Danielle Andrus, Author at Colorado Builder Magazine

high-tech kitchen (Photo: Sidekix Media)

Kitchens, baths get tech upgrade: Product spotlight

January 9, 2020January 14, 2020 Danielle Andrus 208 Views 0 Comments products

Homebuyers are looking for high-end, high-tech options in the rooms where they spend the most time.

(Photo: Patryk Kosmider, Dreamstime.com)

Business Management Labor and Safety

ICPI launches digital campaign to grow workforce

January 9, 2020January 14, 2020 Danielle Andrus 62 Views 0 Comments education, hardscaping

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute is launching a new campaign targeting young adults to consider hardscaping as a career path.

Aloha Builders, HBF and Valor Roofing were key in getting the Casillas family back home. (Photo: HBF)

Build Business Management Charities and Foundations Community and Philanthropy

Community comes together to help family in need

January 3, 2020January 16, 2020 Danielle Andrus 136 Views 0 Comments

Maria Casillas raised 10 children in her home in the Elyria neighborhood on the north side of Denver.

Colorado is a difficult state for understanding sales and use tax issues. (Photo: Jakub Jirsak, Dreamstime.com)

Business Management Capital and Finance

4 sales tax traps for Colorado businesses

January 3, 2020January 14, 2020 Danielle Andrus 169 Views 0 Comments tax planning, taxes

Colorado is one of the “most difficult states for sales and use tax issues,” according to tax expert Alan Smith.

The homes are built with popular devices like a Ring doorbell, Lutron lights, Amazon Alexa and Sonos systems. (Photo: Monkey Business Images; Dreamstime.com)

Build Technology

State-of-the-art goes standard

December 26, 2019December 26, 2019 Danielle Andrus 150 Views 0 Comments smart home, technology

With large builders like Lennar and Meritage going all in on smart home tech, it’s only a matter of time

There’s no shortage of options for builders to use their skills and connections to do good for their communities. (Photo: Syda Productions, Dreamstime.com)

Build Charities and Foundations Community and Philanthropy

Thrive, HBF join forces to inspire change

December 23, 2019December 23, 2019 Danielle Andrus 202 Views 0 Comments community and philanthropy, giving back

At the HBF’s annual celebration in June, Beth Forbes announced that Thrive Home Builders will lead the charge to bring

Over the years, consumers have opted for more subdued soffit lighting. (Photo: Mead Noss)

Design Outdoor Living The Homebuyer

Colorado homeowners prefer a light touch

December 19, 2019January 14, 2020 Danielle Andrus 111 Views 0 Comments Lighting, outdoor living

One of the defining trends in lighting design over the last 20 years has been to take a less-is-more approach.

Pavers allow for some movement, are easily repaired if necessary, and don't end up cracking. (Photo: Fredell Enterprises)

Design Outdoor Living

Sites to behold

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019 Danielle Andrus 293 Views 0 Comments fire pit, fireplace, outdoor living

Homeowners want outdoor living areas where they can unwind. Builders should keep these things in mind when creating spaces to

For builders, who are not building homes and sitting on them for a decade, the advantage to the program may be in where they do most of their work. (Photo: Michael Rice, Dreamstime.com)

Industry and Economy Legislation and Regulation

Are opportunity zones good for builders?

December 16, 2019January 14, 2020 Danielle Andrus 75 Views 0 Comments capital gains, opportunity zone

Opportunity zones are “distressed communities” where taxes on capital gains can be deferred to the end of 2026.

NexMetro has three communities in Colorado: Buffalo Run in Commerce City, Prairie Center in Brighton, and the new Eastlake in Thornton, expected to open in early 2020 (Photo: NexMetro)

Build Industry and Economy