News Alerts
Are Your Contracts Up To Date?
Some major changes that the Texas Association of Builders has implemented in its newly updated contracts for construction and remodeling transactions, include: a provision addressing newly state mandated contractor payment requirements in disaster areas and federal OSHA fall protection … [Read More...]
New Lumber Design Values Effective June 1, 2012
In the current issue of Building SAVVY*, we reported a story in our Industry News section about the intention of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) to immediately implement and publish the new design values in Supplment No. 9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber upon … [Read More...]
Building SAVVY Launches Bookstore
Check out our new page where we list the books that most inspire us as well as industry specific resources that we recommend. You can now order right from the Building SAVVY site. We get a small commission when you order through us and appreciate that support from you which will be used to … [Read More...]
Design Ideas

Tudor Revival–Medieval English Roots
Many suburban homes throughout the country in the early 20th century were based on the architectural style commonly known as Tudor. An architectural style with a fairly wide latitude of expression, the “Tudor” label is loosely based on the architecture of Medieval England, from the 15th … [Read More...]

French Eclectic–The Most Varied Style in History
French Eclectic architecture is the most varied style in history. Detailing comes in a multitude of flavors, as does form. Symmetrical form, asymmetrical form, quoins, towers with conical roofs… this archetype contains a wide scope of features. The one constant seen in the French Eclectic … [Read More...]

True Italian Renaissance–the Difference is in the Details
The Italian Renaissance style became popular in the 1880’s and remained so into the mid 1930's. It is a much more authentic interpretation of classical Italian architecture than the earlier"Italianate" style of the mid 1800's. First begun in 1883 by the firm of McKim, Mead and White in New York, … [Read More...]
SAVVY Trucks & Toys Review by Steve Smirnis

TOYOTA INTRODUCES SEVENTH-GENERATION CAMRY FOR 2012
Toyota introduced today the all-new, seventh-generation Camry with class leading safety, fuel economy and multi-media technology. The 2012 Camry employs an elegantly simple but modern form, emphasizing a wider, lower stance than previous models. with a more spacious interior, improved driving … [Read More...]

Ford Takes Top Honors at Texas Truck Rodeo
Your Building SAVVY publishers were among 57 journalistst members of the Texas Auto Writers Association assembled for the two-day-long evaluation of new trucks, SUVs and CUVs at the Knibbe Ranch in San Atonio this past weekend. After test driving the trucks on and off the road, votes were cast to … [Read More...]

Local Contractor Chosen for National Ram Truck Commercials
Arthur Barcelo, of Dallas' Artcelo Custom Design was selected to star in new commercials promoting Ram trucks and the real life success stories of their drivers. The TV commercials will appear in both English and Spanish. … [Read More...]
Build It Better
Can Green Building Be Hazardous to your Health?
Lee Hall of Sustainable Structures of Texas says YES it can. Hall claims that too many people put emphasis on building a tight structure without giving thought to the effect that can have on indoor air quality. Indoor environmental quality was a focused concern in the construction of TERRAcourt … [Read More...]
EPA Making Their Move; OSHA Will Be Next!
Those of you wondering why you had to pay the fees to take the Lead Renovator Training class and to file with EPA and others seem to be getting away with not doing it may be interested to know that EPA is flexing its muscle. Window World of St. Louis Inc., has agreed to pay a $19,529 civil penalty … [Read More...]
New Protection from Defective Products–by Stephen L. Polozola
In August of this year, the Texas Supreme Court addressed whether a manufacturer of a product is responsible to indemnify a subcontractor under the Texas Products Liability Act (TPLA) for damages caused by the product after it was incorporated into a home. Before the Supreme Court was the case of … [Read More...]
Sell That Home!

Feeling Left Behind in the Social Media Wave?
“Keep in mind that social media is also fairly new and even the top marketers are still learning new strategies offered by these new technologies. Don’t feel that you’re way behind or too late,” says our own local Social Media Guru Dina Lima. I recently accomplished the task of editing my … [Read More...]

Get Smart About SmartPhone Technology
“What started as a must-have device that didn't tie you down has now morphed into a texting, tweeting, multi-tasking productivity and entertainment gadget that offers a wide range of possibilities for you and your business. The lightning-speed advancement of the Smartphone has left many … [Read More...]
Financial Matters
Movie Made in 1937 Rings True Today
Mature Market Experts, "the blog for people who work with boomers and beyond" recently posted an interesting article about a movie that first ran over 70 years ago Make Way For Tomorrow (1937) by Leo McCarey is about an elderly couple who lose their house to foreclosure and are unable to find work … [Read More...]
Texas Extends First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Program
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs recently made available a second round of funding for its first-time homebuyer tax credit program under its Texas Mortgage Credit Program, releasing $45 million of $500 million allocated for the program. The department released $50 million of … [Read More...]



