As builders, developers and trade contractors we can become so focused on line item budgets that we lose sight of the big picture. We also cling to time tested ways of doing things. However, everything we do is integrated - change one specification or process and we undoubtedly impact another. With emerging technology, products and approaches, we must step back and understand them as they create opportunities across our products. Now more than ever, we must embrace the positive dynamic of this relationship more than we should fear the negative.

• Framer (or HVAC contractor) installs backing. 
• HVAC contractor installs (and likely deforms) vent boot. 
• Drywaller packs mud around gaps in the openings between vent boot, backing and drywall. 
• Someone likely covers or will be needed to cover the vent boot opening to prevent overspray in the ductwork. 
• Painter removes the cover and in some instances, sprays the inside of the boot black to cover any silver finish or overspray that may be visible to the homeowner. 
• Painter may caulk the register to the drywall. Someone then masks vent boot and register to hopefully pass the duct pressure test.

Reputation was everything. It was America in the early 1950’s and the new home construction industry was driven by small local builders, producing quality product, and surviving on one’s reputation. Fast forward forty years later and the reputation of the same industry had diminished so much that home building ranked in the bottom five careers preferred by college graduates. What changed when there was a time when reputation was everything?

Two Story Homes Give Homeowners Plenty of Options

Two story house plans are enjoyed by families of any size. However, you won’t only find two story houses in the suburbs. Many people are deciding to build new homes within city limits that are ranging in size from small affordable houses to luxury home plans. Pricing can also be a surprise to some. Two story home plans can be cheaper to construct than one story home plans when compared by square foot. Custom two story home designs are found in various prices since homeowners are able to have more of an input on what characteristics they want their home to display. 

More Spacious Common Living Areas are found in Two Story Houses

You can easily create a two story home plan on a smaller plot of land without losing the interior space you want. Since you’re building on more than one level, you don’t have to find a piece of land that is large enough to handle each room to be spread out on one layer. Instead of having the rooms stretch out on a single level, two story houses give you the chance to place some rooms upstairs.  

The most common trait two story floor plans have in common is to have bedrooms located on the upper floor. This creates a larger area on the first floor for entertaining guests and to accommodate regular living activities. Many floor plans will bring the master suite to the lower floor for various reasons. One benefit of doing this is that older adults are able to access their room easier than if it were located upstairs. Plus, older children and adults may enjoy the division of bedrooms so everyone has a better sense of privacy. 

If you are interested in a certain residential style, you can usually incorporate it into a two story house plan. Custom home builders are experienced to listen to your wants and needs so they can design your two story dream home. Designing a new two story floor plan can easily integrate various features from different home styles. Custom home designers will help you decide which qualities work best with others and will blend nicely together. 

Two Story Homes can be Built Cheaper than Single Level Floor Plans 

One great advantage to building a two story house is that it can be cheaper to construct than one story homes. This is because the materials for the upper floor are less expensive than those that are used for ground floors. Two story houses don’t need as much cement for the foundation, materials for the roof, or land to be excavated. When comparing prices to one story homes, the cost per square foot is less with two story buildings.

Two story houses have several reasons for why people all across the country are choosing them over single story houses. Since they don’t have to take up as much land, two story homes can be enjoyed within inner city limits. For those that want to stretch their dollar, spending less money per square foot may be the deciding factor. Building a custom two story home allows you to place each room strategically so that it fits your lifestyle; whether it’s for entertaining guests or to have an intimate setting for family.

Green Building is growing far faster than any other segment of construction. Soon we will publish a unique Contractor's Green Toolkit -- a marketing resource for contractors who want a bigger piece of the growing
Green Electrical market for energy-efficient products and systems. The Toolkit is full of sales tips and Green Building insights from dozens of industry experts, including leading manufacturers, contractors, and distributors.
Many resources are also listed.

Would you be interested in receiving a Special Pre-publication Offer to review the Contractor's Green Toolkit
and consider purchase at a great discount price -- 30% off? 

Topics covered include: 
The trends driving Green Building, the Green Building Market, the Green Electrical Market,
Lighting Controls, Energy-efficient Lighting, Sustainable Buildings, LEED Certification, Green Power Distribution.

Markets covered include:
Residential Market, Commercial Market, Institutional Market, Industrial Market, Retrofit Market, and Renewable Energy Market.

Regards,

Dan Carazo
Carazo Communications
dcaraz@optonline.net