Keith Stephenson

Sandy Spring Builders, Bethesda, Md.

Schluter Systems Mold and mildew prevention is a big issue these days, and two of the top products for Keith Stephenson, the director of operations for Sandy Spring Builders, have to do with preventing water infiltration.

The first, Schluter Systems’ Shower Kit, stops water from penetrating into a tiled shower’s wallboard. The system—which includes a shower tray, shower curb, waterproofing membrane, waterproofing strip, and drain—bonds directly to the mortar bed to protect it from being saturated with regular use, and also comes in a convenient, complete package, Stephenson says.

For outside the home, InBox weatherproof outlet boxes by Arlington Industries have weatherproof flanges that stop water penetration. There are different boxes available for stucco, fiber cement, brick, and more.

Finally, Stephenson likes Lepage Millwork’s windows for their looks and versatility. After he went to a custom millshop for historic windows, he realized Lepage could have done the same thing in less time. Now, he uses the company for those types of projects.

Schluter Systems. 800.472.4588. www.schlutersystems.com.

Arlington Industries. 800.233.4717. www.aifittings.com.

Lepage Millwork. 800.463.1367. www.lepagemillwork.com.

Ahmed Abdelaziz

Omnia Home Builders, Chicago

HAI To stand out from other custom builders, Ahmed Abdelaziz, CEO of Omnia Home Builders, went high-tech. He includes full automation standard in all his homes through a variety of products, resulting in a wealth of features for homeowners.

One product Abdelaziz uses is the OmniPro II from HAI. Designed for large residences, the home control system can include more than lighting, security, and whole home audio. It can also feature communicating thermostats, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors for energy control; video surveillance that can be monitored in real time via the Internet, a cell phone, or PDA; and telephone access, so a homeowner can remotely turn off lights, receive security alerts, and more.

“The most unique part is the ability to monitor your babysitter or your teens in a live feed,” says Abdelaziz of his home package.

For audio, one product he uses is the RNET CAM6.6 multi-room receiver by Russound. The receiver plays music from up to six audio sources in each of six different rooms. Multiple receivers can link together for additional rooms, and the system has keypads and touchscreens. Options include a built-in AM/FM tuner or built-in XM Satellite Radio.—

HAI. 800.229.7256. www.homeauto.com.

Russound. 866.222.6997. www.russound.com.