| Emerging Issues |
Now that insurance costs have escalated and some states prohibit express indemnities, it's time to focus on delivering even greater quality. But who will take on this task?
Home builders must differentiate themselves by offering high-performance features and exceptional customer service. But one must ensure that what's promised to home buyers is ultimately delivered — or face the potential risk of litigation.
Imagine you've been working for hours on the description of an important new project and someone down the street hits a power pole. All the electricity in your area goes out. How would you feel if your document was not saved? All that work and time were wasted and you need the project description tomorrow for a bank presentation.
Home builders remain among the toughest classes of business to insure, but the insurance market has begun to soften for them. Large builders in particular are seeing increased competition among insurers; better terms and conditions; and even better pricing.
Every home builder has stories about clients who make the home building process much more complicated with their demanding personality or with their personal demands. When conflicts arise, finding a resolution can be smooth and speedy — or result in headaches all around, depending on how well the builder and his team are prepared to respond.
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| Plans and Projects |
Hamlet Homes is contributing to the downtown revitalization of Murray, Utah with Inverness Square, a community that embraces the principles of New Urbanism.
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| Letters to the Editor |
Samella Henderson of St. Louis, Mo. comments on minorities in the homebuilding industry.
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| Product News |
Today's doors — often made of composite materials — are much stronger, better insulated and, in many cases, a dynamic part of the exterior décor. Here’s how a new garage door can add a massive amount of curb appeal to a home.
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| Innovations |
From hurricanes to tornadoes, PATH explains how home builders can utilize storm-resistant technologies.
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| Emerging Issues |
Land and its affiliated debt has always been a home builder's Achilles heel, causing many builders to fail. As the market stabilizes this year and builders begin to acquire land, they need to reestablish good land acquisition risk management techniques.
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| Best Practices |
Don't let the market get in the way of a new-home sale. AVID Ratings' Paul Cardis explains how you can reduce your cancellations and make a profit.
Home building industry experts offer a look at some of the road hazards on the HR expressway and ideas on how to maneuver them.
Misrepresenting your product is a giant risk for home builders. John Rymer explains how to avoid the risk.
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| Perspective |
We live in a time in this industry when we need to rely on fundamental truths. We need passion to revitalize us and carry us through. And we need reason, thoughtfulness and care to make smart decisions to mitigate risk and improve our position.
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