7 Sales and Marketing Trends to Watch (and Learn From)
These award-winning campaigns from NAHB's 2024 National Sales and Marketing Awards showcase next-level strategies and stellar results
Proven Ways to Improve Jobsite Productivity
Consider these solutions for reducing cycle time, hard costs, dry runs, rework, miscommunication, and overall inefficiencies on the jobsite
Sales and Texting? Know the Rules
Texting your sales prospects en masse can be an efficient way to get your message through if you follow these best practices
How to Create a More Inclusive Workplace for Women in Construction
Consider these tips and techniques to attract and retain more women in your home building company and reap the benefits of a more diverse workforce
Ways Women Are Overcoming Hurdles and Making Gains in Construction Careers
Actionable advice for women construction workers who encounter bias on the job
7 Ways Jobsites Could Be More Inclusive and Welcoming to Women
Four industry pros weigh in on simple but significant ways to make construction sites more welcoming to women
Green Design
7 Best Practices for Building Affordable Green Homes
Going green doesn’t have to cost more. Experts have identified design and construction tactics that builders can use to minimize the cost premium for green
Best Practices
35 Moneymaking Ideas for Home Builders
Despite tough times, there are plenty of builders and developers planning for growth this year by doing anything but the status quo
Study: KB Home, Pulte lead public builders in sustainable practices
America’s 10 largest publicly traded home builders have started to improve their policies and practices relating to the environment and resources, but much progress remains to be achieved, according to a new study by Calvert Investments, a sustainable and responsible investment firm. KB Home and Pulte ranked at the top of Calvert’s list, while Meritage Homes, Toll Brothers, and Standard Pacific all improved against Calvert’s previous ranking. DR Horton and Ryland Group lost ground.
Show Village 2011 Preview: 'A Lot of Living in 3,000 Square Feet?
The largest of the three Show Village homes at 3,060 square feet, the Treasure Sands model is designed specifically for the resort rental market, with accommodations for multiple families and large groups. The four-bedroom house is loaded with a variety of living and entertainment spaces and amenities, including a home theater, hobby room, and master suite retreat.
Show Village 2011 Preview: Uber-green home for under $75,000
At a scant 528 square feet, the Eco-Cabana model from Palm Harbor Homes may be small in stature but it is mighty when it comes to green living. Designed to meet DOE’s Builders Challenge energy performance requirements of sub-70 on the HERS Index, the model will be loaded with high-performance, sustainable features.
Show Village 2011 Preview: Narrow-lot living for any environment
Measuring just 30 feet in width, the Sea Breeze model is designed specifically for narrow-lot, infill applications for just about any region or environment in the country — from coastal settings and mountainous areas to urban landscapes and traditional suburban neighborhoods.
Lean Building
Lean Design for Home Builders? A Primer
The home building industry’s approach to design, plans, and specifications needs a comprehensive overhaul to find and eliminate waste in product and process
Combating negative press
While conducting research on a builder for a recent issue of Professional Builder, I did what most people do first when they want to learn more about a company, or any subject for that matter. I went to Google. I punched in the builder’s name and was immediately taken aback by the Page 1 search results. Naturally, the first few items related to the company’s website, but the third and fifth items where consumer feedback websites laced with comments blasting the builder.
When the economic tide goes out
Two years ago, at the height of the global financial crisis, investor Warren Buffett pulled out this gem of a quote to describe the situation. “It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn who’s been swimming naked.” And while this is an accurate expression of what happens to weak businesses when there is a downturn in the business cycle, it seems particularly apt as a description of the builder market before and after the housing market bubble burst.
