Custom builder (January 2006)

35 Pages·2006·11.631 MB·English

cbx0601cov.qxd 1/4/2006 10:38 AM Page 1
THE SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS
JAN 06
BEST IN
AMERICAN
LIVING
BEAUTY AND STYLE COME
TOGETHER FOR THE 2005 BEST IN
AMERICAN LIVING AWARDS
www.CustomBuilderOnline.com
PERIODICAL
For FREE information circle 3
CCBBXX00660011..iinndddd 66 1122//2222//22000055 33::2244::3333 PPMM
cbx0601_toc.qxd 1/4/2006 1:24 PM Page 7
January 2006 Vol. 2 No. 1
DEPARTMENTS
54
Editor’s Note 9
Good service is a key element
for great relationships.
Details 16
Trends from this year’s BALA
homes are highlighted.
Design Idea File 26
26SPANISH GOLD 38 58
A grand entrance opens the
way to this California Spanish
COVER STORY
Colonial.
Best in American
In My Own Words 69
Living Awards 38
John Blair of Blair Custom
Homes in Bethlehem, Penn.
Representing the Best in American Living, these custom built
tells us what products he
homes are the best of the best.
wouldn’t build without.
Products 73
Best in American Living BUSINESS BUILDERS
products. Winning Ingredients 54
Learn two custom builders’ best practices for customer
satisfaction success.
On the Cover: This shingle-styled cus- BUSINESS BUILDERS
tom home is a “flipped” plan. The Attention Grabbers 58
third floor is the couple’s cozy apart-
ment with vaulted bedroom ceiling and Resourcefulness, research and referrals can help custom builders
half circular window framing their per- market on a shoestring budget.
sonal ocean view.
www.CustomBuilderOnline.com January 2006 Custom Builder 7
cbx0601_edit.qxd 1/3/2006 12:07 PM Page 9
Editor’s Note
BY PAUL DEFFENBAUGH, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
A Service Business
When I was homes increased 70.7
Editorial Director
in college, percent. During that same
Paul Deffenbaugh, 630/288-8190
[email protected] I worked period, the share for
during the builders closing fewer
Group Managing Editor
Erin Hallstrom-Erickson, summers at Philmont than 25 homes decreased
630/288-8198 Scout Ranch in northern 25.9 percent.
[email protected] New Mexico. Living in Oddly, that movement
Production Editor the Sangre de Christo has provided a opportuni-
Rhonda Jackson,630/288-8167 Mountains was a pure joy. ty for smaller suppliers
[email protected]
The only thing that spoiled and custom builders to
Senior Editors
it was that after a few days Paul Deffenbaugh forge relationships that
Laura Butalla,630/288-8192
of staff training, we would 630/288-8190 more closely match their
[email protected]
Felicia Oliver,630/288-8483 be rudely interrupted by paul.deffenbaugh@ needs. Local and regional
[email protected] the arrival of the campers. reedbusiness.com suppliers have to compete
Bob Sperber, 630/288-8187 It is amazing how pesky with the large distributors
[email protected] Boy Scouts can be. in the same way custom
Building Group Creative Director I think the same experience is true for builders have to compete with the nation-
Bill Patton,630/288-8050 custom builders. Building the house is a als. That common ground is allowing
[email protected]
true joy, but it seems to be rudely inter- builders and suppliers to create relation-
Art Director
rupted by the clients. Today’s homebuyers ships that are not based on price.
Larry Nigh,630/288-8052
are more informed, have higher expecta- A linchpin to that relationship is that
[email protected]
tions and are very demanding. No longer custom builders recognize they need the
Contributing Editor
are they content with just quality construc- service suppliers provide. They want the
Ann Matesi
[email protected] tion; they also demand exceptional service. warranty response, the customer support
Fortunately, custom builders are find- and the ability to deliver the oddball
Circulation Manager
AngelaTanner,303/470-4488 ing allies in a new place — their suppliers. product request that seems to crop up in
[email protected] A few short years ago, the residential con- the custom builder environment. They
Director, Building Group Publisher struction industry seemed to be focused want a partnership with their suppliers
Niles Crum,630/288-8280 on removing what they thought were who will help them make happy cus-
[email protected]
unnecessary costs from the supply chain. tomers happier.
Custom Publishing Director The impulse was being driven by the In exchange for that level of service,
Judy Brociek,630/288-8184
national builders, who were trying to custom builders are less likely to shop
Editorial & Publishing Office leverage their buying power to create price. They recognize service comes with a
Reed Building Group
economies of scale. cost and are willing to pay for it. After a
2000 Clearwater Drive
They have been very successful. custom builder finds a supplier who
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Telephone: [phone] According to research presented at a con- delivers the kind of service the builder
Fax: [phone] ference at the Joint Center for Housing needs, he or she will remain loyal. That
Single copies: To purchase a current Studies at Harvard University, over the last loyalty provides strong incentive for the
Custom Builder, call 800/637-6079.
Letters to the Editor: Custom Builder, several years large dealers serving the pro- supplier to continue to serve the builder.
2000 Clearwater Drive, Oak Brook, IL
fessional market have been moving more In addition, the supplier is more likely to
60523; fax [phone]; e-mail:
[email protected]. and more of their business to national invest in new ways to improve service.
Include daytime phone number.
Letters are subject to editing. CUSTOM builders. At the same time they have been The builder and supplier relationship is
BUILDERcopyright 2006
Reed Business Information reducing business for smaller builders. no longer a zero-sum game with a loser
Tad Smith:Chief Executive Officer From 1997 to 2003, the share of business and a winner. Both win. But the home-
Jeff Greisch:President, Chicago Division
going to builders closing more than 500 buyer wins even bigger. CB
www.CustomBuilderOnline.com January 2006 Custom Builder 9
cbx0601dif_trends.qxd 1/4/2006 12:16 PM Page 16
Details
BY JENNIFER BLOCK MARTIN, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Details of Award Winning Homes
Today’s custom homebuyers are after more outdoor spaces,
defined rooms and two of everything.
After reviewing hundreds of homes as well as an occasional Today’s trend ishomes with as many
entrants for the 2005 Best in occurrence of lime green. Several as three outdoor areas or courtyards.
American Living Awards, previously hyped trends were
this year’s judges discussed a number notably absent from the pack, such The Crasi Company, a residential
trends that emerged both regionally as energy efficient and green build- design/build firm based in Akron,
and around the country, including ing products. Ohio, it was more the lack of dis-
baby boomers’ affinity for second For judge Tony Crasi, president of cernable trends that caught his atten-
16 Custom Builder January 2006 www.CustomBuilderOnline.com
cbx0601dif_trends.qxd 1/4/2006 12:16 PM Page 17
tion. “Nothing jumped out at me,” that slide out of view or, as Crasi yard so snow does not blow in, Crasi
he said. “Maybe things have been noted, a sunroom with operable advises.
too good, and no one has pushed windows.
the envelope.” ● Design outdoor spaces at the Defining spaces
Fellow judge Chip Pierson, princi- blueprint stage, using the home’s Home sizes are returning to a more
pal and general manager of Dahlin walls and their orientation to the human scale, with less emphasis on
Group Architecture Planning in San lot’s sun, shade, and wind patterns to wide open spaces and more on dis-
Ramon, Calif., agreed, “No trend is create microclimates. A patio that is tinct rooms, such as the traditional
sweeping the country. It’s not like the warmed by the morning sun yet formal living and dining rooms.
Northeast is suddenly doing shady and breezy during the hottest “You’re no longer seeing the homes
Haciendas.” part of the day will get more use than where you walk in and see right
Here we’ve mapped out some of one that’s at the elements’ mercy. through to the back,” says Crasi.
the more marked trends, as well as ● Equip outdoor spaces with out- Instead, he recommends controlling
take-away tips for custom builders lets, electricity, and even gas for the view with focal points and inter-
across the country. heaters, fans, lighting, water foun- esting vistas, so it unfolds and
tains and kitchen amenities. evolves. Here are other suggestions
Indoor/outdoor living on how to bring houses back down
While the concept of indoor/out- Creating courtyards to size:
door living was first architecturally The BALA judges found the use of ● Offer quaint, cozier entries,
realized in the 20thcentury by Frank courtyards — and often multiple Crasi suggests. Derick agrees, asking
Lloyd Wright, it’s certainly been outdoor areas — was growing more builders to consider an intimate one-
around since humans lived in caves. strongly in areas other than in the story portico entry, through a gate,
Today’s well-designed homes treat Southwest. Rather than just a single archway or courtyard, or a porch to
open-air spaces as livable rooms, not courtyard, today’s trend is homes welcome people to the front door.
just as part of the yard. There are with as many as three outdoor areas. “The two-story Gone-with-the-Wind
many ways you can integrate the Offer outdoor living to your clients Tara entry columns are gone,”
interior and exterior spaces: with these ideas: declares Derick. “This may be driven
● Build the main floor at the same ● Replace decks and lawns that by rising energy prices or by the baby
level inside and out so home owners need tending with private, easy- boomer buyers who have lived with
can walk between the two without maintenance patios, recommends these status features and know the
effort and not feel a division, says judge Georganne Derick, president real pitfalls of such grand spaces.”
judge Mike Kephart, president of of Merchandising East and MS ● Reserve the large open spaces
Kephart, a Denver-based architecture Interior Design in Ellicott City, Md. for the hearth room. “This can help a
and community planning firm. This ● Give a house a breath of fresh 3,000-square-foot house feel like a
may require raising the exterior sur- air by positioning second living 5,000-square-foot one,” says Crasi.
face a few feet, but the effect will be rooms and kitchens outside in the ● Design for daily life. One judge
worth it. courtyard. “[These] are becoming was alarmed at the dearth of com-
● Allow exterior materials to more common in many temperate puter space as well as places to “drop
extend into the interior like Wright climates around the country,” says your junk.” He said, “If we had
did, notes Kephart. Instead of a Derick. In Northern locales, heat homes without indoor plumbing,
poured-concrete patio, opt for interi- lamps and fireplaces extend the fea- we’d go, what the heck is this? Many
or/exterior materials such as tile, sibility of the external spaces beyond homes are not accommodating the
stone, wood, slate, iron and brick so the warmest months. day-to-day lifestyle issues that all
floors and walls can literally extend ● Beware of floor plans that are families have.”
from inside to out. While these only positioned to accommodate the
materials can be pricey, homeowners courtyard rather than the overall liv- Two of everything
are looking for this type of interest to ing space. Forget what you learned in kinder-
add to their homes. ● Keep one side of the courtyard garten — you don’t really have to
● Relate the indoor and outdoor open for snow removal in cold share everything.
spaces to each other with glass doors climes, as well as position the court- “Baby boomers are asking for —
www.CustomBuilderOnline.com January 2006 Custom Builder 17
cbx0601dif_trends.qxd 1/4/2006 12:16 PM Page 18
Details
and getting — two of everything,” says Derick. “Even two
homes: one near the grandchildren and one home for
that vacation retreat.” Here are some suggestions on how
you can double the fun for interested clients:
● Spec two kitchen islands, both with a sink and a
dishwasher.
● Place one laundry room upstairs with the bedrooms,
and then a second washer/dryer in the mudroom, so
weather weary clothes and dog bath towels don’t have to
be dragged through the house. “We’re even seeing a sec-
ond set of washer/dryers in the master suite of homes in
the 7,000-square-foot range,” says Pierson.
● Propose his ‘n’ hers offices, a trend that is especial-
ly warranted in this age of telecommuting and home-
based businesses.
● Offer dual master bedrooms with separate but
smaller bathrooms — “to keep the peace,” Derick says.
● “More effort, design, and expense is going into the
second homes, and they are becoming equal to or greater
than the primary ones,” Pierson says. In some cases, he
says, the second residence is being built as the “legacy
In this year’s winning homes, everything comes in pairs,
from offices to bathroom sinks.
home,” the one that will get passed down jointly to the
kids instead of giving the primary home to just one child.
These mountain/lake/beach homes are considered more
precious because the whole family comes together. They
may be more comfortable because they are built with
The flexibility you need. more than one master suite or with several family suites
(2 bedrooms connected with a bath).
FORYOURCOMPLIMENTARYCATALOGCALLUSAT1.800.387.6267*
CUSTOMDESIGNED, FABRICATEDANDFINISHEDPERFORATEDANDBARGRILLES Urbanization
This two-fold trend speaks to both the revitalization of
the nation’s cities, as well as the use of exterior materials
and commercial materials in residences as part of the
popularity of lofts and loft-like spaces. What started with
the renovation of New York City warehouses — with large
open space, huge windows, and columns — now implies
contemporary style, industrial materials such as open
#200 Square Link #210 School Slot #225 Majestic
ductwork and exposed brick, and tall spaces. Urban infill
building is now prevalent in the Midwest, with Chicago,
Perforated &Bar Grilles •Curved Grilles •Waterjet&Laser cutting •Stock Items Available Minneapolis and Denver leading the charge.
ARCHITECTURALGRILLE42 Second Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11215 Phone[phone] Fax[phone] www.archgrille.com
*Phone number valid outside of New York State. Kephart observed this trend as a lifestyle change, “a
For FREE information circle 8
18 Custom Builder January 2006 www.CustomBuilderOnline.com
cbx0601dif_trends.qxd 1/4/2006 12:17 PM Page 20
Details
look toward more urban, less sprawl.” Different types of Rethinking communities
people are looking to live downtown. Both Pierson and One particular trend that doesn’t have a quick takeaway
Kephart noted that right now it’s only young families that is the evolution of the community. Real estate agents are
are not buying in urban areas. famous for touting “location, location, location,” but, as
If you’ve ever worked on infill projects or are contem- Kephart says, “location is really the community or the
plating it, consider the following: network of neighborhoods that have what [people] real-
● Incorporate clean lines and modern architecture, ly need. Cities did a lousy job of preserving community
using commercial materials in residential settings. These and preventing sprawl.”
designs have less ornamentation, less flamboyant detail On the whole, the judges noted that people choose
and more simple, clean detailing. where they live first by the community and then by the
● Devote more attention to detail in the smaller, more house, and that people now are electing to live together
pricey lots. In fact, the judges felt that because the raw land in communities linked by interest rather than by age.
is so expensive, it makes builders do their due diligence. One said, “birds of a feather flock together, whether
● Don’t neglect the exterior, which judges found to be they’re 60 or 23. If you are into living in the city or sub-
less contemporary than the interiors. urbs, or like golf, you’re going to go wherever the thing
● Offer unusual commercial-grade materials to clients that makes you tick is going to be.”
to inspire their creativity, suggests Derick. Her examples
include Lumicor high-performance resin with embedded Regional Trends
grasses, leaves or metal patterns for cabinet or door pan- Here’s what’s going on around the country:
els, or commercial lighting and flooring materials to add The venerable Northeaststill showed a lot of applied
a modern sensibility. trims, such as moldings and use of beadboard in formal
spaces. “People are really responding to those materials.”
The use of stone in Northeast farmhouses and historical
homes, as well as on the inside was not apparent in other
entries. “There was a formality that you don’t see in other
markets, as with the crystal chandeliers.”
In addition to the urban infills in the Southeast, the
judges saw both retirement or pre-retirement second
homes. “A lot of people are moving into those areas, and
this reflects that.” Pierson saw more impressive, luxuri-
ous projects coming out of Florida.
TheMidwestis losing some of its Craftsman roots in
favor for urbanized infill projects, yet the style itself was
still strong nationwide.
TheTexasMcMansions seemed to be fading away, one
judge remarked.
It was Tuscan time in the desert Southwest and
California, as well as a little of the 1920s and ‘30s
Spanish style.
The Northwest was represented with a few luxury
homes in Montana that “used a lot of trees to build,” as
one judge put it. CB
Jennifer Block Martin is a San Francisco-based writer
whose articles have appeared in publications such as
Better Homes and Gardens’ Special Interest
Publications, Sunset magazine, and Women’s Day
Home Remodeling and Makeovers. In the past, she
was a production editor for Professional Builder.
For FREE information circle 13
20 Custom Builder January 2006 www.CustomBuilderOnline.com
cbx0601dif_house.qxd 1/3/2006 12:23 PM Page 26
Design Idea File: Whole House
SPANISH GOLD
Destination entry reveals a classic California treasure in dramatic fashion.
BY ANN MATESI, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
A
porte cochere sets the stage remain virtually hidden from the Design Concept
for this southern home’s beautifully landscaped Inspired by the work of Wallace Neff,
California custom resi- grounds. one of California’s most influential
dence’s grand entrance, The home’s stucco exterior, accent- 20th-century architects, Landry
withholding the view of the two- ed by cast stone details, captures the designed the home with a “formal
story home’s elegant Spanish distinctive Mediterranean-inspired program” which complemented his
Colonial façade until one has passed architectural style reminiscent of clients’ passion for entertaining.
under its distinctive arcade and into California’s theatrical mansions of “They wanted the look of very tradi-
an ultra-private central car court. the 1920s. Balustrade-lined bal- tional California architecture, but as
“I love the sense of arrival that you conies, a covered loggia with a fire- the project developed, it took on
get when you drive through a physi- place focal point and a Roman tile their own vision and became
cal structure to reach a destination roof contribute to its charming char- uniquely personal.”
that is concealed beyond it,” says acter. “What is really interesting The two-story residence features a
architect Richard Landry, who about this project is the fact that grand central foyer with a sweeping
designed the 8,739-square-foot, two- while it is constructed entirely of cantilevered staircase crowned by a
story home. new materials,” says Landry, “it still distinctive scalloped-framed win-
The drive-through entry is flanked conveys the sense of age and charm dow. Windows spanning the width
on either side by separate, side-load- of a home that has been a part of its of the rear elevation offer a dramatic
ing, two-car garages with doors that site for years.” panorama of distant city lights from
26 Custom Builder January 2006 www.CustomBuilderOnline.com
cbx0601dif_house.qxd 1/3/2006 12:24 PM Page 27
This California home's aged patinabelies its Extra-depth walls contributeto the aesthetics of this home by creating dramatic,
brand new status, enhancing its exterior shadowed reveal lines around window and doorway openings, including the stunning
charm and character, says architect Richard frame and plaster scalloped surround for the foyer's transom window.
Landry. Techniques included the use of multi-
ple layers of color-tinted stucco, sand-blasted ly positioned over the casual living into a courtyard between the family
pre-cast concrete details, and chemically pre- spaces where this is not such an and living rooms, this sheltered out-
treating copper accents to remove their shine. issue.” In this case, however, the door living space includes a coffered
clients had no young children living ceiling, a cast stone fireplace and
the home’s hillside location. at home and wanted the immediate columned archways. French doors
The floor plan has been carefully accessibility to the kitchen and infor- provide access to the loggia from
arranged to maximize the view mal areas that a secondary staircase three distinct areas.
offered by the site, says Landry. The provided. This location for the mas-
key main-floor spaces, including the ter retreat also capitalized on the The Design/Build Team
living and family rooms, library and most dramatic views offered from “One of the secrets to a successful
breakfast nook are all oriented the upper level. custom project is that the architect
toward the rear yard. The formal din- The master suite occupies its own must maintain a close working rela-
ing room and guest suite, where out- wing on the second floor and tionship with the craftsmen who
door views are not so critical, over- includes separate his-and-her bath- build the home,” says Landry, whose
look the entry courtyard. rooms and dressing areas connected team coordinates weekly site visits
“In our market we typically put by a domed-ceiling entry vestibule. with the construction team to check
the master suite on the upper floor The home also features a private on progress and resolve questions as
above the formal rooms like the liv- guest suite on the main floor. the home is built. “You can create
ing room or library to minimize the The covered loggia, one of the the most wonderful sketches but it is
transmission of noise,” says Landry. home’s most desirable entertaining the builder that has to be able to
“The secondary bedrooms are usual- spaces, is not indoors at all. Tucked make those details look good. It is
www.CustomBuilderOnline.com January 2006 Custom Builder 27