FEATURES

  • 0308smallbuilder01.jpg(90)

    Focusing In

    Big builders dominate the news, but small builders still make up the majority of companies and housing starts. Here’s a close-up look at how small builders are faring during the downturn.

     
  • 0308custom01_1.jpg (90)

    Architects' Homes: Do Try This At Home

    Architects’ own houses often hold the keys to cost savings, building efficiencies, and new standards of beauty.

     
  • 0308abb01_1.jpg (90)

    America's Best Builders 2008: A Family Affair

    Home building is in the blood of this year’s winning builders, and it shows in their products and companies.

     

EDITOR'S NOTE

  • Small Advantages

    Even in a tough market, smaller builders have some advantages that the big guys can’t touch.

     

INSIDE STORY

  • Clarification Needed

    Builders worry that a state supreme court ruling could leave them open to more lawsuits.

     

  • Ducking for Cover

    Some things builders seeking court-sanctioned debt relief should know.

     

SUCCESS STORIES

TOP SHELF

GREENHOUSE

  • Legally Green?

    Making claims about the performance of your homes can put your company at risk.

     
  • 0308green01_1.jpg (90)

    Compact Cure

    Recent research efforts shed light on the impact of vehicle traffic on the environment—and how dense development can help stem it.

     

BUSINESS UPDATE

  • 0308business01_1.jpg (90)

    Another Path

    As the residential construction recession drags on, some home builders are finding other ways to make money.

     

SALES STRATEGIES

  • 0308sales05_1.jpg (90)

    LinkedIn to Web 2.0

    The next time you’re on MySpace, check out my buddy Barratt American. According to his profile, Barratt is 28, from the U.S., single, an Aquarius, and male. “I had to list a gender,” explains Paul Chirco, social network developer at the Carlsbad, Calif.–based builder.

     
  • 0308sales04_1.jpg (90)

    Master Closers

    New-home sales tips from QVC.

     
  • 0308sales01_1.jpg (90)

    Two for One

    Referrals are the most cost-effective way of generating traffic and sales in your communities. If you’re not asking your home buyers for referrals, you need to start today.

     

PRODUCTS

  • AmStan_Reliant-pullout_1.jpg (90)

    Hat Tricks

    Experts share their secrets to low-cost kitchens and baths.

     

TECH TOOLS

  • 0308Constellation_1.jpg (90)

    Multiple Choice

    Constellation offers an easier way to find the right software.

     

  • Team Players

    Leading tech firms combine forces to offer best-of-breed products to builders.

     

NATIONAL BEAT

  • Made for China

    A new survey will measure potential market opportunities for North American building product manufacturers in China’s growing housing market.

     
  • 0308 lead 1_1.jpg (90)

    Friends in High Places

    As elections approach, do your part to put the friends of housing where we need them—in office.

     

SEIDERS' ECONOMY

LAST WORD