Homebuilder AZ September / October 2010

September/October 2010

COVER IMAGE: Shea SPACES at Seville

HBTM

The Premier Magazine for the

Arizona HomeBuilding IndustrytheHBmag.com

A SPACESODYSSEY

Shea SPACES Offers Smart Homes for Tech-Savvy Buyers

This Issue’s Builder Profile:

[plus]3Industry News

3New Product Showcase3Association News

$4.95US $5.95CAN 07>

480 443 7750 L P I

p.14

Qualified SolarInstaller ProgramAPS designates 32residential solar installersfor Arizona.

Dynamic MapleWood GrainArmstrong’s maple cabinets create a vibrantlook for kitchens.

Second Session RecapLegislators pass eightnew bills that affect homebuilding industry.

PREFAB...REDEFINEDCustomized Options Are the New Variable

J.D. POWER REPORTHow Buyers Rank Valley Homebuilders

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 10/4/10 2:33 PM

2 theHBmag.com

IN THIS ISSUE /// September/October 2010

HBTM FeaturesShea SPACESEmbracing a New Concept inLiving SpacesAn emerging group of tech-savvy buyers want homes that offer the smart, practical and modernprinciples they value in their own lives.

18 How Buyers Rank Valley HomebuildersJ.D. Power Releases 2010 Customer Satisfaction StudyNationwide, overall customer satisfaction has improved for a third consecutive year—the highest level since the inception of the study in 1997.

20 Prefab … RedefinedThe New Variable is CustomizationAre American home buyers ready for a modern prefab concept that allows for customization?The market is still skeptical.

24 What’s New Under the Sun? APS Offers Qualified Solar Installer ProgramIn the only program of its kind in Arizona, 32 residential installers became the first to bedesignated as APS Qualified Solar Installers.

P.14

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Everyone loves a café.Now, everyone can have one.GE Café™ is GE’s first new line of appliances in 15 years, and it’s an exciting new salesopportunity. With stainless steel exterior and robust styling, builders and new homebuyers will want to make it the centerpiece of their new home. For remodelers and theircustomers, the GE Café will easily transform any kitchen with restaurant-inspired design.At long last, everyone can afford to have an inviting café – right at home.www.geappliances.com/café

Come see our fine GE Appliances at Westar Kitchen & Bath at the Tempe,Scottsdale, Peoria and Tucson locations. Phone: (602) 271.0100

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8 Publisher’s Note

10 NAHB News

12 Legislative Update

24 Industry Spotlight

28 New Product Showcase

HB DepartmentsTM

On the CoverWith interesting architectural features, etched glassgarage, front door options, and nine exterior colorpackages to choose from, homeowners have moreoptions to make the home their own.

PREFAB...REDEFINEDCustomized Options Are the New Variable

J.D. POWER REPORTHow Buyers Rank Valley Homebuilders


COVER IMAGE: Shea SPACES at Seville

HBTM

The Premier Magazine for the

Arizona HomeBuilding IndustrytheHBmag.com

A SPACESODYSSEY

Shea SPACES Offers Smart Homes for Tech-Savvy Buyers


[plus]�Industry News

�New Product Showcase�Association News

��

480 443 7750 L P I

p.14

Qualified SolarInstaller ProgramAPS designates 32residential solar installersfor Arizona.

Dynamic MapleWood GrainArmstrong’s maple cabinets create a vibrantlook for kitchens.

Second Session RecapLegislators pass eightnew bills that affect homebuilding industry.

4 theHBmag.com

IN THIS ISSUE /// September/October 2010

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 10/1/10 11:20 AM

Showcase Your New Home Communities.Be a part of Arizona’s only local new homes website and increase your market share!

• The only comprehensive, easy-to-use new homes website for Arizona with interactive maps, video and photo presentations.

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• Backed by New Homes Today magazine - the #1 print resource in Arizona for new homes.

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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5 September/October 2010

HBPRESIDENT Trifon M. Kupanoff, Jr.

PUBLISHER Michael A. Kupanoff

EDITOR Tammy LeRoy

EDITORIAL INTERNS: Travis Duprey, Trey Warren

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Neal McDaniel

WEB DEVELOPER Theo Tigno

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HB Magazine is published six times per year by LPI Multimedia Inc.Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted andnot necessarily those of LPI Multimedia Inc.While efforts to ensure accuracy are exercised, the publisher

assumes no liability for the information contained in either editorial or advertising content.Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.Reproduction in whole or part without the expressed written consent from the publisheris prohibited. HB Magazine is the registered trade name of this publication. Copyright ©2010 by LPI Multimedia Inc. All rights reserved.

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TM

The Premier Magazine for theArizona HomeBuilding Industry

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FINALLY! A TRUE HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REMODELING RESOURCE LIKE NOTHING ELSEIN THE VALLEY!

Providing homeowners with products, services and timely editorial to enhance their lifestyles

and increase the value of their homes.

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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5 /// September/October 2010

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AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:03 PM

Satisfaction GuaranteedWith the release of J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 U.S. New-Home Builder studies,we at HB want to congratulate Valley builders for their success. In the Phoenix market,ratings for “new-home quality” improved by 26 points over 2009 scores. And the average“overall customer satisfaction” score in our market came in at 46 points above the nationalaverage—an impressive 29-point increase from 2009. In fact, the average customersatisfaction score among Phoenix homebuilders is higher than any of the other 16 marketsevaluated in the 2010 study.

Be sure to read our feature story on the J.D. Power study for more details. You’ll also findin this issue interesting articles on managing homeowners’ expectations and on thelatest innovations in pre-fab homes. For our builder profile, we highlight Shea Homes’SPACES concept. Today’s new-home buyers are looking for sleek, energy efficient designsthat eliminate the lavish, space-wasting features of their parents’ dream homes.

This issue’s Green Spaces column shares information on APS’s Qualified Solar Installerprogram, and Legislative Update provides a recap of the bills passed in Arizona’s secondlegislative session that affect the homebuilding industry.

For the remainder of 2010, HB magazine looks forward to serving our readers andadvertisers by providing informative and helpful editorial in the only print and onlinepublication dedicated specifically to Arizona’s homebuilding industry.

Michael A. [email protected]

8 theHBmag.com

PUBLISHER’S Note /// September/October 2010

Help us keep our subscriptionlist current! If you or a colleaguewould like to receive HB at nocharge and are not currentlyon our subscriber’s list, go totheHBmag.com and click on “Subscribe.”

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“ ... the average customersatisfaction score amongPhoenix homebuilders ishigher than any of theother 16 markets ...”

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HOUSING STARTS RISENationwide total housing starts rose 10.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted

annual rate of 598,000 units in August, bringing the pace of production

more in line with the level of construction activity before the home buyer

tax credit temporarily stimulated housing sales earlier this year, according

to U.S. Commerce Department.

While most of the month’s gain occurred on the multifamily side, single-

family housing production, which increased 4.3 percent to 436,000 units,

was still 9.1 percent below August 2009 as builders struggled to obtain

finance and remained cautious about sustained demand.

“The vast majority of builders in this country operate small, single-family

homebuilding firms and they are struggling to obtain acquisition,

development and construction financing that will enable them to meet

the current level of buyer demand and put more Americans back to work,”

says Bob Jones, NAHB chairman and a homebuilder from Bloomfield

Hills, Mich.

“The housing market has been in a holding pattern as the economy stalled

in the second and third quarters. Construction activity returned to pre-

home buyers tax credit levels in August as builders replaced sold single

family homes and begin replenishing apartment building supply after a

three year steady decline in multifamily construction,” says NAHB chief

economist David Crowe.

“Consumer uncertainty about the economy, the poor job market and the

large number of foreclosed properties for sale continue to be a drag on

housing. However, favorable home buying conditions should help spur

additional demand as the job market gradually improves later this year,”

Crowe added. n

MULTIFAMILY BUILDERS ENCOURAGED BY RISING OCCUPANCY The NAHB’s Multifamily Market Indices (MMI) show that current and

expected demand for rental apartments improved significantly in the

second quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter. The current indexes

for Class A, Class B and Class C apartments rose to 59.5, 57.6 and 56.6,

respectively—more than 15 points when compared to the first quarter of

2010 and the highest level since 2007. Builders expect demand to increase

to similar levels in the next six months.

The MMI measures multifamily builder sentiment based on production

and occupancy at the current time, as well as builders’ expectations for

conditions over the next six months. An index number greater than 50

indicates that the number of builders who view conditions as getting

stronger outnumber those who view conditions as becoming weaker.

The current production index for market-rate apartments, at 34.4,

rose from the 30.1 reported a quarter earlier, but increased significantly

when compared to the same period a year earlier (16.7). For lower-rent

units, the current production index slipped from the first quarter to

the second quarter (35.4 to 32.8) yet was an improvement over the

21.8 reported a year earlier. The current production index for

condominiums for sale sank to 14.5 from 21.5 in the previous quarter, to

about the same level it stood a year earlier (15.2). Builders’ expectations

for starts six months from now are at similar, but slightly higher, levels

for all three categories. n

FEDS ASK EPA TO REVISE STORM WATER REGULATIONIn a major victory for homebuilders, the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) has withdrawn key portions of new storm water

management regulations and devised new ones based on better research.

The change in regulation is the result of a lawsuit filed by the NAHB and

petitions filed by both NAHB and the federal Small Business

Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy asking the agency to revise its

new Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) for the construction and

development industry.

“After a big rainstorm, it’s typical to see some storm water drain from a

construction site. In these new regulations, EPA set a numeric limit on the

amount of sediment that can cloud the water that both NAHB and SBA

claimed was arbitrary and based on flawed analyses,” says NAHB

chairman Bob Jones.

“In addition, NAHB showed that achieving these limits would have cost

not $953 million—which the agency had estimated—but up to $10 billion

annually, hurting small businesses and housing affordability, with little

additional environmental benefit. The EPA itself admits the ELG would

control less than one quarter of one percent of all total sediment runoff,”

says Jones. “By forcing EPA to take a hard look at the facts and admit its

error, NAHB scored a major victory for home builders and home buyers

nationwide.”

After reading NAHB’s brief, the Justice Department filed a motion with

the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals asking it to vacate the numeric limit and

place a hold on the litigation until Feb. 2012, while EPA develops a new

numeric limit. n

ACTIVE ADULT HOME BUILDER ACTIVITY, CONFIDENCE DROP Builder confidence in the mature-housing market retreated during

this year’s second quarter, according to data from the NAHB’s 55+

Housing Market Index—a quarterly survey of the NAHB members

involved in mature-market housing production. This past quarter's

index values dropped for all areas surveyed, compared to the second

quarter of 2009.

The 55+ single-family HMI measures builder sentiment based on

current sales, prospective buyer traffic and anticipated six-month sales

for the 55+ single-family market. A number greater than 50 indicates

that more builders view conditions as good than poor. In the second

quarter of 2010, the index slipped down to 12, four points lower than

the same period in 2009.

The 55+ multifamily condo index continued to record the lowest values,

with a drop of five points, to a record low of 7, reflecting drops in current

sales, expected sales, and traffic from prospective buyers.

NAHB News

10 theHBmag.com

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 5:07 PM

“The same factors that affect activity in the overall housing market,

including hesitant home buyers, tight consumer credit, and continuing

competition from foreclosed and distressed properties, are having

an impact on the 55+ market, which remains stalled in most regions,”

says NAHB’s chief economist, David Crowe. “In spite of the recent

flurry of home-buying activity tied to the home buyer tax credit,

many older homeowners continue to have difficulty selling their

existing homes.” n

HOUSING REMAINS HIGHLY AFFORDABLE Bolstered by favorable interest rates and low house prices, housing

affordability remained near its highest level nationwide for the sixth

consecutive month since the series was first compiled nearly two decades

ago, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index

(HOI) released in August.

The HOI indicates that 72.3 percent of all new and existing homes sold in

the second quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national

median income of $64,400. The index for the second quarter was slightly

more affordable than the previous quarter and almost equaled the record-

high 72.5 percent set during the first quarter of 2009. Until 2009, the HOI

rarely topped 67 percent and never reached 70 percent.

“Homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for

almost a generation,” said NAHB chairman Bob Jones. “Interest rates

continue to hover at historic low levels, the economy is beginning to

rebound and with house prices starting to stabilize, conditions are

beginning to draw home buyers back into the market, which is a positive

step on the path to recovery.”

According to the study, Syracuse, N.Y., was the most affordable major

housing market in the country, edging out Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.,

which had held the top ranking for nearly five years. In Syracuse, 97.2

percent of all homes sold were affordable to households earning the area’s

median family income of $64,300.

Also near the top of the list of the most affordable major metro housing

markets were Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, Mich.; Youngstown-Warren-

Boardman, Ohio-Pa.; and Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Among smaller housing markets, the most affordable was Springfield,

Ohio, where 96.6 percent of homes sold during the second quarter of 2010 were

affordable to families earning a median-income of $56,800. Other smaller

housing markets near the top of the index included Mansfield, Ohio;

Bay City, Mich.; Monroe, Mich.; and Lansing-East Lansing, Mich.. n

NAHB RELEASES CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCEGUIDEBOOK BuilderBooks, the publishing arm of the National Association of Home

Builders, released the fourth edition of Residential Construction

Performance Guidelines, the industry’s most widely accepted reference

on how homes should perform. Available in contractor and consumer

versions, this fully revised and updated reference helps builders and

remodelers manage customer expectations while delivering high-

performance homes.

The consumer version of Residential Construction Performance Guidelines

helps customers understand the basics of a properly constructed home

and how it should perform during the warranty period. Builders and

remodelers can give this consumer reference to every customer as an

integral part of their warranty claims process. n

NAHB News is excerpted from recent National Association of Home Builders media releasesprovided by the association for distribution to the pub-lic. For more information, visit www.nahb.org.

theHBmag.com 11

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HB Magazine Puts YourProducts and Services inBuilder’s Hands

HBMagazine readers are key decision makers in the home-building industry. They strive tokeep up-to-date on innovations,products and services in the industry that appeal to today’shomebuyer. HBMagazine is thego-to resource for these industryprofessionals:

Homebuildersn President/CEO/OwnernVP of Constructionn Purchasing ManagernVPof Sales and Marketing

Residential DevelopersArchitectsInterior DesignersOther Trade Partners

Call now to stay in front of every homebuilder!480.443.7750or email us at [email protected]

APPLIANCE TRENDS

Today’s kitchens blend functionality

with style

FRAMINGSOFTWARE

Prevent costly

errors and delays


COVER IMAGE:Lennar Homes’Vision

at Layton Lakes in Gilbert

HBTM



HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

$4.95US $5.95CAN07>

480 443 7750L

P I

GREENFROM THE

OUTSIDE INIncrease efficiency

with

structural insulated panels


p.17

DynamicDesigns

Aluminumpanels addpizzazz to walls.

Evolutionary

Estimator


SignatureScrews

Create acleaner, moreattractive deck.

Industry News:

Local and national

news forhomebuilders



�Association News

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 5:05 PM

12 theHBmag.com

LEGISLATIVE Update

Before delving into Arizona’s current legislative matters this year and next,

it may be helpful to look at a recap of the 49th Legislature, Second Regular

Session. Let me begin by saying this was one of the shortest sessions in

recent memory—only 109 days, ending April 29. It was also far less

contentious between Republicans and Democrats, with a number of bi-

partisan sponsored and bi-partisan voted bills. Although many bills were

filed, ultimately there were eight bills of interest to the homebuilder

community that were passed successfully and signed by the Governor.

HB 2051 Title: Corporation Commission; Contractors; Regulation.Sponsor: Rep. Hendrix

This legislation prohibits the Corporation Commission from requiring a

contractor to fulfill any requirements other than those required by the

Registrar of Contractors in order to qualify to provide services under a

commission-approved rebate or pricing program offered by a public service

corporation. These prohibitions include requiring a contractor to join a

membership organization, pay dues to any membership organization or

take continuing education classes that are not otherwise required by the

Registrar of Contractors.

HB 2083 Title: Drought Emergency Groundwater Transfers. Sponsor:Rep. Mason

The legislation establishes a set of requirements that must be met to permit

groundwater in areas outside active management areas to be transported

away from that groundwater basin in the case of a declared emergency. This

legislation is retroactive to May 1, 2010, and terminates on May 1, 2011.

This is known as “Session Law only,” and as such does not change Arizona

statutes. Similar legislation has been passed in each of the past four sessions

for increments of one year. This legislation was coupled with SB 1141

(CAGRD revenue bonding)—also passed and signed by the Governor—

and removes the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District’s

authority to use bond proceeds to acquire and transfer groundwater from

the McMullen Valley basin.

HB 2289 Title: Water Recharge; Direct Use. Sponsor: Rep. PrattBeginning Jan. 1, 2010 and ending Dec 31, 2024, groundwater, withdrawn

from use for mining or metallurgical processing and delivered for direct

use to an irrigation district within the same active management area, is

excluded from the calculation of the amount of groundwater withdrawn by

a storer to the extent that the irrigation district demonstrates a reduction

in the amount of groundwater the district would have withdrawn.

HB 2345 Title: HOA; Condos; For Sale Signs. Sponsor: Rep. AntenoriHomeowners’ associations or condo associations are now prohibited from

banning the display of temporary open house signs, except in common

LEGISLATIVE Update

areas. Furthermore, they may not regulate open house hours except for

restricting the hours to after 8 a.m. or before 6 p.m. Finally, they cannot

prohibit display of “for lease” signs unless the association does not allow

leasing of units.

HB 2371 Title: Home Inspections. Sponsor: Rep NicholsThis legislation adds “swimming pool and spa” to the statutory language

defining “Home Inspection.” (ARS 32-101(B)18).

HB 2428 Title: Counties; Zoning; Attorney IGA. Sponsor: Rep Driggs

This legislation allows the county supervisors to delegate the review of

decisions made by a hearing officer to a county Board of Adjustment

(BOA), clarifies that there shall be one or more BOAs, and permits a county

attorney to provide or receive civil legal services pursuant to an

intergovernmental agreement. The IGA must state the scope of the services

provided and any payment that is rendered.

HB 2478 Title: Municipal Development Fee; Moratorium. Sponsor:Rep. Konopnicki.

The legislation clarifies and modifies, for cities and towns, the confusion

surrounding the retroactive effective date of the legislative statewide

moratorium on impact fees passed and put into place last year. It also

extends the moratorium for builders a corresponding six months.

Specifically, the new law:

Second Session RecapEight New Bills Affect Homebuilders

by Lori Lustig

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 5:02 PM

• Redefines the start of the moratorium on development fees as of

September 1, 2009.

• Extends the moratorium until June 30, 2012.

• Permits cities and towns to impose a new development fee or increase

in the existing development fee if the fee was adopted by the governing

body on or after March 1, 2009 and before September 1, 2009.

• Prohibits retroactive increases on any of the fees paid or charged on

and after June 29, 2009 until the enactment of this bill.

• Adjusts the retroactive date of the moratorium to apply retroactively

from and after August 31, 2009.

SB 1375 Title: Contractor Payments. Sponsor: Sen. Cheuvront.This legislation outlines the requirements for owners, contractors and

subcontractors regarding progress payments, release of retention and

final payment. In partial summary, the legislation states that on

“substantial completion” of the work, the contractor shall submit a

bill or estimate for release of retention. The bill or estimate shall be

deemed certified and approved within 14 days of receipt by the owner

(or owner’s agent). Unless otherwise stipulated in the contract, an

owner must release the retention within seven days after date of billing

or when the estimate for final payment is certified and approved.

Upon final completion, a contractor shall submit a final bill, which

shall be deemed certified and approved 14 days after receipt by the

owner or owner’s agent.

Rights of the owner to decline to certify and approve a bill are stipulated.

Provisions in the bill apply to contracts entered into on or after Jan. 1,

2012 or for which distribution or dissemination of plans occur on or

after Jan. 1, 2011. The new statutory language defines final completion,

retention, substantial completion and work. For more details, the new

statutory language can be found in Chapter 337, Laws 2010, or by calling

the legislature and requesting a final copy of the bill.

At this time, we are going through a very contentious election cycle.

Since a number of State Representatives will be moving to open seats

in the Arizona Senate, there will be a huge new crop of freshman

legislators in the House next year. Budget issues continue to loom,

and with a new State Treasurer, you can expect the learning curve to

be steep. Also, in January, we will begin the 50th Legislature and will

be preparing to celebrate our state centennial! It is an exciting time

in Arizona, to be sure. n

Lori Lustig, RN JD, is a State Lobbyist who has represented Arizona

homebuilders’ associations at both the state and municipal levels.

“Although many bills were filed, ultimately therewere eight bills of interest to the homebuildercommunity that were passed successfully and

signed by the Governor.”

I N S P I R A T I O N S • L I F E S T Y L E S • S O L U T I O N S

DON’T WAIT UNTIL 2011 TO GET NEW BUSINESS.GET IT NOW!

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION!480.443.7750 x311 or [email protected]

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• 150,000 total copies per issue! • 137,000 copies direct mailed to homes with median household incomes of $150,000+

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Today’s Home Improvement brings homeowners, building industry professionals andsuppliers of products and services together-the only publication in Arizona to reach and influence both industry professionals and consumers with information on kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor living, interior design and a host of other home improvement topics.

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 5:00 PM

HBBu

ilder

Prof

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shea SPACESEmbracing a New Concept in Living Spacesby KEN PETERSON

The concept of home is a rapidly changing and ever evolving idea in the minds of today’s new-homebuyers. What may have been dream features for their parents are no longer important to this emerginggroup of tech-savvy and enviro-savvy buyers. These buyers are looking for smart, sleek, energy efficientdesigns without antiquated features that waste resources and space. They want their homes to offer thesmart, practical and modern principles they value in their own lives.

1

2

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AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:57 PM

theHBmag.com 15

Enter Shea SPACES. The SPACES concept

was designed, named and marketed so that these

new home buyers know they have arrived at the

house of the 21st century. Located in the

community of Seville on the north side of Riggs

Road between Higley and Power Roads in

Gilbert, Shea Homes’ SPACES concept was

cultivated in response to feedback on the desires

of modern home buyers.

SPACES homes are built around the lifestyle and

functionality needs of this new class of home

buyers—including its nomenclature. Traditional

rooms have been renamed to maintain a hip,

modern feel. The kitchen, bath and bedroom, for

example, are referred to as “eat,” “splash” and

“dream.” These classifications are readily

identifiable to the target audience and speak

more to a living experience instead of just a living

area. Buyers now are looking to be engaged on

every level.

Shea SPACES homes highlight current

technology. Gone are useless walls, hallways and

rarely used formal rooms. They are replaced with

display kitchens, etched glass partitions and

innovative open floor plans. What has stayed is

the pride in workmanship, customer service

and attention to detail that Shea Homes has

been providing since 1881. If anything, these

values are even more important in today’s

market as buyers have come to expect

customization and tailored approaches to many

of their purchases (think direct connect social

media). They want more for less, including

features that once used to be add-ons.

3

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1. SPACES At Seville is a smart, practical and modern approach to the 21st century dream home. Environmentally friendly and tech-nology savvy for today’s homebuyer.

2. Sleek euro-style cabinetry andetched glass doors give this Splash a clean, modern feel. Dual flushingtoilets and low-flow water faucetsassist homeowners in water conservation.

3. Bright, open, flexible Dream spaceoffers all the modern conveniencesmake this the master sanctuary.

4. There is no wasted space in thisflexible, informal living area that features etched glass partitions andan easy flow.

5. Utilizing low-water desert land-scaping helps conserve water whilemaintaining the natural beauty of thesurrounding area.

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:55 PM

16 theHBmag.com

Standard features such as rechargeable ports

for electric vehicles; tankless water heaters;

stainless steel ENERGY STAR kitchen appliances;

Low-E, dual pane, insulated vinyl windows;

compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) and light

emitting diode (LED) lighting are all visible to

home buyers as they tour a SPACES home. All

homes are SRP PowerWise and ENERGY STAR

rated as well.

However, there are a number of energy efficient

features home buyers won’t see—features

included in the construction of the home.

DuPont Tyvek ThermaWrap insulation, which

increases the thermal resistance or R-value of the

walls to maintain cool temperatures in the

summer and heat in the winter, is an example.

Blown-in cellulose and foam insulation are also

used in the walls in place of traditional fiberglass

insulation because it is a naturally recycled

product, lowers heating and cooling costs, and is

treated with fire retardant to make the home safer.

Harnessing the sun simply makes sense in

Arizona, and Shea SPACES uses Solatubes

technology to provide natural lighting to interior

spaces through a process of capturing and

delivering clean, white light that can be

customized through dual lens technology to

deliver consistent lighting throughout the day. If

the homeowner wants additional energy savings

with integrated roof solar panels, that option is

provided as well.

Lastly, water conservation is extremely important

in Arizona’s desert climate, not only for the

environment but also because landscape over-

watering is expensive for homeowners. To ensure

water conservation, Shea SPACES included dual

flushing toilets that save the average home up

to 67 percent of its water usage as well as

WeatherTRAK irrigation controllers that

reduce water use up to 59 percent and runoff

up to 71 percent.

Shea SPACES is a home built for the buyer with

modern sensibilities who still wants a quality,

personal product but not the vision of home

their grandparents or parents had. Combining

energy saving features, flexible euro-style design

and the creation of a living experience, Shea

SPACES targets the values of today’s modern

home buyer. n

Ken Peterson is Vice President of Sales and

Marketing for Shea Homes Arizona.

HB Profile

The efficiently-designed bath attached to this Mid-century Modern-inspired sleep space

is separated by rolling frosted-glass doors.

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 10/4/10 2:36 PM

theHBmag.com 17

1

2

3

sheaspaces.cominfo link ///

Shea SPACES is a home built forthe buyer with modern sensibilities ...

1. With stainless-steel Energy Star appliances, sleek cabinets and a multi-function island, this kitchen blends seamlessly with the flex-space living area.

2. Innovative open floor plans allowhomeowners to create their own livingspace. Shown here the Cook, Chat, Dine,and Watch areas are comfortably appointed for families or entertaining.

3. A functional, easily maintained outdoorspace gives this urban style homes a bit of suburban charm.

plan 4007

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:51 PM

18 theHBmag.com

HB Feature

HOW BUYERS RANK VALLEY HOMEBUILDERSJ.D. Power Releases 2010 Customer Satisfaction Study

byTRAVIS DUPREY

New-home builder customersatisfaction has improved for athird consecutive year, and new-home quality has improved for a second consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power andAssociates’ 2010 U.S. New-Home Builder studies, releasedin September.

importance of customer focus for new-home

builders,” says Dale Haines, senior director of

the real estate and construction industries

practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “In this

buyers’ market, builders that are attentive to

customer needs and focus on relationship

building stand the best chance of enduring

through the market recovery. Many builders

that were unable to maintain this focus

consistently have had to exit the marketplace.”

In addition, the importance of factors driving

overall satisfaction has shifted from 2009. The

importance of the builder’s sales staff and

Nationally, new-home quality reached a record

high of 844 on a 1,000-point scale in 2010. The

Phoenix market average was an impressive 856.

The ratings for overall customer satisfaction

averaged 826—the highest level since the

inception of the study in 1997. Phoenix area

builders scored an average of 872. To be

included in the studies, Phoenix-area builders

must have closed 150 or more homes in Pinal or

Maricopa counties during 2009.

“The downturn of the housing market—along

with intensified competition for a very limited

pool of home buyers—has reinforced the

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:49 PM

HB Feature

theHBmag.com 19

info link ///

construction manager have increased, while the

importance of price/value and builder’s

warranty/customer service have declined.

As mentioned above, home quality In Phoenix

improved by 26 points over 2009 to a rating 856,

and the average customer satisfaction index

score in the Phoenix market is 872—46 points

above the 17-market average of 826. Satisfaction

has improved substantially in the Phoenix

market in 2010—up 29 points from 2009.

“As housing challenges have been even more

acute in Phoenix compared to most other

regions, the improved levels of performance

here clearly demonstrate that most local

builders—as well as their subcontractors and

trade partners—are working hard to deliver

quality, value and confidence to home

buyers,”says Dale Haines, senior director for J.D.

Power and Associates. “In order to compete

effectively in these challenging economic times,

homebuilders across the country have focused

on controlling their costs and improving

customer service.”

New-home builders here have also improved

from 2009 in raising awareness of the “green”

features of their homes. Approximately 61

percent of new-home owners in the Phoenix

market in 2010 perceive that their homes are

environmentally friendly, compared with only

31 percent in 2009.

“In this hyper-competitive market, green

features have become a crucial selling point,

since new-home buyers are seeking to save on

energy costs, as well as to increase the value of

their homes,” says Haines.

“Historically, the Phoenix market typically

outperforms most other major metro areas

when it comes to customer satisfaction among

new-home buyers,” says Haines. “In fact,

average customer satisfaction among Phoenix

new-home buyers is higher than any of the

other 16 markets evaluated in our 2010 study.”

Haines adds that most of the Phoenix-area

builders measured in the 2010 study improved

both their levels of customer satisfaction and

home quality compared with 2009.

Shea Homes Arizona ranked highest in

customer satisfaction in the Phoenix survey. “It

is truly a privilege to serve our customers and

we want to thank them for taking the time to

share their experience,” says Buddy Satterfield,

president of Shea Homes Arizona. “The

customer experience found at Shea is so

unusual for this industry that we find our

customers are incredible salespeople.”

Satterfield notes that in August, 41 percent of

the company’s sales were direct referrals.

“Customer satisfaction is something we live and

breathe at Shea,” he says, “and while the ranking

is a testament to our efforts, we will continue to

strive for excellence in this area.”

PulteGroup’s Centex Homes ranked highest in

new-home quality for the Phoenix market.

“Customer satisfaction and quality are vital to

delivering a great home-buying experience,”

says Curt VanHyfte, president of PulteGroup’s

Arizona Division, which includes communities

with Pulte Homes, Del Webb and Centex

brands. “We deliver superior quality homes and

a home buying experience that exceeds

expectations for customers at every stage of life.

We work to ensure that the homes and

communities we offer are places Valley residents

are proud to call home.”

The New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction

Study, now in its 14th year, includes satisfaction

rankings for builders in 17 U.S. markets based

on responses from more than 16,400 buyers of

newly built single-family homes. The study was

fielded between March and July 2010.

The New-Home Quality Study, now in its

fourth year, measures the occurrence and

impact of construction problems experienced

by new-home owners in 17 markets. The study

utilizes an index that takes into account

the number of problems that occur, the

severity of problems and the size of the home,

and measures problems in 41 categories

for the following areas: bathroom; drywall;

electrical/appliances; flooring/stairs; home

exterior; interior paint; kitchen; windows/

doors; and other significant problems. n

Travis Duprey is an editorial intern for Arizona

HBmagazine.

jdpower.com/homes

J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2010 U.S. New-Home Quality Study-Overall Satisfaction Index ScoresPhoenix, Arizona (based on a 1,000-point scale)

Centex Homes 898D.R. Horton 886Ashton Woods 885Lennar Homes 882Maracay Homes 882Standard Pacific Homes 874KB Homes 871Richmond American 865Del Webb 862Pulte Homes 861Phoenix Market Average 856Shea Homes 854William Lyon Homes 852Meritage Homes 844K. Hovnanian 834Taylor Morrison Homes 844Beazer Homes 810Blandford 797Robson Communities 786

J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2010 U.S. New-Home BuilderSatisfaction Study -OverallSatisfaction Index ScoresPhoenix, Arizona (based on a 1,000-point scale)

Shea Homes 922Del Webb 898Richmond American 896KB Homes 895Standard Pacific Homes 892Lennar Homes 888Pulte Homes 888Robson Communities 873Phoenix Market Average 872William Lyon Homes 871Ashton Woods 870Taylor Morrison Homes 861Centex Homes 852Maracay Homes 848Blandford 847K. Hovnanian 846 D.R. Horton 838Meritage Homes 831Beazer Homes 749

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:42 PM

20 theHBmag.com

HB Feature

PREFAB R

ED

EFI

NE

D

The New Variable is Customization

by CORNELIA STUMPF

While Prefab homes have become popular and built on a major scale in

Europe for nearly a century (HUF Haus since 1912), the market in the

United States is still considered to be in its infancy. Lately, however,

modern architects have been experimenting with prefabrication as a

means to deliver well-designed and modern homes. Stil, only a few

manufacturers are achieving the essence of a truly consumer friendly, cost

effective prefab structure.

Prefab in the U.S. can be traced back to architects such as Frank

Lloyd Wright, who turned to prefab to develop his vision for modestly

priced homes. In 1923, he designed the Alice Millard house in Pasadena,

Calif., his first “textile blocks house.” Then in 1936, he built the modular

Jacobs house in Madison, Wis. With the exception of some masonry

features, load-bearing columns and walls, the building consisted

of modular insulated panels with prefabricated glazing on both the

exterior and interior.

The most famous example of prefab architecture is certainly the program

for the Case Study Houses Program, sponsored by John Entenza's Arts &

Architecture magazine, which commissioned the major architects of the

day to design and build inexpensive and efficient model homes for the

U.S. residential housing boom caused by the return of millions of soldiers

at the end of World War II.

The program ran from 1945 to 1966. While not all 36 designs were built,

most of those that were constructed were built in Los Angeles with a few

are in the San Francisco Bay Area. One design was built in Phoenix. The

most famous of these buildings is the Stahl House by Pierre Koenig, who

utilized prefab in the majority of his homes including his own house.

Prefabricated or prefab homes are dwellings manufactured

off-site in advance, usually in standard sections that can

be easily shipped and assembled. These homes have not

been particularly marketable when compared with standard

manufactured housing most consumers are not familiar with the

concept and how prefab is used in the U.S.

For the first time, the client is empowered to choose size,design and lay out a home that meets their desires ...

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:40 PM

theHBmag.com 21

HB Feature

Over the years, the basic ideas of prefab and the

case study program—affordability, site specific

design, and homes that respond to the site,

enhance the community, respect the

environment, reflect the region, and satisfy the

desires of its owners—have been lost in

architects’ desire to create “architectural prefab.”

This resulted in a small number of choices, often

with a large price tag, which did not differentiate

prefab homes much from the standard

architectural design/build process except that

the home was fabricated off site and shipped in.

Lately, however, manufactures and architects

have changed their thinking. Prefab today is

presenting a consumer friendly concept that

addresses all the prior concerns and allows

clients (end consumers, architects, builders and

interior designers) to participate in the design

and building process of the home by a offering

modular, adaptable universal system starting at

around $100 per square foot. These homes

include custom design, a superior steel frame

and medium-grade finishes. The client can

upgrade or downgrade these finishes based on

their desires and budget.

Phoenix-based ASUL Adaptable Systems, one of

the recent contenders in the redefined prefab

world, offers three construction options: “You

Build,” “Both Build,” and “ASUL Build,” with

pricing from $25 to $100 per square foot

depending on the option. The company says

“Both Build” is an attractive option for

architects and designers with construction

administration experience because it allows

them to manage the interior finishes, control the

quality and provide an additional revenue source.

Modular prefab is able to achieve low building

prices because of its system, but an adaptable

system allows some customization: a variable

previously missing from prefab. For the first

time, the client is empowered to choose size,

design and lay out a home that meets their

desires because modular adaptable systems are

offering a huge variety on options that suit

lifestyle, design and budget.

Of course, the market is still skeptical. Clearly,

American homeowners and design industry

professional are ready for a modern prefab concept

with pricing that is straightforward and trans-

parent—which was the initial prefab promise. n

Cornelia G Stumpf is Principal and Owner of

CSCP Consult and public relations representative

for ASUL Adaptable Systems.

info link ///asul.us

Modular prefab in Prescott, Ariz.(and below)

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:37 PM

Photo courtesy of Dupont Photo: Dupont

What’s New Under the Sun?APS Offers Qualified Solar Installer Programby BERNIE PALLISSARD

HB Green

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:35 PM

theHBmag.com 23

The QSI designation allows residential customers

to feel comfortable that they have selected a

solar installer that is technically competent,

understands APS’s policies and procedures, and

has demonstrated exemplary customer service.

“These installers are leaders in the industry,”

says Eran Mahrer, director of Renewable

Portfolio Management. “They understand the

complexities associated with the various types

of solar installations and are dedicated to

the highest level of technical skills, customer

service and consumer safety.”

APS has been providing customers with

financial incentives to install solar electric

systems since 2002 and solar water heaters

since 2003. While the first five years of the

program saw a gradual escalation in

participation, the last several have seen explosive

growth. From 2002 to 2007, 1,000 customers

received incentives. In 2008, more than 800

customers took advantage, and in 2009, more

than 3,000 customers received funds for adding

either a solar water heater or solar electric system

to their homes or businesses. Participation in

2010 has exceeded all previous years.

The growth of customer interest has spurred

growth in the solar installation industry. Since

2006, the number of solar installers has grown

from 41 to more than 300. The QSI program was

developed in response to the increasing number

of installers.

This program helps customers select an

appropriate and knowledgeable installer. More

than 60 companies participated in the first round

of training, with 32 graduating in the inaugural

class. APS anticipates more than 75 companies

will receive their QSI certifications in 2010.

APS Qualified Solar Installer contractors are not

affiliates or agents of APS, and APS assumes no

liability for their products or services; however,

installers designated as a QSI must continue to

keep high standards. They must maintain a

quarterly customer satisfaction rating as

determined by the Electric League of Arizona,

have a satisfactory pass rate for APS inspections

and pass annual technical and professional

education workshops. n

Bernie Pallissard is Marketing Manager for APS

Renewable Energy Programs.

APS ENERGY STAR + Solar Homes - Builder Incentives

APS offers additional incentives to builderswho make solar technology a standardfeature in their communities. These pay-ments are paid directly to the builder andare above and beyond the standard APSrenewable energy incentives.

APS Solar Ready Community($500/Home). 100 percent of homes required to be:

• APS ENERGY STAR ($400/home)• Solar Ready for water & PV ($100/home)

APS Solar Community100 percent Solar Ready & APS ENERGYSTAR plus a minimum 50 percent ofhomes with either:

• Solar Hot Water installed ($200/home)• PV (2 kW avg min) installed ($500/home)• Both PV (2 kW avg min) and Solar hot water heater installed ($900/home)

Note: Additional incentives paid only on thehomes receiving the solar install.

Model Home IncentivesAPS will help cover the cost of installingPV systems and/ or solar water heaters onmodel homes based on the number andtype of systems committed by the builderfor a community.

Photo: Dupont

aps.cominfo link ///

With current incentives as well as substantial energy savings,the rewards of making a home a solar energy home can nowoutweigh the costs for homeowners. In the only program of its

kind in Arizona, 32 residential solar installers became the first toachieve the designation of Qualified Solar Installer (QSI) fromAPS. These installers passed a challenging series of technical,

professional and administrative courses and now hold theappropriate licenses with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

They have also achieved high customer satisfaction ratings.

HB Green

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:34 PM

24 theHBmag.com

HBIndustry Spotlight

Taylor Morrison Unveils NewCommunityTaylor Morrison announces the opening of its

newest community, Adora Trails, nestled against

the San Tan Mountains. It’s comprised of almost

1,900 Gilbert home sites and has miles of

walking trails, an on-site Chandler Unified

School District elementary school, a 4,000-

square-foot clubhouse with a 10 acre park, and

a four acre fishing lake.

With prices starting in the $140s, some of Taylor

Morrison’s most popular home designs—

ranging from 1,300 to 3,500 square feet—are

featured in the community, which is located on

Riggs Road between Val Vista and Higley. n

Meritage Opens VerradoMeritage Homes has announced the opening of

its newest community Verrado, in Buckeye.

These APS Energy Star qualified homes are

more energy and water efficient. Meritage Green

Homes in Verrado will save homeowners up to

80 percent on their home utility bills as well as

qualify them for up a tax credit up to $6,700. n

Grand Opening of SerenityNeighborhood Estrella has launched launched Serenity, its

newest neighborhood in the Sierra Estrella

Mountains.

Furthering the quality that exemplifies Estrella,

William Ryan Homes has added three new floor

plans and nine elevations in the Montecito

neighborhood of Serenity. The company has

also opened a new model within its Ironwood

Pointe neighborhood. Sales have begun on the

distinctive floor plans at both Serenity and

Ironwood Pointe.

Estrella is home to nearly 3,600 families. It offers

a resort-styled living area with amenities

including 17 miles of paths and trails. n

Fulton Homes to Meet NewEnergy Star StandardsLaunching in October, Fulton Homes will be the

first homebuilder in Arizona to meet Energy

Star New Homes Version 3.0 standards. Energy

Star New Homes Version 3.0 is designed to meet

even more stringent standards than in previous

versions of the program. The new homes will

feature upgrades such as Louisiana Pacific Tech

Shield Radiant Barrier and 14 SEER Carrier air

conditioners will replace the previous 13 SEER

models. n

SEC Concludes Investigation ofKB HomeKB Home announced notification from the

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

advising the KB Home that the SEC’s

investigation of their accounting and disclosures

has been completed and that no further action is

expected. The letter concludes the SEC’s

investigation, which began in October 2009 and

was disclosed in the KB Home’s public filings.

“We are pleased that the SEC has concluded its

investigation,” says Jeffrey Mezger, president and

CEO of KB Home. “We are glad to share with

our investors and employees that the matter is

now behind us, as we continue to focus on

restoring the sustained profitability of our

homebuilding operations and generating future

growth.” n

Cachet Homes Introduces NewFloor PlansCachet Homes announced three new floor plans

at its Crescent Falls community located in

Fulton Ranch in Chandler. The floor plans range

from 1,800 to 2,300-square-feet and start in the

$250s. In addition, builders who purchase a

Cachet home from now until Dec. 31 will receive

an $8,000 credit toward options or closing costs.

“Unlike the recent government incentives, to

earn this credit, buyers need not be first-time

homebuyers, simply Cachet homebuyers,” says

Matt Cody, president of Cachet Homes. “And,

unlike the government incentive, buyers will

receive the credit to use immediately on

anything from an outdoor kitchen to custom

flooring to cabinet and countertop upgrades

and more.” n

One Lexington PremieresPenthouses in Midtown Phoenix One Lexington announced in August the

availability of six new two-story penthouses.

Now open for touring, these residences offer

views of Camelback Mountain and Piestewa

Peak. One Lexington’s fully furnished penthouse

model will be featured as the grand prize for the

fall 2010 Health & Wealth Raffle with proceeds

benefiting St. Joseph’s Hospital.

One Lexington is located at the corner of

Lexington and Central Avenue. Penthouse

residences range from 1,650 to 2,900-square-feet

and prices start at $475,000. Penthouse tours are

available through the sales center from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m.. n

Shea Homes Breaks Ground inLayton Lakes

Shea Homes broke ground on two new model

homes at Foothills at Layton Lakes, a master

planned community in Gilbert. The nationally

recognized homebuilder purchased 42 lots in

the Layton Lakes community from Lennar

Homes.

The Foothills community was started by Engle

Homes, who is no longer in the Arizona market.

For the four homeowners with houses already

in the community, it was a welcome relief; they

BUILDER BUZZ

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:32 PM

will finally see new homes and neighbors

springing up around them.

The 42 home sites will blend traditional

exteriors with some modern loft and euro-style

interiors. The community will have six floor

plans with homes ranging between 1,700 and

2,750-square-feet. Prices are still being finalized

but should start from the low $200s.

This will be the second Shea Homes community

offering solar package options and the first one

offering the contemporary, urban loft interiors

with a traditional exterior. The homes will be

built for energy efficiency.

“We’re really excited to begin construction on

the Layton Lakes home sites, and even happier

that the few existing neighbors there are

extremely welcoming to us,” says Ken Peterson,

vice president of sales and marketing for Shea

Homes. “It’s going to be a great community.” n

Cullum Homes Selected to Buildat Paradise ReserveParadiso Development Corporation announced

that Cullum Homes was selected as the exclusive

builder for the Village at Paradise Reserve

community located at 40th Street and Lincoln

Drive, in Paradise Valley. The Village will include

32 new gated community homes priced between

$1.5 and $2.5 million. Single and two-story floor

plans are available ranging from 3,352 to 5,100-

square-feet. The first Village model is expected

to be completed in February 2011.

Paradiso's decision process included an in-depth

look at almost two dozen talented local builders.

Cullum Homes was chosen because of their

longstanding reputation and deep understanding

of environmental building practices.

"We were deeply impressed with the quality of

Cullum Homes craftsmanship, and their

commitment to building a beautiful home in a

highly competitive market. Their vision for the

Village at Paradise Reserve closely mirrored our

own and they are simply brilliant at building

high-end luxury homes that maximize

environmental stewardship," says Bob Sahd,

president of Paradiso Development Corporation.

The Village at Paradise Reserve project launched

in mid-August with a private on-site celebration

including more than 30 vendors, partners and

sub-contractors. It is one of the first new home

communities to be built in Arizona since the real

estate market downturn deepened in 2008. The

project is estimated to infuse $64 million in

construction materials and labor into the local

economy, providing much needed jobs to the

local building community. n

Toll Brothers’ Joel RassmanPassesRobert I. Toll, executive chairman of Toll

Brothers,Inc., announced the passing of Joel H.

Rassman on Sept. 14.

Joel served as Chief Financial Officer of the

Company since 1984 and was a member of the

Board of Directors since 1996. He was named

Institutional Investor's Homebuilding CFO of

the Year every year from 2006 - 2010.

"We are heartbroken that Joel has left us,” says

Toll. “For three decades, he has been a friend,

counselor and advisor to all of us both

professionally and personally. As we announced

in December of 2008, he faced serious illness. He

struggled mightily and was a model of

determination for all of us.

“He personally planned for the next generation

of financial leaders of the Company. As brilliant

as Joel was, his heart exceeded his intellect. He

will be forever missed.” n

Lightfair InternationalJumpstarts 2011Lightfair International (LFI) is poised to

connect more than 20,000 lighting

professionals with nearly 500 renowned

manufactures at the lighting industry’s premier

event taking place in May 2011 in its new East

Coast location at the Pennsylvania Convention

Center in Philadelphia. Rotating back to the East

Coast after its record breaking West Coast trade

show and conference in Las Vegas, LFI is on

track to make history again with the trade show

floor 97 percent sold out eight months before the

opening of the 2011 show and conference. n

Mountain Ranch MarketplaceReceives LEED Gold CertificationThe Mountain Ranch Marketplace shopping

center, a joint venture between Kitchell

Development Company and Newland

Communities, has received the designation of

Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED) Gold certification.

To qualify, a project must accumulate points in

six areas, including sustainable sites, water

efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and

resources, indoor environmental quality and

innovation in design.

Mountain Ranch Marketplace has diverted 85

percent of the construction debris—a total of

765 tons—from landfill. In addition, the project

incorporates wood certified by the Forest

Stewardship Council as coming from well-

managed forests.

"As the first LEED Gold certified project in

Goodyear, Mountain Ranch Marketplace has

established a new standard that we hope all

future developments in our city will strive for,"

says Goodyear Mayor Jim Cavanaugh. n

Newland Communities NamesNew Director of Marketing Newland Communities has selected Lynneah J.

Hudson as director of marketing to lead the

strategic marketing for Estrella, its master

planned community in Goodyear. Hudson

comes to Newland Communities from DMB

Associates based in Scottsdale.

An Arizona native, Hudson graduated from

Plaza Three Academy and Scottsdale Leadership.

She has been involved in a number of charitable

organizations including the Southwest Autism

and Research Center, Cystic Fibrosis, Homeward

Bound and Golden Gate Community Center

and is a former board member of the Valley

Youth Theater. (cont.)

theHBmag.com 25

PEOPLE AND EVENTS

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26 theHBmag.com

HBIndustry Spotlight

“Lynneah’s extensive background and

impressive track record in marketing large-scale

master planned communities will be an asset to

Newland Communities and Estrella,” says Greg

Bielli, president of Newland Communities’

western region. n

Parker Finch Management Announces New FoundationIn August, Parker Finch Management, a leading

community association management firm,

announced the formation of the Parker Finch

Foundation, a non-profit organization

dedicated to assisting struggling families

residing in Parker Finch managed communities

with their HOA assessments payments.

“We are excited to have created this foundation

committed to assisting struggling homeowners

with legitimate financial challenges make their

dues payments to maintain the quality of the

community and increase the value of their

homes,” says Stu Burton, president of Parker

Finch Management in Phoenix.

“In our current economic climate, job loses, lack

of sufficient medical insurance, reduction in

labor hours, and many other hardships have put

a strain on homeowners.” A new website,

www.parkerfinch.org will allow homeowners in

associations managed by Parker Finch to request

assistance.

Parker Finch Management, with offices in

Arizona, Nevada and Colorado, is a leader in the

community association management industry.

The company provides a comprehensive suite of

services to homeowners associations as well as

developers. n

Sunbelt Holdings AcquiresSuncor AssetsOn July 15, Sunbelt Holdings announced the

acquisition of select real estate assets from the

Arizona portfolio of SunCor Development Co.,

a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. The

assets include commercial land at Hayden Ferry

Lakeside in Tempe, commercial and industrial

land at Palm Valley in Goodyear, Avondale and

Litchfield Park; Sanctuary Golf Coursein

Scottsdale and SunRidge Canyon Golf Course

in Fountain Hills.

The purchases total over 1,900 acres of

commercial and industrial land, a 440,000-

square-foot industrial building, a 2,500-

space parking garage, an office and retail

building, office condominiums and two 18-

hole golf courses.

“We are fortunate to have consummated this

transaction with a buyer of Sunbelt’s quality and

reputation, and we are pleased to have placed the

future of these projects and assets in their

hands,” says SunCor Chief Executive Officer

Joseph Lapinsky.

Sunbelt Holdings began managing the projects

on July 15 and plans to make very few changes at

the outset. “SunCor has been an outstanding,

well-respected peer in our industry,” says

Sunbelt Holdings President John Graham.

“They have done an excellent job of developing

and managing a strong portfolio of quality

assets. We believe these newly acquired assets

will enhance and strengthen our market

position.” n

Delmar Updates PlumbingLicensing Exam Guide Delmar has announced the release of the Dewalt

Plumbing Licensing Exam Guide, 3rd Edition

and accompanying interactive CD-ROM. Based

on the 2009 International Plumbing Code

written by the International Code Council, the

book and CD-ROM help professionals prepare

for their plumbing apprentice, journeyman

plumber, master plumber and plumbing

contractor licensing exams, as well as the

International Code Council certification. n

Toll Brothers Names New CFOToll Brothers, Inc. announces the appointment

of Martin P. Connor as Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer. Connor, a Senior Vice President,

joined the company in late 2008 as Assistant

Chief Financial Officer. Hereplaces Joel H.

Rassman, 65, who passed away Sept. 14.

Beginning in 1986, Connor spent over 20 years

at the accounting firm of Ernst & Young (EY),

where he served large public real estate and

insurance clients as an Audit and Advisory

Business Services partner. He ran EY’s Real

Estate Practice in the Philadelphia area from

2001 to 2006 and served as an audit partner on

the Toll Brothers relationship from 1998 to 2005.

In this capacity, he had extensive involvement in

Toll Brothers’ operations, accounting and tax

systems, and advised senior management and

the company’s board of directors on various

financial, accounting, tax and other related

issues. He assisted the company with debt and

equity offerings, its filings with the Securities

and Exchange Commission, and the evaluation

of complex accounting, due diligence and

structuring matters related to various

acquisitions and investments.

After leaving EY in 2006, Connor served as CFO

and Director of Operations for a diversified

commercial real estate development company in

the Mid-Atlantic region, and also founded a

successful finance and accounting consulting

practice. He is a graduate of the University of

Notre Dame and a Certified Public Accountant.

“Marty’s background, long history with the

company and intimate knowledge of our

financial systems, management and board of

directors will make this a seamless transition,”

says Douglas C. Yearley, CEO of Toll Brothers,

Inc. “We formally welcome him as Chief

Financial Officer, a role for which he has been

preparing for several years.

“When Joel Rassman, who served as Toll

Brothers’ chief financial officer from 1984 until

his death, learned of the seriousness of his illness

two years ago, he immediately began to establish

a plan and prepare the company and Marty for

this transition. We will be forever indebted to Joel

for his selflessness in making sure that the

company’s finances will remain in excellent hands.”

Robert I. Toll, executive chairman, states: “On

behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to

express our confidence in and support for Marty

in his new role as Chief Financial Officer. We

also remember and honor Joel Rassman for the

tremendous contributions he has made to our

Company over the past 25 years and the

development of what we believe is the strongest

finance team in our industry. Marty’s ascension

to the CFO position is a tribute to the strong

mentoring relationship Joel had with Marty—a

role Joel played for so many within our company

and throughout our industry.” n

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:29 PM

GE Adopts Advanced Telemetry’sEnergy Management SystemAdvanced Telemetry, developer of the EcoView

smart energy management system for light

commercial and residential applications,

announced that General Electric Co. has adopted

its EcoView Residential solution for energy

conscious homebuilders across North America.

General Electric is working with a select group

of homebuilders and developers to design homes

with at least a 20 percent reduction in household

energy usage, indoor water consumption and

overall carbon emissions as compared with

industry-accepted average new homes.

“EcoView Residential is an innovative solution

addressing the rapidly growing smart grid

industry, enabling homeowners to actively

participate in taking the pressure off our

overloaded grid infrastructure,” says Advanced

Telemetry President Gus Ezcurra. “This helps

improve grid reliability and security, while

reducing residential energy bills and

environmental impacts.” n

PulteGroup Selects Whirlpool asAppliance Supplier

PulteGroup Inc. announces it has selected

Whirlpool Corporation as its exclusive appliance

supplier under a multi year contract, Whirlpool

will provide appliances to PulteGroup’s Pulte

Homes, Del Webb and Centex communities in

29 states and the District of Columbia.

“This contract is just the most recent benefit

from the Company’s strategic purchasing

initiative resulting from last year’s merger

with Centex,” says Deborah Wahl Meyer,

senior vice president and chief marketing

officer for PulteGroup. “In addition to this

being a partnership between two Michigan-

based companies with proud histories,

Whirlpool Corporation offers products that

align perfectly with PulteGroup’s unique multi-

brand strategy.”

“We are honored to work with a world-class

corporation and industry leader,” says Tom

Halford, general manager, contract sales and

marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. “We are

thrilled to be the exclusive appliance supplier for

all PulteGroup brands.” n

theHBmag.com 27

INSTALL SUNSCREENS TODAYTHE SUMMER HEAT HAS ARRIVED!

Family owned and operated for 18 years! We will beat any reasonable estimate by 5%!Also ask us about our Blinds and Shutters!

Contact us today for your free estimate!

602-795-4258www.arizonaccsunscreens.com

n keep your home coolern protect your carpet, blinds, shutters,

& furnishings from harmful UV raysn provide daytime privacyn pays for itself within the first year

through energy savings!n slash cooling costsn cut the sun's heat & glare

CCsunscreenssunscreens

SUPPLIER SCOOP

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:28 PM

HBNew Product Showcase

THE GRIND

Makita has added another best-in-class solution to its metalworking

lineup. The new GA4534 4-1/2 inch paddle switch angle grinder

combines durability and ergonomics with a Makita-built 6 AMP motor

to deliver more output power and increased performance for masons,

welders, shipyard workers, automotive technicians, stone/tile workers,

HVAC, and electricians.

makita.com

BETTER BEADING

The new AquaBead corner bead from CertainTeed Gypsum offers an

innovative approach to drywall finishing. Using a water-activated pre-

applied adhesive, AquaBead can be quickly installed without the

hammering and fasteners of conventional metal or plastic corner beads.

The unique shape of the bead allows for superior finishing and same-day

coating of the corner. AquaBead is made of a high-strength polymer core

that is coated with paper on both sides and perforated in a manner that

achieves solid coverage with a single pass.

certainteed.com

WONDERFUL WAVERLY

For homeowners who love the look of natural hardwood cabinets but

prefer the understated wood grain patterns and textures of maple,

Armstrong Cabinets’ Waverly is a tribute to traditional tastes, yet refined

for modern living.

armstrong.com

GOOD LOOK I N’

Hy-Lite’s acrylic block, operable awning window with E3SunBlock meets

ENERGY STAR qualifications and adds to a whole-house energy efficient

window package. The pre-framed units are easy to install and the low

maintenance vinyl frames are built to last. Units provide ventilation and

egress, while protecting homeowner privacy.

hy-lite.com

28 theHBmag.com

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:26 PM

Powerful Partnerships, Better Business...

PNEUMATIC POWER

Hitachi Power Tools introduces a new 2 inch gas powered 18-Gauge finish

nailer, the NT50GS. A combination of lithium ion battery technology and a

gas fuel cell offers the convenience of a cordless tool with the power of

pneumatic. Lightweight and loaded with features for performance, user

comfort and safety, this nailer is ideal for a variety of applications.

hitachipowertools.com

PERSONAL PASSAGE

Amarr’s H.R. Hunt Garage door is an extension of your home and a

reflection of your personality. Amarr offers more than 300 residential and

commercial garage doors designed to fit your style and complement your

home. Doors are available in steel, wood, and composite and in many

styles to suit your needs.

amarr.com

Premier Trade Partners Dedicated to Strengthening the Building Industry

through diversified resources.

Southwest CLGPowerful Partnerships. Better Business.

SOUTHWEST CONSTRUCTION LEADS GROUP

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, PLEASE CONTACT:

John Denaro – [email protected] Salmonson – [email protected]

Southwest CLG is a group of non-competing tradesdedicated to sharing business opportunities and strategies in the construction industry. We pride ourselves in holding our membership accountable to maintain business standards that

will positively impact your business. The Southwest CLG membership is dedicated to our builder partners.

www.southwestclg.org

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:24 PM

FABULOUS FAUCET

New Terrace kitchen faucet by Moen features Spot Resist stainless finish, which

resists fingerprints and water spots, so homeowners can have a functional and

fashionable faucet. Available exclusively at Lowe's, the transitionally styled pull-

down faucet makes a significant design statement and blends beautifully with

any décor.

moen.com

RADICAL RAFTER

Empire Level Mfg. Corp. introduces its new e2992 Hi-Vis Rafter Square,

which offers a variety of features for added visibility, safety, durability

and convenience. The attractive blue rafter square is easier to read than

traditional silver squares, even in dirty jobsite conditions or bright

sunlight. Its graduations are highly visible and they’re deep-stamped to

last for years without fading. The e2992 is constructed of anodized

aluminum so it will not rust or corrode and it features a thicker edge than

other products available in the market, which creates a safer saw guide.

empirelevel.com

DRAMATIC DETAILS

Fypon’s Textured Urethane line features realistic woodgrain or stone

textured non-structural decorative products. Hundreds of individual

products are offered, including window and door trim, post wraps and

decorative millwork. Stone enhancements provide clean details to accent

stone homes or stone veneers and woodgrain pieces provide authentic

Early American feeling.

fypon.com

PRE-CAST MAGIC

Superior Walls Xi and R-5 insulated precast concrete wall systems use up to

70 percent less concrete in a new home than conventional foundations. The

energy-efficient walls help lower energy costs and reduce energy leakage,

while providing increased living space in a comfortable setting. Custom wall

assembly contributes to the overall home insulation value and helps reduce

air infiltration into the home.

superiorwalls.com

30 theHBmag.com

HBNew Product Showcase

AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:20 PM

www.westar-sw.com

7

FOLD

FOLD

APPLIANCE TRENDSToday’s kitchens blend functio

nality with style

FRAMINGSOFTWARE

Prevent costlyerrors and delays


COVER IMAGE:Lennar Homes’Visionat Layton Lakes in Gilbert

HBTM



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| phone 1.800.417.3674

T t

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TM

HBTM


7

APPLIANCE TRENDSToday’s kitchens blend functio

nality with style

FRAMINGSOFTWARE

Prevent costlyerrors and delays


COVER IMAGE:Lennar Homes’Visionat Layton Lakes in Gilbert

HBTM



HOMEBUILDER-AZ.com

$4.95US $5.95CAN 07>

480 443 7750LP I

GREENFROM THE

OUTSIDE INIncrease efficiency with

structural insulated panelsThis Issue’s Builder Profile:

p.17

DynamicDesignsAluminumpanels addpizzazz to walls.

EvolutionaryEstimator


SignatureScrewsCreate acleaner, moreattractive deck.

Industry News:

Local and nationalnews forhomebuilders



�Association News

Please tear outthis card and mail

or FAX to:(480) 443-7751

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15170 N. Hayden Road, Ste. 5Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Check the corresponding boxes below to receive additional information on selected ADVERTISERS.

o AZ Wholesale Supplyo Cox Communicationso GE Appliances

Check the corresponding boxes below to receive additional information on selected CATEGORIES.

o Applianceso Architects/Designo Asphalt o Basementso Brick/Stone/Veneero Cabinetso Carpentry & Trimo Cement/Concreteo Closet Systemso Commercial Vehicleso Construction Inspectiono Countertopso Digital Cable & Interneto Doors/Gateso Equipment Rental & Saleso Fencingo Financial Institutions

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AZHB_0705_Layout 1 9/30/10 4:16 PM

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST.

AND LAST AND LAST. BEFORE A HOME BUYER STEPS ONE FOOT INSIDE THE FRONT DOOR, THEY’VE ALREADY

DECIDED WHETHER THE HOUSE IS DARLING OR DRAB. THE SIDING YOU CHOOSE WILL HELP SWAY THAT OPINION

AND DRAW THAT BUYER. TRUWOOD KNOWS WHAT YOUR SIDING CHOICE MEANS TO THE LOOK OF A HOME,

SO WE OFFER AN UNEXPECTED VARIETY OF STYLES — SURELY ONE WILL MAKE JUST THE RIGHT IMPRESSION.

BECAUSE BUYERS MAY NOT BE ASKING FOR TRUWOOD BY NAME, BUT THEY ARE ASKING FOR IT.

www.TruWoodSiding.com | ASK US ABOUT OUR FSC PRODUCTS. The TruWood Collection, manufactured by Collins Products LLC | phone 1.800.417.3674

TruWood’s material content is backed by third-party certifier Scientific Certification Systems.

SCS-MC-01178 | www.SCScertified.com

1:00:17 PM

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Homebuilder AZ September / October 2010

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