Building Materials
What to Select? Wood vs. Engineered Lumber
For years, builders have used traditional lumber to build homes, but ever since engineered wood products came into the picture, builders have been left wondering, Which one do I use for my projects?
The Next Big Boom
Move over, metropolitan markets, the megapolitans are coming. Estimating housing needs for 83 million more U.S. residents by 2040, researchers at the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech are predicting a $25-trillion housing boom. To account for this growth and development, they have created 10 super-sized market areas they call megapolitan areas, or simply megapolitans.
Reading the Tides
Whoever said a rising tide lifts all boats didn't know boats. All boats, like all building companies, fare very differently in the same conditions. No two voyages are exactly the same. Even with the best captain and an experienced crew, navigating rough seas and storms takes a blend of technical know-how and sheer brass.
Inflating Material Prices
According to Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), in the past two years, construction costs appear to be rising faster than the general rate of inflation. Heavy construction in the U.S. and rapid growth in Asia have created a strong demand for a number of construction materials.
EPA Raises the Bar, Lowers Utility Bills
Builders will have to significantly increase the energy efficiency of their homes to meet new Energy Star requirements scheduled to take effect July 1, 2006. The NAHB has expressed concern that the July date will not give builders sufficient time to transition to the new standards. They prefer a timetable specified in an earlier draft that gave new communities until July 1, 2006 to state their intention to go Energy Star, and until January 1, 2007 to qualify under the old Energy Star standards.
Going Automated
Imagine having complete access to your iPod tunes and favorite satellite radio shows at the touch of a button on panels located throughout the home via a distributed audio system. Picture being able to see who is at the front door with a security camera you can view from your television or home PC.
Rising Tides
Katrina. Rita. Wilma. The hurricanes of 2005 dramatically illustrate the importance of building durable, disaster-resistant homes. As rebuilding begins in the South, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) suggests some changes in building materials and practices that will make new homes more flood-resistant.
Urban loft living done right
Eric Brown of Artisan Homes took a sketch on a napkin for developing loft living in downtown Phoenix to William Hezmalhalch Architects. The result was the winner of the Home of the Year in the Best in American Living Awards — Artisan Homes' Lofts on Central. "It was that vision of creating a loft style unit," William Hezmalhalch Architects' Jeff Chelwick, principal in charge f...
