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Despite the hurdles we face, the housing industry is ripe with opportunity. It’s no secret anymore that the 55-plus market is among the most lucrative. This has led to many builders following the money and jumping in with both feet. But perhaps we need to take a moment to truly understand what 55-plus housing entails. Housing design matters in all walks of life, but it is especially important in homes for the 55-plus buyer. There are two schools of thought that I have observed with many builders, both of which miss the mark. Housing design matters in all walks of life,...

LBM Journal’s Dealer of the Year Awards recognize three LBM companies of different sizes that epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit. By our definition, a Dealer of the Year describes a company in which leadership excels at identifying underserved—or emerging—markets, satisfying customers, and constantly working to grow and improve business. Our 2019 winners—Sunroc Building Materials, Howe Lumber, and Taylor’s Do it Best Building Supply—represent vastly different operations. The common thread in these companies is their fierce commitment to finding ever better ways to serve their customers and their communities. Consolidation keeps Howe Lumber focused on the future Scott and Kate Norrie know...

If you just moved into a new home or you are looking to revamp the one you’re already in, you may be looking to give your house a brand new identity. Here are some tips on giving the inside of your home a new look:ResearchLook for interior decorations of homes that interest you through the internet or magazines. If you see something that really grabs your attention, print it out or cut out the clipping. You can use these for inspiration later.AssessOnce you find an idea that you like go to the rooms that you plan on re-decorating and assess...

The good news is that most will consider installing hardwood floors easier than installing carpet because the pieces are easier to assemble than cutting carpet and making the seams fit. While installing hardwood floors can appear easier, it’s still very important to do it right to avoid flooring issues later down the road.  Follow this article for tips and advice on how to install hardwood flooring in your home. Prior to installation, clean the subfloor and remove any old pieces of glue, tacks, or anything else that may get in the way of providing a clean, flat surface for your...

Expanding foam is one of those products that fall squarely in the duct tape, bailing twine and WD-40 category. It has a list of uses that’s a mile long and is still growing. In fact, with expanding foam and the three other items mentioned above, TV’s MacGyver probably could have escaped from the bad guys, saved the day, and cooked dinner. Expanding foam is first and foremost a product used for insulating and sealing cracks. The great benefit of it is that the stuff can fit into virtually any space.  With the straw applicator, use in tight areas is a...