Table of Contents December 2010

Editor's Notes

• Seeking Solutions

   

Products

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  Show Toppers

  Amid the thousands of products at IBS, these stand out.

   
• 

  Sneak Peek

  A wealth of efficiency-focused products will dominate IBS 2011.

   

Inside Story

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  Stepping In

  The goal is to build workforce housing in the $200,000 range.

   
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  Denser and Greener

  A new environmental action plan encourages more mixed-use development.

   

Top Shelf

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  Measure Up

  The GLR225 laser allows users to calculate a variety of measurements.

   
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  Drain Line

  Infinity Drain eliminates the need for the center installation in the shower.

   
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  Long Drive

  The DFCR17C is the world's first fuel-powered cordless roofing nailer.

   
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  Stone Cold

  POM mesh-mounted cobblestone installs fast and easy.

   
• 

  Bit Player

  This screwdriver performs unique fastening applications for professional electricians.

   
• 

  Board Decision

  Summit board features a design that sheds water more effectively.

   
• 

  See Through

  SeeSnake D65S allows users to do precise inspections in various pipe installations.

   
• 

  Max Power

  Tools blend power, size, and comfort.

   

Green House

• Applying LCA

  The company promotes the application of independent life-cycle analyses to verify claims of environmental practices and product performance.

   
• 

  Builders' Turn

  There are still tax credits available for solar energy systems, geothermal heating and cooling systems, small wind turbines, and fuel cells.

   
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  Crossing Over

  Campbell Crossing is a community of traditionally styled, modestly priced duplex housing for military personnel.

   

Tech Tools

• Not For Resale

  Federal appeals court in Seattle upheld the terms of a commercial software publisher's end-user license agreement.

   

• The iPad Cometh

  The iPad hasn't replaced laptops just yet but it's coming.

   

Features

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  Low Cost, High Style

  Ten builders and architects share how they cut costs and still came out looking like a million bucks.

   
• 

  Show Home Tours

  This January Builder magazine presents a pair of very different show homes that exemplify energy and resource efficiency.

   
• 

  Housing Fix

  Mortgage interest-rate refinancing and accelerated foreclosures hold the keys to recovery, many say.

   

Special Section

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  Get a Head Start

  Get a head start for the new year by attending the IBS in Orlando, Fla.

   

National Beat

• Testing 1, 2, 3

  The Research Center can now accurately simulate windo pressure histories on wall systems.

   
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  Appraisal Action

  This new rule from the Federal Reserve states that home builders can ask an appraiser to consider additional information about a property.

   

Last Word

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  KB Home Names Industry Vet Newest Director

  Barbara Alexander brings a wealth of knowledge about the housing industry and corporate governance.