Builder Magazine: Cost Effective Design

A High-Functioning Texas Mudroom

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:39:06 EST

A look at a high-functioning mudroom on a working farm that uses off-the-shelf components and offers inspiration for production builders.

Move the staircase for better circulation and storage

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 04:24:28 EST

A production house architect shows how moving the stairway more toward the center of the house improves the floor plan.

How To Make a Front-Loaded Garage Beautiful

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 01:05:00 EST

With a little thought and some design tweaks, architect Rich Bubnowski shows how a front-loaded garage can be in balance with the rest of a detached home's front elevation.

Classic Bones, New Skin for Victorian Farm House

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:23:04 EST

Designer and builder Ed Binkley shows how a traditional farm house massing paired with contemporary faÁade details will snag buyers of all generations.

Rejig a Single-Family Home to Snag Multigen Buyers

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 02:42:41 EST

Architect Bill Hezmalhalch shows how he's retooling the traditional single-family home to answer the call for multigen living options.

Tweaking House Plans to Fit Two or Three on a Plat

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 03:29:11 EST

Architect Michael L. Woodley offers up a few ideas of how to make a little bit of land go a long way.

Production Homes Can Live Larger Than They Look

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 04:18:17 EST

Two different floor plans in the same footprint illustrate how smart tweaks make a modest production home live larger.

Building Stronger

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:07:30 EST

What can builders and engineers do to reduce the death and destruction tornadoes cause?

Is It a Green House? You Can't Tell by Looking Anymore

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 07:30:15 EST

Four eco-wise homes, from ultra-modern to super-traditional, are handsome proof that you can't tell a green house just by looking at it.

FourPlans: Simple Footprints

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:46:09 EST

Cutting corners can be a good thing—that is, when you’re eliminating unnecessary rooms and streamlining the home’s footprint.

Eight Design Trends for Fresh Elevations, Updated Interiors

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:41:12 EST

Cost-effective and beautiful, the latest trend in home design is a return to simplicity.

A Best-Selling Floor Plan Gets a Mod Façade

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 06:05:36 EST

To appeal to a new generation of buyers, a best-selling house plan gets a more contemporary façade.

Reviving Interest in Multigenerational Housing

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:25:07 EST

Architect Barry Berkus discusses his ideas about the reinvention of multigenerational housing.

Curve Appeal

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:35:32 EST

Curves aren't always the impractical whimsy of some nutty architect. They're a sensible choice when you need to squeeze more room out of a tiny floor plan.

Greater Efficiency Brings New Life to House Plans

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:23:29 EST

Three builders focus changes on kitchens and baths.

3D Printing Could Be a Boon to Builders' Selling Efforts

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:37:50 EST

The technology can also expose flaws early in the design process.

Light a Fire Under Potential Buyers With Innovative New Designs

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:54:53 EST

After several years of value-engineering home designs, builders need to add features that will inspire potential buyers.

Small House Footprints

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:54:24 EST

When floor area is limited, the difference between cramped and comfortable is in the details.

FourPlans: Open Table

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:52:34 EST

It's time to welcome the new dining room, an eating space that’s integrated with the kitchen for convenience but large enough to feel special.

FourPlans: Stacking the Decks

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:52:36 EST

Stacked-box designs are efficient and affordable to build, but that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice style.