Professional Builder (1993) articles from March 2007

Professional Builder (1993) archives from March 2007

Manage Your Stock in Customer Loyalty.
March 1, 2007... By Paul Cardis, Avid Ratings Co. Customer satisfaction adds value for shareholders Ever since the housing market slowed last year, publicly traded home builders have taken a beating on Wall Street. The housing surpluses and sluggish...

Assessing Testing.(employee evaluation)
March 1, 2007... By Rodney Hall, The Talon Group Should you assess your applicants and employees? Our HR expert offers an overview. Among the many builders we've worked with over the last 20 years, approximately half utilize some form of the many...

Who Follows You?(business succession planning)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Bill Lurz, Senior Editor For a builder who doesn't want to sell his company, management succession can be a tough issue as retirement approaches. The clock is ticking on a generation of home builders, but most of them don't see it....

Participate at Will.(persuading people to buy homes)
March 1, 2007... By John Rymer, New Home Knowledge Don't let your customers shut out your sales staff. Did you know that a typical customer will visit eight different builder model centers but will return to only two? This means 75 percent of buyers...

Sales Leaders.
March 1, 2007... By Paul Deffenbaugh Very few new homes have been bought in the last year; hundreds of thousands, though, have been sold. If you don't quite get that statement, ask your salespeople. They understand it. They see it every day. Over the...

The Supplier and Trade Tip-Off.(construction industry)
March 1, 2007... By Scott Sedam, True North Development Even 'skinny' builders can use partnerships to trim the fat. I am spending a week with a local builder in a major market. In the eight years I've known this company, it has tripled its staff yet...

Different Strokes.(construction industry's minority market)
March 1, 2007... By Jennifer D. Duell, Contributing Editor As homeownership among minorities grows, home builders pay attention to culture. When Jeremy York compares the homes he builds today to the ones he built three years ago, the president of...

The Building Divide.(minorities in the building business)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Although minorities have succeeded in home building, few actually own companies. Why? And how should the industry react? We've seen it over and over again. When the housing industry gathers, there are...

Pringle Development.(in briefs)
March 1, 2007... Joe Ziler, Director of Homebuilding Operations, Eustis, Fla. Wellborn Cabinet Joe Ziler The Cherry Hill Arch cabinet from Wellborn Cabinet's Woodcraft series has a full over-lay and is made from kiln-dried, 1¾ by...

ProBuilder Product Report: New Products.(in briefs)(Sill-Rite's vinyl window sills)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Nick Bajzek Sill-Rite Nick Bajzek Vinyl window sills from Sill-Rite are made with pre-finished composite PVC that requires no priming or painting. The white sills wrap around the sides of the window as opposed to having...

Builders Tap Mold-resistant Gypsum.
March 1, 2007... By Scott T. Shepherd, PATH Partners Approximately 55 percent of homeowners express concern about mold, according to a 2005 survey by CertainTeed. For builders, mold can translate into costly and time-consuming callbacks for...

Softwood Makes a Hard Sell.(United States and Canada deal on lumber)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Nick Bajzek, Products Editor Builders still worry about lumber prices; neither the U.S. nor Canada satisfied with lumber deal. On the longest unprotected border in the world, a war of wood and words has been waging for years over...

A Traditional Green Home in the Neighborhood.(Lutron Electronics Company Inc. and Cherokee Investment Partners )(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor A 'GreenHome' demonstrates the affordability and practicality of sustainable building When you integrate green elements early in the design process, a green home's look can fit into a typical...

A Bright Idea.(Philips Lighting Co. partnered with Environmental Protection Agency)(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Lead and mercury on the outs at Philips plants. Philips Lighting Co. has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency to get the lead and mercury out of its U.S. manufacturing processes. The...

And the Winners Are ...(National Sales and Marketing Awards for home selling)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor The 2007 National Sales and Marketing Awards: Gold Winners Now in its 26th year, the National Sales and Marketing Awards pay tribute to superior new-home sales and marketing achievements by individual...

Happy Trails to Buyers.(Irvine Community Development Co. and Greenhaus were gold winner)(Portola Springs)(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Portola Springs, Irvine, Calif. BEST DIRECT MAIL The Portola Springs community at Irvine Ranch was positioned as both "near and far," conveniently located in Orange County next to...

C Stands Out in a Sea of Sameness.(Crescent Resources Inc., and Walker Brand Communications won gold award)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: C, Tampa, Fla. BEST OVERALL AD CAMPAIGN In Tampa's competitive market, the marketing for C -- a collection of 144 modern condominium residences, town homes and penthouses -- needed to...

Campaign Makes Green Building as Easy as 1-2-3.(Green Built Home Program)(Madison Area Builders Association and Kennedy Communications)(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Green Built Home Program, Madison, Wis. BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR A GREEN BUILT COMMUNITY Green Built Home is an award-winning green building initiative implemented in partnership...

Lofts Brought Down to Earth.(Standard Pacific Homes's lofts brochure wins gold)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Redwood Lofts, Marina Del Rey, Calif. BEST BROCHURE FOR A COMMUNITY PRICED $400,000-$650,000 "We wanted to capture all the great qualities and essence of a home but with the hip and...

Coffee Table Piece Educates the Enthusiasts.(Brookfield Homes' Southland Group's new brochure)(Weston/Mason Marketing)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Brookfield Homes' Southland Group, Costa Mesa, Calif. BEST BROCHURE FOR A BUILDER Brookfield Homes' Southland Group division decided to "preach to the choir" with this piece. ...

An Ad with Brains, Heart and Courage.(Jones Companies Ltd. and Pointe Group L.L.C.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: "No Place Like A Jones Home" BEST COLOR AD CORPORATE COMBO Most people start their search for a home on the Internet. And most people are familiar with Dorothy's wistful statement at...

Seahaus Lures Buyers with a Breath Of Fresh Air.(Barrett American and Greenhaus)(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Seahaus, La Jolla, Calif. BEST COLOR AD FOR A SINGLE PROJECT "This particular ad was designed to reach out-of-state buyers in Arizona and Nevada where it is very hot in the summer...

A Diamond on the Green.(Linger Longer Development Company and Denmark Advertising and Public Relations)(Reynolds Plantation)(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Ga. BEST COLOR AD FOR A MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY The Reynolds Plantation is a luxury golf resort community. "There were four or five courses down...

Artists in Residence.(Colony Capital Inc.'s luxury condominium Azzurra)(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Azzurra, Marina Del Rey, Calif. BEST SPECIAL PROMOTION Twenty artists, 200 guests and 60 members of the media attended the opening, but it wasn't that of a movie, theater or gallery....

Gold winners not pictured.(best sales people, best advertisements)(National Sales and Marketing Council)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner *Best Rookie Sales Person of the Year Kyle Krecklow, Ryland Homes, Twin Cities, Eden Prairie, Minn. *Best Sales Person of the Year Sheena M. Guido, The Marketing Directors, a...

Not Your Dad's Townhouse.(Infinity Home Collection won award for Sky Terrace )(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Sky Terrace at Stapleton, Denver BEST ATTACHED COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR BEST ATTACHED HOME PLAN PRICED OVER $500,000 BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED $400,000-$650,000 ...

Unify and Conquer.(gold winner is Pardee Homes for best landscape design)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Encantada, Ladera Ranch, Orange County, Calif. BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR A DETACHED COMMUNITY BEST DETACHED COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR Encantada in Covenant Hills, the only gated village...

Where Captains Of Industry Can Sail Away.(Seabridge of D.R. Horton Inc. is the gold winner)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Seabridge, Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, Calif. BEST MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR Seabridge, a 135-acre residential marina master-planned community, lies within easy water...

A Plan that Corners the Small Lot.(J.F. Shea Company Inc. Shea Homes won gold for its single family housing)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Madeira Del Sur, San Diego, Residence 4 BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED $650,000 TO $1 MILLION The marketing objective for Shea Homes was to create a plan with curb appeal that...

A Place Where Singles Can Mingle.(Barratt American)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Aragon Plan One, La Mesa, Calif. BEST ATTACHED HOME PLAN PRICED UNDER $500,000 Just minutes from the trolley stop, shops, galleries, restaurants and downtown La Mesa, Calif., Aragon's...

Soft Touches Mix with Bold Contrasts.(WCI Communities Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Beaumere, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED OVER $2 MILLION Beaumere is WCI Communities' new product in its Old Palm Beach golf community. "Our...

Bold Colors Make a Memorable Impact.(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Stockwell Manor, Innisbrook Model, Falls Church, Va. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED $1-$2 MILLION Nestled in a quiet, established neighborhood just outside Washington,...

Welcoming Spaces, Inside and Out.(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... By Felicia Oliver, Senior Editor Gold Winner: Los Arboles, Portola Springs, Irvine, Calif. BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR AN ATTACHED COMMUNITY Sunny courtyards, charming decks and sheltered loggias expand a home's living and...

ProBuilder Product Report: Decking.
March 1, 2007... By Nick Bajzek Deckorators Nick Bajzek Made in 6- by 6-foot sections, the latest post covers from Deckorators include the Stacked Stone Collection made in the company's canyon, gray and Sedona colors. Each post cover is 24...

ProBuilder Product Report: Windows.
March 1, 2007... By Nick Bajzek Milgard Windows Nick Bajzek Vinyl replacement options from Milgard Windows include the Mastri series. The line features an argon gas interior with dual-insulated glass and the company's non-metallic Super Spacer...

2006 Best in American Living Awards.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2007... By Laura Butalla, Senior Editor In a year of distinguished styles, beautiful design ran the gamut from simple modernism to ornamental Old World. Typical to their nature, custom-built homes set the standard that others followed. We present...

Custom Clients, Custom Headaches.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2007... By Matthew Power, Senior Contributing Editor The right team, systems and observations can help custom builders manage -- and avoid -- the most difficult clients. In a way, custom builders have always had an advantage over their peers...

Sunset Living.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2007... By Stephanie Aurora Lewis, Contributing Editor An awe-inspiring view is the catalyst for this modern home set in the Florida Keys. It's the ultimate sunset spot," says custom builder Michael K. Walker of this private residence on...

A Kid's Castle.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2007... By Jennifer Block Martin, Contributing Editor Kids don't just get a corner anymore. Kids' bedrooms have undergone a makeover. No longer a box for sleeping, homework and dressing, they've transformed into whimsical, fantasy-driven or...

Home Again.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... By Susan Bady, Senior Editor, Design Greetings! Perhaps my name is familiar to some of you. After a six-year absence, I'm back and couldn't be happier about the opportunity to once again serve this wonderful industry. I've been writing...

Sandy Spring Builders.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(in briefs)
March 1, 2007... Mimi Brodsky Kress, Owner, Bethesda, Md. Lightolier Lightolier recently introduced the Alcyon, part of its Lytespan one-circuit basic and radius track lighting system. Each fixture is suspended from a narrow, wireless blade-like stem...

Products: What's New.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(in briefs)(Galleria Hardware)(Grenada Tiles)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Staff Hardware or High Art? Staff Galleria Hardware's latest Signatures collection includes seven designs in a variety of finishes inspired by fashion trends. The hardware matches up with classical, futuristic, art deco and...

Products: Doors.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(Botanica Garden Door from Fen Technology Ltd.)(Sliding Glass Corner Meet Door from PGT)(Collections decorative doors from Weather Shield Windows and Doors)
March 1, 2007... Staff A Garden Door That'll Grow on You Staff Made with the company's Rain Shed weather stripping, the Botanica Garden Door from Fen-Tech has a multi-hollow fusion weld design for structural integrity. The doors have stainless...

10 Tech Trends for Custom Homes.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)
March 1, 2007... By Jane Adler, Contributing Editor Upgrade your technology know-how. Custom builders face a dizzying array of products and choices, all changing at a rapid clip. What to do? Utz Baldwin, a speaker at the 2006 Custom Builders...

Products: Windows.(SUPPLEMENT: Custom Builder)(electrochromatic glass from Velux)(Aesthetics casement windows from Weather Shield Windows & Doors)(Flat Casing Windows)
March 1, 2007... Staff Windows for the Architect in All of Us Staff Mahogany, Alder, Douglas Fir and Pine are the latest offerings in Pella's Architect series. The Mahogany (shown) is designed to match contemporary cabinets, floors and trim. The...