Last month, the NAHB reported a surge in confidence among home builders, and according to data released today by the Department of Commerce, that optimism manifested itself in far more than just hopeful thinking: May was a busy month for the single-family, new-home industry—or at least busier than it has been in years.

Right now, all over the country, women are sitting at their computers showing the world exactly what they want in their next home, and it’s happening on Pinterest.

Judging from their recent behavior it’s clear that builders and consumers believe master planned communities are good for them, with these communities reporting their strongest sales since 2007.

This special collection of Builder Favorites rank at the top of the charts for builders nationwide. They're proven customer-pleasing plans, with the features that home buyers are looking for.

Energy-conscious builders have long been turning to thermal imaging to locate heat leaks in houses.

But far fewer builders seem to be taking full advantage of thermography, which can be used to locate latent moisture and condensation in plumbing, HVAC systems, and roofing, as well as energy leaks in electrical panels and the potential for ice dams behind walls.

And for builders that also do remodeling, infrared testing can even help detect pest infestation.