Not All Custom Builders Suffer From Housing Recession, Says March's BUILDER Magazine

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) April 1, 2008 -- Many builders are thriving despite the poor housing market, BUILDER's March issue (http://www.builderonline.com/table-of-contents/BUILDER/2008/March.aspx?avid=BOL030108PR) reveals in its coverage of small builders and this year's America's Best Builders awards (http://www.builderonline.com/business/a-family-affair.aspx?avid=BOL030108PR). These success stories offer hope to other builders struggling to survive the current housing recession.

Recent housing market research shows that many small building companies are reporting good numbers even though the housing recession has no end in sight. This success is due, in large part, to small builders' ability to capitalize on niche building. BUILDER's cover story, "Focusing In (http://www.builderonline.com/business/focusing-in.aspx?avid=BOL030108PR)," expands upon proprietary research with interviews from several of these builders.

Randy Rollo of Austin, Texas-based Randy Rollo Homes says success comes from having a well-defined niche. His builders complete about 10 $1.6-million homes annually, which are in high demand among wealthy baby boomers. Another small builder, Matt Hipple of Williamsburg, Va.-based Michael J Hipple Builder, attributes his success to diversifying his business before the onset of the housing recession.

BUILDER's "A Family Affair (http://www.builderonline.com/business/a-family-affair.aspx?avid=BOL030108PR)" explores how the 2008 winners of America's Best Builders meet housing market challenges head on. This marks the third such award for Drees Homes and the first for London Bay Homes. Drees continues to modernize operations by reinventing business processes; London Bay exploited its niche market in Naples, Fla. to post its most successful year to date - housing recession or no housing recession.

The article also reveals the arduous application process behind the America's Best Builders awards (http://www.builderonline.com/business/a-family-affair.aspx?avid=BOL030108PR). "Many builders practice filling out the application for years before they submit it," said BUILDER's Senior Editor, Ethan Butterfield. "It's a powerful way to gain understanding of a company's strengths and weaknesses."

March's design feature, "Do Try This At Home (http://www.builderonline.com/costeffectivedesign/do.aspx?avid=BOL030108PR)," offers builders an innovative way to combat the housing market's downturn without breaking the bank. While many builders hesitate to take risks in home design - especially during a housing recession - this article highlights several architect/builders who have designed their own homes to be aesthetically pleasing and budget-friendly.

On the web, BuildTV (http://buildtv.com/?avid=BOL030108PR) features segments on inclusionary zoning and February's Tradewinds show home. BUILDER Online (http://www.builderonline.com/?avid=BOL030108PR) visitors can see the full survey in March's cover story, "Focusing In," floor plans from March's design feature and other supplemental materials. For more BUILDER features, past issues and other information, visit BuilderOnline.com (http://www.builderonline.com/?avid=BOL030108PR).

About Hanley Wood

Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading publisher of home plans. Hanley Wood Business Media (Washington, D.C.), publishes 36 award-winning residential and commercial construction titles, including BUILDER, REMODELING, CUSTOM HOME, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION and residential architect. Hanley Wood Business Media also offers the construction industry's foremost collection of Web sites, including BUILDER ONLINE, REMODELING ONLINE, and ebuild, the comprehensive online guide to building products, as well as the largest collection of house plans online through eplans.com and Dream Home Source.

Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $250 million company owned by affiliates of JPMorgan Partners, LLC. CCMP Capital Advisors manages the Hanley Wood investment for JPMorgan Partners.

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