Professional Builder - November-December 2023

N OV E M B E R /D EC E M B E R 2023
BUILT ON
happiness
SCHELL BROTHERS IS
OUR 2023 BUILDER
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE OF THE YEAR
2024 Housing Forecast 11
Attainable Housing Solutions 32
Development Trends: Agrihoods 40
PROBUILDER.COM
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
VOLUME 88, NO. 6
5
EDITORIAL: HAPPINESS AND ‘THE BEAR’
7
NAHB BRIEFING: A TOOL TO SAVE LIVES
FROM OPIOID MISUSE
9
NAHB CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE: WORKING
TO FIX A BROKEN HOUSING SYSTEM
11
HOUSING INTEL: 2024 HOUSING FORECAST:
WHAT OUR READERS SAY
15
QUALITY MATTERS: TIPS FOR LADDER SAFETY
18
2023 BUILDER OF THE YEAR:
Schell Brothers Builds a Business
Focused on Happiness
32
SHOW VILLAGE AT IBS 2024:
Attainable Housing Solutions
40
<< DEVELOPMENT TRENDS:
Are Agrihoods a Growth
Opportunity?
PB+ EXCLUSIVE
DIGITAL CONTENT
40 PB+ 1-6
AWARD-WINNING DESIGN
Best of BALA:
Adding a working farm to your master plan
A Luxury Infill Community
isn’t just trendy, it also gives back
46
HOUSE REVIEW: ON THE BOARDS
54
NEW PRODUCTS: COLD-CLIMATE
CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
ON THE COVER: 58
Schell Brothers is this year’s Builder of the Year page 18 Q+A: BRENT WADAS IS USING ROBOTS
PHOTOS: COURTESY SCHELL BROTHERS TO FRAME HOUSES
probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 3

EDITOR’S NOTE:
VOL. 88 NO. 6
Happiness and ‘The Bear’

220 N Smith Street, Suite 440
Palatine, IL 60067-2477
847.391.1000 • Fax: 847.390.0408 AN EMAIL CAUGHT MY EYE THE OTHER DAY. The subject line was “Employee
Happiness Hits New All-Time Low,” which struck me (a born cynic) as both reason-
STAFF able and intriguing. So I opened it.
It was a nationwide study that, to my amazement, ranked Construction (yes,
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Rich Binsacca Construction!) as the happiest industry among six others on something called the
541.257.7084 | rbinsacca@sgcmail.com BambooHR Employee Happiness Index, and by a good margin. Despite a slight
CONTENT MANAGER dip during the third quarter of this year, Construction achieved an employee Net
Ingrid Bush
Promoter Score (a measure of job satisfaction and likelihood of referrals) of 47, a
202.780.9591 | ibush@sgcmail.com
good distance ahead of runner-up Travel & Hospitality (38), and well distanced from
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Layne Deakins
Restaurant, Food & Beverage, the least-happy industry, with an NPS
814.483.9923 | ldeakins@sgcmail.com score of 31 ... which helps to explain why there’s now only one over-
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
whelmed barista behind the counter at my neighborhood Starbucks.
Larry Garnett | Scott Sedam | Tony Callahan While encompassing all segments of construction, not just residen-
CONTENT CONSULTANT tial, the cause of such joy is, according to the researchers, a function of
Denise Dersin our industry’s labor shortage, which has resulted (generally) in higher
DESIGNER wages, additional training, and advancement opportunities.
Robin McCartney That bit of news came on the heels of me visiting Schell Brothers,
GROUP DIRECTOR – PRINCIPAL our 2023 Builder of the Year (see page 18), where happiness is the foun-
Chris Perrino
dational strategy for the company and one put into practice every day
847.391.1015 | cperrino@sgcmail.com
for employees, partners, their communities, and especially customers.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT –
BUILDING GROUP
I won’t spoil the fun beyond that, so I encourage you to read that pro-
Tony Mancini file—if only to quell any skepticism you may have about a home builder RICH BINSACCA
484.412.8686 | tmancini@sgcmail.com
that is committed to prioritizing happiness over revenue, closings, and Editorial Director
DIRECTORS – EVENTS profitability, and yet still manages to be exceedingly successful by those rbinsacca@sgcmail.com
Judy Brociek
630.267.8117 | jbrociek@sgcmail.com
and other conventional measures. @ProBuilderMag
Lisa Allen
In our research for that story, we came across a bevy of mantras at
847.954.7476 | lallen@sgcmail.com Schell that inspire and propel its mission. The one that stuck with me
ASSISTANT DESIGN MANAGER the most, and the one I believe most enables the builder’s success, is “Nothing Without
Dara Rubin | drubin@sgcmail.com Purpose.” That’s a powerful mindset, and it made me think about the imprint my
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES actions and words leave on others—their workloads, their satisfaction and sense of
Professional Builder
pride, and their perceptions of me as a person and a leader, and of this magazine. It’s
P.O. Box 300, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-0300 harder to do and more far-reaching than it sounds, but is also hugely impactful.
PBM@omeda.com
That revelation led my head to The Bear, a television series on Hulu in which the
847.763.4933 | Toll-free 877.501.7540
main character, a renowned chef, returns to Chicago to transform his family’s sand-
REPRINTS
Tina Kanter
wich shop into a world-class restaurant. The series was inspired in part by the book
847.391.1054 | tkanter@sgcmail.com Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, which advocates providing every customer
with a tailor-made, VIP experience; in turn, customers happily become vocal, un-
CORPORATE paid, unprompted advocates for your business. At Schell Brothers, they’re called
ecstatic customers and brand ambassadors. What are they called at your company?
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS (1922-2003)
H.S. Gillette
CHAIRPERSON
K.A. Gillette STAY CONNECTED TO PROBUILDER
PRESIDENT / CEO
E.S. Gillette • Look for the PB+ icon on • Help us celebrate 30 years
ProBuilder.com/facebook
articles throughout this and of Show Village at the 2024
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT / CFO
David Shreiner every issue for extended and International Builders’ Show by ProBuilder.com/instagram
exclusive digital content on following and engaging with us
For advertising contacts, see page 56 probuilder.com on Instagram @pb_showvillage ProBuilder.com/youtube

www.plastproinc.com
PLASTPRO SHAKER DOORS
Plastpro’s Shaker-Style models balance classic Craftsman design with modern,

minimalist simplicity. These elements are seen in original Shaker furniture and
architecture from the mid-1800s. We provide a refreshing take on a timeless
classic, with the assurance and quality of a Plastpro door. Our doors are made
vÀwLiÀ}>ÃÃ]>Ü}ÌiÌÃ>ÀiÌi>ÌÕÀ>Ã«À>Ì>`VÕÀL>««i>
of traditional wood doors, but last longer and require less maintenance.
NAHB POLICY BRIEFING:
A Powerful Tool That Saves Lives
E
verything on the jobsite is going The statistics make clear why it’s impor- under brand names such as Narcan and
well. Suddenly, a worker pitches tant to have naloxone available on jobsites: RiVive. Several states even provide nalox-
forward and hits the ground. His In 2021, over 107,000 Americans died from one free of charge.
colleagues quickly recognize symptoms of a drug overdose—an all-time high—and NAHB, along with partners JSI, the
an opioid overdose. Fortunately, the crew construction workers represent about 25% SAFE Project, and Advocates for Human
has a dose of naloxone in the first aid kit of fatal opioid overdoses among all workers. Potential, is taking a holistic approach to
for just such an emergency. They adminis- NAHB strongly encourages members to opioid use and misuse by creating educa-
ter the spray and the worker’s life is saved. have naloxone in their jobsite first aid kits. tional resources that address intervention
This is the story arc of a new 7-minute The chemicals in naloxone quickly re- points across the spectrum of prevention,
video produced by the National Association verse the effects of an overdose, and the treatment, recovery, and return to work.
of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership naloxone nasal spray is easy to administer. Knowing how and when to use naloxone
with SAFE Project and the Job-Site Safety Naloxone has been used by first respond- can save a life. NAHB’s naloxone video is
Institute (JSI) to demonstrate how easy it is ers and drug treatment facilities for years available at nahb.org.
to use naloxone and how critical it can be in and is now available over the counter in all
the event of an opioid overdose. 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia PB+ probuilder.com/opioids-jobsite
Housing affordability in the third quarter

of 2023 dropped to its lowest level since NAHB / WELLS FARGO HOUSING OPPORTUNITY INDEX
2012, when the National Association of The index measures the share of new and existing homes sold that
Home Builders began consistently tracking were affordable to families earning the local median income
affordability. Just 37.4% of new and existing
80%
homes sold between the beginning of July
and end of September were affordable to 70%
families earning the U.S. median income of
60%
$96,300, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo
Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). The drop 50%
was driven lower by rising mortgage rates,
40%
elevated construction costs, and limited
existing inventory. For the 12th consecutive 30%
Q3 2023
quarter, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale,
20% 37.4%
Calif., remained the nation’s least affordable
major housing market, defined as a metro 10%
area with a population of at least 500,000:
0%
only 2.7% of the homes sold during the third
Q3 2012
Q3 2013
Q3 2014
Q3 2015
Q3 2016
Q3 2017
Q3 2018
Q3 2019
Q3 2020
Q3 2021
Q3 2022
Q3 2023
quarter in the greater Los Angeles market

were affordable to families earning the area’s
median income of $98,200. Lansing-East
Lansing, Mich., was the nation’s most afford- SOURCE: NAHB ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE CENSUS BUREAU, CORELOGIC, AND FREDDIE MAC
IMAGE: MAKIBESTPHOTO / STOCK.ADOBE.COM
able major housing market, with 79.8% of

all new and existing homes sold in the third NOTE: The Housing Opportunity Index will NAHB will begin in the first quarter of 2024.
quarter being affordable to families earning be discontinued after the fourth quarter of Visit nahb.org/hoi for tables, historical data,
the area’s median income of $97,800. 2023. A new housing affordability index from and details.
ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in
home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing, and other
aspects of residential and light commercial construction. For more, visit nahb.org.

Born in the USA
Come visit us at KBIS in Las Vegas at Booth #N1021 to see our

new products.
NAHB CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE:
A Broken System Hurts American Families
A
merica currently has a shortfall of about 1.5 million homes, and the gap between what is
available and what is needed continues to widen. The pressure on home building is grow-
ing, with ongoing challenges making it difficult to increase the housing supply.
The constraints—a shortage of available labor and land, high building material prices, NIMBY
(not-in-my-backyard) opposition to new homes, and overly restrictive regulations on new residen-
tial construction—aren’t new. And high mortgage interest resulting from the Federal Reserve’s ef-
forts to lower inflation has only served to compound the problem. All of these factors contribute to
create a challenging business environment for home builders and higher housing costs for families.
Demand for owner-occupied homes has weakened, as prospective buyers are priced out. With
resale inventory at half of what it should be, more buyers have been turning to new
builds, which has somewhat insulated home builders from the decrease in demand. But
economic factors aren’t in favor of the housing industry right now. Most notable on the
supply side, high interest rates are increasing financing costs for builders and limiting
land acquisition and development.
NIMBY opposition to new development is another major obstacle. Most people be-
lieve it’s important to provide housing that’s affordable to all households. But when new
housing—especially higher-density housing—is proposed, many of those same people
oppose the development. And powerful interest groups are pushing for more restrictive
land-use laws at the state and local levels, making it more difficult and expensive for
builders to secure permits and develop lots to build much-needed homes.
As we move toward a potential rebound in 2024, there will continue to be limits on the
ALICIA HUEY pace and extent of any housing industry recovery, partly due to lot availability and re-
2023 NAHB Chairman strictions on land development but also due to increases in materials costs (even though
@nahbhome building materials prices eased during 2023) and a shortage of construction workers.
During the pandemic building boom, some analysts optimistically suggested we might
see 1.4 million single-family starts per year, which would have been more than 200,000
more than recent cycle highs. But to get to 1.4 million would have required 300,000 to 400,000 more
construction workers, and since the 2008 housing crash, residential construction has been critically
short of skilled workers. Social pressure against the trades has discouraged thousands of young people
from pursuing careers in home building. And those same pressures have also led to funding cuts for
job training programs. The reality is that our industry can’t thrive and continue to succeed without
more workers, more entrepreneurs, and more enthusiastic future business owners.
The home building industry’s success requires a functional system: lot availability, realistic land-
development regulations, community buy-in, and a healthy labor force. The National Association of
Home Builders works with local and state home builders’ associations to push for sensible land-use
laws and engages at the grassroots level to make sure citizens and policymakers understand the value
of homeownership and housing opportunity. Using its expertise, connections, and influence, NAHB
is working on these critical issues because building your business is our business.
PB+ probuilder.com/nahb-broken-system
W2W4 AT NAHB
• The New American Home (TNAH), the Official Show • NAHB’s Eye On Housing provides an in-depth
Home of International Builders’ Show 2024, will be assessment of the latest housing industry data,
open for registered IBS attendees to tour during Show with detailed analysis by NAHB economists. Monthly facebook.com/NAHBhome
hours, Feb. 27-29. Visit tnah.com for more information. surveys take the pulse of the single-family housing
Register for IBS at buildersshow.com market. Find out more at eyeonhousing.org twitter.com/NAHBhome

Frame home Transform homes into havens with the new
Milgard. Whether customers are looking for sleek
in a new light
ǼǣȇƺًȅȒƳƺ ȇ ȒǼƺȒ ƬɖȒȅǣɿƏƫǼƺȒ ǣȒȇً
Ȓɖ ƺ ƏȇƳƺƳ Ȓ ǔȒǼǣȒȒǔƫƺƏɖǣǔɖǼًɯȒ ɵᙆǔ ƺƺ
windows help frame all of life’s little moments.
See why customers count on Milgard

Milgard.com/Partner
HOUSING INTEL:
2024 HOME SALES FORECAST

2024 HOUSING Based on 2023 home sales, how many homes are you forecasting to sell in 2024?
FORECAST 0.3%
-51+ 6.5%
NO CHANGE
11.5%
By Rich Binsacca, Editorial Director -21 TO -50 4.1%
+1 TO 3
I
f 2023 was a “wait and see” year, 2024 14.3%
is lining up to be a “back to normal” -4 TO -20
12.4%
affair for the housing industry, if re- +4 TO 20
11.7%
sponses to our annual Housing Forecast -1 TO -3
Survey are any indication. 22.2%
Case in point: The share of builders 17% +21 TO 50
that are optimistic about the state of the 51+
markets in which they operate rose to
63.6%, about a 10-point jump from a year
ago, including a nearly 4-point increase
Despite greater optimism about the state of their local markets in the coming year,
among those that are “very optimistic.”
just 55.7% of builders—primarily production operations—have forecast increasing
And while their top challenges for the
sales in 2024, compared with their forecast of 75.3% heading into 2023.
year remain focused on higher labor and
materials costs and finding qualified la-
bor to build homes, those issues appear
to be waning (along with supply-chain 2024 REVENUE FORECAST
delays) in the face of increasingly press- What is your revenue forecast from home building operations in 2024?
ing concerns and barriers, such as local 1.4% 1.8%
permitting fees and finding and entitling -7% TO -10% -11%+
land (see chart, page 12).
Perhaps because of that—and the nag- 10.3% 3%
-3% TO 7% 1% TO 3%
ging (if cooling) pressures of labor scarci-
ty and inflationary hard costs—just 55.7% 11.1%
of builders expect to increase sales vol- -1% TO -3% 18%
3% TO 7%
ume next year, with a commensurate im-
pact on revenues, too (see charts at right). 13.4%
NO CHANGE 24.9%
Other signs of a return to normalcy 7% TO 10%
are the growth opportunities builders
will turn to as a hedge against the head- 16.2%
winds: while “recession-proof” upscale 10% AND UP
clients remain at or near the top, inter-
est in delivering energy-efficient or high-
performance homes declined consider- As with sales (see top chart), fewer builders (62%) anticipate revenue growth,
ably (from 39.9% in 2022 to just 19.4% compared with 67% last year. Another 24.6% expect their revenues will decline, though
going into 2024), while diversification roughly the same share are forecasting 7% to 10% revenue growth in 2024.
into commercial work and other non-
new-home segments gained ground.
METHODOLOGY AND RESPONDENT INFORMATION: The 2024 Readers’ Forecast Survey
However, there was no reduction of was distributed to Pro Builder print and digital audiences during September and October 2023, as
interest in off-site construction methods. well as to builder members and clients of Shinn Builder Partnerships, TrueNorth Development, Group
More than 22% of builders consider it a Two, SMA Consulting, IBACOS, and the Housing Innovation Alliance. Recipients were offered the
growth opportunity and 16.5% say they chance to win one of four $50 Visa gift cards for completing the online survey. Gift cards were awarded
are very likely to incorporate some form in November 2023. As many as 926 responses were recorded and 846 surveys completed. The source of
all data shown is from the survey.
of it in 2024, a big leap from last year (see
chart, page 12, lower right). PB+ probuilder.com/2024-housing-intel

HOUSING INTEL:
TOP CHALLENGES IN 2024 LAND PURCHASE FORECAST

What do you anticipate will be the three biggest challenges to your business in 2024? Are you planning to purchase land in 2024?
HIGHER COSTS FOR MATERIALS 14.8%

24.6% NOT SURE
33.3%
FINDING QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES/SUBCONTRACTORS 8.3%
23.5% NO
22.7%
77%
HIGHER LABOR COSTS YES
22.6%
34.3%
MORTGAGE BANKING: GETTING CUSTOMERS QUALIFIED
37.4%
20.1%
16.4%
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
18.7%
19.1%
SUPPLY-CHAIN DELAYS OF BUILDERS ARE CONSIDERING
17.8% BUYING LAND IN EXURBAN
25.6%
AND RURAL AREAS
LOCAL PERMIT FEES AND TAXES
15.9% Despite availability issues, a significant
13.6% share of builders say they’ll buy land in
HOME PRICE APPRECIATION
2024 and will do so farther out from urban
15.9%
N/A and suburban areas (a 15-point increase
2024 from 2023).
FINDING/ENTITLING LAND
14.8% 2023
13.8%
Challenges appear to be evening out as the industry heads into 2024. With ongoing
labor and materials issues, finding land and weathering impact fees will loom larger. OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION FORECAST
How likely are you to incorporate off-site
construction (precut, panelization, modular)
into your production process in 2024?
BEST GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN 2024 2024
40%
What are the three best growth opportunities for your business in the coming year?
37.8%
2023
RECESSION-PROOF UPSCALE CLIENTS 2022
24.1%
29.7%
MODULAR OR OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION METHODS
28%
27.9%
27.2%
26.7%
22.2%
23.3%
SMALLER HOMES
21.6%
20.6%
21.9%
16.5%
15.9%
FIRST-TIME BUYERS
15.3%
20.6%
21%
11.2%
ENERGY-EFFICIENT / HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOMES

9%
8.3%
8.1%
19.4%
6.7%
25.6%
MOVE-UP BUYERS
18.8%
VERY LIKELY
LIKELY
NEUTRAL
UNLIKELY
VERY UNLIKELY
18%
LIGHT-COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
18.2%
14.4% 2024
DIVERSIFICATION
16.5% 2023 As the No. 2 growth opportunity (see left),
14.3% off-site methods continue to gain traction,
Like challenges ahead, growth opportunities appear to be diversifying for 2024 as with 43.7% of builders saying they’re likely
builders consider a broader range of solutions to increase revenue and profitability. or very likely to make the switch in 2024.
12 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

QUALITY MATTERS:
LADDER SAFETY TIPS FOR

EVERY JOBSITE
LIKE ANY CONSTRUCTION TOOL, PROPER AND SAFE LADDER AND PUMP JACK
USE REQUIRES DEDICATED TRAINING AND CONSTANT RESPECT
BY SEAN MCCLAIN
SPECIFIC TIPS
I
n general, falls remain a leading cause should be firmly anchored to the ground
of unintentional injury and mortal- and the building structure. For extension ladders, the top of the ladder
ity nationwide, and 43% of fatal falls Weight limit. Every ladder and pump should clear the work surface by 3 feet and
during the last decade involved a lad- jack has a weight limit or load capacity be secured to the building structure with
der. Each year, 150,000 people suffer a (“duty rating”) that’s typically marked on an approved strap to prevent movement.
ladder-related accident and nearly 100 the ladder or jack. This limit should never Place extension ladders at a 75-degree angle
people die from ladder-related injuries. be exceeded. Consider the weight of not to mitigate slipping and tipping, and always
The first step in reducing the human just yourself (and other workers on the maintain three points of contact when as-
and business costs of ladder-related cending or descending the ladder.
incidents is to ensure all workers When assembling pump jacks,
are properly trained and educated follow manufacturer instructions
on the use of extension ladders, and ensure all components are se-
A-frame ladders, and pump jacks. curely connected before adjusting
Consider these safety measures the system’s height.
for all three types, as well as some Always use a stable, secure work
specific tips for each one: platform (such as scaffold planks)
Signs of damage. Before each and make sure it is level and free
use, inspect ladder and jack com- from debris or tripping hazards. Use
ponents for any signs of damage, guardrails and toe boards on the
such as bent or cracked rungs, platform. Workers also should use
loose hardware, split or bent rails, personal fall-protection equipment,
cracked platforms, and nonwork- such as harnesses and lanyards,
ing lift mechanisms. Immediately when working at heights. With that,
take any damaged tool out of ser- netting systems serve to catch fall-
vice for repair or replacement. pump jack), but also the weight of your ing objects, debris, or tools that could pose
Choose the right tool. Verify that an tools and materials. a hazard to workers or bystanders below.
extension or A-frame ladder’s length or Tools and materials. Use toolbelts or Safety should never be overlooked. Take
maximum height is adequate to reach the buckets to carry or hoist tools and materi- these steps to protect the lives of those
work area safely. als, keeping both hands free for climbing who build your homes.
Stability. Set ladders and jacks on stable, and maintaining balance.
level surfaces and ensure they can support Don’t overreach. On extension and PB+ probuilder.com/ladder-safety
the weight and movement of workers and A-frame ladders, a good rule of thumb is
materials. For extension ladders, use lev- to keep your belt buckle within the ladder’s
elers or leg extensions on uneven terrain; side rails. If you can’t reach a specific area Sean McClain drives quality and performance
PHOTO: IBACOS
for A-frames, make sure spreaders and without breaking that rule or causing the in home building as a building performance
locking mechanisms are engaged and se- ladder to tip, descend and move the ladder specialist on the PERFORM Builder Solutions
cure; and pump jacks, base plates or poles into a better position. team at IBACOS.

NAHB International
®
Builders’ Show
Join Us in Las Vegas!
Feb 27 - 29
Don’t miss IBS 2024, the Walk away from IBS Education
premier residential construction Sessions with the latest strategies
industry event of the year. from 225+ industry experts.
Rates* start as low as Discover innovative products
$50 for NAHB members & trends.
and $100 for non-members. Connect with new business
partners & suppliers.
*Deals expire Jan 5. See BuildersShow.com/fees for details.
Manufacturer & software provider registrants are not eligible.
Your Expo+Education registration includes access to the

IBS exhibits & education, and the exhibits of the NKBA Kitchen
& Bath Industry Show®.
Feb 24 - 29 | NAHB MEETINGS Feb 25 - 26 | PRE-SHOW EDUCATION
PB112301 REGISTER early & save

Acquire Industry Knowledge
START LEARNING BEFORE IBS!
Sunday, Feb 25 & Monday, Feb 26 | NAHB Education Courses
These one-day courses give you the chance to increase your skill set and earn CEUs.
Monday, Feb 26 | IBS Symposiums
Explore critical segments of the housing sector with industry-leading education
and content experts and discuss challenges and best practices with peers
in full-day informal intensive programs.
Monday, Feb 26 | Pro Builder & Pro Remodeler’s U40 Leadership Summit
Engage with speakers, panelists and peers to learn how to turn ideas into action.
Check out BuildersShow.com/preshow to learn more.

IBS EDUCATION
Learn the latest trends, newest techniques and forward-thinking
business tactics in 100+ education sessions in 9 tracks.
Check out BuildersShow.com/education for the full menu.
2024 IBS Zones

DEMO ZONES
Discover new products and see them in action
during LIVE demos.
NEW PRODUCT ZONE
Check out the latest products in the residential
construction industry, in some cases even before
they hit the market.
START-UP ZONE
Explore the most innovative apps, smart home
tech, tools and more for a glimpse into the future.
Feb 27 - 29 | IBS EDUCATION & EXHIBITS
buildersshow.com/whyibs
BUILDER OF THE
YEAR 2023
BUILT ON
happiness
DELAWARE-BASED SCHELL BROTHERS, OUR 2023
BUILDER OF THE YEAR, BRINGS A REFRESHING
APPROACH TO DELIVERING HOMES AND MEASURING
SUCCESS WITH AN OVERRIDING MISSION OF HAPPINESS
BY RICH BINSACCA, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, AND JAMES M CCLISTER, EDITOR
C
hris Schell is happy, but not because to be a pleasant outcome of finding, nurtur-
of a positive balance sheet. He’s ing, and inspiring happiness in his team of
happy because members of his con- 276 employees and their families, and for
struction team volunteered to build a ramp Schell’s customers, trade partners, affiliates,
for a trade partner’s wheelchair-bound and the communities the builder serves.
father at no cost to the family. Happiness at Schell Brothers isn’t just a
He’s happy because a member of his team lofty mission statement, it’s a real strategy
gave a shout-out (“kudos,” as they’re known that’s put into action all day, every day. “I
internally) to another staff member for don’t think most people really buy into our
helping a customer use an electric-vehicle culture until they experience it on a per-
charger in the company’s parking lot. sonal level,” Chris says.
He’s happy because 20 years ago he left a And once that happens, whether it’s
lucrative career as a hedge fund manager to through packaging and delivering food to
start a construction company in Rehoboth local families during the pandemic, seeing
Beach, Del., with the sole, unwavering mis- a child’s face light up in Schellville, laugh-
sion of putting happiness at the core of the ing until it hurts at one of the company’s
business (see “Finding Happiness,” page 24). events, or creating “ecstatic customers”
(ECs), among countless other examples of
happiness in action, “They buy into it be-
SCHELL BROTHERS Such is the story of Schell Brothers, our cause it’s a more fulfi lling and happier way
LOCATION: Rehoboth Beach, Del. 2023 Builder of the Year. By all convention- to work,” Chris says. “It becomes a sort of
2023 REVENUE (PROJ.): $455 million al measures, the luxury production home self-reinforcing system.”
2023 CLOSINGS (PROJ.): 525 builder is the epitome of financial success:
MARKETS: Rehoboth Beach; Richmond, Va., a projected $455 million in home building the happiness factor
and Nashville, Tenn. revenue in 2023 against 525 closings across Marketing director Alyssa Titus is happy,
YEAR FOUNDED: 2003 three divisions, destined for a top-75 rank but not because her latest ad generated
PRINCIPAL OFFICER: Chris Schell, co-founder, CEO in Pro Builder’s annual Housing Giants list. a record number of sales inquiries or be-
EMPLOYEES: 276 But Chris doesn’t really care about any of cause a Schell Brothers billboard is big-
that. In fact, he considers financial success ger than another builder’s sign down the

Teamwork within and across
departments and divisions is a Schell
Brothers staple, led by CEO Chris
Schell (at left with the leadership team,
leaning on table; and below left, leading
a company beach day). Members of the
sales team gather intel about buyers
to share with their colleagues at the
design center (below) to create a
seamless customer experience and to
help ensure happiness.
PB+
More content at
probuilder.com/
2023-boty
street. She’s happy because she gave an as- Schell’s creative branding (see “Building the includes providing benefits and perks few
sociate a VIP pass to Schellville, the com- Brand,” page 22). Fortune 500 companies would even con-
ALL PHOTOS: COURTESY SCHELL BROTHERS
pany’s renowned community outreach vil- She’s happy because she went from a work sider (perks that have helped the builder
lage, to gift to a 12-year-old neighbor who environment stuck in its ways to one that’s achieve a 95.5% employee satisfaction
recently lost her mother to cancer. entrepreneurial in spirit and action. “Chris rating and extremely low turnover). But
She’s happy because her daughter and is an entrepreneur of epic proportions, and the impact of Schell’s mission spans well
other Schell kids enjoy working at The so am I,” Alyssa says. “Here, they listen to beyond the walls of its headquarters.
Coffee House, a somewhat subtle company any crazy idea that may lead to happiness.” From jobsite trailers to the Delaware
front that not only serves up tasty caffein- Schell Brothers is dedicated to instill- beaches, and as far as Richmond, Va.,
ated beverages and snacks but exemplifies ing happiness in its employees, which and Nashville, Tenn., where the company

BUILDER OF THE
YEAR 2023
appreciate the difference from their past

experiences with other builders—a mer-
cenary environment where construction
managers hop from builder to builder to
maximize earning potential and run their
communities like fiefdoms.
“I’d been building houses for 20 years for
other builders and I barely knew my co-
workers,” says senior construction manag-
er Mike Honeysett. “Here, these are some
of my best friends. We go on vacations
together, hang out on the weekends, and
grab a beer after work. That just doesn’t
click exist elsewhere in our world.”
to watch That camaraderie and communication
video occurs in and across departments at Schell.
In fact, it’s vital to the builder’s goal of
earning ECs. A good example is Schell’s ex-
tensive use of “Getting to Know You” notes
from the sales team, which are logged in
Heartbeat, the builder’s proprietary soft-
ware platform (see “The Pulse of Schell,”
page 28). These notes give the design team
vital insights into buyers who are coming
in to finish making selections for their new
homes and through construction, orienta-
tion, and warranty.
Designer Matty Adler recalls one in-
stance when a note was particularly help-
Happiness is infectious at Schell Brothers, fueled by a culture that promotes positivity, ful in preparing for a client who was con-
taking pride in hard work, and plenty of opportunities to cut loose at company events. cerned about pricing. “He came in pretty
hot right off the bat,” Matty says. “But after
recently expanded, Schell’s happiness un- customer-first approach and continuing to he left that day, he bought a second house
derpinnings have reach. learn and improve. “I’m here for them be- across the street from his for his parents.”
John “JD” DiStefano carries that flag to cause that’s just who we are,” he says. “I al- But camaraderie isn’t only reserved for
the field as one of the company’s two pro- ways strive to be better, or to make the team the workday; it also is nurtured through a
duction managers in Delaware. His job is to or the company better.” range of events that are all about fun and
oversee construction, but DiStefano’s true His crew of senior and junior construc- family, and it extends into community vol-
vocation is to support his team (including tion managers, plus an in-house construc- unteer opportunities for Schell associates
trade partners), while exemplifying Schell’s tion quality-assurance team, notice and to bring happiness to a wider audience.

Schell’s Project Kudos began as an career advancement opportunities that the happiness mission gained traction
internal gratitude forum expressed on would help the company retain rising-star through action. “When I present the chal-
Heartbeat as well as in company meetings employees—the home team faced the challenges we face to Chris and the leadership
and at company events. It has since expand- lenge of successfully transferring, translat- team, there’s no second-guessing my de-
ed to include the public. At many commu- ing, and embedding Schell’s mission and cisions,” says Virginia division manager
nity events, anyone can write a shout-out culture beyond the beach. Tricia Smith. “It’s more like collaborative
on a Kudos-branded sticky note and paste it After some early stumbles in Virginia, problem-solving. That’s where it first start-
to the side of the Project Kudos bus, or take which resulted in a change in management, ed to translate for me.”
a photo within a Kudos-branded frame.
Other outreach opportunities include
participation in canned food drives and,
during the COVID pandemic, purchasing,
boxing, and delivering food staples to hun-
dreds of families in need, which Schell em-
ployees did for months.
Schellville is another example. Initially
just a half-dozen tiny, Christmas-themed
homes built by Schell for a larger holiday
charitable event, it is now a Schell-branded
village and theme park that draws tens
of thousands of visitors to its annual
Enchanted Winter Celebration and other
seasonal events, with all proceeds going to
local charities.
“It’s so nice to be part of something so
much bigger than just building homes,”
says sales consultant Alli Perry, herself the
beneficiary of Schell’s kindness. A month
into her tenure at the company, Alli’s rent-
al apartment flooded (which Schell’s war-
ranty department fi xed without hesita-
tion). And when she was in a car accident,
the company paid for her to get medical at-
tention before her insurance benefits were
activated. “I’ve had that level of care since
day one, and it’s unreal,” she says.
But that’s in Delaware, where happiness
is deeply rooted. As the company expanded
to Richmond, Va., in 2017 and to Nashville, “Work Hard, Play Harder” is one of several maxims at Schell Brothers that is encouraged,
Tenn., in 2021—largely to provide more enabled, and rewarded among the builder’s 276 employees across three divisions.
BUILDER OF THE
YEAR 2023
building the brand

What stands out about Schell Brothers’ product marketing is The result: big smiles, happy memories, and funds for local
that there isn’t much of it—at least in the traditional sense for charities. “On a big night, Schellville may get up to 8,000
production home builders. The company doesn’t need it. Its visitors,” Alyssa says.
brand is strong enough. Everyone is encouraged to get in on the act with
“Branding is way more powerful than marketing,” says CEO Schell-branded swag, including a generous gift box for new
Chris Schell, who defines branding as “creating a positive homeowners and a starter kit for new hires in a box labeled:
association to your company.” Life is Short. Work Somewhere Awesome. “You name it,
And so it is, thanks to a culture that favors storytelling and we’ve probably branded it,” Alyssa says, from T-shirts to
engagement over conventional calls to action. The compa- beach towels, stickers, chip clips, and tape measures.
ny’s commercials don’t sell homes, they show off happy liv- The builder’s branding even extends to its commitment to
ing. Its billboards don’t advertise discounts, they count down high-quality, high-performance construction via a compre-
the days to Christmas. hensive program cleverly called Schellter. There’s also The
One of the company’s biggest community outreach initia- Coffee House, a popular café on the Rehoboth Beach board-
tives, Project Kudos, may not directly generate leads but does walk, which serves as a more subtle branding effort.
support local charities and promotes “telling someone they’re Cost is rarely a factor for any of these initiatives. “We don’t
amazing and feeling awesome about it,” Chris says. really budget for it,” Chris says, having built a personal brand
For two decades, Schell Brothers has gone to great lengths for saying yes to anything that brings happiness to someone.
to demonstrate its values and has since been fueled by big Though it’s difficult to directly tie Schell Brothers’ branding
initiatives led by marketing director Alyssa Titus. efforts to the builder’s sharp increase in revenue since 2015,
A local business owner before joining Schell, Alyssa staffed a more reliable indicator may be the company’s reputation
an in-house photo and video team to produce brand-focused among homebuyers. Roni Wilyter and her family vacationed
content, launched a biannual lifestyle magazine, and expanded in Rehoboth Beach for several years before deciding to move
the company’s culture by taking Project Kudos from an in- there. By then, they’d been indoctrinated in Schell’s brand
house program to involving the community at large. and went straight to the builder for their new home. Roni
She also spearheaded Schellville, initially a handful of min- is now a brand ambassador for Schell, one of a growing
iature Christmas-themed buildings within the city’s Winter number of buyer volunteers spreading the gospel of happi-
Wonderfest charitable fundraiser. An unfortunate break with ness on the builder’s behalf.
its organizer blossomed into Schellville’s Enchanted Winter The brand also has inspired a flood of folks wanting to work
Celebration (pictured, below), featuring a white-as-ice for housing’s happiest builder. “As much as I like to think I’m
roller-skating rink, a local artisans market, a cozy bar for good at recruiting, the bottom line is we mostly get unsolicited
adults, live music, Santa (of course!), and an ever-growing inquiries and referrals,” says Sarah Tezak, the company’s
collection of miniature buildings and different activities. human resources director. —J.M.
click
to watch
video

click
to watch
video
Allowing buyers a rich array of options

to personalize their homes creates more
varied streetscapes in Schell communities.
The builder’s Triangle Rule avoids similar
exterior colors on homes in close proximity
to one another, and an optional Courtyards
program (top, left) designs and builds
outdoor living areas for almost any plan.
Lessons learned in Richmond were then a builder where those things simply don’t their jobs no matter what just two days
applied to Nashville as that operation happen, where construction managers not into pandemic lockdown, to name a few.
ramped up. But while Tricia and Nashville only talk to one another but also commu- “A lot of what we do is different because
division manager Jon Beaver were allowed nicate with their colleagues in design, sales, we sincerely put people’s happiness ahead
to refine their approaches to best suit their IT, warranty … and even with customers. of profits,” says Chris, whose natural
respective markets, sacrificing Schell’s “It’s different here because we all work risk-aversion rarely overrides doing what’s
core culture was never an option. “As we’ve together,” Mike says, “whereas with other right—usually regardless of cost. “We go
continued to grow, we’ve been very cogni- builders, everybody’s out for themselves into everything being extremely optimis-
zant of preserving the impact of our mis- and nobody’s trying to help the other guy tic, so we end up doing what’s needed to
sion,” says Schell’s corporate sales director find what they need for their houses.” make things happen instead of waiting for
Jamie Hastings. “We can’t lose the ability For 20 years, Schell Brothers has made things to get better.”
for everyone to feel like they matter.” a successful business of operating outside Such was the case in 2007-08. Still in its
the status quo of its chosen industry—col- relative infancy and a far cry from the top
operating outside the norm laborating with competitors, hiring people tier of production builders in the Delaware
Mike Honeysett is happy, but not because based on character rather than industry beaches market, Schell Brothers watched
he browbeat a trade partner for a back- knowledge, enabling buyers to personal- other builders in its market duck and cover
charge or pulled rank to get a crew from ize their homes to an extreme, building to ride out the recession. “All the big guys
another community to meet a deadline on brand awareness over product marketing, were slashing prices to survive, and we
his job. He’s happy because he works for and promising employees they would keep knew we couldn’t compete head-to-head

BUILDER OF THE
YEAR 2023
with that, nor did we really want to,” recalls and prove its extreme personalization ap- Going against the grain applies to hir-
Jamie, who had left a national public build- proach to production housing by betting on ing practices, too. Chris is legendary for
er to join Schell. an untapped void between option-strained dismissing someone’s lack of home build-
Convinced there had to be buyers who production and truly custom home building experience in favor of their character,
wanted and could afford Schell’s niche of ing experiences. smarts, sense of humor, and willingness
higher-end, higher-priced production As a result, Schell emerged from the re- to shed old habits and embrace a culture
homes, the builder went against the industry cession with greater market share, an en- of collaboration, community service, and,
tide. “Our thinking was, it may be a small- hanced reputation, and a wealth of land above all, happiness. “I walked into my
er market, but let’s capitalize on it,” she says. holdings that further boosted its presence interview with a tie on and my résumé
That strategy also enabled Schell to hone in and around Rehoboth Beach. in hand,” recalls Dan Matta, now the
finding happiness
Chris Schell isn’t always comfortable talking about what led kept a happiness journal to make notes about what makes
him to seek a life and vocation centered on happiness. “It’s him happy (or doesn’t).
hard for me to talk about it because it makes me feel what I When Preston mentioned he was thinking of starting a
felt back then,” he says. general contracting business to support his residen-
“Back then” was 2002. Settling into a lucrative tial development deals, Chris saw an opportunity
career as a hedge fund manager after graduat- Listen to a to perhaps find and practice happiness. “One of
ing from the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- Q+A with Chris the things I liked about building homes was it
nology and Harvard Business School, Chris Schell about was the exact opposite of using computers to
began suffering from anxiety that eventually his journey to make money for investors,” he says. “Whatever
escalated to panic attacks. find and instill I decided to do, I knew it had
happiness
“I felt like I had been given to be creating something real,
this false dream and followed something significant.”
it, and it was making me But after days spent crafting
miserable,” he says. “And so a heartfelt email to Preston
it made me think, What do I about why Chris should run the
really want from life? Because new company, Chris says his
this is not what I want.” twin quickly and emphatically
Through his soul-searching, shot him down: “His reply was,
he says, “I realized that the ‘I know nothing about con-
answer to the ultimate ques- struction, but I know 10 times
tion of what you want from life more than you do. No!’”
is to be happy.” Eventually Chris wore Pres-
It was a revelation that ton down and Schell Brothers
allowed Chris to hand over his was launched on the premise
company to his business part- of happiness. “Because of my
ner the day after a particularly personal experience and what
bad panic attack and start I’d decided was my life’s new
a journey of understanding purpose, I wanted Schell Broth-
happiness and where it might ers to be extremely different.”
lead him. And at what point did the
Chris and his wife, Lori (pictured with him, above), moved happiness come? “For me, there wasn’t any point in time
to Rehoboth Beach, Del., where Chris’ family had spent when I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m happy!’ But we do try to
summers and his identical twin brother, Preston, owned a reflect and focus on the good in our lives,” he says. One way
development company. He walked on the beach, read self- Chris does that is to put himself mentally in his previous life.
help books, reconnected with his old lifeguard pals, and “It makes it easier to appreciate where I am now.” —R.B.

STOP, DROP AND SPEC
SAFER LUMBER.
We have relentless standards, just like you do. ProWood® FR
wood undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets ASTM
standards and UL FR-S requirements, guaranteeing
structural durability and exceptional quality. Rest assured
in the reliability of our fire-resistant products, supported
by our 50-year limited warranty.
LEARN MORE:
ProWoodLumber.com/FR
PLYWOOD | LUMBER | WALL ASSEMBLIES | BACKER BLOCK customerservice@prowoodlumber.com
BUILDER OF THE
YEAR 2023
company’s director of warranty. He’d left a company, Jon discovered an appreciation Heartbeat. “The tools and software they
teaching career to join a lifeguarding bud- for a less-hectic work life during COVID had with Heartbeat were better than what
dy in a startup building business to which and reached out to Chris, his Massachusetts we had at Eaton in a lot of ways,” he says. “I
neither brought any construction skills or Institute of Technology fraternity brother, thought, ‘Hey, they have some stuff figured
knowledge. “The first thing Chris said was, to see if there were any opportunities to out, so I won’t be starting from scratch.’”
‘Dude, lose the tie,’” Dan says. “Then he took join him at Schell. While Jon guides the Nashville division
my résumé, crumpled it up, and threw it Chris not only brought Jon on as a di- to eat up 700 build-ready lots and boost
away.” Chris hired him on the spot. vision manager but entrusted him to pick production to two starts per week by the
Hiring Jon Beaver to run Schell’s opera- Schell’s newest market—but only after end of next year, Tricia’s team in Richmond
tion in Nashville was less dramatic, but it Jon moved his family to Delaware for 10 is gaining a deeper foothold in that mar-
further underscored the company’s hiring months to live and breathe Schell’s culture ket. Her division will close 76 homes this
custom of prioritizing cultural fit. A VP and learn its systems. year, making it into the top 10 of a highly
of global engineering for Eaton, a multi- In addition to the builder’s commit- competitive market while selling at a price
national, $20 billion power-management ment to happiness, Jon was impressed by point roughly $150,000 higher than the
coffee-worthy
Buying a home from Schell Brothers is so casual and comfort- most importantly, what’s not working or what prompted their
able you may think it relies more on charm than strategy. It home search.”
feels that way for a reason. That’s part of the strategy. Never pushy but always engaged, this sales approach natu-
Every one of Schell’s sales centers has the same vibe, right rally elicits “Getting to Know You” notes that flow downstream
down to paint colors and messaging about the overarching to later serve as thoughtful gestures (“Happy Stories”) toward
brand. Instead of a topo map in the middle of the room, the end of the homebuying journey, whether it’s hanging a ban-
there’s a bar with good coffee and Schell-branded beer on ner of a buyer’s favorite sports team in the garage, stocking
tap, and round tables the fridge with a six-pack
instead of desks, “So of their preferred cider,
it’s not like you’re at the or surprising them with
principal’s office,” says a cake if their birthday
Frank Ryan, a communi- coincides with closing.
ty sales manager. That depth of under-
The goal is to connect standing also helps
on a personal level right consultants narrow
away with strategic down what floor plans
questions that help find and models, and even
common ground, such what communities and
as where the home- parcels, they’ll present
buyer is from (most to a prospect. “We don’t
Schell shoppers are jump to, ‘Let’s look
relocating) or how their at the models,’” Alli
homebuying experience says, much less send
is going so far. buyers off to wander
“You have 7 seconds on their own.
for people to decide if they’re going to like you,” says sales Lastly, this approach sets the stage for how the sales,
consultant Alli Perry. She and her colleagues apply Jeff design, production, and warranty teams manage and commu-
Shore’s 4:2 Formula to prompt “coffee-worthy” conversa- nicate with clients—in the builder’s online Heartbeat platform
tions to gain a consumer’s trust and put them at ease. and in person—throughout the homebuying journey.
“It’s all about their needs,” adds Jamie Hastings, Schell’s “Everything we do is with a purpose: to create a single,
director of sales. “What they need, why they need it, and seamless experience,” Frank says. —J.M.

BUILDER OF THE
YEAR 2023
next-largest builder—a Schell pricing trade- caused a few hiccups, there really isn’t any make sure our culture always will be what
mark. “Next year, I think we’ll be pushing other way the company wants to oper- makes us unique and propels absolutely
over 100 closings, maybe 125,” she says. ate. “We’re confident in who and what we everything else.”
And while Schell’s contrarian bent has are,” Jamie says. “The biggest thing is to And that makes Chris Schell happy. PB
the pulse of schell

If happiness is the heart of Schell Brothers’ culture, then Heart- complexities of the homebuying and home building journey.
beat, the company’s proprietary software platform, is its pulse. Case in point (among many others): A team of warranty co-
As it exists today, Heartbeat is a multifunctional, collabora- ordinators, under the direction of Dan Matta, field and traffic
tive, integrable, and scalable program used by homebuyers, service requests exclusively through Heartbeat, which is the
trade partners, and every department and division at Schell. only option for homeowners to directly file their queries.
It’s a calendar, an internal social media channel, a com- “It used to be that we’d write things on paper, go out to
munications tool, a file and data manager, and a means meet the owners, and then go back to the office to call
of influencing and reviewing performance and prog- people and schedule the work,” Dan says. “On Heart-
ress companywide— click beat, the
and those are just the
to watch team monitors and
video
broad strokes. updates requests
In short, Heartbeat and sends alerts to
is the go-to for every- whoever needs them
thing that’s going on, in real time.”
and it will never be And if you think
complete as long as having just one option
senior web application for clients to lodge a
developer Jeremy Bell complaint runs counter
and director of inno- to Schell’s happy
vation Lance Manlove customer culture, you
are asked (or inspired) don’t know Heartbeat.
to refine and enhance Issues are documented
its capabilities. in the owner’s own
In fact, Heartbeat words, often with a
started as a problem-solver. Jeremy, an Air Force veteran who photo or two, and are logged into a system that tracks the
grew up with a love (and skill) for coding, was helping Schell’s complaint’s progress until it’s resolved with full transparency.
finance department streamline its paper-heavy process into a Try that with a scrap of paper. “It’s been a game-changer for
digital system. warranty,” Dan says.
Meanwhile, Lance, a former design engineer for a NASA For homebuyers—each with a unique account that tracks
contractor and then-head of Schell’s custom home program, every step of their journey and logs personal impressions and
was spending his free time working on software to improve the preferences for future reference—the platform serves to in-
homebuying experience. form and preempt questions and concerns that may otherwise
Eventually, the two pitched their ideas for creating similar delay or curtail construction … or worse, erode happiness.
efficiencies across the company to CEO Chris Schell, a fellow “As a first-time homebuyer, I was so nosy, wanting to
programming nerd who understood the system’s premise and drive by the jobsite every day,” says Brittany Arias, a Schell
potential. “The main thing I told them was to pretend like we’re Brothers homeowner who now serves as a voluntary brand
a 20- or 30-division company,” Chris says. “I’ve seen compa- ambassador for the company. “It was super exciting to get
nies program themselves into a corner because they didn’t updates and see photos of the process.”
consider future growth.” Good thinking, as Schell Brothers has But as robust as it is, the Heartbeat of today is neither
since opened divisions in Richmond, Va., and Nashville, Tenn. perfect nor complete. “We’ve barely scratched the surface of
The platform lets Schell efficiently and reliably manage the what this thing can do,” Chris says. —J.M.

Take Performance Through The Roof
*RLQJ8S"
The&RGH&RPSOLDQW&KRLFH
NEW
Made in the USA
3DWHQWHG(IæFLHQF\ 3URWHFWLRQ
'U\HU-DFNFRP
SPONSORED CONTENT
For the New American Home 2024, Caesarstone

Porcelain and Quartz surfaces are featured in
various applications to create dynamic spac-
es of inspiration. The warm tones of Sleet
and Emprada Porcelain used in the kitchen
combine modern and graceful beauty with-
in the space with its superior durability and
strength. Cooler tones of Archetta Porcelain
are showcased in the master bedroom for
a dramatic look offered in a honed finish.
Caesarstone Quartz is a shining star in nu-
merous bathroom applications, keeping with
the warm aesthetic that is carried throughout
the home. Midday Outdoor Quartz and Airy
Concrete Quartz are both featured on bath-
room vanities, offering a modern aesthetic
with visual texture. These sustainable sur-
faces deliver functional resilience with time-
less beauty for a vast range of applications for
both indoor & outdoor spaces.
Visit Caesarstoneus.com for more

information.

SPONSORED CONTENT
Since 1978, StoneWorks has been the only

national brand of manufactured stone ve-
neer that offers both product with regional-
ized character and full installation services.
Our turnkey philosophy has been impressing
builders and general contractors for over four
decades with one simple premise: beautiful
stone veneer, installed.
That means we also take care of all the
steps in between. For The New American
Home 2024, the StoneWorks team worked
with Sun West Custom Homes to select and
install the perfect product that mixes mod-
ern design with natural textures. Beardsley
Panel Grezzo UT was selected for the exteri-
or of the project thanks to elegantly textured
look and subtle warmth.
Visit estoneworks.com for more information
The New American Home features the latest

innovations from Kohler®. Several of the bath-
rooms incorporate the new Statement™ show-
ering collection with Anthem™ valves and con-
trols, featuring unexpected designs, indulgent
spray options, and a range of universal forms.
The versatile portfolios are meticulously craft-
ed to fit global plumbing standards, opening
the door to truly seamless specification and
unfettered creativity. The home also features
the Kohler Eir® Intelligent toilet, sculpted with
flowing and balanced curves, with the comfort
of personal cleansing. Don’t miss the kitch-
en that feature’s the Kohler Purist® Suspend
ceiling mount faucet. Designed to make tasks
easier in the kitchen, Purist Suspend is out of
the way, until it’s needed. With its seven-foot
braided hose, there is freedom to move the
sprayhead around your kitchen - eliminating
the taxing chore of lifting heavy items in and
out of the sink to fill or clean.
Learn more about these products

at Kohler.com.

SHOW VILLAGE
AT IBS 2024
ATTAINABLE
HOUSING SOLUTIONS
AT IBS CENTER OF ATTENTION
Cavco’s 400-square-foot “dual pod” tiny
home (below) is about as efficient to build
as it gets ... but with an interesting twist:
A HANDFUL OF HOMES AT PRO BUILDER’S SHOW VILLAGE its kitchen and dining area are located out-
AT IBS 2024 OFFER A PATH FORWARD FOR PROVIDING doors, albeit protected from the elements
HIGH-QUALITY, LOWER-COST HOUSING NATIONWIDE by the home’s metal-clad gable roof.
That arrangement also serves as a bridge
between the home’s living area on one
BY LAYNE DEAKINS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR, side and its one bathroom and single bed-
AND RICH BINSACCA, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR room on the other, the latter sized to fit a
California king bed along with access to a
private deck and outdoor shower.
I
f you’re planning to attend the 2024 Vertical siding, deep roof overhangs at
International Builders’ Show (IBS) in either end of the home, and a floor-to-roof
Las Vegas or have been to the Show peak window in the living area add some
before, you know there’s more to see and flair to the tiny home’s simple form with-
do than you can fit into three days: four out driving up the budget.
expansive exhibit halls showcasing new
products and technology; hundreds of ed-
ucational sessions on the latest business
and construction best practices; and myri-
ad opportunities to connect with other in-
dustry pros. It can be a bit overwhelming.
But right across from the main entrance
to the convention center is a breath of
fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Pro
Builder’s Show Village, celebrating its 30th
year as the anchor of the outdoor exhib-
its at IBS, provides not only a break from
the convention center’s hustle and bustle
but also highlights solutions that address
housing affordability.
For 2024, Show Village will feature five
homes designed and built for attainabili-
ty in any market. The homes will be open
to all IBS attendees for self-guided tours
during Show hours and even during nightly
block parties. So if you want to glimpse the
future of housing production with mar-
ket-savvy style at IBS, make time to make
your way to Show Village. PB

a 540-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bath
footprint built in a factory setting.
The home’s open-concept floor plan
offers a welcoming U-shaped kitchen and
an airy living area. Cabinets above the
kitchen’s peninsula provide additional
storage, while expansive glass at the entry
(including the door) and along both sides
COZY COASTAL of the house delivers an abundance of nat-
The Wedge model from Cavco features a ural light.
detached garage with a covered observa- The home’s simple, rectangular plan
tion deck, a generous primary bedroom makes it cost-effective to build; even the
with access to a private outdoor area, and distinctive roof is a simple form—proof
contemporary style that includes a prow- that attractive, marketable design is at-
like roof form protecting the entry—all in tainable at a reasonable cost.

SHOW VILLAGE
AT IBS 2024
END OF AN ERA
MODERN TWIST
Drive by Genesis Homes’ Canyon model, with its offset-gable roof and thoughtful mix of
exterior finishes, and it’s unlikely the model will register as a manufactured home. IBS 2024’s Show Village will
Go inside and the wonder continues with contemporary styling and spacious public and be the last for our beloved
private spaces that extend outdoors, belying the home’s 1,587 square feet. colleague Judy Brociek. Show
In fact, Genesis targets the Canyon to move-up buyers; a modern twist on the long-held Village would not have been
perception that HUD-code homes are reserved for the low end of the market. possible, much less have lasted
To be sure, the home’s simple footprint makes it far less expensive to build, especially at 30 years, without Judy. Thank
scale, than a stick-built house of the same size. But the way the spaces are laid out—espe- you, Judy, for your leadership,
cially the separations between its three bedrooms and two baths to enhance privacy—is sense of humor, tireless efforts,
brilliant at any price point or production method. and wealth of knowledge, which
have made Show Village such a
great success!
PRIME TIME
Like its brother the Canyon, the Glacier model from Genesis
Homes sends a modern message to buyers and neighbors alike
that this is not your father’s manufactured home.
The three-bedroom, two-bath plan feels larger than its 1,493
square feet. From the entry, the home opens into a generous living
area with an expansive kitchen and dining space nearby. The plan
even includes a scullery (in a HUD-code home!), which extends stor-
age and food prep capacity while also providing easy, central access
to the washer/dryer, furnace, and water heater. Bedrooms occupy
the back of the plan, each with a true walk-in closet.
Outside, the Glacier’s modern form and finishes suit today’s
younger, first-time homebuyer market niche, which is sensitive to,
and smart about, what they want and can afford.

SHOW VILLAGE
AT IBS 2024
WHILE YOU’RE AT SHOW VILLAGE
LOFTY GOALS
Created to be a starter home option for young families, the Via is
a tiny home on wheels designed by Liv-Connected and manufac- While taking self-guided tours through the future of
tured by Atomic Homes. The home has a flat-roofed center form home building is certainly the highlight of Show
flanked by a gable-roofed volume on either side, and its interior Village, there’s a lot more to do during your visit.
features big, operable windows and tall ceilings, which make the
Via feel far larger than its 400 square feet. A clever loft maximizes LEARN
livable space as a third bedroom, an office, or other use. For the ex- The ProTradeCraft (PTC) LIVE Construction Training
terior, buyers have a choice of finishes to create either a modern or a Zone offers a full slate of how-to demonstrations
farmhouse look beyond the baseline offering. showcasing (and teaching) the latest best practices.
What you don’t see is equally impressive: a focus on low-impact, COMPETE
durable materials; energy efficiency; and structural integrity that Raise your hand to compete in our daily Skills
raises the bar not just for tiny homes, but for all homes. Challenges, a fun, fast-paced race with other
Villagers that includes prizes at the end.
EXPLORE
Show Village 2024 welcomes more than two dozen
CONNECT WITH US! leading building products brands that will be show-
casing their latest products and services.
Connect with us before IBS
even begins by following NETWORK
the Pro Builder Show There’s no place better than Show Village to connect
Village Instagram account, with colleagues, clients, and other industry pros for a
@pb_showvillage, where casual chat while enjoying some fresh air.
we’re already kicking off MEET THE NEW GUY
our 30-year celebration Show Village may be celebrating its 30th year at IBS,
with fun facts about the but it’s Pawley Benjamin’s first time at the Show, so
history of Show Village and make him feel welcome by asking “PB” (pictured,
timely information about above) to share a story about our legacy of innovation
this year’s activities. and cool stuff.

SPONSORED CONTENT
When your building envelope

requires a quality layer of
protection with added drain-
age capability, TamlynWrap®
Drainable is the right choice
for the professional build-
er, designer or contractor.
TamlynWrap® Drainable is
a high performance water
and air resistive barrier with
a unique drainage pattern
designed for the harsh con-
ditions of a jobsite and all
climate zones. TamlynWrap®
Drainable is made from mul-
tiple non-woven and barrier
layers that provide superior
durability, moisture and air
infi ltration protection with
added drainage capability.
The unique drainage pat-
tern can remove 100 times
more bulk water from a wall
versus standard wraps of-
fering enhanced moisture
management and drying.
The tough non-woven struc-
ture is backed by an industry
leading warranty of up to 25
years making TamlynWrap®
Drainable the right choice for
your residential, multi-fam-
ily or commercial project.
TamlynWrap® Drainable is
unique in its development for
focusing on improving build-
ing performance as well as
the installation quality and
jobsite safety.
Visit tamlyn.com for more

information

SPONSORED CONTENT
LG HVAC products offer both builders and

homeowners comfort and convenience
for their residential and light commercial
heating and cooling requirements. These
products utilize advanced technology, in-
cluding Inverter Heat Pumps, providing
an energy-efficient alternative to tradi-
tional furnaces and air conditioners, not
only reducing carbon emissions but also
providing operational cost savings oppor-
tunities. LG’s portfolio encompasses duct-
ed and duct-free options, incorporating
heat pumps and HVAC spilt systems. LG
stands out with its commitment to qual-
ity, performance, and style, exemplified
by the exclusive Art Cool™ line, LGRED°
heating technology, and the industry’s first
single-phase 5-ton VRF heat recovery unit
for the U.S. market. LG delivers the latest
in advanced HVAC solutions that not only
reduce energy consumption and enhance
efficiency, but also elevate comfort.
Visit lghvac.com for more information.
Whether it’s a laundry room,

kitchen nook or closet, small space
or large, LG has the laundry prod-
ucts that perfectly fit your plans
and impress your homebuyers.
Beneath the beautiful exteriors
are LG innovations that are built
to perform. With compact laun-
dry for small spaces, full size front
load or top load pairs for large
loads, or our space-saving, full size
WashTower™ with a convenient
Center Control™ panel, the LG
laundry lineup keeps clothes look-
ing, smelling, and feeling great.
Visit lgprobuilder.com for more

information

SPONSORED CONTENT
From the ground up, Signature Kitchen

Suite was built on precision and pur-
pose. Whether it’s articulating han-
dles, consistency in our stainless steel
grain, Signature Fit™ installation, or
engineering considerations that fol-
low your countertop’s lines, our full
collection of built-in appliances is de-
signed to please the builder, designer,
and home chef alike. Carrying over to
our respect for food, each appliance is
thoughtfully designed to prepare, pre-
serve, or clean in the best ways possi-
ble. From the first-of-its-kind built-in
sous vide range to the industry’s only
built-in French Door refrigerator with
a 5-mode convertible drawer, Signature
Kitchen Suite’s versatile and high-per-
formance appliances deliver the ulti-
mate precision cooking experience.
That’s how we stay True to Food™.
Visit signaturekitchensuite.com for

more information
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. stands as a paragon of excellence in the world

of cabinetry, offering a diverse range of door styles and color options
that empower homeowners and designers to craft modern spac-
es brimming with sophistication and functionality. With a legacy
dating back over 60 years, Wellborn has honed its craft to deliver
not only impeccable craftsmanship but also a vast selection of door
styles that cater to every design preference. Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
offers an array of color options that harmonize beautifully with var-
ious design themes. Their cutting-edge finishing techniques provide
an extensive palette, from soft, muted hues to bold, vibrant tones,
allowing homeowners to tailor their cabinetry to fit their vision of
modernity. This adaptability is further enhanced by the use of sus-
tainable and eco-friendly materials, aligning with the contemporary
demand for environmentally conscious design. Beyond the aesthetic
appeal, Wellborn’s commitment to functionality is a defining charac-
teristic of their cabinetry. Innovative features like soft-close drawers
and doors, pull-out pantry systems, and built-in storage solutions en-
sure that every space is optimized for practical use, while advanced
hardware and construction techniques guarantee longevity and du-
rability. In doing so, Wellborn continues to be a trusted name in the
world of cabinetry, turning houses into homes where contemporary
elegance and utility coexist seamlessly.
Visit wellborn.com for more information

DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
ARE AGRIHOODS
A GROWTH
OPPORTUNITY?
INCLUDING A FARM IN
YOUR MASTER PLAN
ISN’T JUST TRENDY, IT
ALSO GIVES BACK
BY STACEY FREED
MORE THAN A GARDEN
T
ime was that golf courses and club- everything from food to fashion to hous-
houses, fitness centers, and pools ing. “During COVID, nobody wanted At a basic level, agrihoods are communities
ruled the community amenities to sit at the pools or exercise in the gyms; that feature a sincere farming component.
offered in master planned communities they were all outside walking the trails,” While the definition can encompass sever-
(MPCs). Then it was collaborative “maker- says developer Tom Woliver, co-president al different models, an agrihood is not just
spaces,” dog-friendly commons, and more of Oxland Group, in McKinney, Texas. a community garden but a working farm
recently, pickleball courts. “We’ve doubled down on nature as the that produces food and can result in other
But as land has become less available new amenity.” benefits for the residents and even for the
and more expensive, fewer master plan de- A 2018 study by the Urban Land Institute wider community beyond the MPC.
velopers are teeing up golf courses. A num- (ULI) revealed that certain jurisdictions “For us, it’s really important that there’s
ber of them are using that land for rows of also award faster zoning approvals and enough agriculture that it forces [a com-
crops and groves of olive and citrus trees, entitlements for agrihoods, which helps to munity’s] farmers to grow the food in the
creating “agrihoods” that not only feed an reduce project costs. In addition, the study way small farms actually grow food,” says
increasing consumer desire for health and found there’s increased buy-in from stake- Scott Snodgrass, a partner in Agmenity, a
wellness but also offer greater opportunity holders, including public officials and Houston-based consultancy that also de-
for community connection and what has investors, as well as the opportunity for signs, installs, and manages agricultural
become an enticement for homebuyers in local, state, or federal incentives that re- amenities for master planned communi-
a competitive market. duce project costs through tax exemptions, ties. Additionally, Agmenity is a partner
Already a budding trend pre-pandemic, reductions, and rebates. In short, food is in Meristem Communities, a Houston
health and wellness continue to overlay becoming smart business for developers. development fi rm.

The growing popularity of agrihoods, such as Harvest by Hillwood
Communities, in Argyle, Texas (above and at right), and Indigo, in
Richmond, Texas, which broke ground in March 2023 (illustration,
at left), respond to consumers’ increasing interest in a field-to-
table lifestyle as part of their pursuit of health and wellness.
Although located mostly in the South component. “If it’s too small, it’s not big to stay out of floodplains (just in case they
PHOTOS: LEFT, COURTESY MERISTEM COMMUNITIES; CENTER AND RIGHT, COURTESY HILLWOOD COMMUNITIES
and West, there are an estimated 200 agri- enough to be operated by a bigger entity. If actually flood) but says other than that,
hoods across the U.S. in at least 30 states, it’s too big, then it’s not human scale and “there are all sorts of options. You can even
in rural communities to major cities, as it feels like you’re living on an actual farm put the farm in places that don’t have good
Ed McMahon, a senior fellow of sustain- rather than having this amenity for the soil.” Marginal land that developers oth-
able development at ULI, told Civil Eats, a community,” says Chris Fernandez, direc- erwise can’t dig into for utility easements
nonprofit publication focused on sustain- tor of planning at architecture, planning, and similar uses also is fertile ground for
able food news. Examples of agrihoods and interiors firm Dahlin, headquartered in the farm setup.
include everything from upscale Serenbe Pleasanton, Calif., which is currently work- The most successful agrihoods, however,
southwest of Atlanta to Aria Denver, which ing on the master plan for Indigo, an agri- seem to be those where community goals
features 72 affordable apartments and 13 hood in Richmond, Texas, being developed determine the farm’s location; in those cas-
townhouses as well as a production garden by Meristem Communities. “[The farm es, the placement is intentional instead of
and greenhouse. component is] no different than a commu- being an afterthought to use leftover land.
Farm size depends on a community’s nity center: If it’s too big, it feels empty and At Rancho Mission Viejo, a 23,000-acre
goals. “In one community, we have an acre- doesn’t feel like it’s being utilized. And if it’s master plan in Orange County, Calif., the
and-a-half site that serves 3,000 homes,” too small, it’s always crowded and you can first village in the development, Sendero,
Snodgrass says. “For the interest level of never get to use any of the amenities in it.” located its farm on the edge of the commu-
that community, it does the trick.” One question Agmenity gets a lot, nity. But several years later, a second-phase
Bringing in designers early on will help Snodgrass says, is where to put the farm village, Esencia, sited its farm in the mid-
to determine the right size for the farm within the master plan. He advises clients dle of the parcel in response to residents’

DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
high level of interest in the farm’s and educational programs beyond grow- under 5 acres
community-building potential. “It sits at ing and harvesting food. But when the need one to
the top of an oak canyon we preserved, growing season is over, the farm still needs two full-time
and there’s a daycare across the street and planning and maintenance. “That’s when staff and farms between 5
some higher-density housing,” says archi- you spend time building out your project,” and 20 acres require 10 to 20
tect Andrew Watkins, principal at JZMK Snodgrass says. “If you want a new chicken full-time staffer members. “For us,
Partners, in Costa Mesa, Calif., which has coop, you don’t do it in peak growing sea- about an acre of vegetables requires a little
worked on several phases of the master son, you do it in the wintertime.” over two full-time people to contribute a
plan. “They all work together as a core for Operational costs can be a challenge. “In significant portion of their time just in the
that development. It’s a central part of the making the business case for an agrihood growing of the vegetables,” Snodgrass says.
community’s identity and is a way to at- amenity, the No. 1 thing I tell anyone who’s Part of Agmenity’s ethos is also to nur-
tract new residents.” entertaining this is, ‘Find somebody who ture farming careers. “We pride ourselves
knows what they’re doing,’” Woliver says. on having good farming jobs,” he says.
BUSINESS AS USUAL (SORT OF) (Aside from Agmenity, there are other com- “We try to push everyone to take three
Compared with other more common ame- panies, such as Farmscape and Farmer D, weeks off every year. We are asking peo-
nities, a farm usually requires a lower cap- that do consultancy work to help developers ple to work 40 to 45 hours a week, which
ital investment, but it has an operational and communities in the ag amenity space.) is really unusual in the agricultural in-
aspect that’s more intensive. “A farm is a Farm size helps to determine the num- dustry. We want to make jobs that could
year-round operation,” Woliver points out. ber of people required to operate it. The be careers in which people can work for
It can be a place for events, harvest days, ULI agrihoods study suggested that farms the longer term.”

Chickahominy Falls, a 450-unit, 55-plus community outside of Richmond, Va., features a 10-acre working
farm at the heart of the master plan. Woodside Farms supports a variety of engagement, educational,
and even retail opportunities for residents and the surrounding area.
Typically, money to support the farm plan’s farm operation. “In Florida, the and land,” says Daron “Farmer D” Joffe,
comes from homeowners association farm is an amenity service that can use a biodynamic farmer, consultant, and
(HOA) fees, but Woliver suggests develop- public funding,” says Woliver, who tends speaker who has worked on a range of pub-
ers also consider ways a farm can pay for to sign contracts with community devel- lic and private farm development projects,
itself instead of burdening the HOA. opment districts (CDDs) that manage the including the early adopters Serenbe and
For instance, some agrihood commu- ag aspect. “The developer has some con- Rancho Mission Viejo. “Food brings people
nities partner with and sell produce to trol over setting up the CDD and how it together, and there’s been a growing trend
restaurants, sell only to homeowners and works, but ultimately the CDD is funded of consumer interest in being part of the
visitors, or serve the wider community by property taxes.” story of their food,” Joffe says.
with a community supported agriculture Naturally, people gravitate to places
(CSA) program. WHO’S BUYING IN? where they can engage with other peo-
And while conversations between devel- Experts agree that an agrihood can be ple, and agrihoods have proven to be an
PHOTOS: COURTESY CORNERSTONE HOMES
opers and municipalities include entitle- an effective—and still relatively nov- effective conduit. “It’s not so much about
ments, easements, and land use that often el—differentiator when homebuyers are physical infrastructure, it’s the human
affect taxes levied during the development confronted with several master planned infrastructure,” says Woliver, whose mar-
period, an HOA may be tax-exempt, thus communities competing for their atten- ket research gets granular on community
also exempting an HOA-supported farm tion and dollars. amenity trends and their value among
from taxes. “No matter how rich or poor or old you suburban homebuyers. “I’ve always said
Another option is to leverage local are, or where you come from or what you that it’s the people who sell homes, not
property taxes to underwrite a master believe, we all have connections with food empty pools and gyms.”

DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Located within the mixed-use community of the Esencia neighborhood in Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif., Esencia Farm provides farming
opportunities to more than 60 households and offers pick-your-own produce, seasonal plant and produce sales, and special events.
Fernandez sees buyer children, first-time buy- provides a kind of identity and even wish
interest for the Indigo “NO MATTER HOW ers, move-downs … and fulfillment that other types of amenities in
agrihood in Texas com- 10 different housing ty- other communities may not. With a farm,
RICH OR POOR OR pologies to serve them.”
ing from a wide variety there’s a sort of wellness component that
of people, and Dahlin OLD YOU ARE, OR Agmenity’s demog- people can appreciate deeply.”
focuses its efforts on WHERE YOU COME raph ic research from one Joffe sees agrihoods fulfi lling the need
what he calls data-driv- FROM OR WHAT YOU of its earliest projects, people have to live healthier, more con-
en design. “Our data Harvest Green (billed as nected lives. “The trend is growing,” he
BELIEVE, WE ALL HAVE Houston’s first agrihood),
and the research on says. “COVID, supply-chain issues, and
buyers [gleaned from CONNECTIONS WITH skewed younger com- the rising cost of food have made people
Kantar, a marketing FOOD AND LAND.” pared with other com- more concerned and aware. They want to
PHOTOS: COURTESY RANCHO MISSION VIEJO
data and analytics firm] —DARON “FARMER D” JOFFE

munities in the firm’s be in a more resilient place, to be more self-
show a vast majority portfolio. “About 9% of sufficient and living more sustainable lives
of buyers are going to the homebuyers were un- in walkable communities with local food
be nontraditional,” he der 30,” Snodgrass says. grown right there.” PB
says, a dramatic shift away from the du- His business partner Clayton Garrett
al-income-with-kids model that has dom- thinks interest may have been due to
inated the market for decades. “It’s going both the community’s uniqueness when it Stacey Freed, a writer in Rochester, N.Y., covers
to be singles, two working adults without opened in 2015 and because, he says, “a farm design and building.

Upon Closer Inspection Excellence Stands Out
Built-in Drip Edge
Lightweight Galvalume® Damper

Sight To See
Powder Coated
Deep-Drawn Galvalume Steel
Integrated Magnets/Rubber Bumpers
Secondary Backing Plate
Made in
the USA
888-443-7937
DryerWallVent.com
HOUSE REVIEW:
ON THE BOARDS
By Larry W. Garnett, FAIBD,
House Review Lead Designer
W
hile the topics for Pro Builder’s
House Review typically vary
from magazine issue to is-
sue and year to year to present timely
and relevant design solutions, “On the
Boards” is a perennial feature, enabling
the design team to stretch their wings
and showcase exciting and innovative
concepts that are still in the design
phase (“on the boards”).
Some of these early renditions will
result in completed projects, while oth-
ers will remain as schematics. Either
way, we hope you find them inspiring.

C
SECOND FLOOR
A B
CARDINAL WOOD
LIVE/WORK
DESIGNER
Larry W. Garnett, FAIBD
larrygarnett@
larrygarnettdesigns.com
254.205.2597
larrygarnettdesigns.com
DIMENSIONS
Width: 65 feet GROUND FLOOR
Depth: 10 feet
Total built area: 7,550 sf
Renderings: Larry Garnett The first level offers main-street A First-floor lease space for a sandwich/
visibility for a small eatery, coffee shop, coffee shop
real estate office or sales center, or B First-floor lease space for real estate
Located in the proposed “downtown” professional office space. or professional offices
portion of a new planned village, this live/ The second level with flexible access C Second-floor living or office space
work concept offers the flexibility of points (including an elevator) can become D Second-floor living or office space
combining light commercial with office professional offices or elegant two-bedroom with balcony
and residential space. living spaces. E Elevators

HOUSE REVIEW:
EASTSIDE LANDING C
PLAN 2
DESIGNER
D
Seth Hart
DTJ Design
shart@dtjdesign.com
303.443.7533
dtjdesign.com
DIMENSIONS
B
Width: 66 feet
Depth: 80 feet
Living area: 4,320 sf
FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR
This home plan for a site in Lakeway, Texas,

boasts unforgettable features, including a
wraparound back porch, pass-through bar,
hidden pantry, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The pocketing sliders in the great room A Kitchen with pass-through bar
Two elevation styles are offered. While offer panoramic views and seamless connection to rear patio
similar in approach, they are unique in form connectivity to the rear yard. B Office has a glass wall that visually
and use distinctive materials and contempo- Upstairs, a homework nook and a spa- connects to the front courtyard; options
rary styling to deliver a modern, elegant look cious loft provide flexibility for kids and as a bedroom with direct access to a
while remaining contextually appropriate. guests separate from the owner’s retreat single-car garage
The main floor features a private office on the main floor. C Storage space over the kitchen options as
with a full wall of glass, direct connection A roof deck over the one-car garage a bar, additional bedroom, or hobby room
from the primary closet to the laundry, and offers additional outdoor living from the D The walk-in pantry off the kitchen is
a wine alcove in the dining room. loft and provides views of the hill country. concealed by cabinet doors

FREE 5. What type of construction is your firm 10 Q Fireplaces & Accessories TO CONTINUE YOUR
SUBSCRIPTION! involved in? (Check ALL that apply.)

A Q Single Family – Custom
11
12
Q
Q
Flooring & Floor Coverings
Garage Doors
FREE SUBSCRIPTION!
B Q Single Family 13 Q Green Building Products FASTEST:

NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ C Q Multi–Family 14 Q Hand & Power Tools ONLINE
COMPANY: ________________________________________________________________________________________ D Q Remodeling Go to:
15 Q Home Automation Systems
E Q Light Commercial probuilder.com/
ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________________________ 16 Q HVAC & Environmental Controls
F Q Other (specify):
CITY:__________________________________________STATE:_________ZIP: ________________________________ 17 Q Insulation & Related Products subscribe
________________________________
18 Q Lighting Fixtures 1. Choose: “Renew
*PHONE: __________________________________________________________________________________________
6. How many homes does your firm build 19 Q Locksets & Hardware Subscription” (you’ll
*CELL:________________________________________*FAX: _______________________________________________ 20 Q Paint, Stains & Finishes need the mailing
per year? (Check one box only.)
*E-MAIL: __________________________________________________________________________________________ A Q Over 500 units 21 Q Plumbing Fixtures / Faucets label on the front
*BY PROVIDING YOUR PHONE NUMBER, CELL PHONE NUMBER, FAX NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU GIVE US PERMISSION TO B Q 101 – 500 units 22 Q Roofing Materials cover of this issue).
CONTACT YOU REGARDING YOUR SUBSCRIPTION. C Q 26 – 100 units 23 Q Siding 2. Answer a few
D Q 11 – 25 units 24 Q Sound & Security Systems questions.
1. Q YES! Please continue / start my FREE subscription of Professional Builder. E Q 1 – 10 units 25 Q Tile
Q No, thanks. F 0 units Q 26 Q Trucks EMAIL
Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________ 27 Q Windows Complete all
7. What is your firm’s annual revenue?
Title__________________________________________________________________________________________ 99 None of the above Q information on this
(Check one box only.)
Date _________________________________________________________________________________________ form and email to:
A Q More than $10 million
B Q $5 million to $10 million 9. Which of the following publications do pbm@omeda.com
2. How would you like to receive your 50 Q Land Development C Q $1 million to $4,999,999 you receive personally addressed to
subscription? 90 Q Other (please specify) you? (Check ALL that apply.) MAIL
D Q $1 to $999,999
Q Print OR ________________________________ E $0 Q A Q Builder Complete form and
Q Digital (E-mail address required; B Q Custom Home mail to:
please print clearly in space above.) 4. Which category best describes your PROFESSIONAL BUILDER
8. Which of the following building C Q Neither of the above
job title? (Check one box only.)
materials, products or equipment P.O. Box 300
3. Which of the following best describes 10 Q Owner, Partner, Corporate
do you buy, specify or influence the 10. Excluding land, please indicate the Lincolnshire, IL
your company’s primary business? Executive, Director, General
selection of? (Check ALL that apply.) cost per square foot of the homes 60069-0300
(Check one box only.) Manager
10 Q Builder, Developer, General 20 Q Architect, Designer, Engineer 01 Q Appliances
your company builds.
Contractor 30 Q Construction Manager, 02 Q Cabinets & Countertop Materials
(Check ALL that apply.)
20 Q Architectural Firm, Engineering Superintendent, Purchasing 03 Q Caulks & Sealants IN ORDER TO PROCESS,
A Q $251/sq ft or more
Firm, Architectural/Engineering Agent, Buyer 04 Q Central Vacuum Systems COMPLETE ALL
05 Q Computer Hardware & Software B Q $201-$250/sq ft
Firm, Designer of Homes 40 Q Other Management personnel INFORMATION, SIGN
06 Q Construction Equipment C Q $151-$200/sq ft
30 Q Manufactured or Modular Home 50 Q Sales or Marketing Manager
D Q $121-$150/sq ft AND DATE.
Builder 90 Q Other (specify): 07 Q Decking / Fence Materials
40 Q Remodeler working in building ________________________________ 08 Q Doors E Q $101-$120/sq ft
activities 09 Q Engineered Wood Products F Q $100 sq ft or less NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
HOUSE REVIEW:
DUPLEX CLUSTER
ARCHITECT A A
Jeff Addison
Kevin L. Crook Architect
A A
jaddison@klcarch.com
949.660.1587
klcarch.com
DIMENSIONS
Width: 116 feet
Depth: 113 feet
B B
Living area: 1,502 – 1,618 sf
D D
This duplex cluster prototype

offers a single-family detached
living experience coupled with the
efficient density (13-14 DU/acre) of SECOND FLOOR C C SECOND FLOOR
an attached home. It also shows

respect for neighboring homes
and for privacy. FIRST FLOOR
The project is designed as a six-pack

cluster with each home providing a two-car private alleyway. Craftsman and Prairie similar to a single-family detached home.
garage and guest parking on the street. exterior architectural styles provide varia-
The street scene is pedestrian friendly, tion along the alley. A Two-car garages in a split configuration
and the entries to the two homes fronting All living spaces have sliding doors to B Generous private outdoor living areas
the cluster orient to the street. The front generous private outdoor living areas. Trash C Front home entries oriented to the street
doors of the four other homes open onto the is stored along the sides of the houses, D Convenient trash storage

HOUSE REVIEW:
COURTYARD DUPLEXES
DESIGNER
Dawn Michele Evans, AIA, NCARB
dmichele@theevansgroup.com
407.650.8770
theevansgroup.com
DIMENSIONS
Width: 30 feet A A
Depth: 102 feet, 4 inches
Living area: 3/2 home: 1,663 sf; 3/3 home:
1,728 sf; guest suite above garage: 545 sf B B
D
D
What are most duplexes missing? Private

outdoor space and elevation architecture.
When possible, separating the garage
from the home allows for a private outdoor
space, as well as a charming entry sequence
C C
through a gated trellis and private garden E
and onto the front porch.
E
Thirty-foot-wide duplexes typically have
the entire front elevation as garage door(s),
but with this configuration, you achieve an
entire elevation behind the garage. F F
The buyer profile required one-story
homes, but we are able to offer an optional
guest suite above the garage with several
floor plan options. Therefore, the project
achieves a varied streetscape from some
buyers choosing the optional guest suite
and others not.
A Large, open grand room with lanai

and owner’s suite optimize water-
feature views FIRST FLOOR
B Gourmet kitchen with large island and
extensive pantry
C Den/home office/suite 3 with direct D Centrally located laundry F A courtyard for a private flower and
access to the front porch so clients don’t E Front entry for the owners, not a hallway herb garden, a place for Fido, a hot tub,
enter the home from the garage or other uses

PRODUCTS:
COLD-CLIMATE CONSTRUCTION
STRUCTURAL
INSULATED
PANEL
ThermaFoam
R-Control SIPs
(structural insulated
panels) create a
high-performance
building envelope
with a solid core of
insulation, eliminating the need for additional insulation layers,
traditional batts, or spray insulation. SIPs also reduce energy
consumption and are lower maintenance than conventional
framing. By minimizing air gaps and thermal bridging, the system
delivers a virtually airtight envelope, resulting in improved
indoor air quality (with proper ventilation) and consistent
room temperatures across multiple floors, the company says.
thermafoam.com
WEATHERPROOF
SEALANT
DAP’s AMP All Weather Window,
Siding, and Door Sealant creates
a weatherproof, waterproof seal
for exterior surfaces such as
windows, doors, siding, trim, and
more. AMP surpasses silicone
in wet-surface application,
paintability, and clarity, the
company says, and it dries in
30 minutes and resists mold
and mildew. dap.com
WOOD-LOOK
SHINGLES
CertainTeed’s
Landmark
ClimateFlex shingle
merges the aesthetic
appeal of wood
shake roofing with
the durability of
polymer-modified
asphalt. The shingle has a Class 4 rating for hail resistance and
offers exceptional all-weather performance, the company says,
plus its ClimateFlex technology enhances cold-weather pliability,
simplifying installation in low temperatures. certainteed.com
PB+ probuilder.com/cold-climate-products

AD INDEX: ADVERTISING SALES:
COMPANY PAGE # GROUP DIRECTOR – PRINCIPAL DIRECTORS - EVENTS

Chris Perrino Judy Brociek
CORNERSTONE BUILDING BRANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC, 29 847.391.1015 | cperrino@sgcmail.com 847.954.7943 | jbrociek@sgcmail.com
COUNTRY WOOD FLOORING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – Lisa Allen
DOORBIRD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC BUILDING GROUP 847.954.7476 | lallen@sgcmail.com
IN-O-VATE TECHNOLOGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 45 Tony Mancini DIRECTOR – ADOPS & ANALYSIS
484.412.8686 | tmancini@sgcmail.com Ernisa Hodzic
HORMANN INNOVATIVE DOOR SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
MEDIA COORDINATOR 847.954.7957 | ehodzic@sgcmail.com
JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tina Kanter PRINT ADVERTISING MATERIALS
JAMSIL GUARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 847.391.1054 | tkanter@sgcmail.com Karen Teeter
MILGARD WINDOWS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
INTEGRATED MEDIA ADVISORS – 847.391.1005 | kteeter@sgcmail.com
NAHB – NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17 RESIDENTIAL MARKET DIGITAL ADVERTISING MATERIALS
PLASTPRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 VICE PRESIDENT | DIRECTOR OF SALES Keith Cichowicz | Elliot Wilson
PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Sean Olin Scheduling_SGCDigital@sgcmail.com
SALSBURY INDUSTRIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 984.389.8898 | solin@sgcmail.com REPRINTS
States: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, Tina Kanter
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
NV, OR, UT, WA, WY, Western Canada 847.391.1054 | tkanter@sgcmail.com
SIMPSON STRONG TIE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Jeff Elliott – Principal LIST RENTAL INFORMATION
SKILLED LABOR FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
616.846.4633 | jelliott@sgcmail.com Claude Marada
SOFTPLAN SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Eastern Canada claude.marada@infogroup.com
UFP RETAIL SOLUTIONS – PROWOOD / BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Bill Black – Director Business 402.836.6274
VIEWRAIL STAIR SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Development, Sales Manager Bart Piccirillo
WELLBORN CABINET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 267.483.8788 | bblack@sgcmail.com bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com
WEST FRASER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Tim Gillerlain 402.836.6283
WOODFORD MANUFACTURING CO. WMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 847.954.7916 | tgillerlain@sgcmail.com SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES
States: IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, Professional Builder
*REGIONAL AD OH, OK, TN, SD, TX, WI P.O. Box 300, Lincolnshire, IL
PROFESSIONAL BUILDER (ISSN 1072-0561) is published in Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov (published six times Ed Rafalowski 60069-0300
annually) by SGC Horizon LLC, 220 N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067-2477. Periodical postage 215.429.7971 | erafalowski@sgcmail.com PBM@omeda.com
paid at Palatine, IL 60067-2477 and other mailing offices. Subscription Rates per year: USA $121.00; Canada States: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, 847.763.4933
and Mexico $200.00 (payable in USA funds); all other international $330.00 (payable in USA funds). Single cop-
ies: USA $15.00; all international (payable in USA funds) $30.00. Reproduction of contents is strictly forbidden.
LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, Toll-Free | 877.501.7540
©Copyright 2023. PROFESSIONAL BUILDER accepts no responsibility or liability for the validity of information RI, SC, VT, WV, VA To subscribe, please go to:
supplied by contributors, vendors, advertisers or advertising agencies.
INSIDE SALES MANAGER probuilder.com/subscribe
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Professional Builder, P.O. Box 300, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-0300 Sara Zamadics
To subscribe to Professional Builder, please go to: probuilder.com/subscribe 404.904.8475 | szamadics@sgcmail.com
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
1. Title of Publication: PROFESSIONAL BUILDER 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Average No. No. Copies of
Copies Each Single Issue
2. Publication Number: 0172-0561
Issue During Published
3. Filing Date: September 25, 2023 Preceding Nearest to
12 Months Filing Date
4. Issue Frequency: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August,
September/October and November/December A. Total number of copies (net press run): 76,467 72,194
5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6 B. Paid and/or requested circulation:
6. Annual Subscription Price: $121.00 U.S. Contact Jim Cowart at 847.391.1000 1. Paid/requested outside-county
mail subscriptions: 65,281 64,736
7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: Scranton Gillette
Communications, Inc., 220 N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067 C. Total paid and/or requested circulation
(sum of 15b1 through 15b4): 65,281 64,736
8. Complete mailing address of the headquarters of general business offices of
D. Non requested distribution
the publisher: Scranton Gillette Communications, Inc., 220 N Smith Street, Suite
(by mail and outside the mail)
440, Palatine, IL 60067
1. Outside county on PS Form 3541: 9,833 7,281
9. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher, editor and managing
editor: Publisher, Chris Perrino, Scranton Gillette Communications, Inc., 220 4. Outside the mail: 875 176
N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067; Editor, Rich Binsacca, Scranton E. Total non requested distribution: 10,708 7,457
Gillette Communications, Inc., 220 N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067;
F. Total distribution: 75,989 72,193
Managing Editor, Ingrid Bush, Scranton Gillette Communications, Inc., 220 N
Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067. G. Copies not distributed: 478 1
10. Owner (if owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the H. Total: 76,467 72,194
corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 85.9% 89.7%
stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock.
If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual 16. Electronic Copy Circulation
owners. If owned by a partnership, or other unincorporated firm, give its name A. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies 23,506 20,855
and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is B. Total & Requested Print Copies (line 15c) +
published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address): Scranton Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (line 16a) 88,787 85,591
Gillette Communications, Inc., 220 N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067;
SGC Holdings LLC, 220 N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067; Rick Blesi, C. Total Requested Copy Distribution (line 15f) +
Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (line 16a) 99,495 93,048
Jeff Elliott and David Shreiner, 220 N Smith Street, Suite 440, Palatine, IL 60067
D. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation
11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1
(Both Print & Electronic) 89.2% 92.0%
percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required
12. Tax status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at and will be printed in the November/December 2023 issue of this publication.
nonprofit rates.) (check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this
organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: X Has not 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete.
changed during the preceding 12 months; Has changed during the preceding I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on
12 months (publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement). this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be
subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil
13. Title of publication: PROFESSIONAL BUILDER sanctions (including civil penalties).
14. Issue date for circulation data below: July/August 2023 9/25/2023

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ADVERTISEMENT
Wide range of residential doors

from our value builder offerings
to luxury custom designs.
CARPET PROTECTION
Professional-grade 3 mil film tough
enough to protect carpets before, during
and after construction & remodeling.
For more info

visit hormann.us ORDER NOW AT:
ProtectiveProducts.com
Residential, commercial, and high performance doors
Call: (800) 789-6633
TRUST
THE
For 380,000+ housing
professionals, Pro Builder is the
home base of trusted, must-have
knowledge. However you turn to
us — in print, at a live event, or
online anytime — we keep you on
top of the latest industry news,
trends, innovations and more.
For pros like you, nobody covers
homebuilding like Pro Builder.
ProBuilder.com
Q+A:
How BotBuilt Is Automating

Home Construction
BY LAYNE DEAKINS, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
B
rent Wadas came into the construction industry as a military veteran and entre-
preneur. Frustrated by labor shortages and the way labor is generally treated in the
U.S., he co-founded BotBuilt, in Durham, N.C., in late 2020 with chief technology
officer Barrett Ames and chief operating officer Colin Devine.
In a nutshell, the company seeks to revolutionize housing production using robotic sys-
tems cast off by the auto industry and powered by proprietary software to build framing
components, including wall panels and engineered trusses, with greater precision and in
a fraction of the time and cost of stick-building. BRENT WADAS
But BotBuilt’s ultimate goal is even more far-reaching: They’re out to solve the housing CEO and co-founder
crisis once and for all and to end homelessness. BotBuilt
PRO BUILDER: What led to BotBuilt? every nail, every stud placement, and every construction using proprietary technolo-
BRENT WADAS: Barrett Ames, Colin header. We then input builder constraints gy from our hardware division. The soft-
Devine, and I worked with a lot of builder and specifications for the project into the ware we built interfaces with those tool-
networks and put together a business plan computer to refine the model. ing systems to build in the most efficient
to be able to operationalize robotics in con- Next, the 3D model is turned into a digi- manner possible.
struction. Katerra was still around back tal book of panels to produce, which is sent
then and it was becoming this monster of to a setup of two robots, each on a rail sys- PB: What is BotBuilt’s ultimate goal and
inefficiency. I just thought there has to be tem, to build them. where are you currently in that journey?
a better way. In a way, the robots are autonomous. BW: Once the system is fully tested and
Barrett’s better way was creating flex- They dictate their own processes in an scalable we’d like to start expanding into
ibility in manufacturing with software. order that makes sense to them. We don’t full home builds.
Rather than spending $15 million on a have to reprogram the entire system for Our vision is to bring the system to the
machine, we chose to invest in software each project. jobsite instead of operating it in a factory
that can turn any basic floor plan into a and to have multiple robot lines running
three-dimensional model that can be fed PB: What’s the technology of the robotics? at the same time so we can supply framers
to a robotic system. That approach makes BW: The system is a collection of industri- without having conventional materials lo-
it accessible for every builder to use robot- al robots; machines that are usually used gistics as a constant concern or constraint.
ics, not just those that have access to tens on assembly lines to build cars. They have Though housing production and labor
of millions of dollars. the capability of lifting anywhere from are important to us, BotBuilt’s overarch-
160 to 210 kilograms—about 350 to 400 ing mission is to end homelessness. I’ve
PB: What is BotBuilt’s role and process? pounds—fully extended out. witnessed the dearth of housing options
BW: Our system provides framing com- But their untapped potential is that that will hurt our younger generations who
ponents—wall panels, roof-truss systems, they’ve been built to make very precise aren’t given access to the same type of gen-
sheathing—for any type and style of home. movements for large-scale auto manufac- erational wealth I was privileged to receive.
Typically a builder sends us a basic, turing. Once they are 0.2 millimeters out of The only way we’re going to address that is
two-dimensional plan of a house. It takes precision, they are rendered useless for that through supply-side solutions that allow us
a few minutes for our software to read industry ... but still well within tolerances to build more efficiently so we enable more
and evaluate what that plan looks like, for home building. people to not just have a home but to build
and from there it models a three-dimen- We buy them up and use our custom generational wealth.
sional image of the framing plan. That 3D tooling systems, including 3D printers
model shows us every piece of sheathing, and CNC machines, to adapt them for PB+ probuilder.com/interview-brent-wadas

Exceptional is Easier Than You Think

Professional Builder - November-December 2023

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Professional Builder - November-December 2023

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

N OV E M B E R /D EC E M B E R 2023

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 3

Happiness and ‘The Bear’

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 5

PLASTPRO SHAKER DOORS

Plastpro’s Shaker-Style models balance classic Craftsman design with modern,

A Powerful Tool That Saves Lives

Housing affordability in the third quarter

quarter in the greater Los Angeles market

able major housing market, with 79.8% of

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 7

Come visit us at KBIS in Las Vegas at Booth #N1021 to see our

A Broken System Hurts American Families

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 9

See why customers count on Milgard

2024 HOME SALES FORECAST

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 11

TOP CHALLENGES IN 2024 LAND PURCHASE FORECAST

HIGHER COSTS FOR MATERIALS 14.8%

BEST GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN 2024 2024

ENERGY-EFFICIENT / HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOMES

12 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

LADDER SAFETY TIPS FOR

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 15

Your Expo+Education registration includes access to the

Feb 24 - 29 | NAHB MEETINGS Feb 25 - 26 | PRE-SHOW EDUCATION

PB112301 REGISTER early & save

Check out BuildersShow.com/preshow to learn more.

Check out BuildersShow.com/education for the full menu.

2024 IBS Zones

Feb 27 - 29 | IBS EDUCATION & EXHIBITS

BY RICH BINSACCA, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, AND JAMES M CCLISTER, EDITOR

18 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 19

appreciate the difference from their past

20 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

building the brand

22 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

Allowing buyers a rich array of options

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 23

24 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

6 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

the pulse of schell

28 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

Made in the USA

For the New American Home 2024, Caesarstone

Visit Caesarstoneus.com for more

30 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

Since 1978, StoneWorks has been the only

Visit estoneworks.com for more information

The New American Home features the latest

Learn more about these products

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 31

32 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 33

34 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

WHILE YOU’RE AT SHOW VILLAGE

36 PROBUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 probuilder.com

When your building envelope

Visit tamlyn.com for more

probuilder.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 PROBUILDER 37

LG HVAC products oﬀer both builders and

Visit lghvac.com for more information.

Whether it’s a laundry room,