2009 New American Home

While at the Builder Show in Las Vegas last week, I attended the seminar hosted by the builder, architect, interior designer and landscape architect of the New American Home. Their insight into the creation of this 9,000 square foot energy efficient Gold level scoring home was fascinating. This prepared me for the visit to the site - I knew what was behind the walls and why product decisions were made.

This "green" home is an elegant contemporary design which regeisters as a near-zero-energy home and was built as a laboratory of construction ideas. I look at it as a buffet of design concepts and construction techniques. Some really emphasized solar -photo voltaic cells which probably doesn't make total economic sense here in the Northern climates. However, there were many great ideas which you'll begin to see in our future projects.- Nancy

Int'l Builder Show in Las Vegas

Victor and I are attending the NAHB convention next week in Las Vegas. It's known as the International Builder Show (IBS) because the construction industry is so global in scope. It's similar to the auto show in that companies introduce their new products for the coming building season. Regional sales staff and company owners are available for us to meet and question. Over the last 25 years, we have found some exceptional new products and improved construction methods by walking the expo floor.

However, I have always felt that the educational seminars offered at the convention are the most important aspect of our attendance. Victor and I both attend different seminars during the week. This approach allows us to take in twice the information to bring back to our business in Traverse City, MI.

Undeniably, this year's focus will probably be the state of the industry due to the economy. We have seen times like this in the past and we know that things will rebound. With the knowledge we will gather during the IBS, Grand Bay Builders is positioning itself to continue to be a home building leader in Northern Michigan.

I'm excited to be heading to Vegas and will share my insights in future posts,Nancy

2009 HBA President

We are pleased to announce that Victor is serving as the 2009 president of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area. He is proud to have been elected by his peers. Victor has always believed in continuing education for building professionals. He plans to keep the Association active in offering educational programs to its membership. - Happy New Year, Nancy