Management
5 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Clients
A builder and a client sitting at a table reviewing blueprints

Prevent problems with clients by helping them set their expectations right from the beginning.

Prevent problems with clients by helping them set their expectations right from the beginning. 

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Shingle-style home in Martha's Vineyard

Designed by Patrick Ahearn and built by Peter Rosbeck, this home on Marth's Vineyard exhibits all the key elements of Shingle style, including Palladian windows, gambrel roofs, and weathered shingles (Photo: Greg Premru).

Design
Striving for Authenticity in Custom-Home Design

No eclecticism here--these two custom homes are authentic examples of modern and Shingle-style architecture

Spa-styled bath with Calacatta marble
Design
Design Spotlight: Spa-Style Baths

His and her showers, natural stone, and a Parade of Homes bathroom design are featured in this installment of Design Spotlight

Environs infill Chicago home

Many of Architect Ken Brinkman's infill homes have the older characteristics of Chicago's old, stately neighborhoods with modern interiors (Photos: Herbie Rooprai).

Architecture
Backstory: Sense + Sensibility

Business smarts and old-meets-new design have helped Environs Development carve itself a niche with stately infill homes in Chicagoland

Moveable wall separates the study from the living space

Moveable wall separates the study from the living area (Photos: Andrea Calo).

Design
Design Details: Wheeling Wall

This moveable wall is an 8-by-8-foot barrier and a storage space for large artwork.

Located along California’s Central Coast, this modern farmhouse has views over the hills toward the ocean 8 miles away, and patios on both sides to capture cross breezes. Semmes & Co. Builders built the home, which was designed by Gast Architects. Photo: Elliott Johnson

Design
Custom Homes Lead The Way In Sustainability

A range of smart building practices ensure long-term livability and good business sense

Financials
Is A GMP Contract Right For You?

Guaranteed maximum price contracts require a true team effort and an open-book policy

Photo Credit: SUSTAINABLE.TO Architecture + Building

Raising the Bar: Achieving Greater Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Residential Construction

The Risebrough residence, located in North York, ON is an innovative environmentally responsible, and energy-efficient home that incorporates a forward-thinking wall assembly designed to improve the durability and performance of a home, while improving occupant health and comfort.

Sierra Premium Shake used on Lake Chelan dream home.

Siding
Sierra Premium Shake Offers Beauty, Durability, and Wildfire Protection

“Between the landscaping and the building products, we’re making more design decisions based on fire resistance; it’s just another step to protect the home.” - John Berry, President of Berry Construction

Legal Ease art

Graphic: Ponsuwan/123RF

Legal Ease

Builders share their war stories about lawsuits, contract disputes and offer advice for reducing liability and fending off liens.

For Bar Triangle Ranck by Laughlin Homes

For Bar Triangle Ranch, Laughlin Homes + Restoration Design/Build collaborated closely with the client. Richard Laughlin started his firm 34 years ago at age 23 and credits practical high school courses like business math with helping him get his start.  

Full Circle

Richard Laughlin built his firm from the ground up. Ingenuity and doing right by others are key to his sustained success.

more news & features

Videos

Mark Richardson, CR on New Partnership with Professional Remodeler and Professional Builder

Case Design Remodeling co-chairman Mark Richardson recently joined Professional Remodeler and Professional Builder magazines as a columnist. Richardson takes a moment to describe the partnership and a vision for the residential construction industry.

Selling Strategies

Mark Richardson on sales strategies in today's environment.

Submitted Video: Habitat For Humanity's Builders Blitz Day 2 - Meeting Energy Star 3.0

Tapco Group's Kelly Warren discusses Energy Star 3.0 with the lead contractor for one of Habitat for Humanity's Builder Blitz 2012 homes. Habitat's annual Builders Blitz has a goal of building 200 homes in one week.

Submitted Video: Habitat For Humanity's Builders Blitz Day 4 - Gideon Pointe Neighborhood

Tapco Group's Kelly Warren talks with Bob Calhoun, executive director of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, about the 40-home Gideon Pointe neighborhood under construction by Habitat for Humanity in Wilmington, N.C.

July 2017

This Month in Custom Builder

DIGITAL EDITION
Products
Kitchen Sink

Silgranit, has a 10-inch-deep front apron that sits flush with surrounding cabinetry.
Features
How Builders Can Avoid Difficult Clients

Custom home builders share the red flags they look for when screening clients and deciding whether to keep them or let them go
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