Custom Builder on HousingZone.com: Custom builder News, Design Trends, Green Building

Custom Builder Top Stories

2009 Best In American Living Award Winners
Take a look at the 2009 BALA winning entries,including Home of The Year and the Platinum, Gold and Silver winners, among others.

Custom Built American Castles
Take a look at this selection of impressive custom home projects from award-winning architects and designers. Don’t miss the link to the photo gallery of images from these extravagant abodes.

Profile: Custom Home Builder of the Year 2009
The National Association of Home Builder’s 2009 Custom Home Builder of the Year is thriving in an industry where many family businesses have fallen by the wayside.

2010 Color Forecast
Colorists for Sherwin-Williams have released their 2010 color forecasts, and industry experts from Sisler Johnston Interior Design agree there will be a resurgence of bright, saturated colors.

Featured Stories From Custom Builder

Social Media Expert Authors Social Media How-to Book for Home Builders
The straightforward guide walks readers through building a social media program and measuring return on investment.

Economist: Housing Fights Headwinds
Mesirow Financial Chief Economist provides outlook for housing

Home Builders Institute Gets Grant for Residential Construction Mentoring Program
Underserved, at-risk and court involved youth to work with construction industry mentors in 11 states

New Report Explains Sustainable Planning and Development
The report gives practical information on and analysis of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing the way communities are planned and buildings are constructed

KBIS Projects 40% Increase in 2010 Show Attendee Figures
Large number of new attendees, architectural and design firms register for Chicago show

Survey Identifies Hottest Outdoor Living Trends for 2010
Popular outdoor living elements include fire pits, low maintenance landscapes and low-frill entertaining

News

Millennial Generation Chooses Urban Apartments and Condominiums Over Single-Family Houses

There is a shift occurring in the housing demands of young professionals away from suburban lifestyles and a renewed interest in urban living, according to Carol Coletta, president and CEO of CEOs for Cities.
KB Home to Pre-Wire Homes for Electric Vehicles
KB Home announced that it will begin offering an option to pre-wire its homes to accommodate charging stations for homeowners' electric vehicles.
Bankrupt Orleans Homebuilders Gets Financing, Continues Operations
Orleans Homebuilders Inc. has received Court approval on several key motions that will allow the continued operation of its homebuilding and management services operations after filing for Chapter 11 protection.
“Cash for Caulkers” Program to Boost Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Market
A recent SBI Energy market study titled “Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Market” reports that energy-efficient windows already far outsell other types of fenestration products in the home remodeling industry.

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Blogs
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Editorial Blogs

DENIS LEONARD ON PROCESS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT - Denis Leonard
Part 1 THE BASICS OF PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
March 8, 2010

PDCA and DMAIC. One of the most basic things to understand a... More

ALLISON IANTOSCA ON PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT - Allison Iantosca
The essence of chemistry; knowing who can thrive in your culture
March 5, 2010

I watch American Idol. This may be a risky topic to undertake in a Blo... More

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Making Walls Quiet for Less: A How to Guide

INSIDE STORY: Open-cell Foam

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Industry News

Mar 11, 2010

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Safer Renovations, But at a Price
Strict guidelines and requirements for lead paint removal are certain to add costs to remodeling projects. Exactly how much more expensive seems to be the unknown factor now.
Few States Require Making New Homes Resistant to Radon
Home builders should be aware that a venting system for radon gas can be installed when a house is built for as little as $300 and can be a selling point.
Why Consumers Tour Model Homes
Here’s a look at the variety of factors that bring prospects into model homes, and what homebuilders can do to capitalize on those motivations.
Regulators: Strict Bank Rules Don’t Impede Lending
U.S. regulators have been fending off complaints from lawmakers and small business owners that overly strict rules for banks have prevented crucial credit from flowing.
New Study Offers Glimpse into Builder Financial Records
The NAHB publication provides data about profitability, cost of sales and expenses from hundreds of home builders across the country.
Home Builder Sentenced for Defrauding Mortgage Lenders
A home builder in Minnesota was sentenced recently in federal court for defrauding lenders into making home loans for amounts exceeding the actual values of the properties involved.