Proactive Solutions: Florida reBuilds Helps Involve Katrina Victims in the Process
Florida reBuilds is a new, entry-level training initiative aimed at alleviating the shortage of construction workers in the state. State universities, community colleges, vocational centers and the like will provide the training. The curriculum will be designed and developed by the Florida Department of Education in conjunction with the FHBA and other industry groups in the state.
Inside & Out: Relaxing Environment
Home builders looking for bathroom trends needn't look any further. We've gathered the industry's experts to weigh in on bathroom trends.
KB Home Nevada - 2006 NHQ Silver Award Winner
Corporate Profile: KB Home Nevada is a division of KB Home. Headquartered in Las Vegas, this division serves the Las Vegas metropolitan market—including a growing number of communities in Summerlin and Henderson—selling and building single family homes.
Proactive Solutions: New Tax Credits for 2006
As the 2005 tax season wraps up, keep in mind next year's new tax credit for new homes qualifying as energy efficient. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), signed by President Bush in August 2005, outlines new Federal tax credits for consumers and businesses pursuing energy efficient usage. Home builders can claim EPACT tax credits up to $2,000 for the construction of a qualified new energy-efficient home.
A Slice of Suburbia on Chicago's Northwest Side
Paul Bertsche and Wendy Andrews formed C.A. Development to build the home and the community they wanted for themselves -- an equal blend of city life and suburban feel. Bertsche and Andrews report on the opportunities, obstacles, outcomes of their most recent development -- the Residences at Old Irving Park.
Best practices: C.P. Morgan
Close communications. C.P. Morgan uses an integrated structure around leadership which directly contributes to the company's ability to consistently meet goals. Each functional area of the company has an executive team member reporting directly to president Dan Horner. The executive team works closely to initiate action in each leader's area of responsibility involving people str...
Spotlight on Ellen Knorring: On-Track Mind
Determined to make sure her department helps management meet its goal of turning last year's 352 closings into 1,000 by 2010, Ellen Knorring, director of purchasing for Stanley Martin Companies, will need the vigilance of a hawk to keep on top of new Giant purchasing processes.
Debate Rages over Fire Sprinklers
A milestone in fire protection laws is emerging on two fronts as fire sprinkler advocates push for requirements to install them in all new residences. Whether they are the ultimate protection for people and property is still being debated.
Pringle Development
Tiger Teamwork. Adapting a concept originally employed by the U.S. military, Pringle's Tiger Teams typically comprise of a small number of employees representing various disciplines at the company. Like a tiger going after prey, the teams sharply focus on very specific targets —issues that arise in the course of growing the business.
Builder SWAT Team
Every business encounters unhappy customers, even when they've received the best service and products available. For home builders, these potentially hostile homebuyers can present serious problems. Enter the Builder SWAT Team concept, which can serve to help maintain good customer relations and a reputable public image.
