HB Magazine Nov/Dec 2009

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Dynamic Designs Aluminum panels add pizzazz to walls.

Evolutionary Estimator Save time and energy with satellite imagery.

HB

Signature Screws Create a cleaner, more attractive deck.

Industry News: Local and national news for homebuilders

e Premier Magazine for the

Arizona HomeBuilding Industry HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

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FRAMING SOFTWARE Prevent costly errors and delays

GREEN

FROM THE OUTSIDE IN This Issue’s Builder Profile:

Increase efficiency with structural insulated panels

TREND WATCH p.17

What’s hot in appliances and decorative plumbing

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Industry Spotlight

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COVER IMAGE: Lennar Homes’ Vision at Layton Lakes in Gilbert

New Product Showcase Association News

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November/December 2009

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HB Features TM

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Lennar Homes Veteran Builder Shares Secrets to Success Through intelligent marketing and an efficient building process, Lennar Homes is prepared to prosper under any circumstances.

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Framing Software Enhance Supply Chain Communications and Streamline Construction New technology can increase efficiency, improve home quality, decrease repairs and support green building goals.

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Trend Watch Appliances and Decorative Plumbing From smart kitchen appliances to updated bathrooms, buyers seek performance with style.

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Green from the Outside In Structural Insulated Panels SIPs can help Arizona homebuilders differentiate themselves and affordably meet home buyers’ needs.

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HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

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Transform your kitchen into the most technologically advanced room in the home.

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November/December 2009

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HB Departments TM

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Publisher’s Note

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Legislative Update

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NAHB News

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Industry Spotlight

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SAHBA News

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New Product Showcase

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NABA News

On the Cover Lennar Homes’ Vision at Layton Lakes in Gilbert.

Dynamic Designs Aluminum panels add pizzazz to walls.

Evolutionary Estimator Save time and energy with satellite imagery.

HB

Signature Screws Create a cleaner, more attractive deck.

Industry News: Local and national news for homebuilders

The Premier Magazine for the

Arizona HomeBuilding Industry HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

TM

FRAMING SOFTWARE Prevent costly errors and delays

GREEN

FROM THE OUTSIDE IN This Issue’s Builder Profile:

Increase efficiency with structural insulated panels

TREND WATCH p.17

What’s hot in appliances and decorative plumbing

$4.95US

$5.95CAN

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07>

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COVER IMAGE: Lennar Homes’ Vision at Layton Lakes in Gilbert

Industry Spotlight New Product Showcase Association News

HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

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Everyone loves a café.

Now, everyone can have one.

GE Café™ is GE’s first new line of appliances in 15 years, and it’s an exciting new sales opportunity. With stainless steel exterior and robust styling, builders and new home buyers will want to make it the centerpiece of their new home. For remodelers and their customers, the GE Café will easily transform any kitchen with restaurant-inspired design.

At long last, everyone can afford to have an inviting café – right at home. www.geappliances.com/café Come see our fine GE Appliances at Westar Kitchen & Bath at the Tempe, Scottsdale, Peoria and Tucson locations. Phone: (602) 271.0100

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6 November/December 2009

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e Premier Magazine for the

Arizona HomeBuilding Industry PRESIDENT Trifon M. Kupanoff, Jr. PUBLISHER Michael A. Kupanoff EDITOR Morgan Benavidez EDITORIAL INTERNS Brittany Warren and Amanda Jaskulski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Neal McDaniel WEB DEVELOPER Theo Tigno CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dina S. Harvey, James Hodgson, Ross Theilen, P.E. ACCOUNTING MANAGER Dorie Cowan DISTRIBUTION SERVICES DistribuTech, Trader Distribution Services, Pogo Distribution EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE: HB Magazine 15170 N. Hayden Road, Ste. 5, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: 480.443.7750 • Fax: 480.443.7751 Email: editor@lpimultimedia.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BACK ISSUE ORDERS: Call 480.443.7750 or Email: hb@lpimultimedia.com PLEASE SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: HB Magazine 15170 N. Hayden Road, Ste. 5, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 REPRINTS/E-PRINTS/LICENSING: Call 877.652.5295 or Email: sales@wrightsreprints.com Polymer Roofing

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HB Magazine is published six times per year by LPI Multimedia Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of LPI Multimedia Inc. While efforts to ensure accuracy are exercised, the publisher assumes no liability for the information contained in either editorial or advertising content.

Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

Reproduction in whole or part without the expressed written consent from the publisher is prohibited. HB Magazine is the registered trade name of this publication.

Copyright ©2009 by LPI Multimedia Inc. All rights reserved.

LPI Multimedia Inc. is a proud member of:

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PUBLISHER’S Note /// November/December 2009

“We at HB are confident that the housing industry will continue on its path to recovery throughout this coming year.”

H B SEEN. Help us keep our subscription list current! If you or a colleague would like to receive HB at no charge and are not currently on our subscriber’s list, go to www.homebuilder-az.com and click on “Subscribe.”

Buyer Be Wowed With 2009 drawing to a close, Arizona homebuilders are gearing up for the new year with cautious optimism. Home buyer incentives are still at an all-time high, so it only makes sense for builders to listen to the needs of the consumer and establish creative new marketing methods—and Arizona builders are up to the challenge.

After 55 years in the building industry, Lennar Homes, our featured builder profile, has proven that it can hold its own even in the toughest market conditions. Phoenix and Tucson Division President Alan Jones shares this “everything included” builder’s marketing strategy and takes us to Layton Lakes—Lennar’s premier community in the east Valley.

These days, buyers are demanding increasingly green, energy-efficient homes. In this issue, learn how structural insulated panels (SIPs) can help builders meet these standards while saving time and energy in the construction process. We also bring you an article about the latest framing software—an invaluable tool that can help prevent costly errors and delays.

We at HB are confident that the housing industry will continue on its path to recovery throughout this coming year, and as always, we remain committed to supporting our local builders and their suppliers by providing timely news and information. Happy Holidays!

THE MOST

AFFORDABLE

WAY TO

REACH YOUR

Michael A. Kupanoff mkupanoff@lpimultimedia.com

HOMEBUILDERS! HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

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NAHB News

NAHB DEVELOPS ‘PARTNERSHIP PAVILION’ Wall Street and Main Street will come together at the International Builders' Show® (IBS) this January, thanks to an exciting new offering called the Partnership Pavilion that is being developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The RMI measures remodeler perceptions of market demand for current and future residential remodeling projects. Any number below 50 indicates that more remodelers say market conditions are getting worse than report improving conditions. The RMI has been running below 50 since the final quarter of 2005.

"The severe lack of available credit for acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) financing constitutes a significant threat to thousands of home building and development companies, as well as to the immediate and long-term future of the housing industry," says NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. "Given the current situation, an innovative approach was called for to help our members find new sources of debt and equity financing while reinvigorating the traditional sources of housing credit, and that is the aim of the Partnership Pavilion.

"Some remodelers are receiving more calls for bids, but it is still extremely difficult to close a sale," says NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema.

"Financing continues to be an impediment with many homeowners not able to secure home equity loans or other lines of credit."

"NAHB members build roughly 80 percent of all new housing in this country every year, and about 95 percent of them are the key decision-makers within their business—including presidents, CEOs, owners and managing partners," Robson adds. "Many of them are already planning to travel to the International Builders' Show (IBS), which is the largest and best-attended annual building industry tradeshow in this country. It just makes sense to provide a confidential setting within that venue for such professionals to meet one-on-one with potential new backers for their projects."

The summary index of future market indicators showed greater improvement. Among the components of future indicators, calls for bids jumped to 46.5. Appointments for proposals grew to 43.5. Amount of work committed for the next three months climbed to 27.5. And backlog of remodeling jobs increased to 37.2. I

As envisioned, the pavilion will be a centrally located forum with private office space and concierge services at the International Builders' Show, which takes place Jan. 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here, NAHB members will have the opportunity to discuss their funding needs with representatives of a variety of capital sources and financing advisors.

The NAHB applauded Congress for passing legislation that will extend and expand the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, stating that this will provide a much-needed boost to the fragile housing market and economy.

Builders and developers who are interested in participating in the Partnership Pavilion will need to qualify in advance of the show by providing specific information on their proposed projects via an online portal soon to be available on NAHB's website. At that time, potential funding sources will review the information, and those who are interested in further exploring a given deal will be able to set up a meeting at the pavilion with the designated applicant. For additional information and a sign-up form for financing and investment companies that wish to participate, visit www.nahb.org/partnership.

"At a time when credit for housing production is extremely difficult to come by, we hope that the Partnership Pavilion will provide a new channel through which home builders, developers and potential investors can communicate and conduct business while attending our industry's most important trade show of the year," says Robson. I

MODEST IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE IN HOME REMODELING MARKET Remodelers are starting to report that conditions in their markets are stabilizing, according to the latest NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The current market conditions index rose slightly to 39.8 in the second quarter. The index of future indicators jumped to 38.7 in the previous quarter.

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The index for current remodeling market conditions rose in the Midwest to 43.2 and West to 47.3, but declined in the Northeast to 33.7 and South to 38.6. Major additions grew to 41.9. Minor additions also improved to 43.2. Maintenance and repair remained fairly flat at 33.1.

For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

BUILDERS APPLAUD CONGRESS ON EXTENDING HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT

"We commend lawmakers for acting in a bipartisan manner to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit beyond its Nov. 30 deadline and expand it to a wider group of home buyers," says NAHB Chairman Joe Robson.

"The tax credit has proven to be a powerful economic incentive. Today’s action by Congress will further stabilize housing and the economy by creating new jobs, stimulating home sales, reducing foreclosures, cutting excess inventories and stabilizing home prices."

The new law will extend the $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers for sales contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30.

Further, it has been expanded to include a new $6,500 credit for owners of existing homes who are purchasing a new principal residence. An existing homeowner can claim the $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. Additionally, the income eligibility limits to claim the full credit amount for both groups of home buyers have been raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples.

NAHB estimates that the extended and expanded home buyer tax credit will create 211,000 jobs and generate 180,000 additional home sales in the coming year. It is also expected to generate $9.6 billion in wage income and $6.9 billion in federal, state and local taxes.

The legislation, which also extends unemployment insurance benefits and

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offers relief to cash-strapped firms by providing broader tax benefits for businesses with net operating losses (NOLs), is expected to be signed into law shortly by President Obama. I

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY HOVERS NEAR RECORD-HIGH LEVEL Nationwide housing affordability, bolstered by affordable interest rates and low house prices, hovered for the third consecutive quarter near its highest level since the series was first compiled 18 years ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released Nov. 19.

The HOI showed that 70.1 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the third quarter of 2009 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,000, down slightly from a near-record 72.3 percent during the previous quarter and up from 56.1 percent during the third quarter of 2008.

“At a time when housing is at its most affordable, we applaud the recent actions taken by Congress and President Obama to stimulate housing by extending the federal tax credit beyond its Nov. 30 deadline and expanding it to a wider group of eligible home buyers,” says NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a homebuilder from Tulsa, Okla.“With interest rates now lower than last quarter, the tax credit will encourage even more home buyers to enter the market and help stabilize housing and the economy by creating new jobs, stimulating home sales, reducing foreclosures, cutting excess inventories and stabilizing home prices.”

Keyser began her career at M&T when it was still Keystone Financial in 1994 as an administrative assistant. By the time Keystone was purchased

by M&T Bank in 2000, Keyser had become Vice President of the Systems-Built Division. She now oversees all construction sales for the mortgage company of M&T. With more than 15 years of mortgage construction lending experience, Keyser is considered a true professional by the manufacturers and builders she works with.

Keyser has been an active member of the Building Systems Council since 1998. She was the BSC Associates Council President from 2001-2003, and a BSC Board of Trustees member from 2002-2007. Keyser has also been an integral part of the BSC Membership Committee since 2004 and has been an active member of the BSC Sales and Marketing Committee.

She received a “Top 30 Under 40 Award” in 2007, being recognized as an emerging leader in the systems-built industry. Keyser continues to be active with her local and state homebuilder associations.

The S.A. Walters Systems-Built Achievement Award is named after the first Chairman of the Home Manufacturers Councils, now the Building Systems Councils of NAHB, in 1986. He passed away in 1987 and the award’s name was changed to the S.A. Walters award in that year, the same year the HMC changed its name to the Building Systems Councils. I

NAHB News

is excerpted from recent National Association of Home Builders media releases provided by the association for distribution to the public. For more information, visit www.nahb.org.

Indianapolis was the most affordable major housing market in the country during the third quarter, a position the metro area has now held for 17 consecutive quarters. Almost 95 percent of all homes sold were affordable to households earning the area’s median family income of $68,100. I For tables, historic data and details, visit www.nahb.org/hoi.

BUILDING SYSTEMS COUNCIL OF NAHB HONORS INDUSTRY LEADER Tracy Keyser, Vice President of M&T Bank’s Systems-Built Construction Division, received the S.A. Walters Systems-Built Achievement Award at an awards ceremony and luncheon held during the BSC’s annual SHOWCASE event in Marco Island, Fla. last month. The S.A. Walters Systems-Built Achievement award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the industrialized housing industry in the United States.

“Tracy’s hard work and dedication to the systems-built industry makes her very deserving of the S.A. Walters Systems-Built Achievement Award,” says Lynn Gastineau, owner of Gastineau Log Homes. “She joins a very elite group. Only two women have won the S.A. Walters Award since its creation in 1986. Tracy just doubled our membership.”

Gastineau, the only other woman to win the S.A. Walters Award, presented Keyser with the award. She won the honor in 2001.

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SAHBA News SAHBA News

SOUTHERN ARIZONA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

Settlement Services division of First American Title in Santa Ana, Calif.

Jessica Whyde has been named President of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA). The announcement was made by Interim President Art Flagg.

Most recently, Whyde spearheaded efforts to reactivate the Tucson Chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants, a professional notfor-profit networking organization. After years of “inactive” status, the group received their official charter in April 2009. Whyde is currently president of the board of directors.

Whyde has nearly 15 years experience in corporate leadership positions. She is a graduate of Sahuaro High School in Tucson and Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., where she earned degrees in Business Administration and Economics.

Jessica Whyde, President of SAHBA

She has been a senior financial analyst and auditor to Boeing’s Corporate Credit Office in Seattle, Wash.; a partner at Vaco, LLC in Tucson, Ariz.; owner of her own consulting firm; and manager of the Nationwide

TOOL OF THE TRADE.

“SAHBA represents a major economic force in our community. We will be looking to Jessica for innovative ideas to help our members navigate the ever-changing homebuilding industry,” says Flagg. I SAHBA, located at 2840 N. Country Club Road, is a non-profit trade organization that represents over 650 member businesses and 20,000 jobs serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.

For additional details, contact:

Jessica Whyde President 520.795.5114

Remember to Call St. Vincent de Paul

602-254-3338

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Request more information or receive a FREE Subscription!

See page 31 for details.

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Pickup of Donated Goods Valleywide

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NABA News

NABA HOLDS 18TH ANNUAL JIM STEVES MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT The 18th Annual Jim Steves Memorial Golf Tournament was held Oct. 16 at Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather or a better golf course. NABA and its members would like to thank Cemex for sponsoring the tournament, National Bank of Arizona for being the dinner sponsor and Findlay Toyota Flagstaff for the Hole-in-One opportunities! Thank you also to: • HomCo Ace Hardware for donating the golf balls • National Bank of Arizona for donating the treat bags and tee packets • Carpet Magic for donating the koozies • Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc. for donating the water bottles • First American Title for donating more koozies for the dinner

Ruckman and Mark Woodson. Their hard work and determination make this tournament one of NABA’s leading fundraisers. A portion of the proceeds from the 2009 Jim Steves Memorial Golf Tournament were donated to the YouthBuild program.

Jim Steves was one of Flagstaff ’s most prominent and respected businessmen.

Jim started in the home building business in his hometown of Buckeye. In 1955, with his two brothers, Leon and George, Jim formed Steves Brothers Construction Company and moved to Flagstaff to pursue their dream as home builders. Their first developments were Pine Park Manor and Greenlaw Estates in east Flagstaff. In the next 10 years, the brothers would build over 1,000 homes in Flagstaff, as well as Winslow and Phoenix. They built and operated numerous commercial buildings, including the Americana Motel and Greenlaw Shopping Center. In the late ’60s, the partnership split up and each brother went on to pursue his own business interests. Jim continued in home building with James E Steves Construction—later to become Steves Built Homes, Inc.—a family-owned corporation. The company operation expanded to include Jim’s four daughters and their spouses. Jim continued in the work he loved until his death in 1991. I

• Contest Hole Sponsors: Grogan Electric for the Closest to the Pin Team and Shephard-Wesnitzer, Inc. for the Closest to the Pin Individual A special thank you goes to the Jim Steves Memorial Golf Committee.

The committee consists of Tournament Chair Keith Moore and members Mike Brackin, Debbie Cutlip, Felix Durazo, Nikki Groff, Pat Grogan, Robert Baker, Doug Horton, Marcene Jones, Paul Liebe, Hal Reames, Andy

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Mission: “Northern Arizona Building Association strives to enhance the quality of living in our communities and promote professionalism of the building industry.” nazba.org

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LEGISLATIVE Update LEGISLATIVEUpdate

Back to Business Legislature Prepares for New Session

by Lori Lustig The State Legislature is currently between sessions, but much work continues behind the scenes with legislators, staff, constituents and lobbyists working to ready the issues and prepare the bills that will be the subject of the 49th Legislature, Second Regular Session.

To everyone’s relief, this next legislative session may be more “business as usual” than last session. If you recall, Senate President Bob Burns put aside regular legislative business (i.e., legislation) for work on the budget.

Although the House introduced bills and moved them gradually through the legislative process of committee hearings, floor debates and floor votes, the Senate held bills until June, unleashing a marathon effort to vet and pass legislation.

Sen. Burns has announced that in January, he will let bills be introduced and heard in the more normal fashion while efforts to adopt a balanced budget are simultaneously ongoing. With the continued decline in state revenues and further requests for agency cuts, little extraneous legislation is expected to be introduced or considered. However, we expect to see legislation of interest/concern for the homebuilding industry.

William A. Mundell, director of the Registrar of Contractors, agreed to share with us his perspective on the challenges facing his agency and the construction industry in the upcoming months.

The Registrar of Contractors is what is referred to as a 90/10 agency. There are approximately 30 such agencies in Arizona. This means that for every dollar collected from the issuance/renewal of contractor licenses, 90 cents (90 percent) stay with the Agency and 10 cents (10 percent) are deposited into the State General Fund. The amount retained by the Agency is used to comprise the Recovery Fund (used for the administration and payment of adjudicated consumer complaints) and the ROC Fund (used for the administration of the agency).

The Agency receives no state appropriations from the General Fund.

Unfortunately that has not spared the Agency from state sweeps of Agency funds for redistribution for other necessary state expenditures. Over the last three fiscal years, the Agency has seen the redirection of close to $20 million. In fiscal years 2008 and 2009, all 90/10 agencies shared similar fates.

In an effort of fiscal responsibility, the director has pared the agency from 144.8 FTEs down to 101. In Fiscal Year 2010, their budget will be at the same level as FY 2005. Claims paid out last year totaled $6.3 million— dollars paid for claims arising out of poor workmanship or contractor abandonment. Those same dollars are often funneled back into the local economy by the claimant hiring contractors to complete or correct the work. The good/bad news is that although the agency is seeing a measurable decline in contractors’ licensure, claims have declined only slightly.

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The end of the Third Special Session in August left the Agency in limbo. SB 1025, vetoed by the governor for reasons unrelated to the Agency, contained an important provision for the Agency’s ability to prepare its 2010 budget.

SB 1025 would authorize the Registrar of Contractors to expend 14 percent of the prior fiscal year revenues for securing employees and contracted services, procuring equipment, and for operational costs, rather than 10 percent of the Fund balance. This change would lessen recent fluctuations.

Until the Legislature returns to another special session to address these and other necessary agency funding issues, the Agency is at odds to know how to develop its operating budget going forward.

The governor’s request for additional 15 percent cuts in agency spending may also result in further legislative revisions to their funding formula, as has occurred in previous downturns.

In anticipation of the next session, the director is exploring legislation that could proactively offer the agency additional savings. Small claims cost the Agency as much in time and expense to litigate as do large claims. He is considering the alternative of arbitrating smaller claims, the parameters of which are still to be decided.

The irony is that while legislation will go forward in a “business as usual” manner, it will be unusually budget-oriented. We will be covering all of these items and more in the coming months! Watch for the new session beginning Jan. 11, 2010. I Lori Lustig, RN JD, is a State Lobbyist who has represented Arizona homebuilders' associations at both the state and municipal levels.

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CEMENT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. HB Magazine Puts Your Products and Services in Builder’s Hands HB Magazine readers are key decision makers in the homebuilding industry. ey strive to keep up-to-date on innovations, products and services in the industry that appeal to today’s homebuyer. HB Magazine is the go-to resource for these industry professionals:

Homebuilders (Production and Custom) - President/CEO/Owner - VP of Construction - Purchasing Manager - VP of Sales and Marketing

Residential Developers Architects Interior Designers Other Trade Partners

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HBBuilderProfile

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L E N NA R H O M E S V E T E R A N B U I L D E R S HA R E S SECRETS TO SUCCESS

by MORGAN BENAVIDEZ

Lone Mountain, coming soon to the northeast Valley, will host over 600 acres and nearly 800 homes.

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HB Profile A F T E R 5 5 Y E A R S I N T H E B U I L D I N G I N D U S T R Y, L E N N A R H O M E S H A S C E R TA I N LY P R O V E N T H AT I T H A S S TAY I N G P O W E R . P H O E N I X A N D T U C S O N D I V I S I O N P R E S I D E N T A L A N J O N E S S H A R E S T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S U N I Q U E A N D E F F E C T I V E S T R AT E G Y FOR REMAINING SUCCESSFUL EVEN IN THE TOUGHEST MARKETS.

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Located on Lindsay and Queen Creek Roads, Layton Lakes is Lennar's premier east Valley location.

Alan Jones, Phoenix and Tucson Division President of Lennar Homes.

Lennar Homes has a simple buying process with three basic components: Included amenities, customer satisfaction and product simplicity. “Our goal has been to make the home buying experience one of satisfaction,” says Jones.

By employing this strategy, Lennar Homes consistently meets and exceeds its customers’ expectations.“People know exactly what they’re getting,” says Jones.“There’s no letdown of,‘That’s not included and it costs how much?’”

Layton Lakes With homes ranging from the 120s to the mid-500s and 1,300 to 5,000 square feet, Lennar Homes does not try to appeal to just one segment of the market. And the company is still growing, having acquired three new communities in Phoenix and six new communities in Tucson within the last few months.

One of Lennar Homes’ crowning achievements is Layton Lakes, a unique community located in the southeast Valley. With its abundant amenities and sizable lots, this community draws a variety of buyers. Located two miles from the Loop 202 on Lindsay and Queen Creek, Layton Lakes spans 800 acres and currently has three active communities: Horizon, Signatures and Vision.

WhatYou See is WhatYou Get

Residents can enjoy lighted tennis courts, tot lots, equestrian trails, lakes and streams, baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts, barbecue pits and much more. One of the community’s greatest assets is its outdoor community center—a splash park that became unexpectedly popular among non-residents. “It’s so nice we had to secure it,” says Jones. “The residents of Chandler decided it must be a city park because it’s right off Queen Creek Road.”

Lennar Homes’ philosophy for marketing homes relates to “everything included,” meaning everything a buyer wants is included depending on location. By showing models that depict exactly what buyers will get in their home with the exception of a few minor upgrades, Lennar Homes creates a hassle-free home buying experience with no surprises. “It works well for a lot of people, those that don’t want the hassle of trying to figure out if they want this or that,” says Jones. “A lot of decisions are required of you in the home buying process.”

The company divides its product offerings into three categories: bronze, silver and gold. Bronze is geared toward the first-time home buyer, silver toward the move-up buyer, and gold toward the second move-up buyer.

The bronze product option includes oak cabinets, laminate countertops and black appliances, whereas the gold option includes upgraded cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

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Other features include an amphitheatre, rock climbing wall, catch-andrelease lake, and sand volleyball. “It’s probably the highest amenity level we’ve ever provided in any stand-alone community,” says Jones.

Master Planned Communities The majority of Lennar Homes’ properties are master planned communities. “We really try to set ourselves apart from everyone else by having nice, master planned communities that allow us to have something more to offer from a lifestyle standpoint,” says Jones.

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Builder Facts ///

Corporate Office: Fort Meyers, Fla. Founded: 1954 Employees: 4,000 Square Footage: 1,300 to 5,000 Price Range: From the $120s to mid-$500s What home buyers should know: Our goal has been to make the home buying experience one of satisfaction What sets Lennar Homes apart: Our master planned communities offer more from a lifestyle standpoint

Dusk floor plan at Layton Lakes

Among Lennar’s larger master planned communities is Stetson Valley, which the company purchased in partnership with Pulte Homes. Stetson Valley has four different product offerings and affords residents breathtaking mountain views.

Estates at Lone Mountain is another joint venture in the works with Pulte Homes. Built on 600-plus acres, this gated community contains less than 800 homes, providing a low density of 1.2 homes to the acre—more than 300 acres of open space. Not a single home site backs to another home, creating an ideal environment for buyers who covet their privacy.

In Surprise, you’ll find Vistas at Asante, a community of approximately 2,000 acres. This community has an elementary school and 55-acre park, and boasts a dramatic entry complete with waterfalls and a bridge rising up 23 feet.

Efficiency is Key Through the economic downturn, Lennar Homes made the decision to continue to build. By establishing trade partners and hiring the same subcontractors for different products within a given community, the company has streamlined its building process. “Our subcontractors become very familiar with our homes,” says Jones. “They can build very quickly and efficiently, with no downtime.”

Also, by encouraging its trade partners to be the sole suppliers in a master planned community that has several product offerings, Lennar Homes reaps the added benefit of lowered cost. “It gives [suppliers] tremendous efficiency, because they can work on several communities within one given location,” says Jones.

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Grant floor plan at Layton Lakes

By establishing specific standards for its suppliers, the company has been able to cut costs even further. “When we go to suppliers and say, ‘You are going to provide granite in all 100 homes,’ the price we get is much better than it would be if we were to say, ‘The standard is laminate, but 20 percent will upgrade to granite,’” says Jones. “As a result, our cost has come down tremendously.”

In addition to employing the same subcontractors and trade partners, Lennar Homes tries to keep its product offerings as simple as possible, without skipping on quality. “We step back and ask, ‘What does someone really want and need in this home?’ Then we provide it,” Jones explains.

“It might turn out to be 2,000 square feet instead of 2,400 square feet, but [it] still has everything [the customer] is looking for.”

Through its intelligent marketing tactics and efficient building process, Lennar Homes has shown that it’s prepared to prosper under any circumstances. “We’ve been in business 55 years and we’re going to be in business a lot longer,” says Jones. “We do stand behind our product. It would be important to me if I were buying a home to know the builder cared about the customer—and that’s Lennar.” I Morgan Benavidez is the Editor of Arizona HB magazine.

info link /// www.lennar.com

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HB Feature

STRUCTURAL FRAME DESIGN SOFTWARE Enhance Supply Chain Communications and Streamline Construction

by ROSS THEILEN, P.E.

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HB Feature

How many times in the midst of designing a home have you discovered too late that a roughed-in wall needed to be relocated, a drop-beam covered over, or other framing problem fixed because the architectural plans didn’t address all building conflicts? With so many parties involved in designing and building a home—from the architect to the dealer to the subs—builders often face added costs, delays and hassles resulting from misunderstandings throughout the process.

Detailed framing plans developed through modern design software can also help builders earn points under green building rating programs, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Homes rating system, as well as the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) National Green Building Standard.

Today, dealers and builders have access to a bevy of framing software that helps improve coordination among builders, dealers, design professionals and code officials. These tools include whole-house framing design programs, specialized software for meeting specific needs like tall wall design, and fabrication software for supporting readyto-install framing. The benefits include faster construction, enhanced home quality, fewer repairs and support of green building goals by reducing construction waste.

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Tall wall calculator software addresses these challenges by making it easy to specify walls that are stiff, strong and predictable while meeting code guidelines. Designers use these tools to optimize wall designs, size materials to meet load-carrying requirements, and identify connection details for each wall framing member. They enable builders to present framing member details and calculations to building inspectors to demonstrate code compliance.

The benefits of software to builders extend from the design phase to the construction phase. Dealers using framing fabrication software can help builders reduce the labor needed to cut materials on site, speed up construction, improve accuracy and quality, and reduce construction waste. Programs such as iLevel Stellar convert data generated by design software into electronic instructions that guide computer-controlled saws in producing ready-to-install framing, from pre-cut and labeled kits of materials to panelized units.

By using whole-house structural frame design software, dealers and builders can work together to quickly and easily solve building conflicts before a single board is cut or a nail driven.

The dealer converts the home plans into a detailed, accurate framing layout that all parties can review from every vantage point inside and out.

Designers can use advanced 3D modeling capabilities in tools such as iLevel Javelin whole-house design software to change any part of a structure and immediately show builders a redesigned layout and material list. The result is improved accuracy and efficiency at every step. An additional benefit of such tools is that the dealer can create framing layouts tailored to suit local construction practices and builder preferences.

Some programs also account for plumbing runs, stub-ups and ductwork.

code guidelines. This can involve complex calculations, and the risk of red tag delays.

Also, if not adequately designed, tall walls may deflect under wind loads, potentially creating sheetrock cracks, water penetration, and popped seals on windows.

With so many software options available, the homebuilding process has never been easier. Costly errors and delays are quickly becoming virtually preventable.

To learn more about the latest framing software, contact your dealer or building product manufacturer. I

Beyond whole house design, framing software can also help work out code-compliant solutions in specific parts of the frame. One such area is tall wall design. Prescriptive building code guidelines are available for walls less than 10 feet tall.

But for tall walls in foyers, rooms with lofts or vaulted ceilings, and other similar areas, the builder must develop solutions outside standard

Ross eilen, P.E., is the general manager of structural frame soware for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. iLevel offers a range of framing materials, technical support and soware, including Javelin whole-house design soware.

info link /// iLevel.com

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HB Design

Sub-Zero’s built-in refrigeration reflects the ultimate in high-end kitchen design.

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This easy-to-clean commode by TOTO is sure to please any home buyer.

Trend Watch

APPLIANCES AND D E C O R AT I V E P L U M B I N G

by DINA S. HARVEY

We’re always looking for the latest and greatest and when it comes to our homes, and having the coolest gadgets and the most stylish surroundings is certainly no exception. So when it comes to appliances, decorative plumbing fixtures and hardware, manufacturers of these products never disappoint.

Modern Baths Forget about the days when a plain white tub was set off to the side and dropped into a box in the bathroom. Tubs take center stage in today’s bathrooms, and freestanding tubs are especially trendy. They come in a variety of styles including the classic claw-foot, or they can be showcased when raised on a pedestal or finished with an exterior covering of tile, concrete or even stone.

These extra touches can help create the ultimate home spa look and feel.

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BainUltra’s freestanding tub is not only functional, it’s a visual masterpiece in itself.

Smart design is featured throughout in today’s home.

GE’s 2009 laundry suite adds a clean visual along with efficiency.

Contemporary styling with straighter, sleek lines is what we are seeing in the way of fixtures. Single-lever and wall-mounted faucets with plenty of chrome are making their way back. Vessels in bamboo as well as onyx and granite make bold, stylish statements in any bath or powder room.

Sticking with the contemporary look, wall-mounted toilets not only look sleek but also allow for cleaning—and who wouldn’t love that?

Photo: Lutron Electronics andeasy Aterra Lighting Faucets and showerheads are keeping up with the green trend by adding aerators on faucets and flow-restrictors to showerheads. And toilet manufacturers now seem to have the amount of water for each flush down to a science at 1.28 gallons per flush. Dual-flush toilets provide the ultimate in water conservation, giving users a choice between 1.6 or 0.9 gallons per flush.

Smart Kitchens Kitchen appliance manufacturers always seem to be “upping the ante” with added features to save space, conserve energy and water and even keep us on the cutting edge with advanced technology in food preservation, snappy touch-tone controls and cooking at lightning speed. Buyers expect to see the latest trends incorporated in the new home models they visit—especially buyers looking on the higher end.

In the kitchen, going “green” can also be a factor for buyers.

Manufacturers are increasing market presence of speed cooking or speedassist products that can reduce home energy use. Induction cooktops, for example, are extremely energy efficient, utilizing 90 percent of the energy they emit. A microhood can cook food fast and grill it to perfection.

Even models short on kitchen space can accommodate a single oven that actually houses two separate ovens. Homeowners can cook multiple dishes at two different temperatures, all within the space of a 30-inch oven. Now, that’s smart cooking! Warming drawers are also popular kitchen helpers—what started out as an accessory has become a necessity

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with the busy schedules of today’s families whose members are often eating at different times.

Dishwashers have gone green as well, with a choice of wash settings to suit every need and features that save plenty of water and detergent.

Instead measuring (orand guessing) how much detergent you’ll need, these Photo:of Lutron Electronics Aterra Lighting advanced machines are programmed to release just the right amount of detergent and utilize only the amount of water necessary to get dishes squeaky clean.

Refrigeration continues to evolve as well. The single refrigerator drawer is especially handy for those items used frequently. If space is limited, one product provides an easy solution: a drawer that keeps multiple temperatures. It can function as a freezer, refrigerator, wine unit, or even a pantry storage compartment. Also new in refrigeration are air management systems in which the air in a refrigerator is cleaned every 20 minutes, eliminating food smells and preserving food longer.

Staying on top of all the latest and greatest products can be a daunting task for a homebuilder, especially when buyers expect both style and functionality in today’s kitchens and bathrooms. You can’t go wrong when you offer quality products that work for your buyers and their lifestyles. I Dina S. Harvey is Marketing Manager for Scottsdale-based Westar Kitchen & Bath.

info link /// www.westar-sw.com

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INDUSTRY Spotlight

BUILDER BU Z Z

Several Options Available in Desert Mountain’s Exclusive Cintarosa Ranch

walnut, wormy oak and mesquite, and furniture quality cabinetry. Each floor plan includes an infinity pool and spa, large covered patios and barbecue areas. e purchase of a home or home site includes a Deferred Equity Membership in e Desert Mountain Club, which counts six worldrenowned Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses and six award-winning themed clubhouses with a variety of dining experiences and acclaimed golf shops among its amenities. I

K. Hovnanian Homes Closes on 51 Single Family Home Sites Breakfast Nook at Desert Mountain’s Cintarosa Ranch

Desert Mountain’s newest high desert neighborhood offers several home buying options at one of this upscale community’s highest elevations.

Cintarosa Ranch, which is situated at elevations ranging from 3,100 to 3,800 feet, offers 21 home sites from one-half to more than five acres. e location is cradled in the rugged contours of north Scottsdale’s Continental Mountains with unusual views of the surrounding mountains and the Valley beyond. e area consists of canyons, ridges and plateaus, and is bisected by game trails for desert wildlife.

Buyers have the option of purchasing a home site on which to build a custom home or building one of three customized floor plans designed for the particular site. e floor plans, named Plateau, Hillside and Ridge, range from 4,685 to 5,473 square feet. All three plans have been built as models. e Ridge model, which is the largest, was recently sold fully-furnished. e other two models, one of which is also furnished, are available for purchase as well.

“Architecturally, these homes are reminiscent of the territorial ranch style found in Arizona more than a century ago,” says Brian O’Neill, president of Desert Mountain Real Estate. “Covered porches and verandas, deep-set windows, handhewn timbers and copper details are some of the custom features of these homes.”

Others custom finishes include imported marbles, stone, granite, hardwoods such as

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Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: HOV) announced today that its subsidiary, K. Hovnanian Homes, has closed on 51 finished, single family home sites in the gated community of Vintage Villas in Chandler. e property, previously marketed as Vintage Villas, was sold to K. Hovnanian Homes by Dorado Drive Properties, LLC and will be renamed e Estates at Vintage Villas. e builder purchased 51 80-by-125-foot finished home sites located north of Willis Road between Price and Dobson Roads, south of Loop 202 in Chandler. Amenities within the community include a gated entrance and park site.

“We are excited to bring our luxurious Estates Collection of homes into the popular Chandler area,” says Andy Pedersen, regional director of marketing for K. Hovnanian Homes. “is incredible gated community is just minutes from Chandler Fashion Center, high-tech employment centers and the Loop 202, affording easy access to shopping and commuting.” e Estates at Vintage Villas is scheduled to open for pre-sales in mid-2010 and will feature one model home available to tour late June/early July. e community will offer five single-level floor plans ranging up to approximately 3,250 square feet. I

M OV E R S AN D SHAKERS

New Chairman of the Board Named for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale e Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale is pleased to announce David S. Cohen as chairman of the board for 2009-2011. A volunteer with the organization for more than a decade, Cohen has served as the chairman for the Angels for Kids annual giving campaign as well as on the facilities committee, development committee and capital campaign cabinet.

“Being involved in building several of the clubs over the years and seeing firsthand the success of the programs offered at each branch is very rewarding,” says Cohen. “Now more than ever, there is an increased demand for our programs, and during my term I want to make sure we have as much impact as we can on the future leaders of our community.”

In addition to his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Cohen is the principal and co-founder of Encanta Homes, where he oversees the strategic direction and comprehensive development of growth plans for the company. Prior to establishing Encanta Homes with business partner Todd A. Stevens, Cohen and Stevens co-founded Hacienda Builders in 1991, an award-winning Scottsdalebased homebuilder with a reputation for quality crasmanship and outstanding service. I

SPREAD THE WORD. Email your press releases or upcoming events to:

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HB Feature

Green from the Outside In Structural Insulated Panels by JAMES HODGSON

As the U.S. seeks to become energy independent, how buildings and homes are constructed will play a major role.

Earlier this year, the NAHB Research Center and the U.S. Department of Energy honored a custom homebuilder in Olympia, Wash., as the 2009 EnergyValue Housing Awards (EVHA) Builder of the Year. The EVHA are the nation’s preeminent energy efficiency awards honoring builders who voluntarily incorporate energy efficiency into all aspects of new home construction.

To achieve high energy efficiency, the builder, Scott Homes, incorporates several key features in its homes, including low-e double-pane glazing, radiant floor heating and structural insulated panels (SIPs) from Premier Building Systems. Together, these elements help homeowners save up to 60 percent per year on energy usage.

“The word is out on SIPs,” says Scott Bergford, owner of Scott Homes. “Customers are coming to me and requesting SIPs so much that I had to increase my staff just to keep up with demand

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and I still have more jobs than I can handle.

None of that would be possible without Premier’s innovative SIP panels.”

Structural insulated panels perform equally well in both cold and hot climates, whether keeping the heat in during a Flagstaff winter or keeping it out during a Phoenix summer. In addition to dramatic energy savings, SIPs reduce jobsite waste up to two-thirds; make efficient use of renewable, natural resources and recycled content; and contribute to indoor air quality. As such, they can help builders across Arizona differentiate themselves and affordably meet home buyers’ needs—critical goals in today’s down market.

SIPs Defined SIPs are pre-manufactured wall, roof or floor components delivered to the jobsite ready to install. They are typically made with oriented strand board (OSB) “skins” laminated and pressure cured to a rigid insulating foam core.

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HB Feature

about

Premier Building Systems Premier Building Systems leads the construction industry in the research, development and manufacturing of high-performance, energy-efficient structural insulated panels and innovative construction framing materials. Headquartered in Fife, Wash., Premier operates manufacturing facilities in Fife and Phoenix, Ariz. For more information about the products and services offered

by Premier, call 800.275.7086 or visit www.pbssips.com

The OSB and foam work together as both a structural system and the insulation. The panels are very strong and in most applications are structurally self-sufficient.

The design and construction process for a SIPs building is straightforward. The architect or builder provides the construction documents to a SIP manufacturer or dealer, who converts them into shop drawings that give each panel’s specific dimensions. After review by all applicable parties, the manufacturer or dealer finalizes the shop drawings, makes the panels, and delivers them to the jobsite. The panels install fast since the manufacturer also pre-cuts the electrical chases and window and door openings, including archways and complex curves.

integrated system, unlike fiberglass batts that come in narrow sections and typically leave gaps near framing members. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that SIPs help reduce a building’s annual energy costs by 50 – 60 percent compared to stick framing, which is difficult to insulate properly.

Other Green Building Benefits In addition to energy savings, building with SIPs is environmentally responsible in several other ways: • Construction waste is reduced by up to twothirds since manufacturing the panels in a controlled setting allows for more careful material management than is possible on a jobsite.

High R-Values SIPs provide exceptional energy efficiency through the insulating foam, which is continuous across the panel and performs as an

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• Indoor air quality is improved by reducing infiltration of common pollutants such as radon, molds, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead dust and asbestos.

As the U.S. seeks to become energy independent, how buildings and homes are constructed will play a major role. Advanced building techniques such as SIPs will be key to reducing energy demand, as well as providing a host of other green building benefits. I James Hodgson is the General Manager for Premier Building Systems, North America’s largest SIPs manufacturer.

info link /// pbssips.com

• The OSB skins come from fast-growing, renewable trees, and the manufacturing process uses a high percentage of each log.

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HBNew Product Showcase

S M ART S U R FAC E

FLOOR FRE N Z Y

Estrie has just introduced the industry’s first 18-by-18-inch tile for their LEED certified Viera line. This new size option comes with all the Viera line product benefits and standards. It also provides a quieter atmosphere and is available in 20 stylish color options and designs. 800.479.0190

Flexible Floor Systems introduces Pebble-Flex, a rubberized surface that many homeowners are using in place of concrete. It’s a safe alternative for children, and can be used to add flair to any pool deck, patio or pathway. Pebble-Flex can be laid directly over concrete so there won’t be additional costs to tear up the existing pavement. It’s 100 percent recyclable and won’t fade due to sun exposure. 910.790.7903 flexiblefloors.com

american-biltrite.com

DY NAM IC D E S IGN S

A new series of 120-volt flood lights has been released by Orbit/Evergreen.

The fixtures help provide safety and security during the night, and are also designed to showcase building and landscape designs. Models range in width from 8-inch to 15-inch and are available in black, bronze, green and white. They are easily adjustable. 800.906.7248

Móz Tides introduces aluminum panels in 4-foot and 5-foot lengths that can be assembled to create dynamic designs in a range of patterns and colors. The tiles that are concave and curved rise approximately 3 7/8 inches off the wall and look as if they are floating. They can be mounted horizontally or vertically on any wall. Tile kits can be purchased with step by step instructions and require no special tools. 510.632.0853.

orbitelectric.com

mozdesigns.com

FABULOUS FLO O D S

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FAN TAS T IC FAU C E T SIGNATURE S C R E W S

PAM Fastening Technology offers a line of signature, composite deck screws that prevent many common problems and provide a cleaner deck with a more attractive surface. Designed to be used with their Auto Feed system, the deck screws reduce the time required for installation. They are available in brown, red, tan, gray and stainless steel. 704.394.3141

Price Pfister introduces Velvet Aged Bronze, a beautiful warm bronze base color with distinctive gradual color shading and elegant brush strokes. A low-gloss tinted clear coat helps achieve a high-end finish typically found only on faucets in showrooms. 800.422.4278 pricepfister.com

pamfast.com

RO O FIN G R AIN B OW

The new Avalon Vanity by Vanity Flair is loaded with storage options and made from innovative Plyboo for environmentally conscious consumers.

The roomy drawers provide ample storage and the medicine cabinet features a soft closing, pop-up door and is semi-recessed.

DaVinci Roofscapes offers custom blended colors for roofing tiles.

Website visitors can use DaVinci’s Custom Blend Tool to create unique shades by blending the 19 existing DaVinci standard palette colors. The polymer roofing tiles are virtually maintenance free and far more cost effective than the natural product. Company products have a 50-year warranty and are 100 percent recyclable. 800.328.4624

vanityflair.net

davinciroofscapes.com

STYLISH STO R AGE

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HBNew Product Showcase

DOMINANT D R IV E R

Makita is proud to announce the release of its new 18V LXT LithiumIon Cordless three-speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver, model BTD144.

This powerful and versatile impact driver has a variable three-speed power selection switch, providing the user with precise fastening control for a wide range of applications, from fastening cabinet screws to driving lag bolts. 800.462.5482 makitatools.com

S PAC E S AV E R

The Johnson Pocket Door Frame,by architect Bruce Avico,is a door-in-the-wall fixture that offers more space in the home. This design can provide a more striking entrance and allows for items such as tables or shelves to be set up around the space. The track can be removed easily, for painting or staining if necessary. 800.837.5664 johnsonhardware.com

PE R FE C T POW E R EVOLUTIONARY E S T IM ATO R

The GeoEstimator uses satellite images to accurately gather measurements of any roof surface. Customers can request either a basic or complete report at approximately $35. The GeoEstimator incorporates opinions from general contractors, roofers and insurance professionals. It saves the customer time, energy and money. 888.644.2393 geoestimator.com

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The NT50GS is a two-inch, gas-powered 18-Gauge finish nailer from Hitachi Power Tools. It’s cordless and lightweight, and is great for a variety of jobs including overhead and extended use applications. The nailer has a detachable nose cap that protects fragile surfaces and expensive materials from being indented or scratched. Lithium ion batteries are required.

800.829.4752 www.westar-sw.com hitachi.com

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Signature Screws Create a cleaner, more attractive deck.

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November/December 2009 COVER IMAGE: Lennar Homes’ Vision at Layton Lakes in Gilbert

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Signature Screws Create a cleaner, more attractive deck.

Evolutionar y Estimator Save time and energy with satellite imagery.

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