Professional Builder (1993) articles from May 2003

Professional Builder (1993) archives from May 2003

Letters.
May 1, 2003... Just Reporting the Facts I am responding to Terry Iliff's thoughts [March 2003 Letters] on the October 2002 article on History Maker Homes. I, too, read this article but did not take from it what Terry did. Not once did I think the article...

Positioning. (Perspective).
May 1, 2003... The official numbers on the residential construction industry and the stories builders tell one another over late-night beers or early-morning coffee often can be quite different. The monthly numbers reported in the general media sales, permits...

The new now. (Publisher's Letter).
May 1, 2003... When my son was 3 years old, he got angry with me for not letting him drive my car. He was adamant that he knew how to drive and in fact was a better, faster driver than I. Despite what I told him, he wouldn't give up on the idea. I gave...

Benchmark 2003: the premier conference for the residential construction industry. (Targeted Education).
May 1, 2003... {BENCHMARK gathers the best, most dedicated professional builders, professional remodelers and suppliers from different areas of the nation and volume levels as a means to network and create relationships based on camaraderie, advice and shared...

Invest in safety: builders can do a few things now to increase job-site safety but a long-term payoff requires a plan. (Outfront).
May 1, 2003... 'Where do I focus my attention to get the biggest return on my investment?" That's the question Bruce Thompson says all builders should ask themselves all the time. Thompson, an insurance broker, a longtime certified OSHA instructor and a...

Centex's Wayne Homes Opens Atlanta-area design center. (Sales Tactics).(Centex Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... In its drive to cover the country with on-your-lot operations, Centex Corp.'s Wayne Homes division has a new weapon. The firm just opened a 6,000-square-foot sales and design center, with two model homes right behind, in Cumming, Ga., just...

The value of search firms. (The H.R. Dept.).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I meet few builders who understand the true value of a search firm. My observation is that most builders view search firms as a necessary evil and think they could accomplish the same deliverable if only they had time. Well, I disagree....

Crickmore: in the eye of the Carolina Hurricanes. (Off Hours).(George "Bubba" Crickmore)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Few North Carolinians grow up with an appreciation for ice hockey. Fewer still play it. Home builder George "Bubba" Crickmore is an exception. His father, also a home builder, took him to see the minorleague Carolina Thunderbirds as a child,...

Building product chemistry. (Outfront_Build).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The list of building product materials grows longer every day as new uses are found for familiar substances. Three of the most interesting to cross our desks of late: * A soybean oil-based polyurethane foam insulation that emits no VOCs or...

When to apply Green Building strategies. (Outfront_Build).(Green Building Guidelines)(Book Review)
May 1, 2003... Green Building Guidelines, a handbook published recently by the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, compiles hundreds of checklists and ideas to help builders meet the demand for low-energy, resource-efficient homes. Green design requires...

Designing for the Barbecue Nation. (Outfront_Design).(outdoor living)
May 1, 2003... Just like everyone else, new home buyers want to be outside as the weather turns warm. Make it easy for them to head out without leaving home by building great outdoor rooms. "Living rooms aren't what they used to be," Heat-N-Glo president...

SpongeBob SquarePaint. (Color).(Lowe's and Nickelodeon launch newe paint range)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... No need to climb into your thinking chair to reason this one out: Kids help sell homes. In a weekend of new home hunting, a couple might not remember which house had the 42-inch cabinets and which had the exterior trim upgrade, but their kids...

Lifestyle targeting. (Outfront_Manage).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Toronto marketer Stan Kates is succeeding with his "lifestyle concept communities," fortifying his claim that most builders worry too much about sticks and bricks and not enough about fashioning strategic lifestyles that attract like-minded...

Making live/work work. (Outfront_Manage).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Beat Kahli, a central Florida TND builder and developer with an investment banking background, has come up with an innovation that might help live/work housing succeed on an important second level. He's offering seed money to fund new...

Florida builder splits marketing from HQ. (Practices).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... In a digital-age management move, Florida's third-largest builder, Transeastern Homes, recently moved its sales and marketing department out of the company's Coral Springs headquarters and into an Orlando office to place it nearer the bulk of...

Connected homes should connect families. (Outfront_Sell).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... A study by the Internet Home Alliance found that early and likely adopters of the connected home are looking for solutions that address family needs as opposed to products designed for career or entertainment. Two of the study's more...

Dewey U. Now on CD-ROM. (Outfront_Sell).(Dewey Homes' Dewey University home building seminar )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Dewey Homes in Wayne, Pa., has taken its Dewey University home building seminar high-tech, making it available on CD-ROM. The seminar took place every six weeks, but because many of Dewey's customers were relocating, they couldn't always be...

Capturing empty nesters. (Marketing).
May 1, 2003... Each type of home buyer looks for a specialized set of requirements in a new home. Empty nesters are no different. In her book Sales and Marketing Checklists, Jan Mitchell gives the following tips on how to show a model to this niche market:...

Congress can't afford to wait. (NAHB Opinion).(homeownership tax credit)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... More than 14 million American households spend more than half their income on housing or live in substandard units. The homeownership rates for African-Americans and Hispanics are 48% and 49%, respectively, far behind the 74% rate for...

A progression of public spaces. (Outfront_Land).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Public outdoor spaces usually come in two packages: the public park and the greenbelt with walkway/activity pathway. Steve Kellenberg argues that to make these spaces really work, builders and developers must refine their design approach to the...

Required writing: letter of intent. (Pre-Contract Tool).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... A letter of intent clarifies discussions between parties in a land transaction. By providing a nonbinding road map to a successful transaction, a letter of intent is a wise pre-contract tool for any builder/developer. "In any discussion...

Housing's underdogs live on: part 2. (Lessons Learned).
May 1, 2003... In the April column I tackled the notion popularized by some ho using industry analysts and the popular press that large national home builders have advantages destined to render local and regional builders helpless and unable to compete. ...

Assisting laid-off employees. (Money Matters).
May 1, 2003... As we learned from the stock market during the past three years, all bubbles eventually burst. And while a strong housing market has steamrolled across America, it has been driven at least partially by lower mortgage rates. When those rates...

How to monopolize your market. .(Cover Story)
May 1, 2003... The home building game is not unlike America's favorite board game: Every player wants to grab as many properties as possible and put up houses. Where the real housing industry varies enormously from the pretend world of real estate tycoons is...

Partnering: the sycamore creek case study: A trade partnering program doesn't have to pertain only to the building of a house. It also can be used to facilitate communication for community planning. (Build).
May 1, 2003... Partnering is not a science. It's an industry buzzword that means different things to different people. Some partnering programs are extremely elaborate and demand tons of paperwork and meetings. One partnering project used an auditorium for...

Stealth giant: secretive Maronda Homes is a housing giant, but the company doesn't want you to know it closed 3,594 homes in 2002 (our estimate) for revenue of $478.02 million. (Manage).
May 1, 2003... Let's just call this Part II of our 2003 report on housing's GIANTS because we found one we missed before our April issue closed. In fact, we've missed elusive, Pittsburgh-based Maronda Homes every year for a long time. This stealth GIANT has...

Tech-enabling new homes: delivering the technology that sets new homes apart and ahead of the resale market. (Technology).
May 1, 2003... The list of amenities offered to lure potential home buyers continues to become more elaborate. Developers and builders traditionally rely on creative tactics to differentiate their communities and homes and attract potential buyers. ...

Contracts & law: part IV. (Learn).
May 1, 2003... Direct your lawyer to review your standard agreement before you offer it to a client. Ask your lawyer to tell you where you can make concessions and where you should not. For example, can you agree to a "no lien" contract? What can you expect...

Crane performance siding. (Products).
May 1, 2003... Market Square vinyl siding has a cedar wood-grain appearance and a hem-locking design that requires no special tools, facilitates installation and enables the product to withstand 155-mph wind, the company says. The siding comes in 12 colors...

Outwater plastics industries. (Products).
May 1, 2003... Structure plastic embossed sheets come in 3-D textures designed to simulate metal. They're available in mirror chrome or brass, speckled black or gray and stainless steel finishes, or in paintable white. The flexible sheets can be cut with...

Jenn-air. (Products).
May 1, 2003... CustomControl technology is designed to bring many benefits of gas cooking to an electric cooktop. Features include a higher top temperature, more consistent temperature and more temperature control. CustomControl dual elements are available on...

Solatube international. (Products).
May 1, 2003... The Solar Star line of solar-powered attic ventilation products now includes three roof mounting options: low-profile for most pitched roofs, high-profile for areas with heavy snow, and pitched for flat roofs as well as pitched roofs when...

HB&G. (Products).
May 1, 2003... PermaPorch Ceiling is made from the same PVC material as PermaPorch Railing and is pre-finished to match. A secondary process called annealing reduces expansion and contraction by more than 50%, the company says. In addition to porch...

California paints. (Products).
May 1, 2003... 2010 Super-Scrub Ceramic is an all-acrylic waterborne interior paint with a matte finish that's scrubbable. It contains Microban, an anti-microbial additive that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the dried paint film. The...

Fantech's Dryer Booster Fan (DBF110). (Moisture Solutions Connection).
May 1, 2003... Fantech's Dryer Booster Fan (DBF110) solves the problems caused by long duct runs on Clothes dryers. When the dryer turns on,' the' fan is activated by an automatic pressure sensitive switch. The dryer exhaust is boosted out of the' house. For...

DELTA[R] moisture protection systems for building healthier homes. (Moisture Solutions Connection).
May 1, 2003... Cosella-Dorken manufactures a series of waterproofing and drainage composites that effectively waterproofs relieves hydrostatic pressures and redirects water away from commercial and residential below grade foundations. 905-563-3255 Fax:...

Tamarack Technologies, Inc. (Moisture Solutions Connection).
May 1, 2003... Proper ventilation sustains the life of buildings, occupants and reduces call-backs Watson[TM] is the only all Stainless in-line, ducted, bathroom exhaust fan. The sleek design Practically disappears on the building exterior. Attach our...

American ConForm Industries: America. (Moisture Solutions Connection).
May 1, 2003... The best homes are built with SmartBlock[TM] ConForm[R]/SmartBlock Insulating concrete forming Systems save time and money R-22/R-24. For Foundations, Houses and light commercial Buildings, All code approvals Core sizes: 4", 6", 8", 10"....

PermaLoc aluminum landscape edging and restraint systems. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... PermaLoc is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of high performance aluminum landscape edging and restraint systems. Permaloc[R] products are preferred and specified by Architects and Contractors all over the world. Permaloc[R]...

Fastsigns[R]. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... specializes in custom signs and graphics for businesses worldwide. Whether you want to promote your services or simply bring your site to ADA required standards, the professionals at FASTSIGNS[r] can assist you from concept through completion....

Visions 2000 vinyl windows & doors. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Weather Shields Visions 2000 vinyl windows and doors are durable and virtually maintenance free. They come in a multitude of shapes and sizes that allow builders and remodelers to customize projects to fit their unique design needs. Visions...

ProShield windows & doors. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... These windows and doors feature durable vinyl exteriors, pine or oak interiors. ProShield windows and doors are sold at a competitive price point and are a great option for high humidity, high moisture areas such as waterfront home sites. The...

"Tru" beauty doesn't stop at the front door. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Therma-Tru Slim-Line" Patio Door Systems deliver "Tru" beauty. Slim-Line combines fiberglass durability with thermal performance and a trouble-free track system to reduce callbacks and deliver performance. Slim-Line sliding patio doors feature...

Custom Shoji passage doors. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Cherry Tree Design, Shoji Maker of Choice among the trade. Custom interior passage doors. Nationally known for quality & service. Beautiful American hardwoods and durable facing. Shoji screens also available - Perfect for room dividers, pocket...

Hanson Brick - online. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... on March 28th, Hanson Brick customers and employees will find a one-stop shop for everything they want to know about brick at www.hansonbrick.com. The site will be available to builders, dealers and other trade professionals in the three major...

Moen's new Aberdeen[TM] high arc pull-down kitchen faucet features a one-of-a-kind pause button. (Products and Literature Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Moen's new Aberdeen[TM] kitchen faucet is a classic design with hidden functionality. That's because Aberdeen features a one-of-a-kind pause button that allows the user to interrupt the flow of water. Aberdeen also has the Hydrolock[TM]...

Clubhouse style makes for distinctive sales pitch. (The Details).(Style Interior Design)
May 1, 2003... Style Interior Design in Irvine, Calif., is known for creating magnificent clubhouses. But the Santaluz House, one of its most prestigious projects, is not a clubhouse; rather, it's a home designed to feel, if not function, like a clubhouse....

Defending what is yours. (The Details).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... In an increasingly competitive industry -- one in which the smallest displays of individuality and innovation can mean immeasurable market differentiation between you and your competitors --intellectual property insurance might provide a...

Marvel Industries. (The Details).
May 1, 2003... Marvel Industries' new Luxury Series undercounter refrigerators feature an ebony interior designed to blend more seamlessly with home furnishings. In addition, the company says the glossy black interior might help preserve beverages, as it...

KitchenAid. (The Details).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Versatility and convenience are the hallmarks of KitchenAid's briva dishwasher. The in-sink unit can be used in tandem with a full-size dishwasher or serve as an auxiliary accessory for wet bars, butler's pantries and outdoor kitchens. With a...

Mosaics make an impression. (The Details).(Mixed-Up Mosaics)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Mixed-Up Mosaics' collection of hand-laid, stained Italian glass mosaics can turn any facet of a home -- from walls and floors to furniture, tabletops and backsplashes -- into a unique, vibrant statement that transcends the ordinary. "It's...

Trade Group touts asphalt roofing's luxury appeal. (The Details).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association is launching a multiyear marketing and advertising campaign to convey the design aesthetic of asphalt roofing shingles, especially in high-end residential applications. Shingles can be made to...

Getting business from an architect. (The Business).(custom design residential construction)
May 1, 2003... For builders who have considered working at the highest end of the luxury home business, working with an architect is probably a necessity. At the least, it exposes them to a clientele they otherwise might never meet. LAYING THE GROUNDWORK...

Paradise found. (The Tour).(builder Ken Endelson; Stone Creek Ranch )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... As one of Florida's premier developer/builders of luxury homes and high-end residential communities. Ken Endelson has a good idea of what his discriminated market finds most desirable. For the homeowner who can--and very often does -- have...

Warm and welcoming. (The Tour).(Terence Cudmore Builders)
May 1, 2003... BUILDER TERENCE CUDMORE SAYS HE KNOWS THIS FABULOUS, 11,018-square-foot Mediterranean beauty, with its blend of formal and recreational space, soon will make some fortunate owner a wonderful family home. For now, this $8.95 million...

Outdoor elegance. (The Tour).(Charlse-Watt Estate Homes)
May 1, 2003... THE HEART OF THIS MAGNIFICENT, 12,143-SQUARE-FOOT, spec-built turnkey home at Stone Creek Ranch is a spacious central courtyard that serves as an enchanting open-air extension of the $11.8 million residence's living space and transforms this...

Inspired Oasis. (The Tour).(Foxx Homes)
May 1, 2003... The home's 1-acre site provided builder Jim Foxx with plenty of flexibility when choosing the orientation of the 5,037-square-foot residence. "The home's most important spaces face toward the mountains to the south and southwest," says Foxx, to...

Fabulous finish. (The Tour).(Shaw Builders)
May 1, 2003... THE CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT WENT INTO THIS ELEGANT, FAMILY-friendly residence in southern Connecticut is reflected in the details that give the classic Colonial its warm, welcoming ambience. "This is a highly customized home where every room is...

Durable doors. (Products).
May 1, 2003... Cast from real wood molds for a handcrafted, wood-grain appearance, Aurora Old World fiberglass exterior doors by IWP are designed for custom homes in areas where extreme climates necessitate an alternative to a wood door. The doors are offered...

Grand entrances. (Products).
May 1, 2003... Five complete home entryway decor collections -- Tiana is shown -- from SOCIETY BRASS are designed to ensure perfectly matched exteriors and entryways. All incorporate a lever, a knob, a doorbell, a door knocker, a surface bolt, address numbers...

PermaLoc Edging and Restraint Systems. (Special Advertising Section: Product & Literature Digest).
May 1, 2003... PermaLoc is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of high performance aluminum landscape edging and restraint systems. Permaloct products are prefered and specified by Architects and Contractors all over the world. Permaloct offers a...