Vinyl siding top exterior choice on new homes: Census Bureau

Vinyl siding was the most popular choice for new home exteriors in 2010 — the 16th straight year vinyl has been No. 1, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Vinyl has gained market share during the housing downturn, going from 31 percent of new homes in 2005 to 36 percent in 2010.

Purchasing

10 Elements of the Total Cost Model to Purchasing

Home builders that adopt the total cost model to purchasing and operations are guaranteed to save in the long run. Here’s a road map for getting started

Purchasing

The New Rules of Purchasing for Builders

Builders that purchase labor and material on bid price alone are guaranteed only that they will never operate by lowest total cost

Moisture Management

Moisture-Control Techniques for Wood-Framed Homes

Moisture can be the nemesis of today’s more tightly-built wood-framed homes. Creating a tight building envelope is only one part of the equation in creating a high-performing, energy-efficient house

Lean Building

20 Ways to Save $5,000 per Unit

From optimizing foundation design to reducing roof pitch to re-thinking your trash-removal process, Lean operations guru Scott Sedam identifies numerous ways to save a bundle on each and every home you build.

Plaintiffs must prove builders knew of faulty drywall

Judge Glenn Kelley, of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Fla., has once again seemingly ruled in favor of builders and suppliers for faulty Chinese drywall cases, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Exclusive Research + Data

Survey: What's Most Important to Home Builders When Specifying Windows

When it comes to specifying window systems for new-home projects, energy efficiency and price are the top considerations, according to Pro Builder readers

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.