PB April 2015

Financing

Special Districts: A Strong Option for Financing Infrastructure

Few residential construction issues are more contentious and polarizing than infrastructure funding. Often, the answer is to impose impact...

Aerial view of a housing subdivision with part complete and part still under construction.

Design

Exclusive Research: House Design Trends

Universal design gets some traction as open floor plans, dual vanities, kitchen islands, and walk-in closets continue to be the most desired new-home amenities

Close-up of pie chart from April Professional Builder exclusive research about home design trends.

Awards

Mike Graniczny Finds a Midwestern Niche for Luxury

Reinvention and creativity are at the center of this 40 Under 40 awardee's comeback

Plumbing Fixtures + Fittings

KWC America Releases Ava & Ono Wall-Mounted Faucets

The Ava (shown) and Ono Wall-Mounted Bath Faucets from KWC America feature slim contours, a ceramic disc cartridge for more precise control...

Plumbing Fixtures + Fittings

MGS of Milano Spin HD Faucet

The Spin HD stainless steel faucet for residential use is MGS of Milano’s latest introduction. The horizontal, clean design features a...

The Spin HD faucet from MGS of Milano is a solid stainless steel faucet that has a pull-out dual-spray hand shower.

Plumbing Fixtures + Fittings

Franke Kitchen Systems Ambient Series

The Ambient Series from Franke Kitchen Systems features a full range of kitchen faucets and complementary components characterized by sleek,...

Besides the 16 1/2-inch-tall flagship of the Ambient line (shown) from Franke, the Ambient family offers more than a half dozen models to consider.

Plumbing Fixtures + Fittings

Moen Releases Three New Faucets

Moen has released three new product options including Wynford (single-hole lavatory faucet, shown), Rizon, and Ignite. Wynford is a...

Moen's Wynford single-hole lavatory faucet, in chrome.

Plumbing Fixtures + Fittings

American Standard Fluent Faucet Collection

The Fluent Faucet Collection from American Standard features bath faucets that offer transitional design inspired by the movement of water....

Inspired by the movement of water, the Fluent faucet collection from American Standard offers smooth lines.

Flooring

Clé Large-Format Metallic Porcelain Tile

The artisan tiles offered by Clé include a large-format metallic porcelain tile. Metallics are a favorite at Clé and add to the look of...

Clé offers porcelain tile glazed with a faux metal finish, such as this one in copper, in a large format.

Flooring

Crossville Empire Tile Collection Relaunch

Crossville's relaunch of its popular Empire porcelain tile collection includes a new color palette and updated size offerings. The line...

Crossville's Empire tile shown in Black Swan.

Home Builders Institute's Schools to Skills Grant Application Open Through December

As Mortgage Rates Rise, Buyers Lose Purchasing Power

Renters Are Choosing Single-Family Homes for These Features