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The during is as important for remodeling as the before or after
Brian Paich Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesHomeowners who have never been through remodeling focus on the "before" and "after" of a project — rarely do they think about the "during." They get caught up in the glitz and glam of the impending project completion and what it will look like when their kitchen is redesigned or their living room is expanded. Homeowners who have been through a previous remodel know better. They tend to be a bit more skeptical because they have experienced some of the inconveniences that can occur during a project.
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Red, white or blue: Which light is right?
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsRecognition that the built environment can have a profound effect on human health and well-being is reshaping the building industry. Builders, engineers, architects and designers are rethinking every aspect of a built space for how it might either positively or negatively impact occupants.
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Tiny homes, big impact — Get in on the movement now
Brie Ragland Construction & Building MaterialsKim Lewis, best known as the lead designer behind ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and innovative builder Jonathan White shared their experiences — both good and not so great — with the attendees of the Sunbelt Builders Show general session Thursday morning at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
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Chip and Joanna Gaines: Build your business around…
Brie Ragland Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementA packed auditorium of home builders and industry members eagerly awaited the arrival of the Sunbelt Builders Show opening session leaders, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Wednesday morning at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
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Kitchen and bath activity remains bright spot amid slowing market
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesHome remodeling and renovation activity weakened somewhat during the second quarter. Across the board, major indicators reported slight declines, particularly in larger renovation and design projects. Nonetheless, activity overall remains well within positive territory and is expected to continue on a steady pace for the rest of the year, with kitchen and bath projects leading the way.
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Why designers should use the Principles of Universal Design
Susan Mulholland Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesHave you ever gone somewhere with your extended family and noticed how everyone deals with the space? We have a variety of age groups using the same space at the same time. The idea that our built environments have unseen obstacles is why many who study human behavior and ergonomics believe that, as our population continues to grow and ultimately age, we need to view every space people use as a place where easy accessibility is necessary. This will become more evident in the next few decades, when we will see a noticeable increase in people who are over the age of 50.
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New home sales rise as inventory shrinks
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsA patch of blue has opened up in the murky waters clouding the prospects for the housing industry. Both new home starts and new home sales rose in June, the latter well above expectations. Builders received the news with guarded optimism, however, as a number of challenges still confront the industry. Among them, demand continues to outstrip availability as inventories shrink and prices rise.
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Is it the economy or your clients?
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIn the interior design industry, these are the best of times; these are the worst of times. For some firms business is booming, and their biggest problem is finding qualified talent to expand their staff. Others are struggling, with little reason to be optimistic; worried they may have to close up shop if things don’t turn around soon. Is the difference just bad luck, or is there more to it?
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New home buyers help fuel remodeling surge
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesRemodeling activity is at its highest level since before the housing bubble burst. With mortgage rates and home prices increasing, homeowners are choosing to fix up their current home rather than move up to a more expensive one.
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When to program it again
Leslie LaskinReese Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesYour project began a while ago. Remember? You asked your client a lot of questions, probably using some version of a questionnaire that was distributed to the many stakeholders involved in your project. There were interviews and meetings. They told you how they'd be using the designed space, who would be using the space, when the space would be used and by how many, what time of day the space would be used, what they wanted the space to look, feel, sound like. And probably a whole lot more.
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