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Week of April 26, 2004

Front Page

President's Message

* For Working Families, Affordable Housing Is in Short Supply

Housing and Economics

* New Single-Family Home Sales Set Record in March
* A Healthier Economy Bodes Well for Nation’s Housing Industry, Analysts Say
* Robust Household Growth Predicted for Next Ten Years
* Economists Differ About Regional Strength of Housing Markets
* Eye on the Economy

Environment

* New Ozone Standard Raises Development Concerns in Nearly 500 Counties
* Earth Day Celebrations Cite Advancements in Green Building

Codes and Standards

* Costly Residential Central Air Conditioner Standard Set for 2006

Small Builders and Remodelers

* Real Estate Investment Can Help Contactors Accumulate Wealth
* Consumers More Knowledgeable About Remodeling

Business Management

* Information to Help Builders Become More Profitable Is on the Web

Design

* Start Preparing for the Best in American Living Awards

Labor

* Lowe’s and Home Builders Institute Help Job Corps Graduates Begin Industry Careers

Building Products

* Guides Available for Easy Installation of Steel Wall Studs and Joists

Builder's Engineer

* Why Stirrups?

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* Customize How You View the NAHB Web Site
* Awards to Recognize Innovation in Workforce Housing
* Innovative Steel Home Builds Community Recognition in New Orleans
* Share Your Knowledge and Expertise
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

Start Preparing for the Best in American Living Awards

The Best in American Living Awards (BALA) give professionals in the home building industry an opportunity to enhance their reputation as leaders in the residential architecture and interior design arenas. With the arrival of spring, now is an opportune time to begin preparing your awards application and planning your photography.

Co-sponsored by Professional Builder magazine and NAHB, the annual Best in American Living Award is the foremost residential design competition in the country, recognizing individuals who produce homes that illustrate design quality and success in the marketplace and exemplify the best in American living.

Now in its 21st year, BALA has grown to 41 categories, ranging from single-family attached and detached homes in a variety of sizes, to custom homes, rental developments, best community and one-of-a-kind spec homes.

The competition also includes the Best Affordable Home category, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary’s Award for Excellence and the Best Smart Growth Community award.


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Additional design categories include best kitchen, best bath, best specialty room and best detail.

Entries are judged on: exterior design/curb appeal, interior architecture and interior design, sales success of the product, construction quality and cost efficiency, and the site plan.

Entrants are advised to submit good photographs along with their entry notebook so that the judges can evaluate architectural elements of the project.

Floor plans are evaluated for their livability; considered are such elements as accessibility of the kitchen from the garage, the flow of the traffic in the home, the relationship of formal to informal space and how adult areas relate to those for guests or children.

Entrants are also asked to identify their market; judges consider the plan within the context of the identified market to ensure it makes sense for the region and has market acceptance.

Builders, developers, architects, land planners, designers and those working through cooperative public/private efforts to expand homeownership opportunities are encouraged to enter.

The registration deadline for the awards is July 1, and entries are due by July 15.

For information, eligibility requirements and application forms, visit www.housingzone.com, or call NAHB at 800-368-5242 x 8309 or Professional Builder at 630-288-8184.
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