Features Archives - Residential Contractor

A French Transitional Home Designed for Seamless Connectivity with Nature

From the architectural details, elevated amenities and modern interior design, every inch of this project is well-curated luxury. By Yvonne Nguyen Brandon Architects is a talented, diverse and motivated group of designers who have been influencing the communities of Newport Beach, coastal Orange County and beyond since 2009. Their youthful and inspired approach to the design process has afforded them a vast variety of design projects ranging from traditional high-end custom homes to modern custom luxury boutique hotels. Whether it’s inspiring beauty or an environmentally sensitive footprint, a smartly-designed project…

Luxury Home Design & Construction: What’s on the Horizon?

By Scott Acton Experiential Living Spaces Create a New Level of Luxury Like so many other things, the luxury residential market is rapidly evolving in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, most Americans have spent anywhere from a few weeks to many months living, working, exercising, cooking, and gathering at home in ways they never have before. Most have probably given some thought to how their living experience could be better with customization. While the pandemic won’t last forever, it will likely have a lasting impact on how owners…

Contractors Recommend Soundproof Windows to Eliminate Exterior Noise and Reduce Energy Costs

One distressed homeowner discovered a solution to multiple problems without costly window replacement When a contractor in Reno, Nevada set out to solve an external noise problem that was driving his customer crazy, he discovered a cure that unexpectedly provided the added benefits of significant energy savings and increased comfort. This was achieved quickly without costly window replacement by simply adding a second insulative window. His customer was thrilled with the results. The approach can not only prevent loud external noise like street traffic from penetrating windows into the home…

How Residential Contractors Can Generate New Business Online in 2021

New research study shows today’s buyers most likely to go online first when they need a residential contractor By John Tyreman An estimated 1 in 4 Americans are expected to work remotely in 2021, meaning homeowners will have even more time to evaluate their living situation and address the home improvement projects they put off in recent years. It also means fewer homeowners will drive their car long enough to hear radio ads or see truck signage on the road. They will likely stream shows on “Smart TVs” with no…

A Fearless Approach to Construction

Contractor Dale Scheffler of D.J. Scheffler & Nye makes sure to take on the challenging construction projects others don’t By Kent Crowley The house teeters on the edge. So much earth has already slipped away that you can see the underside of the swimming pool as it dangles precariously on the edge of the newly formed cliff. Contractor Dale Scheffler stands yards away trying to figure out how he is going to save this house. Fortunately, this isn’t his first rodeo. Scheffler has made a living helping people and structures…

Home Improvement Projects are Worth Cost and Time, Says Realtor® Survey

WASHINGTON – Homeowners who decide to undergo a home improvement project, whether it be interior or exterior modifications, often find that the task was worth the investment and time, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, with insights from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, an examination of 20 projects, surveyed Realtors®, consumers who have taken on home renovation projects and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Remodeling Impact: Project – 3 Top Joy Score Project The report examines…

Home Improvement Projects are Worth Cost and Time

WASHINGTON— Homeowners who decide to undergo a home improvement project, whether it be interior or exterior modifications, often find that the task was worth the investment and time, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, with insights from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, an examination of 20 projects, surveyed Realtors®, consumers who have taken on home renovation projects and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Remodeling Impact: Project – 3 Top Joy Score Project The report examines…

Native Landscaping Sells Houses

Increase the value of a home with environmentally-friendly natural landscaping By Kitty Connolly This past April, the American Society of Landscape Architects released its 2018 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey, a members’ annual rating of the expected popularity of design elements. For the sixth year in a row, native plants were top of the list (either #1 or #2). Southern California real estate listings often call out yards as “water-saving” or “native landscape,” whether or not the description is accurate. In stark contrast, the National Association of Realtors 2018 Remodeling…

California Energy Commission Expert Panel

The leaders in changing codes share insight, advice, and more as builders prepare for Title 24 changes By CHRIS OLVERA, PETER STRAIT, MAZI SHIRAKH, AMBER BECK Chris Olvera, Supervisor of the Outreach Education Unit Peter Strait, Supervisor of Standards Development Unit Mazi Shirakh, Lead for ZNE and PV Requirements for Standards Amber Beck, Public Information Officer What are the key changes to Title 24 being enacted January 1st? Chris Olvera: As a summary for the changes for residential buildings: We have updates for the thermal envelope, which includes insulation for high-performance…

Construction Execs Optimistic About Homebuilding Business

Advanced technology and the entrance of millennial buyers into the market are fueling market growth By RICK BECHTEL It is still a good time to build homes. Residential builders surveying the construction landscape predict more business over the coming two years, grounding their optimism in expectations of steady interest rates and sustained demand. Despite signs that the cycles for residential real estate and interest rates are in their late stages, industry execs believe that in the near-term, conditions will remain favorable for homebuilding and construction lending. In April, construction and building…