Professional Builder (1993) articles from March 2005

Professional Builder (1993) archives from March 2005

Applause: plans and projects.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I read with interest the "Best Sellers" issue. It surprises me that so many homebuyers are willing to accept homes with no coat closets at the entries. Four of the seven featured plans had no front entry closet to hang a guest's coat. Three of...

Applause: builder of the year.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I applaud your decision to choose Bigelow Homes as the 2005 Builder of the Year. While they operate solely in the Chicago market, and I am not intimately familiar with them, it is apparent that this is the story of a company that does well, by...

Agenda journalism.(PERSPECTIVE)(new housing production and home sales)
March 1, 2005... We media types tend to be news junkies. CNN, the New York Times, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, we devour them all, all the time. We become especially attentive when the breaking story is about the business of the news. The story of...

Beautiful density: high-density housing on infill sites is all the rage, driven by seemingly insatiable demand for homes close to work and play. This South Florida masterpiece--Old Palm Grove, in Delray Beach, Fla.--shows how to do it right.(Plans & Projects)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... The builder is New Urban Communities, a niche specialist in both density and infill. Principals Kevin Rickard and Tim Hernandez are well acquainted with both profit and peril in their specialty. Dedicated New Urbanists, they loathe...

Hidden within the valley: semi-custom homes on two-acre lots ... in California!(Plans & Projects)(Hidden Valley Estates housing development)
March 1, 2005... Because of its tight housing market, finding available land in Ventura County is a rarity. However, builder/developer Vintage Communities purchased 290 acres of land as an improved tentative tract map in 1999, now known as Hidden Valley...

Fabulous faux: looks deceive when a seeming 19th-century restoration turns out to be a brand-new instant classic.(Plans & Projects)(remodelling homes with old styles)
March 1, 2005... At first glance, it looks like a meticulously detailed 19th-century rehab. Upon closer inspection, Brian Pennings' home reveals a new custom home clad in vinyl, composites and seemingly every engineered building innovation. Only the...

Design sketchbook: analyzing floor plans to ensure efficient use of space.(MAXIMIZING SPACE)
March 1, 2005... Today's homebuyer is more aware of design elements than ever before. Even first-time buyers have definite thoughts and ideas regarding what they consider "good design." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Because today's homebuyer is so keenly...

The Gospel according to Gary.(LESSONS LEARNED)(Gary Grant building professional gives tips on customer services)
March 1, 2005... In five years, no one has ever offered to write this column for me. On seldom occasions, the deadlines have been so onerous that I could have been tempted to turn over the reins for a month. This month, however, the column was written before I...

Watch those operating expenses! They are creeping up in relation to sales, in spite of an extended sellers' market that has allowed substantial price increases.(BOTTOM-LINE BUILDING)
March 1, 2005... Operating expenses, as a percentage of sales revenue, should be going down in the robust markets we see across the country today, but instead they seem to be moving in the opposite direction, and that's not the sign of a well-managed company....

Change Agents, Part II: money is an important part of retaining talent--but it shouldn't be the only thing. Learn how to spot employees who are in it for more than just money.(H.R. DEPT)
March 1, 2005... The vast majority of candidates change jobs for the right reasons. Rarely is it a knee-jerk decision. The first installment of Change Agents (January, 2005 PB), talked about several factors that motivate an employee to make a change. Money...

Financial management--Part 2: a solid financial plan is key to ensuring long-term financial independence.(LEARN)
March 1, 2005... Financial Management--Part 1 (January 2005) discussed the importance of setting up a solid accounting system comprising four key elements: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Chart of Accounts * Methodology * Internal controls *...

The factory factor: fourth and final article in a series on the PATH Concept Home.(PATH)(Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing)
March 1, 2005... "Factory-built" usually conjures up images of industrial construction, but how does building a home that looks exactly like other homes, performs better, and can be finished in 20 days grab you? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...

Surf's up! How consumer web surfing can help your sales.(ONLINE SALES)(Internet marketing for residential builders)
March 1, 2005... Technology has become a prevalent force in our everyday lives. With more than 85% of households owning at least one computer and 70% with high-speed connections, it should be no surprise that home-buying transactions are starting to take place...

A tankless job: conventional hot water storage tanks feel the heat from tankless models.(Special Report)(tankless water heaters advantages)
March 1, 2005... With water heating accounting for 17-25% of the average household's energy expenditures, it's no wonder new home buyers are looking for ways to save energy--and money--when it comes to their energy bills. While most homes in North America...

Las Vegas goes high-rise: market economics; Strapped for development land, with prices skyrocketing, Sin City is heading up, not out. Are high-rise condos the product of the future in you market?(News2Use)
March 1, 2005... Las Vegas may soon look like Manhattan, with condo skyscrapers rising up out of the flat desert. The question is, can traditional single-family home builders make a living in a town like this? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That's not an idle...

Working with Congress.(NAHB OPINION)(National Association of Home Builders agenda)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The nation's homebuilders will work closely with Congress in 2005 to help pass unfinished business from last year. Items on NAHB's agenda include ensuring legislation affecting the regulation of the housing Government Sponsored Enterprises...

2005 forecast sunny, not record-breaking.(News2Use)
March 1, 2005... PREDICTING THE FUTURE is tricky business. Last year, housing experts uniformly predicted that home building would come off its hot streak, but record results proved them wrong. Now they agree that decline will come this year. According to...

Good read: more on moisture management.(Build)(Concrete Floors and Moisture book by Portland Cement Association)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
March 1, 2005... "CONCRETE FLOORS AND MOISTURE," a new 164-page book from the Portland Cement Association, explores ways to present unwanted moisture in concrete floors. Problems from excessive moisture include deterioration and debonding of floor coverings,...

Get connected: wired; Most-purchased home technologies.(Build)
March 1, 2005... Build it in and they will buy. That is the message from a new consumer research report recently released by the Internet Home Alliance. In a study of more than 400 consumers nationwide that are either owners of newly constructed homes or...

Up to code: new math for gypsum specifications.(STANDARD CHANGE)(ASTM standard for gypsum board products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Notice one less label on gypsum products lately? You will if you haven't already. The task of specifying gypsum board products just became easier as a single ASTM International reference standard, ASTM C 1396, has replaced eight standards...

And the winners are: C2C home competition winners; Design and construction winners receive awards.(Design)(Housing Design and Construction Competition)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Council of Community Services and the Art Museum of Western Virginia hosted some of the world's top leaders in design, housing and sustainable development on January 14 for the Cradle to Cradle Housing Design and Construction Competition. A...

Kitchen design element: wood range hoods.(UNDER THE HOOD)(wood hoods range for homeowners)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Medallion Cabinetry recently introduced several new one-piece wood hoods to enhance its current selection of wood range hoods. With the growing trend toward larger commercial cooktops, there is a corresponding need for greater ventilation...

Asian-inspired garage door.(Design)(Avante Collection of garage doors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... CLOPAY BUILDING PRODUCTS introduces its new Avante Collection of garage doors. "This door was exclusively available for commercial use, but we saw an opportunity for a residential application to meet the needs of design-conscious homeowners...

California affordability worsens: three builders send help.(Manage)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (CAR) recently published its year-end housing affordability index, showing the percentage of households that have the ability to afford a median-priced home in that state. The index fell to 19 percent from...

Super bonus: 'golden handcuffs' for supers.(Manage)(management of construction superintendent )
March 1, 2005... Construction superintendent is arguably the most important management position in a home building company. After all, this front-line manager has responsibility for the quality of the delivered product and controls direct construction costs...

Fly like an eagle: eagle clips land flipper.(LAND ACQUISITION)(Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... When you're walking a land parcel before acquisition, don't forget to look up... and remember the story of one land owner who moved a little too fast for his own good in an attempt to capitalize on Southwest Florida's red-hot land market. ...

Energy conservation: selling energy efficiency; United illuminating company sponsors energy event.(Sell)(building industry events)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Fifty members of Connecticut's home building industry attended a pilot event in November to learn how to sell homes with the ENERGY STAR[R] rating, how to approach customers about building an energy-efficient home and how building energy...

Dual purpose: pampering the press.(Sell)(Paramount Homes)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... At a recent groundbreaking ceremony, Paramount Homes, Asbury Park, N. J., gave press members something they could really work with--clipboards emblazoned with the builder/developer's new community logo and phone number. [ILLUSTRATION...

Business solutions: sizzling sales for 2005.(IBS 2005)(International Builders Show)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... At this year's International Builders' Show in Orlando, national sales trainer Bonnie Alfriend, MIRM, president of Alfriend Sales and Marketing Solutions, Pebble Beach, Calif., presented advice for putting sizzle back into selling in 2005. ...

Tunnel vision: turtle crossing in Warwick Grove.(Land)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... IT PAYS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. The Warwick Grove master plan in Warwick, N.Y., boasts a diversity of wildlife, including federally protected bog turtles that roam the marshy outskirts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When the state of New...

Reaping the land: revisiting an overlooked parcel.(Land)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... In Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., Discovery Cove at Half Moon Bay sits on 12 acres of highly desirable riverfront, just steps from a boat marina and near the commuter rail into New York. But the site sat dormant for roughly 20 years before WCI...

Developing relationships.(Land)(builders for residential community development)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Builders have yet to be selected for the 2,043-acre Canyons South golf and residential community south of Denver in Douglas County. Lots for the 400-home first phase won't be offered until the second half of 2006, but John Waggoner, president...

Joyce homes.(IN MY OWN WORDS)
March 1, 2005... GE Appliances www.ge.com Convenience and performance highlight the new line of GE Profile gas and electric cooktops. Among the popular features are the melt and simmer options that take the guesswork out of cooking delicate foods,...

Architectural products by outwater.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Fashioned to resemble natural wood these DECORATIVE BEAMS are hollow with authentic-looking oak graining. Their resistance to moisture and insects make them suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. These beams are offered in a variety of...

Hartrick enterprises.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The CordSnake is a two-hooked tool that helps with the management of power cords and tools on the job. Ideal for working with power tools on ladders, the CordSnake takes on the weight of the hanging extension cords and also helps secure power...

CertainTeed.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The Landmark TL IR, tile roofing is a tri-laminate asphalt roofing shingle. Designed to resemble wood shakes, it is engineering with a tough fiber glass scrim on its back surface. This three-piece laminated fiber glass construction makes it...

Kryton international.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Kryston Waterstop System provides two lines of defense to waterproof construction joints. The two-step cementitious process is comprised of Kryston Waterstop Grout and Waterstop Treatment. Both of these products contain Kryston, a crystalline...

SEI chemical.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The SMP-80 is instrumental in preventing and treating mold. The proprietary mildewcide has a pigment that prevents the growth of mold, mildew, sapstain, fungi and any microbiological life. This environmentally safe product can be applied to...

ENCI.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The ENCI Extension is designed to lengthen lever-style door handles, that are customary for French doors, for a variety of window brands. The door handle is extended an additional 1-1/2 inches, allowing them to turn freely past surface-mount...

BHK.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... An alternative to traditional molding MIRO Molding provides a solution for concealing wiring from stereo systems, home theatres, computers and telephone equipment. MIRO Molding can also be used to add extra outlets or purely as a decorative...

Reiker.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... This dual-purpose ceiling fan works as a cooling agent in the summer and a heater in the winter. The Reiker Room Conditioner works to heat a room by drawing the warm risen air off of the ceiling and forcing it through the ceramic heating...

Wirsbo.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The AQUAPEX plumbing system is a part of Wirsbo D'MAND Hot Water Delivery system. Activated by a button or motion sensor installed near your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures, the pump is able to provide hot water in mere seconds. Once hot...

FomLoc.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... This tool management system is designed to help you organize and protect your tool set. You can customize your system because all of the models are designed to work together. There are three categories of organizers offered: socket, wrench and...

Simpson.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Ideal for families, Simpson's interior Chalkboard Panel Doors are designed for communication. These doors are constructed of engineered wood stiles, rails and panels that are coated with 1/4" of magnetic material that performs just like...

Mud-Max.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Designed with the drywaller in mind, Mud-Max aids in resolving the difficulties encountered in working with larger homes and spacious interiors by stabilizing the performance of drywall. Mud-Max strengthens the adhesive performance of drywall...

Wilsonart flooring.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Red Label line of flooring was influenced by nature. This realistic-looking, laminate comes in the following options: the Red Label Planks series comes in six designs and is offered in a smaller wood width; the Red Label Woods come in four...

B & B engineering corporation.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... This energy efficient attic door has a concealed hinging system. Designed to minimize installation time and manpower, this sealing door can be installed by one person. It comes ready to paint and has an R10 insulated door panel and air...

Framesaver.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Framesaver has extended their rot-resistant, moisture proof, wood door frames to Garage Doors. These Doors eliminate the need for special installation techniques and are featured in primer colors of white, grey or tan in lengths of 8 and 10...

Sony.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The CDP-NW10 and DVP-NW50 are Sony's new plug and play inwall audio and home theatre systems. Designed to work over ethernet they can be networked through the home PC and even access MP3 files via the internet. This multi-room system can be...

PermaStone modular.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... This modular vinyl tile flooring that is characterized by surfaces found in nature can be the economical solution for everyday elegance. Each modular unit contains seven tiles of various sizes: two 16X16, three 8X8 and two 8X16. Created with...

Hoppe.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The HLS9000 Multipoint Locking Door System offers added security, tighter weather seals and protection against warp age and twisting in wooden patio and entry doors. Available in eleven different and unique versions, the Multipoint locking...

Lennox.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... Lennox Hearth Products Merit Plus is the smallest "see-through" fireplace in the hearth industry. The perfect fit for smaller households multi-use rooms and second fireplace applications. Although it is small, it has a large viewing area and...

Dixie-pacific.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... QuickRail is a Tri-Layered composite rail system which provides thick walls, stiffness and rigidity with less weight. Ideal for harsh outdoor weather, this railing will not decay, warp, fade, chip, splinter or rust. Designed to never need...

Nuheat.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... MatComfort 82F provides radiant floor heat with wood and laminate surfaces in mind. This heating system comes with a thermostat that is designed to ensure the floor temperatures are kept at or below the manufacturers suggested temperature for...

Stanley.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... The 5-Beam Self-Leveling Laser's is ideal for setting-up interior partitioning, shelving and other internal projects. The five independent laser dots are set accurately at 90 degrees to each other and are designed with a magnetic dampening...

Zircon.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... This Proscanner OneStep can find the center of the stud with just one pass. The floating scanner head, with a backlit LCD display and non-marring pads are safe to use on the most delicate of wall finishes. Designed to enhance accuracy, the...

Royal building products.(PRODUCT REVIEW)
March 1, 2005... DuraPlank Reinforced Siding has combined the best qualities of wood, cement and vinyl siding into a .054 thick panel. The DuraPlank anti-fade color protection and PVC formulation features results in minimal maintenance. These panels are...

One-of-a-kind water purification.(Products & Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2005... There is nothing else like SEAGULL [R]IV water purifiers with innovative "Structured Matrix[TM]" purification technology. Award winning Seagull IV units are independently certified to meet the EPA Standard for Microbiological purifiers...

Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek[R]--Low Maintenance Decking & Railing Product.(Products & Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek[R]--Low Maintenance Decking & Railing Product that combines the classic appearance of wood with the durability of modern engineering. Made from recycled plastics and recycled wood fibers, ChoiceDek[R] does not require any...

Weyerhaeuser's Structurwood Edge Gold.(Products & Literature Showcase)
March 1, 2005... Designed with the quality builder in mind, Weyerhaeuser manufactures each Structurwood Edge Gold panel to precise specifications for fast, easy installation. Each panel is 100 percent uniform--precisely the same as the next--free from core...

Weather Shield windows & doors.(Products & Literature Showcase)
March 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...

Barry Rutenberg Homes.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Barry Rutenberg, President, Gainesville, Florida DuPont Corian Solid Surfaces and Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces www.corian.com DuPont Corian works well in wet areas and in spaces that are difficult to keep clean and germ-free. Corian can...

Two Timers.(supplement: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... By Laura Butalla, Senior Editor Learn what NRS winner Barone Homes does to "wow" its customers two years in a row This two-time NRS Diamond Award winner says its clients expect nothing but 100% since winning the first NRS award last...

Restoring Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterpiece.(supplement: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief A challenging problem with a pristine result. Designed in 1935 and completed in 1939, Fallingwater is recognized as one of the most unique houses ever built in America. It is also one of architect...

Hearth Sweet Home.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief Nothing can change the atmosphere in a room like a fireplace," says Richard Ruvin of Ruvin Bros. Artisans and Trades, a custom builder in Wisconsin. "The fireplace is back in a big way." Kitchen: We...

Natural Reflections.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Column)
March 1, 2005... By Ann Matesi, Contributing Editor The magnificent master bathroom in this $8.5 million, state-of-the-art luxury residence in Paradise Valley, Ariz. is a man-made natural beauty designed to celebrate, rather than compete with, the home's...

Custom Finish.(supplement: Custom Builder)(Column)
March 1, 2005... By Ann Matesi, Contributing Editor Initially designed as an in-fill spec project, this charming Arts and Crafts-inspired residence in Chevy Chase, Md. became a custom dream home for the upscale couple that purchased it midway through...

Bright Ideas.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... By Ann Matesi, Contributing Editor Builder Diego Ruiz struck gold on his first try with this distinctive courtyard-style home, his first ever spec-built project, which received both the top prize in its price category as well as the...

Calm, Cool Exterior.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... By Erin Hallstrom, Group Managing Editor Move over cookie-cutter architecture and taupe. It's time to make way for the latest exterior design trends for 2005. Read on to find out what trends had the experts at the 2005 International...

The Customer Connection.(supplement: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... By Heather McCune, Editor in Chief The claim to fame of custom builders centers of two business fundamentals: the quality each brings to the craft of building one-of-a-kind homes and the connections forged with customers throughout the...

Sculptural Vessels.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff A creation of CBD Glass Studios , the waterfall sink is a work of art. Exquisitely handcrafted with translucent glass, its 3-D texture reflects the beauty and bubbling of a flowing waterfall. The sink can be mounted to the vanity or...

Minimalist Bathrooms.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff Kohler brings minimalism to the bathroom with the Purist Hatbox Toilet. Designed to go with their Purist Suite of products, this elliptical shaped toilet stresses clean lines and functionality. The tankless, electric lavatory...

Cooking with Gas.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff Miele's new five-burner cooktop features, one 5,000 BTU simmer burner, two 6,000 BTU normal burners, one 9,500 BTU high-speed burner, and one 15,300 BTU super burner. The signature ignition system operates on a small voltage...

Eastern Submersion.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff East meets west in Diamond Spa's line of Japanese soaking baths. Fashioned with the spa-lover in mind these metal tubs are available in stainless steel or copper. These deep, compact tubs are ideal for small spaces come with a...

Coffee House.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff Whether you want cappuccino, espresso or plain black coffee, the Profi-Coffee Center by Kuppersbusch , can serve it up right away. This built-in, two-cup, coffeemaker is fully plumbed, self-cleaning and computerized. The computer...

Double Warm.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff Designed to keep you warm from beginning to end, Jacuzzi's Ambient Air Body Dry System can heat your shower to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The Ambient System eliminates the chill bathers experience before, during and after showering....

Electrifying Color.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2005... Staff The new NuTone -icolor Medicine Cabinet comes in six bold colors: Fire Red, Sunburst Orange, Lemon Yellow, Racing Green, Cobalt Blue and Metallic Onyx. The steel cabinets have a baked-on powder coat finish to ensure enduring colors....