{Re}habitat

Builders starting new home projects can now earn three additional points (for a total of 13 potential points) toward National Green Building Certification when using energy-efficient Superior Walls® insulated precast concrete foundation panels. Superior Walls is the first and only foundation manufacturer whose products are approved to contribute points toward certification of a building under the National Green Building Standard™.

Simonton Windows, one of the nation’s leading suppliers of quality vinyl windows and patio doors, has introduced the new Asure™ line of energy-efficient replacement windows and patio doors. Designed to maximize the amount of natural daylight that enters the home, Asure products are available in Double Hung, Slider, and Picture window styles, along with a variety of popular geometric styles and patio doors.

When builders from around the world came to Orlando, Florida, in February for the 2012 NAHB International Builders’ Show® they had the opportunity to tour the Cool Energy House Project created by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building America program. Throughout the home, a variety of energy-efficient Simonton Windows help keep this home cooler in the summer and comfortable in the winter.

For students at Ranken Technical College, there’s no such thing as a “normal” classroom setting. These students, who are studying the fields of construction, plumbing, and HVAC and electrical skills, spend their time in the St. Louis community building homes to gain hands-on training.

Even during these belt-tightening economic times, homeowners are adding value to their homes by continuing to invest in remodeling projects. According to the Remodeling 2011–12 Cost vs. Value Report, the replacement of older, inefficient windows with upscale vinyl replacement windows is one of the 10 most popular projects with payback for homeowners.

In Durango, Colorado, the milled wood roof shingles on the 1880s Peterson House were so worn by time and weather that they had simply crumbled apart. As part of ongoing restoration efforts of the historic structure in 2011, the team at the Animas Museum turned to experts at DaVinci Roofscapes® to provide a polymer roof that would replicate the look of the original roof.

For almost 50 years the Spalliero family has served up authentic southern Italian and American cuisine at Yesterday’s Restaurant in Hazlet, New Jersey. That service stopped on March 14, 2010, when a late-night fire closed the restaurant for eight months.

Many homeowners residing in hurricane-prone areas and concerned with severe weather have found comfort that they selected a solid Superior Walls® precast concrete foundations or above grade wall systems for their homes.