PB August 2012

Economics

Obstacles to housing recovery slowly fall

Americans have shown continued interest in buying and owning homes. The demand for new homes is real. We need to keep focused on removing obstacles to homeownership. The new QM, when it emerges, should not impede the market further.

Products

4 product trends for 2012

This year, the editors identified four major themes while judging the 101 Best New Products competition.

Products

101 Best New Products - 2012

A fold-away glass shower system, full-surface induction cooktop, and drainable housewrap are among the new residential construction products named 101 Best New Products for 2012 by the editors of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines.

Custom Home Design

Anatomy of a best-selling plan

Layout flexibility, economical footprints, and killer curb appeal are among the common traits of the five best-selling house plans presented by the House Review team.

Single-Family Homes

Home designs take aim at Generation Y

The latest residential designs are geared to Generation Y, a group that includes young singles looking for “starter” apartments, as well as older buyers who need space for growing families.

Construction Quality

10 Steps to Mastering Field Quality

Proven processes for getting your field quality in order

Lean Building

5 Proven Ways to Optimize Construction Framing

Advanced framing can save materials and time while boosting your homes’ efficiencies. Here are five techniques that can be adopted independently

Advanced framing construction techniques in action

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