Design
Design
Clever design solutions for unique residential projects.
Floodproof on a Floodplain
An impressive addition to the IDEA Home series, the NEWLOOK Experience Home is a master class in engineering and creative design, with builder Michael Freiburger out-thinking an exceptionally tricky lot
Custom Builder
3 Questions Answered About Reliable Energy in Home Construction
Energy expert Bryan Cordill makes a case for why and how propane is an answer to growing concerns about reliability and resilience in home construction
Business
Custom Builder to Talk Color Design with Becki Owens at IBS
At this year's IBS, renowned designer Becki Owens will sit down with host James McClister, editor of Custom Builder, to discuss a variety of topics from basic color play in design to the Allura Spectrum palette, a collection of Sherwin-Williams colors curated for the benefit of pros
Business
PERC Highlights Sustainability and Efficiency at IBS with 'Clean Build Conversations'
Hear from industry standouts Matt Blashaw and Anthony Carrino at this hour-long Show Village event
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Design
Time to step up your game
A trend I am seeing throughout the country is that builders are stepping up their game relating to elevations. Why? In past years the consumer has…
Leadership
Why Starbucks and The Container Store are laughing at you
Starbucks and The Container Store think you’re a joke. OK… maybe not you specifically. They think your training program is. Laughable. Maybe…
Design
Combating narrow-lot woes
This 2,800-square-foot plan utilizes Lean design to combat narrow-lot woes. One of the most important aspects of Lean design is value. It makes no…
Design
Darling Homes knows how to stir buyers’ passions
In the June issue of Professional Builder, I discussed the American Classic Series by Dallas-based Darling Homes. Unfortunately there was no room for…
Design
Remodeler rebuilds own home following Hurricane Sandy
It’s been seven months since Hurricane Sandy slammed the Mid-Atlantic and New England shorelines. Sadly, for most Americans, the storm has become a…
Design
TV shows influence home design
In an earlier blog post, I talked about being inspired by the home improvement shows on HGTV. But I know at least one builder who gets design ideas…
Design
Ideas for making small spaces live large
Seattle architect Ross Chapin has been designing and writing about small homes for 30 years. Examples of Chapin’s work can be found in various parts…
Leadership
Hot elevation + Lean = Fast sales
The overriding principle of Lean Design is marketability. The winning combo is to make the home simple and efficient to build while having an…
Design
The Renovation Revolution … on TV
Did you know that Bronson Pinchot has a show on the DIY Network? That’s right, folks — Balki renovates houses! It turns out that Pinchot, best…
Green & Sustainable
Attainable sustainability in the ‘hood
Green building has touched nearly every new-home price point in urban areas as well as the suburbs. A recent Chicago Sun-Times article touted…