Builder Magazine: Construction Trendshttp://www.builderonline.com/business/housing-data/construction-trends/Default.aspx?view=rss&id=Query_tcm1029645<url /><link /></image><description>The Information Source for the Home Building Industry</description><language>en-us</language><pubDate /><webMaster /><item><title>Fledgling Organization Promotes Construction of Houses That Don't Need Furnaces to Stay Warmhttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/body-heat.aspx?rssLink=Body+HeatPassive House Institute is adding consultants to spread the word about this European-style concept.A New Dealer Taking on Green Building Markethttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/work-in-progress.aspx?rssLink=Work+in+ProgressNew Home Inc. founder says reliable distribution is what this sector has lacked.Future Home Sizehttp://www.builderonline.com/housing-trends/shifting-down.aspx?rssLink=Shifting+DownAre smaller homes a permanent trend?J.D. Power Survey: Tougher Competition Leads to Higher Home-Quality Levelshttp://www.builderonline.com/customer-satisfaction/jd-power-survey-tougher-competition-leads-to-higher-home-quality-levels.aspx?rssLink=J.D.+Power+Survey%3a+Tougher+Competition+Leads+to+Higher+Home-Quality+LevelsFirm's new-home quality study finds a notable dip in the number of reported problems per home.California Builder Ray Watt Dies http://www.builderonline.com/housing-trends/california-builder-ray-watt-dies.aspx?rssLink=California+Builder+Ray+Watt+DiesWatt Companies founder also served as assistant HUD secretary decades ago. NAHB Leading the Way Towards Green Buildinghttp://www.builderonline.com/green-building/going-green.aspx?rssLink=Going+GreenThe NAHB is helping its members build homes and communities that are more environmentally responsible.Homeowner Associations Watch Warily as Builders Downsize Productshttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/guard-dogs.aspx?rssLink=Guard+DogsChanges within existing communities have met with occasional owner opposition.Nevada Supreme Court Considers Whether Homeowner Associations Can Sue Over Defectshttp://www.builderonline.com/legal-issues/nevada-supreme-court-considers-whether-homeowner-assocations-can-sue-over-defects.aspx?rssLink=Nevada+Supreme+Court+Considers+Whether+Homeowner+Associations+Can+Sue+Over+DefectsBuilders contend that HOAs are trying to step beyond their legal and management boundaries.Architecture Billings Slip in April http://www.builderonline.com/economic-conditions/architecture-billings-slip-in-april.aspx?rssLink=Architecture+Billings+Slip+in+AprilBut AIA says inquiries about new work are “very strong” and expects architects to benefit from stimulus-funded projects. Three Builders Look Beyond Survival to Better Dayshttp://www.builderonline.com/economic-conditions/three-builders-look-beyond-survival-to-better-days.aspx?rssLink=Three+Builders+Look+Beyond+Survival+to+Better+DaysAt Builder 100 conference, companies say they are already building smaller, efficient homes for a changing customer base.6 Lessons For Builders From the Housing Busthttp://www.builderonline.com/affordable-housing/6-lessons-for-builders-from-the-housing-bust.aspx?rssLink=6+Lessons+For+Builders+From+the+Housing+BustA brutal housing recession raises questions about standard operating procedures in the home building business. Construction Fraud Getting Harder to Stophttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/scam-stoppers.aspx?rssLink=Scam+StoppersVigilance and auditing are keys to thwarting crimes, says leading risk management firm.Light Rail Isn't Always A Direct Path Towards Transit-Oriented Developementhttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/chicken-or-egg.aspx?rssLink=Chicken+or+EggDensity and affordability mandates for construction around stations can be roadblocks.Off-Site, On-Your-Lot Business Protects Some Builders From Recession's Blowshttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/off-site-on-your-lot-business-protects-some-builders-from-recessions-blows.aspx?rssLink=Off-Site%2c+On-Your-Lot+Business+Protects+Some+Builders+From+Recession's+BlowsBut lot owners can be tough to sell and demand a customized product. Wood-Framed Construction Gaining Ground for Taller Mid-Riseshttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/going-up.aspx?rssLink=Going+UpBut going beyond six stories still raises questions in U.S.Pasquinelli's Construction Halt Still Attracting Attentionhttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/pasquinelli-construction-halt-still-attracting-attention.aspx?rssLink=Pasquinelli's+Construction+Halt+Still+Attracting+AttentionThe decision to halt its building was made months ago, but it continues to sell homes from many of its communities.Light commercial provides alternate income to builders during the housing downturnhttp://www.builderonline.com/construction-trends/outside-the-box.aspx?rssLink=Outside+the+BoxThree experts see opportunities in retail rehab in particular.Down for the Count: The Weakest Housing Markets for 2009http://www.builderonline.com/local-markets/the-weakest-housing-markets-for-2009.aspx?rssLink=Down+for+the+Count%3a+The+Weakest+Housing+Markets+for+2009Hit hardest by the downturn, these markets may be among the last to recover.Reform of Wrap Insurance Limits California Subs' Liabilities On Construction Defectshttp://www.builderonline.com/insurance/reform-of-wrap-insurance-limits-california-subs-liabilities.aspx?rssLink=Reform+of+Wrap+Insurance+Limits+California+Subs'+Liabilities+On+Construction+DefectsLobbying by the state’s builder group helps modify bill's language and gives builders a chance to redraft insurance agreements with contractors. Construction Spending Slows in Decemberhttp://www.builderonline.com/economic-conditions/construction-spending-slows-in-december.aspx?rssLink=Construction+Spending+Slows+in+December+2Single-family activity falls 8.1% compared to previous month.