June 14, 2010
Nation's Building News

The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

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50+ Housing
June 16,17 Webinars Focus on Cutting-Edge Products, New Image for Universal Design

A two-part webinar series from NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council will go beyond the basics of universal design and review new techniques and products that are ageless, functional, beautiful and far more exciting than the grab bars, level door handles and ramps that can be a turn-off for prospective home buyers.

In the first webinar, moderator and panelist Mary Jo Peterson, CAASH, of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc., will explain how builders and remodelers can transform their designs and make homes and communities more livable for all customers, regardless of age. John Wesley Miller, of John Wesley Miller Companies, will provide a builder’s perspective, including a discussion of costs and benefits. And Diana Schrage, from Kohler, will explore the latest and best in product design.

The second webinar will discuss how to sell universal design without evoking the negative connotations of age, frailty or disability, and how to position a company as a leader in the marketplace. Moderator and panelist Tracy Lux, CAASH, Trace Marketing, Inc., will offer a consumer’s view of universal design based on her experiences having had her own home remodeled with universal design features. Lux will discuss the challenges involved with marketing and selling universal design, and offer viable solutions, including how to train sales staff to showcase these features and use the right language. She will be joined by remodeler Dan Bawden, CAPS, CGR, GMB, CGP, of Legal Eagle Contractors, and remodeler/custom builder John King, CAPS, CGR, CGP, of Rampart Homes, who will show how they communicate with their customers and how they have built their business volume by specializing in universal design.

Part I
Reimagining Universal Design: Trends, Techniques and Cutting-Edge Products
Wednesday, June 16, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by the Whirlpool Corp.

Part II
Reimagining Universal Design: Communicating Value to Your Customers
Thursday, June 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

The webinars are free to members of the 50+ Housing Council and NAHB Remodelers. The cost for each webinar is $69 for other NAHB members and $100 for non-members.

NAHB members can join the 50+ Housing Council for $85. For membership details, e-mail Lawrence McFadden, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8550.

Separate registrations are required for each webinar — Part I and Part II. Members must log in to the NAHB web site with their user names and passwords to obtain the free or discounted rates.


Find Out What 45+ Housing Buyers Want at NAHB BuilderBooks

“Right House, Right Place, Right Time: Community and Lifestyle Preferences of the 45+ Housing Market,” available through NAHB BuilderBooks, will help determine the right design, home features and amenities to attract boomer home buyers in your market.

Author Margaret A. Wylde guides readers through the latest survey results on this important consumer group and explains what their responses mean for today’s and tomorrow’s home building industry.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

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