AngleRite.com – Minnesota

Housing’s humming, but it’s a ‘still-could-go-either-way’ market

Builder Pulse

John McManus is an award-winning editorial director for the Residential Construction Group at Hanley Wood in Washington, D.C. In addition to the BUILDER digital, print, and in-person editorial and programming portfolio, the group includes strategic content direction for AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE, APARTMENT FINANCE TODAY, CUSTOM HOME, EcoHome, MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE, and residential architect.

Clearly, home builders have liked what’s been happening, and comparatively, they’d rather be where they are now than at any time in about seven years.

Article source: http://www.builderonline.com/design/design-details-corner-windows.aspx?rssLink=Design+Details%3A+Corner+Windows

Housing’s humming, but it’s a ‘still-could-go-either-way’ market

Builder Pulse

John McManus is an award-winning editorial director for the Residential Construction Group at Hanley Wood in Washington, D.C. In addition to the BUILDER digital, print, and in-person editorial and programming portfolio, the group includes strategic content direction for AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE, APARTMENT FINANCE TODAY, CUSTOM HOME, EcoHome, MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE, and residential architect.

Clearly, home builders have liked what’s been happening, and comparatively, they’d rather be where they are now than at any time in about seven years.

Article source: http://www.builderonline.com/products/winsome-wood-ceilings.aspx?rssLink=WoodTrac+Ceilings

I had two overall thoughts on the southern Maryland jobsite where the Mystery Inspector struck in spring 2013.

1. A clean jobsite is great marketing. Every room in this house was broom-clean. Attaboy!

2. This builder paid a surprisingly high level of attention to detail in energy-efficient construction practices across many disciplines—framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC.

This photo shows good ol’ mastic sealing the seams in the ductwork. The neat application indicates that it is not the technician’s first go ’round. Attaboy, HVAC tech.

Why does this matter?
We will say it again: About 1/3 of the air transported through heating and cooling ducts leaks out as waste. This is a huge opportunity to save your customers money and toot your horn in the process.

Also in this photo are sealed holes for plumbing. Canned foam keeps the upstairs living space from communicating with the downstairs basement air. This is more good attention to detail by the subs on this job. Attaboy, plumber. (The orange coloring indicates that this is fire-retardant canned foam.)

Why does this matter?
Simple air-sealing measures like this significantly improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality in homes. It also keeps moist air from growing mold and rot in places you can’t see, such as inside the walls.

Nothing but attaboys today.
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See something that we missed? Make a note of it in the comments.

Do you have photos that will work for our Mystery Inspector game? Post them to our Facebook page with the caption “Mystery Inspector Candidate” and a summary of what is right and wrong in the photos, we’ll take it from there. 

Article source: http://www.builderonline.com/energy-efficientconstruction/mystery-inspector-6-simple-neat-air-sealing-for-plumbing-and-hvac.aspx?rssLink=Mystery+Inspector+6%3A+Simple%2C+Neat%2C+Air+Sealing+for+Plumbing+and+HVAC

One-story homes are a versatile and practical option for many buyers, but it’s hard to beat two-story designs for sheer impressiveness. Why not offer a home with the best of both? These single-story plans combine big curb appeal with smart layouts that make the most of space.

Impressive Exterior, Open Layout

This casual yet luxurious new plan is a terrific choice for empty nesters or anyone who loves the look of a two-story without the hassle of stairs. The master suite is both luxurious and practical, with direct access to the laundry room.  The second bedroom is nearby, a good layout for families with a young child. An open layout ensures excellent flow throughout the great room, dining area, and kitchen. See more images, information, and the floor plan.

Modern Family

Inside this cool contemporary home, there’s a smart one-story layout that makes great use of space and has some surprising amenities.  Each of the three bedrooms gets its own bathroom and walk-in closet, and the master suite opens up to the backyard. The main living spaces feature a great view of the back property, with a fireplace on the side wall. See more images, information, and the floor plan.

Petite Treat

Here’s a small home with big curb appeal! Who would guess that this eye-catching cottage holds just 1,400 square feet of heated living space? Despite its size, there’s no skimping on thoughtful details. For example, the master suite boasts an impressive tub with a view, a separate shower, and a large walk-in closet. The kitchen offers a snack bar for casual meals right next to the open dining area. Bonus space above the garage provides room to expand later. See more images, information, and the floor plan.

Luxury without the Square Footage

This open and thoughtfully designed floor plan utilizes every square foot well. The core of this home houses the public spaces, including the great room with a fireplace and the breakfast nook, which adjoins the kitchen. A study and formal dining room flank the foyer. The master suite occupies the entire left wing of the house and features a tray ceiling in the bedroom and dual walk-in closets, while two additional bedrooms reside on the right side. See more images, information, and the floor plan.

Article source: http://www.builderonline.com/design/fourplans-it-only-looks-like-a-two-story.aspx?rssLink=FourPlans%3A+It+Only+Looks+Like+a+Two-Story

Taylor Morrison is Builder magazine’s Builder of the Year, an award given last night at Builder’s annual Housing Leadership Summit, being held this week in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Builder of the Year is recognized for its excellence in successful business strategy, its achievements, and its corporate leadership.

The past two years have been eventful for the Scottsdale-based Taylor Morrison, which builds in the U.S. as Taylor Morrison and Darling Homes, and in Canada as Monarch Homes. In March 2011 it was carved off from Taylor Wimpey, a British builder that needed cash and wanted to consolidate its operations in the United Kingdom. It completed a $1.2 billion sale to private equity partners.

While other builders were contracting, Taylor Morrison purchased Texas-based Darling Homes in December 2012. Then in April 2013, Taylor Morrison raised $628 million in an initial public offering that was buoyed by record-low mortgage rates and rising sales prices. Becoming a publicly traded company gave Taylor Morrison access to capital for expansion private home builders lack.

In presenting the award, Jean Dimeo, Builder’s editor-in-chief, credited much of Taylor Morrison’s success to its president and CEO, Sheryl Palmer, and her team. When Palmer took the reins in 2007, market conditions were terrible, and she was the third CEO in 12 months. The company, formed by the merger of Taylor Woodrow and Morrison Homes, presented daunting challenges.

“Palmer and her expert team organized two companies into a unified one with staffs working together efficiently and effectively,” said Dimeo. “Plus, they navigated a declining market, sale from a British company, a private equity purchase, and now a public offering.”

The Builder of the Year is chosen from the ranks of the BUILDER 100 list produced by Builder, which is featured in the May 2013 issue of Builder magazine and on BuilderOnline.com.

Article source: http://www.builderonline.com/award20winners/the-2013-builder-of-the-year.aspx?rssLink=2012+Builder+of+the+Year

Housing’s humming, but it’s a ‘still-could-go-either-way’ market

Builder Pulse

John McManus is an award-winning editorial director for the Residential Construction Group at Hanley Wood in Washington, D.C. In addition to the BUILDER digital, print, and in-person editorial and programming portfolio, the group includes strategic content direction for AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE, APARTMENT FINANCE TODAY, CUSTOM HOME, EcoHome, MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE, and residential architect.

Clearly, home builders have liked what’s been happening, and comparatively, they’d rather be where they are now than at any time in about seven years.

Article source: http://www.builderonline.com/products/moen-faucets-go-mod.aspx?rssLink=Moen+Faucets+Go+Mod