BUILDER Some building business leaders are taking action--locally and nationally--to address the skilled workforce challenge. More need to to the same. By John McManus The cost of housing's labor shortages is going up. There's no reason not to expect the price tag to do anything other than get higher. Builders normally rank land--access to building lots--as their [...]

BUILDER Hints another rate hike is still on the table. The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee on Wednesday wrapped up its monthly meeting by holding interest rates steady and vowing to keep on eye on Hurricane-driven inflation. In it's statement, the committee said, "Higher prices for gasoline and some other items in the aftermath of the [...]

10 Modern Treehouses We’d Love to Have in Our Own Backyard 06.29.17 Posted by Caroline Williamson Architecture Main Does that childhood feeling of running away to live in a treehouse ever really leave us? The magic of escaping to a fantasy life high above in the trees sounds pretty great, but realistically we all have to grow up [...]

Builder The new dimmer is fully compatible with all major voice platforms. By Mary Salmonsen Courtesy iDevicesThe iDevices Dimmer Switch, shown alongside the smartphone app control. The August 16th launch of the iDevices Dimmer Switch marks the first new product launch for iDevices since its recent acquisition by HubbellIncorportated. The Dimmer Switch is the only hub-less smart switch [...]

Consider these organization ideas on the walls, floors, and ceilings By Kacey Bradley Your clients need more storage space in the garage, so what are some of the best options? Before you can even begin to use the garage as storage, it's best to ensure the space is a safe place for your client's belongings. Storage ideas [...]

Builder With the Wi-Fi Adapter, users can access their Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt from anywhere in the world. By Mary Salmonsen Courtesy SchlageThe Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt in Matte Black, with Wi-Fi Adapter. Schlage has upgraded its existing Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt system with two new functionalities. Android smartphone users are now able to use the Schlage [...]

As nearly 20% of America’s population reaches retirement age, there’s an increased need to consider the aging in place community when designing and building new homes. Find out how the baby boomer generation is transforming the housing landscape and what you can do to adapt. Brought to you by PrimeLending With an estimated 10,000 baby boomers turning [...]

BUILDER As 2018 budget season arrives, it's time to both model in and do something about cost escalation on building products and materials. By John McManus Constraints on the supply of newly-built homes and communities is not letting up, nor is it likely to. The biggest obstacle from the perspective of builders, as we've noted here, is land. [...]

BUILDER From estimates and bids to project management and drone photography, these mobile apps are worth a second look. By Jennifer Goodman Courtesy JobFlex Ten apps for the construction industry have been recognized as tops in their class. From estimating and bids to project management, the 10 apps have received the 2017 Construction App Award from scheduling [...]

Metrostudy's Mark Boud sees tailwinds supporting a constructive view for the next 2-plus years. Then, a couple of red flags to prepare for. By John McManus Housing's recovery--supported by demographics, jobs and wage growth, moderately low interest rates, still affordable prices, and pent-up demand--has more of the same good-but-not-great news and numbers ahead for the next 18 [...]