News, Information and Ideas from Around the Web

NAHB Expects Housing Downswing to Bottom Out by Mid-2007
In a report before Congress, officials from the National Association of Home Builders forecasted the slip in home sales and housing production will bottom out around the middle of next year and rebound by late 2008… read more

Home Depot Focuses on Customer Service Upgrades
Home Depot Inc. will invest $350 million in renovations to its stores in hopes to attract customers and reassure its investors… read more

Manufacturers Group Sees ’06 Growth, but Slowdown in ’07
The manufacturing sector will see moderate growth in 2006 followed by a slowdown in 2007, according to the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Industrial Outlook—Second Quarter 2006 (ER-616e), a report that analyzes 27 major industries… read more

BHMA Releases Two Door Hardware Standards
The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association published two new door hardware standards, ANSI/BHMA A156.115W Hardware Preparation in Wood Doors with Wood or Steel Frames and ANSI/BHMA A156.115 Hardware Preparation in Steel Doors with Steel Frames… read more

Asahi Glass Develops Home Window Security Device
Japan’s Asahi Glass Co. will work with Freescale Semiconductor’s to develop its sensor-integrated security glass. The product, designed for use in residential windows, detects glass breakage and alerts the homeowner through a wireless device… read more