http://www.hgtvpro.com Industry news for builders, contractors and remodelers from HGTVPro.com. en-us Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:55:59 GMT Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:55:59 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Fastfwd Rss_Export v1.0 http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944381,00.html Sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors. May's increase was the first back-to-back monthly gain since September 2005. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944381,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944382,00.html Sales of new one-family houses in May 2009 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 342,000, 0.6 percent below the revised April rate of 344,000, according to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The performance is 32.8 percent below the May 2008 estimate of 509,000. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944382,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944347,00.html Although "green" is very much in the nation's collective vocabulary, green builders shouldn't assume that consumers are sold on sustainability. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:55:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944347,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944346,00.html Housing markets in California -- among the worst hit by the current downturn -- appear poised for recovery. However, the marketplace that emerges there and in other parts of the country in the coming months and years will be far different than what preceded it. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:17:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944346,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944388,00.html The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association will hold its 87th annual trade show and convention on July 8-11, 2009 at the Peabody Hotel & The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944388,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944390,00.html KraftMaid Cabinetry ranks highest among cabinet manufacturers in satisfying customers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Cabinet Satisfaction Study released today. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944390,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944387,00.html Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT), Inc., a plastics recycler and manufacturer of green building products, now offers MoistureShield composite decking in a solid board profile. Using new and improved manufacturing technology, MoistureShield Solid provides the strength and beauty of MoistureShield decking with a new profile option. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944387,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944393,00.html The Colorado Fall Home Show will be held September 19-20, 2009 at the Colorado Convention Center. This show will feature more than 300 companies and will focus on home renovation, remodeling, and sustainable living. In addition to the exhibitors, there will be two demonstration theaters with sessions focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, interior design, remodeling and cooking. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944393,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944395,00.html Las Vegas Home Extravaganza will take place October 23-25, 2009 at the Cashman Field Center. The show promises to feature all the products and services to fix up your home. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944395,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944399,00.html Looking to make waves this summer by transforming your pool into a lean, green, energy-saving machine? Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944399,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944394,00.html Excel Homes is working to break down the assumptions that modular construction is boxy, cheap, and generic. One way they are accomplishing this goal is by developing floor plans that push the imagination beyond two-dimensional blueprints, to the idea of actual "spaces" for living and working - aspirational for residential and commercial builders as well as consumers. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944394,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944391,00.html The Coca-Cola Company today announced the launch of the California Dream Home Giveaway sweepstakes. In partnership with Albertsons, Coca-Cola will give consumers who buy select Coca-Cola products at participating Albertsons stores the opportunity to win a brand new Taylor Morrison home, valued at approximately $250,000. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944391,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944389,00.html The Florida Building Material Association (FBMA) has made it easier than ever to obtain OSHA recognized safety education with its new Hard Hat Safe-T-Zone webinar series. Beginning in August 2009, FBMA will present a series of webinars including fire safety, housekeeping, material handling, electrical safety, slips, trips and falls, and how to achieve and maintain a drug free workplace. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944389,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5944306,00.html NAHB is providing answers to frequently asked questions from prospective first-time home buyers who qualify for the $8,000 tax credit and are seeking information on how they can get a loan to help cover downpayment or closing costs. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:33:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5944306,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944213,00.html James Hardie Building Products Inc. announced today the launch of the company's latest concept in home exterior protection. Called The HardieZone System, it is specifically designed to deliver superior performance under varying climate conditions. In North America, James Hardie's product lines have been engineered for specific climates, categorized as the HZ5 and HZ10 climate zones. The former includes wide seasonal temperature variation Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944213,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944219,00.html Privately-owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 532,000, a 17.2 percent jump from April, according to data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. By comparison however, the numbers are still 45 percent below the same period last year. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944219,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944214,00.html Hacker Industries, Inc., the leading supplier of cementitious floor underlayments and acoustical control mats, introduces a new Hacker Floor Underlayment Product Guide. The pamphlet offers a concise overview of the company's line of Firm-Fill Brand Gypsum Concretes. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944214,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944224,00.html The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is proud to announce the debut of the International Countertop Expo (ICE) February 8-10, 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Unlike other industry shows restricted to single or limited material categories, ICE will encompass the full spectrum of countertop and decorative surfacing options. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944224,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944227,00.html UDR, Inc., a leading multifamily real estate investment trust (REIT), announced today that it has made it easy to find an apartment anywhere and anyplace using your iPhone or iPod Touch. UDR's new and free iPhone apartment search application is now available in Apples' iStore. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944227,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944230,00.html Wondering which building products are on everyone's hot list? The editors of Building Products have compiled the top 100 products that have generated the most interest from readers. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944230,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_cods_regs/article/0,2624,HPRO_26520_5944220,00.html The International Code Council has developed a series of seminars and guidebooks to help code officials, architects, engineers and other code users transition to the new 2009 I-Codes. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_cods_regs/article/0,2624,HPRO_26520_5944220,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5944225,00.html Cavalier Homes, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has entered into a definitive merger agreement for the Company to be acquired by Addison, Alabama-based Southern Energy Homes, Inc. Terms of the agreement call for the payment of $2.75 cash for each outstanding share of common stock. Southern Energy Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Clayton Homes, is the industry leader in producing top-quality, customizable homes. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5944225,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944090,00.html Indicating that single-family home builders remain cautious and concerned about the fragile state of today's economy and housing market, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) declined one point to 15 in June. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:36:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_econ_ind/article/0,2624,HPRO_26527_5944090,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944033,00.html BuildingGreen LLC, the parent company behind GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, today announced a partnership with the NAHB National Green Building Program NAHBGreen, the green building advocacy arm of the nation's leading home builder association. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944033,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5944031,00.html The Securities and Exchange Commission last week charged former Countrywide Financial CEO Angelo Mozilo and two other former executives with securities fraud for deliberately misleading investors about the significant credit risks being taken in efforts to build and maintain the company's market share. Mozilo was additionally charged with insider trading for selling his Countrywide stock based on non-public information for nearly $140 million in profits. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_bus_nws/article/0,2624,HPRO_26528_5944031,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5943888,00.html NAHB sent a letter stating that "We regret that the committee did not consider NAHB's testimony presented on April 24, 2009, and that we must oppose this legislation. H.R. 2454 is unnecessarily prescriptive, falls short of creating an effective energy policy that is constitutional and endangers housing affordability. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:24:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_legislat/article/0,2624,HPRO_26517_5943888,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5943855,00.html NAHB told Congress on May 21 that the nation's home builders are determined to play a constructive role in resolving the Chinese-made drywall issue. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:38:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5943855,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944034,00.html Tile Redi, a leading manufacturer of pre-formed, one-piece shower pans, has added to its product mix with the launch of the Redi-Niche line of pre-formed shampoo and soap niches in a variety of sizes for time and labor-saving shower installations. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944034,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944036,00.html The latest version of Lien Writer, the premier program for Mechanic's Lien paperwork has just been released on the web. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944036,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944038,00.html Sage North America has announced the availability of the Peachtree by Sage 2010 product line, which includes the new version of Peachtree by Sage Premium Accounting for Construction and Peachtree by Sage - Quantum. The Peachtree 2010 line offers flexible new tools and personalized features designed to improve visibility and access to help small businesses make more informed decisions. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944038,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_labour/article/0,2624,HPRO_26529_5944037,00.html A new article on Reuters chronicles the changing fortunes of a road building company that was about to lay off workers. The company then won some additional projects enacted under the Federal stimulus package, and many employees have two solid years of work ahead of them now. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_labour/article/0,2624,HPRO_26529_5944037,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944044,00.html The California Construction Expo 2009 will take place August 13, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The show will bring together thousands of contractors, designers and suppliers who are looking to make important contacts for the inevitable turnaround in construction projects. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944044,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944035,00.html DeckExpo 2009 is scheduled to take place October 27-30, 2009 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The show is the preeminent event for the deck, dock and railing industry. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944035,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944043,00.html The American Hardware Manufacturers Association's AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index shows improving sales in May, with the Current Situation Index rising 20.9 points from April's Index of 33.3 to 54.2 (October 2008 = 100) and the Future Expectations Index up to an all-time high of 186.2 from 148.3 in April. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944043,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944042,00.html The 29th annual Home Decorating and Remodeling Show will take place August 28-30, 2009 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_ind_evnts/article/0,2624,HPRO_26518_5944042,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944045,00.html Recent hints of optimism in the housing industry appear to have spread to the multifamily sector, according to the latest results of Multifamily Rental Market Index (MRMI) and the Multifamily Condo Market Index (MCMI), released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5944045,00.html http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944040,00.html Insulite Roof Tile is a patented roof tile that offers the weatherability and fire safety of cement tiles, but half the weight, twice the strength, and with the added benefit of an average R-6 Insulating (Thermal) Barrier, according to the manufacturer. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5944040,00.html