| From the Editor of CUSTOM HOME
Magazine |
Dear Dennis
That's how much of the mail addressed to CUSTOM HOME begins. Dennis Dixon, who writes our “From the Trenches” column, is a great story teller, and after nearly a quarter century in the home building business, he's collected plenty of stories. Dennis' stories can be dramatic, suspenseful, or humorous, and always hit home...
complete story
Leslie Ensor
Editor
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Custom Builders Reflect on Downturns Past and Present
The past year has been a nightmare for the housing industry. The subprime mortgage crisis triggered a chain reaction of trouble across the country. Sales and prices are down; profits are in the tank; and spec and production builders are in a protective crouch, waiting for the falling market to bottom out. For custom builders, though, the picture has been far less bleak.
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Beware the Perils of Multitasking
As a custom builder, the demands on your time are tremendous. You are responsible for building quality homes and keeping clients happy.
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Horizon Builders Recognized for Land Conservation Efforts
Custom building firm Horizon Builders of Crofton, Md., was recently honored with a 2007 Land Conservation Award by the County of Fairfax, Va., for its work on the Rooney Residence, an infill project in the Belle Haven neighborhood of Alexandria, Va.
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When They Breathe Easier, So Do You.
Healthier green-built homes sell faster and go for up to 25% more. Which makes it easier for builders to stand out in a very competitive market. No wonder they’re installing Beam Central Vacuum Systems. Only Beam is clinically proven to reduce allergy symptoms up to 61%. Removing 100% of contacted dirt and dust. Start breathing easier.
Cleaner, healthier living. Built in. Click here!
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BUILDER Blocks: The Week in Review
This week's media mix of housing market news and notes.
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Survey Says Computer Rooms Are Tops
Say goodbye to the kitchen computer corner, that little wedge of desk and shelves squeezed between cooking prep spaces or cabinets. The popularity of the computer room, the most recent incarnation of the home office, is on the uptick.
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Call for Entries: Pacesetter Awards
CUSTOM HOME is recognizing exemplary individuals for their excellence in the field of custom building. Gain the national recognition you deserve for your achievements in the business of custom building. Join the prestigious list of winners in the 14th Annual CUSTOM HOME Pacesetter Awards.
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DOE Chooses Teams for 2009 Solar Decathlon
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the 20 university teams that will be competing in the 2009 Solar Decathlon competition, selected from universities in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.
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| Advertisement |
Luxurious and affordable Electric Floor Heating
The Danfoss LX product line provides a new level of quality and installation ease. It is supplied as a mat which can be rolled out quickly on almost any sub-floor. The mat is made of a durable fiberglass material and can be easily cut around obstacles like toilets, sinks, and cabinets. Our Electric Floor Heating Systems were designed with the Installer in mind: Pre-Applied Heating Cable, Single Point Connection, Self-Adhesive Backing, Quick Installation, Genuine 10-Year Warranty.
Visit us at the International Builders Show Feb 13-16
at Booth S12173 and find out how you could win FREE floor heating! Click here!
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Harness the Sun
News Flash: The sun is hot. There's renewed and widespread attention being paid to it as a legitimate home energy source—and this time that interest might stick.
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Killer Products
Built-in treatments keep mold and bacteria at bay.
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Architects' Choice: Rob Paulus Architect
Product picks from a design pro.
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| Advertisement |
 Introducing a Casement with no call backs.
With the strongest hardware in the industry the Ultimate Replacement Casement window from Marvin is able to support extra large sizes, up to 40” x 92”. A narrow jamb allows a wood clad window to be installed virtually anywhere. Additionally, a revolutionary wash mode feature makes window washing a breeze for customers.
Discover more at MarvinCasement.com.
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THIS EDITION'S SPONSORED WEB SEMINARS
Featured Video - Fireplaces that Green the Home
In this sponsor showcase, you'll learn how Hearth direct vent gas fireplaces bring higher profitability and lower risk for the home builder while providing lower energy costs and better indoor air quality for the home buyer.
Click here to watch the video.
Featured Video - Generation Next: Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers Impact on the Custom Home Market
Madelyn Hochstein provides an in-depth look at trends among Baby Boomers and Generation X. Ms. Hochstein will cover background statistics, lifestyle issues and five key trends among these generations; the trends are: The Valuable Life Goal, The Health Imperative, Child-centeredness, Psychology of Uncertainty, Relevant Choice and the Rise of the "Navigator." Throughout the presentation, she provides specific implications for custom home builders.
Click here to watch the video.
Title: Great Kitchens
The two most important rooms in the house are the kitchen and the bath, but few builders and remodelers offer interesting room designs. Certified kitchen designer, Susan Serra, discusses the important features of award-winning designs that help builders and remodelers give their clients what they long for.
Click here to watch video.
| Advertisement |
 NuCedar Classic Clapboard®: the milled alternative to natural cedar siding
NuCedar Classic Clapboard® uses the material found in the leading brand of trimboard, milled to match the classic look of vertical grain cedar clapboard. It is prefinished inline with a durable solar-reflective coating manufactured by Sherwin-Williams™. The result is a look virtually indistinguishable in finish and profile from traditional cedar clapboard. It never needs scraping, sanding, painting, or staining—plus, it is lifetime warranted against rotting, cracking, delaminating, or insect/hail damage. 1400 custom colors available. Click here!
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