Building Better Homes

Summary of Core Presentation

1. Forces of Change in the Home Building Industry

a.     Insurance

b.     Litigation

c.     Code changes

d.     Material changes

e.     Consumer expectations

2. Basic Building Science

Forces of nature

i. Wind, rain, snow, soil, seismic, insects, humidity etc.

Fundamentals of material science

ii. Permeability, structural, density, durability, compatibility, etc.

 3. Opportunities for Change

a. Design

b. Site

c. Foundation

d. Subfloor

e. The exterior wall (conventional)

f. The roof

g. Mechanical

h. Plumbing and electrical

i. Finishes and appliances

4. Alternate Building Systems

SIP

ICF

Panelized/modular

 5. Green Building

Local Programs (Built Green type)

National Programs (LEED-H)

i.     Design

ii.     Materials

iii.     Energy

6. How to Implement Change

a.   Changing course

b.     Creating a team

c.     Setting goals

d. Cost implications

e. Implementation of changes

f. Training

g. Site supervision

h. Testing and verification

 7. Marketing and Sales of the Better Home

i. Defining your market

j. Creating differentiation

k. Rewriting business vision

l. Teaching the company

m. Teaching your support system

i.     Subcontractors

ii.     Off site sales

n.     Partnering

i.     Local programs

ii.     National programs

o.     Creating marketing materials

p.     Staying the course

q.     Tracking success