Construction Trends

Construction Trends

• Timing the Materials Market

  As the price of materials such as lumber and concrete continue to fall, many developers are employing an "as-needed" approach to purchasing at the end of the second quarter.

   

• Top Builders Disappear

  It’s not a mistake: The industry’s longtime major players didn’t make the 2010 rankings.

   

• Remodeling Overtakes New-Construction in Spending

  Improvements to existing homes has exceeded new single-family consturction value since February 2009.

   

• Construction Spending Shows Some Life in March

  Public-sector building provided the boost, according to Commerce Department estimates.

   

• Economist: Lumber Prices Should Sink Soon

  Forest Economic Advisors’ Paul Jannke says the factors that drove recent price hikes are fading fast.

   

• Economist: Lumber Prices Should Sink Soon

  Forest Economic Advisors’ Paul Jannke says the factors that drove recent price hikes are fading fast.

   

• Feds: Rip Out Problem Chinese Drywall

  All the science isn't complete, but government agencies say drywall, electrical components, and fire and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced in homes with the problem drywall.

   

• Recycled Rainwater Is Irrigating More Atlanta-Area Communities

  Ashton Woods Homes’ newest neighborhood will include a catchment and distribution system.

   

• Sprinkler Coalition Tries Environmental Angle to Promote Installation

  New study shows how sprinklers minimize pollution and water use when homes catch on fire.

   

• Brick Holds Up as Homeowners' Siding of Choice

  New poll finds preferences remain highly regional.

   

• Germany-Based Modular Home Supplier Sets Its Sights On America

  Huf Haus opens a sales office in Cleveland and is pursuing affluent clients who seek something out of the ordinary.

   

• Fledgling Organization Promotes Construction of Houses That Don't Need Furnaces to Stay Warm

  Passive House Institute is adding consultants to spread the word about this European-style concept.

   

• A New Dealer Taking on Green Building Market

  New Home Inc. founder says reliable distribution is what this sector has lacked.

   

• Future Home Size

  Are smaller homes a permanent trend?

   

• J.D. Power Survey: Tougher Competition Leads to Higher Home-Quality Levels

  Firm's new-home quality study finds a notable dip in the number of reported problems per home.

   

• California Builder Ray Watt Dies

  Watt Companies founder also served as assistant HUD secretary decades ago.

   

• NAHB Leading the Way Towards Green Building

  The NAHB is helping its members build homes and communities that are more environmentally responsible.

   

• Homeowner Associations Watch Warily as Builders Downsize Products

  Changes within existing communities have met with occasional owner opposition.

   

• Nevada Supreme Court Considers Whether Homeowner Associations Can Sue Over Defects

  Builders contend that HOAs are trying to step beyond their legal and management boundaries.

   

• Architecture Billings Slip in April

  But AIA says inquiries about new work are “very strong” and expects architects to benefit from stimulus-funded projects.