Idea Puts Safety on the Job Site
One home builder hopes a recently introduced falls prevention program that anchors trades to the roof will reduce risk. A practice calling for the use of permanent roof anchors was accepted by OSHA.
Monetary Gains
Poor credit quality is here to stay. Builders who want to survive with only good or great credit customers will not be able to achieve their fair share of the market. Begin by educating yourself on the mortgage business.
Books Worth Noting
Speakers at Professional Builder's 2006 Benchmark conference shared the books they say have driven them to success.
Estate Homes with Creature Comforts
Four design principles are incorporated into every Charter Homes home plan: flexible spaces, natural light, site lines and timelessness.
New Magic Bullet: Internet Selling
If you attend the International Builders Show (IBS) in Orlando, Fla., expect to see lean, hungry builders prowling the exhibits for sales-related software, and packing the more than 40 seminars in the sales and marketing track. The smart ones will be asking every expert they meet how to take Internet selling to new extremes.
Web Site at Your Service
An online concierge named Kim takes center screen when online visitors arrive at the Web site for Tampa, Fla.-based home builder Smith Family Homes. Judging from industry accolades and the increase in traffic the site has experienced, this virtual concierge is doing her job well.
Want to Build Defect-Free? This Book's For You
Robert S. Mann's "Defect-Free Buildings: A Construction Manual for Quality Control and Conflict Resolution" defines physical and legal defects, tells builders how to prevent them and trains builders on what to do when disaster strikes.
Healthy House
Initially launched in 1993, the American Lung Association has trained thousands of builders from across the U.S. under the Health House program.
Surviving the Housing Market Chill
Builders have made news with deep discounts and incentives to get rid of growing inventories. But what are the options for the average-size production builder who wants to stay competitive? The key to staying afloat — and perhaps coming out on top in your market — is focusing on brand identity.
Homes Across the Generations
Show Village — Professional Builder's annual model home display at the International Builders' Show — features real homes loaded with building products builders can use, all showcased in the show parking lot.
