Builders Shop To Differentiate Homes
Today's home builders now seek to include some advanced technology in their homes, according to a new survey of 400 U.S. builders conducted by Parks Associates. Programmable thermostats, security systems, and zoned HVAC systems top the list of most frequently offered products, and over two-thirds of the builders surveyed offer computer networking, structured wiring and central vacuum systems wi...
Exaktime
Jobclock system and software enables contractors to manage employee timecards through an electronic keying and tracking system. The Jobclock is battery-powered and because it is designed to resist dust, grime, vibration and spray it can be locked down anywhere at a jobsite. Workers clock in and out by utilizing green and red "key tabs" that they carry on their key rings.
Gross Profit Sets Up Net Profit
High gross profit is the first critical step to reaching high net profit. Our most recent study of 94 client builders' financial results for 2003 proves the strong correlation between gross and net (as shown in the chart below). Builders of varying sizes, from all parts of the country, participated in this Builder Financial Study.
Turn-Key Steel Framing
High costs and on-site labor requirements top the list of reasons builders cite for the slow progress of steel framing in the new construction industry. Now FrameMax has introduced a turn-key system designed to eliminate the cost gap between wood and steel in residential construction. The process works like this: Step 1: Import architectural and structural CAD project plans into the company's d...
Decra
Decra Tile offers builders a lightweight alternative to traditional tile with the promise of a more resilient product. Weighing in at 1.5 lbs./sq. ft. installed, Decra can withstand winds up to 120 mph is rated for Class 4 Impact. Composed of zinc, aluminum alloy coated steel with an acrylic bonded stone chip finish, this tile can be used in any climate affording builders and homeowners the opp...
Color Your World
Brick remains a favorite building material for many home builders and home buyers. Surveys from the National Association of Home Builders show that 60 percent of American home buyers prefer brick homes. When asked, buyers also say they prefer variety in their neighborhoods. Yet the larger the development, the harder a builder must work to differentiate one home from another — not to menti...
Floating Floors Simplified
Freestanding, floating floors improves the sound quality in home theaters, however installation of these floors has been time consuming and expensive. U-Boat Floor Floaters from Auralex Acoustics can help shorten the build cycle and reduce the cost of your next floating floor. Made of a specially-formulated rubber compound, U-Boats are designed to support framing members and isolate and decoupl...
