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- Expert Design & Construction on My Conversation with Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s Deidra Darsa
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Create that Star Trek Look with Pocket Doors
Jun 30 2009 12:26PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
That said, I enjoyed this video of a Pocket Door installation from Johnson Hardware. My buddy Efrain from the Walt Denny Inc. Home Products Agency gave me the heads-up on this one. I honestly, literally, absolutely didn’t get around to checking it around until now (sorry for the dealy Efrain and Mel!). Bu...Read More
Monday, June 29, 2009
My Conversation with Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s Deidra Darsa
Jun 29 2009 12:56PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (1) |
By Nick Bajzek
TPG: What outdoor living trends have emerged since the downturn? DD: I think the outdoor living trend has been a growing phenomenon for the last few years. I believe the recent downturn has caused people to re-think their lifestyle. Instead of looking to spend entertainment dollars away from home, they’re looking at investing in their homes and creating a backyard resort. With an enhanced outdoor living area they have increased their overall living...Read More
Friday, June 26, 2009
Radiant Ceilings and the Swiss-Dex Solution
Jun 26 2009 10:03AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
It’s an idea and practice that’s big in Europe. Swiss-Dex is a firm that recently caught my attention. Like hydronic or radiant floor systems, the system works like this—run cold water through coils in the ceiling to cool the visible ceiling surface. Cold air will, thanks to the laws of thermodynamics, settle to its lowest point. And since the cold is distributed evenly over the ceiling, you’ll get plenty of cool ambient air. And it works in reverse. The dew point for the ambient air determines the minimal temperature necessary for the cold water...Read More
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Listen to Professional Builder's Housing Stimulus Webcast
Jun 24 2009 10:24AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
He did have some other insights as well. “This may be a marketing opportunity. You might want to go back and contact past clients within the past few months and see if they are aware of the credits,” said Stone on the available stimulus credits.
His take on the Energy Star requirements and the products that qualify was also very interesting: “We ...Read More
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Off to PCBC
Jun 16 2009 12:59PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
In the meantime, follow me on Twitter: @nbajzek.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Plug and Play with the S.U.N. Equinox Heating System
Jun 15 2009 9:52AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
It’s contractor friendly, too—the system is “plug and play” for installation ease. It stands...Read More
Friday, June 12, 2009
BuildTopia’s Next Generation CPM Scheduling System
Jun 12 2009 10:04AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek

Not to sound like a fanboy, but It’s an incredibly durable and stable platform for project and purchasing managers. According to the company, this latest release allows for more collaboration during the entire construction process. That means your web-base...Read More
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Going to PCBC? Then Meet my Boss at our NARI Night
Jun 11 2009 9:50AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Wireless to Edge Out Wired Home Security Systems?
Jun 9 2009 1:41PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
Front Point Security has a wireless solution. Depending on the sophistication of the installation, users can be controlled over the Internet or on a smartphone (there’s an iPhone app, too). Notifications can be sent via e-mail or text as well. It’s one of the only systems out there that can protect a home/building during renovations and then transfer to be the permanent home security option for completed projects. Since the whole system is wireless, customers can place sensors on anything that opens...Read More
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Wind Turbine for Every Home
Jun 8 2009 9:58AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
The Honeywell Wind Turbine, made in partnership with EarthTronics and WindTronics, generates energy from its gearless Blade Tip Power System that eliminates mechanical resistance and drag. This technology allows the turbine to generate power in wind speeds as low as 2 miles per hour and as high 45 miles per hour, without the typical noise associated with wind turbines. The Honeywell Wind Turbine will be available in Fall 2009 through launch ...Read More
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Cool Roofs, Cool Weekend
Jun 4 2009 2:42PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
After all, a roof can heat up to more than 170 degrees by absorbing heat from the sun on a hot day, raising temperatures inside by as much as 30 degrees…I remember the attic in our old hous...Read More
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
ben and ColorSnap: The New Killer Color Apps for Contractors
Jun 3 2009 12:44PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
Paint gurus Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore recently introduced iPhone-bas...Read More
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Fair Hope for the NAHB Green Building Program
Jun 2 2009 1:19PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (5) |
By Nick Bajzek
Jeremy Friedman, of Kaloosa Builders broke new ground with the first green-certified home in Alabama (and only the 173rd in the nation) under the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Program This cottage-style, 3,600-square foot spec home in Fairhope, Ala. not only received a gold rating, it became only the 173rd home nationwide to qualify for any rating since the NAHB National Green Building Program was created in 2005.
The Fairhope Green home is being built according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Guidelines. Builders can score points with the program based on using energy efficient methods and appliances, show water conserv...Read More
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Sneak Peek at PCBC’s Cool Products Competition
May 29 2009 9:58AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
One of the best parts about PCBC—other than the awesome six-hour plane ride to San Francisco, of course—is the Cool Products Competition, now in its eighth year. If you’re an attendee, it’s always cordoned off from the rest of the show in one of the major intersections at the convention center. It’s ALWAYS worth taking a look! You’ll find some excellent products there.
According to the PCBC brass, this year’s competition was divided into four categories: Conserves Natural Resources; Contributes to a Healthier, Safer Living Environment; A New, Cool Invention; and Saves Energy.
For a preliminary look, check out the winners this year:
Category: Conserves Natural Resources
Winner: EcoStar, Booth #1140
Product: Majestic Slate 10" Traditional Tiles, ...Read More
Thursday, May 28, 2009
SIPA: SIPs Snag Some Market Share
May 28 2009 1:53PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
By Nick Bajzek
According to SIPA’s annual survey, SIP construction doubled its market share since the height of the building bubble in 2005. This comes despite an 8.8 percent decrease in OSB-based production (there are other methods, but most SIPs are made of insulating foam sandwiched between two OSB facings...metal boards are also fairly common).
"With the U.S. economic recession and three straight years of falling housing starts, industry contraction is somewhat inevitable," said Bill Wachtler, Executive Director of SIPA. "However, the SIP indus...Read More


