ACC can withstand fire and other natural disasters, and since it is lightweight and has its own insulating properties, it can save construction time and energy.

After a decade of unprecedented growth, the party could be over for America's public home builders. As share prices drop under the weight of slumping sales, burgeoning inventories and builders' own deep pricing discounts, look for changes in the

Margot Crabtree reports on the declining housing market, fluctuating Product Manufacturers Index and the potential economic fallout -- inflation.

A mix of rising interest rates and house prices typically favor the rental housing market. Read how things could be different this time around.

The latest data the U.S. Census Bureau and HUD released shows the inventory of completed but unsold new houses on the market reached 128,000 in March — the highest level ever recorded since 1973.

Despite rising oil prices and a drop in consumer spending and income, indices closed in positive terrain for the month ending March 31, 2006. The Builders' Index added 12.32 points, or 0.98 percent, to end March at 1264.97.

Giants are using building science to differentiate themselves from regional competitors, increase market share for their divisions and to protect and increase their bottom line.

The home sales slump had to happen eventually. Nervous builders across the country are asking: How long will this slowdown last? How bad will it get? The answer depends on the characteristics of your local market.