By Bryan Grossman

Lucky is an aptly named Betta fish.

He was rescued from a high school lab by Moriah Nelson, so she bestowed him his moniker.

Moriah was home alone last June, her father Steve away on a fishing trip, her mother Stacie in Colorado Springs, miles from their Black Forest home.

Stacie, seeing on the news that a wildfire was burning not far from where they lived, called her daughter. Moriah told her she could see the smoke from their house near Gun Club Trail. Stacie was coming home.

Not long after she arrived, a deputy from the Sheriffs Office was at their door, saying they had to evacuate. They had time to gather some family photos, the home computer and Lucky.

Two days later, while staying with friends who also were later evacuated the Nelsons saw via an online list that their home had been destroyed.

Our hearts just sank, Steve Nelson said. There were tears all around. It was kind of a feeling of disbelief. Its difficult to admit youve lost everything.

The Nelsons had lived in their home on Highline Drive for 18 years.

Its the only home our daughter ever knew, Nelson said.

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After the Flames: Builders bustling in Black Forest

Second Story Home Addition in Jensen Beach, FL 34957 by H3 Homes
Second Story Home Addition in Jensen Beach, FL 34957 by H3 Homes Official Website: http://www.h3homes.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/h3homes Twitter: ...

By: H3 Homes

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Second Story Home Addition in Jensen Beach, FL 34957 by H3 Homes - Video

Todays homes often do double-duty fitting the needs of multiple generations, a trend expected to continue in the design of tomorrows homes.

Be it recent college graduates or other adult children, the challenging economy has, in some cases, necessitated a return to the nest. And, whether to save money, be closer to grandchildren or avoid assisted living centers, elderly parents are also moving in with their grown children.

Whatever the reason, according to members of the Custom Builders Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association, many clients seek floor plans able to accommodate multiple generations. Fortunately, there are endless options available.

Chung Nguyen, founder and partner with MC2 Architects, was inspired to create a multigenerational home for his family after building one for a client.

Its not really a new concept, Nguyen said. We need to rethink this kind of house.

Taking a fresh approach, he combined two equal homes. Both houses become part of the whole, rather than having one thats more important than the other, he said, further recommending that homeowners consider plans that allow places for privacy and others for family gatherings.

There are several benefits to combining families, Nguyen said. My kids learn a lot from their grandparents. It also makes sense economically. You have a lot to gain.

Dewey Hennessee, co-owner of Matt Powers Custom Homes & Renovations, said over half of his recent projects have included multigenerational features.

Spending extra time during design pays off, he said. Our design process is very involved. We ask all kinds of questions, because we want to understand all of our buyers needs.

He suggests keeping a folder with design ideas.

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Planning ahead key to success

Clifton Park

A plan to connect a proposed residential subdivision with existing housing developments in southern Clifton Park has sparked a debate about suburban planning.

Geoff Brooks of Heritage Custom Builders last year proposed 103 single-family homes for 70 acres on Grooms Road, just off the Northway's Exit 8A. The cluster-style development meets the town's zoning code and received conceptual approval from the Planning Board.

Dozens of neighbors are petitioning a part of the project that calls for two-way streets to connect the 103-home subdivision to the Carlson Farms subdivision to its south, Presidential Estates to the east and Jarose Place to the west. Some residents of the three-year-old Carlson Farms subdivision say they bought their properties thinking they would live on a cul-de-sac, or dead-end street with one entrance and exit. Sharing traffic would create safety issues, devalue homes and harm the area's quality of life, said Tom Neiss, a resident of Carlson Farm on Balsam Way.

"We don't feel there should be a cut-through," Neiss said. The road connection would encourage motorists seeking to get to the Northway to drive through the residential areas instead of using Moe and Grooms roads, as they do now, he said.

The Planning Board is still reviewing the project. Board Chairman Rocky Ferraro said the town's Comprehensive Plan favors interconnectivity of neighborhoods where possible. He said town plans for Carlson Farms made it clear that its road would be extended when the mostly vacant 70-acre field to the north was developed.

"It was never intended to be a cul-de-sac," Ferraro said. It's town policy to make internal road connections because they provide new routes for emergency vehicles to access homes and relieves congestion on main streets, he said.

About 70 persons, mostly residents of Carlson Farms, signed a petition opposing the street extension. Many have spoken at public meetings. Neiss said they understand the concept of connectivity, but "opening up" Carlson Farms would violate a town code that states "Local streets shall be so laid out that their use by through traffic will be discouraged."

Frustrated petitioners presented their signatures to town officials. "It just appears they are not listening to us," Neiss said. The project's opponents suggest constructing an emergency-access exit at Carlson Farms and an extension of a nature trail connecting developments in lieu of a road.

Ferraro works as executive director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission. He said the board made modifications to Brooks' subdivision application in response to concerns, including keeping a center island on Balsam Way to discourage speeding. He encouraged prospective homeowners to conduct due diligence when shopping for a home.

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Joining projects fuels protest

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) May 03, 2014

A new midtown Raleigh home built by Grayson Homes will be open to the public as part of the 9th Annual Triangle Green Home Tour May 3rd-4th and 10th-11th from 12pm to 5pm. Located at 542 Wimbleton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609.

This home is part of an effort to renew and recycle the midtown area. Older homes are moved to a new location and renovated from top to bottom. When relocation is not possible, homes are donated to Habitat for Humanity of Raleigh, which deconstructs the home and recycles usable materials, an environmentally responsible alternative to demolition.

We are excited about offering this opportunity to existing homeowners to see their old home reused for something meaningful, said Mike Poupard, President of Grayson Homes. Couple that with building an environmentally friendly new construction home in its place, is very rewarding.

Situated in Raleigh's desirable Chestnut Hills neighborhood, this home includes innovations such as 2x6 framing for maximum usage of the spray foam insulation; a fully sealed and conditioned crawl space; and a whole house dehumidifier with mechanical ventilation system for maximum control of comfort, air quality, and humidity. A tankless hot water heater with a recirculating pump allows for nearly instant hot water anywhere in the house. This home also qualifies for the Duke Energy HERO Program.

It is encouraging to see builders, like Grayson Homes, implement such innovative efficiency methods into their homes, said Kristen Thornburg, Executive Director of the NC Clean Energy Business Alliance (NCCEBA).

Grayson Homes, in partnership with Bateson Realty, is opening the home at 542 Wimbleton, to the Green Home Tour from 12pm to 5pm. Guests will be provided with extensive information on the key green features throughout the home. More information about this home and recycling North Hills can be found at http://www.542Wimbleton.com.

ABOUT BATESON REALTY AND GRAYSON HOMES Grayson Custom Homes is an award winning custom home builder located in Wake Forest. They area leader in green home building and is proud to offer homes that earn and exceed the highest Energy Star standards.

Bateson Realtyis an independently owned Real Estate company and assists home buyers and sellers in the Wake Forest, North Raleigh and surrounding Triangle area.

The Triangle Green Home Tour is an annual spring event that showcases new and remodeled green homes in the Raleigh area and is free to the public.

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Midtown Raleigh Home Featured on Green Home Tour

Homer Glen , IL. (PRWEB) May 02, 2014

C.A. Stevens Builders, a leading home building and remodeling company based in Homer Glen, Illinois, is celebrating 26 years of quality service to the residents of Illinois. Established in 1988, C.A. Stevens Builders has always operated on the principle that quality work at a competitive price will keep them in business, a principle that is as important to this company today as it was the first day of business. C.A. Stevens Builders is well-known for providing beautiful home and remodeing designs, exceptional quality work, super competitive pricing and top notch customer service. They believe in the importance of not only meeting the expectations of their customers, but exceeding it each and every time. And it is because of this dedication to quality and service that C.A. Stevens Builders has been in business for the past 26 years.

The owner of C.A. Stevens Builders, Chuck Stevens, credits their success to employing quality employees who have extensive experience. They offer a variety of services such as bathroom renovations, room additions and extensions, kitchen remodeling and custom home building with complete design services. They employ a high level of quality control, accountability and have intentionally kept their business small in order to provide their customers with the highest level of quality and attention to detail. "We've built our reputation on giving our customers more than they ask for. We work with our customers to ensure they are satisified with the results of their project. Rather than trying to build a huge company that services a huge geographical area and cut corners, we have focused our efforts on giving quality service to the city that has given so much to us."

"We have always strived to provide each one of our customers exactly what they are looking for. We only use the highest quality materials and use tried and true techniques to create beautiful results for every customer. We use a proprietary design process that helps us meet our customers' goals and remain in budget and on time. We feel as though these are the principles that allow us to remain in business year after year," says Mr. Stevens. "We want to thank our customers for allowing us to serve them over the past 26 years and are looking to provide them with quality home building and remodelings services for 26 more."

C.A. Stevens Builders now offers a new line of very affordable cabinetry that will not only make your kitchen, bathroom or other room look great, they won't break the bank. And all room additions constructed by C.A. Stevens Builders will be built in accordance with the new energy codes that were enacted in 2013.

C.A. Stevens Builders services the suburbs of Chicago including: Aurora, Broadview, Darien, Downer's Grove, Homer Glen, Lemont, Oak Lawn and many more.

Contact Information

C.A. Stevens Builders: Chuck Stevens

12255 Bentwood Dr., Homer Glen, IL. 60491

Phone: 630-415-1511 630-290-2910 info(at)castevensbuilders(dot)com

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Contractor Celebrates 26 Years in Business, Building Quality Homes and Remodeling Existing Homes with Services such as ...

A short walk from New Canaan's quaint downtown district, the farmhouse at 90 Oenoke Ridge offers nearly 5,000 square feet of 1940s charm and 2014 functionality.

With an extensive renovation by Brindisi & Yarosak, the home won the HOBI award for Renovation of the Year in 2003 from the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut.

The entrance hall is enhanced by custom raised-paneling and detailed moldings, including a cedar hall closet and a charming powder room.

The home features fully restored antique wide-plank oak flooring throughout.

An antique pine-paneled library with an antique fireplace surround features reclaimed French church doors and plenty of built-ins.

The sunlit formal living room features a beautiful wood-burning fireplace with a hand-carved marble surround.

The extended south-facing living room includes both a sunroom and a game nook with built-in shelves and a window seat.

There are full three-coat plaster walls in all entertaining rooms as well as a sound system throughout and access to the stone terrace outside.

A banquet-sized formal dining room features a lighted shell cabinet from the original farmhouse and an elegant crystal chandelier. The dining room offers access to a bluestone terrace through French doors.

A custom-built kitchen features vaulted ceilings with two skylights, exposed beams and an antique-oak island with seating.

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On the market: Antique touches

DJK #39;s New Vision Of Building LEED Certified Home Web Series- Week 6 Window Installation
A web series presenting DJK Home #39;s new vision of building LEED Platinum Certified Homes. Kevin Kittilsen, Vice President of Sales at DJK Custom Homes walks you through the process of the new...

By: DJK Custom Home Builders

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DJK's New Vision Of Building LEED Certified Home Web Series- Week 6 Window Installation - Video

Longviews home builders showcase, set to open this weekend, benefits builders as much as visitors, organizers said.

Angela Daughtry, executive officer for the East Texas Builders Association, said about 2,000 people are expected to visit 18 homes from Friday through May 11, during the annual Parade of Homes event.

It is an opportunity to see the latest products, see the latest floor design, and if you are someone looking to build a home, you get to see the builders work, Daughtry said.

The Parade of Homes is a two weekend event where visitors can tour homes in the Longview area.

The event will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the following weekend, and visitors can see any of the 18 homes throughout the weekends by purchasing a $10 ticket.

Jason and Genia Horn, owners of Horn Custom Homes, have two houses in the parade and said they would continue participating as long as they were in home construction.

For us, there is no better value than to put your home on the Parade of Homes, Jason Horn said.

Nowhere else can you pay that amount of money and have 2,000 people walk through your home.

The parade, which is held twice a year and serves as a primary fundraiser for the builders association, usually nets the company about three contracts, Horn said.

Rodney Riley, who has one home in the parade, agreed the event is useful.

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Longview-area Parade of Homes benefits builders, browsers

Longviews home builders showcase, set to open this weekend, benefits builders as much as visitors, organizers said.

Angela Daughtry, executive officer for the East Texas Builders Association, said about 2,000 people are expected to visit 18 homes from Friday through May 11, during the annual Parade of Homes event.

It is an opportunity to see the latest products, see the latest floor design, and if you are someone looking to build a home, you get to see the builders work, Daughtry said.

The Parade of Homes is a two weekend event where visitors can tour homes in the Longview area.

The event will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the following weekend, and visitors can see any of the 18 homes throughout the weekends by purchasing a $10 ticket.

Jason and Genia Horn, owners of Horn Custom Homes, have two houses in the parade and said they would continue participating as long as they were in home construction.

For us, there is no better value than to put your home on the Parade of Homes, Jason Horn said.

Nowhere else can you pay that amount of money and have 2,000 people walk through your home.

The parade, which is held twice a year and serves as a primary fundraiser for the builders association, usually nets the company about three contracts, Horn said.

Rodney Riley, who has one home in the parade, agreed the event is useful.

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Showcase benefits builders, browsers