Professional Builder (1993) articles from September 2004

Professional Builder (1993) archives from September 2004

Lucky the Builder, Unlucky, the Customer.(Up for Discussion)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... Thank you for printing your strong response to Lucky, the Builder in May. I would like to add to your comment about the people Lucky is selling short--The Unlucky Customer. I have been building homes for seven years, not 40. I pride myself...

Lucky, the Builder, really is lucky.(Up for Discussion)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... Because Lucky the Builder (May, Professional Builder) doesn't have a computer, he doesn't have to suffer from information overload. And because he doesn't have a computer, he doesn't have to go bananas when it doesn't work, nor does he have to...

Lesson learned.(Up for Discussion)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... There's an old saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher will come." That came to my mind while reading your July column, "Lessons on the Road to Everywhere." The saying applied to you, and now you have chosen to relay your experience &...

Behind our new logo & look.(Publisher's Note)(Iridium Group)
September 1, 2004... Whoever it was that said, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it," surely didn't understand the need to constantly improve. The staff at Professional Builder believes, "even if it isn't broke, enhance it. Make it even better." That's what we've...

Building better.(Perspective)
September 1, 2004... Delighting customers drives the new home design process. Builders and architects huddle over site plans, lot configurations and floorplans. They discuss and debate room counts, placement, features, options and finishes. Construction and trade...

Cottage charm.(Plans & Projects)(Cottagewood Partners LLC)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... In the suburbs surrounding the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, I find some of the same housing seen elsewhere--charmless one- and two-story production homes on cul-de-sacs. Often, the homes' functional attributes outweigh the...

Thoroughly modern Miami.(Plans & Projects)
September 1, 2004... This "Miami modern" design by architect Barry Sugarman was the Best of Show winner in Southeast Builders Conference's recent Aurora Awards. We think it heralds the return of modern architecture to residential prominence, a budding trend...

Design sketchbook: what makes a room inviting?(Detail Elements)
September 1, 2004... As with any discussion relating to design elements, an analysis of just what makes a room or area seem inviting is often quite subjective. Diverse personal preferences make it difficult to outline specific do's-and-don't's, but a few general...

You're fired! Think through your termination process; Set mutual expectations with new employees about what you want from them--and what they want from you.(Lessons Learned)
September 1, 2004... The show "The Apprentice" took the country by storm last TV season, and Donald Trump now has lent a certain panache to what were previously considered the most dreaded words in business--"You're fired!"--although I suspect Martha Stewart and...

More than money: dominant builders create a culture that attracts and retains talent and customers.(The H.R. Dept.)
September 1, 2004... One of our favorite clients built a wonderful company utilizing a very simple philosophy. "This is a simple business that requires good people who care about doing what's right for the customer, their co-workers and the company." This has...

Builder profits rising: eleventh year of measuring profitability and financial benchmarks among Lee Evans Group clients shows strength of long housing boom.(Bottom-Line Building)(Lee Evans Group)
September 1, 2004... If you're interested in benchmarking your own performance in our target financial ratios (shown below) against a group of better-than-average builders, here are the results of our 11th annual survey of Lee Evans Group seminar attendees. For...

Land development, Part III.(Learn)
September 1, 2004... In this third part of our series, we will get into the nitty-gritty of site-planning. Carefully planning the site can make or break the project--not only financially, but politically as well. In today's anti-development environment,...

Aerobic wastewater treatment systems: an alternative to a conventional septic system for environmentally sensitive and other challenging sites.(Path)
September 1, 2004... One of the most important considerations in home building and site development is deciding on an appropriate and cost-effective wastewater treatment system. Soil type, local code requirements and a range of other factors figure into the...

Designing the under-2,500-square-foot home: great design and affordability are not mutually exclusive, even in a small home. Here's how to create a great-looking community, while keeping costs firmly under control.(Design)
September 1, 2004... When it is time to design new product for a community, many builders go in search of the perfect plan--something already out there. They shop the competition, search the Web or ask their marketing consultants to pull a trick from the hat. ...

Tile and stone: homebuilding investments.
September 1, 2004... When was the last time you read a classified, "Home for Sale" ad in the Sunday paper exclaiming, "Beautiful linoleum foyer!"? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Make no mistake, linoleum is a good material. But certainly it's not an...

Technological advancements spur choices in ceramic.(tiles)
September 1, 2004... Recent technological advancements have completely changed the way ceramic tile designs are conceived and created. These refinements have brought us closer than ever to flawless imitations of natural stone. A decade ago, ceramic-tile...

What every builder should know about ceramic tile (but is afraid to ask!).
September 1, 2004... I. Why should you sell ceramic tile? Tile is a hot product. It has doubled its share of the building products market over the past decade, and it has experienced double-digit sales gains four of the past five years. Total market growth has...

New finishes=new installation challenges.(tiles)
September 1, 2004... Years ago the typical home featured ceramic tile or stone only in the bath and perhaps in a small entryway. Today, tile or stone are the predominant flooring materials throughout many homes, providing the perfect complement to any room's...

Natural stone for the domestic market is booming.
September 1, 2004... Natural stone has been around since the beginning of time and has been the building material of choice since the dawn of Man. But this ancient material has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years. According to a study by Wirthlin...

Stop, thief! Are employees ribbing you blind? Many builders refuse to see the epidemic of insider crime that plagues the U.S. housing industry.(Special Report)(related article: How to Protect Business)(related article: Checklists That Expose Thieves)
September 1, 2004... The Setup: An executive active in land acquisition and development for a large local production builder finds a choice building site on his own, without help from anyone. But then he thinks to himself, "This parcel is so good, we'd gladly pay a...

Bathroom faucets that turn on profits: manufacturers create products to appeal to a variety of price points.(Product Report)
September 1, 2004... If there were a way for builders to make an additional $5,000 to $10,000 per home, you'd think they'd be jumping at the opportunity. Not necessarily, says Lars Christensen, product manager for Hansgrohe Inc. "Eighty percent of all builders...

Jeld-Wen.(Product Review)
September 1, 2004... Arlington doors feature a traditional Colonial six-panel design, original beaded sticking profile and double-hip raised panels. These doors provide a solid wood look in an affordable, molded door option with a five-year limited warranty. Doors...

Kroy Building Products Inc.(Product Review)
September 1, 2004... A new embossed deck surface will become the standard surface for Kroy Building Products, Inc. popular Classic Manor vinyl deck product. Developed in response to feedback from both contractors and consumers, the new slip-resistant finish offers...

A.O. Smith Water Products Co.(Product Review)
September 1, 2004... A.O. Smith Water Products Company has introduced its new patented Blue Diamond glass coating. It provides enhanced protection against tank corrosion for the company's top-of-the-line Conservationist gas and electric water heaters. Enriched with...

KitchenAid.(Product Review)
September 1, 2004... Architect Series Wine Cellars enhance style and functionality in the kitchen. The under-counter wine cellars are newly redesigned and feature the KitchenAid TriZone cooling system that allows up to 48 bottles of red, blush and white wines to be...

Unico Inc.(Product Review)
September 1, 2004... The UnichillerRC is a reverse-cycle chiller that provides both hot and cold water. It features a corrosion resistant pump, a tube-in-shell evaporator and a fully automatic adjustable water temperature control. The unit provides a greater flow...

Shortages put cement boots on productivity: caught short? The best way to minimize the impact of today's shortage is to plan for tomorrow's.(Build)(related article: Overtime Rules Have Little Impact)(related article: NAHB OPINION)(National Association of Home Builders)
September 1, 2004... On Aug. 13, as Hurricane Charley was about to slam the Florida coast, Bob Strudler was glued to the Weather Channel. The Houston-based chairman of Miami-based Lennar Homes was more concerned about the storm's impact than on other performance...

Imported wood warning: are your panels substandard?(Build)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... APA--THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION reported in July that an influx of imported wood panel products have made their way into the American housing market to meet hot demand. Some of those panels may be improperly stamped or not stamped at...

Stonefield rebuilds homes after California fire.(Build)(Stonefield Development)
September 1, 2004... On Oct. 25, 2003, a lost hunter signaling for help started the largest wildfire in California's history. Before it was over, it killed 14 people, destroyed 2,232 homes and damaged another 53. The Cedar fire, ignited in the Cleveland National...

Lighting: perfect pendants.(Design)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Lighting fixtures can add detail and style to any room. Pendants, which are increasing in popularity, are offered in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, and can be used to provide general light or highlight a specific focal point or object....

One-of-a-kind walls: fabric-inspired tile.(Design)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Retro styling rules, with everything from sundresses to martini glasses to furniture. Ann Sacks has brought the aesthetic to tile, with its recently released wall tile, Quilt. Ann Sacks designer Erin Adams' design fuses layers of glass in...

Housing still on hiring binge.(Manage)(report on construction industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... ATLANTA-BASED LUCAS GROUP, one of the nation's largest executive search firms, reports the construction industry is still on a hiring spree--despite reports that industry hiring has slowed. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In July, the U.S....

Consumer demand: second-home market still hot.(Manage)
September 1, 2004... Despite the threat of rising interest rates, the second-home market remains strong, according to a recent study by EscapeHomes.com, an online marketplace for vacation-housing real estate. The median year-over-year price for homes in the Web...

A new down payment-assistance option.(Manage)
September 1, 2004... Since the late 1990s, builders active in the entry-level segment of the market have had "guardian angels" at their sides to assist otherwise qualified prospects with the toughest challenge in buying their first home--coming up with the down...

Sales strategies: bubble trouble.(Sell)(housing boom)
September 1, 2004... Talk of a housing bubble and June's increase of the federal funds rate--the first increase in four years--have builders and pundits wondering how long the housing boom will last. "Builders must begin to ask themselves, is their outstanding...

Builder lands TV coup.(Sell)(television)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, one home builder has successfully positioned itself as a quality company with knowledgeable experts at the helm. Team members of Greenbriar Homes based in Fremont, Calif., are regularly interviewed by local press...

Incentives: it's a trip!(Sell)(real estate)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Dallas-based developer of master-planned communities, Hillwood Residential, offers a generous incentive for Realtors cooperating in its area communities such as Heritage in Fort Worth, The Shores in Rockwall, and Liberty in Melissa, Texas....

Boston project wins concessions.(Land)(rennovation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... BOSTON'S CHANNEL CENTER IS HELPING to transform the historic Fort Point warehouse district with 14 renovations and four infill sites on 7.1 acres. Beacon Capital Partners' Boston office is developing the $400-million mixed-use plan. ...

Finding land: deals at the doorstep.(Land)(Residential Homes of America, Inc)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Residential Homes of America (RHA), located in Lake Bluff, Ill., has a knack for finding land. "Land always finds us," says Tim Grogan, RHA executive vice president. "Deals have even come to our doorstep." He's not kidding. Since last...

Certifiable water compliance.(Land)(International Erosion Control Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The International Erosion Control Association administers two education and certification programs that can help reduce builders' environmental, entitlement and regulatory headaches. The Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment...

Stone exteriors create timeless look.(The Details)(building construction)
September 1, 2004... In the past, stone has been the material of choice when it comes to building large, luxurious buildings, such as castles and cathedrals. Why should current luxury homes be any different? Stone exteriors add elegance and beauty to any house. ...

Minimal maintenance shutters.(The Details)(Polywood Shutters)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The right shutters can add a look of luxury to any house. Polywood Shutters have the same appearance as wood shutters without the upkeep of wood. They are guaranteed never to warp, crack, split, chip, fade or discolor. Polywood Shutters give...

Outdoor party solutions.(The Details)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Entertaining outdoors is a popular way to spend time with family and friends. New products cater to this trend toward outdoor living and entertaining. FOOD AND DRINKS Many companies have gone beyond the ordinary grill to bring more...

Bath and shower indulgences.(The Details)(Idrolux, MTI)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Relaxing after a hard day is easier than ever thanks to new luxuries in the bath and shower. Products from companies such as Jacuzzi. Idrolux and MTI move above and beyond bathroom basics to bring the spa experience home. [ILLUSTRATION...

Improve indoor air.(The Details)(FreshAir Fireplace )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The FreshAir Fireplace from Hearth & Home Technologies brings fresh air into the home while reducing moisture and the chance of mold and mildew. Constant ventilation also reduces build up of carbon dioxide, VOCs and house odors. The FreshAir...

Festive fortress: courtyard design promotes an entertaining environment in this hacienda-inspired Arizona luxury home.(The Tour)
September 1, 2004... Shielded from the street by a perimeter wall that appears to ebb and flow with the boulder-strewn desert terrain, this luxury home in Scottsdale, Ariz., evokes the timeworn charm of a century-old Mexican hacienda. But guests arriving in the...

Double take.(Entryway)(shingle-style vacation cottage on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island)
September 1, 2004... A compact design does not diminish the drama or the functionality of the entry foyer in this upscale, shingle-style vacation cottage on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island. In fact, with its molding details, built-in electronics armoire and...

Social connections.(Kitchen/Entertaining Spaces)
September 1, 2004... Creating a small but efficient work triangle within a much larger space was the primary design goal of the one-of-a-kind kitchen in this custom residence, located in Williamsburg, Va. With its open design, this "heart of the home" keeps...

Super suite.(Master Suite)
September 1, 2004... The abundance of glass incorporated into the magnificent master suite in this $6.6 million spec-built luxury residence in Naples, Fla., reveals lush gardens and water features, as well as the covered outdoor space that virtually surrounds this...

High achiever.(Ceilings)(Matin Taraz)
September 1, 2004... Inspired by the charming details of the historic villas of Tuscany, architect Matin Taraz developed this magnificent 22,000-square-foot estate home in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. The $32 million home celebrates past and present, using reclaimed...

Great sounds.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Auralex Acoustics introduces the SubDude isolation platform, a new structural foam platform to float a subwoofer and/or speakers in home theaters and audio rooms. It is made of structural acoustic foam specifically designed to provide rigidity...

Anodized finishes.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Kolbe Windows & Doors from Kolbe & Kolbe now come in anodized finishes, which provide enhanced exterior rigidity, are resistant to peeling and chalking, are resilient to staining, and have superior corrosion resistance when compared to other...

All-in-one.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Myson's towel warmer offers a television, full-length mirror and towel warmer all in one. Available in chrome and satin nickel metal finishes, the full-length, one-way mirror has a built-in, remote control plasma television. Myson towel warmers...

Hardwood help.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Mirage has created Alumix Ultra to prolong the life and natural beauty of premium hardwood flooring. This high-performance polyurethane finish provides a mat finish. Alumix Ultra offers the most advanced UV-protection and abrasion resistance...

Tranquil waters.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... The Harmony Vessel by Elite Bath Inc. is designed to bring tranquility to your bathroom by evoking a feeling of serenity and peace. Sculpted of solid bronze, this basin is available in any Elite Bath finish or combination of finishes. It...

Mostly marble.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Villeroy & Boch collaborated with GranitiFiandre, one of the world's leading manufacturers of technical tiles, to create Marmorino Naturale. Marmorino Naturale combines all the visual characteristics of marble with the advantages of ceramics....

Porcelain perfection.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Laufen introduces the Cairo series, which is a fully glazed porcelain floor, wall and countertop tile that offers the look, feel and texture of natural stone. It is also stain-proof and frost-proof and can be used both indoors and outdoors....

Bathroom masterpiece.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... The Vanity Flair Masterpiece Collection features custom bathroom vanities with exotic veneers such as ash burl, walnut burl, zebrawood and sapele. This collection features more than 40 designs in more than 40 finishes. Options available include...

Pure water.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... The Purefecta drinking water purifier from Pall Corp. and Kinetico Inc. provides a barrier from viruses, protozoa and bacteria. It is the only multi-barrier drinking water system available to consumers that meets and exceeds the U.S. EPA...

Classic elegance.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... This vitreous China pedestal sink and console table is part of the Michael S. Smith For Town Collection, created exclusively for Kallista. Inspired by the classic elegance of a 1930s Park Avenue apartment, this vanity is 30 inches wide and...

Inspire me.(The Products)
September 1, 2004... Lorenz introduces the Inspiration collection of handcrafted German cut glass sinks. These designer sinks combine old-world master glass techniques with contemporary and traditional styling. Custom designing is available. Lorenz also introduces...