Turner Corporation forecasts increase in construction costs.

The Turner Corporation recently announced that construction costs in the third quarter of 2000 are projected to increase 1.2% from the second quarter 2000. According to the Turner Building Cost Index, the third quarter 2000 index will increase to 599, seven points above the second quarter 2000 figure and 4.54% above the third quarter 1999 index of 573.

According to Karl F. Almstead, the Turner vice president responsible for the Cost Index: "The pricing pressures of the past year continue to push building construction costs higher. Overall, the high demand for labor and the existing backlog in the commercial market remain the major factors in pricing structures."

Mr. Almstead continues: "Although the general market drivers are reasonably consistent across the nation, the pricing structure for specific trades in certain metropolitan areas is escalating considerably beyond the average pace."

The first level features a dramatic double-height entrance hall with a 20-foot ceiling and sweeping main staircase. On the right is the library, with fireplace and French doors, while a formal dining room, with marble fireplace and French doors, sits to the left. Adjoining the dining room is a fully-equipped butler's pantry , complete with wine refrigerator. The living room is lined with Palladian-style French doors offering stunning views of the grounds, as well as access to the main terrace. A huge fireplace with custom-designed mantel centers the room.

A delightful chefs kitchen features custom cabinetry , green marble countertops, and a terra cotta tile floor with marble inserts. Amenities include a large center island with six- burner Dacor grill, double oven and a double-sized Sub-Zero refrigerator. An octagonal breakfast room, located adjacent to the kitchen, opens to a terrace.

The master suite, occupying its own wing, features a finely-detailed bedroom with French doors to a private terrace. A large dressing room with custom cherry built-ins and a luxurious marble bath with steam shower, double vanities and a raised spa tub complete the wing. A guest wing, on the same level, includes a full bath, study and bedroom with terrace. An additional two powder rooms and laundry complete the level.

Upstairs, an elegant landing with balcony overlooks the entrance hall and introduces the family bedrooms. A large bedroom offers a walk-in closet and marble bath. Two additional bedrooms share a full bath. Completing the second-level}s an exp[sim]nsive space ideal for a media or recreation room.

"What's most impressive about this home is the extraordinary craftsmanship found throughout, " said Anthony Cutugno, Director of Houlihan/Lawrence's Luxury Country Properties Division: "It's very rare to find this caliber of workmanship and quality construction in recently built homes."