From Muddy Road to Magnificent
Suspense builds as lakefront property goes from "prairie" to the 2006 New American Home in about nine months.

The construction team for The New American Home included (from left): Tom Davis, production manager, Hannigan Homes, Inc.; John Orgren, R.A., regional design manager, WCI Architecture & Land Planning, Inc.; Alex Hannigan, president, Hannigan Homes, Inc. John Broniek, IBACOS Consortium, Build America Program

Relationships were the mortar that held together the compressed production schedule for the 2006 New American Home, says Alex Hannigan, the builder for this “granddaddy of all show homes,” which is ready for touring at the 2006 International Builders’ Show. Read his recollections of the construction process and business management lessons.

“I am a relationship builder,” says Hannigan, a member of NAHB’s Custom Home Builders Committee. “That’s the only reason I got it done so quickly is because of the relationships we have cultivated with our subcontractors.”

Although its design and materials are at home in central Florida, the New American Home is meant to be a “real-world laboratory demonstrating concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated—in whole or in part—in housing built anyplace and in any price range,” organizers say.   Therefore, its design pays heed not only to the luxuries of a retirement dream home, it also includes practical age-in-place features: wide doors, few obstructions, an elevator, a place for live-in help when the time comes.

The home also includes green-build features “because that is a direction people are going to be going,” Hannigan says. “That is a trend that is here to stay and it’s going to grow by leaps and bounds.”

Software Forums to Show How to Boost Profits
Nudging your subs toward adopting 21st-century home building technology, using wireless communication in the field and speeding up the construction process with scheduling software are among the topics that will be covered at four Builder Technology Forums during the upcoming International Builders’ Show and techHOMExpo in Orlando, Fla.

The interactive forums—which were featured for the first time at last year’s show—are designed to help convention-goers understand how today’s technological tools can help build a more efficient and profitable business.

Builders and software experts will be sharing the podium to provide the lowdown on specific IT and software issues and opportunities, with plenty of time for questions, at these four sessions:

Build Your Homes Faster with Scheduling Software

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Scheduling expert and custom home builder John Barrows will lead a panel of builders and software vendors through an interactive Q&A discussion on scheduling software, how to choose it, what it does and how it can help builders operate faster.

Wireless Communication — Get a Jump on the Next Technology Wave

Thursday, Jan. 12, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Construction industry software developer Steve Lewkowitz leads an expert panel of builders and software vendors through an interactive discussion on the benefits of using wireless communication to bring crucial back office processes into the field.

Automating Your Subs — Avoid Bringing them into the 21st Century Kicking and Screaming

Thursday, Jan. 12, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Construction industry software developer Maggie Geoffroy will lead a panel of builders and software experts through a lively Q&A discussion on the benefits of automating your subcontractors. The panel will also discuss strategies, share real-world experiences and present tips and tricks for automating your trades.

Increase Speed and Accuracy with Estimating Software

Friday, Jan. 13, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Building industry software expert Joe Stoddard will lead a panel of builders and software vendors through an interactive Q&A discussion on estimating software.

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“Test Drive” Latest Builder Software at IBS
From financial management, to design, to construction scheduling, to the wealth of information at your fingertips at http://www.nahb.org/, there’s something for every home builder in two days of  computer labs at the International Builders’ Show.

These interactive computer labs are your chance to “test drive” software, ask questions of vendors, and learn about cutting-edge applications to help you run your business efficiently and profitably. These 14 labs, on Wednesday through Friday, will provide you with overviews of software products and Web-based applications and a chance to sit in the driver’s seat so you can decide whether a particular solution would be a good fit for your business.

Included among the labs are three on NAHB applications and resources, including Top 10 pages you don’t want to miss at http://www.nahb.org/.

Seating limited; arrive early

While no registration is required beyond your regular IBS registration, these 90-minute sessions—delivered in a computer classroom setting—fill up quickly and are not repeated, so plan to get to them early. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. on all three days. You can add these and others to your meeting schedule by going to My Show Planner at http://www.nahbmonday.com/admin/wysiwygpro/www.BuildersShow.com.

Computer labs include:

Introduction to Intuit Master Builder
West 309
Jan. 11, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Leslie C. Shiner
In this hands-on session, learn how to move from spreadsheet, yellow-pad or QuickBooks to integrated Master Builder software. Learn how to use Master Builder to manage a project from start to finish, including estimating and project management.

NAHB's Web Membership System (WMS)
West 310
Jan. 11, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Speaker: Aaron Cluka
This introductory session will review all functionality of the Web Membership System. The NAHB Web Membership System (WMS) is a free Web-based reporting tool. It provides executive officers and their staff worldwide Internet access to member data.

Sage Timberline Office and ePlan (onscreen takeoff) Computer Lab
West 310
Jan. 12, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Mark Reich
Come see Sage Timberline Office, a fully integrated financial and operations software solution that helps automate key processes and provides instant access to project information. Lab focus will be ePlan (onscreen takeoff) using electronic plans.

SoftPlan Interactive CAD Workshop: Take Your Design to a Whole New Level
West 309
Jan. 12, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
The interactive CAD workshop by SoftPlan will take you through the entire design process from the creation of a simple floor plan to the automatic generation of elevations, cross sections, roof plan, framing diagrams, material list and 3D renderings.

Construction Imaging Systems - Chameleon
West 310
Jan. 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Speaker: Larry McAdams
Construction Imaging Systems' Chameleon entry-level imaging solution, or its traditional enterprise solution, allows any size home builder to implement imaging. This includes scanning, archiving, routing invoices for approval, job docs, equipment, tickets and HR.

Increasing Efficiency and Profitability with Document Imaging
West 309
Jan. 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Speaker: John Neidert
The OnBase document management solution has enabled more than 5,000 organizations to improve operational efficiency by streamlining their processes and sharing information with employees, partners and customers.

BuildLinks I: Using the Web to Dramatically Improve Scheduling, Change Orders, Selections & Homebuyer Communications
West 309
Jan. 12, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Speaker: John Armstrong
Learn how hundreds of builders leverage the power of the Web to streamline operations, effortlessly schedule projects, and have buyers approve selections and change orders online to create a competitive advantage and exceptional home buyer experience.

Demo the Leading Warranty Management Program on the Market - SiteOne
West 310
Jan. 12, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Frank Sette
Hands-on interactive demo of the industry's first Web-enabled, automated risk management system. The leading warranty management and work-order processing program on the market is a  defense against your state's right-to-repair laws.

Construction Technologies on the Web: Finding the Best Sources
West 310
Jan. 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Speaker: Shawn Martin
Want to find building techniques and technologies that can improve your business, save time, increase efficiency, and improve durability? It's all a mouse click away. This session will help you find some of the most practical online resources.

Software-Driven Workflow Management for Production Home Builders
West 309
Jan. 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Speaker: Tom Gebes
Role-Based Workflow: Role-based work flow is essential for builders to optimize the data available to them, and this session will show how software that integrates with accounting can optimize margins and efficiencies to the home building process.

WMS User Forum
West 309
Jan. 13, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Aaron Cluka
The WMS User Forum is for our community of WMS users to network, ask questions, and learn about new features and updates to WMS. Participants will engage in discussions with other WMS users and will contribute information on the best use of WMS.

Demo a Revolutionary Bid Procurement Platform
West 309
Jan. 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Speaker: Jovanna Dunham
Developed by industry professionals to streamline and manage your complete bidding process-from bid preparation through bid collection, from plan distribution through contract, saving time and money. Registration at www.bidhub.com/nahb/.

Learn How to Use www.nahb.org To Its Fullest
West 310
Jan. 13, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Speaker: Linda Keens
Are you taking full advantage of all of the great educational, networking and industry resources on www.nahb.org? With more than 4,000 pages of information now available online there couldn't be a better time to learn how to log in and access NAHB's exclusive content. Attendees will learn how to set content preferences in order to log in, get what they need and get back to business fast!

BuildLinks II: Using the Web to Dramatically Improve Scheduling, Change Orders, Selections & Homebuyer Communications
West 309
Jan. 13, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Speaker: John Armstrong
Learn how hundreds of builders leverage the power of the Web to streamline operations, effortlessly schedule projects, and have buyers approve selections and change orders online to create a competitive advantage and exceptional homebuyer experience.

Full Cycle Cost Control: Scheduling, Purchasing and Accounting - CDCI Computer Lab
West 310
Jan. 13, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Maggie Geoffroy
Full cycle cost control is CDCI's way of putting you on top of every point during the building process. It is available to all builders, regardless of volume. [return to top]

Attention Member Software and Technology Companies!
Here is your chance to reach builders looking for software and technology solutions … by listing your member company in NAHB’s Technology Solutions Directory (http://www.nahb.org/TSD).  We just launched this directory and are now asking member companies like yours to set up their listing.

To get your enhanced listing (Company Name, URL, E-mail Address, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Company/Product Description, Company Logo) – please go to:

http://www.nahb.org/product_details.aspx?sectionID=243&forSaleID=756

For a Standard Listing (Company Name, Phone Number) – please go to:

http://www.nahb.org/directory.aspx?sectionID=243&directoryID=428

If you have any questions, e-mail wheslop@nahb.com.

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Survive a Slowdown, Compete with the “Giants”; Learn How at IBS
Survive a slow market; compete with the “giants”; take your head out of the filing cabinet and go paperless. Building industry experts will show you how to accomplish all of this and more in 18 educational sessions sponsored by NAHB’s Business Management and Information Technology Committee at the International Builders’ Show, Jan. 11-13 in Orlando, Fla.

Featuring the wisdom, practical advice, and cutting-edge knowledge of building industry experts, these sessions were chosen from more than 200 proposals to NAHB’s Business Management and Information Technology Committee. 

“The education is selected by builders for builders,” said John Barrows, of J. Barrows, Inc., who led the selection committee. “We tried to incorporate a broad array of topics that builders would be interested in learning about. Then we chose the most dynamic speakers with the greatest expertise in each of those areas,” he said.

To view a complete list of business management educational sessions, go online to www.buildershow.com. From there, you can use the My Show Planner tool to add specific sessions to an electronic calendar created just for you!

Following are just a few of the business management educational sessions that you can attend at IBS:

• Survival of the Fittest—Can the Local Builder Still Compete? In this session, Scott Sedam of TrueNorth Development Inc., will debunk the myth that local and smaller regional builders are destined to be swallowed up by the “giants” and will give attendees tips for improving their operations and increase their competitive edge. 
  
  
• Process Your Company and Compete With the Giants. Bill Jagoe of Jagoe Homes will show builders who are building 50 to 200 units a year how to earn better margins. 
  
  
• Thinking Outside the Filing Cabinet, Builders Doing More Paperless. Here, you can learn how builders are using document management to improve their systems, provide superior customer service, and manage capital and financial operations. 
  
  
• 25 Sure Ways to Improve Profitability. Chuck Shinn of Lee Evans Group will give you 25 practical and understandable steps to improving your bottom line. 
   
• Surviving a Slowing Market. This program will give you the inside scoop from two builders who decided to expand their geographical reach because of saturated local markets or economic slowdowns and job losses. 
  
  
• Effectively Managing the Three Types of Teams. Marylee Putnam of Greater Atlanta HBA will discuss the best ways to manage new, temporary, and transitional teams. 
  
  
• Insurance Roundtable: Meet the Underwriters. The nation’s top underwriters will address critical issues facing home builders, such as escalating insurance costs, market trends, risk transfer, and quality assurance measures to reduce your insurance risk.

For more information, contact Wil Heslop at 800-368-5242 x8472 or Marcia Childs at 800-368-5242 x8388. [return to top]

Make Your Building Business More Profitable in 2006!
Whether you build two homes a year or more than 1,000, the National Association of Home Builders’ Cost of Doing Business Study is the most important book you’ll read this year. This one-of-a-kind resource gives you the unique opportunity to compare yourself with other builders across the country. See how you measure up with industry-wide averages in these important areas:

Gross margin and net profit

• Cost of goods sold
• Financial ratios (Current Ratio, Debt-to-Equity Ratio, and more)

The Cost of Doing Business Study has the data, analyses, and guidance you need to boost profitability, increase efficiency, set realistic budget targets, and improve your business practices.

To purchase the Cost of Doing Business Study and other Business Management titles, visit the BuilderBooks stores in the C Hall Lobby West Building and the South Hall at the International Builders’ Show or go online to  www.BuilderBooks.com or call 800-223-2665.

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Improve Your Efficiency with Tested Forms
The most successful home builders are those who develop standard processes for managing their day-to-day business operations. Systemizing your business can make you more efficient, productive, and profitable. Using the resources in Home Builder Contracts & Construction Management Forms is a major step forward in saving time and money and streamlining your business operation.

Home Builder Contracts & Construction Management Forms, second edition, contains 95 documents specifically for residential construction. You will find various contracts, specifications, change orders, and many more forms and checklists that will improve your ability to manage your building business. These documents are a compilation of business resources that were generously donated by successful builders across the country.

To purchase Home Builder Contracts & Construction Management Forms and other Business Management resources, visit the BuilderBooks stores in the C Hall Lobby West Building and the South Hall at the International Builders’ Show or go online to www.BuilderBooks.com or call 800-223-2665. [return to top]

Builders Wanted for Focus Groups
The NAHB Research Center will host focus groups during the 2006 International Builders' Show in Orlando. Builders of all types are welcome—including production, custom, and luxury, and are encouraged to participate to voice their opinions on various building materials. Participating builders will receive monetary incentives in appreciation for their time. Focus group discussions will be held at various times from Jan. 11, 2006 though Jan. 14, 2006, at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Advance registration is required. To reserve your space, contact Ronda Oglesby at 800-638-8556, x6262.

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HUD Invites Builders to Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse provides builders, organizations, and individuals with resources that can help overcome state and local regulatory barriers to affordable housing.

The clearinghouse offers free:

• Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse newsletter, Breakthroughs
• Regulatory Barriers ‘Strategy-of-the-Month club’

For more information, go online to http://www.regbarriers.org or phone 800-245-2691, option 4. The clearinghouse will be in booth S10889 at the International Builder’s Show. [return to top]