 following the market's exceptional performance in 2004? In a nutshell, even though 2005 probably won't match 2004's record-setting pace, it should still be a very good year for America's builders. NAHB...

Alternative materials: turn-key steel framing.(FrameMax Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... HIGH COSTS AND ON-SITE LABOR requirements top the list of reasons builders cite for the slow progress of steel framing in the new construction industry. Now FrameMax has introduced a turn-key system designed to eliminate the cost gap between...

Time savers: floating floors simplified.(Build)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Freestanding, floating floors improves the sound quality in home theaters, however installation of these floors has been time consuming and expensive. U-Boat Floor Floaters from Auralex Acoustics can help shorten the build cycle and reduce the...

Information tools: online resources.(ECO/ENVIRO-TIPS)
January 1, 2005... www.energycodes.gov: The U.S. Dept. of Energy has launched the Building Energy Codes Resource Center to link users to energy codes and beyond-code construction techniques and technologies. The site offers detailed information on topics ranging...

Trends: Mood change with colors.(Paint industry)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... As seasons change, the national mood changes from time to time too. With the mood shifts come changes within the home and a shift in the color palette buyers respond to. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In order to...

One of a kind: Custom murals.(Coastal Murals LLC)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Tile has long been the selected material of designers, architects and home owners to provide a rich, luxurious look. How about adding personalized images or photos to create custom tiles? Imagine adding a family portrait to the tiles...

Used textures.(Stone Mountain Brick Co)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... APPEARING TO BE RECYCLED from a building long exposed to the elements, Stone Mountain Brick Co. introduces four new veneer styles for its brick and stone. "Used textures" have a slightly worn face with a few random indentations in each brick...

Cost containment: Health-care top concern of small business.(Health care costs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... HEALTH-CARE COSTS RANK as the most critical issue concerning small business owners, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and Wells Fargo. Nearly two-thirds of respondents to the 2004 survey...

Ad impact: Watch out for rising star.(Moser Enterprises Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Moser Builders, a custom home builder in Berwyn, Penn., is an up and coming star to watch in the national marketing sky. With its beginnings almost 20 years ago, the regional builder of homes in the Pennsylvania counties of Chester and Delaware...

Communication: Improving customer touchpoints.(Standard Pacific Homes)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... AT STANDARD-PACIFIC HOMES, managers from each department in the Dallas division are busy improving their overall customer service process. Since September, a newly created Customer Service Management Council meets monthly. At the initial...

Moving buyers: builders score with fans.(Alliances and partnerships of real estate developers and construction industry)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The opening of Petco Park, San Diego's new downtown baseball park, was more accessible to San Diego's North County residents, thanks in part to five home builder/developers. From April 5 through October 1, Bosa Development, Barratt American,...

Demographics: boomers drive edge and downtown growth.(Real estate industry)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... IN 2005, DOWNTOWN INFILL HOUSING is hot while cul-de-sacs are not, as traffic congestion has clogged suburbs nationwide, according to Emerging Trends In Real Estate 2005, a report jointly published by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Urban Land...

Land plans: twin-home twofer.(Real estate industry)(Single family housing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Cross this off the list of things that can't be done: Two detached single-family homes on one small, city lot. Cobblestone Homes made it happen in its Sonoma County, Calif., hometown of Santa Rosa. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At the Village...

Defend your turf.(Real estate industry)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Smaller builders voice justifiable concerns that GIANTS will buy higher and drive up land costs in an effort to churn ever-more product and keep the cash flowing. Here are a few tips to stay in the game: * Leverage your assets with option...

Celebrating 40 years!(Products & Literature Showcase)
January 1, 2005... Since 1964, Finlandia Sauna has been nationally recognized as a manufacturer of Saunas without equal. We design and build custom, precut, and prefabricated rooms of any size and shape. Our pre-planning assistance and customer service is...

How to install practically anything in construction.(Products & Literature Showcase)
January 1, 2005... Step-by-step installation instructions for just about any residential construction, remodeling or repair task you're likely to face. This practical reference includes hundreds of diagrams and illustrations that show how to build, install, or...

Connectors for high wind.(Products & Literature Showcase)
January 1, 2005... High Wind-Resistant Construction selection guide for wood structural connectors, shows installation drawings, load tables, and fastener schedules for products appropriate for high wind areas. Contains updated loads on products to comply with...

Simple safe OSHA compliant guardrail.(Products & Literature Showcase)
January 1, 2005... Safety Boots provide a quick economical means to erect OSHA compliant temporary guard or stair rails. The free standing impact polymer boot design enables construction grade 2X4's to be used to make buildout fast and simple. For a free...

Weather Shield windows & doors.(Products & Literature Showcase)
January 1, 2005... As the flagship line for upscale homes, Weather Shield is the company's most comprehensive line of windows and doors. Weather Shield windows and doors feature wood interiors and are available with either an extruded aluminum exterior or a wood...

Maintenance-Free cupolas and louvers.(Products & Literature Showcase)
January 1, 2005... Maintenance-Free, stock & custom cupolas from New Concept Louvers are wrapped with PVC coated aluminum and copper. Made from the same materials as our custom louvers, they never require painting like wood products. They arrive in three easy to...

Housing patterns: 14 cities emerging as immigration "gateways".(Manage)
January 1, 2005... Researchers at the University of Southern California's Lusk Center for Real Estate find different housing patterns--and lower home ownership rates--among immigrants in 14 cities are emerging as "gateway" centers--attracting migrant populations...

Simonini Builders, Inc.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
January 1, 2005... Alan S. Simonini, Chief Creative Officer, Co-Owner, Charlotte, North Carolina Overhead Door Garage Doors www.overheaddoor.com Overhead Door offers a variety of garage doors, including its Banner Collection steel doors. Designed...

Typical Home Mold Defined.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(influence of water damage)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief New study defines "normal" and "typical" mold in homes; establishes first industry baseline. The data on mold in homes in the last few years created concern among home builders, fear among their...

Color Blox.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(product introduction of Corssville)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief Color Blox, Corssville's next generation of color tile is a porcelain stone tile that saturated through with a choice of 20 colors. Color-infused neutrals and darks, such as silvery Slinky, ivory Sand Box...

Green Payback.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief Nearly half the consumers considering a new home purchase or a significant home -- that responded to a recent NAHB Research Center survey -- say they would incorporate green products into their homes,...

DSI Architectural Products.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief DSI Architectural Products fabricated this four-level, copper stairway system. All four levels are constructed of copper pipe with an applied patina finish giving the system an aged appeal. This particular...

Soaking Up The Sun.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Zero Energy Home)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief In Sacramento, Calif., home owners can generate their own electricity on cloudy and cold winter days. On sunny day, these same home owners generate nearly all the power needed to meet their home energy...

Business Evolution.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief As years roll one into the next, successful businesses evolve to reflect changing market conditions. The December issues of the newsstand business magazines all include articles -- most likely cover...

Lab Living.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Column)
January 1, 2005... By Bob Sperber, Senior Editor Every five years, Chicago architect Charles Page builds himself a new home to showcase the best of the new. His latest, in the French vernacular, blends smart-home technology with country comfort. Some...

Fashion Meets Faucets.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(product introduction of Supergrif faucet)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Staff In collaboration with Supergrif faucet, fashion designer Antonio Miro has launched a line of minimalist faucets. The square cubist design of the faucets is offered with a polished chrome finish and the option of wood or rubber...

Garages Fit For A King.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Staff Homeowners can now dress up their garage doors to match their entry doors with Jeld-Wen's Old-World inspired Estate Series. These composite doors are created with no-joints, and able to withstand extreme temperatures with no...

Glass Sculptures.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Pilkington Profilit )(structural glass system )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Staff Pilkington Profilit is a structural glass system that creates light transmitting walls for the exterior or interior of custom homes. The perimeter frame is engineered to require minimal to no additional framing. These glass panels...

Steel Bins.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Staff Rev-A-Shelf's modern day garbage can is ideal for the kitchen, vanity and wet bar sink base cabinets. This stainless steel sink-based pullout waste container is designed to fit within the limited spaces around existing plumbing. The...

More Than A Porch.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Cal Enclosures)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Staff Cal Enclosures offers 70 styles of open-air or enclosed custom designed gazebos for your year-round social gatherings. Constructed out of California redwood because of its reputation for weatherability, each section of the gazebo is...

Weathering the Storm.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Staff StormForce, Loewen's new line of windows and doors has been specially constructed for homes situated on coastal and lakefront property and the inclement weather they encounter. Available in three graduations, StormForce DP, IP and MP...

Out Doors.(supplement: Custom Builder)
January 1, 2005... Staff Two new lines of Patio Doors are being offered by Therma Tru Doors . Created with the whole-house design in mind, the Fiber-Classic and Smooth Star lines of Patio Doors are easily integrated into the design of the rest of the home....

Sound Success.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Custom Luxury Residence)
January 1, 2005... By Ann Matesi, Contributing Editor Time-tested materials soften the modern edges of this custom-designed residence on Puget Sound. From its postcard-perfect vantage point overlooking Puget Sound, this striking custom home in Blaine,...

Piazza Personality.(supplement: Custom Builder)
January 1, 2005... By Ann Matesi, Contributing Editor An extraordinary open-air courtyard inspired by the charm and character of an old world village square defines this Mediterranean-style luxury residence in Naples, Fla. With a magnificent two-tier...