Builder - February 2009 - (Page 7) V O L U M E 3 2 I S S U E 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9 74 84 F E AT U R E S Little Gems While it’s far from breaking news that average families are downsizing, custom builders report that even their buyers, who typically have fewer financial constraints, are opting for less square footage. Whether motivated by environmental concerns, a desire to age in place, or simply the wish for a cozy and modest home, many custom buyers are trading extravagance for simplicity in homes that make the most of every bit of space. These three custom projects infuse more quality into less quantity with stunning style.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Taking the Plunge To fi le or not to fi le: These days, that is the question. In dire straits, many builders are hoping that fi ling for bankruptcy will provide them with a safe place to restructure, but the expensive, value-dissolving process can be a trap for companies that are unprepared or acting too late. However, simply turning out the lights and closing the doors leaves out-of-business builders facing unhappy creditors and buyers—opponents that can be every bit as formidable as the bank. Builder looks at what companies choosing these options are likely to encounter.. . . . . 84 94 Bargain Basements Saddled with complex equations, varying conditions, and potential legal ramifications, residential basement foundations have long been in need of a practical building code standard geared for single-family homes. Fortunately, the new ACI 332: Requirements for Residential Concrete Construction and Commentary has answered the call. Offering a detailed road map of exactly what is required to fit site conditions and the most cost-effective way to meet those requirements, the only thing ACI 332 leaves a builder wondering is how the industry has gotten along without it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Volume 3 2, number 2. BUILDER (IS SN 074 4 -1193; USP S 3 7 0-600) is published 12 times per year: monthly in Jan., Feb., March, A pril, May, June, July, Aug., Sep t., Oct., Nov., and Dec. by Hanley Wood, LLC, One T homas Circle, N.W., Suite 600, Washing ton, D.C. 20005, for the National Association of Home Builder s and printed in the USA . Copyrig h t 2009 by Hanley Wood, LLC. A ll rig hts reser ved. Opinions ex pressed are those of the author s or per sons quoted and not necessarily those of the N A HB. Reproduction in whole or in par t prohibited without writ ten authorization. Sing le-copy price: $8.00 (except House Plans issues, w hich are $12.95). Periodicals pos ta ge paid at Washing ton, D.C., and at additional mailing of f ices. Pos tmas ter: Send address changes to BUILDER, P.O. Box 3532, Nor thbrook, IL 60065-3532. Member: Business Publications Audit, A merican Business Media. W W W.BUILDERONLINE.COM f ebrua ry 2 0 0 9 BUILDER ■ 7 http://WWW.BUILDERONLINE.COM
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