Louisville Builder - June 2015 by Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville

JUNE IS HOMEOwNERSHIP MONTH | STYLES AND COLORS IMPACT FLOORING | PLAYHOUSE RECIPIENT PROFILE: ELIzABETH BROMLEY

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOUISVILLE, INC.

VOLUME 28, NO.06 JUNE 2015

Homearama 2015 is Creating Quite the Buzz!

BIALouisville.com

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vol. 28, no.06 june 2015

contents

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING INDSTURY ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOUISVILLE

association news 10 Building a Sense of Community Within Your Organization 12 June is Homeownership Month 22 Playhouse Recipient Profile: Elizabeth Bromley departments Perspective Letter.................................5 Member Meetings............................25 Spike List.........................................26

feature

Homearama 2015 is Creating Quite the Buzz!

page 6

Member News..................................27 New Members..................................28 Corporate Sponsors..........................28 Milestone Members.........................29 Honor Roll.......................................29 Calendar of Events...........................30

JUNE IS HOMEOwNERSHIP MONTH | STYLES AND COLORS IMPACT FLOORING | PLAYHOUSE RECIPIENT PROFILE: ELIzABETH BROMLEY

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOUISVILLE, INC.

VOLUME 28, NO.06 JUNE 2015

Homearama 2015 is Creating Quite the Buzz!

events

What a great turnout for the Appreciation Lunch page 27

feature

Innovative Materials and a Kaleidoscope of Styles and Colors Impact Flooring page 16

BIALouisville.com

See member news and search for members at BIALouisville.com

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Cover: 2015 Homearama construction site at Spring Farm Lake

june 2015 3

EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2015

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perspectiveletter Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville

1000 North Hurstbourne Parkway Louisville, KY 40223-4012 (502) 429-6000 FAX (502) 429-6036 Email: newhomes@bialouisville.com Web Site: www.bialouisville.com 2015 OFFICERS Pat Durham President Don Karem Vice President Jeremy Esposito Treasurer Mark Simpson Secretary Stan Logan, Jr. Associate Vice President Charles J. Kavanaugh Executive Vice President BUILDER DIRECTORS Brandon Bailey Jack Band Pat Durham David Elder, Jr. David Ernst Jeremy Esposito Mike Isaac Don Karem Stacye Love George Miller Chris Osborne Rocco Pigneri Dick Pike Mark Simpson Daniel Smith Leo Thieneman, Jr. Scott Welch Donald Wirtzberger ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Carlos Benavidez, Jr. Brian Combs Matt Drexler Bob Duggins Joe Dumstorf Kevin Gray David Hobbs Stan Logan, Jr. Teresa Morgan Peter Nesmith Kevin Passanisi Nick Pregliasco Joe Simms John Thomas HONORARY Builder DIRECTOR Clifford Thieneman, Sr. HONORARY associate DIRECTORs Frank Arnold, Sr. Richard Bean PUBLISHER Charles J. Kavanaugh EDITOR Kieler Henry Advertising Melissa Mattingly Kimberly Greenwell 502.429.6000 GRAPHIC DESIGN Scott Dudgeon Writers Stacy Smith Rogers BIA Issues Nancy Miller Product Features BIA Staff PRINTING Clark and Riggs

Homearama is Just Around the Corner by Chuck kavanaugh

Homearama Spring Farm Lake is just around the corner. This annual event always places new homes and new home communities at the top of the buying public’s minds which translates into some of the best times for new home sales in our market. Homearama is a unique event in Louisville and nationally. It has been operating continuously since 1968 and produced entirely during that time by the Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville. BIA is one of five home builders associations in the country to own the rights to the Homearama name, which has developed a strong brand in the Louisville market over the past 45+ years. Our attendance has always been successful, reaching 40,000 attendees in some years. Louisville area residents know and trust that Homearama will deliver the latest in home design, new home features, interior design ideas, and new home community amenities each year. This year Homearama will create quite the buzz about newly built homes in our community. This year’s homes will offer attendees more than just great decorating ideas!

One benefit of Homearama to our members that often goes unnoticed by those not directly involved with the Show is that it offers hundreds of BIA member businesses the opportunity to showcase and sell their products. Homearama offers the ability to highlight these and other benefits of new home communities and the many benefits of newly built homes during the 16day showcase which ultimately provides hundreds of local businesses with the opportunity to be in front of the general public. This show is one of the community’s best and most unique displays of local craftsman and businesses that there is. Homearama offers an experience that is unmatched by any other event in the community and can be one of the strongest avenues to promote your businesses all year. One benefit of Homearama to our members that often goes unnoticed by those not directly involved with the Show is that it offers hundreds of BIA member businesses the opportunity to showcase and sell

their products. I strongly encourage you to participate in Homearama in some way. If you’re providing materials for a Homearama home, take advantage of the ability to work in the home during the event to promote your products and your company. If you are not supplying in a home this year, reach the audience through an advertisement in the Homearama Plans Book or on Homearama.com. Sponsorships are also still available for this year’s event and are a great way to reach both the business community and the public. I hope you are able to benefit greatly from the annual spotlight that Homearama places on new homes each summer in Louisville. I also hope you will join us for the Homearama Preview Party on July 10 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Spring Farm Lake. Homearama 2015 at Spring Farm Lake will be open July 11 through July 26. Visit www.Homearama.com for details. Sincerely,

Charles J. Kavanaugh Executive Vice President Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville june 2015 5

Presented by:

Official Sponsors:

July 11-26 â&#x20AC;˘ Homearama.com Facebook.com/HomearamaLouisville Insta

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Homearama 2015 is Creating Quite the Buzz! Make Sure Your Clients, Employees and Friends See What All the Fuss is About By Stacy Smith Rogers

The last two weeks in July have become a tradition for many who mark their calendars each year for Homearama. With a growing demand for newly built homes, the market is seeing an upswing in interest in home building, and this year’s Homearama is creating quite the buzz! Residents in Greater Louisville are curious to see how builders and designers are creating luxury homes in the highly sought-after area of Prospect where Homearama 2015 debuts Spring Farm Lake, a new development that embodies the natural beauty of the country with convenient access to the city. People are eager to see what’s inside these homes priced between $700,000 and upwards of $1 million. The traditionally festive atmosphere of Homearama, combined with the buzz surrounding Spring Farm Lake, will offer a great opportunity

for people to socialize, have fun and start planning dream homes for themselves (or others). What Makes These Homes Different? Homearama builders and their suppliers always bring their “A-game” to the table. This year, they are stepping it up a notch and incorporating extensive trim packages, unique wall and ceiling treatments, top-ofthe-line appliances, incredible outdoor living spaces and sensible floor plans elegantly designed in homes that provide homeowners plenty of square footage and all the amenities on their wish lists. Leo Thieneman Jr., Leo Thieneman & Sons, explained, “We’re using Monogram line appliances in our kitchen and we’re adding exposed beams to try june 2015 7

Homearama 2015

About the Development: Spring Farm Lake

The site for Homearama 2015 features an elegant assortment of homes within a gorgeous countryside environment that celebrates natural beauty among its rolling hills and lake views. Spring Farm Lake is described as an exclusive boutique 22-lot development nestled within one of Louisville’s most desirable areas. Located in Prospect on Spring Farm Road, just off Wolf Pen Branch Road, Spring Farm Lake is an upscale development with lots ranging from one-half to two-thirds acres. A large tree row anchors the development on one side and homes back up to a large horse farm, embodying a Bluegrass-feel among the outdoor spaces. Tucked within gorgeous farmland along the 42 corridor and surrounded by blackboard fencing, it’s hard to believe that Spring Farm Lake is just a few minutes from fine dining, entertainment, health care and shopping opportunities. Home prices begin around $700,000 and climb upwards of $1 million. Developed by Mike Jones with Signature Green Properties, Spring Farm Lake is adjacent to Spring Farm Place, where 12 lots, each over an acre, share in the beauty of the area. Protected by a neighborhood preservation plan, the developments offer residents the peace of mind that their homes will maintain the privacy and beautiful scenery that makes living there so special.

to warm up the space. Overall, our home is striving for casual elegance, and we’re paying special attention to extras. We’re incorporating quite a few different ceiling treatments and we’re painting accent walls and adding a lot of detail in our trim packages.” At press time, Thieneman’s home was among six still for sale, but he was optimistic it would sell before or during the event in July. “Realtors are telling me they are seeing demand in the higher price range, and people are wanting to buy new. There is not much new house inventory in the $700-plus price range in Prospect, so we’re optimistic.” Homearama homes not only look smart, but they act smart too. Outfitted with systems that provide an incredible sense of safety, these homes are designed with audio, video and security packages that keep homeowners current with the latest home technologies. Energy efficiency is top-of-mind too, with green building products and techniques incorporated into every home. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights to look out for: • A variety of styles, many inspired by Italianate, European and Old World architecture as well as coastal, Federal, Georgian and traditional styles • More square footage, but a continued focus on use of space, with homes featuring floor plans from 3,200 to over 7,000 square feet • Gorgeous front entries, some with wrought iron and mahogany arches • Emphasis on outdoor living and relaxing, with hot tubs, swimming pools, retractable screened porches, TVs, fire pits and courtyards • Open floor plans with organization a major focus and pocket offices, drop zones and mud rooms designed for busy families • Spacious master suites with custom designed closets and access to laundries • Second floor playrooms and entertainment areas 8 louisville builder • bialouisville.com

• Lower level entertainment spaces that allow for extended stay guests and homeowners’ hobbies • Oversized porches, including one with a sleeping porch with hanging beds and another with two-story porches, reminiscent of the Old South • Top-of-the-line kitchen appliances and unique lighting fixtures Treat Clients and Employees to the Homearama Experience Homearama at Spring Farm Lake offers attendees a chance to truly explore all of its 11 homes at a leisurely pace. “Wow factors” aside, it’s a great opportunity to educate clients and employees about the value of building new homes in Louisville and the innovative products and services behind them. With thousands of design ideas packed into these 11 homes on display, those seeking interior design ideas won’t want to miss it! Consider treating employees and clients to a day at Spring Farm Lake during Homearama. At the very least, they’ll come away inspired and energized about the home building and design industry. With homes topping the $1 million price point and floor plans designed for today’s busy families, this year’s Homearama is simply a must-see event. For more information about the event, visit www.homearama.com. Members Can Purchase Discounted Tickets Online BIA members are offered half-price tickets to Homearama for $5 each. They can be purchased at the BIA office through Homearama or online at http://tickets.homearama.com. What Makes a Builder Want to Participate in Homearama? Ask Perry Lyons – He’s Building Four of Them! Perry Lyons, P.L. Lyons Architectural Builders, is a veteran Homearama builder, so it’s no surprise to see his name on the “Homearama Builder List.” However, one might begin to question whether BIA made a typo when it’s listed four times in one year. Lyons explained why he’s taking on four out of the 11 homes on display and how his confidence

in the market is fueling that effort. “When I saw this development and looked at the lot prices, I became extremely optimistic. The location is great. It’s very close to The Paddock and Springhurst. It’s easy to get to, but it feels secluded. The developer has put in so many trees that even the ones they just planted look mature. It’s simply a great development.” Lyons said that he started a spec house for Homearama, then shortly after sold a contract home for the event. “Then, a second contract home fell into place and so we made the decision to start another spec. I feel very confident they’ll sell,” he said. Lyons credits the location for being a draw for homeowners, but he also believes the market is ready for the upscale price range. “We think this price range of homes is a better market than it has been in eight-10 years. And, there’s no better way in the world to advertise your products than in Homearama,” he said, noting that each of the homes is different and has been strategically selected to show a range of options for potential clients. Lyons said that working on multiple homes is obviously nothing new for his company, but having them all completed by one deadline takes quite a bit of organizing. “We normally schedule our homes to be complete a few weeks out from each other. Most everyone we’re working with is accustomed to working on multiple houses, so we’ve got some good coordination already in place. Our intention is to have them all complete two weeks before Homearama,” he said. Ben Robbins and Adam Gallagher are partnering with Lyons in P.L. Lyons Architectural Builders.

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Preview Party Set for July 10

BIA’s traditional Homearama Preview Party will be held the evening before the homes are open to the public. The 2015 Preview Party is set for Friday, July 10. Tickets are $65 prior to June 26; after that they are $75. Tickets to Preview Night are limited, so early purchase is encouraged. Koozie Sponsor:

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O M M C U N I T Y

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Building a Sense of Community Within Your Organization By Stacy Smith Rogers

Every effective team has its eyes on a common goal. Truly successful teams, however, work together in ways that not only benefit themselves, but work toward their shared goal. One common thread in those successful teams is a sense of community. One of the most widely accepted theories of how a sense of community is developed was formed in 1986 by social psychologists David W. McMillan and David M. Chavis. Their “sense of community” theory included four elements:

designated Monday, print flyers with your motto and place them in areas where people will see them. Let the mystery of the flyers create a buzz. Bring everyone together at the end of the week and share your vision, and then ask them to contribute or talk about ways they can embrace it as a group. The motto could be changed each year, or on a quarterly basis. Ask for input, vote on it and do what seems to create a sense of ownership and belonging.

1. Membership: a feeling of belonging or a sharing of sense of personal relatedness

2. Volunteer together. When employees do something together for others, they can make a powerful difference. Choose an organization or a charity that is a good fit for your company. Donate company time on a regular basis to complete the volunteer hours together as a team, or break up into two teams, depending on your customer service needs. A shared experience such as this gives employees a chance to feel good together and it allows them to get to know each other on another level outside of the regular workplace.

2. Influence: a sense of mattering, of making a difference to a group and of the group mattering to its members 3. Integration and fulfillment of needs: feeling that members’ needs will be met by the resources received through their membership in the group 4. Shared emotional connection: the commitment and belief that members have shared and will share history, common places, time together and similar experiences McMillan and Chavis’ ideas, while nearly 30 years old, still apply today. Despite the technological advances since 1986, human nature is the same in many ways. Building a sense of community is essential for businesses to create a positive atmosphere. Customers are drawn to companies that embody such an atmosphere. How can a sense of community atmosphere be fostered during hectic work days? 1. Develop a motto. Not just for the company, but for the team. Consider what resonates with the group and the mission of your company and develop a motto. Plan a soft launch of it. Here’s an idea ... On a

3. Revisit your brand and outfit employees with it (literally). Invest in company gear that helps employees identify with the business. They’ll wear it with a sense of pride and belonging. (It will also serve as walking advertising.) Besides simply being able to pay the bills and save for the future, a job also fulfills many of the personal needs described in McMillan and Chavis’ sense of community theory. Companies can fulfill needs in many ways beyond the normal nine-to-five workday. Summers are a great time for hosting a family picnic. On a regular basis, promote a lunch hour walking group, a guest speaker or unique perk that lets employees know they are valued beyond the work they produce. Creating that sense of community won’t happen overnight, but with a genuine display of time and attention, it will grow and likely benefit the company in more ways than anticipated. june 2015 11

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"Today's homes have a level of detail and functionality that they didn't have a decade ago. We've simply learned how to build better, and tighter, houses. The envelope of a home built today is significantly more energy efficient," – Leo Thieneman Jr.

Join in the Conversation ...

June is p i h s r e n w o e m Ho Month By Stacy Smith Rogers

Historically, the opportunity to own a home has been a source of pride, accomplishment, social stability and peace of mind. However, in today’s economy, homeownership is viewed with extremely careful consideration, with many potential first-time home buyers choosing to rent or live with family until the economy improves and they feel more ready to buy. Recent national reports, however, are indicating more first-time buyers entering the market. While buying a home in today’s market is a decision potential buyers are making sure they are prepared for, there are positive signs that point toward an upward climb in homeownership. June is national Homeownership Month, and NAHB and BIA are encouraging members to join in the conversation and help foster continued awareness of the positives surrounding homeownership. Upcoming Homearama Sheds Light on Value of Newly Built Homes Enthusiasm Spreads About Location and Price Point With Homearama coming up in July, it’s a perfect time to tout the new, innovative and mindful ways builders are responding to consumers’ needs and building homes that reflect personalities and lifestyles. Spring Farm Lake offers an ideal location and atmosphere for buyers who want convenience as well as privacy in a peaceful environment. Nestled within a premiere location along the 42 corridor, and just minutes from major shopping destinations and restaurants, Spring Farm Lake offers convenience as well as a uniquely upscale rural-feel. Sandwiched between blackboard fences and lake views in nearly every direction, the generous size lots offer privacy and plenty of room for outdoor living spaces. Leo Thieneman Jr., Leo Thieneman & Sons, is a featured builder in this year’s Homearama. He wants consumers to come away from the event recognizing the value of a newly built home in 2015. “A new home today is so much different from one built even 10 years ago. Everything from the technology to windows and energy efficiency is

At press time, there were six Homearama homes still for sale, but buyers were showing interest on a daily basis. This year’s event features homes in a price range from $700,000 to over $1 million. The value, however, of owning one of these homes is $10-$80,000 more due to the substantial upgrades that are included at a fraction of the cost of what they normally would be. Purchasing a Homearama home comes with many tangible benefits, with upgrades that add character and value to the home. To learn more about the homes still left for sale, visit Homearama.com.

so much better – even the use of natural stones. Today’s homes have a level of detail and functionality that they didn’t have a decade ago. We’ve simply learned how to build better, and tighter, houses. The envelope of a home built today is significantly more energy efficient,” he added. june 2015 13

June is Homeownership Month

Newly Built Home Activity on the National Level First-time homebuyers expected to provide a boost to housing market in 2015-16 In April, NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe reported in NAHB’s “Eye on Housing” blog that first quarter sales of new homes in 2015 were better than any first quarter since 2008, despite a disappointing February report. “Mortgage rates remain well below four percent, existing homes sales have improved significantly and mortgage applications for purchase have steadily increased. Future home sales are expected to continue a modest upward trajectory, but improvement is contingent on continued improvement in jobs and incomes,” he said. Lot availability, access to labor, rising material costs and lending still among concerns Crowe said builders across the nation continue to be concerned about lot availability and access to labor. Rising costs of materials is also a profit squeezer. NAHB Director of Economic Services Stephen Melman also reported recently that cost and availability of labor topped the list of builder concerns, with building material prices coming in a close second. While reports of loosening of lending guidelines remain steady, regulation of banking/financial institutions is expected to remain a problem for builders in 2015, according to Melman. Sustained job growth, rising consumer confidence and a gradual uptick in household formations should make a difference On a positive note, increases in the existing home market could have a trickle down effect for new home buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, more first-time home buyers are entering the market. March 2015 showed an increase of 10.4 percent in existing home sales from the same time a year ago and the largest monthly gain since December 2010. According to Crowe, a key demographic to help jump-start this process should come from the millennials. “The share of first-time home buyers has traditionally averaged around 40 percent, but in the aftermath of the housing downturn it now stands at just under 30 percent. First-time buyers are expected to provide a boost to the hous14 louisville builder • bialouisville.com

ing market, as the unemployment differential between young people and others is shrinking,” Crowe explained. Sustained job growth, rising consumer confidence and a gradual uptick in household formations are all expected positives in 2015, according to Crowe.

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Innovative Materials and a

Kaleidoscope of Styles and Colors Impact Flooring By Nancy Miller

It wasn’t long ago that flooring was considered background or a postscript to a room’s personality. Not anymore! Flooring can be rich and subtle or a bold flash of a statement. However you look at it, flooring is exciting. A vast array of material selections means choosing the right one (or more than one!) can be a challenge that calls for some professional guidance. Start with a flooring plan, coupled with upping the knowledge quotient of the latest materials and their attributes. “With the big, open floor plans that are so prevalent, it’s better to have a cohesive surface, such as all hardwood, in most of the space. Switching to another surface, perhaps carpet, at the entrance to a bedroom, would work. But you’d never want different types of carpet to meet; that would look like an afterthought, and not well planned,” says Lisa Knight of Lisa Lynn Designs. Carpet and Area Rugs

He believes nylon remains the most popular choice for all around value. But Lisa Knight addresses the nylon versus polyester subject by observing that the new polyester fibers hold up extremely well and are treated to prevent stains, making them an excellent option. She cautions about viscose. “It’s a great thread that adds softness and texture, but a rug that has too much viscose in it will shed a lot. I wouldn’t want a rug to have more than 20 percent viscose,” she advises. Knight says frieze styles have been surpassed by shorter, tighter pile. Along with that shift is a movement toward pattern carpets, not only texture pattern but also prints on the carpet.

Soft, luxurious and durable are the three magic words in carpet. “There are some really great products that are exceptionally soft but don’t compromise the strength of the fibers. Soft yarns trend across all materials, from polyesters to nylons,” says Ross Smithe of America’s Floor Source.

- Natalie Goodin of The Flooring Gallery

16 louisville builder • bialouisville.com

I love the new patterns in carpet, from companies such as Lexmark and Karistan, that are made possible by new technology that allows three dimensional printing. They have a lot of depth and aren’t typical of pattern pieces of the past.

“The shaggy, California berber look is the vast majority of what we sell. We’re selling less than ten percent of traditional loop berber,” says Ken Martin of Carrell Rogers Carpet One.

Flooring Regardless of the style, grays, particularly heathered grays, taupes and quiet multicolors lead the list of color preferences. “Pet issues are a huge problem for customers. That’s why Stainmaster’s Pet Protect, a solution-dyed nylon that doesn’t stain, is so well received by our customers. We suggest pairing that with Stainmaster’s pad that has a breathable moisture barrier,” says Donna Mudd of Sam Kinnaird’s Flooring and Granite. Al Henry of PC Home Stores is favorably impressed with Shaw’s Life Happens Carpet that has a LifeGuard waterproof backing, saying it is ideal for homes with kids, dogs and a propensity for spills of any kind. Goodin especially likes the “fantastic patterns” in The Flooring Gallery’s custom area rugs because they can play such an important role in creating a singular style for a room. “Previously, people thought an area rug would cost $5,000 to $10,000 but now there are amazing high-quality, unique rugs for much less,” says Knight Remember carpet tiles? If you think they’re a thing of the past, think again.

Carpet tiles have become really popular because they’re available in many varieties, even shag. They’re very cool and are great for families with young children and pets because individual tiles can easily be pulled out when needed. - Barry Wooley of Barry Wooley Designs.

Hard Surfaces “One of the major issues that has affected the flooring industry is CARB 2, which relates to formaldehyde emissions. We have CARB 2 letters from every supplier. Specialty retailers have been buying better products and getting killed on price while other companies haven’t been playing by the rules,” says Goodin. Todd Bauer of Builders Surplus acknowledges that the problem of formaldehyde has had a halo effect in negatively impacting laminate and has positively altered the sales of engineered and hardwood flooring. Hardwood According to Knight, hardwood is increasingly the flooring of choice, even in basements. “Hardwood is moving to lighter tones and with differentiations in color. Dark is neat, but it shows every piece of dust and lent. Also, lighter floors don’t show scratches as easily and is more forgiving.” Most Meeks Hardwood Flooring clients request white oak, although there is an occasional request for hickory, says Judy Meeks. Ross Smithe agrees that oak predominates and sees hickory as a nice selection when a bit of a rustic look is desired. “Maple is a good choice because it’s hard and has a cleaner look. Of course, some people like domestic exotics like acacia and pecan for the woods’ character,” he says. As with other flooring materials, hardwood is veering toward grays and taupes. “For one home’s foyer, great room, dining room, kitchen and hallways, we used one shade of gray for the first coat and a diluted gray for the second. It was the most beautiful floor I have ever seen,” says Wooley. Wider planks are far outpacing more narrow boards. Natalie Goodin often mixes 4”, 6” and 8” planks or 3”, 5” and 7” boards.

The evolution from solid to engineered flooring continues. Every year solids lose ground because the technology and quality of engineered floors are getting better and better. Ultimately, they’re a better product for stability, beauty and durability. - Todd Bauer of Builders Surplus

Henry concurs that engineered has taken over solid, partly due to improved finishes on the wear layer. Shaw’s and Mullican’s engineered products are reliable sellers for his store. Five years ago, solid comprised 70 percent of Carrell Rogers’ hardwood sector. Since that time the ratio has flipped so that engineered wood accounts for the same percentage of business. “One of the outstanding features of engineered is that it doesn’t need to be resanded. Only five percent of all hardwood is ever refinished,” says Martin, who reports that Baroque, a product exclusive to his company, has exceeded sales expectations. “Grand Forest is an interesting new and inbound ¾” thick engineered product that has a dense MDF core that can be nailed down. The deep and richly colored floor acts just like a solid but has the better pricing and stability of engineered,” says Bauer.

“There’s a myth that we take down barns. But, we buy the wood from the people who take them down. We simply process it into flooring. However, I leave my business card on the doors of country houses that have barns in disrepair. - Warren Brown, Kentucky Boardworks

Warren Brown of Kentucky Boardworks reclaims wood from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio barns as well as from demolished downtown june 2015 17

Louisville buildings. He offers quite a bit of chestnut but primarily works with oak, ash, hickory and poplar. “Most of our floors go in newer houses, but reclaimed wood is great for anyone wanting a floor that is sustainable. For people looking for an old house feel, reclaimed wood is a great way to go. The only thing that holds it back is that the cost is higher due to what’s involved in getting the material to work, such as pulling out the nails. Also, a potential downside is that the board lengths are not as long as they can be with new wood,” he says. Installers may initially think reclaimed wood is more difficult to install, but Kentucky Boardworks mills all the flooring with ¾” tongue and groove so that it installs the same as other floors. Laminate Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has eclipsed the laminate market, but that doesn’t mean laminate is disappearing. “Laminate still has a purpose, especially for people with large dogs because it is the most scratchresistant product besides ceramic and stone. And, technology has enabled laminates to appear very realistic. Many customers can’t tell the difference between higher end laminate and wood,” says Martin. Goodin says that as manufacturers are losing market share to vinyl, they’re putting added emphasis on style, color and texture of new, high end laminates. “It’s interesting because we seem to be selling either very inexpensive laminate or high-end laminate that is design-oriented. The middle category is what has been taken over by LVT. Architectural Remnants, by Armstrong, is a good example of the higher echelon,” says Mudd. Resembling reclaimed wood, it has a core that offers stability, durability, moisture resistance and sound absorption. It provides protection against scratches, stains, fading and wear-through. Vinyl Wooley says many of his customers, particularly Baby Boomers, appreciate that vinyl is soft under foot, looks amazing, is easy to clean and has an insulation quality. Mudd also attributes LVT’s success to several factors: it is generally well-priced, is available in plank and tile styles, is relatively easy to repair and is tougher than regular sheet vinyl. Martin is a fan of both Mannington’s Adura and Armstrong’s Alterna LVT. Adura sports the appearance of wood or tile and has the benefit of being very durable. Adura Plank features realistic colors and 18 louisville builder • bialouisville.com

surface textures in 5”, 6” and variable-width planks. Adura Tile is offered in 16” x 16” squares and a 2” x 24” rectangle. It may be glued down and butted together or grouted. Alterna is warmer and more comfortable than ceramic or stone and is available in new designs such as weathered metal, concrete-infused motifs, and linen and timber textures. It can cover subfloor irregularities that can crack ceramic or stone tile. “LVT has been the fastest growing category for the last several years because of its improving realistic visuals of hardwood and tile. The problem with LVT was that it would contour to the floor of the house, as does sheet vinyl. But, new products have a waterproof core, and the floor floats and locks together like a laminate,” reports Goodin.

LVT has morphed into another new category, Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). At a recent flooring convention, there were some issues with LVTs that claimed they were waterproof. But one exhibit proved that WPC is waterproof by keeping it in a fish bowl of water for a week. It didn’t warp at all. - Donna Mudd, Sam Kinnaird’s Flooring and Granite

COREtec set the benchmark for style and color, but other similar products have hit the market. COREtec features an extruded core made from recycled wood and bamboo dust, limestone and PVC. Waterproof, it may be installed in wet areas and won’t swell when exposed to water. It is inert and dimensionally stable and will not expand or contract under normal conditions. In addition, it never needs expansion strips in large rooms. Planks have an attached cork underlayment that is resistant to mold and mildew. “It’s great looking and it is waterproof, which is a major selling point. It’s a problem-solving product, very forgiving over various substrates. And the price points are very good. One of the COREtec products, XL, is long boards, but they’re also made up to nine inches wide,” says Bauer. Natural Stone Natural stone is still a strong category of flooring although it has higher end price points than other types of surfaces. It often increases the value of a home, but because it is porous, it requires maintenance that some homeowners may want to avoid.

Flooring Tile “Tile is important because there are so many options. High-resolution printing and advanced manufacturing processes can make porcelains look indistinguishable from natural stone,” says Smith. Bauer also notes the emergence of sophisticated printing techniques on tile, commenting that the quality of designs is spectacular. “Some tile used to cost over $10 a foot, but ink jetting has brought that cost way down,” he says. He goes on to say that non-square tiles, such as a 12’ x 24” have become more popular than squares. But for some areas, Mudd sticks with large squares, but explains that she wouldn’t overwhelm a small bathroom with 24” x 24” tiles. One of the winning points of large tiles is that they have fewer grout lines, helping the floor to appear less busy.

There’s a big change in the shapes of tile. We’re doing a lot of interesting things with linear tiles, 6”, 12” and 18” x 24”. They can be laid in herringbone patterns or alternating patterns, but can also be soldiered for a more contemporary design. Mixing up sizes in varying patterns, on a diagonal, is ideal for making a small, narrow space look larger. - Lisa Knight, Lisa Lynn Designs

Porcelain tile that looks like hardwood is a big hit with consumers,

home builders, remodelers and designers. It is extremely durable and can be grouted. It is versatile enough that it can be applied in most any room of a house, including the kitchen and bathroom. Mudd is a fan of Emser’s Modena, a glazed porcelain wood-plank look tile that is offered in several different colors. Knight says, “Porcelain tile is the best wearing tile and has a lesser chance of cracking or chipping. It’s great for lower levels that have a risk of flooding. Wood-like porcelain is unbelievable in appearance. One of the things I love about it is that we can use the various sizes and widths to create random patterns. We recently installed it on the main floor of a home that had hardwood floors. We used the porcelain wood-looking tile on the porch, making it feel as if the great room flowed onto the porch.” Goodin frequently installs accent tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. She’s planning a tile mosaic, with the look of a rug, to be installed under a free-standing tub in a home at this year’s Homearama. “It will really call attention to the floor,” she says. And, for something different…. It can be fun to think outside the box (make that the usual box of hardwood, tile or vinyl.) “We have installed rubber flooring in a few kitchens for a really neat look. And I have poured epoxy on concrete in lower levels and in a couple of kitchens. It’s all about creating a floor that’s unique and special to each home,” says Wooley.

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Playhouse Recipient Profile:

Elizabeth Bromley

The third in a series of profiles of children who have received playhouses produced by the Building Industry Charitable Foundation in partnership with Kosair Charities and YouthBuild Louisville

By Stacy Smith Rogers

Almost three years ago, BICF, along with Kosair Charities and YouthBuild Louisville, introduced then seven-year-old Elizabeth Bromley to a whole new world of play, where her anxieties could be eased and her imagination could blossom. Elizabeth received her custom playhouse after Homearama 2012 in Shakes Run and, since then, the enthusiastic ten-year-old still loves to host play dates in her beautiful yellow and pink playhouse, the building of which was overseen by Brandon Bailey, Bailey Remodeling and Construction. Parents Jennifer and Greg Bromley credit the playhouse for helping their daughter gain ground socially and emotionally. “It has opened up a lot of doors for her to meet kids in the neighborhood. When we first brought it home, we had every kid in the neighborhood asking to see it,” her mother said. The playhouse has ushered friendships that might not have otherwise developed as naturally. Bromley said that Elizabeth has hosted many neighborhood tea parties in her playhouse. “The girls have brought so many baby dolls in and out of there that it has often looked like they were running a little pretend day care,” she said. Between the wagons of play clothes, pillows and bedspreads carted back and forth to the playhouse, Bromley said Elizabeth has developed quite a knack for imaginative play, and she credits the creative atmosphere of the playhouse for inspiring her daughter to develop a whole new world of imaginary play. “She’s had a really good time with it. We’ve decorated it for special occasions like Christmas and Halloween. It’s played a big role in her social development. From a big picture perspective, it’s also helped her manage some anxiety issues,” she said. Bromley explained that much of Elizabeth’s hurdles are stemmed from anxiety, and that initially she was fearful of climbing up into the loft, but she’s worked through that. 22 louisville builder • bialouisville.com

The kitchen in the playhouse has been especially beneficial for Elizabeth, whose obstacles with eating have kept her from craving foods that many friends her age love. “Eating hasn’t been a joyful process for Elizabeth, so she hasn’t been naturally inclined to want to help prepare food and she has always shied away from helping me in the kitchen,” Bromley said, explaining that Elizabeth’s brain and stomach are unable to communicate, so she never has a desire to eat like most people. Playing in her pretend kitchen, however, allows Elizabeth the opportunities to learn important food-related skills that her mother would like her to know. “She still needs to know about the food groups and how to set a table. We want her to be knowledgeable about those things,” she explained. Elizabeth shares her playhouse with her younger brother, Parker, who is now seven years old. Their mother admits that despite the “girlie” nature of the structure, there have been a few boy “takeovers” where the traditional “no girls allowed” sign has been posted. However, he willingly relinquishes ownership of it to his older sister. For families with children who have disabilities, it’s often the normal things that have extraordinary impact, such as territorial battles or imaginary tea parties. For the Bromleys, the playhouse has served as a venue that has offered their children a chance to learn and grow together in an environment that is shared with others. It’s where friendships have been formed and fears have been eased, and where “normal” can be extraordinary. For more information about the BICF Playhouse Project or BICF, visit bialouisville.com.

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