FromthePublishers S igns of progress are every-


where around us. Roads are being built. Land is being purchased. Projects that fizzled or were put on hold have been brought back to life. Car sales are up. I wasn't exaggerating when I shared with many of you that I knew of a custom builder with NINE build jobs going on right now! Be sure to read our SAVVY Builder story for this inspiring story. And take a look at our Focus Section on Outdoor Living to see some examples of investment that people are putting into their existing homes, keeping our professional remodelers busy and active.


Steve & Beverly Smirnis


DFW METROPLEX EDITION VOL 3 2011


Contents Features


When this recession is over, will we be able to look back and see progress made that might not have been made had we not been challenged? In tough times, we get inventive. We adjust and find better and more efficient ways of doing things. We diversify our businesses. Here at Building SAVVY, we are striving to diversify our business by bringing you more news and more details on-line. You will note references throughout this issue about more information on-line. Please take a look at buildingsavvy.com and sign up for our news feed so that you get a weekly update emailed to you listing the posts we have added and providing links for you to quickly and easily view these announcements. And if you haven't taken a look at our new site designed to help consumers select a qualified builder or remodeler, then go to buildersavvy.com right now. Be sure to click on Builder/Remodeler Directory and take advantage of the opportunity to list your company for free. (Note: BuildING savvy.com is your industry site BuildER savvy.com is the consumer site.)


Unfortunately, governments at the federal, state and local levels are getting inventive as well. We'll have new legislation and tougher building codes going into effect soon and tightening federal agency regulations to contend with. We can all agree that it would make more sense to hold off on some of these things until our struggling industry gets its feet back on some sort of ground. But think how out-of-hand it could have gotten if not for the diligent efforts of our local, state and national building and remodeling industry associations looking out for our interests. Watch your email for announcements about Building SAVVY classes designed to help you keep up with and prepare your business for the changes ahead. If you are not on our email list and would like to be, please contact us.


Beverly Smirnis Co-Publisher/Editor


Building SAVVY is published by DFW Building SAVVY Magazines


Mailing address: P.O. Box 471837, Fort Worth, TX 76147


Production office/Delivery address:


4434 Bonham St., Dallas, Texas 75229 Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Building SAVVY cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Copyright DFW Building SAVVY Magazines. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.


Beverly Smirnis–Editor-in-Chief 817-528-7235 Beverly@buildingsavvy.com


Steve Smirnis–Sales & Construction Projects Manager 817-975-7235 Steve@buildingsavvy.com


Ed Starr–Production Manager & Publication Designer savvyartroom@yahoo.com


For more information, visit www.buildingsavvy.com Vol 3 2011


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12 SAVVY SPOTLIGHT


SAVVY BUILDER


Few could say that they are operating at just the right pace to meet their business goals right now, but Hood County-based RDS Homes and Cottage Homes is. With nine houses under various stages of construction, they have become the talk of the town.


Departments


4 NATIONAL, STATE AND 8 BEST PRACTICES


REGIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS


10 GET GREEN 20 SAVVY TRUCKS & TOYS


GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE 3


FOCUS SECTION


As homes get smaller, living space is spilling over to the outside and outdoor living areas are high on the priority list.


Screening is an option that staves away the enemies of summer while also providing many other benefits year-round. KJ Custom Designs’ Mirage¤ screens can lower patio temperatures by an average of 10 degrees.


THE HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY JOURNAL


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