Turning the tables on young men, young women will be the demographic group to watch, as they come to the housing market better educated and with higher paying jobs than their male counterparts.

In an NAHB webinar on June 30, James Chung, president of Reach Advisors, cited some demographic statistics about the U.S. population that ought to have an especially upbeat ring in the ears of the developers of multifamily rental properties. However, he cautioned that the dynamics of the marketplace will be dramatically different.

“The demographic winds have clearly changed for residential real estate,” Chung said, “from massive tail winds to massive head winds ahead. The good news is that multifamily still has some tail winds ahead after the storm subsides, much more so than other sorts of real estate, but the wind in the sails will be different from the past.”

Less Money to Spend on Housing

Nobody quite knows for sure how the emerging economy will color the behavior of consumers, but as the U.S. population begins to get back on its feet financially it is unlikely that typical housing consumers will have the wherewithal they once had to spend on housing.

In terms of household income, statistics from the Census Bureau depict a decade in which the top 10% captured 50% of all U.S. earnings and the top 1% landed 25%, he said. In inflation-adjusted dollars, from 2000 to 2008 incomes were down for every age group up through the younger half of the baby boom, those aged 45 to 54, who saw their median income plunge almost 12%.

The younger baby boomers, the large majority of whom are well-established home owners, will be able to soften that blow by falling back on healthy amounts of home equity, according to Chung. But that won’t be the case for Generation Y members, who have feet planted in both the 15-to-24-year and 25-to-34 age groups, both of which experienced a decline in median household income in the 7% to 8% range through 2008.

Born roughly in the 1980s through 1990s, members of Gen Y had actually been spending more than prior generations at their age even though they had less income than those who had preceded them, Chung said. But their high-spending ways began fizzling out with the onset of the recession, he said, as the subsidies they had been receiving from their parents started “shrinking fast.”

The nation’s current job situation remains at detrimental levels for housing, Chung reminded his audience, with roughly 20% of the workforce out of work, underemployed or so discouraged that it has dropped out. Returning to full-employment will need some time, maybe not as long as the decade or more the Japanese took to recover following the collapse of their financial institutions in the 1990s, he said, but that scenario is a more likely outcome for today’s precarious U.S. economy than the rapid job creation that used to occur in the aftermath of recessions.

What young women are able to earn in the period ahead and how well they fare on their career paths will have implications for housing, he indicated, perhaps enabling them to pass more quickly than expected through the upper end of multifamily rentals into the first-time buyer market.

The amount of support that prospective renters and buyers receive from the economy remains a major unknown, but Chung laid out some demographic numbers and market research on Gen Y that builders should be digesting now.

U.S. Population Keeps on Growing

The best news the demographics have to offer housing is that the U.S. population, unlike in most other industrialized countries, will continue on an upward march, growing from 300 million five years ago to 350 million 15 years from now and 400 million in maybe 25 years from today.

However, part of the challenge, he said is that this boost will be coming from segments of the population that don’t have the highest incomes. The number of individuals of mixed race will be growing the fastest — by about 150% — over the quarter-century span when the population shoots from 300 million to 400 million. The mean household income of that group is below the income of whites and Asian Americans. The second fastest growing group by race will be Hispanics — with a surge of about 120% — and they earn far less even than Americans of two or more races.

Appearing prominently in this population mix along with aging baby boomers, multifamily developers definitely have to pay attention to Gen Y because it is accounting for the bulk of demand in the rental housing market. Those in the prime renting age bracket of 22 to 30 will grow 17% from 2000 until 2020, when they will peak at more than 40 million strong, higher than the previous peak in 1985 fueled by the boomers.

Members of Gen Y are coming under income constraints not only because they are young but also because they increasingly belong to lower-earning racial groups. Forty-five percent of this generation is not Caucasian.

Gender Counts

But Gen Y is also where gender comes into play and women are achieving more than men, reversing the income gap between the sexes in the workplace. In 1972, men were 1.5 times more likely to earn a college degree than women; today it is the exact opposite, he said.

Women working full-time receive only 79% of the pay men earn on average, but single women in their 20s working in an urban environment are earning 105% of what their male counterparts are earning, and in some markets their paychecks are 120% of the men’s, he said.

As a result, multifamily builders can expect to see more young women popping up, especially where they are renting a higher-end premium product, Chung said. Additionally, these women are taking a longer time to get married and have children, and this is “dramatically shifting the demand and need for housing, reshaping rental housing demand as they go through the cycle.”

Multifamily rentals will also be running into some competition from homeownership among Gen Y women, part of a more general trend in which single women are accounting for 20% to 25% of first-time home purchases. As the job market tightens up, Gen Y women are likely to be a primary market for first homes.

Even so, Chung indicated that Gen Y women aren’t always easy to read. Despite their higher incomes, “their preferences are different,” he said. In studies of their values “they are much more willing and thoughtful about making tradeoffs and less willing to spend more.” They are more fiscally conservative than young men.

They are also responsive to housing that provides security and that enables them to create their own environment.

“A feeling of safety and security is huge,” he said, “and not to be underestimated. It’s not just about lock systems, but ways you can signal safety and security, and beyond the four walls,” such as feeling safe when jogging in the morning or evening.

Little details are also important. “Young women are many more times likely to read for pleasure than young men,” said Chung. “As you shrink space, this has implications for what built-ins you want to have, what you put on the coffee table in marketing. The differences between the sexes are getting much bigger than seen in the past,” including how they spend their leisure time. “And we haven’t seen how this will be playing out.”

Consumers Are Up in the Air

With men and women alike, builders are going to have to grapple with “fissures in consumer behavior,” according to Chung. “This is the first time we have seen so many consumer decisions up in the air.” Consumers are rethinking their prior brand preferences, their aspirations, where they want to focus their spending and where they are shaving it.

Also bridging gender differences, members of Gen Y have “technological expectations well beyond the rest of us,” he said. “They are using that to customize their lives on line and off line; their relationship to the digital world is different.”

In a generational split with the baby boomers, Chung said that demand for outdoor recreational amenities is softening among Gen Y at the same time that baby boomers continue to strenuously push for it. “A shift is going on,” he said.

Chung said that there are now markets in the country where the dynamics look favorable for new residential development. However, “there is very little correlation between construction and fundamental demand drivers.”

The real correlation is between home building and the availability of credit, which is notably lacking at the current time. “People are on the sidelines waiting to build,” he said, and when the necessary capital does arrive there will probably be a spike. “Capital availability will open up faster for multifamily,” he predicted, “because the fundamentals in many markets are better for multifamily.”

Source: NAHB

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For some it may be something as simple as remote or automatic control of a few lights. For others, security may be the central application. Still others may choose to install advanced controllers or use voice recognition. As a very basic definition, we tend to refer to home automation as anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around the home.

 Adding home automation to an existing home is surprisingly affordable and simple. Our average product costs less than $40 and most require no new wires! We’ve taken the guess work out of what to buy and created a “Good, Better & Best Product Comparison Chart” for both existing homes (retrofit) and new construction homes. We included everything from lighting control, surveillance, irrigation, whole home audio/video and more!
We at Smarthome think that home automation should be what you want it to be. Check out our Interactive Home Tour to see what a Smart Home is all about. Whatever your “MVP” automation project might be, we’re confident that using it will make life around the home more convenient, safe and fun!
 
 
What Can I Control?  
Lighting
Probably the most popular control category and a great way to get involved with home automation. Starter kits begin at less than $60 and are plug-and-play easy to install. Dim light fixtures you could never dim before, and control them from anywhere in the house (or world via the Internet).

Security Systems & Access Control
Have your home call you and/or loved ones if there is an alert situation. You can save money on security monitoring services or even monitor for non-traditional security events like water in the laundry room or basement. Additionally, Smarthome products include devices that will allow you to unlock the front door to let friends in or close the garage door from your office via the web.
Home Theater & Entertainment
 Just imagine replacing that pile of remotes with just one controller. Now, imagine not having to know all 10 steps to starting up your home theater – just press the HBO icon and your home automation products/system will do the rest. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are especially popular with homeowners as they provide beautiful sound throughout the house while adding no clutter whatsoever.

Phone Systems
Phone systems that are usually used for small business applications are surprisingly convenient in the home. With caller ID and a home automation controller you can even screen your calls for only those you wish to cause your phone to ring. Voice control software turns every phone in your home into a remote controller.
Thermostats
Remote-control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell phone while on your way home (or to your second home!). They can even trigger a notice to you if the temperature gets too low (to prevent pipes from freezing) or too high (to protect your pets, plants, etc.).

Irrigation
 Have your sprinklers turn on only when it’s not raining. Some of our customers even turn the sprinklers on when there’s motion in the yard at unwanted times – imagine an intruder trying to explain the wet clothes to the police!
Cable & Structured Wiring
Home automation can be accomplished using various types of connectivity. What’s great is that many of today’s home automation products need no new wires – so they are perfect to retrofit into an existing home. If you are building new or doing a major remodel, please consider adding networking, audio, video and control wiring while it is easy and relatively inexpensive. Later on you’ll be happy you did.

 
How Can I Control Them?  
Remote Control
Remote control gives you the convenience of controlling lighting, appliances, security systems and consumer electronics from wherever you happen to be at the time, like your couch, car or even in your bed. There are several different “methods” of controlling devices remotely.

What are the Benefits of Home Automation?  
Convenience
We’ve all gotten used to controlling our TV from the couch; just wait until you are able to dim the lights as well. Imagine adjusting the temperature from your bed or controlling the volume of your whole-house audio system from any room. Or imagine the wall/ceiling heater in your bathroom coming on automatically on chilly mornings 5 minutes before your alarm clock goes off so that it is warm when you enter. Many Smarthome products also save energy — we’ll all agree that’s a nice convenience.

Safety
We’re all used to opening the garage door from the car, but you’ll be surprised how much safer you’ll feel coming home to a lit home and even turning on more lights from your keyfob remote upon your arrival. With a couple of basic products you can have your whole house light up like Fort Knox when there is motion detected at any corner of your house. Imagine your house sending you an email if there is motion where there shouldn’t be any. Or you can have your security system call you if there is an alarm, which might include your typical security alarm or even a low or high temperature or water in the laundry room or basement.

Fun
High-tech products for the home are fun to use and share with others. Whether viewing visitors at your front door on your TV or tuning your stereo by using voice recognition, you’ll find home automation surprisingly enjoyable. And when it comes to impressing the friends, you’ll be happy to show off your newfound applications. 
http://www.smarthome.com/homeautomation.html

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Nevertheless, energy efficiency for frugality’s sake still results in environmental benefits, in effect making many Americans what Eco Pulse’s researchers call “accidental environmentalists.”

“One of the most important findings is that people don’t go green to save the planet,” says Suzanne Shelton, president and CEO of the Shelton Group. “Particularly in the built environment, they go green to gain a sense of control, personal satisfaction, and comfort in their homes.”

Interest in green products has continued to rise steadily, despite declining motivation to “do the right thing” and “save the environment.” Out of the 1,000 people surveyed for Eco Pulse 2010, 64 percent say they are searching for greener products, a slight increase over last year. And the primary reason respondents say they’re buying green home improvement products is “to save money” (17 percent), compared with just 10 percent who are concerned about conserving natural resources and 8.6 percent concerned about their families’ exposure to toxins and chemicals.

More than half of respondents say they’re searching for greener appliances and about 44 percent express an interest in greener home improvement products such as windows, carpet, and insulation. Perhaps not surprisingly, those with children are more likely to be looking for green home improvement products (49 percent) than those with no children in their homes (41 percent). Economic conditions don’t appear to be dampening consumer interest in green products, either: 48 percent indicate they are buying the same number of green products despite the recession, and 21 percent say they are actually buying more.

This sustained interest in energy efficiency could be due to a combination of factors, such as rising energy costs and the American economy’s continuing troubles. But Shelton thinks a driving factor may be simply that consumers understand energy efficiency better than other green characteristics, such as indoor air quality and life cycle impact.

When asked what “green” means as applied to products, 69 percent of those surveyed chose the generic definition “environmentally friendly,” followed most closely by recycled/recyclable (45.5 percent) and energy-efficient (31 percent). Natural (26 percent), renewable (20 percent), and organic (20 percent) also were popular choices. Many of the qualities that have been getting the most play within the design and construction industry are concepts that consumers don’t grasp as well as they understand energy efficiency. Fewer consumers defined green as sustainable (12 percent), healthy (10.5 percent), bio-based (9 percent), carbon neutral (7 percent), and water conserving (4 percent).

Again, when consumers were asked for the top three criteria they use to determine whether a home improvement product is green, they overwhelmingly selected energy efficiency (43 percent) and Energy Star qualification (39 percent) as the No. 1 standard. Impact on health (24 percent) or indoor air quality (23 percent) ranked slightly lower, followed by recycled content (16 percent), sustainable material content (13 percent), and water-saving (8 percent).

In another study published by the Shelton Group in 2009, 72 percent of those surveyed said they were interested in owning or renting an energy-efficient home, but less than half said the same about owning or renting a green home.

“Consumers understand energy efficiency, and they know when they have it,” Shelton notes. “Green seems so esoteric to most people. Energy efficiency equals compromise, while green equals sacrifice and expense.”

To market products, home improvement services, or new homes as green is much less effective than a strategy that defines and details the benefits a consumer can expect to receive. “We would say, lead with energy efficiency if you can, then follow up with the health benefits. If you don’t have energy efficiency as a quality of your product, then hammer the healthy benefits,” Shelton explains.

Nevertheless, there is increasing understanding among consumers that a green home also is healthy. “What we found is that anyone in the study groups who had a personal experience with a health-related issue that could be exacerbated by their environment or environmental problems is far more educated and is changing their behaviors,” Shelton says. “And as we see more and more environmental problems lead to more respiratory problems, I think we’ll see consumers getting savvier about how a green home is a healthier home.”

Eco Pulse 2010 also found that most consumers depend on a product’s label (40 percent) and its content/ingredients/energy-savings package information (38 percent) to tell them that a product is green.

Of the 21 percent of people who say they rely on independent third-party product certifications, 54 percent selected Energy Star as the best third-party certifier, followed by the Green Good Housekeeping Seal (32 percent), and Consumer Reports (30 percent). According to the study, there is much less recognition and awareness of Greenguard (10 percent), Green Seal (9 percent), and LEED (8 percent). Even less recognized were the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Forest Stewardship Council, Cradle to Cradle, and WaterSense.

“Certifications are not as important or as big a driver as all the people who run certification programs would like them to be,” Shelton says.

Notably, though, respondents profiled as “active” green product buyers were more likely than the overall group to select the less well-known certifications. For example, 15 percent of active green buyers selected LEED certification compared with just 8 percent of the overall group.

The abundance of green product certifications now operating on the market—for everything from construction materials and homes to personal care items and supermarket produce—is creating competition and increasing the potential for consumer confusion about precisely what each program certifies and how trustworthy it is. But the study’s researchers predict that eventually weaker certifications will be weeded out as awareness and understanding grows, leaving those that have built consumer confidence in their brands.

While energy efficiency currently is the biggest driver of green purchases, Shelton notes that it still ranks low on the list of home improvements that consumers would choose to make if they had ready cash. The firm’s most recent Energy Pulse study found that while energy efficiency improvements were top of the list in 2008 when the economy and the housing industry were reeling, in 2009 consumers preferred aesthetic improvements over efficiency, largely because they had retrenched severely, were spending much more time in their homes, and wanted to look at something pretty.

“You might wonder why they’re choosing aesthetics and things that won’t save them money when we’re in a recession, rather than energy-saving features, but it’s about control and feeling comfortable,” Shelton says.

Plus, most homeowners believe their homes are still using the same amount of energy they used five years ago, despite higher costs. “If they don’t think there’s a problem, why would they invest in energy efficiency improvements? This is a tremendous education opportunity,” she adds.

Source: CUSTOM HOME Magazine
Publication date: May 19, 2010
By Stephani L. Miller

http://www.customhomeonline.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=204&articleID=1286382&artnum=1

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Although the original bill did pass with the Merkley language included and was signed into law two days later, the House and Senate began immediate consideration of a reconciliation package (H.R. 4872) that included language secured by NAHB that effectively eliminates the Merkley provision in the new health care law. The reconciliation package was approved late in the evening on March 25 and is expected be signed by the President soon. Although NAHB remains concerned about other provisions contained in the new health care law, the removal of the Merkley provision’s direct attack on the construction industry is a good development in an otherwise highly politicized and controversial piece of legislation. Going forward, a thorough analysis of the new law’s impacts on NAHB members will be forthcoming soon; also stay tuned for a more complete update in Nation’s Building News and at the upcoming Spring Board of Directors Meeting. Send questions to MondayMorningQuestions@nahb.org

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For decades, ICC and ASHRAE have worked to develop codes and standards that become the industry standard of care for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of residential and commercial buildings in the United States and internationally. In coordination with the efforts of ICC and ASHRAE, USGBC has been leading a nationwide green building movement centered on the LEED Green Building Rating System since LEED was launched in 2000. The convergence of these efforts in the IGCC is perhaps the most significant development in the buildings industry in the past 10 years.
Leveraging ICC’s unrivaled delivery infrastructure to reach all 50 states and more than 22,000 local jurisdictions and ASHRAE, USGBC and IES’s technical strengths, this partnership will accelerate the proliferation of green building codes and standards developed jointly by ICC, ASHRAE and USGBC and IES, across the country and around the globe. The newly launched IGCC establishes a previously unimaginable regulatory framework for the construction of high-performance, commercial buildings that are safe, sustainable and by the book.
A landmark addition to the technical content of the IGCC is the inclusion of ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, as an alternate path of compliance. Standard 189.1 is a set of technically rigorous requirements, which like the IGCC, covers criteria including water use efficiency, indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, materials and resource use, and the building’s impact on its site and its community. Standard 189.1 was written by experts representing all areas of the building industry, who contributed tens of thousands of man hours. Developed in a little over three years, the standard underwent four public reviews in which some 2,500 comments were received.
“The emergence of green building codes and standards is an important next step for the green building movement, establishing a much-needed set of baseline regulations for green buildings that is adoptable, usable and enforceable by jurisdictions,” said ICC Chief Executive Officer Richard P. Weiland. “The IGCC provides a vehicle for jurisdictions to regulate green for the design and performance of new and renovated buildings in a manner that is integrated with existing codes as an overlay, allowing all new buildings to reap the rewards of improved design and construction practices.”
“Bringing together the code expertise of ICC with technical expertise of ASHRAE to create a comprehensive green building code will accelerate our transformation to more sustainable building practices,” Gordon Holness, ASHRAE president, said. “ASHRAE is committed to providing the design guidance building designers and engineers need to reduce the energy consumption of buildings.”
“The U.S. Green Building Council’s mission is market transformation and we’ve long recognized the need to reach beyond the market leaders served by LEED to accomplish this goal,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council.
“Broadening the scope of the codes and establishing a higher floor allows us to continue to raise the ceiling, a critical factor in how the building industry is working to mitigate climate change. We are thrilled to see this set of complementary green building codes and standards; our organizations working collaboratively will advance green building nationwide in a way that was never before possible. ”
“IES is pleased to support the collaborative efforts of the organizations which demonstrate expertise in code and technical standards development in this comprehensive green building code,” said Rita Harrold, IES Director of Technology. “IES looks forward to ongoing guidance for sustainable building practices.”
On Monday, March 15, ASHRAE, IES and USGBC will join ICC at its Washington, D.C., headquarters as they and their co-authors (the American Institute of Architects and the American Society for Testing Materials) launch the IGCC. On Monday, Standard 189 .1 and the IGCC will be available for wide distribution, providing much-needed content, code language, and vision for more safe and sustainable future. The organizations are also working together to advance related education and advocacy efforts to promote adoption, enforcement and compliance with the IGCC codes that will pave the way for green buildings and neighborhoods, while creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
For more information on IGCC: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/default.aspx and on Standard 189.1: www.ashrae.org/greenstandard.
——————————————————————————–

About ICC
The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States
About USGBC
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,500 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs. www.usgbc.org
About ASHRAE
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 51,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education. www.ashrae.org
About IES
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) is the recognized technical authority on illumination. For over 100 years; its objective has been to communicate information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, to the lighting community, and to consumers, through a variety of programs, publications, and services.
IES is a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, and a vehicle for its members’ professional development and recognition. Through technical committees, with hundreds of qualified individuals from the lighting and user communities, IES correlates research, investigations, and discussions to guide lighting professionals and lay persons via consensus-based lighting recommendations. www.ies.org

http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/article/ca6722739.html?nid=2469&rid=6397697

News Release
March 11, 2010
HousingZone
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Residential architects continue to report declining business conditions, indicating that the housing market is not yet entering a full recovery phase. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2009, which focused specifically on kitchen and bathrooms.

“The general consensus is that homes will continue to be smaller on average than they were in the past decade,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “But since kitchens remain the nerve center of the home, doing more with less space is a key consideration. Integrating kitchens with family space remains a design priority, as does including areas devoted to recycling, pantries, computer workstations, and spaces devoted to recharging laptops, cell phones and PDAs.”

* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity

Baker added, “Homeowners are moving away from glitzy features such as steam showers and towel warming drawers/racks, and instead looking for water-saving toilets, radiant heated flooring and LED lighting options to manage utility costs.”

* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity

Housing Market Business Conditions

AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q4 2009 (any score above 50 is positive)

•Billings: 32 (down from 38 in Q3 2009)
•Inquiries for new projects: 45 (down from 46 in Q3 2009)
“It’s still too early to think the residential market has fully recovered, but there are two encouraging signs – overall business conditions are far better than they were a year ago at this time, and we are seeing improvement in those housing sectors that need to lead a broader improvement in the housing market: remodeling and alterations of existing homes, and at the entry-level of the new construction market.” said Baker.

Specific construction segments (index score computed as % of respondents reporting improving minus those reporting weakening conditions)

•Kitchen and bath remodeling: 28
•Additions / alterations: 21
•First-time buyer / affordable home market: -4
•Move-up home market: -31
•Custom / luxury home market: -44
•Townhouse / condo market: -46
•Second / vacation home market: -71
——————————————————————————–
About the AIA Home Design Trends Survey
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. Residential architects are design leaders in shaping how homes function, look, and integrate into communities and this survey helps to identify emerging trends in the housing marketplace. Business conditions are also monitored on a quarterly basis. Future surveys will focus on overall home layout and use (June 2010) specialty rooms and systems (September 2010) and community design trends (December 2010).
About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org

AIA News Release
March 9, 2010
HousingZone

http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/article/ca6722154.html?nid=2469&rid=6397697

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However, rules effective April 22 governing contractors in homes where lead paint may be present will prevent meaningful retrofit work from being done because there won’t be enough certified renovation contractors trained in the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Lead Safe Work Practices.

•Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to the Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting Rule.
•EPA has estimated that more than 236,000 remodelers, window installers, painters, heating and air-conditioning specialists and other trade contractors must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule.
•Only about 14,000 people have been certified to date.
•Just 135 firms throughout the country are approved to offer the training courses.
•In some states there are still no approved trainers.
According to NAHB, many of its members will have to avoid working in older homes to avoid breaking the law, which is in direct conflict to an today’s business environment where improving energy efficiency and creating jobs are national priorities.

Matt Phair, HousingZone Contributing Editor
March 12, 2010
HousingZone

http://www.housingzone.com/article/CA6722756.html?nid=&rid

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1. Follow all manufacturers’ installation instructions. Installation protocols and code requirements can vary significantly from one type, style or brand of shingle to another. For example, starter-course instructions, nailing-pattern requirements and roof-coverage area often vary from product to product. Unfortunately, instructions often get overlooked or discarded altogether during the construction process. Failing to follow instructions can lead to durability problems and can possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving the builder bearing the full cost of any needed repair or replacement. Here are three simple ways builders can reinforce the importance of following installation instructions:

•Take the time to read the instructions and quiz your crew on proper installation protocols. Regardless of how many times they’ve installed those materials, they may have been doing something wrong all along and just didn’t know it.
•Make sure all current installation instructions are on file with the jobsite superintendent and affixed to the scope of work given to the roofing-trade crew leader.
•Regularly take stock of installation instructions on file on the jobsite to be sure they are the most current for the type and style of material you’re using.

2. Create a comprehensive job plan. A builder’s goal with any element of a job should always be to do it right the first time to avoid costly delays. The key to getting it right is creating a comprehensive job plan for every type of work on the site. Roofing is no exception. Here are three tips for creating an effective roofing job plan:

•Carefully lay out the job before it begins. Place evenly spaced chalk lines along the roofing underlayment to give the installer a visible guide for every course.
•Before the roofing work begins, decide on valley style and ridge and gable end treatment, and be explicit about those details on the plans and scope of work.
•Periodically confirm the takeoff and make sure there is a sufficient quantity of shingles from the same dye lot on the jobsite. Running a few square feet short at the end of the job and filling in with shingles that don’t quite match is a rookie mistake that reflects poorly on your reputation for quality.

3. Get the fastening details right. Builders often specify the type and style of shingle for the roof, but they rarely choose the type and gauge of fasteners for those shingles. Using the wrong fasteners can lead to wind damage and result in a red tag by the code inspector.
The type of fastener required for the job is called out in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as well as in the local building code. If you have a personal preference for either nails or staples, make sure that detail is included on the approved plans and specifications for a given project, as well as in the roofer’s scope of work. If staples are to be substituted for roofing nails, make sure the acceptable wire gauge and staple length are clearly stated, as well.

 
Surprisingly, one of the most common mistakes builders make on roofing projects is failing to follow installation instructions. Quizzing the crew on proper installation protocols and keeping current installation instructions on file with the jobsite superintendent are two ways builders can help avoid mistakes in the field.
Through work with builders of all sizes in the National Housing Quality (NHQ) Certification Program, the NAHB Research Center has discovered several common mistakes and process omissions made on the jobsite that can jeopardize the quality and durability of typical, asphalt-shingle roof installations. Here are five areas builders should focus on to avoid those mistakes:

1. Follow all manufacturers’ installation instructions. Installation protocols and code requirements can vary significantly from one type, style or brand of shingle to another. For example, starter-course instructions, nailing-pattern requirements and roof-coverage area often vary from product to product. Unfortunately, instructions often get overlooked or discarded altogether during the construction process. Failing to follow instructions can lead to durability problems and can possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving the builder bearing the full cost of any needed repair or replacement. Here are three simple ways builders can reinforce the importance of following installation instructions:

•Take the time to read the instructions and quiz your crew on proper installation protocols. Regardless of how many times they’ve installed those materials, they may have been doing something wrong all along and just didn’t know it.
•Make sure all current installation instructions are on file with the jobsite superintendent and affixed to the scope of work given to the roofing-trade crew leader.
•Regularly take stock of installation instructions on file on the jobsite to be sure they are the most current for the type and style of material you’re using.
2. Create a comprehensive job plan. A builder’s goal with any element of a job should always be to do it right the first time to avoid costly delays. The key to getting it right is creating a comprehensive job plan for every type of work on the site. Roofing is no exception. Here are three tips for creating an effective roofing job plan:

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Builders often specify the type and style of shingle for the roof, but they rarely choose
the type and gauge of fasteners for those shingles. Using the wrong fasteners can lead
to wind damage and result in a red tag by the code inspector.
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 •Carefully lay out the job before it begins. Place evenly spaced chalk lines along the roofing underlayment to give the installer a visible guide for every course.
•Before the roofing work begins, decide on valley style and ridge and gable end treatment, and be explicit about those details on the plans and scope of work.
•Periodically confirm the takeoff and make sure there is a sufficient quantity of shingles from the same dye lot on the jobsite. Running a few square feet short at the end of the job and filling in with shingles that don’t quite match is a rookie mistake that reflects poorly on your reputation for quality.

3. Get the fastening details right. Builders often specify the type and style of shingle for the roof, but they rarely choose the type and gauge of fasteners for those shingles. Using the wrong fasteners can lead to wind damage and result in a red tag by the code inspector.
The type of fastener required for the job is called out in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as well as in the local building code. If you have a personal preference for either nails or staples, make sure that detail is included on the approved plans and specifications for a given project, as well as in the roofer’s scope of work. If staples are to be substituted for roofing nails, make sure the acceptable wire gauge and staple length are clearly stated, as well.

4. Adjust nail guns for the job. As the builder, you may not own and use nail guns on the jobsite, but it’s your responsibility to make sure they are adjusted to the proper settings to provide adequate, consistent fastener penetration. Too little pressure leaves the crown of the nail or staple too high, creating a bulge in the profile of the shingle. Too much pressure and the nail or staple can crush the shingle or even be driven through it.

If a nail gun or automatic stapler is to be used, make sure the air pressure is correct. Also, because air pressure can change over the course of a day, the compressor should be checked periodically to ensure air pressure remains within an acceptable range. Ask your trade contractor to document all air pressure checks and adjustments during the course of the day.

5. Conduct a personal inspection of the completed work. An inspection from both the roof level and ground will ensure that the quality of workmanship and aesthetic details are what you expect. As part of the inspection, you should:

•Scan for holes in shingles that were created during the installation of cleats or other temporary framing members. Shingles with holes need to be replaced, not simply filled with roofer’s mastic.
•Make sure the paper and the shingles in the roof valley are secured to the roof sheathing, not suspended above it.
•Look for reverse shingling, especially near a chimney or a plumbing stack. Water flows downhill and shingles need to let it flow, not catch it.
•Look through the trusses or ceiling framing from the underside of the roof to confirm if nails or staples were used in compliance with your specifications. This inspection can also confirm if sufficient quantities of fasteners were used and spacing guidelines were followed.
Document all required corrections and agree with the roofing contractor on when a follow-up inspection can be scheduled. Don’t assume the corrections will be made; always re-inspect. Document all inspections and make sure you and the roofer sign off on the final report.

Specific scopes of work and inspection checklists are two key elements of a documented quality management system adopted and implemented by quality-minded builders across the country. Check out the NAHB Research Center’s Web site for more information on implementing quality management systems for both builders and trade partners.

Created in 1964, the NAHB Research Center is a full-service product commercialization company that strives to make housing more durable, affordable and efficient. The Research Center provides public and private clients with an unrivaled depth of understanding of the housing industry and access to its business leaders.

by Don Carr

http://www.housingzone.com/custombuilder/article/ca6718957.html?nid=2822&rid=6397697

www.dvwise.com

But in the Midwest, the return of the ranch has been far more dramatic: Single-story new homes jumped from 44 percent in 2003 to 52 percent in 2008, the last year for which figures are available.

Although many of those are patio homes targeted at retirees, the traditional family ranch is slowly reappearing.

During the past few years, several central Ohio homebuilders have introduced three-bedroom family-style ranches boasting more than 2,000 square feet.

At Parsons’ suggestion, Romanelli & Hughes built a 2,914-square-foot ranch model at Mansard Estates in Galena in 2008. Since opening the model, Parsons said, five of the 12 homes the company has built in the subdivision and neighboring Walnut Grove Estates have been ranches.

Dominion Homes, central Ohio’s second-largest homebuilder, also introduced a family ranch home, the 2,230-square-foot Waltham model, as part of its Tradition collection last year in several central Ohio subdivisions.

And Hallmark Homes, which entered the central Ohio market last year, offers its 2,354-square-foot Westport ranch at its Oak Park community in Dublin.

“Everyone said we need to build a ranch, ranches are what’s selling, and I said if that’s the case, we’ll build it — and in the first month we offered the design, we sold three of them,” said William Hayes, who oversees Oak Park for Hallmark Homes.

Hayes said the company plans to introduce three more ranch models at Oak Park, an atypical number for the New Jersey-based builder.

“In the Midwest, the ranch seems to be enjoying a resurgence,” he said. “We don’t see that as much in our other markets.”

New family ranches share a single-floor plan and three-bedroom design with their 1950s ancestors, but, as Parsons likes to say, “This ain’t your mama’s ranch.”

For example, Romanelli & Hughes, Dominion and Hallmark ranches all come with at least 9-foot ceilings (the Romanelli & Hughes model has 10- and 12-foot ceilings) and walls of windows in the rear of the house, giving the homes a larger feel.

“Today’s ranches feel more open; they have more windows and don’t feel so confined,” said William Cornely, president and CEO of Dominion Homes.

Layouts get an update, too.

In the newer floor plans, the master suite is separated from the two other bedrooms, as opposed to traditional ranches, which cluster bedrooms in one wing or down one hall.

The most striking difference, though, is the reduction or elimination of formal rooms: The homes group kitchen, living and dining uses into one large living area at the rear of the house.

“The main focal point of the ranch is around entertaining,” Hayes said. “The kitchen is the center; everything revolves around (it). Families just don’t use that formal space anymore.”

In place of a formal living room, ranches often offer a “flex room” off the foyer that can serve as an office, den, formal living room or media room.

Although some contemporary ranch plans offer open dining areas, others dispense with a dining room altogether. Romanelli & Hughes has built smaller versions of its ranch model that replace the dining room with a larger breakfast room off the kitchen which a homeowner can dress up for big holiday meals.

“Who needs a formal dining room anymore?” Parsons asked. “We’re very informal now.”

Modern ranches also come with 8- or 9-foot-deep basements that can be finished, taking advantage of the homes’ large footprints.

As Parsons quipped, “The best part of a ranch? What you get up, you get down.”

In its Mansard Estates model, Romanelli & Hughes finished about 1,300 square feet in the basement — plenty of space for a bar/entertainment room, theater and fourth bedroom and bath — leaving 1,600 square feet for storage, utilities or future living space.

The large ranch footprint, however, is a prime reason that ranches slipped in popularity. As an industry rule of thumb, two-story homes are 20 percent less expensive to build because the foundation, basement and roof are smaller, and framing costs less.

Such expenses turn a $300,000 two-story home into a $360,000 ranch.

Charles Ruma, president of Virginia Homes, which has offered three or four ranch designs for several years, said many buyers who say they want ranches end up purchasing a two-story home because they can get more space for their money.

But for other buyers, cost is less important than the convenient layout and accessibility as the homeowners get older.

According to a National Association of Home Builders’ survey, 52 percent of all buyers prefer a single-story plan to a two-story. The figure skyrockets with older buyers: 79 percent of buyers older than 55 prefer a single story.

The aging population probably will continue to drive the rise in ranches, although the homes might come in a variety of designs.

Westport Homes is working on a ranch design that will feature two master suites, with the idea that empty nesters might use one bedroom for an elderly parent or for guests, said Jack Mautino, president of the Columbus division.

“Baby boomers are aging differently than prior groups,” he said. “They’re not looking to go live in a community that’s 55 and older. They like their independence, their single-family home. They still want to be outside, with the privacy of outdoor living and a garden.

“What I anticipate is we will see more ranches, maybe smaller ones, as people hold onto their homes much longer.”

Jim Weiker, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/articleXml/LN1132370794.html

www.dvwise.com

Now that the housing recovery is nearly upon us–most economists expect a full-fledged recovery to begin this year–it’s time to figure out which markets will be the front-runners. Based on last year’s performance, especially the level of building permits pulled in the fourth quarter, it’s already clear that some markets are poised to grow at a faster pace this year than others in 2010.

Green shoots may be sprouting in markets throughout the country, but which markets will flower first? That’s the question we attempt to answer with the Builder Market Health Index, compiled by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, our market research arm. Market Intelligence (MI) first input 2009 data and 2010 projections for household formations, resale values, and job and income growth. Then, after sprinkling in some secret sauce to weight these drivers, it ranked by health the top 100 housing markets (determined by permits pulled in 2009).

Not surprisingly, many of the markets that topped our 2009 list are on the 2010 leader board, including most of the major markets in Texas, where low development costs kept a lid on house prices during the boom, and strong local economies provided a cushion from the blow of a national recession.

But Lone Star markets were eclipsed this time around by some relatively hot markets in the Carolinas, which accounted for seven of the top 20 spots. Many of the major cities along the Mid-Atlantic seaboard continue to benefit from a strong influx of people drawn by a comfortable way of life, affordable housing, and growing employment prospects.

As with last year, markets that hit the trifecta–having within their borders a state capital and a big university along with a diversified economy–dominate our list of hottest markets. A strong base of government employment, whether it be from the state or the military, has helped stabilize some markets through the housing recession. In many cases, the government is the biggest employer among the 20 markets on our list.

We present this data with one big caveat. These markets may be healthier than others, but they aren’t healthy in the way they were during the housing boom, when it was common to find rising population, employment, and income. Virtually every housing market still has at least one blemish. And for that reason only two received a rating of 50 or more, indicating they are truly healthy. That’s an improvement, though; only one scored 50 or higher last year.

Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, which took into consideration forecasts from Moody’s Economy.com and other sources, is looking for several of these healthiest markets to break out this year. A few of them witnessed dramatic increases in building permits pulled in the fourth quarter of last year, momentum that is expected to carry over into 2010. Several of the markets on this list are poised for double-digit growth. Read on.

3. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC

Market Health Indicator: 48.0

2009 Total Building Permits: 7,607

2010 Building Permit Forecast: 7,442

Home to 1.77 million people, Charlotte has been one of the strongest housing markets in the country during the last three years. Housing prices in this banking center (Wachovia and Bank of America have big presences here) were pretty stable last year, barely inching down. Income levels actually rose in 2009. And households continued to form at a relatively high rate, compared to the rest of the country. The job picture should brighten in 2010; the area is projected to add 2% more jobs. Single-family permit activity began rising in the fourth quarter–it was up 20% over the year-ago period–despite a glut of downtown condos that have been converted to rentals.

By:Boyce Thompson

http://www.builderonline.com/local-markets/the-20-healthiest-housing-markets-for-2010.aspx?cid=BLDR100225002&page=1

www.dvwise.com