NBN Online for the week of April 21, 2008

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Credit Well Drying Up for Builders, Too, Congress Told
States, Localities Have Options to Stimulate the Economy
Tidewater Builders Paint a Brighter Picture of Their Housing Market
Coast to Coast
Housing Crisis Takes Human Toll
Politics & Government
Long Hearing Looks at ‘Drastic’ Clean Water Act Changes
Attend Government Affairs Recognition Breakfast on May 1
Plan to Attend the 2008 NAHB Legislative Conference on April 30
Economics & Finance
NAHB Chief Economist Says U.S. Has Slid Into Recession
Housing Starts Lose Further Ground in March
No Rally in Builder Confidence Seen in April
Surveys Find Consumers More Upbeat About Home Buying
Freddie Mac Buying Jumbo Loans in High-Cost Areas
Eye on the Economy: Housing Indicators Are Flashing Red
Attend or View the Construction Forecast Conference on April 24
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: An Easy-to-Fabricate Lockset Drill Guide
Womens Council
Survey Finds Women Rising to Top Home Building Ranks
Technology
Home Technology Disconnect Could Mean Lost Revenues
Like Builders, ESCs Specialize in Different Market Segments
50Plus Housing
The Veranda at CollegeTown Is a Safe Haven for Seniors
Remodelers
Harvard Sees Remodeling Slowing in Second Half of 2008
Make the Next Bathroom Remodel a Water-Efficient One
Remodelers’ Spring Board Preview
'Remodel Now' Material Available for Remodeling Month
Disaster
NAHB Grant Helps Illinois Builders House Katrina Victim
Building Systems
President's Tour Looks at Manufacturers, Green Building
sales
'Trillion Dollar Women’ Gives Viewpoint of Female Buyers
Education
Earn Designations at NAHB Conferences in New Orleans
Education Calendar
Green Building
Completion of National Green Building Standard Nears
Applications Period for EnergyValue Awards Open
Beazer Steps Up Energy-, Eco-Performance of Its Homes
Green Homes Tour Expanding in North Carolina
Certified Green Professionals to Be Honored at Green Conference
Green Conference Offers Development Educational Track
Earth Day Starts With Reducing Energy Use at Home
Labor
Trustees Visit HBI Programs at Work in New Orleans
Building Products
New Danza Faucets Bring Elegant Design to the Kitchen
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Endowment HELP Goes a Long Way at Maryland University
Applications for Herman J. Smith Scholarships Due May 5
Association News
Get Free ‘April Is New Homes Month,’ Resources Online Now
GM $500 Private Offer: Easy as 1-2-3
'Interview Skills' Sold Out; Few 'Presentation Skills' Spots Remain
Avoid Credit Card Processing Rate Increases With Solveras
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
Spring Board Meeting Set for April 29-May 3 in Washington
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Builders’ Tip: An Easy-to-Fabricate Lockset Drill Guide

 

 
 

Click for larger image.

Here is another version of a hole-saw guide for drilling lockset holes in a door stile.

I think it is simpler and more versatile than other versions I’ve come across because the screw that holds it to the edge of the door also locates the center of the latch hole.

  • As shown in the accompanying drawing, I made the guide out of 1x pine.

  • I bored 2 1⁄8-inch diameter holes in both sides of the guide for a 2 3⁄8-inch back set.

  • I use a hole saw to make the 2 1⁄8-inch diameter cuts, chewing through most of the door from one side and then finishing the hole from the other side to prevent tear out. I back out the holding screw, and I’m ready to drill the latch hole.

  • I made up a variety of these guides, so I’m ready for doors that are 1 3⁄8 inches or 1 3⁄4 inches thick, and locksets that require either a 2 3⁄8-inch or a 2 3⁄4-inch back set.


They are equally useful for new or old doors. And because the holes in the sides of the guide index the position of the saw, I don’t need a pilot bit to guide the hole saw — ideal for retrofit work.

Will Hesch, Atascadero, Calif.

Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2008 The Taunton Press

To contact Fine Homebuilding, e-mail Christina Glennon.



Set Yourself Apart With CGB Designation

Join the ranks of the nation’s top building industry professionals with the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation. The “Builder Assessment Review” (BAR) is your first step towards obtaining the CGB.

This comprehensive assessment measures your expertise in the four key areas of the building industry: building technology, business and finance, project management and sales and marketing.

Your results will show the areas where your knowledge is strongest and weakest and will help determine the courses required for you to obtain your CGB.

To learn where the next BAR will be held, visit NAHB’s education listings, or call the Professional Designation Help Line at 800-368-5242 x8154.



BuilderBooks.com Offers More Than 250 Books That Help You Build Your Business

BuilderBooks.com is your source for training and education products for the building industry. The official bookstore for NAHB, BuilderBooks.com offers award-winning publications, software, brochures and more available in both English and Spanish.

To view these publications online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.



Free NAHB Kit Gives Builders Back-to-Basics Tips to Navigate the Slowdown

What was once expected to be a relatively mild housing slump following three years of record new home construction and sales has given way to a significant downturn.

To help members navigate the uncharted waters of this slowdown, NAHB has compiled a comprehensive “Back to Basics” online toolkit — the best of the basics, the tried and true and the truly new. To access the toolkit, click here.

To access the “Back to Basics” toolkit, you must be an NAHB member and have a login to www.nahb.org. To create a login, go to www.nahb.org/login or click on the log-in button on the main menu bar.

For assistance, call the NAHB Member Service Center at 800-368-5242.


 

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