Wood, naturally

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Jeff Gunderson
 
With things going greener (both in energy use and with it being spring), being outdoors is gaining in popularity.  So decks are a growing trend.
This trend toward features that combine indoor and outdoor spaces “reflects the growing interest in extending one’s living space to the outdoors—a lifestyle shift that has been going on for several years,” according to the AIA. read more
Many of our homes feature the ability to have a wooden deck either in the design OR as an add on. Here are a few of our panelized plans that have decks as an option or a feature of the design.
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Modular manufacturer gets New Orleans nod

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Builder News Staff

While panelized homes are NOT modular homes, they do share the prefabricated benefits.  In New Orleans, the Miletus Group, Inc has created a modular home that is designed to enable a family to have a home quickly but maintain the historical and architectural distinctiveness of the area.   The first homes are due to be completed this year and are all compliant with building codes and FEMA standards.  read more at Builder News Magazine

Posted in Architecture, Finance, Green, Jobs, Materials, Multifamily, Real Estate, Technology | Comments Off

Demand for green building materials to bloom by 2015

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Builder News Staff
We are always looking to make things a bit better for our planet and during our building we want to make sure keep that attitude.  It appears that that is happening.  From Builder News Magazine:
Demand for green building materials is projected to expand 13.0 percent annually to $71.1 billion in 2015, slightly outpacing the growth of building construction expenditures over that period as green materials continue to account for an increasing share of materials used, according to a new study by The Freedonia Group.  While the rising use of green materials will support gains, the most important driver for demand will be the expected rebound in the construction market from low 2010 levels.
read more
Posted in Business, Finance, Green, Housing Data, Materials, Real Estate | Comments Off

Home prices continue to weaken

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Builder News Staff
Data through February 2011, from S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, show prices for the 10- and 20-city composites are lower than a year ago but still slightly above their April 2009 bottom.
We're not out of the woods yet and this is just a small dip but we should keep steady and moving forward with our building projects read more
Posted in Business, Finance, Front Page - Blogger Network, Home, Housing Data, Real Estate | Comments Off

Spring is DIY time!

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Bob Rodgers

BuildThisHome.com knows how empowering it is as Do-It-Yourselfer’s ourselves it is to complete projects.  However, a recent study in the UK showed that almost one quarter of home improvement projects end in costly failure.

Project that may seem simple ended up costing these weekend craftsmen on average of $240 to have a professional come in and fix the mess.

A few tips from HomeMakersOnline can help avoid disaster

  • Think Ahead – PLAN your project. Measure twice cut once type of attitude will save a LOT of grief later on
  • Manage your time – Don’t assume that you’ll be able to finish that job on a Saturday when you have to stop by the hardware store, and have a barbeque to attend that evening.  Make sure you leave enough time to get the job done.
  • Know your limits – You are no longer a teenager with infinite stamina, strength, and flexibility.  In addition, there are some jobs best left to the professionals.  Be realistic.
  • Safety – I’ve been in the ER on the weekends and have seen the “weekend warriors” being patched up.  Use common sense, read the safety warnings and use the proper safety equipment.  A few suggestions for the successful DIY safety kit are
    • Safety Goggles (NOT sunglasses or even perscription glasses)
    • Gloves
    • Ear Plugs
    • Hard Hat

So have a great time, be successful and safe in all your home improvement projects.

 

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Site Update

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Bob Rodgers

After a bit of time, we’re updating the site.  Please be patient with us as we build a site to make your dream home come true!

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