PB April 2006

Who knows how deep the current downturn in home sales will go? The crystal ball is cloudy for everyone. But one thing is clear: many Giants are rushing into high-density infill development — including high-rise condo buildings — just as housing demand is faltering, and that's a dangerous move.

Trade Partner Council: To ensure these principles, SHSD manages a Trade Partner Council that meets monthly with an eye toward project improvement to discuss industry practices, solve problems and distribute information. The Council consists of principals from eight primary contractors such as framers, carpentry, HVAC and plumbing firms, as well as several SHSD staff, including tw...

Ask America's top private home builders if going public is a good idea and you're likely to get a smile and a cryptic, "Not for us." Still, the debate rages — public v. private — and each side has plenty of arguing points. The public companies are on a 13-year run of unprecedented growth.

The National Housing Quality (NHQ) Awards give the highest recognition in the housing industry for quality achievement. The NHQ Awards are sponsored by the NAHB Research Center and Professional Builder magazine. Entries are judged by panels of experts who evaluate the role that customer-focused quality plays in construction, business management, sales, design, and warranty service.

The public home builders' filings with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission show these companies made their best margins ever in 2005, even though they don't separate land profits from those made by building and selling houses. It will be a tough act to follow this year

These are the metrics used to score National Housing Quality award applicants. A list of winners dating back to 1993 is also included.

The common denominator is good management, not whether the company is big or small, public or private.

2006 Shea Homes San Diego - Gold Veridian Homes - Gold Ideal Homes - Gold CP Morgan - Silver Pringle Development Inc. - Silver KB Home Nevada - Silver 2005 Grayson Homes Gold Pulte Homes (National) Gold Ideal Homes Silver Estes Builders, LLC Silver Veridian Homes Silver Pringle Development, Inc. HM 2004 Grayson Homes Silver Boardwalk Builders Silver Schuck and Sons Silver 2003 History Maker Ho...

Most builders will tell you that people — or lack there of — are their greatest challenge to growth. The need for qualified people at all levels is far greater than the supply. Nothing indicates the situation will improve anytime soon.

It's been more than 13 years since the housing industry faced this kind of uncertainty.