Table of Contents November 2009

Editor's Notes

• End of an Era?

  When it comes to new homes, design, proportion, and construction quality trump size.

   

Products

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  Hat Tricks

  How creative can tool companies get in a slow economy? Very.

   

Inside Story

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  Body Heat

  Passive House Institute is adding consultants to spread the word about this European-style concept.

   
• 

  Unfinished Business

  KB and Centex accused of reneging on deal with local developers.

   

Top Shelf

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  Duo-Fast Construction Coil Siding Nailer

  Lightweight siding nailer offers automatic depth adjustment for fiber cement.

   
• 

  Hilti Dust Removal System

  DRS-B clips to demo hammer to reduce user's exposure to dust.

   
• 

  Velux America No-Leak Skylight

  New skylight line guaranteed not to leak and offers 10-year warranty.

   
• 

  Standby Generators From GE and Briggs & Stratton

  New line of generators are smaller and more affordable than traditional systems.

   
• 

  BernzOmatic QuickFire Torch

  QuickFire torch is shaped like a cordless drill for easy control.

   
• 

  Orbit Industries 12-Volt Well Lights

  12-volt well lights offer adjustable tilting lamps.

   
• 

  Kleer Lumber KleerSnap Post Wraps

  KleerSnap cellular PVC post wraps offer columns the look of finished wood.

   
• 

  East Teak Fine Hardwoods Deck Tile

  Teak deck tile offers retrofit opportunity for old patios.

   

Green House

• Partnering With LEED

  The overseer of the LEED rating systems wants to tap into green housing-focused programs around the country.

   
• 

  Hot Water Option

  Valley Electric Association is partnering with Rheem Manufacturing.

   
• 

  Seeing Stars

  Not only are these detached brownstones affordable, they're energy efficient.

   

Industry Insight

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  Headscratchers

  Why is no one measuring the biggest robbers of profit?

   

Crowe's Economy

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  Prime Drivers

  Demographics drive long-term housing demand.

   

Digital Home

• Virtual Sales Agent

  Interactive content augments the sales process.

   

• Sounds of Silence

  Whole-house distribution of high-definition signals will be the next big thing in home technology.

   

Features

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  Ten Attention Getters

  Here is a collection of successful projects that speak to a wide range of housing solutions that builders can undertake.

   
• 

  Is the McMansion Dead?

  From accusations of ostentatious overconsumption to environmental indifference, the McMansion has taken some brutal hits in the recession economy.

   
• 

  Defective Thinking

  Different perceptions among builders and their customers can blow up into defect lawsuits when communication falters.

   

National Beat

• Bath Bonanza

  Survey shows that improving bathrooms is a great way to create superior value tat is recognized by potential buyers.

   
• 

  Survival Essentials

  It can be your lifeline toward surviving one of the worst housing markets in decades.

   

Last Word

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  Some Banks Are Choosing Receivership Over Foreclosure For Distressed Assets

  One California receiver doesn't see his role in competition with builders.

   

Other Articles

• The Ratings Game

  Certain annual studies have become critical to some builders' marketing efforts.