If you have not been out to this year's (our 21st) Kaleidoscope of Homes at the beautiful Montserrat West Fort Worth Estates, get out there on this beautiful weekend and enjoy the tour of homes.
Our proceeds benefit the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and the Greater Fort Worth Builder's Association is proud to support the hospital with this event.
Today, Saturday, September 10th, we're also honored to have local radio show House Talk Today broadcast live from the Kaleidoscope - tune in to 660 AM (K-SKY) today from 1-3!
See you there!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Technology and the Single Builder
I just got back from a trip to Austin where I attended the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) winter committee and Board of Directors meetings, along with a statewide “Rally Day” at our State Capitol. Rally Day is actually a very dynamic and inspiring event, where builders from all over Texas get the opportunity to meet with state legislators and talk about issues that affect our businesses, our local communities, our customers and our industry as a whole.
So what does this have to do with technology? A lot, actually. I recently upgraded my old Blackberry to a new smartphone that gives me lots of different communications options and (of course) apps! Even though I was down in Austin, away from my home office and engaged in all day meetings and events, I was never far from my customers – and not just by phone, but with mobile email, social media and photo and video applications. I’m able to communicate and share information like spec sheets and house plans real time.
At the committee meetings, the TAB organizers presented their materials for our review not on paper, but electronically (for the summer session, I hope to bring a new iPad!).
And of course, technology and the building industry come together in many more ways than the ability to stay in constant touch and review extensive sets of information online. The science of building is advancing rapidly – the new products, materials and techniques that are part of the emerging technology focus in construction are absolutely amazing and becoming more and more affordable. Touch-sensitive plumbing fixtures from Delta and motion activated lighting solutions give us convenient ways to build greener and more efficient homes from the inside out. We’re seeing really exciting new solar products – sheaths and cells that will become mainstream sooner than many of us originally thought.
The integrated home is not a concept of the future. From the exterior walls and roofing materials to the insulation system and the fixtures and appliances – the integrated home is a current reality that tech-savvy builders can and should embrace.
I’m excited about all the possibilities – some of which used to intimidate me a little. Builders aren’t always early adopters of technology, but we are definitely dedicated to making your dreams come true, and today’s dream home – the ‘Home of the Future’ is here right now. If I can master a smart phone, then I can also show you how apps can help you monitor your thermostats, manage your entertainment systems and run your lighting systems and appliances from a digital platform.
Who’d have thought?
So what does this have to do with technology? A lot, actually. I recently upgraded my old Blackberry to a new smartphone that gives me lots of different communications options and (of course) apps! Even though I was down in Austin, away from my home office and engaged in all day meetings and events, I was never far from my customers – and not just by phone, but with mobile email, social media and photo and video applications. I’m able to communicate and share information like spec sheets and house plans real time.
At the committee meetings, the TAB organizers presented their materials for our review not on paper, but electronically (for the summer session, I hope to bring a new iPad!).
And of course, technology and the building industry come together in many more ways than the ability to stay in constant touch and review extensive sets of information online. The science of building is advancing rapidly – the new products, materials and techniques that are part of the emerging technology focus in construction are absolutely amazing and becoming more and more affordable. Touch-sensitive plumbing fixtures from Delta and motion activated lighting solutions give us convenient ways to build greener and more efficient homes from the inside out. We’re seeing really exciting new solar products – sheaths and cells that will become mainstream sooner than many of us originally thought.
The integrated home is not a concept of the future. From the exterior walls and roofing materials to the insulation system and the fixtures and appliances – the integrated home is a current reality that tech-savvy builders can and should embrace.
I’m excited about all the possibilities – some of which used to intimidate me a little. Builders aren’t always early adopters of technology, but we are definitely dedicated to making your dreams come true, and today’s dream home – the ‘Home of the Future’ is here right now. If I can master a smart phone, then I can also show you how apps can help you monitor your thermostats, manage your entertainment systems and run your lighting systems and appliances from a digital platform.
Who’d have thought?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Is Your Air Conditioned? Planning for Energy Efficiency in Your Home
Brrrrr! Just when you think spring might be around the corner, Texas weather brings a new extreme – like these bone-chilling winds and icy streets!
Last week we talked about winter maintenance, and these frigid temperatures (and rolling power blackouts) made me start thinking about energy efficiency, especially when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
Most of us think about ‘air conditioning’ as what keeps our homes cool during the hot summer months – but conditioned air involves heating, cooling, humidity, ventilation and any modification that affects the condition of the air. We’ve seen a lot of improvements over the past ten years or so in appliances, insulation, and building techniques that give you the ability to make your home well conditioned and energy efficient at the same time.
Remember your grandmother’s Dearborn heater? Dearborn heaters are 99% fuel-efficient, using radiant and convection heat to warm up a single room without the need for a venting system. Today, we have learned a great deal about how to keep your entire home comfortable while saving both money and energy.
The evolution of building science is very exciting! One of the greatest breakthroughs we have seen in residential construction is the ability to create an envelope of tight, conditioned air – one of the best ways to maximize efficiency.
Before your new home is bricked and insulated, we can actually test the entire structure for leaks and weak spots. Once the doors and windows are installed, we set up a blower door in the front of the house – a special door with a pressurized fan that test the tightness of the home and exposes any holes or drafts that aren’t visible by a sight inspection.
By sealing leaks before the home is even finished, we prevent problems that might be hard to spot after you move in. Leaks and poorly vented openings cause fluctuations in temperature and air pressure and make your appliances and systems work harder to stabilize the air.
The next step – insulation – is critical, and deciding which type of insulation best suits your budget and lifestyle will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the building process.
Many homes still use batt insulation, also called blanket insulation. Batt insulation is made of up of ‘blankets’ or rolls of fiber, usually fiberglass. Batt insulation can work well, as long as it is installed properly; and we’ve found that it’s hard to install batt insulation perfectly. Cellulose insulation that is blown into open cavities is the next step up - it works a little more effectively than batt, but still relies on dead air space to work efficiently.
The top of the line insulation – in both price and efficiency – is spray polyurethane foam. An expanding foam is sprayed directly on slabs, wall cavities and through holes drilled into completed walls. The foam expands to fill in tight spaces and can also increase the stability of the structure and help with sound insulation.
We’ve used spray foam in several houses now, and I really recommend taking a good look at how this technique can work for you. I like to think of it as building a Styrofoam ice chest around your home that creates perfect indoor conditioning once the process is finished and the lid is sealed shut. Foam insulation conditions the entire living space and keeps it at a stable, moderate temperature throughout, giving you the most energy efficient and affordable conditioning available.
If you have looked into spray foam as an option, and stopped short because of the price, consider a few key points:
Spray foam is expensive, but it is a superb product that will pay you back in five to seven years.
Keeping your home completely sealed and conditioned is one of the top green building techniques you and your builder can integrate into your new home’s design, offering great value and comfort for an investment that is good for the environment and will continue to save you money year over year.
Last week we talked about winter maintenance, and these frigid temperatures (and rolling power blackouts) made me start thinking about energy efficiency, especially when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
Most of us think about ‘air conditioning’ as what keeps our homes cool during the hot summer months – but conditioned air involves heating, cooling, humidity, ventilation and any modification that affects the condition of the air. We’ve seen a lot of improvements over the past ten years or so in appliances, insulation, and building techniques that give you the ability to make your home well conditioned and energy efficient at the same time.
Remember your grandmother’s Dearborn heater? Dearborn heaters are 99% fuel-efficient, using radiant and convection heat to warm up a single room without the need for a venting system. Today, we have learned a great deal about how to keep your entire home comfortable while saving both money and energy.
The evolution of building science is very exciting! One of the greatest breakthroughs we have seen in residential construction is the ability to create an envelope of tight, conditioned air – one of the best ways to maximize efficiency.
Before your new home is bricked and insulated, we can actually test the entire structure for leaks and weak spots. Once the doors and windows are installed, we set up a blower door in the front of the house – a special door with a pressurized fan that test the tightness of the home and exposes any holes or drafts that aren’t visible by a sight inspection.
By sealing leaks before the home is even finished, we prevent problems that might be hard to spot after you move in. Leaks and poorly vented openings cause fluctuations in temperature and air pressure and make your appliances and systems work harder to stabilize the air.
The next step – insulation – is critical, and deciding which type of insulation best suits your budget and lifestyle will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the building process.
Many homes still use batt insulation, also called blanket insulation. Batt insulation is made of up of ‘blankets’ or rolls of fiber, usually fiberglass. Batt insulation can work well, as long as it is installed properly; and we’ve found that it’s hard to install batt insulation perfectly. Cellulose insulation that is blown into open cavities is the next step up - it works a little more effectively than batt, but still relies on dead air space to work efficiently.
The top of the line insulation – in both price and efficiency – is spray polyurethane foam. An expanding foam is sprayed directly on slabs, wall cavities and through holes drilled into completed walls. The foam expands to fill in tight spaces and can also increase the stability of the structure and help with sound insulation.
We’ve used spray foam in several houses now, and I really recommend taking a good look at how this technique can work for you. I like to think of it as building a Styrofoam ice chest around your home that creates perfect indoor conditioning once the process is finished and the lid is sealed shut. Foam insulation conditions the entire living space and keeps it at a stable, moderate temperature throughout, giving you the most energy efficient and affordable conditioning available.
If you have looked into spray foam as an option, and stopped short because of the price, consider a few key points:
· You’ll eliminate the need for radiant barriers
· Your investment provides a higher performing home than any other
· Your monthly gas and electric bills will decrease
· You may be able to install a lower ton, less expensive HVAC unit
· You’ll recoup your initial cost and then some if you plan to stay more than five years
Spray foam is expensive, but it is a superb product that will pay you back in five to seven years.
Keeping your home completely sealed and conditioned is one of the top green building techniques you and your builder can integrate into your new home’s design, offering great value and comfort for an investment that is good for the environment and will continue to save you money year over year.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Winter Home Maintenance Tips – From Freezing to Blooming
One of the reasons that North Texas is such a great place to live (and so attractive to people looking to relocate) is our temperate weather. We are fortunate to enjoy mild winters and early springs, but don’t forget that January and February can bring frigid temperatures and lows well below freezing.
Here are a few tips that will help you maintain our home during our coldest months and get you ready for the first blooms of early spring:
Thankfully, our winter season is short and moderate. With just a few simple and routine home inspections and self-maintenance, you’ll be ready to enjoy your yard, patio and some warm weather fun before you know it!
Here are a few tips that will help you maintain our home during our coldest months and get you ready for the first blooms of early spring:
1. Make sure that you keep your lawn and flowerbeds watered and cleaned out. It’s also a good idea to limit activity on the lawn until the temperatures start to really warm up and stabilize in March and early April.
2. Keep your gutters clean and free of leaves and other debris.
3. Store your firewood well away from the house – the best recommendation is at least 30 feet, as both a fire safety precaution and a measure to keep pests like termites away from your home.
4. If you have any outdoor pipes that are exposed, take care to keep them wrapped or insulated during the harshest nights.
5. Cover outdoor furniture and protect it from rain, ice and the occasional snowfall.
6. Make sure the freeze guard on your pool or spa is in good working order and set correctly. If you don’t have a pool cover, take care to keep the filters clean and the surface regularly swept.
7. Don’t neglect your indoor air filters either – if you forgot to change them during the fall, now is a good time to check them, along with smoke detectors and circuit breakers.
8. Keep an even temperature in rooms that aren’t used frequently – it can be low – around 60 degrees, but try not to let the house get too cold.
9. Use the winter months to maintain your lawn mowers, trimmers and blowers. Take advantage of winter discounts on parts and labor and avoid the spring rush when everyone wants to get their gear serviced. You’ll be ready to roll when spring arrives.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Hot Topics From Frozen Florida- Sizing Up the 2011 Builders’ Show
Last week, we touched on some of the latest design trends. We just got back from the 2011 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida, where it was sunny but really cold! In spite of the freezing temps, we saw heard a lot of HOT topics being discussed on the show floor and during the education classes and panel discussions.
One of my greatest takeaways from the show was the level of excitement that people in our industry have for the future – this year and beyond. From all the vendors who brought their latest and greatest products to IBS to individual builders, realtors and developers, everyone I met was enthusiastic about the year ahead and rising trends for new residential and commercial construction. Here are some of the highlights:
Welcome Gen X and Gen Y. While I hate to use broad labels, if you are 45 and under, rest assured that your likes and interests are top of mind for builders and designers. We hear you and we are ready to work with you to design great living and gathering spaces that are affordable, energy efficient and reflective of your personal style.
Nature and technology can cohabitate with ease and beauty. Technology drives efficient and convenience – everything from motion sensors that guide lighting to programmable HVAC and incredible Smartphone apps for countless functions in your home. Today’s high-tech home doesn’t have to look like a spaceship, though – I heard a lot of discussion about ‘soft contemporary’ design styles that combine natural materials (like bamboo flooring) and colors with sophisticated lighting and appliances for the best of both worlds.
Size matters – and bigger is not necessarily better. Last year we heard a lot about smaller floor plans – this year, the term was ‘right-sized.’ Right-sizing is more than just a euphemism for smaller. In 2011, designers and architects are taking a close look at creating great living spaces using less square footage and maximizing traditional spaces in different ways. Pantries and cabinets look different, eating areas are combined (say goodbye to the breakfast nook), ceiling treatments and lighting clearly define spaces, and every square foot in your next home will have a specific purpose.
Green is a state of mind. Yes, there are a wide variety of products, materials and techniques that going into green building - and some of these practices are very expensive. However, there are many design elements and products that can be incorporated into a home that give you eco-friendly solutions to everyday living. Using Energy Star appliances and electronics, making it easy to recycle, and using reclaimed materials can all contribute to a greener lifestyle for all budgets.
Every time I attend IBS, I am overwhelmed by the vast array of new products and services continuously coming online for residential and commercial construction projects. Experiencing the show is a great reminder that our customers have SO many choices – and that experienced builders should guide their customers through the selection process and design dilemmas so that they make the best decisions for their families. We’re happy and honored to help you!
One of my greatest takeaways from the show was the level of excitement that people in our industry have for the future – this year and beyond. From all the vendors who brought their latest and greatest products to IBS to individual builders, realtors and developers, everyone I met was enthusiastic about the year ahead and rising trends for new residential and commercial construction. Here are some of the highlights:
Welcome Gen X and Gen Y. While I hate to use broad labels, if you are 45 and under, rest assured that your likes and interests are top of mind for builders and designers. We hear you and we are ready to work with you to design great living and gathering spaces that are affordable, energy efficient and reflective of your personal style.
Nature and technology can cohabitate with ease and beauty. Technology drives efficient and convenience – everything from motion sensors that guide lighting to programmable HVAC and incredible Smartphone apps for countless functions in your home. Today’s high-tech home doesn’t have to look like a spaceship, though – I heard a lot of discussion about ‘soft contemporary’ design styles that combine natural materials (like bamboo flooring) and colors with sophisticated lighting and appliances for the best of both worlds.
Size matters – and bigger is not necessarily better. Last year we heard a lot about smaller floor plans – this year, the term was ‘right-sized.’ Right-sizing is more than just a euphemism for smaller. In 2011, designers and architects are taking a close look at creating great living spaces using less square footage and maximizing traditional spaces in different ways. Pantries and cabinets look different, eating areas are combined (say goodbye to the breakfast nook), ceiling treatments and lighting clearly define spaces, and every square foot in your next home will have a specific purpose.
Green is a state of mind. Yes, there are a wide variety of products, materials and techniques that going into green building - and some of these practices are very expensive. However, there are many design elements and products that can be incorporated into a home that give you eco-friendly solutions to everyday living. Using Energy Star appliances and electronics, making it easy to recycle, and using reclaimed materials can all contribute to a greener lifestyle for all budgets.
Every time I attend IBS, I am overwhelmed by the vast array of new products and services continuously coming online for residential and commercial construction projects. Experiencing the show is a great reminder that our customers have SO many choices – and that experienced builders should guide their customers through the selection process and design dilemmas so that they make the best decisions for their families. We’re happy and honored to help you!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Everything Old is New - A Quick Look at 2011 Design Trends
It’s January, and that means that another International Builders’ Show is about to kick off – this time in Orlando, Florida. I’m excited to join thousands of of other builders, associates, vendors and industry experts to share ideas and learn more about today’s best practices for residential and commercial construction.
I remember one of the home design speakers at last year’s show getting a big laugh when she opened her session by saying “Tuscany called and they want their home back.”
Last year, much of the buzz was about smaller footprint, greater efficiencies, and (of course) green building and net zero energy. From the session titles I see on this year’s agenda, green building is still very much at the forefront of discussion. I can’t wait to bring back news of the latest trends and product enhancements, but I thought I’d go ahead and share a little bit of what top home designers are saying about 2011 interior design trends. Here’s a preview:
Vintage rules. 2011 will be the year of personalizing your new home or existing home with vintage looks, including architectural pieces and flooring. Not only are recycled or reclaimed materials cozy and comforting, they are greener, usually have a high quality and can be more affordable for home owners anxious to keep costs down.
Kitchens go lite. Dark, old- world style cabinets and finishes will give way to more streamlined, lighter woods, sleek fixtures and task lighting. The look will be eclectic and will mesh with the vintage touches that make a modern home personal and not sterile.
Walk on the light side. Dark, espresso finished floors will be replaced with two-tone looks, grays and driftwood or barn-wood finishes. The look is natural and is a pleasing compliment to vintage elements and recycled materials.
I remember one of the home design speakers at last year’s show getting a big laugh when she opened her session by saying “Tuscany called and they want their home back.”
Last year, much of the buzz was about smaller footprint, greater efficiencies, and (of course) green building and net zero energy. From the session titles I see on this year’s agenda, green building is still very much at the forefront of discussion. I can’t wait to bring back news of the latest trends and product enhancements, but I thought I’d go ahead and share a little bit of what top home designers are saying about 2011 interior design trends. Here’s a preview:
Vintage rules. 2011 will be the year of personalizing your new home or existing home with vintage looks, including architectural pieces and flooring. Not only are recycled or reclaimed materials cozy and comforting, they are greener, usually have a high quality and can be more affordable for home owners anxious to keep costs down.
Kitchens go lite. Dark, old- world style cabinets and finishes will give way to more streamlined, lighter woods, sleek fixtures and task lighting. The look will be eclectic and will mesh with the vintage touches that make a modern home personal and not sterile.
Walk on the light side. Dark, espresso finished floors will be replaced with two-tone looks, grays and driftwood or barn-wood finishes. The look is natural and is a pleasing compliment to vintage elements and recycled materials.
Rustic elegance. The overall look brings out a modern country feel. Feel free to introduce casual, tone-down finishes and washes on your walls, wood floors and furniture and add a few gold and brass accents that are popular again. Barn-style doors make an appearance as room partitions and decorative entryways.
Overall, recycled and upcycled goods will appear in everything from home accents to recycled content counter tops and tiles. The 2011 home is all about personal point of view and making the best of traditional, vintage materials in construction and decorating. Check back for more great ideas from the Builders’ Show, as well as some of my thoughts on re-purposed architectural pieces. Looks like this year is shaping up to be a great time to build or update your home!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Copper Shortages Hit Home
Happy New Year!
My New Year started off with a notice from my electrician that, due to the dramatic rise in copper wire prices, I should begin to figure an additional 15% - 20% increase to my standard bid amounts. Copper shortages and prices have been a focal point of news stories over the past couple of years as copper thieves have struck telephone supply yards, residential and commercial building projects and even churches. Over the last few months, the rise in copper prices has changed from steady to meteoric – what’s going on with copper, and what does it mean for builders and homeowners?
First of all, copper supply and demand is a global issue. For some time, demand has outstripped supply and industry experts project that this trend will continue for the next two years. Trafigura Beheer BV, one of the world’s largest industrial metal traders, predicts that prices will peak over $10,000 per metric ton this year.
While I was a bit surprised at the notice I got, my electrician is on target – copper prices rose 21% last year and many manufacturers are trying to build inventories to meet upcoming demand. China, the number one importer of industrial metals (and the consumer of 35% of the world’s copper), has created much of the pricing and demand problem. But other factors have a part to play as well:
- Many other developing countries have a great demand for copper
- Bringing new mines online is expensive, time consuming, and subject to labor and political disputes
- The European Union, Japan and the U.S. have experienced double digit growth in copper consumption as economies stretched in recovery mode
- Copper has become an international investment vehicle, playing additional havoc with prices and taking supplies away from manufacturers
Thirteen of 14 industry analysts (according to Bloomberg News) expect a copper shortage in 2011.
So what does this mean for the housing industry?
In addition to standard electrical wiring, we use copper in heat exchangers for industrial use and home construction, solar panels, tubing for air conditioners and other superconductor applications. With the volatile price changes expected in the trading markets, the manufacturers who supply our building materials have a hard time pricing products, meaning that pricing can fluctuate wildly during a single construction project. If builders can’t or choose not to pass on the increases to customers, then construction profits (already squeezed by the housing collapse) will continue to suffer.
Like many factors in the current new construction and remodeling environment, the price and availability of copper is beyond our control. Savvy builders and consumers will keep an eye on the markets, prepare bids and contracts carefully, and look for reasonable alternatives where possible.
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