Great finds: product report from the field

Custom Home, May-June, 2003

Mitch Handman

R.C. Legnini, Malvern, Pa.

The tool that has most changed the way custom builder and remodeler Mitch Handman does business in the past year is the same little gizmo that is changing the way we all take, save, and share photographs: the digital camera. Remodeling and historic restoration projects are notoriously difficult to estimate, but with a digital camera, Handman says, "We're able to bring jobs back and review them with each other, and then do our bids." During construction, digital pictures enhance e-mail communication with clients and architects. And the high-quality output from his 3-plus mega pixel Sony has led Handman to go public with his shots. Printed on premium paper, project shots are sharp enough to display at poster size on his office walls.--Bruce D. Snider Sony.www.sony.com. Circle 400.

Michael Woods

Providence Homes, Fort Worth, Texas

Mike Wood's high-end clients in the Dallas/Fort Worth area appreciate attention to detail. So that's what he gives them. Take his custom-made wood HVAC grilles, for example, fabricated by a Northern California company called Wood Ventures. "We use 8- to 12-inch base boards and have our wood grilles stained to match them," he says. "Then we mortise them into the baseboards. People are very attracted to the idea--it helps us sell homes."

Buyers also value builders who stay on schedule. So Wood chooses Isokern fireplaces. They're made from lightweight Icelandic volcanic stone, so he can install them relatively quickly. The fireplaces are lined in brick and then custom finished, providing lots of design flexibility. And the volcanic stone possesses strong insulating properties. "If you're going to use a masonry fireplace, these are the ones to use," he says.

Wood's clients are concerned about home security, so he often specs exterior roll-down window shutters from Roll Shutter Solutions. The shutters completely block off light, supplying the owners with privacy and security at the same time.--Meghan Drueding Wood Ventures. 800.524.5230. www.woodvent.com. Circle 401. * Isokem. 800.642.2920. www.isokern.net. Circle 402. * Roll Shutter Solutions. www.rollshuttersolutions.com. Circle 403.

David Warner

Redhorse Constructors, San Rafael, Calif.

For homes with million-dollar views--and budgets to match--David Warner now recommends glazing important windows with Amiran, a special low-reflectivity glass produced by the German company Schott. Designed for commercial applications like museum exhibits and shop display windows, Amiran makes the most of residential views too. "We're using it for featured window areas where you have urban views or undisturbed rural views," Warner says. "It's so clear it's incredible." Available in single or insulated panes, the glass can be installed in any conventional window system.

One window system Warner especially likes is produced in Italy by Albertini. Made of sustainably harvested Norwegian pine, the units are clad in 1/8-inch bronze in a variety of non-paint finishes. Warner considers these "incredibly durable" windows perfect for buildings finished in brick or stone. As with those materials, he says, "You never have to maintain them."--B.D.S. Schott. 914.378.3839. www.us.schott.com. Circle 404. * Albertini. 858.756.4102. www.albertini.it. Circle 405.

Brian Smith

Brian T. Smith Builders, New Hope, Pa.

Once upon a time, Brian Smith and his crews routinely discarded half-full cans of insulating foam. Not anymore. Now they use Hilti's CF 128-DW Insulating Foam. "This stuff stays good forever--it doesn't harden like the cans we used before," says Smith. The versatile foam works well in attics and window joints and behind drywall. "We use it everywhere," he adds. "The guys are just thrilled with it." Smith and his subs handle the foam with an ergonomically designed CF-DS 1 dispenser, also from Hilti.--M.D. Hilti. 800.879.8000. www.hilti.com. Circle 406.

Bob Ernst

FBN Construction, Boston

Bob Ernst began using Hawa Junior pocket door hardware from Hafele about five years ago because of the system's quiet operation and ease of installation, he says. "This track-and-roller system is smooth running and easily installed and adjusted," Ernst says. His firm now uses the Hawa Junior hardware exclusively for all pocketing and bypass applications.

Available for application with wood as well as glass pocket doors, the hardware is comprised of a top-hung aluminum track with an integrated track stop, two high-density nylon wheel trolleys, and a floor guide or optional floor channel. Wall-mount versions are available, and the maker says its Hawa systems are designed to be maintenance free.

"Our clients are always surprised at the ease of operation of even the heaviest doors and the quiet glide compared to other units they have had before," says Ernst.

Ernst began specifying bamboo flooring from WFI Bamboo when a client asked for something unique for the great room floor. "This flooring ... offers an easy installation and an unusual yet familiar tone and appearance," says Ernst. "It complements other hardwoods, such as cherry cabinets or furniture, extremely well. Our clients appreciate the uniqueness and versatility."