http://www.hgtvpro.com Industry news for builders, contractors and remodelers from HGTVPro.com. en-us Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:07:52 GMT Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:07:52 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Fastfwd Rss_Export v1.0 http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5893900,00.html Reports from the floor of the PCBC show give estimated attendance down over 1/2 of last year due to the bleak state of the housing industry. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5893900,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5893904,00.html The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in May, declined even further in June. The Index now stands at 50.4, down from 58.1 in May. The Present Situation Index decreased to 64.5 from 74.2. The Expectations Index declined to 41.0 from 47.3 in May. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5893904,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893906,00.html Quality Cabinets ranks highest among cabinet brands in satisfying new-home builders and remodelers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction 2008 Builder and Remodeler Cabinet Satisfaction Study released this week. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893906,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5893908,00.html The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has initiated an all-out effort to get Congress to pass badly needed stimulus legislation that will help stabilize the economy and housing market and assist millions of current and potential home owners. A central component of this legislation is a temporary home buyer tax credit to stimulate home purchases by qualified first-time buyers. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5893908,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5893902,00.html Sales of new single family houses declined 2.5 percent in May, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 512,000. The data was released today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is also 40.3 percent below new homes sales at this time last year. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5893902,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893903,00.html Whether recovering from an injury, or preventing one, bath safety products offer safety in the most dangerous room in the house - the bath. Home Care by Moen answers the need for stable, durable and attractive products with its new Premium line, offering a bedside commode, shower chair, transfer bench, tub safety grip and a handheld shower. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893903,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893901,00.html Beautifying and maintaining your home with caulk is now as convenient as changing a light bulb. Momentive Performance Materials' latest innovation, GE Caulk Singles, single-use disposable packages of caulk, reinvent the caulking experience for the consumer by putting an end to caulk guns and hard-to-use squeeze tubes. With its deceptively simple, yet ingeniously engineered packaging, Caulk Singles dispense effortlessly with one hand and require no tools. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893901,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5893911,00.html ISH North America 2008 (ISH NA) has announced its 2008 seminar program. The program includes educational sessions focused on presenting business strategies for achieving success in the Plumbing, Commercial/Industrial Pipes, Valves & Fittings, HVAC, and Kitchen & Bath markets served by this international trade show. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5893911,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5893915,00.html One of the primary contractors involved with Boston's multi-billion dollar Big Dig project has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection the day after being charged with overbilling and poor work quality. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5893915,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5893916,00.html The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, today expanded its long-term commitment to the environment and sustainability by launching a national in-store, consumer compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb recycling program at all 1,973 The Home Depot locations. This free service is the first such offering made so widely available by a retailer in the United States and offers customers additional options for making environmentally conscious decisions from purcha Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5893916,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5893914,00.html The nation is in the throes of a housing downturn that is shaping up to be the worst in a generation, finds The State of the Nation's Housing report issued this week by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. While the falloff in housing starts, new home sales, and existing home sales already rivals the worst downturns in the post World War II era, home price declines and mortgage defaults are the worst on records that date back to the 1960s and 1970s Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5893914,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5893912,00.html The FBI announced this week that it has arrested 60 suspects as part of its months-long investigation into mortgage fraud. The crackdown, dubbed "Operation Malicious Mortgage" resulted in 144 mortgage fraud cases in which 406 defendants were charged. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5893912,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893907,00.html Typar recently announced the addition of its newly enhanced self-adhering peel-and-stick flashing to its line of weather protection products. Typar Peel & Stick Flashing is a sturdy, yet flexible, flashing that couples a high performing pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) with a proprietary block co-polymer formula for stronger adhesion and maximum performance in virtually any environment, especially in cooler temperatures. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893907,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893905,00.html Owens Corning Masonry Products, LLC, announced that its new ProStone line of manufactured stone veneer will now feature three new colors, Desert Shadows, Charcoal Mist and Stone Red, and a new texture, Easy Fit Savannah Ledge. A component stone, the Easy Fit Savannah Ledge texture is designed to help builders quickly and easily achieve the look of tight-fitted ledgestones. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5893905,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5889585,00.html Looking for that cool new product to help transform your home improvement project? Then check out Professional Builder's latest Top 100 Best New Products at the Housing Zone. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5889585,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_dstr_floods/article/0,2624,HPRO_26524_5889587,00.html All American Homes, LLC of Decatur, Ind. announced it is ready to work closely with local relief authorities and insurance companies to help rebuild the homes of flood victims throughout the Midwest and particularly in Indiana and Illinois counties approved for federal assistance. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_dstr_floods/article/0,2624,HPRO_26524_5889587,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889583,00.html Privately-owned housing starts in the U.S. fell 3.3 percent in May, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 975,000, 3.3 percent below the revised April rate of 1,008,000. It is 36.3 percent below the same period last year. Single family starts fared slightly better, falling just 1 percent, to a seasonally adjusted rate of 674,000. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889583,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889581,00.html Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes edged down in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The index slipped to 18 this month, returning to the record low that was posted in December of 2007. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889581,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5889590,00.html Imago Trade Shows, a division of Atlanta-based Imago Productions, Inc., and BNP Media have joined forces to launch a new trade show serving the Disaster Reconstruction Industry. The National Disaster Reconstruction Expo (NDRExpo) will launch June 17-18, 2009 at the Earnest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The NDRExpo was developed to unite the numerous vertical markets associated with disaster reconstruction preparation, response, recovery and rebuild Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5889590,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5889589,00.html Just one look at the website for the SEBC show tells you this is one expo NOT to miss! With 48 seminars, 17 intensive courses, and over 1000 exhibits, you'll have plenty to do. What's more, the show will feature a a performance by The Charlie Daniels Band, a gourment wine pairing luncheon and many industry experts speaking on topics that affect you. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5889589,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5889599,00.html Holiday Builders announced that it is offering a 3.25 percent start rate on homes ready for move-in. In partnership with Shelter Mortgage, Holiday Builders is bringing homebuyers the dream of homeownership through this exciting rate buy-down financing program. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5889599,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889600,00.html The housing downturn continues to have 'legs', and most of the statistical data reported so far in 2008 are discouraging, according to Fitch Ratings. The spring selling season was a 'bust'. Although it does not appear likely that the year-over-year declines in major metrics such as starts, new home sales, and existing home sales will continue at the current pronounced pace throughout this year, the decreases are likely to be greater than Fitch's prior projections. Perhaps mor Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889600,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889592,00.html James M. Weichert, president and founder of Weichert Realtors, one of the nation's largest privately-held real estate companies told the company's nearly 18,000 sales associates and roughly 2,000 employees that "we have reached the bottom of the housing market and will soon begin to see improvements." Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889592,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889591,00.html The Washington Post is publishing what it calls the first comprehensive narrative explaining the recent U.S. housing market collapse. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5889591,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5889595,00.html MW Johnson Construction Inc. located in suburb of Minnneapolis, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization this week, the latest in a string of builder bankruptcies brought about by the weak housing market. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5889595,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5889593,00.html Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Simpson Dura-Vent Company, Inc. purchased 100% of the equity of ProTech Systems, Inc., a New York manufacturer of and distributor venting products. The purchase price (subject to post-closing adjustment) was $7.5 million in cash, plus an additional earn-out of up to $2.25 million if certain future performance targets are met. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5889593,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5889598,00.html The California Department of General Services has developed the nation's first statewide online database of state-owned "green" buildings that employs Geographic Information Systems mapping technology. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5889598,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5885242,00.html The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) last week called on Congress to create a temporary home buyer tax credit along with other important tax measures to boost the faltering housing market and economy. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5885242,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5885259,00.html The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has re-launched its popular Greenbuild365 Web site. Visitors will find increased educational offerings, podcasts and expanded resources, along with year-round access to plenaries and master speaker presentations from USGBC's Annual Greenbuild Conference & Expo - the industry's largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5885259,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5885256,00.html "Forever, it will change my life forever ... in a good way," said a jubilant Marsha Coulthard when learned she was the winner of the first ever HGTV Green Home located in the new development of Tradition Hilton Head, South Carolina. Coulthard, a 43-year old medical billing clerk and green enthusiast from Bradenton, Florida, was at home with her son and parents when HGTV's Chi-Lan Lieu knocked on the door to let her know that she won the HGTV Green Home grand-prize package v Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5885256,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5885254,00.html A bankruptcy judge gave the green light last week to a takeover plan of bankrupt Pacific Lumber Company by another lumber company owned by the founders of the Gap Inc. clothing store chain. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5885254,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5885250,00.html Beazer Homes is leaving the Rocky Mountain State, just one more retrenchment move made by builders all over the country as the housing market continues to stagnate. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5885250,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5885258,00.html PCBC, the largest show for builders on the West Coast, will be held June 24-27, 2008 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Show will feature more than 60 educational programs and a show floor featuring products and services from more than 600 companies. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5885258,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5885249,00.html Serious Materials announced that its QuietRock line of soundproof drywall won the Gypsum Product of the Year award at the Global Gypsum 2008 conference held in Dubai earlier this month. Judging criteria for the award included innovation, quality of product, effectiveness of product, and fit to market need. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5885249,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5885260,00.html Lumonall, Inc., a global supplier of photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) emergency signage and guidance systems, has announced a strategic partnership with Pacific Stair Corp. The partnership provides for the development and distribution of innovative seismic compliant steel stair systems incorporating Lumonall photoluminescent safety technology. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5885260,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5885260,00.html Lumonall, Inc., a global supplier of photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) emergency signage and guidance systems, has announced a strategic partnership with Pacific Stair Corp. The partnership provides for the development and distribution of innovative seismic compliant steel stair systems incorporating Lumonall photoluminescent safety technology. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5885260,00.html