Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

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Apartment building ‘stacked’ in city

Enlarge Paul Sakuma/AP

The housing market still has a long way to go before a full recovery is under way. The current pace of construction is barely half the rate considered healthy.

The housing market still has a long way to go before a full recovery is under way. The current pace of construction is barely half the rate considered healthy.

U.S. builders started work on slightly fewer homes in February. But they began laying the ground work for a turnaround later this year by requesting the most building permits in any month since October 2008.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that builders broke ground on a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 698,000 homes last month. That's down 1.1 percent from January's revised level of 706,000, also the highest since October 2008.

Building permits, a gauge of future construction, jumped 5.1 percent last month to 717,000. Two-thirds are for single-family homes, which are critical to a housing recovery.

It can take up to 12 months for a builder to obtain a permit and construct a single-family home.

Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, said he expects further gains over the next few months, based on a measure of builder confidence that has increased in five of the past six months.

"Housing will add to growth all year, and beyond," Shepherdson said.

Seasonally adjusted annual rate, in thousands

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Home Construction Slows, But Building Plans Surge

Rob Ferguson Queens Park Bureau

Ontario wont ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios, Health Minister Deb Matthews says, despite a push to do so by two health agencies.

Its not something under active consideration right now but I know many municipalities are looking at strengthening the anti-smoking provisions, she said Tuesday after calls for action from Cancer Care Ontario and Public Health Ontario.

New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath said the Liberal government in a minority government situation is trying to play it safe instead of taking action to improve public health to save tax dollars on medical treatments.

If its harder for people to find places to light up, then theyre going to light up less often, she told reporters, crediting the two provincial agencies for pushing the envelope.

Matthews countered that the wide-ranging Smoke-Free Ontario Act in place for several years set a minimum standard for banning smoking in most public indoor places.

If municipalities want to build on that and do more, then thats a conversation I think they should be having at the community level.

The problem with that approach is different municipalities end up with different standards, leading to a patchwork of different laws, said Horwath.

Two reports from the health-care agencies also called for hiking tobacco taxes, setting minimum prices for alcoholic beverages and making physical education mandatory throughout high school measures intended to take aim at the 79 per cent of deaths in Ontario from largely preventable illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Theyre giving us some very good advice. We would much rather keep people healthy and out of our health-care system than treat them when they get sick.

The rest is here:
Ontario won’t ban patio smoking, says Deb Matthews

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE--(Marketwire -03/20/12)- Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSX: IVN.TO - News)(NYSE: IVN.TO - News)(NASDAQ: IVN.TO - News) today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011. All figures are in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

HIGHLIGHTS

MONGOLIA

OYU TOLGOI COPPER-GOLD PROJECT (66% owned)

The Oyu Tolgoi Project is approximately 550 kilometres south of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, and 80 kilometres north of the Mongolia-China border. Mineralization on the property consists of porphyry-style copper, gold, silver and molybdenum contained in a linear structural trend (the Oyu Tolgoi Trend) that has a strike length extending over 23 kilometres. Mineral resources have been identified in a series of deposits throughout this trend. They include, from south to north, the Heruga Deposit, the Southern Oyu deposits (Southwest Oyu, South Oyu, Wedge and Central Oyu) and the Hugo Dummett deposits (Hugo South, Hugo North and Hugo North Extension).

Ivanhoe Mines began capitalizing Oyu Tolgoi development costs on April 1, 2010. During 2011, additions to property, plant and equipment for the Oyu Tolgoi Project totalled $2.8 billion, which included development costs. In 2011, Ivanhoe Mines incurred exploration expenses of $31.8 million at Oyu Tolgoi, compared to $83.4 million incurred in 2010.

Construction of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold complex is advancing toward its planned start-up in 2012 and commercial production in the first half of 2013

The Oyu Tolgoi Project initially is being developed as an open-pit operation, with the first phase of mining to start at the near-surface Southern Oyu deposits, which include Southwest Oyu and Central Oyu. A copper concentrator plant, with related facilities and necessary infrastructure to support an initial throughput of 100,000 tonnes of ore per day, is being constructed to process ore scheduled to be mined from the Southern Oyu open pit. Initial production of copper-gold-silver concentrate is expected in Q3'12 and commercial production is projected to begin in the first half of 2013.

In conjunction with the surface activities, an 85,000-tonne-per-day underground block-cave mine also is being developed at the Hugo North Deposit. The throughput capacity of the concentrator plant is expected to be between 150,000 and 160,000 tonnes of ore per day when the underground mine begins production.

Fluor Corporation is in charge of overall Oyu Tolgoi construction program management, as well as services related to engineering, procurement and construction management for the ore processing plant and mine-related infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, a regional airport and administration buildings.

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Ivanhoe Mines Announces 2011 Financial Results and Review of Operations

NEWS: Anna Bligh and Campbell Newman visit the devastation in Townsville

NEWS: Residents slept though Cyclone Yasi, but not this storm as it ripped through neighborhoods in less than fifteen minutes.

The aftermath of the Townsville tornado. Picture: Chisholm Scott Radford Source: Townsville Bulletin

A scene following the storm in Townsville. Picture courtesy Sky News. Source: Supplied

Scenes from the Townsville tornado. Picture: Daniel Bateman Source: Townsville Bulletin

ABOUT 60 homes are damaged and nine residents had to be treated for injuries, some suffering cuts and abrasions, after a mini-tornado packing 110km/hr winds tore through Townsville early today.

Premier Anna Bligh visited the disaster zone today, saying she was shocked by the scale of the damage. Some victims would not be back into their homes for months, she said.

About 60 homes and businesses suffered major structural damage - including 25 which had their roofs torn off - when the storm cut a narrow band of carnage through the city's western suburbs about 5am (AEST) on Tuesday.

Winds above 110km/h lashed suburban Vincent, Aitkenvale, Pimlico and Gulliver, causing some homes to partially collapse.

Trees were snapped in half, power lines downed and debris strewn across yards and roads.

Excerpt from:
Tornado injures nine, flattens homes

NEWS: Thunder, cracks of lightning and then a tornado. Photographer Scott Radford Chisolm gives an account of the fury of Townsvilles early morning tornado.

The aftermath of the Townsville tornado. Picture: Chisholm Scott Radford Source: Townsville Bulletin

Scenes from the Townsville tornado. Picture: Daniel Bateman Source: Townsville Bulletin

A mini tornado has ripped the roof off homes in Townsville. Picture: Daniel Bateman from Twitter Source: Supplied

A MINI tornado has hit Townsville, ripping roofs off homes with winds at over 111km an hour and left locals with no power.

About 60 homes are damaged and 13 people had to be treated for injuries, some suffering cuts and abrasions.

Premier Anna Bligh visited the disaster zone today, saying she was shocked by the scale of the damage. Some victims would not be back into their homes for months, she said.

At least 25 homes had their roofs torn off - when the storm cut a narrow band of carnage through the city's western suburbs about 5am today.

Winds above 110km/h lashed suburban Vincent, Aitkenvale, Pimlico and Gulliver, causing some homes to partially collapse.

Trees were snapped in half, power lines downed and debris strewn across yards and roads.

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Mini tornado was 'worse than Yasi'

NEWS: Residents slept though Cyclone Yasi, but not this storm as it ripped through neighborhoods in less than fifteen minutes.

NEWS: Thunder, cracks of lightning and then a tornado. Photographer Scott Radford Chisolm gives an account of the fury of Townsvilles early morning tornado.

The aftermath of the Townsville tornado. Picture: Chisholm Scott Radford Source: Townsville Bulletin

A scene following the storm in Townsville. Picture courtesy Sky News. Source: Supplied

ABOUT 60 homes are damaged and 13 people had to be treated for injuries, some suffering cuts and abrasions, after a mini-tornado packing 110km/hr winds tore through Townsville early today.

Premier Anna Bligh visited the disaster zone today, saying she was shocked by the scale of the damage. Some victims would not be back into their homes for months, she said.

At least 25 homes had their roofs torn off - when the storm cut a narrow band of carnage through the city's western suburbs about 5am (AEST) today.

Winds above 110km/h lashed suburban Vincent, Aitkenvale, Pimlico and Gulliver, causing some homes to partially collapse.

Trees were snapped in half, power lines downed and debris strewn across yards and roads.

One person with head wounds, and two others with minor injuries were taken to hospital. Another 10 suffered cuts and abrasions.

View original post here:
'Mini-tornado' rips through Townsville

Put Grandma in the garage? Yes. But a garage transformed into a well-appointed studio apartment with skylights and a patio for morning coffee.

Home remodeling for those who can afford it is one answer to a growing issue: How do you take care of family members in their late-retirement and twilight years? And then, a tougher question: When a home solution won't work, what assisted-living or nursing home options are available?

[See The Best Places to Retire in 2012.]

Growth of multigenerational households (mostly grandparents, parents, and minor children, but also other extended-family relationships) accelerated during the economic downturn. Some families shared quarters because the unemployment rate (a 30-year high) forced some out-of-work adult children to move back home. Sometimes it was the senior generation that needed a housing solution because they were no longer able to physically or financially go it alone.

The rate of this change is worth noting. In 2008, 6.2 million intergenerational households resided in the United States. That's 5.3 percent of all households. That number jumped to 7.1 million households, or 6.1 percent, by 2010. The two-year increase marked a faster rate of growth than the previous eight years combined, according to AARP's Public Policy Institute.

Even if the economy improves, it's a trend that looks to stick as families address graying baby boomers who may be facing an underfunded retirement, according to aging and financial professionals.

In the best and worst of times, the benefit of companionship and shared household duties, such as childcare, can't be dismissed. For some families, living together is not a solution to a problem but an exercise in bonding. There are also different cultural interpretations of the social value of multigenerational households. But for many families, finances are certainly a factor in their decision to merge under one roof.

Kevin Young, a certified financial planner with Young Wealth Management in Davis, Calif., sees an increasing number of "sandwich generation" clients in his tax practice. "They're taking care of aging parents and children at the same time, sometimes working multiple jobs to accomplish that," he says.

[See How to Avoid Being a Financial Burden on Your Children.]

Young says some boomers and their parents are still playing retirement savings catch-up as corporate America (and the public sector too, in some cases) shifts from defined benefits such as pensions to market-reliant 401(k)s and other individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Others just dropped the ball and didn't save enough.

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Should Seniors Live Alone or With Family?

AURORA, Ill., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --DIY enthusiasts now have a new online tool to support the successful installation of tile and stone. The TEC product selector, a new web-based and mobile app, allows homeowners to quickly receive product suggestions for TEC tile setting materials to get their project off to the right start. This one-of-a kind tool allows the homeowner to input details about their tile project, and the app generates a customized shopping list containing the TEC tile setting products needed for the unique project, helpful installation tips and a listing of other tools that may be needed to complete the installation. Compatible with most mobile devices or PC's, the TEC product selector starts by asking the user basic questions about their tile project. The DIYer simply enters the requested information about the job, such as what they plan to tile, what surface material they are working with, the dimensions of the space, the type of tile they are using and the desired grout width.

Based on that information, the TEC product selector immediately provides a detailed shopping list with suggested TEC brand tile setting materials required for the job, as well as a list of helpful tools and tips to support a quality tile installation. The user can then take that list to their local Lowe's home improvement store, and dive right into their DIY tile installation.

"We developed the TEC product selector to take the intimidation factor out of tile setting and help homeowners approach their DIY projects with more confidence and ease," said Lauren Fontela, Senior Market Manager for the retail channel. "Many people are unsure where to start when it comes to tiling, but having a tailored list of suggested products and quantities required, as well as recommended tools, for their specific job helps pave the way to completing their installation."

To download the new TEC product selector app, visit http://www.tecskillset.com/product-selector. For more information about the TEC line of tile setting products, including new TEC Skill Set product line and ready-to-use TEC Invision flooring products as well as how-to guides with step-by-step instructions for laying tile, check out http://www.tecskillset.com and http://www.tecinvision.com.

About H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc.H.B. Fuller Construction Products (a subsidiary of H.B. Fuller Company) is a leading provider of technologically advanced solutions to the commercial, industrial and residential construction industry. Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, the company's recognized and trusted brands - TEC, CHAPCO, Grout Boost, Foster, AIM, TEC Skill Set, Invision and others are available through an extensive network of distributors and dealers, as well as home improvement retailers. For more information, visit http://www.hbfuller-cp.com.

CONTACT: Emily Towey 312-946-6143

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New DIY App Instills Confidence in Tile Installations

March 20, 2012

Witt Flooring is currently in the process of purchasing Franks Floor Covering, which is located at 806 North Main in Borger. PHOTO BY DON RICE

An Amarillo company is in the process of purchasing Franks Floor Covering. Witt Flooring is planning to move into the location within the next month, according to the companys general manager, Patt Calahan. Callahan said it will be about a 30-day span until Witt Flooring officially takes over the building. Witt Flooring Center will provide Borger with a wide choice of carpet, hardwood, laminate flooring, ceramic tile and natural stone products. The center will have more in-stock items as well as tools and materials for self installation, but they also offer full service installation. Scotty C. Witt became involved in the construction business with his dad when he graduated from Amarillo High School in 1948. Scotty then served two years in the Army after graduating from Abilene Christian University in 1952. Upon his return from service, Scotty assumed more duties as the family owned business became a full service residential and commercial floor covering establishment. For over 60 years, Witt Flooring Center and Abbey Carpet & Floor of Amarillo continues to serve friends, customers and contractors with quality products and installation services. We are really excited about the opportunity. Even though the economy is having a tough time, we can still expand and grow and that says a lot, said Callahan. He also states that there will be few changes to the current building, but details are still up in the air. According to Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Franks Floor Covering, LLC, 806 N. Main Street, started February 17, 2005. Franks Floor Covering, LLC also began a partnership with Mohawk as an exclusive Mohawk ColorCenter Elite Dealer. Owners of Franks Floor Covering include Frank and Amy Fernandez. Franks Floor Covering is also joined together with Tan Palace. According to Hutchinson County Appraisal District, Franks market value is worth a total of $205,080. Tan Palaces market value is $27,370.

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Frank’s Floor Covering to be purchased by Witt Flooring