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Housing still hoping to gain momentum
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsSlow but steady is the current prognosis for the housing industry. Housing starts are up for the first seven months of the year, but month-to-month gains have remained flat for the past four months. Meanwhile, requests for single-family permits have declined, which could mean fewer new starts in the months ahead.
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Priority is king with liens, so what happens when everyone wants the same…
Nate Budde Construction & Building MaterialsMechanics liens are a great way to secure payment on a construction project. Rather than relying on contractual remedies, a mechanics lien allows a party to encumber a property until the debt has been paid. Lien law can be a load to handle by itself, but lienholders have even more to worry about when multiple secured creditors are involved. In these situations, priority can make or break a claim.
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Energy-efficient roofing materials for green clients
Erin Vaughan Construction & Building MaterialsYou don't need an MBA to know green means big business. When Neilsen studied consumer behavior in regard to eco-friendly products, they found that two-thirds now prefer to buy sustainable products over conventional materials.
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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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How to win the battle against rust on your trucks
Alan Kelsky Distribution & WarehousingRust is a major concern for small business owners who depend on their trucks for their livelihood as well as fleet owners for whom trucks are a major investment. Trucks with corrosion damage can lead to lost income as well as high repair bills.
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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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