PB May 2013

In looking ahead to 2013, we asked builders who placed in the middle of the pack in our survey about the lessons they learned from the downturn, and how they are applying that information to future opportunities.

For this issue Pat O’Toole, our venerable publisher, asked me to write about the best business models among those home builders in what is often termed the second tier of the industry, or those companies ranked in the top 25 to 100.

After years in the wilderness, big builders are once again hot properties among investors. The overall numbers from this year’s Housing Giants help explain why.

Our list of the top U.S. home builders sorted by 2012 residential construction revenue.

From what I gather in my dealings with builders and designers, our industry underutilizes spreadsheets.

Having been in this industry for more than 40 years, I know from personal experience that our industry has always recovered from previous recessions. I contend, however, that great marketing and sales strategies are not honed during good markets, but dur

Outdoor living spaces continue to rank high on most homeowners’ wish lists. The desire to incorporate a functional outdoor entertaining area into the overall home design appeals to virtually all segments of the market.

Seattle architect Ross Chapin knows all about designing smaller, smarter homes. Chapin, principal of Ross Chapin Architects, Langley, Wash., has long been a proponent of conserving resources by cutting down on unnecessary square footage.