Construction Trends

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    Sifting Through the Ruins

    After natural disasters hit, many builders flinch at getting involved in rebuilding efforts.

     
  • Katrina Cottage Industry

    Pilot programs to build cottages for emergency housing in disaster areas haven’t played out as planned.

     
  • Hardy Growth in Green Jobs Projected

    Building industry likely to branch out in coming decades.

     
  • Trend Homes Gives Buyers the Chance to Earn Down-Payment Help

    Arizona-based builder revives "sweat equity" program it first offered in the 1980s.

     
  • Harvard Economist Predicts Double-Digit Decline in Commercial Construction

    Kermit Baker says 'modest' slide in non-residential construction will begin this year.

     
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    Construction Industry Employed 11 Million People in 2007

    Job losses last year may be less severe than many have suggested, according to 2007 data released today by Census.

     
  • Non-Residential Sector Shows Signs of Faltering

    Various reports indicate that construction activity will soften through 2009.

     
  • On-your-lot Builder Stakes Its Own Ground

    Managers acquired Ohio-based Wayne Homes from Centex earlier this year.

     
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    Navigating The Downturn

    Ever the optimists, a clear majority—55 percent—of the 744 home builders who responded to our "State of the Industry" survey say 2008 is the year the downturn hits bottom and the industry begins to recover.

     
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    Tips To Live By

    Chuck Shinn offers suggestions on how builders can trim fat from their construction processes.

     
  • Strength in Numbers

    CHANGES THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU made to the way it classifies residential construction companies helped the 2002 Economic Census data, released at the end of July, reveal several trends in home building.

     
  • Girl Power

    According to a recent report from the Washington-based Center for Women's Business Research, the number of construction companies owned by females increased 35.5 percent between 1997 and 2002. And, of nearly 279,000 women-owned businesses that posted revenue of $1 million or more in 2002, about...

     
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    Narrow Wall Face-Off

    Requirements for a 48-inch-wide bracing wall next to garage doors can be reduced to as little as 18 inches with steel framing, 24 inches with wood.

     
  • Missed the Boat

    Despite the housing boom, manufacturers of wallboard, roofing, insulation, and other basic materials have not enjoyed a significant windfall. Added manufacturing capacity in the late 1990s, home builder consolidations, and builder access to alternative, less-expensive products can be blamed for...

     
  • High Trust

    A survey of 500 residential and commercial builder customers conducted by Intuit found that customers generally trust builders. Fifty-seven percent said they trust their builder a great deal; and 84 percent say they would recommend a residential builder or contractor they had recently hired. When...

     
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    Hot Trends, Cool Places: Part IV

    Trends to look for in 2004: Colors and textures get all mixed up, especially in the kitchen; The look of the moment is designs from the past; Energy-saving is big with conservation-minded buyers. And more...

     
  • Second to None

    By Pat Curry. Co-founder of Braddock and Purcell, an upscale real estate consultancy in New York, Purcell says he is a huge proponent of second homes, so much so that he has three of them. Bigger is better for these buyers, says Superstition Mountain's designated broker, Tom Popa, because they...

     
  • Home Matters

    Homeowners are happier, healthier, and participate more in their communities than renters.

     
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    Crown Jewels

    The Arundel (County) Habitat for Humanity chapter constructed these homes as part of a project co-ventured with The Hanley Foundation, Builder magazine, Speight Studio Architects, and the NAHB Research Center. Before desegregation, Clay Street was a thriving mixed-income neighborhood, home to many...

     
  • Roughing It

    Bucking the trend, a Houston project goes golf-less.