New Flooring Installation Guidelines Free for Members

"NAHB and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) are working together to share information and resources to promote proper flooring installation standards and best practices. As part of this new collaboration, NWFA is making its Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines  available to NAHB members at no cost." - Read the full article on NAHB here.

Remodeler Confidence in Positive Territory!

According to article by Paul Emrath on NAHB: 

"In the second quarter, NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rebounded two points to 59 (after having slipped slightly from 60 to 57 in the first quarter).

An RMI above 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is higher (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is lower.  The RMI, which averages ratings of current remodeling with indicators of future activity, has been over 50 for nine consecutive quarters.  This has been true for both current conditions and indicators of future activity."

To continue reading the full article, visit here.

The Aging Society's Growing Need for Remodeling

According to research analyst Abbe Will: "Over the coming decades, the number and share of U.S. households age 65 and over will rise dramatically as the oldest members of the baby-boom generation reach retirement age. Inevitably, with increasing age comes the growing presence of disability and problems using components of the home without assistance. Surely, some aging households will look to move into homes that are better suited to their changing needs, but the majority of older households continue to plan to “age in place.” Since much of the housing stock is currently ill-equipped with even basic accessibility features, older homeowners aging in place will need to invest in retrofitting their homes in order to age comfortably and safely. New research released by the Joint Center sheds light on the implications of an aging society for the home improvement market by analyzing the remodeling activity by older owners and estimating the projected demand for and supply of homes with basic accessibility features in the near future."

To continue reading, visit the full article here on Housing Perspectives.

Water Efficiency is the New Green

As the drought continues to plague Southern California, water prices are trending upward and municipalities are clamping down on usage. Thus, the residential construction industry is striving to find ways to conserve our water resources.

“Water is finite, and if a home is going to require too much, the jurisdiction can say ‘game over,'” says Kim Shanahan, executive officer of the Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association.

Shanahan’s HBA, along with the Green Builder Coalition, Build Green New Mexico and members of the city’s water conservation committee, has developed one solution: software that generates a Water Efficiency Rating Score, or WERS. The system is in the pilot testing phase.

To continue reading, visit Water Efficiency Rating Systems Headed Your Way on NAHB 

Springtime? REMODEL NOW!

Spring is the time of year when many Americans make plans to remodel their homes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Columbia Remodelers remind you to only trust your dreams for your home to a qualified remodeler. Increasing home value, completing needed maintenance, and improving energy-efficiency are just some of the reasons to remodel now.

Learn more information about how – and why – to choose a professional remodeler, see what return you can expect from different projects, and other helpful information. As evidenced in this short video, there are so many benefits to hiring a professional NAHB remodeler. 

Some important tips when it comes to remodeling your home:

Remodeling Do's and Don'ts:

1. Don’t neglect your home. Do maintain and enhance the value of your home with maintenance and remodeling projects.
2. Don’t try complex remodels on your own. Do call a professional remodeler to get the job done right the first time and save yourself time and money.
3. Don’t necessarily hire the cheapest remodeler. Do a thorough check on the remodeler’s experience, references, and qualifications, such as membership with the Columbia Remodelers council. 
4. Don’t lose patience during the remodel. Do prepare yourself for challenges and realistically understand the time and money your remodel may require.
5. Don’t try to remove or deal with lead paint on your own. Do call a professional remodeler or remediator to minimize exposure to lead paint.

Articles:

1. Why Hire a Professional Remodeler?

2. How to Hire a Professional Remodeler!

3. Add Green to Your Home (and Pocketbook) by Remodeling

4. Top 5 Remodeling Projects

5. Cost vs. Value reports

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