CB November 2004

With the Nevada desert as its backdrop, the palm tree-lined pool terrace of this Tuscan-style luxury villa outside Las Vegas provides an invitation to enjoy the outdoors that is irresistible. In addition to a sculpted pool and spa, the terrace includes a high-end, built-in barbeque and an outdoor dining room.

The Horizon Series fender fire wood-burning fireplace by Valor is equipped with a programmable remote control, six-piece log set and authentic-looking fire brick liners. Featuring arch doors in vintage iron with optional cast iron trim, the fireplace is 35¾× 31¾ inches and has a 6,500 to 30,000 BTU/hour fire range.

This custom 5,500-square-foot Minnesota "cottage" is filled with distinctive, imported antiques and meticulously handcrafted trim, rather than the rustic game trophies one might expect to find in the wooded lake region west of Minneapolis. While it has all the charisma of an English country home, this house actually celebrates the talent of the American craftsmen who created it.

Aquatic's Air Bath Collection welcomes Serenity XI to its line, featuring 60 air jets and continuous bubble action, wave and pulse modes. The bath has a 1 HP variable speed air blower with a 600-watt air heating system and remote blower. Available in 72 × 40 × 29 inches, the bath comes in 30 designer colors and includes a waterproof remote control.

The price of general liability insurance and the ongoing shortage of carriers willing to write such policies for builders pushed these issue to the top of NAHB's annual critical issues surveys. On a scale of one to five, where one equals not at all critical and five equals very critical, general liability insurance cost scored 4.

Abbaka introduces Classic, its newest range hood, with Antique Bronze finish. Other colors include Antique Copper, Hammered Aged Copper, Copper Verdigris, and brushed finished copper or brass. The hood's antiquing is done by hand, ensuring the originality of each piece. The Classic design is available in both wall-mounted or free hanging island designs in standard, 36-, 42-, 48-, 54-, 60- and 6...

Liability insurance cost Liability insurance availability Lumber price and supply Development approval process…

Price Pfister offers Catalina, a pullout spray head lavatory faucet with arc styling for increased sink clearance. Users can toggle between the standard stream and spray modes by simply twisting the aerator, either while the pullout is extended or retracted. The faucet features a 55-inch stainless steel braided hose and ceramic disc valve for leak-free operation.

NAHB's critical issues survey was conducted every quarter until the fourth quarter of 1999 and every six months during 2000, 2001, and the first half of 2002. For the last two years, this research has been conducted annually covered July 2002 to June 2003 and July 2003 to June 2004. Officers from local and state home building associations are asked to rank75 issues of a scale of one to five, wh...

Mann's Architectural Medicine Cabinets are made using real wood panels and solid wood moldings that are hand cut into leaves, flowers and fluted columns. Standard cabinets are available in both wall mount and recessed styles with mirrors measuring 19 ½× 17 inches. Larger sizes include the Tall Boy cabinet, with a mirror measuring 25 × 17 inches and the Twin Sink Vanity cabinet, w...