Friday, September 30, 2016

NAHB Mourns Texas Home Builder Jessie A. Baker

Baker, a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame and past president of the Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Texas builders associations, passed away on Sept. 23, at the age of 89.

BUILD-PAC Flexes Its Political Muscle

Watch Eugen Graf, the 2016 BUILD-PAC Chairman, explain why NAHB members from across the country invest in BUILD-PAC to make housing’s voice in Washington strong.

Solar, Wind Power Installation Accelerates

Wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels accounted for more than two-thirds of the new electricity generating capacity installed in the U.S. last year. Cost is a big factor: the average residential PV installation costs have dropped 54% since 2008, while wind power costs have dropped 41%.

Here’s Why This Florida HBA is Booming

The Northeast Florida Builders Association has created a membership plan that enables members to become emotionally invested and take ownership of their HBA. The results? More than 160 new members in 2015.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

The #1 Reason Real Estate Marketing Lacks Innovation

Ever wondered why real estate — one of America’s leading industries — lacks marketing innovation or why new home sales and marketing professionals are so afraid to step outside their comfort zones? Robert Galletta, managing partner at Blackjet Inc., shares some thoughts on the matter.

EB-5 Job Creation Program Extended Until Dec. 9

As part of its continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through mid-December Congress has agreed to extend the EB-5 Regional Center investment and job creation program through Dec. 9. The reauthorization comes with no changes to the EB-5 program.

House Votes to Delay Overtime Rule; More Comprehensive Relief Needed

The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to delay the Department of Labor’s controversial overtime rule by six months. The Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools and Nonprofits Act (H.R. 6904) would push the effective date of the overtime rule from Dec. 1, 2016, to June 1, 2017.

Complete the Project on Time and Within Budget

Execute successful on- or offsite production operations management with NAHB’s project management course, taught completely online. Consisting of three live, two-hour webinars, Project Management Live Online takes place on three consecutive Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18, 1–3 p.m. ET.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

App of the Month: Housepad – A Home for Your Home

By Drew Knight Are you having a hard time juggling housekeeping between your spouse, kids and hired help? The easiest solution might be found tucked away in your pocket right now. Designed to help you “love going home,” the Housepad … Continue reading

New Home Source Blog - Buying a New Home, Working with a Home Builder, Designing Your Custom Home

FHA Proposes New Condo Approval Rules

The Federal Housing Administration is proposing new rule for condominium developments that the agency says is intended to be more flexible, less prescriptive and more reflective of market conditions.

Court Hears Marathon Climate Change Rule Argument

The U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, on Tuesday, considered an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that has wide-ranging ramifications for the U.S. economy and the potential to uniquely impact home builders.

Michigan Associate Member Revs Up for Veterans

Associate member Geri Nelson support our Nation’s veterans during an annual charity motorcycle ride.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Mississippi HBA Builds Home for Fire Victim

When Miss Martha Mason lost her home to a fire almost two years ago, her insurance company did noto reimburse her for all the damage. She didn’t have enough coverage. But she did have the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of North East Mississippi.

Mega Builders – Home Remodeling and Construction Company

Remodeling your home to make it a more comfortable and appealing space is one of the main reasons behind every home owner’s decision to remodel. Home remodeling can be a lengthy, unsightly and noisy procedure and demands extensive planning and requires a lot of patience. Some people take this decision to sell their property and others opt to give their houses a nice touch. Since this requires thorough and methodical step-by-step planning and as it seems easy, but it is not like that. The better option is to take the help of a builder. If you are looking for the large scale remodeling builder, then at “Mega Builders”, we want to ensure that every new construction or remodeling project runs seamlessly.

We cater well experienced and trained architects and designers who get excited to well work for your custom home or remodeling project. Our services are not limited to, custom homes Los Angeles, but we also offer the whole house remodeling, design & build a business model, unique modern kitchens and much more. We offer online client access 24/7 to a project management site to keep you up-to-date with the information throughout the process whether you are at home, on the road, at work or on vacation. Our company can assemble the team needed to secure city approvals and to build your home – on time and budget. We will glad to answer your questions and do our best to help even if you have already engaged another Los Angeles construction company.

White House Releases Housing Development Toolkit

The White House, on Monday, released a Housing Development Toolkit, which highlights regulatory barriers to housing development and outlines tools and strategies that local governments can use to diminish the impact they have on housing production and affordability. The President’s FY2017 HUD budget includes a $300 million proposal for Local Housing Policy Grants to help facilitate the […]

Get Bathroom Remodeling Services from a Renowned Company

These days, many home owners are taking great interest in bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. They are doing so because they know it has many benefits. For instance, if you are planing to sell your property, then by investing in such Renovation projects you can easily increase value of your house. On the other hand, if you are considering house improvement project that have the qualities of benefiting your building as a whole, the bathroom is the best corner to start with. Renovation basically consists of making few alterations in order to improve the design, look and functionality of the room. If you are interested in enhancing the functionality and appearance of your lavatory, redesigning it with wonderful colors, contemporary theme and innovative products, then you can contact us anytime without any hassle. Here at Mega Builders, we have been providing Bathroom Remodeling Los Angeles services to all the people at the affordable rates for many years.

No matter what your expectations or requirements are, we will provide you the best services beyond your imagination. Apart from bath remodeling solutions, we also provide innovative kitchen renovation facilities to all the people. Combining the great skills and knowledge of lots of professionals and artisans, we have been offering most reliable Kitchen remodeling Los Angeles facilities to all the customers at the lowest possible price. Whether you want to enhance the comfort level of your home or want to give it a royal and modern look, you can contact us anytime you want. Moreover, if you are a chef and have some requirement, then also you can avail our kitchen design los angeles services anytime you want. So if you are interested or need more information about us, contact us now.

Mega Builders – Home Remodeling and Construction Company

Remodeling your home to make it a more comfortable and appealing space is one of the main reasons behind every home owner’s decision to remodel. Home remodeling can be a lengthy, unsightly and noisy procedure and demands extensive planning and requires a lot of patience. Some people take this decision to sell their property and others opt to give their houses a nice touch. Since this requires thorough and methodical step-by-step planning and as it seems easy, but it is not like that. The better option is to take the help of a builder. If you are looking for the large scale remodeling builder, then at “Mega Builders”, we want to ensure that every new construction or remodeling project runs seamlessly.

We cater well experienced and trained architects and designers who get excited to well work for your custom home or remodeling project. Our services are not limited to, custom homes Los Angeles, but we also offer the whole house remodeling, design & build a business model, unique modern kitchens and much more. We offer online client access 24/7 to a project management site to keep you up-to-date with the information throughout the process whether you are at home, on the road, at work or on vacation. Our company can assemble the team needed to secure city approvals and to build your home – on time and budget. We will glad to answer your questions and do our best to help even if you have already engaged another Los Angeles construction company.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Award-Winning Remodeler Creates Customers for Life

Have clients who ain’t got no satisfaction? Then you probably ain’t got many leads. NAHB’s Remodeler of the Month award recipient has built most of his business strategy around exceeding the expectations of his current clients, and maintaining consistent communication with his previous clients. As the company approaches its 60th anniversary, the strategy appears to be working.

Unclutter Your Smaller Bathroom Today

A bathroom is supposed to feel clean and sanitary, so when your bathroom is a bit too cluttered, you look for ways to solve the problem. However, all of the items in your bathroom are necessities—towels, medicine, soaps—and you cannot exactly throw everything away.

So how can you unclutter a small bathroom? We offer some advice below. Call our friendly remodeling experts to learn more.

Some Bathroom Items May Belong Elsewhere

If you keep all of your pills and liquid medications in the medicine cabinet of your bathroom, you might want to reconsider. You really don’t need to keep medication in the bathroom, as long as every adult knows where to find pill bottles (though you may want a locked box if you have small children). Besides, the humidity that often collects in a bathroom may be bad for some medications.

Decorate with Care

If you have enough shelving available to display vases and other items, you may decide that fits in with your décor. Even so, too much decoration can make a small space feel cluttered. You may want to limit design accents to splashes of color instead, such as colorful tiling and trim.

And remember that storage can be decorative! Baskets on shelving can be an attractive addition that makes it easy to sort through hair care products, makeup, or lotions.

Plan Your Bathroom Remodel to Eliminate Clutter

When you decide enough is enough and it’s time for a bathroom remodel, be sure to make storage your central focus. Wide custom cabinetry is a great choice for families. We often recommend drawers with drawer organizers so that little items like jewelry and nail polish are not left on countertops.

Open shelving can make a bathroom feel a lot less cluttered. Mount shelving onto walls over the toilet and store rolled up towels and sorted and labeled storage baskets. That way you can make room for more important remodeling upgrades, like a new tub or shower.

Call the licensed and bonded contractors at Advanced Builders & Contractors for remodeling services in Hancock Park and throughout the LA area.

New Home Sales Remain Solid in August

Sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 7.6% in August from an upwardly revised July reading to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 609,000 units, according to newly released data by HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. This marks the second consecutive month that sales have topped a 600,000 annual pace since the Great Recession.

NGBS: What’s New, What’s Different

The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was approved by the American National Standards Institute and made available earlier this year. NAHBNow breaks down what’s changed in the world of sustainable construction since the 2012 NGBS, and what builders, remodelers and developers can expect in the 2015 edition.

Friday, September 23, 2016

‘Building an Appetite’ Recipe Submissions Due Sept. 30

First Vice Chairman Granger MacDonald and his wife Kathy are creating a collection of NAHB cookbooks to celebrate the life of their son, Doug Wistner — and they’re asking for your recipes.

Say Thanks to These Spikes

Thank you to the following fine recruiters — including NAHB Chair Ed Brady — for bringing the most new Builder and Associate members to our Federation in August.

3 Ways Vehicle Tracking Can Help You Save

Looking for a way to bring down project costs while streamlining operations? Investing in vehicle tracking could be the answer.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

NAHB Commends Sen. Wyden’s New Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit

NAHB today commended Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) for introducing the Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Act of 2016. The legislation builds on the successful Low-Income Housing Tax Credit by creating a new tax credit to spur the development of rental homes affordable to Americans with moderate incomes.

Think Safety: Preventing Construction Fires

While rare, construction fires attract attention, pointing to the need for more accountability on construction sites and greater enforcement of existing fire and building codes. To address the matter, here’s a new website with lots of resources: www.ConstructionFire.com.

5 States Reject Electronic Stormwater Reporting Requirements

Under EPA’s recently finalized National Pollution Elimination System (NPDES) E-Reporting Rule, your state can either replace its paper-based systems with a state-run electronic reporting program or require permittees to report to feds directly using EPA’s NPDES Electronic Reporting Tool. Here’s how to get ready.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

NAHB, Business Groups Sue to Block Overtime Rule

NAHB and a coalition of more than 55 Texas and national business groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor seeking to halt its federal overtime rule set to take effect Dec. 1. The rule will double the current overtime salary limit of $23,660 to $47,476. It also allows the minimum salary requirements to be raised every three years.

Leading Suppliers Spark Innovation, Honor Ingenuity

Members of NAHB’s Leading Suppliers Council have been helping to raise the bar of innovation and efficiency in home building for more than 50 years. During the 2017 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, NAHB will officially honor an LSC member for his or her product ingenuity with the first-ever Spark Award.

ESA Changes to National Flood Insurance Program Harm Housing Affordability

NAHB today urged Congress to oppose the inappropriate use of the Endangered Species Act to change the focus of the National Flood Insurance Program away from its mandate of protecting lives and property due to flooding loss.

Learn to Leave Your Business to the Next Generation

Succession planning allows owners to adequately leave their businesses to other family members. In the Succession Transition: How to Plan for a Successful Outcome webinar, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2-3 p.m. ET, learn about the business, tax and personal considerations that should be weighed for a successful business transition or retirement. Discussion will also include what is needed to prepare your business for transition or sale.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Inhofe Asks for Quick Action on WOTUS

NAHB and Republican members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works today called on 11 senators “to protect farmers, ranchers, water utilities, local governments, and contractors” and put a stop to the regulatory overreach seen in the Waters of the U.S. rule.

Educating Home Owners to Make Sustainability Stick

The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was released in March. This post is the eighth and final post in a series that examines what’s different in this new edition – and what’s changed in the world of sustainable construction since the 2012 NGBS. This week: Updates to Operation, Maintenance, and Building Owner Education.

Housing Production Hits a Mild Speed Bump in August

Nationwide housing starts fell 5.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.14 million units in August, according to newly released data from HUD and the Commerce Department. Overall permit issuance edged 0.4% lower.

Nominate Inspiring Designees and Educators by Sept. 23

The deadline is looming to submit nominations for the best and brightest NAHB Education participants with the Designee of the Year and Educator of the Year awards.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Why Your Clients are Confused by Smart-Home Technology

Smart-home technology isn’t just changing how consumers live, it’s also changing how builders and remodelers conduct business. Simply giving every client the same, canned, one-size-fits-all pitch about the benefits of smart-home products can lead to alienated customers and lost business. NAHB’s BizTools features strategies that can lead to more satisfied customers.

Read about Advanced Builders & Contractors in The Malibu Times!

Advanced Builders & Contractors has been in business for nearly 30 years, helping homeowners throughout the LA area to have the homes they have always dreamed of. We have always had a reputation for exceptional customer service, and we’re proud to have local recognition from this prominent Southern California publication!

Our Article in the Malibu Times

This month, The Malibu Times published this article about our company’s owner Nick Cohen Yahoodain. In it, Nick discusses the joy he gets from helping clients meet their goals. The article goes over our design and build process, some details of our services, and points out that the quality of our service is a point of pride.

One of our favorite quotes from the interview with Nick:

“I get satisfaction in taking someone’s ideas, and even sketching something out on a napkin and taking that homeowner’s little sketch and developing that into a full set of plans and then designing it all the way around, including structural and architectural and then building it. That’s one of the most rewarding things we can do for someone — we can take a simple idea and actually turn it into a reality.”

Call Our Team for All of Your Renovating and New Construction Needs

Our licensed and bonded contractors are here for all of your new construction, room addition, and remodeling needs. If you’re planning on making some major changes to a home or workplace, or if you are planning out a new construction project, reach out to our team.

We’ve been in the business for decades. We really know our stuff, and we’ve got the right people on the job from beginning to end. Our architects, engineers, designers, builders, specialists, and dedicated project manager will work together to see that your vision becomes a reality. Take a look at our portfolio, and find out what we can do for you.

Advanced Builders & Contractors’ licensed and bonded team is here to offer you exceptional customer service in Malibu, CA and throughout the area. Call us to get started your build or remodel today!

Builder Confidence Surges in September

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes in September jumped six points to 65 from a downwardly revised August reading of 59 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This marks the highest HMI level since October 2015.

Time Running Out for Defender of Housing Nominations

HBAs are getting an extra week to submit nominees for the NAHB Defender of Housing Award. The application deadline has been extended to Sept. 30.

15 Reasons to Talk about Building Codes

Fire sprinklers. Building tightness tradeoffs. More stringent requirements to protect against natural disasters: There are thousands of IRC and energy code change proposals that voters will consider next month as the International Code Council holds its public comment hearings in Kansas City, Mo.

Friday, September 16, 2016

6 Ways to Focus on Boosting Sales

As part of NAHB Professional Women in Building Week, the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council is offering six free webinar replays designed specifically for home building professionals interested in learning more about turning sales and marketing strategies into success stories.

Building Your Brand in the Digital Era

How can you stay top of mind when clients need you most? Companies who want to stay relevant can no longer get away with just stamping their logo on everything. Here are four tips to help build your brand in the digital era.

After Floods, Baton Rouge Gets Help from Mobile

If you ever needed proof that home builders are the most generous people in the whole wide world, listen to Lynda Evans, EVP of the Capital Region Builders Association in Baton Rouge, La.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

New Resources to Help You Recruit Skilled Labor

We’ve made it easier for you to help spread the word about quality jobs in the residential construction industry.

PWB Members Thank Their Boundary Pushers

Three PWB members offer personal stories about the women in their lives who pushed the limits, broke down barriers and set their sights on dreams way outside the box — and inspired them to do the same.

Association Appreciation Month Gets Fired Up

NAHB Associate Member Bob Parish, president of Badger Masonry & Fireplace Supply in Fond du Lac, Wis., gives new meaning to getting fired up about HBA membership.

Here’s What Happened in Miami

Your NAHB Board of Directors had a busy four days in August as they met for the 2015 Midyear Meeting in Miami. In addition to presentations from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton’s economic advisor Gene Sperling, the board listened to economic forecasts and discussed plans to better position NAHB for the future.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Winning Big to Support the Future of Home Building

In the past three years, the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) has awarded more than $26,000 to local high school and college students pursuing education and careers within the building industry. State and local PWB councils receive funding designated for scholarships when they participate in the national council’s awards programs and membership competitions.

Texas Court Dismisses Disparate Impact Lawsuit

A Texas court has dismissed a Fair Housing Act case, saying that the statistics that indicated “disparate impact” aren’t enough to prove that the housing authority’s policies are flawed.

Why Take Action? This EO Explains Why

Holly Fraccaro heads up the HBA of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties in North Carolina. She’s also a big proponent of open-door policies when it comes to building code officials. In this video, she explains why – and also why your HBA needs to get out the code vote, too. Act quickly: Your code official […]

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

A Fresh Take on Industry Trailblazers

Women have been a vital part of the home building industry for many years — even if at first many of them were behind the scenes, like the “mom” in the mom-and-pop businesses that built millions of the nation’s homes.

NAHB Endorses Candidates for Congress

For the first time in its 74-year history, NAHB is officially endorsing candidates for the U.S. House and Senate in the upcoming Nov. 8 elections.

Healthier Homes from Floor to Ceiling

The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was released in March. This post is the seventh in a series of eight that will examine what’s different in this new edition – and what’s changed in the world of sustainable construction since the 2012 NGBS. This week: Updates to Indoor Environmental Quality.

Why It’s a Good Thing Homes are Getting Smaller

Size matters. And the recent decline in the size of new single-family homes is actually a sign of economic progress. The housing recovery cycle has now reached the point of younger consumers expanding the market, and builders offering a wider variety of home sizes to align with an evolving mix of buyer budgets.

Monday, September 12, 2016

One of our projects was featured in a Houzz Best 13 Home Aquariums List!

<div id=“hzroot6523773” style=“width:300px;text-align:center;font-size:12px;padding:0;border:0;margin:0;”><div style=“font-size:14px;margin-bottom:3px;”><a href=“http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50939938/list/fun-houzz-13-of-the-best-home-aquariums” target=“_blank”>Fun Houzz: 13 of the Best Home Aquariums</a></div><div style=“padding:0;margin:0;border:0;margin-bottom:3px;”><iframe data-hzvt=“MjAxNjA5MTI6MjQzOTp2aWV3R2FsbGVyeQ==” name=“HouzzWidget4998496” id=“HouzzWidget4998496” border=0 frameborder=“0” SCROLLING=NO style=“border:0 none;width:300px;height:275px;” src=“https://www.houzz.com/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/50939938//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300”></iframe></div></div>

NAHB to EPA: Lead Paint Rule Needs Revising

NAHB filed comprehensive comments last week with EPA asserting that in its current form, the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program rule is an inefficient tool for achieving the environmental and health goals of the underlying issues.

San Antonio Builders Provide $35,000 in Local Scholarships

The Greater San Antonio Education Foundation, the charitable arm of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, and member company Armadillo Homes recently broke ground on its annual charity home build—the sale of which will provide more than $35,000 in scholarships for local students.

What Happens When You Change Your Mind During a Remodel?

As contractors, we understand that plans can change as a remodeling job goes on. You might realize that you wanted a different appliance, cabinetry finish, countertop material, or kitchen sink than originally planned—and this happens quite a bit. Still, we think it’s important for you to know just what happens when you change your mind during a remodel, as it can set the process back quite a bit more than you might expect.

It’s Called a “Change Order”

Changing your mind and either adding to or taking away from your remodeling plans is known as a change order. The contract you’ve made with your contractor likely mentions change orders. It is very important that any change orders that could affect the price of a job are written and agreed upon (signed) by you and your contractor, so that there are no costly surprises.

Know That This Adds On a Lot

Change orders add on a lot of extra cost and time to a remodeling job. Contractors don’t work for free, so even the consultation for what changes you’d like to make will likely add on to the cost of labor.

All of the small ways this adds to the job can be more than you think. There’s the cost and labor of sending back the old materials. Time is tacked on to the job, and other parts of the process are delayed as a result. Know what you are getting into before you change your mind.

Some Change Orders Are Unforeseen

Unfortunately, things can just come up during a remodel. Plumbing and electrical problems must be taken care of before the work is completed. Know that this is very common, and while it may be stressful, at least you’ll have peace of mind that your new room is safe.

For bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Brentwood Park, call the licensed and bonded contractors at Advanced Builders & Contractors and get exceptional customer service too.

Inaugural NAHB Professional Women in Building Weeks Kicks Off

Guest author and 2016 NAHB Professional Women in Building Chair Cindy Cepko, MIRM, CGP, CMP, CSP, kicks off the first NAHB Professional Women in Building Week—a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the role women play in the home building construction industry.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

A Hope for Healing

The National Association of Home Builders is in the business of making dreams come true, and our members have done just that for millions of families. But today, we’re reminded of how on that beautiful September day 15 years ago, the world changed forever for too many good people. There won’t ever be an American […]

Making a Case for Systems-Built Housing

Many manufacturers are starving for builders, according to Dan Mitchell, a third-generation home builder and a strong advocate for systems-built construction. Typically with long lists of clients and not enough builders, these manufacturers are eager to find quality builders in all specialties.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Communicate the Value Your Prospects Need

Why do Builders and Associates join your association? Why do they renew? Why do they need your HBA’s products or services? Why do Builders and Associates join your association? Why do they renew? Why do they need your HBA’s products or services? You should have answers to these questions before you begin recruiting.

Developers Push Back Against Burdensome Infrastructure Costs

Several legal cases in Maryland show just how far some public entities will go to transfer costs to private developers.

Get the Best Services for Complete Home Remodel with Mega Builders

You must have spent hours thinking about ways to remodel your home only to waste your precious time. Thinking of ideas and spending time while thinking about ways to reduce the budget of home remodeling will not help you much. However, if you can make constructive plans with the help of specialists, you will have a lot to achieve when you enjoy the real feel of living in a home which provides complete comfort to people that look forward to effective home remodeling services. We at Mega Builders offer Complete Home Remodel with innovative ways to redesign your home.

For custom-made homes and whole house remodeling we have team of experts that offer the best suggestions and advice for making major changes in the design of the house. We offer varied range of services for people want to refurbish their homes and the best thing about availing our services is that we do not charge exorbitant amounts even if you want to change the entire appearance of the house to make it look different. For construction and design of some of the best homes, we have been rendering services to the clients for years.

We also offer services for tear down and rebuild when it comes to designing the best homes. To enjoy the best services when to change your home and make it look exciting you can rely on us and our services that are creditable. Our services have impressed the customers over the years. For more information about home remodeling services call us today.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Student Chapters: Ready to Rumble

There’s a 32-acre property in the Atlanta suburbs now home to a rambling, tumbledown apartment complex that’s just screaming to be redeveloped. The good news: NAHB Student Chapter college teams are on the job, and ready to come up with a creative design plan, lines of happy buyers and an 18% return for their investors.

NAHB Seeks New Lumber Sources in Chile

NAHB today completed four days of talks with Chilean government, trade and industry officials that focused on increasing exports of softwood lumber and other wood products to America.

NAHB Pays Special Tribute to Young Industry Professionals

There’s only one month left to get your nominations in for the new NAHB Young Professional Award.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Better Remodeling Sales Start Here

The best remodelers understand the sales process from start to close and anticipate what their clients need—and what they can afford. The Successful Remodeling Sales Skills Step-by-Step webinar, Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 2-3 p.m. ET, will explore the skills needed to ensure lucrative remodeling sales.

New Data Available on Fire Sprinkler Mandates

The overwhelming majority of states have decided that installing the systems should be an option, not a mandate, for home buyers. And the overwhelming majority of home buyers have decided that the systems are not worth the expense.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Choosing the Right Appliances for a Kitchen Remodel

You look forward to all of the extra counter space and ease-of-use you’ll gain when you do a major kitchen overhaul. What’s better is that a remodel gives you the opportunity to update all of your appliances (the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher) to have a kitchen that’s far more functional than you’ve ever dreamed! Here’s some advice to keep in mind while you’re selecting the new equipment.

Choose Wisely

You’re spending a lot of money on your remodel, so we understand wanting to cut costs where you can. But a refrigerator or an oven is not something you should skimp on. Make sure you choose high-efficiency appliances with all of the features you need for efficient, convenient cooking and cleaning. Choose appliances with warranties and make sure licensed contractors put them into place, so that you can expect them to run at their best.

Remember that You Can Break Convention

When you’re remodeling a kitchen, you don’t have to go with the standard appliance arrangements and fixtures! You have so many options, and you should take advantage of different types of arrangements as they suit your lifestyle. If you bake a lot or enjoy preparing the big family meals, you might want two stacked ovens instead of one. A larger range might be your taste, or you may take the opportunity to upgrade to gas rather than electric. It’s your home! Compare your options and do something different.

Go Bold

Want to make a splash with your kitchen design? A touch of color here and there will do it, and if you don’t know where to start, consider your appliances! We don’t recommend pastels that may go in and out of style through the years, but a bold red could work for you (depending on your style) or a bright silver theme. You can also go with a unique range hood if you’d like to jazz things up. Consult with your contractor.

Advanced Builders & Contractors’ licensed and bonded contractors are here to help with exceptional customer service. Call us for kitchen remodeling services in the Flats of Beverly Hills.

USDA to Lower Lending Fees

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that lenders who use the USDA’s Rural Housing Service’s Single-Family Housing Guarantee Program will pay lower fees beginning on Oct. 1, the first day of fiscal year 2017.

Less Water Waste, More Water $avings

The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was released in March. This post is the sixth in a series of eight that will examine what’s different in this new edition – and what’s changed in the world of sustainable construction since the 2012 NGBS. This week: Updates to Water Efficiency.

Senators Urge USTR to Address Builder, Consumer Concerns on Lumber

Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman urging him to take into account the interests of domestic lumber consumers, including home builders, as talks progress with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement.

Boost Your Education at the Remodeling Show

Growing your business means knowing the latest skills to amaze current clients and attract new ones. The Remodeling Show | DeckExpo | JLC LIVE Show in Baltimore Oct. 3-7 offers numerous opportunities to gain a competitive edge.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Tulsa Builders ‘Open the Door in 24’

A raft of volunteer members working with the HBA of Greater Tulsa and the Tulsa Habitat for Humanity affiliate built a home in just 24 hours Aug. 18-19. “Open the Door in 24” was part of a community revitalization project that’s been coupled with a plan to find more affordable housing for the city’s teachers. […]

3 Tips for Considering a Room Addition

A room addition is a big step, and there’s no way to feel completely prepared for what’s to come. Disrupting your home life is never easy, but the results are well worth the hassle. And when you work with a great contractor, you’ll feel a lot more informed and at peace every step of the way.

Below, get some of our tips on what to know when you’re planning for a room addition. Then, call our team for more information and to schedule your consultation!

Set a Realistic Budget

Budgeting is tricky when it comes to a major home renovation. There’s no good way to get a realistic estimate, since you don’t know whether contractors will run into electrical troubles, plumbing concerns, or any other changes that set the original plan a bit off course.

Remember that you shouldn’t expect a room addition to be a bargain if you want it to go well. Add a little wiggle room to the estimate your contractor gives you. And select your preferred contractor by their credentials and portfolio, not by whoever gives you the lowest quote. Remember that your room addition will come with maintenance costs as well, such as added utilities and property tax.

Get the Proper Paperwork

This is another step that your contractor can help you through. Just know in advance that there might be a lot of red tape to cut through when it comes to doing major construction and renovation work on your property. Be sure to abide by your local zoning laws and codes, and get paperwork out of the way before starting.

Have a Plan for What You’ll Do During

Will such a major renovation disrupt your day-to-day life (and your neighbors’ lives)? Do you have small children who could get in the way, or who could get injured on the job site? Will you need to reorganize your home before the work starts? You should have a complete plan in place before the work begins. Decide on whether you need to find alternative living arrangements and where you will stay. Rearrange the home as needed or pack away certain belongings. Inform friends and neighbors of what is happening, and make sure kids know how to stay safe.

Advanced Builders & Contractors offers room addition and remodeling services throughout the Los Angeles area. 

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Contact a Leading Construction Company to Construct a Dream House

Home construction is one of the great procedures to build townhouses, large-scale residential developments and multi and single family residential homes. This procedure is usually handled by builders and developers. If you are planning to construct a new adobe, then you should hire an experienced design build contractor los angeles to build it according to your needs. Being a professional, he will build a house that you have ever wished for. Presently, there are several construction companies that offer exceptional services to all the people at an affordable budget. But if you want to hire services from a leading construction company los angeles, then you may contact Megabuilders.

We offer outstanding home improvement and construction services to all the customers including whole house remodeling, unique modern kitchens, design & build and many more. To make all the projects successful, we adopt customer-centered approach. Being a leading home additions Los Angeles company, we have received A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. To all the customers, we assist with feasibility studies, cost analysis and design. By hiring us, you can ensure that your project will be handled by highly experienced professionals. Apart from this, we feel pride ourselves to be the member of NARI and BBB. So, whether you want to construct a new home or plan to renovate your place, you can avail our services anytime. We are always here to assist you to make your dream come true. Contact us now to know our prices!

Friday, September 2, 2016

After Flooding, ‘Cajun Navy’ Comes to the Rescue

Amidst the recent floods that devastated portions of Louisiana, a Wisconsin home builder and his family developed a new understanding of the kindness of strangers, the strength of community, and the goodness of the human spirit.

As Floods Recede, Life Resumes in Louisiana

Two weeks after unrelenting rain caused massive flooding in and around Baton Rouge, communities are slowly coming back to life. But the work of providing housing for the more than 2,000 people whose homes were severely damaged has just begun. NAHB Senior Officer Randy Noel is working with the state HBA leadership and the task force it created to help Baton Rouge home builders and remodelers prepare for the onslaught of work ahead.

Receive Fantastic Kitchen Remodeling from a Trusted Builders

Are you willing to transform the look of your old-fashioned furniture, walls, appliances, or floors? In this regard, you need consider kitchen remodeling. Renovation may seem like a difficult task, but it is not as difficult as you think, if you hire professional builder. Kitchen renovation brings numerous benefits. If you remodel your whole house, then it will look marvelous and new. All you need to do is to hire a skilled builder and get your dream home within your estimated budget. If you are in search of a reputable construction company for Kitchen remodeling Los Angeles, then your search ends here. Mega Builders is the famous company in Los Angeles.

We specialize in whole house remodeling and second floor additions. Our projects are beautiful, efficient and affordable. We believe in providing first class home renovation services to give it a fresh, new look. We have the skills and passion to transform your dull, boring and old kitchen into beautiful and attractive. We have numerous beautiful, eye catching and attractive designs for our valued customers. You can select any kitchen design Los Angeles and we will create it as per your taste and choice. Our main priority is to satisfy our customers. For many decades, we have delivered thousands for projects to exceed your expectations. On the same hand, we also offer Bathroom remodeling Los Angeles at highly attractive rates. Hire our builders to get the desired solutions.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Custom Builder Award Applauds Industry Expertise, Leadership

One-of-a-kind homes that bring joy and excitement to the home owners are what custom home builders do. Innovations and new trends across the industry are what they help create. The NAHB Custom Home Builder of the Year award annually recognizes an exceptional home builder for his or her professionalism, leadership and creativity in this field.

3 Associations Awarded NAHB Issues Grants

The NAHB Joint Executive Board recently approved $31,800 in assistance to three HBAs fighting legislative battles that, without intervention, would affect housing affordability and hurt the home building industry.