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Homes Sizes and Lots Continue to Decrease with Growing Preference for Low Maintenance Property Improvements |
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 The prolonged economic downturn in the housing market, coupled with growing concerns about rising utility costs has resulted in greater interest in smaller homes and lot sizes. There have also been some broader lifestyle changes with U.S. households eschewing upscale amenities, opting instead to invest in more low maintenance projects, particularly for property improvements. Accessibility within the home continues to be a concern, especially for an aging population, and there is an increasing demand for more flexible design and informal space within homes. Business conditions for residential architects are beginning to indicate improving conditions with the first quarterly increase in billings since mid-2007. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey that focused specifically on overall home layout and use in the first quarter of 2010.
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More than Emissions Data Required to Plan Neighborhoods with Clean Air |
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 A study in the Summer 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Planning Association (JAPA), "Neighborhood Air Quality, Respiratory Health, and Vulnerable Populations in Compact and Sprawled Regions," concludes that contrary to received wisdom, exposure to poor air quality is higher in compact U.S. regions than in sprawled.
Public health researchers have encouraged urban planners to reduce sprawl as part of addressing poor air quality and the impacts of climate change. Smarter, more compact development can reduce driving and thus levels of particulates and pollution. |
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New Guidance on Clearing the Indoor Air through Improved IAQ |
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 Ensuring good indoor air quality (IAQ) means everyone breathes a little easier: occupants who experience improved health, comfort and productivity, and owners who see increased building value and reduced risk.
New guidance for achieving enhanced IAQ is available from five leading building industry associations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The book and CD provide strategies needed to achieve good IAQ using proven technologies and without significantly increasing costs. |
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International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Version 1.0 Released |
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 The International Code Council recently announced the release of Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) to regulate construction of new and existing commercial buildings.
The IGCC aims to significantly reduce energy usage and greenhouse gasses. It addresses site development and land use, including preservation of natural and material resources. Enforcement of the code will improve indoor air quality and support the use of energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy systems, water resource conservation, rainwater collection and distribution systems, and the recovery of used water (graywater). |
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NAHB Publication Offers Glimpse into Financial Records of Builders |
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 Builders now have a unique opportunity to see how their business stacks up against the competition with a new publication from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB’s publishing arm, BuilderBooks recently released the 2010 edition of the Cost of Doing Business Study, a national study of builders’ business practices and financial performance.
This new resource gives home builders a rare glimpse at other builders’ financial books by providing data about profitability, cost of sales and expenses from hundreds of home builders across the country. |
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