Wisconsin Building Supply News & Marketplace

Marketplace: Exterior Door-Classic Craft Oak, $2300

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Door-Classic Craft Oak w/ Cambridge Glass & Brass Caming, 3/0x6/8 w/2-12" Sidelites, Asking $2300.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Window w/ Combo Unit, $235

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:54:00 +0000

Window, CSL2032 Slider, Includes Combo Unit, Normal Retail $409.55, Asking $235.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Kolbe Window w/ Screen, $270

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Kolbe Window, Oak Interior w/ Screen, Normal retail $466.11, Asking $270.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Andersen Patio Door

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:47:00 +0000

Andersen Patio Door, Includes Newbury Brass Hardware, Asking $1575.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Gliding Patio Door, $1505

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

8' Frenchwood Gliding Patio Door, Asking $1505.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Andersen Window, $700

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:39:00 +0000

Andersen Window, Hexagon/A41V, 48"x50"x60" Asking $700.

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Full View Storm Door, $225

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:24:00 +0000

3/0 Almond Deluxe Full View Storm Door, Brass Hardware, $225.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Prefinished Steel Entry Door, $340

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:15:00 +0000

2/8, Half Lite Prefinished Steel Entry Door, 6 9/16 Clad frame RHSI Asking $340.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Hollow Interior Door, $30

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:11:00 +0000

2/4 Oak Flush Interior door hollow core, 4 ¾” jamb, RH, $30.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: 6 Panel Steel Entry Door, $135

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

2/8 6pnl Steel Entry Door 4 9/16 jamb, 20 Min., LHSI, Asking $135.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Entry Door, $450

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:04:00 +0000

2/8x8/0 TSF810 Entry door 6 9/16 clad frame, 20 Min. RHSI, Asking $450.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: 6 Panel Steel Entry Door, $160

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

3/0 6 Panel Steel Entry Door 6 9/16” jamb, 20 Min. RHSI $160.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Entry Door, $240

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

3/0 SSF200 Entry Door 6 9/16” jamb, 20 Min., LHSO Asking $240.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Fiberglass Entry Door, $390

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:47:00 +0000

3/0 FC20 Fiberglass Entry Door W/4 9/16” Oak Jamb, RHSI, Asking $390.00

Contact Appleton Yard for purchase.

WBS Designer Receives National Honor at IBS

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Congratulations to Dawn McIntosh, Sales and Design Specialist at Wisconsin Building Supply in Windsor. Dawn received the Women of the Future grant from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Merillat Cabinetry at the annual International Builders’ Show held Feb. 8–12 in Orlando.

Kimmi Houston, NAHB Professional Women in Building National Chair; Dawn McIntosh, WBS Sales and Design Specialist; Susan Cross, Masco (Merillat) Cabinetry Brand and Communications Manager

Dawn and her fellow grant recipients are members of the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council, a select group of inspiring women who share strategies and solutions to promote, enhance and support professional women in today’s home building industry.

This grant will help fund Dawn’s efforts to expand her skills and services for WBS customers. She is currently pursuing two designations: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and Certified Graduate Associate (CGA). Dawn says the ongoing education requirements to maintain these designations prove she’s made a long-term commitment to her career.

Dawn submitted an essay for the grant application and wrote, “I have made the choice to venture into a new career, and I am loving every moment of it!” She described “working hand-in-hand with builders on kitchen and bath design” and expressed her interest in attending the International Builders’ Show to “gain more knowledge on the materials I’m selling.”

Since Dawn was selected as a grant recipient, she was able to attend a number of classes at IBS, including Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility, Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility, Color Forecast and Trends for 2012, Universal Design, 90 Trend Ideas, and Great Kitchens & Baths.

Dawn had this to say about her experience at IBS:

“I was honored to receive this award and the opportunity to attend the IBS to learn about all the new products that I am selling! The show format is very helpful for someone who wants to learn about a lot of different products. The sales professionals are very knowledgeable on their products and willing to share a lot of helpful information.”

Merillat and NAHB introduced the Women of the Future grant program more than a decade ago and have since honored more than 40 professional women in building.

Please join us in congratulating Dawn McIntosh on this prestigious honor. We’re excited for her expanding knowledge and talents to help us continue providing the best for our customers.

NAHB Professional Women in Building
'Women of the Future" grant recipients and presenters.

Introducing the Wisconsin Building Supply Marketplace

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:57:00 +0000

The Wisconsin Building Supply blog is a reliable source for news and insight on the building industry, community involvement, customer events, safety updates and more. And now, we’re also providing an opportunity to pick up some great deals on our products.

We’re introducing the Wisconsin Building Supply Marketplace.

Our lumberyards will be offering up discounts on items in these categories:

Cabinets
Exterior Products
Hardware and Tools
Lumber and Building
Trim and Interior Doors
Windows and Exterior Doors

If you see an item you’d like to learn more about, contact the location selling it. Don’t be deterred if you want to buy a Marketplace item that’s on the other side of the state – we can transfer the purchased item to the WBS closest to you. Just remember, all sales are final. When an item is sold, we’ll do our best to take the post down right away.

You can scroll through our latest Marketplace additions on our website News Feed or on the homepage of this blog. If you’re interested in particular categories or locations, take a look at the right side of your screen. Click on one of the WBS Blog Options to bring up all the current posts in that category. And you can also use the search feature just below the WBS Blog Options list.

The news and insight you've come to expect will be labeled WBS News, and you'll find the most recent items on the right side of the screen.

The next time you stop in to your local WBS, let us know what you think of our updated WBS News & Marketplace!

Marketplace: Cabinet, $100

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Cabinet for sale, 30” wide x 24” deep x 36” high. New $550, asking $100.

Contact La Crosse Yard for purchase.

Everyone Welcome at 2012 Washington County Expo

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:29:00 +0000

The Washington County Builders Association has a fresh look this year. With a new Board of Directors -- including Wisconsin Building Supply's Matt McCabe as Vice President -- the WCBA is launching a variety of new initiatives for its members. For example, exhibitors at the annual Home Building & Remodeling Expo will find a revamped layout.

The WCBA wants everyone to feel welcome at the 2012 Expo, which is February 23–25 at the Washington County Fair Park Pavilion. The family-oriented theme was designed to make it easy for parents to bring the kids!

Attractions such as Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Chester Marcol and the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum "Let's Play Railway" Engine are expected to draw many new faces to the event. Other scheduled activities for the kids include birdhouse building and face painting. Plus, a late-model race car will be on display.
That's all in addition to the opportunities to learn about products and services from WCBA Expo exhibitors and attend trade-related seminars from industry experts.

Visit the WCBA website for more information about the Home Building and Remodeling Expo and be sure to check out our Facebook Event!

Marketplace: Cherry Wall Cabinet, $99.00

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Cherry wall cabinet that would make a great boot bench by adding a toe kick and a countertop/cushion . The dimensions are 36” wide x 14” high x 24” deep. Ends are not finished, will need skins if ends will be exposed. Was $313.58, asking $99 OBO.

Contact La Crosse Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: Granite Vanity Top, $250

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:54:00 +0000

Cultured marble/granite vanity top with a thick 1 ½” edge and undermount bowl. The left end is finished. Overall size is 52” x 22 ½” with the bowl centered 14 ½” from the left. Was $803.40, asking $250 OBO.

Contact La Crosse Yard for purchase.

Marketplace: W4236 Cabinets, $200

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:34:00 +0000

W4236 (42” wide x 36” high x 12” deep) innatural maple. The door style is a full overlay contemporary/slab door. We havetwo of these. Customer returned; no damage, not installed. They will need skinsif ends will be exposed; currently ends are not finished.
Original price was$576.27 each, will sell for $200 OBO.

W4236

To purchase, contact La Crosse Yard.

Improving Housing Reports to Start 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

As we progress through one of the milder winters in history (so far, at least!) we continue to see signs of life within the housing market. Although the price of homes is continuing to be dragged down by the sale of foreclosed or distressed homes, the need for homes is starting to climb back. Within Wisconsin we see positive growth in multifamily and commercial projects, as well as more winter activity from our single-family builders.

Regionally, December housing starts rose 54.8 percent in the Midwest, following a decline in November. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is also happy to report an increase in nationwide production of new single-family homes for the third month in a row.

With those numbers, we’re starting to get a more complete picture of last year’s housing market compared to the year before. The total of housing starts for 2011 shows an increase of nearly 4 percent. The number of multifamily starts increased 54 percent from 2010. While single-family starts were down overall, we’re encouraged by improvement in the past few months.

The Random Lengths Oriented Strand Board Composite is inching up, and the latest report shows pricing nearly the same as this time last year. In the North Central region, prices of 7/16” OSB are also edging upward.

Many of us are preparing for expos and other association events across Wisconsin. Keep an eye on the Wisconsin Building Supply Facebook page to find out where we’ll be. And as always, we’d like to stay up-to-date on your projects and community involvement, so let us know how you’re doing!

Winter Building Event Highlights in Wisconsin

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

We like to keep you updated on opportunities to learn, network and generate leads! Keep an eye on our Facebook Events page to find out what’s coming up across Wisconsin.

Here are some events we’d like to highlight as we begin 2012:

Visit our booth at the Home Expo!

Look for Wisconsin Building Supply at the Brown County Home Builders Association’s Home Expo January 19–22. The KI Convention Center in Downtown Green Bay will host more than 100 professionals in homebuilding and remodeling. Make sure your customers check out the how-to demonstrations and seminars throughout the weekend.
Home Expo attendees will be able to get some great ideas from exhibitors, and then use their Expo tickets to see completed projects the following weekend. The Tour of Remodeled Homes, January 28–29, will feature 13 recently completed remodeling projects. Homes will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Click here to visit the BCHBA website for details about both events. You can also direct your customers to this site for a $1 discount coupon.

The Valley Home Builders Association’s Winter Wonderland of Homes is February 18–19 and 23–26. The public will be able to tour 35 newly constructed homes throughout the Fox Cities. Wisconsin Building Supply’s Appleton location will sell discounted tickets February 13–17. Visit the Winter Wonderland of Homes website and watch our Facebook page for more details.

Wisconsin Building Supply is proud to return as a sponsor of the Wisconsin Builders Conference at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. This year’s conference is February 22–24.

The Wisconsin Builders Association lists some great reasons to attend:

Earn CEU credits at seminars by industry leaders on business and building.
Network with fellow builders, associates and make new connections. It's open to all industry professionals!
Jumpstart your year with new business tools to remain competitive.
Meet industry experts and see innovative products at the Vendor Showcase.
Award winners will be announced Thursday night at the President's Recognition evening.

Click here to visit the WBA website for complete details and registration information. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the WBS hospitality suite!

Let us know about your upcoming events! Contact your local Wisconsin Building Supply location or write on our Facebook wall.

Looking Ahead to 2012, Housing News, Dura Supreme Deals

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:16:00 +0000

Happy Holidays! As we near the end of 2011, we would like to take the time to thank all of you for your business and the opportunity to work with you and your customers.

Industry Outlook
We are often asked for our thoughts on what the future holds within our industry. It’s important to remember that our industry is most impacted by local events and not national issues. In real estate, appreciation in the California market does not indicate the same will be true for Detroit. It’s the same for construction – just because Florida is soft doesn’t mean Milwaukee is. As for Wisconsin in 2012, we see pockets of growth. We expect new shipbuilding contracts to impact Marinette for the better. However, this is expected to have little or no impact in La Crosse. Fundamentally, good news does seem to be slowly returning to our markets. Continue reading and you’ll learn multifamily continues to show improvement and builder confidence is climbing.

Looking Ahead to 2012
At Wisconsin Building Supply, we are working on several significant initiatives to improve our ability to support you and your business. We will be introducing new products and vendors in 2012, as well as improving and expanding our website and technical resources. We will also commit to providing faster, more accurate estimates. These initiatives are designed to improve our ability to serve you, as you serve your customers.

Multi-Family Production Continues
As we’ve seen in Wisconsin, multi-family housing is a bright spot in the broader U.S. housing market. New households tend to become renters, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) believes this trend is likely to continue until consumers’ confidence returns. In the third quarter of 2011, NAHB’s Multifamily Production Index (MPI) improved for the fifth consecutive quarter. The MPI measures construction in low-rent apartments, market-rate rental apartments and “for-sale” units, or condominiums.

Single-Family Housing Shows Improvement
The cost of lumber materials for a typical two-story house is up 1.80% from last month. Nationwide, there have been some more signs of improvement. For example, builder confidence tracked by the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index climbed six points over the past two months to a reading of 20 in November. A reading of 50 indicates a balanced market. New single-family home sales have been up for two consecutive months, and single-family starts rose by a solid 3.9% in October after declines for three months in a row.

U.S. Lumber Exports Surge
The volume of softwood lumber available to the U.S. market was up 4.1% through three quarters of 2011, thanks to domestic gains in output that offset declines in imports. Random Lengths reports that nearly 26 billion board feet (bbf) of lumber was available to the market – the highest for the nine-month period since 2008. U.S. lumber production totaled 20.339 bbf through the period, a gain of 8.8%. Total U.S. imports, at 6.759 bbf, represented a 5.1% decline, while U.S. exports surged 29.3%, to 1.148 bbf.

Featured Product and Promotion: Dura Supreme
Minnesota-based Dura Supreme cabinetry has established a tradition of craftsmanship and service that is supported by a lifetime warranty. Of Dura Supreme’s three cabinetry product lines, our WBS kitchen designers use Crestwood most often. That’s because they can create their own designs with cost-effective construction and consistent quality. Our WBS design centers are offering special prices on your Dura Supreme orders, including NO UPCHARGE on premium woods and NO CUT-DOWN CHARGES. You can get these savings through January 15, 2012.

Get Some Attention in 2012!
How about a win-win New Year’s resolution? Show off your projects, business news and community involvement through Wisconsin Building Supply. We’re eager to share customer updates and photos on the web. Click here to contact WBS, or check us out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

As your local provider of building materials we look forward to working with you to create a prosperous 2012 for all of us. Thank you again for your business.

November News: Multifamily Growth, Confidence Boost, Faulty Appraisals

noreply@blogger.com (WI Building Supply) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Welcome Lyman Lumber

Wisconsin Building Supply is pleased to welcome a new member to the family. On October 28, 2011, Lyman Lumber joined the USLBM family of companies and adds to the continued growth of our organization. Lyman Lumber has been in business for 114 years and has facilities in Eau Claire, as well as the Twin Cities in Minnesota.

Market Updates
We’re always keeping our eyes on the markets, and our numbers show the cost of lumber materials for a typical two-story house is down 0.41% from this time last year. According to Random Lengths, U.S. lumber production as of August is up 8.5% from the same period of 2010 – that’s a total of 18.008 billion board feet for the first two-thirds of this year. Nationwide, August production totaled 2.301 billion board feet, up 7.3% from August 2010 and 3.1% higher than the July 2011 total. Prices for 7/16” OSB are holding steady at levels slightly higher than one year ago, and sales are in step with production for the most part.

Multifamily Growth Continues
Multifamily builds are continuing to push U.S. housing starts. The Census Bureau reports that in September, the multifamily rate surged 51.3% to its highest level since October 2008, while the rate of single-family starts rose by 1.7%. Analysts say these gains are due to the rising demand for apartments and condominiums as more Americans look at renting.

Boost in Builder Confidence
The National Association of Home Builders says builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes has had the largest one-month gain its index has seen since the home buyer tax credit program helped spur the market in April of 2010.

“This latest boost in builder confidence is a good sign that some pockets of recovery are starting to emerge across the country as extremely favorable interest rates and prices catch consumers’ attention,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

Crowe also points out that builders still aren’t giving market conditions a good rating: “One reason is that builders are facing downward pricing pressures from foreclosed homes at the same time that building materials costs are rising, and this is further squeezing already tight margins.”

Fighting Faulty Appraisals
Another recent focus is faulty appraisal practices that hurt builders who are already facing declining home prices, rising foreclosures and plunging new-home sales. The NAHB says builders’ houses are too often appraised at less than the cost of construction.

“This is not only unfair and unreasonable, but it perpetuates the cycle of declining home values, drives more home owners underwater, negatively affects housing demand and acts as an obstacle to the recovery of the housing market,” NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen said.

Last month, the NAHB held its fourth appraisal summit with representatives of federal banking regulators, the appraisal industry, the housing finance industry, real estate and residential construction. To learn more, visit the NAHB Appraisal Issues Page.

Featured Product:
We’re continuing our monthly series of featured products with Andersen 100 Series Windows. Whether you’re replacing, remodeling or building, you can bring Andersen beauty, craftsmanship and time-tested performance into a home for less than you may expect. Andersen 100 Series windows are made with Fibrex® composite material, which allows Andersen to offer an uncommon value that’s environmentally responsible and energy efficient. Watch our Facebook and Twitter posts to learn more, or contact your local Wisconsin Building Supply to get a closer look.

Spreading the Word

We’d be glad to shine our social media spotlight on your projects and activities with photos and updates. We’re also adding more Facebook Events, such as the House of the Future Preview Party in Mount Horeb on November 16. Keep us in the loop, and we’ll spread the word!