NBN Online for the week of April 24, 2006

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
FEMA Guidelines Threaten New Orleans Rebuilding
Strides in Green Building Noted on Eve of Earth Day
Coast to Coast
Housing Prices Put Americans on the Move
Housing Forum
Let's Find a Solution to the Immigration Problem
Politics & Government
Homeland Security Targets Illegal Immigrant Employers
Help Take Industry Concerns to Lawmakers on May 10
Economics & Finance
Home Starts Slow to More Sustainable Pace in March
Hovnanian Expands Along South Carolina, Georgia Coasts
Eye on the Economy: Fed Is Near End of Its Rate-Hike Process
Tips
Builder’s Tip: Creating an Effective Caulk-Tube Extension
Business Management
Keep an Open Mind When Sizing Up Land Options
Learn About Information Integration With NAHB's Biztools
Complete and Accurate Estimates Increase Profits
Free Conference on Contracting Opportunities at HUD
50Plus Housing
Recruit New Members in May, Win Prizes
Remodelers
The Magic — and Truth — Behind ‘Extreme Makeover’
Testing Continues on Lead-Safe Work Practices
Home Owners Dragging Their Feet on Remodeling Jobs
NAHB Has ‘Remodeling Month’ Materials for You
Building Systems
Six Manufacturing Facilities on Wisconsin Tour
Contest Showcases Beauty, Quality of Masonry
Education
Education Calendar
Want to Know More About Designations? Ask an Expert
Sales
The Race Is On … National Membership Day Is May 23
New Directory of Certified Home Sales Professionals Debuts
Green Building
Putting Sex Into Energy Efficiency Sells Green Homes
Research
Mid-Atlantic PowerHouse Showcases Energy Efficiency
Desert Homes Testing Zero-Energy Technologies
Building Quality
Pay Incentives Can Improve Quality Performance
Codes and Standards
Builders Participating in Window Safety Week
Witt Resigns as Head of International Code Council
Legal
Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Impact Fees in Lincoln
Labor
CRAFT Students Make Bonnet House Hurricane Repairs
Building Products
Outdoor Living Areas Increase Interest in Propane Tanks
Builder's Engineer
Where Goes the Load?
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV & DIY This Week
Endowment
‘Giving Back’ Is Part of Florida Builder's Company Culture
Marvin Gilman Scholars Fulfill Donor’s Vision
Association News
30,000 Expected to Attend PCBC in June
Get Double Discounts on Dell Computer Products in April
GM $500 Exclusive Offer for NAHB Members
Find Employees Through New NAHB Online Career Center
NAHB Spring Board Meeting May 9-13
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Outdoor Living Areas Increase Interest in Propane Tanks

A poll of home builders conducted by the NAHB Research Center for the Propane Education and Research Council last month found that underground propane tanks were used in 34% of the homes built by survey participants over the last year in locations with partial or no access to natural gas.

The survey also found that builder interest in underground tanks is increasing even in regions with access to natural gas, driven by growing consumer demand for outdoor living areas and a reliable energy source for stand-by generators.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Propane Education and Research Council is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.

Among the highlights from the survey, which was released on April 20:

  • Builders whose homes have partial or no access to natural gas were four times more familiar with propane and twice as likely to use underground propane tanks.

  • High-efficiency hydronic heating systems such as radiant floor heat appear to be adding to builder interest in using propane, with builders saying they would install radiant floor heat in 13% of their homes in the next 12 months, a 1 percentage point increase over current usage of just 2%.

  • Custom builders are far more likely to use underground propane tanks, with outdoor living spaces playing a large role in driving their use; 60% of the home built by the custom builders surveyed feature propane by preference, and 44% of their homes feature an underground storage system to fuel outdoor room applications.

  • The use of underground propane tanks is strongest among builders in the Northeast, followed by builders in the Midwest and the West.


This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.


 

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