FromthePublishers


resurgence, and there's one thing for certain—people are looking for something different than they may have desired a few years ago. The importance of good design inside and outside is underscored throughout this issue.


T he market continues its slow Steve & Beverly Smirnis


In our last issue, our builder profile illustrated a builder's response to the renaissance going on in the older neighborhoods of Dallas, and in this issue, we see Clarity Homes capitalizing on the same trend in Fort Worth. But the homes in these historic areas are being remodeled, restored and rebuilt with a more sensitive and responsible attitude among the industry and the buyers. How wonderful it is to drive some of these neighborhoods and see new homes that are sized and scaled appropriately with their surroundings. As good design better equips people to live comfortably in smaller spaces, we'll keep our fingers crossed that the days of the McMansion are finally behind us!


Speaking of restoring and rebuilding, we share our experience in travelling to two of our country's oldest cities. The stories we share in SAVVY Travels relate the extreme effort it took for both of these cities to prosper in a new era. Those of you involved in neighborhood rejuvenation efforts will be inspired.


Whether building in an urban setting or in a master planned community in the suburbs, there is more attention being paid to architectural purity, as discussed in our Curb Appeal Focus Section. Here again, there is no tolerance for lack of good design. Responsible design on the home exterior will also take into account the long-term viability of the landscape plan which will grow in importance as we are forced to become more water conscious.


Your SAVVY publishers have been busy beefing up our presence on the internet. In the magazine world, a website provides the avenue to add and update more information in a more timely fashion and in greater detail than the confines of the printed page will allow. So, if you haven't checked out buildingsavvy.com lately, please do. And while you're browsing, check out thesavvypeople.com to find links to see all that we are now involved in. Steve's real estate ad opposite, as well as the SAVVY Travels and SAVVY Trucks & Toys pages inside offer a glimpse into some of the information available on these new sites.


Beverly Smirnis Co-Publisher/Editor ON THE COVER:


The Clarity Homes team consistently keeps a watchful eye on the market and an open ear toward their customers to build what buyers want: better design,


better neighborhoods and better prices. Photography by Imagery Intelligence, LLC.


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


Imagery Intelligence, LLC–Photography For more information, visit www.buildingsavvy.com


10 12 16


Contents Features


10


DFW METROPLEX EDITION IXII


12 16


SAVVY BUILDER Clarity Homes Clarity Homes is focusing on building smaller homes that architecturally fit the


landscape of the existing historical neighborhoods where they build. When it’s designed right, their clients are finding they can live comfortably in less square footage.


FOCUS SECTION Curb Appeal


To achieve a classical architectural style, it is important to understand and use the correct elements that define each style and coordinate colors and details with longevity and low maintenance in mind.


SAVVY SPOTLIGHT DFW Brick Council


Independent brick distributors offer a broad range of products including those produced by smaller production and specialty brick manufacturers.


Departments


4 INDUSTRY NEWS 6 BEST PRACTICES 8 FINANCIAL MATTERS


18 SAVVY TRAVELS 21 SAVVY TRUCKS & TOYS 22 TIPS FROM TODD


IXII GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE 3


THE HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY JOURNAL


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24