State and local governments across the United States continue to introduce regulatory changes that directly affect how home builders operate, from flood resilience and wage compliance to insulation standards and design control. Staying informed on these developments is essential for builders navigating an increasingly complex compliance landscape. This codes and standards update covers five key […]
Building on a steep hillside presents a unique set of challenges that separate exceptional custom homes from ordinary tract housing. The New American Home 2019, perched above the Las Vegas Valley in the exclusive Ascaya community of Henderson, Nevada, offers builders and designers a master class in luxury hillside construction. Designed by Dan Coletti of
Rethinking Density in Residential Development The word “density” often triggers negative reactions among homeowners, community stakeholders, and even some builders. It conjures images of overcrowded apartment blocks, traffic congestion, and loss of neighborhood character. Yet as housing affordability continues to tighten across the United States, density is emerging as one of the most effective tools
Construction Industry Fraud Task Forces Signal Tougher Regulatory Oversight The Pittsburgh City Council recently voted to establish a Joint Task Force on Construction Industry Fraud, responding to allegations of widespread financial misconduct in the building trades. This task force targets unfair trade practices including tax fraud, wage violations, and under-the-table payments that cost Pennsylvania hundreds
Building codes and standards continue to evolve at a rapid pace, bringing new requirements and opportunities for residential construction professionals. From updated guidelines on shipping containers as building components to advancements in passive fire protection and modular construction, recent developments are reshaping how builders approach their projects. Staying informed about these changes is essential for
The path to solving America’s persistent housing affordability challenges increasingly runs through public-private collaboration. With federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development actively seeking ways to engage private capital and expertise, builders, developers, and construction professionals have a growing stake in understanding how policy directions shape the market. Recent insights from HUD
Building codes and standards form the backbone of safe, durable, and efficient residential construction. For home builders, staying current with code developments is not just about compliance. It is about delivering homes that perform better, last longer, and meet the expectations of today’s buyers. From updated guidelines for repurposed shipping containers to new LEED credits
How Home Builders Can Prepare for the Shift to a Buyer’s Market The home building industry has enjoyed a prolonged seller’s market, but the signs of change are unmistakable. As market conditions soften, builders who thrived during the boom years must adapt to a new reality where buyers hold the leverage. This shift demands more
The AIA 2030 Commitment Extends to Developers and Building Owners The American Institute of Architects has long championed its 2030 Commitment, a program originally designed for architecture firms to track and report progress toward carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030. In a significant expansion, the AIA now invites developers and building owners to join the
How Recent Building Codes and Standards Are Reshaping Residential Construction Building codes and standards evolve constantly to address new challenges in residential construction, from carbon emissions and energy performance to wildfire resilience and renewable energy integration. For home builders, keeping pace with these changes is not just a matter of compliance. It is a competitive
