Custom Builder on HousingZone.com: Custom builder News, Design Trends, Green Building

Custom Builder Top Stories

Custom Built American Castles
Take a look at this selection of impressive custom home projects from award-winning architects and designers. Don’t miss the link to the photo gallery of images from these extravagant abodes.

Profile: Custom Home Builder of the Year 2009
The National Association of Home Builder’s 2009 Custom Home Builder of the Year is thriving in an industry where many family businesses have fallen by the wayside.

2010 Color Forecast
Colorists for Sherwin-Williams have released their 2010 color forecasts, and industry experts from Sisler Johnston Interior Design agree there will be a resurgence of bright, saturated colors.

Pointers for Dealing with Troublesome Custom-Home Clients
It's important to realize that bad clients can not only become a major pain to deal with, they could possibly bankrupt you and your company

Featured Stories From Custom Builder

National Green Building Standard Commentary Released
The Commentary provides valuable insight to the intention and implementation of the practices and provisions found in the standard.

EPA Increases Transparency of Proposed Regulations
The EPA is launching a new website giving the public additional opportunity to participate in the agency's rulemaking process

Interior Designer Offers Design Trends for 2010
New year introduces new design trends, says Winter Park, Fla. interior designer Christy Scanlon

Housing Affordability Hovers Near Record Level
Affordability at near record level for fourth consecutive quarter as economy begins to rebound

Survey Shows Economy's Impact on Builders from Tri-State, Mid-Atlantic Regions
Responses highlight changes in costs, what buyers are looking for and ways to do business

Continued High Negative Equity and Home Value Declines Predicted
Some markets have experienced what appears to be a bottom in home value declines, with some showing increases in value

News

2010 NHQ Awards: Simonini Builders, Wayne Homes Net Gold, Silver
Learn how this year's winners' processes, company culture and communication net NHQ success
Zweig Letter Announces 2009 Hot Firm List
Top 10 Green Products of 2003
Turnaround Artist
It All Adds Up to Zero
The Greening of Main Street
Forest City: Stapleton, Denver

Blogs
White Papers
Videos

Editorial Blogs

DOUGLAS SHIPMAN ON PROJECT FINANCING - Doug Shipman
The Top Four Quality Points in Acquiring Debt
February 18, 2010

At first, a title like "Quality Points in Acquiring Debt" may see... More

DENIS LEONARD ON PROCESS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT - Denis Leonard
Don’t sacrifice quality when reducing costs
February 18, 2010

Surely the most important issue facing everyone in the homebuilding industr... More

Advertisement Sponsor White Paper

Making Walls Quiet for Less: A How to Guide

INSIDE STORY: Open-cell Foam

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Industry News

Feb 21, 2010

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Game Rooms Hot Trend in Today's New Homes
Homeowners want more flexible space in their homes for recreation and entertainment, and large rooms set up to serve primarily as game rooms are filling the need. Not too long ago the trend was to set up a large home theater room, though homeowners today want this large space for different reasons.
Economist Warns on Imminent Interest Rate Hike
Mortgage interest rates are low right now, but don't expect that to last. Economists are saying that when the government quits buying mortgage-backed securities, rates will head up and away. It’s yet another bit of news you can use to encourage your customers to get off the fence and buy that home now.
Lumber's Foundation Not Yet Set
With housing starts in the doldrums, it's tough to say that lumber's recent climb to its highest price level in more than two years is built on solid ground. But there's a bigger story that encompasses global demand. Find out what the current predictions are for lumber costs, and what the major influences are today.
Underwater Mortgages Stifle Some Move-up Buyers
Despite the tax credit and bargain rate mortgages, it's unknown whether there’ll be enough move-up buyers this spring to keep the housing recovery percolating. Find out why.
10 Must-Have Features in Today's New Homes
Americans want smaller houses and they are willing to strip some of yesterday's most popular rooms in order to accommodate changing lifestyles.
Competing for Buyers Starts Online
Current studies have shown that up to 87 percent of today's buyers find their home first on the Internet. Here's how you can take advantage of the situation.