The successful builder understands adding new elements to home designs over time is about more than evolving or shaking boredom. Year after year, new products, whether major appliances, smaller accessories or building materials, enhance livability and re-shape the way owners interact with their home. Per tradition, Nigel F. Maynard at Builder Magazine has created a [...]

According to the Wall Street Journal, “Home builders, who aren’t selling too many homes these days, appear to be using their downtime to sharpen quality and service.” It makes sense. Without the housing boom engine powering sales, builders all over the country have to re-tool their plans. Of course, we’re not saying that a few [...]

Most products in the building world are pretty staid. They serve a specific purpose and are judged by builders on attributes like performance and durability. But every so often you’ll run across one that’s just a little, well, different. That isn’t to say that these products don’t serve a purpose, but they very well might [...]

Wow…that’s all we have to say about this. A 2.4 cubic feet kitchen. Yes, you read that right: 2.4 cubic feet. For a kitchen. It’s the Superconductor from Avanti and it contains a fridge, sink, two electric burners and two drawers. It even has a nice backsplash. In one tiny bit of space, you can [...]

You may have heard the phrase “Silver Tsunami” in the news lately. It refers to the Baby Boomers aging and the resulting costs that will come along with that. What does that have to do with the building industry? Well, smart builders and remodelers will be paying attention to the idea of universal design. As [...]

Marvin Windows and Doors brought home improvement expert and Today Show contributor Lou Manfredini to the International Builders Show in Las Vegas this week to roam the show floor and find the most interesting and most innovative new products on display. In today’s first video report, Lou shows us: DuPont’s new roof liner, a replacement [...]