The Digest | Apr-Jun 2019

THE

A P R I L -J U N E 2 0 1 9

GROUNDBREAKING AFFORDABILITY RESEARCH MAKES WAVES p.12

BUILDERS & REMODELERS SHOW DRAWS HUNDREDS p.46

AWARDS 101: WRITING A WINNING AWARD ENTRY p.64

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4239 Twin Cities, MN

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Sustainable 9 Design + Build

for Participating

Thank Thank you to the 216 builders who participated in the CenterPoint Energy High Efficiency Homes® program in conjunction with Xcel Energy.

Together, we supported the construction of almost 5,300 energy-efficient new homes and the program collectively saved 129,487 dekatherms and 2.9 million kilowatts, which is the equivalent of powering nearly 1,900 passenger cars for an entire year!

For more information about this program or to become a participating builder, please contact Hannah Jansen at 612-253-9982 or email at Hannah.Jansen@icf.com.

The eight BATC-Housing First Minnesota members honored as top performing 2018 program participants include: • • • • • • • •

Amaris Homes, LLC Derrick Custom Homes Gorham Custom Homes, LLC Hedberg Homes Hendel Homes Lennar NIH Homes Sustainable 9 Design + Build

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THE

STAFF ::

A P R I L -J U N E 2 0 1 9

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

David Siegel

CR E AT I V E SE RV I CE S DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CREATIVE

Dawnita Parmely

EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Laura Burt

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hannah Swan

EXECUTIVE BOARD ::

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ::

PRESIDENT

ADVOCACY CHAIR

John Rask M/I Homes

Todd Polifka Custom One Homes

Nick Hackworthy Creative Homes, Inc.

Tom Wiener Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc.

“The BIG Night committee does review and take into consideration all of the survey responses we get back, and we use that info in planning the following year,” says Decker. “So we always appreciate members taking those few minutes to complete the surveys after the event.”

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR

Mary Schweich B ATC- H O U SI NG F I R ST MI NNE SOTA F O U NDAT I ON FOUNDATION MANAGER

Emily Youngs

Donnie Brown FOUNDATION COORDINATOR

E D U CAT I ON

3,600

Shelly Barrett

EDUCATION & SPECIAL PROGRAMS MANAGER

DRINKS

Tom Gavaras

2,000 A-ha!

DONUT HOLES

!

There it is

A DV E RT I SI NG & SA L ES

EDUCATION & SPECIAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Mary Beth Blom

5 lbs

PAGE 39

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

Kori Meewes Brad Meewes

IF YOU FIND IT :: OF CONFETTI 1. Y ou must be a member to participate.

BATC.org || January–March 2019 || THE DIGEST || 39

2. Contact us to let us know what page it’s on: Laurie@BATC.org or 651-697-7574 3. All who successfully find the nail will receive $100 in member bucks.

4. Entries must be received

by May 31, 2019.

FIND THIS!

(Not to be confused with the Building Housing First nail on page 72)

4 || THE DIGEST || April–June 2019 || BATC.org

Nicolle Mechelke

MEETING & EVENT COORDINATOR

ATTENDEES

“The night is what it is because of our members,” adds Coon. “Members generously volunteer their time on the committee to really bring the evening to that next level, and then everyone that enters the awards and attends the event brings their positive energy to make it a night to remember.”

This nail below is just an example. We’ve concealed the real one elsewhere in this issue, and it could be a different size or color.

Keep your eyes peeled!

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Nicole Coon

890

By the end of the night, 189 awards were handed out including 16 ROMAs, 22 Reggies, and 137 Trillium Awards.

It could be hidden in a photo, disguised in a body of text, or tucked away in a margin.

(It will never be in an advertisement though.)

Heather Griffis

MEETING & EVENT MANAGER

LAST ISSUE ::

“Everyone loves having Jason emcee,” says Coon.

“He’s a great personality that everyone can recognize and relate to. Plus, he’s super quick on his feet and understands the housing industry. He just gets us.”

Digest_Q1-BD19_v12.indd 39

Tammi Hall

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

ME E T I NG & E V E NT S

WCCO’s Jason DeRusha was back again this year to emcee the awards portion of the event. A crowd favorite, this was his fourth year emceeing.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

Janice Meyer

REGGIES

TRILLIUMS

A nail is hidden somewhere in every issue of The Digest, including the one you’re holding right now!

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Katie Elfstrom

137

Be on the Lookout!

POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

22

KC Chermak Pillar Homes Partner, Inc.

FIND THE NAIL

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT

Nick Erickson

ROMAs

PAST PRESIDENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL CHAIR

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

James Vagle

REGULATORY AFFAIRS MANAGER

16

PARADE OF HOMES CHAIR

Ed Engelbrecht Pella Windows & Doors

F I NA NCE , ME MB E R SHIP & A D MI NI ST R AT I ON

Mark Foster

Tim Fohr M/I Homes

SECRETARY

DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY

MEMBER AT LARGE

Jim Slaikeu D.R. Horton, Inc. -Minnesota

Dennis Galligan In-Focus Systems

A DVO CACY

Jim Fuschetto Lyman Lumber Co.

LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR

PAST ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT

Casey Scozzari

MEMBER AT LARGE

John Kraemer John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Carla Warner Warners’ Stellian Appliance

Kayla Smith

CREATIVE SERVICES & TECH COORDINATOR

Art Pratt Pratt Homes

ARTISAN HOME TOUR CHAIR

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT

Adora Vang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR

Pattie Martin Twin City Fireplace & Stone Company, Inc.

TREASURER

DIGITAL/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jason Myrlie J Carsten Remodeling

AMBASSADOR CHAIR

Gary Kraemer John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Laurie Spartz

REMODELERS CHAIR

Bill Burgess Lennar

BUILDER VICE PRESIDENT

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR

1/3/19 11:20 AM

THE DIGEST magazine is the official publication of BATC-Housing First Minnesota. THE DIGEST is published and distributed four times per year to its members and others associated with the housing industry. Neither the advertisers, nor BATC-Housing First Minnesota, will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. For advertising rates, resource file or address change information, contact BATC-Housing First Minnesota. Suggestions, ideas and letters are welcome. If circumstances require, BATCHousing First Minnesota reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of THE DIGEST issues published on an annual basis.

BATC-Housing First Minnesota 2960 Centre Pointe Dr. Roseville, MN 55113-1182

651-697-1954 BATC.org

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CONTENTS 8 PAGE

12

GROUNDBREAKING AFFORDABILITY RESEARCH

BATCHOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA 8 :: Letter from the President 10 :: Elite Sponsors

12

66 :: Restoring Hope and Housing

70 PAGE

ADVOCACY 12 :: Groundbreaking Affordability Research 17 :: Q1 Advocacy Update 24 :: Top 25 Builders 26 :: Hot Sheet

MEMBERSHIP 70 :: Member Voices 72 :: New Members 74 :: Member News 76 :: Member Benefits 78 :: 5 Things to Watch for in 2019

29 PAGE

30

BATCHOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

68 :: 2018 Supporters

PAGE

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

66 PAGE

EDUCATION 29 :: Ask the Building Inspector 30 :: Universal Design 32 :: Contractor University

Don’t miss a beat.

Follow BATC-Housing First Minnesota on social media.

36 :: Leadership Institute

37 PAGE

MARKETING & EVENTS 37 :: Minnesota's Green Path 38 :: Blogging Best Practices 41 :: Calendar of Events

46

42 :: Photo Galleries:

BUILDERS & REMODELERS SHOW BY THE NUMBERS

On the Cover: A student participates in the first Skills Demo at the 2019 Builders & Remodelers Show. Photo by Landmark Photography.

6 || THE DIGEST || April–June 2019 || BATC.org

Contractor University Kickstart Builders & Remodelers Show International Builders Show Housing Day at the Capitol

54 :: Upcoming Events:

Hearts in Housing Gala Artisan Home Tour® Summer Events

61 :: Parade of HomesSM 62 :: BATC-Housing First Minnesota in the Media 64 :: Awards 101

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PRESIDENT'S LET TER

Carrying Our Mission Forward Two years ago, I attended my first Past President’s Retreat where I had the opportunity to meet a number of former leaders of BATC-Housing First Minnesota.

This retreat is designed to bring past presidents together with current leadership to share ideas and learn from one another. I received a lot of good advice during my time at the retreat—this is not a shy group. Perhaps the one piece of advice that stood out the most was a comment made by Past President Craig Plekkenpol. Craig told me that I better spend some time thinking about what I want to accomplish as president before taking office and warned me that if I waited until I got into office to establish goals and an agenda, that the job would overtake me in a hurry.

Lucky for me, I listened to Craig, which has allowed me to hit the ground running.

The first quarter of 2019 has been a productive one for our association. Here’s how we’re carrying forward our mission of helping our members build their businesses through marketing, advocacy and industry connections.

ADVOCACY:

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT:

We have had tremendous activity in our advocacy arena, with strong media coverage and much discussion about the release of our groundbreaking research by the newly minted Housing Affordability Institute entitled Priced Out: The True Cost of Minnesota’s Broken Housing Market.

We have testified before several legislative committees regarding the research and shared the challenge of building homes that are affordably priced for average Minnesota families.

In the area of workforce development, we introduced a student construction demonstration at BRS, we ushered in the second full year of Project Build Minnesota, and we served on a workforce panel for the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

We brought some 300 industry advocates to Housing Day at the Capitol in early March. It was exciting to see us gathered for a rally at the rotunda and several lobbyists commented that our people were everywhere. We know that has a powerful impact. We’ve also weighed in on zoning issues in Minneapolis and Bloomington as they wrestle with density and development. And we have engaged in two special elections, supporting candidates who are favorably inclined toward housing.

MARKETING & CONNECTIONS: In meeting our mission of marketing and connections, we held our annual Builders and Remodelers Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center with strong results, offered a great networking opportunity at our happy hour at the International Builders Show, and kicked off another strong Spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase. Take a look at the new home and remodeling magazines that accompany the tours and you’ll notice an exciting redesign featuring more photos creating more of a magazine look.

8 || THE DIGEST || April–June 2019 || BATC.org

THE HECTIC PACE OF ACTIVITY WILL CONTINUE AS WE MOVE INTO Q2 WITH THE FOLLOWING: • • • •

EDUCATION: We finished up our 2018-2019 courses and launched our second online Contractor University course. We look forward to building out our library of courses even further this year.

GREEN PATH: We were pleased to present at the annual RESNET conference with a session entitled: With 16,000 Home Performance Reports We Must Be Doing Something Right.

•

Continued intense efforts at the Capitol Rollout of new Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase home listing strips Gearing up for the Artisan Home Tour Next phase of research regarding the impact of regulations, zoning and codes on homebuyers Rollout of the new Designated Green Path Builder recognition program

We are fortunate as an organization to have such an engaged leadership, as well as past presidents and board members that continue to support the great work of our association.

I know I speak for the past presidents and the current leadership when I say that we are all honored to serve you, the members of our association.

Thank you for your continued membership and support of BATC-Housing First Minnesota.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION: Our charitable arm concluded impressive work remodeling a parsonage home at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Bloomington for women in crisis recovery. Homes by Tradition was our build partner, and Together for Good is the service organization working with the church to manage the facility. In addition, the Foundation’s board of directors completed board training and we received the prestigious “Meets Standards” designation from the Minnesota Charities Review Council. We are proud of the work of the Foundation and see its efforts overlaying all of our activities with a positive aura.

Sincerely,

JOHN RASK :: PRESIDENT BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA M/I HOMES

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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PRICED OUT: The True Cost of Minnesota’s Broken Housing Market

The first report from BATC-Housing First Minnesota’s Housing Affordability Institute highlights the need for regulatory reform.

A new report published in February,

“We think this report is the start to

State of Minnesota, and one that I hope is

Priced Out: The True Cost of Minnesota’s

reimagining how we bring stakeholders

replicated elsewhere,” Dr. Eisenberg wrote.

Broken Housing Market, highlights what

together to talk about important

our members have been saying for

regulatory decisions,” said Siegel. “We

years: with too few new homes available

need to elevate affordability, which has not

at an affordable price, more and more

been a priority in the regulatory process,

Minnesota families are being priced out of

in order to help young families find the

the housing market. This places pressure

home they can afford in the community

on the rental market, limiting move-up

they desire.”

options and leaving the region’s housing

The report assessed data provided from four builder members, their land developers and subcontractors, as well as from the cities. After many months combing through the data and interviewing experts in all areas of the industry including local government, the

ecosystem broken.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The housing affordability challenge has

Cities housing market is fundamentally

“Although the new homes being built

reached epic proportions. Gov. Dayton’s

broken and ill-equipped to meet the

today may look similar to new homes built

Housing Task Force said we need to build

demands of many Minnesotans:

over the past 30 years, the final price far

300,000 new homes by 2030 and that

exceeds what buyers paid years ago, even

must be done largely by the private sector

after adjusting for inflation,” said David

across all price points. The Federal Reserve

Siegel, executive director of BATC-Housing

Bank of Minneapolis has also highlighted

homes in all other Midwest markets.

First Minnesota. “This disappearance

the very real issue of affordability and

of affordable new homes is not due to a

major economists, such as Lawrence

The Twin Cities is home to one of the

change in buyer or builder preferences,

Yun, the chief economist and senior vice

but to homebuilders simply being unable

president of research at the National

to build at a price that many buyers in the

Association of Realtors, have agreed we

region can afford.”

must substantially increase new home

The Housing Affordability Institute, a nonprofit housing policy organization formed last year by BATC-Housing First Minnesota, completed a comprehensive review and analysis of data provided by homebuilders, land developers, cities and the State of Minnesota that looked

construction with a focus on affordability.

This lack of available inventory is pushing up rents and making homeownership a tremendous challenge for the next generation.

REPORT OVERVIEW Housing economist and longtime BATC-

research team concluded that the Twin

By nearly every measure, new homes in Minnesota cost more than comparable

highest gaps between new and existing home prices in the nation.

The disparity in homeownership rates

between white and non-white Minnesotans is the highest in the nation.

Up to one-third of a new home’s price

in the Twin Cities is due to regulations

and policies from the local, regional and state level.

The same home in the eastern Twin Cities costs $47,000 less in Hudson, Wisc. This same home in Wisconsin will be paid off

almost seven years faster than its twin in

at development and building costs in the

Housing First Minnesota speaker, Elliot

Twin Cities. The key findings of Priced

Eisenberg, Ph.D, contributed to the

Lake Elmo, Minn.

Out reveal that up to 33 percent of a new

report’s executive summary. “The result

home’s price in the Twin Cities derives

of this study is a thought-provoking

A new home in the Twin Cities costs up to

from regulations and policies from the

report that I anticipate will shape housing

local, regional and state level.

policy conversations throughout the

12 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

25 percent more than a similar home built by the same builder in the southwestern

Chicago suburbs, a difference of $82,000.

ADVOCACY

TOPLINE CATEGORIES

CORCORAN, MN

LAKE ELMO, MN

Land Costs

$103,646.96

$87,995.00

$70,219.00

Construction Costs

$182,745.04

$213,597.00

$183,874.00*

Administrative Costs

$56,758.80

$45,238.80

$44,548.00

Profit

$29,839.20

$30,159.20

$31,349.00

Home Price

$372,990.00

$376,990.00

Efficiency Rating (HERS)

58

BUILDER A COMPARISON

HUDSON, WI

AFFORDABILITY RESEARCH

HOME OVERVIEW $329,990.00

54 Bedrooms

N/A

2

While each of the homes was built by the same general *Builder A reported that its Wisconsin homes are constructed almost identical to those built in Minnesota.

Bathrooms 2 contractor and to the same basic floorplan, subtle differences

TOTAL in construction costs exist for a variety of reasons, including

Basement HOME COSTS

None

9.5% BUILDER A8%COMPARISON

price fluctuations for materials, local design standards and

8%

Garage Stalls

the cost to transport materials to the job site.

12%

15.22%

TOPLINE CATEGORIES

Land Costs

CORCORAN, MN

48.99%

Administrative Costs

$213,597.00

$56,758.80

$45,238.80

Profit

$29,839.20

Home Price

$372,990.00

CORCORAN, MN

Efficiency Rating (HERS)

55.72% $70,219.00 21.28% $44,548.00

$30,159.20

$31,349.00

HUDSON, WI

$376,990.00 Land Costs 54

Administration

HOME COMPARISONS For the two cross-state comparisons, the most striking fact was that the regulatory costs in Minnesota could be more than twice as high as the same home by the same builder in other states.

$183,874.00*

LAKE ELMO, MN

Construction 58

INABILITY TO MEET MARKET DEMAND

HUDSON, WI

$87,995.00

$182,745.04

1,750

13.5%

LAKE ELMO, MN

56.66%

$103,646.9623.34%

27.79%Costs Construction

2

Total Square Footage

$329,990.00 N/A

Profit

*Builder A reported that its Wisconsin homes are constructed almost identical to those built in Minnesota.

TOTAL HOME COSTS LAND COSTS

3.15% 22.84% 12.55% 8%

BUILDER B 22.85% 15.22% COMPARISON

3.06% 10.15% 9.5%

4.98% 8%

16.8% 12%

HOME OVERVIEW

29.73%

48.99%

56.66% 23.34% contractor27.79% and to61.45% the same basic floorplan, subtle differences in 48.49% While each of the homes were built by the same general

4 55.72% 3 21.28% 53.92% Unfinished

Bathrooms Basement

construction costs exist for a variety of reasons, including price

fluctuations for materials, local design standards and the cost to

Garage Stalls

transport materials to the job site.

CORCORAN, MN

Total Square Footage

LAKE ELMO, MN

32.87%

13.5%

Bedrooms

3 2,500 MN / 2,600 IL HUDSON, WI

Raw Land Construction Improvements Administration Parks & Greenspace Stormwater Land Costs ProfiManagement t

INABILITY TO MEET MARKET DEMAND

SOUTHWEST CHICAGO, IL

TOPLINE CATEGORIES

BLAINE, MN

LAKEVILLE, MN

VICTORIA, MN

Land Costs

$97,214

$99,271

$104,799

$88,584

Construction Costs

$213,252

$220,412

$219,551

$178,045

Administrative Costs

$65,067

$63,145

$42,572

REGULATORY LANDSHARE COSTSOF HOME

3.15% 22.84% 12.55%

BUILDER 33.41% B 22.85% COMPARISON Profit

4.98%

$31,137

$26,495

51

$331,990 32.87%

51

Bedrooms 51

N/A

While each of the homes were built by the same Bathrooms PRICED OUT: THEgeneral TRUE COST OF MINNESOTA’S BROKEN HOUSING MARKET contractor and to61.45% the same basic floorplan, subtle differences in 48.49% Basement TOTAL construction costs exist for a variety of reasons, including priceHOME COSTS Garage Stalls fluctuations for materials, local design standards and the cost to

6% 6.40% BUILDER B COMPARISON

7.66%

transport materials to the job site.

CORCORAN, MN

15.41%

52.44%

$97,214

Profit

54.69%

$220,412

33.41%

26.48%

$65,067 $31,137

$24,179

CORCORAN, LAKEVILLE, MN MNLAKE ELMO, MN

$406,670

Efficiency Rating (HERS)

$402,990

51Construction

Administration 51

3

6.87%

12.82% SOUTHWEST

VICTORIA, MN

53.63% $88,584

26.68%

$219,551

$178,045

$63,145

$42,572

$26,495

$22,789

HUDSON, WI VICTORIA, MN

SOUTHWEST $331,990 CHICAGO, IL

$413,990

Land Costs

Profit

51

N/A

13

PRICED OUT: THE TRUE COST OF MINNESOTA’S BROKEN HOUSING MARKET

7.66% 12.17% 9.73%

TOTAL HOME COSTS LAND COSTS

6% 12.88%

30.25%

2.35%

6.40%

16% 52.44%

5.52%

9.10%

15.41%

9.77%

23.90%

23.90% 39.98%

30.89%

54.69%

4.34%

25.77%

53.03%

7.08%

26.68%

43.65%

53.63%

29.52%

41.43% LAKEVILLE, MN LAKEVILLE, MN

11.85%

7.90% 12.82%

10.54%14.80%

38.40% BLAINE, MN BLAINE, MN

6.87%

12.37% 29.30% 0.43%

0.55%

VICTORIA, MN VICTORIA, MN

SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST CHICAGO, IL CHICAGO, IL

Raw Land

Improvements Parks & Greenspace Stormwater Management Construction Administration Land Costs Profit Soft Cost (engineer, legal, soils, misc consultants) Development Escrows (for city consultants)

REGULATORY LANDSHARE COSTSOF HOME 12.17% 2.35%

30.25%

21.34%

20.78%

12.88%

0.55%

BLAINE, MN

9.73%

LAKEVILLE, MN

9.10%

5.52% 14

9.77% HOUSING

39.98%

ADVOCACY BLAINE, MN

25.27%

12.37% 29.30% 0.43% 10.54%

AFFORDABILITY INSTITUTE

13.39%

43.65%

SOUTHWEST 7.90% CHICAGO, IL

7.08% 29.52%

41.43% LAKEVILLE, MN Improvements

LOCAL REGULATIONS The cost of housing from local regulations and policies was the highest of any single government entity. Park fees, permit fees, infrastructure costs, the cost of holding letters or credit, and escrow funds combined to have a significant impact on housing prices (while escrow funds may eventually be returned to the builder, there is a cost to borrowing that money and having the cities hold it).

4.34% HOUSINGAFFORDABILITYINSTITUTE.ORG

38.40%

Raw Land

11.85%

30.89%

VICTORIA, MN

Builder B provided data on a 2,500-square-foot home in Blaine, Lakeville and Victoria as well as a slightly larger home in suburban Chicago, Ill., showing that it is $82,000 more to build in the Twin Cities than in this suburban Chicago area.

CHICAGO, IL

14.86%

$59,128

13

Unfinished

2,500 MN / 2,600 IL HUDSON, WI

53.03% $104,799

$99,271

4 3

53.92%

Stormwater Management

14.80%

LAKEVILLE, MN

$213,252

Administrative Costs Home Price

Parks & Greenspace

23.90% REGULATORY SHARE OF HOME 25.77%

23.90% Construction Costs BLAINE, MN

Improvements

BLAINE, MN

Land Costs

Total Square Footage

LAKE ELMO, MN

Raw Land

16% TOPLINE CATEGORIES

$22,789

HUDSON, WI HOME OVERVIEW $413,990

LAKE ELMO, MN 16.8% $402,990 29.73%

$406,670

Efficiency Rating (HERS)

14.86%

$59,128 $24,179

CORCORAN, MN

Home Price

3.06% 10.15%

26.48%

Builder A provided a look at a 1,750-square-foot home in Corcoran, Lake Elmo, and Hudson, Wisc., showing that it is nearly $50,000 more to build in the Twin Cities than in Hudson.

VICTORIA, MN Parks & Greenspace

Soft Cost (engineer, legal, soils, misc consultants)

Stormwater Management

Development Escrows (for city consultants)

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 13

SOUTHWEST CHICAGO, IL

AFFORDABILITY RESEARCH

REGIONAL REGULATIONS The largest regional regulation affecting the price of homes is land rationing by the Metropolitan Council, which is driving up the price of undeveloped land in the Twin Cities by up to a factor of 13.

MUSA LINE COMPARISON Anoka County: Blaine vs. Ham Lake

Washington County: Lake Elmo vs. Grant

Blaine and Ham Lake are adjacent communities.

Lake Elmo and Grant are adjacent communities.

BLAINE, MN

HAM LAKE, MN

LAKE ELMO, MN

GRANT, MN

$65,000-$80,000 PER ACRE

$6,200 PER ACRE

$80,000-$90,000 PER ACRE

$12,825-$23,000 PER ACRE

LAND WITHIN & NEAR MUSA LINE

LAND OUTSIDE & NEAR MUSA LINE

LAND WITHIN & NEAR MUSA LINE

LAND OUTSIDE & NEAR MUSA LINE

Scott County: Prior Lake vs. Credit River Township

Washington County: Woodbury vs. Afton

Prior Lake and Credit River Township are adjacent communities.

Woodbury and Afton are adjacent communities.

PRIOR LAKE, MN

CREDIT RIVER TOWNSHIP

WOODBURY, MN

AFTON, MN

$80,000-$125,000 PER ACRE

$21,000 PER ACRE

$85,000-$100,000 PER ACRE

$10,000-24,000 PER ACRE

LAND WITHIN & NEAR MUSA LINE

LAND OUTSIDE & NEAR MUSA LINE

LAND WITHIN & NEAR MUSA LINE

LAND OUTSIDE & NEAR MUSA LINE

CONSTRUCTION COST DIFFERENCES MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN (BUILDER D) Item

Minnesota

Illinois

Difference

Passive Radon System: Rock Requirement (MN)

Note

Classification

$7,550.00

$6,050.00

$1,500.00

Windows

$6,342.49

$5,931.89

$410.60

Window Fall Protection

Building Code Building Code

Building Code

Drywall

$11,757.01

$10,542.60

$1,214.41

Basement Rocking Fire Protection

Interior Window Trim Labor

$5,552.00

$5,302.00

$250.00

Window Fall Protection

Total Home Electrical

$7,771.00

$7,551.00

$220.00

Lumber and Trusses

$50,455.88

$48,738.39

$1,717.49

Building Code Electrical Code

20 Foot Trusses, Energy Code Compliance

Energy Code

HVAC

$11,470.00

$9,410.00

$2,060.00

ERV

Energy Code

Insulation

$7,514.00

$7,014.00

$500.00

MN Req v WI

Energy Code

Rating and Testing

Energy Code

Energy Testing

$500.00

$0.00

$500.00

Building Permit and Escrow Charges

$10,000.00

$4,500.00

$5,500.00

Total Home Plumbing

$14,231.00

$13,981.00

$250.00

Back Flow Preventer

Plumbing Code

Roofing Supplies

$4,141.45

$4,078.63

$62.82

Taxes

Sales Tax

Siding

$15,919.24

$15,818.07

$101.17

Taxes

Sales Tax

Exterior Doors

$559.19

$522.00

$37.19

Taxes

Sales Tax

Interior Doors and Millwork

$7,647.65

$7,139.00

$508.65

Taxes

Sales Tax

Cabinets and Hardware

$7,313.41

$6,827.00

$486.41

Taxes

Sales Tax

Appliances

$2,852.74

$2,663.00

$189.74

Taxes

Sales Tax

Lighting

$945.70

$931.35

$14.35

Taxes

Sales Tax

Total

$172,522.76

$156,999.93

$15,522.83

14 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

Local

STATE REGULATIONS Looking across the river to Wisconsin, tax law and code differences between the two states make Minnesota’s homes $15,000 more to build, according to Builder D, which provided a comprehensive look at the construction cost differences between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

ADVOCACY

BATC-Housing First Minnesota presents its findings to lawmakers AFFORDABILITY RESEARCH

A PATH FORWARD There is no single entity to blame or single regulation to modify that would solve Minnesota’s housing affordability problem rapidly. Newly built homes in Minnesota cost as much as they do in large part due to the compounding effect of multiple regulations from local, regional and state government entities. Nearly all of these regulations are well-intentioned and have merit, yet when taken in total, it becomes clear that action is needed to ensure

levels and ensuring an affordability review

Commission for Housing Affordability, as

of all new state housing decisions, the

proposed in Priced Out, was introduced in

commission would proctor an innovation

both the State House and State Senate.

affordability is not lost forever.

State Capitol and lawmakers of both

In order to address the regulatory side of the housing affordability issue, the report calls for a fundamental reimagining of how the state approaches housing policy. A comprehensive review of existing local, regional and state housing policies for affordability and forwardlooking protections against costly state regulations are needed.

To accomplish this, the report calls for the formation of a Legislative Commission on Housing Affordability. In addition to a review of existing housing policies at all

challenge aimed at producing an attractive home at a lower price, address the racial gap in homeownership and increase transparency in housing costs.

RECEPTION FROM POLICYMAKERS The focus of housing affordability issues and growing regulatory costs has been occurring for years at the Minnesota

Through March 14, there have been two hearings on legislation establishing the Commission on Housing Affordability called for in Priced Out. BATC-Housing First Minnesota Executive Director David Siegel, BATC-Housing First Minnesota President John Rask (M/I Homes) and Minnesota REALTORS CEO Chris Galler have testified before the Senate

parties embraced the report’s conclusion

Committees.

that local, regional and state regulatory

Legislation establishing the commission

costs are adding to Minnesota’s housing

cleared all stops in the Senate and awaits

affordability problem.

a floor vote. As of publication, the House had not yet taken up the legislation.

On Feb. 13, BATC-Housing First Minnesota was invited to the Minnesota

The report has also been discussed

State Senate to present the report to the

during other hearings on housing

Senate’s Agriculture, Rural Development,

affordability legislation.

and Housing Policy Committee, an

During remarks at this year’s Housing Day

important committee for all housing

at the Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Paul

policy legislation.

Gazelka, Speaker of the House Melissa

A day after the Feb. 13 hearing, bipartisan

Hortman and House Minority Leader Kurt

legislation establishing the Legislative

Daudt all referenced the report.

WHAT’S NEXT Priced Out is the first of many research projects the Housing Affordability Institute plans to undertake in the coming years.

Your advocacy team is already working on an outline for a broader state-to-state comparison featuring builders from across Minnesota and has begun a report focused on infrastructure costs related to new development.

“Our state’s affordability challenges won’t be solved overnight,” said Siegel. “We see research from the Housing Affordability Institute as an important tool to help shine a light on cost drivers as well as inform policymakers at all levels. We look forward to continued partnership from our builders, remodelers and associates on future projects.”

“

Our state’s affordability challenges won’t be solved overnight. We see research from the Housing Affordability Institute as an important tool to help shine a light on cost drivers as well as inform policymakers at all levels.

David Siegel, Executive Director BATC-Housing First Minnesota

Want to participate in future research?

Contact Nick Erickson at Nick@HousingFirstMN.org.

Find the report at HousingAffordabilityInstitute.org or the BATC-Housing First Minnesota office ADVOCACY

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 15

ADVOCACY UPDATE

Q1

ADVOCACY UPDATE 2019

Housing Debate Elevates The year is off to a fast start for the housing

To support these affordability discussions,

industry on several fronts. The standard

the Housing First Network has continued

budget year for the legislature brings a

its work with the Let’s Fix It issue advocacy

five-month march from January all the way

campaign across digital and radio channels.

through late May as our new legislature and Gov. Walz build our state’s next two-year budget. Along the way, housing affordability, labor issues and discussions on impact fees will also be considered in St. Paul. On the regulatory front, issues like debris disposal, lead paint and amendments to the plumbing code have emerged.

On the industry front, the newly formed Housing Affordability Institute released its first research paper, Priced Out: The True Cost of Minnesota’s Broken Housing Market. The research and its findings have elevated housing affordability discussions

For those who can’t get enough election activity, two special elections were triggered in Q1 and the Housing First Fund was active in both races.

BATC-Housing First Minnesota advocacy is a team activity, and we are fortunate to have a team of member leaders, professional staff, consultants and grassroots participation. Check out our Housing Day at the Capitol coverage, and for those interested in joining us, please reach out to any of our advocacy staff.

Onward,

and revealed that by nearly every measure, new homes cost more than comparable homes in all other Midwest markets.

JAMES VAGLE :: DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

ADVOCACY

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 17

1

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Housing Affordability Discussion Advances Minnesota is at a turning point. Our broken housing market is one of the most urgent and pressing issues facing our state. In order to address our housing affordability problem, we must fundamentally reimagine housing policies at the local, regional and state levels.

Enter House File 1208 and Senate File 1294. These bills were each introduced in their respective chambers early this session. HF 1208 is authored by Rep. Andrew Carlson, (D, Bloomington) and SF 1294 is authored by Sen. Rich Draheim (R, Madison Lake).

This proposal would establish a legislative commission to do the following:

Allow for affordability-centric review of existing housing policies Review new housing policies and regulations Investigate, address and recommend policies to address the homeownership equity gap Support innovative approaches to affordable new housing Create common language and transparency The conversation around the establishment of the legislative commission on housing affordability has been encouraging.

SF 1294 was referred to the Rules Committee in the Senate.

With this action, the bill met the required first legislative deadline to pass through committee of at least one legislative chamber by March 15.

“I think most of us have a dream of owning a home. Let’s talk about getting people to this end goal,” said Draheim during the Senate State Government Committee hearing.

As the legislature reaches its halfway point, it’s not clear what will pass into law. But the interest by Gov. Walz and all four caucuses foreshadows that housing will be in the mix at the end of session.

“I think most of us have a dream of owning a home. Let’s talk about getting people to this end goal.”

Senator Rich Draheim (R, Madison Lake)

Opposing Harmful Housing Bills Additionally, proposed legislation that would take Minnesota’s housing affordability issues in the wrong direction has been discussed. A bill that would allow the establishment of stretch energy codes, allowing for the possibility of having differing energy codes amongst municipalities was introduced in the House, as well as a bill that would authorize infrastructure fees.

Neither of these bills met the requirements of the first deadline. Expect continued conversation regarding this issue outside of the legislative session. Your advocacy team will continue to advocate for homeowners and the housing industry to combat these adverse proposals.

18 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY UPDATE

Housing industry testifies before legislature on need for regulatory reform

Sharing Our Research with the Legislature After the February release of Priced Out: The True Cost of Minnesota’s Broken Housing Market, legislators from both chambers and both sides of the aisle had great interest in learning more about the report and our housing affordability problem.

The Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Finance Committee held a full hearing to discuss the research report, its findings and solutions. The House of Representatives’ Housing Finance and Policy Division also invited us to discuss the report.

Housing’s Voice is Heard Hundreds of housing industry members gathered for the third annual Housing Day at the Capitol on March 4.

Together with members from the Minnesota REALTORS, BATC-Housing First Minnesota members had meetings with 61 state senators and 95 state representatives.

That’s 78 percent of the Minnesota legislature.

This year’s event kicked off with an exciting rally at the Capitol rotunda where we heard from Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt. All three echoed our efforts to promote housing affordability and more inventory options across the housing ecosystem.

Housing Day at the Capitol rally at the rotunda

From there members attended individual meetings with their legislators to discuss their local housing issues within the district as well as the housing legislation that is currently working its way through the legislative process.

HOUSING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS MET WITH

78%

OF THE MN LEGISLATURE

See additional photos from the event on page 52

ADVOCACY

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 19

2

ELECTORAL & ISSUE ADVOCACY

Housing Industry Member Wins Special Election On Feb. 5, Jason Rarick, a residential electrician from Pine City, won a special election to fill a vacancy in the State Senate in District 11. The opening was created when Sen. Tony Lourey was appointed by Gov. Walz to be the Department of Human Services Commissioner. With the win, the Minnesota State Senate now stands at a 35-32 majority for the Republicans. Rarick had served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2015.

20 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY UPDATE

LET'S FIX IT.

i

A Pathway to Fix Minnesota's Broken Housing Market.

Issue Advocacy You may have heard our ads on the radio or seen a digital ad on a number of websites.

‘Let’s Fix It’ is a broad-based awareness campaign to elevate housing policy discussions, leading our region’s march to increase homeownership opportunities for all Minnesotans, achieve greater affordability across all housing options, and cement a strong, balanced housing market to keep our region competitive. It is coordinated and sponsored by the Housing First Network.

These efforts are elevating the housing affordability discussion and continuing the conversation about the Housing Affordability Institute’s release of Priced Out: The True Cost of Minnesota’s Broken Housing Market.

PRICED OUT: The True Cost of Minnesota’s Broken Housing Market

PRICED OUT:

The True Cos Broken Hou t of Minnesota’s sing Ma rket

HOUSINGAFFORDABILITYINSTITUTE.ORG

HOUSI

NGAFF

ORDAB

ILITYI

NSTIT

UTE.O

RG

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRU

ARY 2 019

Learn more at LetsFixItMN.org

ADVOCACY

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 21

3

REGULATORY ADVOCACY

Construction and Demolition Waste The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is considering adding more rules or requirements to construction and demolition landfills and seeking to develop a construction waste recycling program. BATC-Housing First Minnesota staff met with the MPCA in February asking that housing affordability for both new homes and remodeling projects be considered in rulemaking. Staff will be actively engaged in this process, which is expected to last more than one year.

Building and Energy Codes

Board of Plumbing

BATC-Housing First Minnesota staff are in contact with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) regarding the 2020 draft building codes.

DLI will make a decision about adopting a new energy code following a review of the 2018 model energy code by the U.S. Department of Energy. This review has not yet taken place.

Last year, BATC-Housing First Minnesota petitioned the Board of Plumbing Ad Hoc Rulemaking Committee to remove the dishwasher air gap mandate. This year, the Committee proposed making the air gap optional. The final proposed Minnesota Plumbing Code will be presented later this year.

Committees Seek to Reimagine Construction If we could modify codes and incorporate new building materials and techniques could we construct a home today that would be safe, durable and at a price that competes with existing homes? That’s a question BATC-Housing First Minnesota’s Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee Committee and Local Government Issues Working Group (LGIWG) are working on answering. Starting from foundation excavation and working all the way through the construction process, the Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee has worked through each phase of the construction process and developed a proposed work plan. LGIWG members are focused on land development, permitting, water management and other local and regional topics.

On the Horizon: RRP/Lead Paint: The Minnesota Department of Health is preparing to release its latest draft RRP/Lead Paint Rule

22 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

Building Codes: The Department of Labor & Industry to release draft 2020 Building Codes

ADVOCACY

BATC-Housing First Minnesota presents at March SLUC meeting

City Engagement

4

LOCAL ADVOCACY

5

LEGAL ADVOCACY

Following the release of Priced Out, BATCHousing First Minnesota staff have been discussing the report and its findings with representatives of local governments from across the state.

Sensible Land Use Coalition At the March meeting of the Sensible Land Use Coalition (SLUC), BATC-Housing First Minnesota President John Rask and Nick Erickson, regulatory affairs manager, presented on Priced Out. Attendees of the March SLUC event included representatives of cities from across the region.

Legal Advocacy February was a busy month for the Housing Affordability Institute. In addition to the release of its first-ever research study, the Housing Affordability Institute officially received its 501(c)3 tax exempt status from that month from the Internal Revenue Service.

Stay up to date on the latest housing news. @HOUSINGFIRSTMN

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

HOUSINGFIRSTMN.ORG ADVOCACY

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 23

TOP 25 BUILDERS

TOP25 2 0 1 8

B U I L D E R S

Results from our annual top 25 builder survey show that Lennar – Minneapolis/St. Paul took the top spot

once again in 2018 followed by D.R Horton and Pulte Homes. Rankings are based on annual gross revenue as reported by respondents for for-sale housing.

“

The top 25 builders are clearly experts in building community and are working to provide Minnesotans with a safe, healthy, efficient place to call home.

David Siegel, Executive Director BATC-Housing First Minnesota

COMPANY NAME

GROSS REVENUE

TOTAL UNITS

SF UNITS

ATTACH HOUSING

1.

LENNAR

$591,305,200

1,377

1,036

341

2.

D.R. HORTON, INC. - MINNESOTA

$235,722,907

599

453

146

3.

PULTE HOMES OF MINNESOTA, LLC

$231,258,712

510

399

111

4.

M/I HOMES

$200,503,735

478

446

32

5.

ROBERT THOMAS HOMES, INC.

$127,718,544

215

215

0

6.

HANSON BUILDERS, INC.*

$107,710,970

169

169

0

7.

GONYEA HOMES, INC.**

$95,771,220

96

96

0

8.

CREATIVE HOMES, INC.

$66,273,894

138

117

21

9.

ETERNITY HOMES, LLC

$44,951,891

84

84

0

10. DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

$40,371,088

73

73

0

11. KEY LAND HOMES

$34,800,000

81

81

0

12. BRANDL ANDERSON HOMES, INC.

$31,502,850

79

62

17

13. COUNTRY JOE HOMES***

$28,978,753 57 57 0

14. SHARPER HOMES, INC.

$27,186,000

15. PROGRESSIVE BUILDERS, INC.

$25,507,164 99 99 0

16. NIH HOMES, LLC

$25,440,000

27

27

0

17. BENZINGER HOMES

$20,530,010

50

42

8

18. DONNAY HOMES, INC.

$18,000,000

31

23

8

19. MCDONALD CONSTRUCTION, INC.

$17,528,603

22

22

0

20. PRICE CUSTOM HOMES

$17,372,499

40

40

0

21. PRATT HOMES

$17,352,000

21

21

0

22. ONE TEN TEN HOMES, LLC

$16,168,863

33

33

0

23. GORHAM COMMUNITIES, LLC

$14,937,458

18

18

0

24. TOLLBERG HOMES, LLC

$14,800,000

27

27

0

25. HARTMAN HOMES, INC.

$14,782,713 19 19 0

*Includes Jonathan Homes ** Includes Gonyea Custom Homes & Stonegate Builders ***Includes Youngfield Homes, Inc.

24 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

52

52

0

Rankings are based on information provided by survey respondents. Each company has verified information to the best degree possible. Commercial construction firms building rental or senior housing were not included in this ranking.

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MSP

After a strong start to the year, residential construction slowed in February. With 330 permits pulled, single-family permits fell three percent compared to the 341 permits in February 2018.

The existing housing market remains short on inventory. At the current sales pace, there were only enough houses on the market last month to last 1.6 months, the lowest in a year, according the Minneapolis Area Realtors (MAR).

3.6% 3.9%

February 19

3.4% 3.8%

6.2% 2.2%

Feb. 19

New Single-Family Home Median Sales Price

Twin Cities All Property Types Median Sales Price

SOURCE: MPLS REALTORS

SOURCE: MPLS REALTORS

-5.7%

Twin Cities Construction Employment

4.0%

Y-Y Change

SOURCE: DEED-MN

Y-Y Change

Feb. 18

Feb. 18

Feb. 19

Feb. 19

Twin Cities Inventory of Homes for Sale

Twin Cities Total Closed Sales

SOURCE: US CENSUS

SOURCE: US CENSUS

Feb. 19

Feb. 18

Jan. 19

Feb. 19

Dec. 18

Feb. 18

SOURCE: DEED-MN NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED

Nov. 18

$419,900

Oct. 18

$410,909

February 18

Unemployment Rate Snapshot

$265,500

$250,000

February 19

February 18

Y-Y Change

Y-Y Change

MN

Twin Cities Construction Weekly Wage SOURCE: DEED-MN

Year-To-Date Twin Cities Single-Family Permits

Metro Building Permited Units Past 12 Months

SOURCE: KEYSTONE REPORT

SOURCE: KEYSTONE REPORT

Other Indicators

Feb. 19

Jan. 19

Nov. 18

Dec. 18

Oct. 18

Aug. 18

Sept. 18

July 18

June 18

May 18

Mar. 18

Feb. 18

Jobs

4.0% Y-Y Change

Apr. 18

Feb. 19

Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed slightly in February, but labor force participation and the employment-to-population ratio were stable. "The most significant decline this month was in construction, losing 3,800 jobs – not shocking given the brutal February weather we had,” DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said.

The Federal Reserve's announcement that they are not planning to raise rates this year sent mortgage rates plummeting. With the rate now down about 75 basis points from November, that’s a mortgage savings of $150 per month. The drop in rates helps both potential buyers and current homeowners who might be able to benefit from a refinance.

26 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

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We are designing an addition to a house that includes a green roof but it seems as though the building code does not address green (vegetative) roofs. What guidelines can we use to incorporate our green roof design into the building plan that will be submitted with the building permit application?

Q

There are no provisions in the Minnesota code that specifically addresses vegetative roofs (green roofs). A roof system such as this would need to be approved by the local Building Official as an alternative design that would need to be included in the submittal documents with the application for a building permit. The Building Official may ask for information that addresses the structural integrity, waterproofing membrane, saturated growing medium, plants, pipes, water sprinklers system, roof-top equipment, wind loading, flashing, fastener system, sheathing, roof slope and live load considerations in order to determine if this system meets the intent of the code. So, although the code does not specifically address a green or vegetative roof, when broken down the code will address each of these individual components.

Our client would like to have us construct a deck off the rear of their house. The deck surface will be about 24 inches above grade level.

Is a building permit required?

Q

The Minnesota code exempts decks from building permits if the proposed deck will not be greater than 30 inches above grade, the deck will not be attached to the house,

EMAIL YO U R C ONST R U C TION REL ATE D Q UE ST I ONS TO ASK@B ATC . O RG

EDUCATION

and the deck is not required as part of an accessible route such as required in the accessibility code for some applications but typically not required for single-family homes that are not licensed facilities or designed as group homes. Keep in mind that the actual construction will still need to meet the code provisions, such as for structural integrity, handrails, and use of building materials related to exterior exposure. In addition to the building code, most municipalities have zoning codes that may address where a deck can be placed on the property and some municipalities may require “land-use” zoning permits. Check with your local Building Official in your area.

We have a building permit to construct a deck. At the final inspection the local Building Inspector noted that our floor joists at 16 inches on center were spaced too far apart for the particular composite plastic decking that we installed at a 45-degree angle. She noted that the particular decking needs to have floor joist support not exceeding 12 inches on center when the decking is installed at a 45-degree angle as noted in the manufacturer’s installation instructions. This plan was approved with this information noted on it. Can the Building Inspector require us to correct this situation?

Q

Yes. Even if this deck plan was approved as part of the building permit, the code requires the Building Inspector to ensure compliance to the best of their ability and they can ask for the correction. In addition, the manufacturer requires it for the particular angle that it was installed.

HAVE CONSTRUCTIO-RELATED QUESTIONS?

We have the answers! Peter Kulczyk of Green Code Knowledge, a building industry expert and previous Contractor University instructor, is available to answer your questions.

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 29

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

With the baby-boomer population aging, it is estimated that by 2050, 21 percent of the population will be comprised of

individuals 85 years and older. While boomers are aging, their

THE NEW NORMAL

by Marla Abstetar, Sr. Sales Executive, Kohler Co.

This age group also holds the most wealth of any other current age group, with an estimated annual spending power of more than $15 trillion! This unprecedented buying power enables choice in how and where they live. It also drives the desire to remodel key living areas, specifically the entry, bath and kitchen, to stay in their homes longer.

Historically, the design community has turned to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for insight into residential accessibility solutions. This often drives institutional-looking home environments, rather than beautiful and accessible spaces. The more an individual’s space feels like a nursing home, the less it feels like their home.

This cultural norm has begun to shift to a focus on Universal Design from the inception of a project, which adds a wider variety of visually stimulating

30 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

expectations about doing so are far removed from the views of

generations before them. Boomers are determined to live their lives filled with vitality, meaning and independence. options, regardless of a homeowner’s lifestyle circumstances. A holistic approach to design addresses not only a consumer’s physical needs, but mental and emotional needs as well.

In the past, the primary focus of an aging-in-place remodel was on functionality with less regard for style. However, products that sacrifice aesthetics are undesirable to consumers who want to maintain a gracious lifestyle.

On the flip side, being surrounded by a beautiful environment that is difficult to use has an emotional toll on a person’s well-being. If clients are forced to live in ‘undesirable’ conditions, it can affect their outlook on, and quality of, life.

Without our assistance, today’s consumer may not think about purchasing products or creating designs that solve age or ability needs until it is necessary.

Many times, the direction to redesign

their home is suggested by a medical professional rather than the design community. As design and construction specialists, we can use our skills to create a dynamic environment for a wide variety of consumers.

This new normal of incorporating beautiful, easy-to-use products into residential spaces allows us to increase the quality of life in tangible ways, and helps our clients enjoy their spaces long term, regardless of their physical and emotional needs.

SPACE CONSIDERATIONS The bathroom and kitchen are the two areas where accidents typically occur in a home. Because of this, Universal Design drives the most impact on health and well-being. Here are a few tips to take into consideration when designing a long-term home.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

B ATH OPEN FLOOR PLAN

VISUAL CUES

An open floor plan allows for increased circulation in the space. A large shower base and tub located in the center of the space increase the flexibility for the user’s approach. Wallmounted vanities allow for a cleaner design, while providing access to the user from a seated position.

Visual cues, such as colored fixtures, flush flooring transitions that inform the user visually of a change, or even LED lighting to offer blue wayfaring light in the evening, aid all users in the space.

INTUITIVE PRODUCTS BALANCED LIGHTING Layering multiple light sources such as natural, ambient, task and even decorative lighting schemes within your design aids users in safely performing grooming tasks throughout the space.

BALANCED LIGHTING

The shower is often the space that causes most confusion for users. Consider a digital interface that offers intuitive images for use and temperature control that a caregiver can pre-set. Alternatively, independent showering controls placed adjacent to the showering components help lessen confusion.

Layering multiple light sources such as natural, ambient, task and even decorative lighting schemes within your design aids users in safely performing grooming tasks throughout the space.

KITC H EN MULTI-HEIGHT WORKING SURFACES

MULTIPLE WORK ZONES A wall-mounted pot filler faucet allows for a water source over the cooking zone and minimizes movement for the user. The water filter faucet in an island allows for easy access to drinking water without interrupting prep tasks at the main sinks.

Plan for work surfaces at several heights to accommodate different working positions, such as standing and sitting. A lower countertop can offer an additional work surface if the chairs are pulled away.

BALANCED LIGHTING

VISUAL CUES

Incorporating task and undercounter lighting, while incorporating natural light, will help with food and task prep while reducing possibilities for kitchen accidents.

Contrasting cabinet, countertop and sink combinations and lighted controls offer visual cues to the end user to reduce accidents within the space.

For more useful and practical knowledge that you can apply to your job or business, visit ContractorU.com to find online courses through Contractor University at BATC-Housing First Minnesota! You’ll find timely and relevant information while fulfilling your continuing education requirements.

EDUCATION

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 31

CONTRACTOR U

BUILDER · REMODELER · REAL ESTATE · BUILDING OFFICIAL

CONTR ACTOR U.CO M

EARN YOUR CE CREDITS ONLINE

CONTRACTOR UNIVERSITY

COURSES AVAILABLE 24/ 7 AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS IACET ACCREDITATION FOR CONTINUING

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION: FROM PERMIT APPLICATION TO FINAL INSPECTION Peter Kulczyk, Green Code Knowledge

EDUCATION COURSES The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has awarded BATC-Housing First Minnesota's Contractor University the prestigious Accredited Provider status. In addition to offering continuing education credits to Minnesota building officials, Minnesota REALTORS, and Minnesota and Wisconsin contractors, Contractor University will now offer IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to learners who wish to advance their careers. IACET accreditation allows Contractor University to expand online training for contractors.

This online course focuses on the construction process for a single-family home under the MN Residential and Energy Codes.

7 credit hours for MN Contractors (including Energy) & MN Building Officials

HOW TO DEAL WITH A CRAZED HOMEOWNER: RESPONDING TO A HOMEOWNER’S AGGRESSIVE THREATS & TACTICS Stephen Yoch, Felhaber Larson

“IACET accreditation is recognized as one of the highest achievements in continuing education training,” said Tom Gavaras, education and special programs manager.

With IACET certification, plans are in place to continue expanding online courses making it possible for members to develop their skill sets from the comfort of their homes or offices.

Builders are increasingly facing aggressive and hostile homeowners. Properly handling these individuals can mean the difference between another challenging day at the office which is carefully and effectively resolved versus facing protracted litigation and huge potential liability.

1 credit hour for MN + WI Contractors & MN Building Officials

SPONSORED BY

QUESTIONS? Contact Tom Gavaras: 651-697-7592 | Tom@BATC.org

32 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

®

“

The IACET accreditation process has resulted in Contractor University raising the bar on the quality of its education training. We are very proud of this accomplishment.

— David Siegel, Executive Director BATC-Housing First Minnesota

EDUCATION

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BETTER LEADERS GO FURTHER WITH DECISIONMAKING Do you have a vision of growing your business into more than it is today but feel like you keep getting stuck?

Accomplishing your goal of a bigger and better future will require changes to how your business is run. Handin-hand with those changes come all the decisions to be made. Unfortunately, as businesses grow and become more complex, especially with the addition of more people, the decision-making process often slows down. Sometimes, it even comes to a screeching halt.

Often a delayed decision is a bad decision and can cause your business to bump up against a ceiling, stopping progress toward your goal. However, the speed of your decision-making process can be improved rather painlessly by implementing a few of the following suggestions.

HERE ARE EIGHT WAYS TO INCREASE THE PACE OF DECISION-MAKING IN YOUR ORGANIZATION THAT CAN HELP YOU BREAK THE CEILING AND START MOVING FURTHER AND FASTER TOWARD YOUR GOAL.

34 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

ONE Seeking perfection can stop progress.

Making a decision and moving forward today can be much better than waiting too long and potentially missing opportunities. Don’t let a desire for perfection slow down your business.

Believing there is one right answer and all other answers are wrong can prevent you from making a decision and thus, moving forward more quickly.

TWO Prioritize issues for timely significant decisions. Will what you decide have consequences two years from now? How difficult will it be to change course if the decision brings unexpected negative consequences? Take on the highest priorities and move forward. Sometimes this means making small decisions that move big issues forward one more step.

THREE Can the decision be delegated to someone else? Business leaders who insist on making all the decisions slow their businesses down and substantially limit their ability to grow. Delegating decisions will also provide development and growth opportunities for your team members, resulting in improved organizational culture.

FOUR Can the decision be separated into smaller decisions? What step or steps forward can be taken today? Simply breaking big decisions down into smaller bites can dramatically speed up the process.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

WRITTEN BY JERRY OLSON, BUSINESS ADVISOR, THE RESULTANTS

FIVE The simple act of setting a date for having a decision in place seems obvious but isn’t always done. If you are forced to make a decision in order to meet your deadline, chances are it won’t be pushed further and further down the road.

SIX With a deadline set, determine what process you’ll use to make the final decision.

Determine what additional information is needed and who will gather it as well as whose advice and input should be included.

Be clear about the steps and expectations, and assign actions with concrete deadlines for completion.

Author Jerry Olson is a business advisor with The Resultants, a Twin Cities business advisory firm. As a business advisor, Jerry advocates for the best interest of your business so it can move further and faster to thrive and sustain over time. He helps leaders gather great people and inspire them to achieve top performance, resulting in accelerated bottom-line results. Jerry also helps leaders align people strategies with organizational strategies and more effectively lead, manage and hold people accountable.

In addition, Jerry and The Resultants have provided instruction and curriculum for BATC-Housing First Minnesota’s Leadership Institute for the past four years. To learn more about Jerry and The Resultants, visit theResultants.com.

SEVEN People with different personality styles make decisions differently. Without knowing and acknowledging these differences, the process can become dysfunctional. Those who require more information and input should not be allowed to slow the entire process down. Many teams find great value in team building exercises such as assessing individual styles and personalities. Knowing how your team members process decisions can help smooth the decision-making process.

EIGHT Decisions, especially big ones, evoke emotions which can then slow decisionmaking. Sometimes the simple act of acknowledging the emotions can help people embrace the change and speed up the process of deciding and implementing it.

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BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 35

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

DEVELOP THE NEXT LEADER IN YOUR BUSINESS R EG I ST R AT I ON I S NOW OPE N FOR T H E 5 T H ANNUAL L E A DE R S H I P I NS T I T UT E

The Leadership Institute will prepare your company’s up-and-coming leaders to take a strong and confident leadership role in your company. Students will learn to take OWNERSHIP of your company’s mission and bottom line, have greater decision-making CONFIDENCE, identify SOLUTIONS within your company and develop a NETWORK of peer advisors.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The Leadership Institute is open to employees of BATC-Housing First Minnesota member companies who supervise others or serve in a project management role within their company.

FROM FORMER STUDENTS:

“

The topics and tools provided in the Leadership Institute have proved to be absolutely priceless as I grow within my company. I was able to grow as a leader starting with understanding my personal strengths and then by understanding the strengths of those around me.

“

The Leadership Institute is an excellent program for anyone having the desire to bring their leadership skills to the next level. The venue, materials, and facilitation were excellent. I would recommend this training to any company interested in seeing real progress in their leadership structure.

WHEN DO CLASSES TAKE PLACE?

Once a month for 10 consecutive months from September 2019 to June 2020. Graduates will be presented with a completion certificate on stage at The BIG Night in October 2020.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Jerry Olson, The Resultants Industry leaders are also present at many of the courses.

DE TA I L S & REGIST R AT ION AT

BATC. ORG > E D U CATION APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 1, 2019 | REGISTRATION IS LIMITED

36 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

EDUCATION

GREEN PATH

MI NN ES OTA ' S

GREEN PATH TAKES THE STAGE I N NEW ORL EA N S

Minnesota’s Green Path is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in Minnesota. Since its inception in 2011, the program has provided Home Performance Reports to more than 16,000 newly built homes.

This February, Tom Gavaras, education and special programs manager at BATC-Housing First Minnesota traveled to New Orleans with Ross Anderson, an energy efficiency consultant at The Energy Network Worldwide, to share the success of the program with 2019 RESNET Conference attendees. Here’s what Tom had to say about presenting Green Path to the building community.

H OH MOEMPEE RPFEO RO MRAM NA CN E CREE PRO RO T RT RF EP

HERS Index HERS Index WWW.MNGREENPATH.ORG WWW.MNGREENPATH.ORG

HomeHome Address: Address: 123 Any NE NE 123Street Any Street St. Michael, MN 55376 St. Michael, MN 55376 Square Feet: 4,321 Square Feet: 4,321 Bedrooms: 4 Bedrooms: 4 Builder: Minnesota Builder, Inc. Inc. Builder: Minnesota Builder,

ACH50 ACH50

50 50

ENERGY TESTED ENERGY TESTED

120 110 120 100 110 90 100 80 9070 8060 7050 6040 5030 4020 3010 20

130+ 130+ AVG OLDER HOME

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The RESNET Energy Rating System (HERS) score ratesscore homes against anagainst index ofanthe code of 100.

The the score, the score, more energy efficient home.the home.

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GENEROUS SUPPORT SUPPORT FOR MINNESOTA’S GENEROUS FOR MINNESOTA’S GREEN PATH IS PROVIDED BY: GREEN PATH IS PROVIDED BY:

The Air Changes Hour at 50Hour Pascals (ACH50) the index in blower testing to testing indicatetohow airtight a home is.aAs with is.

HERS, the HERS, lower the The AirPer Changes Per at 50 Pascalsis(ACH50) is used the index used door in blower door indicate how airtight home As with the score lower the the more score energy the more energy efficient the home.the home. efficient Minnesota’s Green PathGreen is a program BATC-Housing First Minnesota.

Minnesota’s Path is aofprogram of BATC-Housing First Minnesota.

NOvEMBER 9,NOvEMBER 2018 8:56 AM 9, 2018 8:56 AM

C O MI NG SOO N

SM

WHAT DID YOU SHARE WITH THE ATTENDEES AT THE RESNET CONFERENCE? The evolution of Minnesota’s Green Path program. When Green Path was created, there was a void in the marketplace for a green building program for residential construction. From the outset, the goal of Green Path has been to help builders and homeowners look at energy and green building in a different, more affordable way. Using Green Path as a model, we shared some of the strategies for bringing together utilities, builders, and raters to highlight energy-efficient building techniques by the promotion of the HERS index through Home Performance Reports, leveraging the connections of local or state builder associations, and using consumer marketing vehicles such as home tours and other consumer events.

WHAT DID YOU HOPE ATTENDEES LEARNED FROM YOUR PRESENTATION?

G R EEN PAT H I S SPONSORED BY

LE A RN M OR E AT

M NGR EENPATH.ORG

We hope attendees were energized and inspired by what has been accomplished in Minnesota with Green Path and are eager to evaluate the resources available in their area to promote the HERS rating and energy efficiency. Attendees were engaged and asked questions all throughout the presentation. They were also quite impressed with our examples of news stories showcasing Green Path homes.

WHY DO YOU THINK OUR MINNESOTA GREEN PATH PROGRAM STANDS OUT AMONG GREEN PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY? Minnesota has the lowest HERS score average (51) among high-growth states.

Factoring in current building and energy codes, utility energy rebates, and the marketing power of the Parade of HomesSM, this all creates a wonderful incentive to educate consumers about the advantages of new construction or finding ways to make their current homes more energy efficient.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GREEN PATH? If residential home construction continues at its current pace, we’re on track to have issued 20,000 HPRs in 2020. In addition, we’ll be introducing the Designated Green Path Builder program to recognize builders who test a minimum of 75 percent of their homes.

Green Path Energy Tested Homes

In the Parade of Homes

70% 4% 2011

MARKETING & EVENTS

2018

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 37

BLOGGING BEST PRACTICES

If you’re adding content marketing to your overall marketing strategy, developing a strong blog is the fuel to reach qualified customers. It can give you credibility, build search authority, and increase social media engagement. But where to begin? These seven best practices for blogging will set you on your way to building a blog strategy with meaning.

BLOGGING TIPS

1

Organize Your Content Calendar

3

Showcase Your Expertise

5

Build Reputable Links

Keeping an organized content calendar can help to plan out topics and stick to a cadence that is meaningful for your audience. An organized content calendar also allows room for flexibility when real-time topics or current events occur that are important to weave into your schedule.

Your blog is meant to add value to your customers and potential customers, it’s not just a selfpromotion tool. Think of your blog as a way to establish your expertise in your industry. Provide insights into industry trends, showcase your clients and customers, and report on the latest happening in your industry. Share updates about your company as well, but balance is essential.

2

4

Quality Over Quantity While quantity is important, don’t sacrifice the quality and consistency of your content just to publish more frequently. Test different schedules– maybe that’s once a week instead of every day– and find the rhythm that allows you to produce the best articles for your audience.

Measure Your Success How will you measure your blog’s success?

Knowing what metrics are important to your organization can help build your content strategy.

There are multiple ways to measure your success: social shares, comments, website visits, organic search traffic, new leads, and many more. Once you’ve narrowed in on what you should measure, optimize based on those metrics.

Link building can raise your website’s domain authority and allow you to rank higher with search engines. With strong links coming into your website, it shows search engines that your content is valuable and relevant to the topic they are talking about. If you’re creating great content, other websites will link to it and new audiences will share it. Reach out to a focused group of relevant websites who may be interested in linking to your content. But remember to never spam sites— only suggest content that could add value to the website you are pitching.

6

Be Hyper-Aware of SEO, But Write Naturally Understanding your keywords will help guide your blog topics. If you’ve chosen topics that are relevant to your desired audience and fit with your keyword strategy, incorporating those contextual keywords into your content should feel natural, while still strengthening your SEO ranking.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

7

Never Stop Learning Blog management is a full-time job. Staying on top of the SEO changes and the latest blog research can feel overwhelming but having a few key resources can make all the difference.

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 39

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2019 Upcoming Events APR 27

JUN 7-23

JUN 19

JUN 18

MEMBER 2019

start

Hearts in Housing Gala J.W. Marriott, Mall of America Bloomington, MN | 5:30-11:30 PM

Artisan Home Tour Fri.-Sun. | 12:00-6:00 PM

BATC-Housing First Minnesota Roseville, MN | 3:00-6:00 PM

BATC-Housing First Minnesota Roseville, MN | 12:00-1:30 PM

AUG 1

AUG 7

SEPT

SEPT 7-29

BATC-Housing First Minnesota Roseville, MN | Dates TBD

Fall Parade of Homes Thurs.-Sun. | 12:00-6:00 PM

2019

start

G O LF OPE N

GOLF Majestic Oaks Golf Club Ham Lake, MN

BATC-Housing First Minnesota Roseville, MN | 3:30-5:00 PM

SEPT 17

SEPT 27-29

GOLF OPEN

Legends Golf Club Prior Lake, MN

Register for Events & Find Details @ BATC.org/Events

Fall Remodelers Showcase Fri.-Sun. | 12:00-6:00 PM

DETAILS :: Earn Your CE Credits Year-Round With Online Contractor University Courses!

ContractorU.com

New Home Construction: From Permit Application to Final Inspection How to Deal With a Crazed Homeowner: Responding to a Homeowner’s Aggressive Threats and Tactics

Golf Tournament Registration

May 1, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.

BATC.org

Leadership Institute Submission Deadline July 1, 2019

Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase Entry Deadline June 12, 2019

You’re Listed.

Your Membership Directory is working for you all day, every day.

Update and upgrade your listing any time by logging in to BATC.org

MEMBER SEARCH BATC.ORG

DO BUSINESS v A MEMBER

MARKETING & EVENTS

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 41

PHOTO GALLERY

1

Contractor University DECEMBER 2018 - MA RCH 2019 Hundreds of contractors, REALTORS and building officials joined us for the 2018-2019 Contractor University season. With more than 20 courses to select from, Contractor U is a great way to earn your continuing education credits and strengthen your skill set. Missed the classroom courses? Two online courses are available year-round at ContractorU.com

2

3

4

5 S PONS ORS

1. Peter Kulczyk (Green Code Knowledge, LLC) teaches a Contractor Univsersity course at BATC-Housing First Minnesota :: 2. Ross Anderson (The Energy Network Worldwide, LLC) answers attendee questions at the annual Builders and Remodelers Show :: 3. Mark Weegman teaches a course on engineered lumber and framing :: 4. More than 20 classroom courses were available for attendees to select from :: 5. A full house for a course covering code compliance

42 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

MARKETING & EVENTS

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FINISH FINISHCARPENTRY CARPENTRY | | PREFINISH PREFINISH | | MILLWORK MILLWORK | | DOORS DOORS CABINETRY CABINETRY | | HARDWARE HARDWARE | | DESIGN DESIGNSTUDIO STUDIO RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL&&COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL

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PHOTO GALLERY

1

Kickstart

FEBRUA RY 5, 2019

Members old and new joined us at Kickstart to mingle with other members and find out how to make the most of their membership.

2

4

3

5

6

start UPCOMING DATES

6/19/19

12:00PM - 1:30PM

8/7/19

3:30PM - 5:00PM

10/19/19 12:00PM - 1:30PM

1. It’s Kickstart time! :: 2. David Siegel (BATC-Housing First Minnesota) discusses the breakdown of the membership at the association :: 3. Zak Safdari (Brilliant Properties, LLC) shares a bit about why he is interested in joining the association :: 4. Mark Foster (BATC-Housing First Minnesota) talks to attendees about Priced Out, the newly released research paper :: 5. Zak Safdari (Brilliant Properties, LLC), Dennis Kisch (DT Building Components) and Daniel Sarkiaho (Brilliant Properties, LLC) :: 6. Emily Youngs (BATC-Housing First Minnesota) shares details on how to get involved at the annual Builders and Remodelers Show

44 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

MARKETING & EVENTS

Partnering with Minnesota Builders for over 45 years

Garage Door Install

Garage Door Service

763.786.4730

Emergency Service

idc-automatic.com

PHOTO GALLERY

1

Builders & Remodelers Show FEBRUA RY 13, 2019 From networking and new products to the education courses and student skills demo, the annual Builders and Remodelers Show brought hundreds of industry members together to view products and services from almost 200 exhibitors.

3

2

e le

rs

WHY DO ATTENDEES COME?

s Builder

ABOUT THE ATTENDEES

52%

of Attendees indicated they make the purchasing decisions for their company

2%

ATTENDEE BY TYPE

Attendees checked in

*Architects , Interior Designers, Building Officials, Students

68% plan to purchase within the next 12 months

purchased at the show

39%

of Attendees are BATC-Housing First Minnesota members

ATTENDEE BY TITLE

715

*

35% 18% 47%

her

Re

od

Ot

m

4

24%

Principal/ Owner/Partner

20%

Vice President

92%

to make industry connections

90%

to see new products and services

90%

because it’s fun

6%

7%

Construction Superintendent

CEO/President

5%

14%

General Manager

Other

1. BRS isn’t all fun and games … but it is pretty fun and there were lots of games! :: 2. Builders and remodelers learn about the latest products :: 3. The show floor was hopping with attendees :: 4. Sweet treats!

46 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

MARKETING & EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

ABOUT THE EXHIBITORS

FEB. 12, 2020 | MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

BOOTH SALES WILL BEGIN IN JULY. A $200 deposit is required.

Early bird rate expires: Oct. 31, 2019

5

7

190 25,400

Companies Exhibited

Square feet of exhibits

6

9

8

5. Exhibitors with the latest products and services are marked with an “It’s New” flag :: 6. Showcasing new innovations to attendees :: 7. Justin Frost, Adam Ritchey and Joe Seidling (The Tile Shop) recieved the award for Best Booth :: 8. Terry Faust and Greg Livermont (Andersen Windows) proudly show off their award for Best New Product/Service for their Easy Connect Joining System :: 9. A great turnout from exhibitors and attendees alike!

MARKETING & EVENTS

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 47

Show Committee Special thanks to the Builders & Remodelers Show Committee for all their work on making BRS a success.

Jake Schwietering CenterPoint Energy (Chair)

Dennis Galligan In-Focus Systems

Kevin Morel James Hardie Building Products

Jon Coty AVID Audio Visual Installation & Design

Kate Hamilton CAMBRIA

Jason Myrlie J. Carsten Remodeling

Bryan Martin Aquarius Water Conditioning, Inc.

Adam Olson Lampert Lumber

Jim Fuschetto Lyman Lumber Co.

10

11

12

13

10. Stephen Yoch (Felhaber Larson) teaches a course during the Contractor University education sessions at the show :: 11. A bird’s-eye view of BRS :: 12. Nice shot! :: 13. The show is all about innovation and collaboration

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MARKETING & EVENTS

15

14

17

16

14. The selfie spot at #BRS19 was a hit! :: 15. Paige Schultz and Aaron Glass take part in the first student Skills Demo at BRS :: 16. Heads up! :: 17. The student teams hard at work

PRE MIE R SHOW SPONS ORS

BAG S PONS OR Cityscape Painting Contractors, Inc. BADGE S PONS OR Builders FirstSource EDUCATION S PONS ORS

SHOW SPONSORS

Windows • Doors • Cabinets

BA R S PONS ORS ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Bayer Built Woodworks, Inc.

Final Touch Construction Clean Up

MARKETING & EVENTS

Bayer Interior Woods Twin Cities Closet Company

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 49

PHOTO GALLERY

1

International Builders Show FEBRUA RY 20, 2019 BATC-Housing First Minnesota members joined us for camaraderie and drinks at our Minnesota happy hour event during the International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

No agenda—just good drinks and socializing!

2

3

4

5

6

1. Viva Las Vegas! :: 2. Members and staff met at Chayo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar for a Minnesota happy hour :: 3. Jennie Carroll and Ray Carroll (Carroll’s Exterior Remodeling, Inc.) :: 4. Curt Swanson, Kym Swanson (Swanson Homes), Mary Michels (Michels Homes), Kori Meewes (and more by Kori), and Curt Christensen (Lee Lyn Construction, LLC) :: 5. Dan Phillips, Chris Fehr, Scot Waggoner, Kris Waggoner, Ronda Brandvold, Tim Brandvold, John Meacham, and Sara Meacham (w.b. builders) :: 6. Jason Stotts (Dura Supreme Cabinetry) and James Fisher (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage)

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MARKETING & EVENTS

Same commitment.

Same values.

Same family.

Since 1930.

www.SchererBros.com

S U P P O R T I N G L O C A L B U I L D E R S F O R G E N E R AT I O N S

PHOTO GALLERY

1

Housing Day at the Capitol MA RCH 4, 2019 Housing Day at the Capitol was a smashing success.

Together with members from the Minnesota REALTORS® we had meetings with 61 state senators and 95 state representatives—that’s 78 percent of the Minnesota legislature!

2

3

4

4

1. Marc Cabrera and Brian Robbins (Pella Windows & Doors) sharing the messages of the day :: 2. Members gather at the Capitol Rotunda where caucus leaders addressed the group :: 3. David Siegel (BATC-Housing First Minnesota) kicks off the rally at the rotunda :: 4. Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer (Big Lake) meets with constituents

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MARKETING & EVENTS

5

6

7

8

9

5. Michael Schlagel (Pella Windows & Doors), Kori Meewes (and more by Kori), David Frosch (Kootenia Homes and Michael Lee, Inc.), Jim Fuschetto (Lyman Lumber Co.), Brad Meewes (and more by Kori) and Tom Wiener (Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc.) let their voices be heard :: 6. It was a beautiful (chilly) day at the Capitol! :: 7. A lunch and reception gave attendees time to network and discuss the agenda :: 8. Sen. Eric Pratt discusses housing with constituents :: 9. Mark Foster (BATC-Housing First Minnesota) and Rep. Andrew Carlson (Bloomington)

C APITOL SPONSORS

ADVOCATE S PONS ORS

All, Inc. Liberty Title, Inc. Lyman Companies Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.

MARKETING & EVENTS

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 53

EVENTS

Hearts in Housing Gala APRIL 27, 2019 | 5:30 PM J.W. MARRIOTT - MALL OF AMERICA

You’re invited to attend the fourth annual Hearts in Housing Gala along with your family, friends, colleagues and business partners to benefit the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation!

Embrace the masquerade theme as you enjoy fabulous food and networking, win big during the silent and live auctions, and show your support for the work your foundation is doing to provide housing for Minnesota’s homeless, veterans and others in need.

CAN’T ATTEND, but still want to contribute?

Register by April 22 $175 P E R TICKE T

5:30 PM :: Check-in / Social 7:00 PM :: Dinner (Subject to Change)

QUESTIONS? :: Shelly Barrett 651-697-7562 Shelly@BATC.org

R EG I S T ER AT HE A RT S I N HOU S I N G G A L A.ORG

V ISIT H EA RT S I N HOU S I N GGA L A .ORG TO G I V E TODAY.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

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MARKETING & EVENTS

Helping members manage the largest challenge they face— the subcontracted exposure.

Professionally Monitoring Professionally Tracking and Monitoring Your Certificates of Insurance Your Documents & The BAM-Endorsed solution helping members Certificates of Insurancemanage the largest challenge they face‌ the subcontracted exposure.

www.RMC123.com www.RMC123.com MEMBER OF

info@RMC123.com |

info@RMC123.com 952-681-2391 612-366-0345

EVENTS

Artisan Home Tour Plans are in place for the sixth annual Artisan Home Tour this June. This ticketed tour showcases high-end homes throughout the Twin Cities area and raises money for the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation.

The following builders and remodelers have committed 21 new homes and 11 remodeled homes in the 2019 tour: Kroiss Development, Inc.

Builders

Remodelers

Bruce Lenzen Design Build, LLC

North Oaks

City Homes, LLC

Edina

Carl M. Hansen Companies

Edina

Ispiri, LLC

Excelsior

City Homes, LLC

Edina

Ispiri, LLC

Lake Elmo

City Homes, LLC

Victoria

Landmark Building Contractors, LLC

Mound

Custom One Homes Woodbury

Lecy Bros. Homes & Remodeling

Shorewood

Denali Custom Homes, Inc. Woodland

Puustelli USA

Golden Valley

Divine Custom Homes, LLC

Revision, LLC

Edina

Gonyea Custom Homes Shorewood

Schrader & Companies

Wayzata

Gordon James Construction, Inc. Orono

Sicora Design Build

Edina

Hendel Homes Orono

w.b. builders

Edina

Highmark Builders, Inc.

Water Street Homes, LLC

Medina

Hudson, WI

Prior Lake

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. Orono

(Subject to change)

Kroiss Development, Inc. Edina Lecy Bros. Homes & Remodeling Orono Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc. Orono Michael Paul Design + Build

GRAND MASTER SPONSORS

Eden Prairie

Narr Construction, Inc. Greenwood Nor-Son Custom Builders Medina SD Custom Homes Lakeville

JOURNEYMAN SPO NSO RS

Stonewood, LLC Orono Wooddale Builders, Inc.

Orono

(Subject to change)

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MARKETING & EVENTS

WHEN ::

June 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 Noon-6 p.m.

WHERE ::

32 stunning homes all across the Twin Cities

TICKETS ::

Details and tickets available in May at ArtisanHomeTour.org • $30 At the homes • $25 Online • $20 at Bachman’s or with a coupon from Holiday StationStores (starting May 20)

Last year’s Artisan Home Tour was a fantastic event that brought qualified buyers to the Artisan homes. In its fifth year, we had 52,649 total combined visits across the 27 homes—a 10 percent increase over traffic from the previous year. The final day of the 2018 tour also had a new single-day record: 9,671 combined visits in just one day! We’re gearing up for another great year! To learn how you can get involved in the tour or see more details on the Artisan homes, visit ArtisanHomeTour.org.

ARTISANHOMETOUR.ORG

1

4

2

3

5

6

52,649

T O TA L C O M B I N E D VISITS LAST YEAR

7

1. City Homes, LLC :: 2. Gordon James Construction, Inc. :: 3. Custom One Homes :: 4. Denali Custom Homes, Inc. :: 5. Stonewood, LLC :: 6. Michael Paul Design + Build :: 7. Revision, LLC PHOTOGRAPHED BY LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY | 2018 ARTISAN HOME TOUR

MARKETING & EVENTS

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 57

EVENTS

Summer Events Get out and enjoy some fun in the sun with your fellow BATCHousing First Minnesota members at our summer events. The Member Bash is a great event for us to say thank you for being a member with food and drink provided (of course), and lots of prizes and giveaways! The Golf Open is lined up for another great day on the green, and if that’s not enough golf, come out for the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation Golf Open to round out the summer. Registration and additional details at BATC.org.

Member Bash

Golf Open

Foundation Golf Open

WHEN ::

WHEN ::

WHEN ::

WHERE ::

WHERE ::

June 18, 2019 3:00-6:00 p.m.

WHERE ::

BATC-Housing First Minnesota 2960 Centre Pointe Drive Roseville, MN

August 1, 2019 7:00 a.m. Morning Shotgun 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Shotguns

Majestic Oaks Golf Club 701 Bunker Lake Blvd Andover, MN

September 17, 2019 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Shotgun

The Legends Golf Club 8670 Credit River Blvd Prior Lake, MN

DETAILS ::

Kindly register by June 11 Free to attend

GOLF OPEN DETAILS

$150 per player, $45 dinner only Mark your calendars: Online registration for all tournaments opens May 1, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Please make sure you can log in to your BATC.org account prior to then.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE :: Kori Meewes 612.801.9874 Kori@BATC.org Brad Meewes 651.269.2399 Brad@BATC.org

R EG I S T ER FOR A L L S UM M ER EV ENT S AT B ATC.ORG

GOLF OPEN C0-PRESENTING SPONSORS

58 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

MARKETING & EVENTS

abcsupply.com

Your Competitive

Edge

Experience the ABC Supply difference for yourself At ABC Supply, you have a choice of top brands and products. You’ll work with a knowledgeable and trusted distributor who understands your company’s service needs and gives you an edge in a forever-changing market.

10141 Woodcrest Dr. NW Coon Rapids, MN 763-757-5077 304 Lundin Blvd Mankato, MN 507-387-4143 5130 Industrial St. Maple Plain, MN 763-479-2966 2727 26th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 612-729-7353 3754 85th St. NW Oronoco, MN 507-367-2211 6610 10th Ave. SW Rochester, MN 507-289-8747 2360 W. County Rd. C Roseville, MN 651-636-7260 640 54th Ave N, Ste. A Saint Cloud, MN 320-251-6990 150 State St. Saint Paul, MN 651-224-3675 14399 Huntington Ave. Savage, MN 952-736-8384

Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Gutter • Commercial

Painting Excellence Trust. Same name, same people, same proven results since 1985.

Capacity. Over 100 professional painters can accommodate nearly any demand, large or small!

The best home painters in the business for over 30 years.

Simplicity. 1 manager on your project from bid to close.

Ability. From custom stained or glazed millwork to metallic gloss

cabinets, no finish is beyond us.

Convenience.

Newly expanded pre-finish shop with multiple spray booths allows us to finish anything from a late cabinet to a full house of windows.

952-469-5901 www.cityscapepainting.com

Build Something BOLD We have what’s trending in Masonry Stone and Brick.

Hedberg West - Plymouth

Hedberg East - Stillwater

hedbergsupply.com

PARADE OF HOMES

What's new WIT H T H E PA R ADE OF H O MES ?

AP P COM ING SOON

The Parade of Homes is the go-to event to connect builders and remodelers with new clients. Our home tours bring real buyers to builders and remodelers, and they bring a broad market of consumers to our associates that advertise in our guidebooks and partner with our builders and remodelers. Our ultimate goal is to grow market share for our members by showcasing why new and newly remodeled homes are the smart choice for Twin Cities homeowners. So, what’s new with the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase tours this year?

HOME BY SUSTAINABLE 9 DESIGN & BUILD

2019 FALL DATES Parade of Homes September 7-29, 2019 Deadline for Entry: June 12 Remodelers Showcase Fall: September 27-29, 2019 Deadline for Entry: June 12

CONTACT Entries & Online Upgrades Casey Scozzari 651-697-7569 | Casey@BATC.org Comments & Feedback Dawnita Parmely 651-697-7587 | Dawnita@BATC.org Advertising Opportunities Kori Meewes 612-801-9874 | Kori@BATC.org Brad Meewes 651-269-2399 | Brad@BATC.org

NEW!

REDESIGNED HOME LISTINGS

This fall, we are introducing a new look to the home listings in the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase guidebooks.

The updated strips have been modernized with a strong visual focus and a quick look at the specs of the home. Builders can choose from two layout options, one including additional photos instead of the map. Remodelers will now have halfpage home listings, allowing for before-and-after images and additional details on the project’s challenges and goals.

NEW!

COMING SOON LISTINGS

If you have a development that is coming soon (one without any homes but that will have a nonpermanent sales center), the Coming Soon entry is for you! Enter your upcoming development in the tour to introduce the area and amenities to consumers looking to build.

NEW!

REMODELER PROJECT GALLERY

Do you have a project that you would like to showcase, but isn't available to be on the Remodelers Showcase tour? This spring, we introduced a new special advertising section in the guidebook that features even more projects from our remodelers. The gallery includes before-and-after photos, project descriptions and client testimonials.

UP NEXT!

PA RADE OF HOMES APP

We’re underway with the development of a Parade of Homes app to make the touring experiencing even more seamless for consumers. Stay tuned for more details!

MARKETING & EVENTS

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 61

B ATC - H O U SING FIRST MINNESOTA

SEEN & HEARD

IN THE MEDIA NEWS COVERAGE ::

From the Spring Parade of Homes to the Housing Affordability Institute’s groundbreaking research and everything in between, BATC-Housing First Minnesota is making headlines. Check out some of the places we’ve recently been covered in the press.

PARADE OF HOMES℠ Star Tribune Kare 11 Fox 9 KSTP Finance & Commerce Lavender

PERMITS & HOMEBUILDING Star Tribune

Finance & Commerce

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Pioneer Press MinnPost

62 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

MARKETING & EVENTS

STA CONN CTE MARKETING & EVENTS

IN THE MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA ::

Let’s see those BATC-Housing First Minnesota moments! Heading out on the Artisan Home Tour?

Grabbing a drink at the Member Bash? Share your photos on social media and tag us when you’re working on anything related to BATC-Housing First Minnesota.

We’ll share a few of our favorites in the next Digest!

FOLLOW US

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 63

AWARDS ENTRY

AWARDS 101: WRITING A WINNING AWARDS ENTRY

You have the perfect entry for a particular award. Fantastic. Chances are you’ll

smash together an entry a day or two before the deadline not involving the right people or materials to fully capture your awesomeness and be disappointed

on the awards night. How lackluster is that?! Or you can plan ahead to do your entry justice. Involving the right people and the proper planning will lay the

foundation for your entry to shine the way it deserves. Here are a few tips from someone who both manages an awards program and has submitted winning entries to give you the competitive advantage right from the start.

1

Understand the Award Review what the award recognizes including eligibility, categories, fees, dates/deadlines, evaluations/scoring, selection and who the judges are (if possible). Plus, familiarize yourself with any changes in the award criteria.

By understanding the award in its entirety, it will help you draft your submission and know who will need to gather components of the submission materials.

2

Deadlines Have Meaning The organizer of the award has developed a detailed timeline of the award, with even more internal deadlines that you may not be aware of. Typically, deadlines are driven by the end date and work backward to allow enough time for selection, promotion and trophy production.

Be hyper-aware of the dates and deadlines. Many awards programs will not allow a late entry. You don’t want to go to the work of putting together a submission only to miss the deadline.

3

Commitment If you plan to enter, commit whole heartedly. Treat the award as you would a client, with the same attention to detail and deadlines.

Most importantly have the approval from your client or any other applicable parties before starting the entry process.

4

Appoint an Awards Guru Have one point person responsible for coordinating award submissions.

It doesn’t need to be your top-level executive, but rather someone that can manage it as if it were a project— possibly someone on your marketing or communications team. After an internal review about the award and the entry you’ll submit, have your awards guru contact the award organizer with any questions. The organizer should be more than happy to help answer your questions, so you have a better understanding of the award and the process.

64 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

5

Utilize Opportunity Depending on the award you’re entering, you’ll likely need to provide an award write-up and provide supporting documents such as photos, photo descriptions, floor plans or renderings, and letters of recommendation. Take full advantage of reaching the maximum allowed (word count, number of photos, etc)., if it is relevant. It is best to provide enough detail to make your point but be succinct knowing the judges will have multiple entries to review. Tell the judges why you did what you did, for example why those materials were selected or what was unique about a particular feature. Share what sets this entry apart from the others and back your claims with evidence.

PRO TIP: Letters of Recommendation: when asking an individual to supply a letter of recommendation, provide them with the criteria of the award and what the judges will be looking for, so the individual writing the letter can touch on those items.

MARKETING & EVENTS

6

Timing Is Key

8

Don’t start too late and rush your entry. You may need multiple people within your organization to complete the entry form. Make sure to allow time for drafting, review, editing and, if applicable, client approvals and professional photography.

7

Attention to Detail

Keep a Copy

9

If the award submission is online, draft a submission template if the award organizer doesn’t have one.

Review and edit from that document so all you have to do is copy and paste for the submission. Keep a copy of all submission materials and write-ups so you have a starting point if you want to enter for a similar award.

Have your promotional plan laid out well before the award winner is announced to publicize your win if your entry is the selected recipient.

Research how you want to promote your win: press releases, social media posts, ads, billboards, embroidered apparel, email signature or mention on your business card. Determine your budget for promoting your win and build a schedule for any deliverables following the winner being named.

Proofread your entry to avoid typos.

Then have a fresh pair of eyes look it over before submitting.

Now that you’re pumped up and motivated, you need to find some awards to enter.

We’ve got you covered. We have awards

that recognize excellence in several areas: from quality and value of construction to business ethics. Not to mention the BIG

Night, our biggest party of the year where we announce our recipients.

Build a Promotional Plan

AWARDS & DEADLINES ROMA (Remodeler of Merit AwardsSM)

Builder, Remodeler & Associate of the Year Awards ENTRY DEADLINE: JULY 12

Open to BATC-Housing First Minnesota Remodelers

Rising Star Award NOMINATIONS DUE: JULY 12

Reggie AwardsSM

Open to 2019 Fall Parade of

Robert L. Hanson Industry Service Award NOMINATION DUE: AUGUST 2

Trillium AwardsSM

Building BATC-Housing First Minnesota Award

ENTRY DEADLINE: JUNE 14

ENTRY DEADLINE: JULY 12 Homes Builders

ENTRY DEADLINE: AUGUST 30

Open to BATC-Housing First Minnesota Associates

SAVE THE DATE

Advocate of the Year Legislator of the Year

THE BIG NIGHT

Bennie Award

MN Green Path Leadership Award

Mystic Lake Center

Open to BATC-Housing First Minnesota Developers or Builders

Housing Industry Leader of the Year Award

Friday, October 25, 2019

ENTRY DEADLINE: JULY 26

VISIT BATCAWARDS.COM FOR COMPLETE AWARD DETAILS MARKETING & EVENTS

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 65

Restoring Hope & Housing As the Foundation Manager, I meet with local housing organizations who have applied for Foundation construction project funds. It is apparent when visiting with organizations that many of the shelter facilities are in dire need of significant repairs. Our latest project, the House of Hope, was no different due to the amount of water damage in the home. On this project, the BATCHousing First Minnesota Foundation/HomeAid Twin Cities partnered with Homes by Tradition as the build partner to renovate the 800-square-foot parsonage. The restoration project included a new kitchen, appliances, floors, bathroom, walkway, basement, HVAC, and paint. The House of Hope has been restored from top to bottom. Pastor Nick Dyrud of Emmaus Lutheran Church shared with us the history of the House of Hope and how its new purpose will impact lives for years to come.

I believe what he shares offer insight as to how the foundation, builders, remodelers, and associates are building new lives for homeless Minnesotans through housing.

DONNIE BROWN ::

MANAGER BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

Excerpt from the letter from Pastor Nick Dyrud, Emmaus Lutheran Church: Where do you lay your head at night? Where do you live? We’ve all heard “home is where the heart is,” and it’s true. It’s the physical location providing shelter and safety as we grow and mature in life. The home is a bedrock for stability.

Despite its dimensions, location, or contents, our homes play a critical and central role in the makeup of Dean Nelson, Homes by Tradition; Pastor Nick Dryud, Emmaus Lutheran Church; Dennis Medo, BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation President

Twin

66 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

our lives. Consider with me the effect of homelessness, crisis, or

Cities

family instability. For far too many children and adults alike, their home may be the most unstable, unsafe, or temperamental place for them to be. That is, if they even have a home.

The house on 2nd Avenue just off 85th Street in Bloomington on the property of Emmaus Lutheran Church was built in 1952 to provide a home for the minister and his family while serving the congrega-

BATCFOUN DATION.ORG

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

tion. Believe it or not, the garage that sits adjacent to the home was built first, and the pastor lived there while the church and the house were built by members of the congregation. Since its construction, the house has provided needed shelter for some church staff. In 2004, the congregation made a very sacrificial decision to host an incoming refugee family from the Sudan. As the family integrated into a new culture and new setting, the church worked with them to move into their own home. Now the House of Hope is opening up a new chapter in its story.

Over the course of the last four years, my family and several others within the Emmaus congregation have been working with Together for Good, an organization that connects trusted volunteers to assist mothers in our city facing crisis situations with respite care for their children. It’s been a great blessing to be a part of this process of creating pathways for the church to come alongside vulnerable children and families with Christ-centered ministry, needed physical assistance, and social support. Over the course of this process, we have grown in our understanding of the great need to go even further. We have been moved to take another step in truly affecting the housing crisis because respite care alone is not enough to get mothers and children out of the cycle of poverty. Studies tell us that children raised by single parents are significantly more likely to have children at a young age, drop out of high school, and work less as young adults. That is where we are missing out as a church. We need to help offer resources to wrap around these parents and support

“

them in this stage of life. So, with much prayer and deliberate focus on a plan moving forward, the church and Together for Good developed a plan to use its resources to help at-risk mothers in their place of poverty. These mothers are often heading up their household while being young, uneducated, and often unemployed.

Our hope and prayer is that this program will offer them an opportunity to live in House of Hope while receiving education help, employment assistance, nutrition and healthy living classes, and mentoring.

The goal is to wrap around these mothers and show them that we love and value them, and to come alongside them in order to bring them out of poverty through transitional housing assistance and mentorship. Imagine what this could provide for a mother with young children who is striving to make ends meet, living on the streets, without any reliable or safe support from family or friends. This is why we are so encouraged to partner with a great foundation like the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation.

Working together to make a difference in our city takes an incredible amount of work and professional expertise. From the renovation and construction of the home, to the hands-on work provided by Homes

by Tradition and their trade partners, to the families who will serve, and everything in between, we all play a role in helping those in great need. So, with excitement and a little trepidation, we look forward to opening this new chapter at the House of Hope, so that those in the greatest of need find a place of stability and safety, a home where they can rest and find hope.

THANK YOU

House of Hope Partners BUILD PARTNER Thank you, Homes by Tradition, for giving the gift of housing & restoring the House of Hope.

TRADE PARTNERS Thank you to our trade partners who donated products & services.

RJF Electric

ABC Cabinetry

MCI Paint and Drywall

Bohn Well Drilling Co

SilverTree Plumbing & HVAC

Harkraft Building Products

Carpentry Contractors Company CityWide Insulation Contract Interiors Inc. Credit River Granite ABC Millwork

The goal is to wrap around these mothers and show them that we love and value them, and to come alongside them in order to bring them out of poverty through transitional housing assistance and mentorship.

Pastor Nick Dyrud, Emmaus Lutheran Church

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

Lyman Lumber Krech Exteriors Fusion Concrete Southern Lights Archway Contracting Kinzler Construction Services

If you are interested in partnering with the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation as a build partner, contact Donnie Brown at Donnie@BATC.org or 651-697-7565.

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 67

FOUNDATION

Thank You 2018 Supporters The BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation had the privilege of working on some very special projects in 2018. We would like to express our gratitude to the following businesses who made these projects possible. The Foundation depends on the generosity of our members to complete these life-changing projects, and we’re always blown always by your selflessness.

Thank you for all you do!

Twin

Highmark Builders, Inc.

Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC

Home Options, Inc

Refined Lending

Homes by Tradition, LLC IDC-Automatic In-Focus Systems Installed Building Solutions II, LLC Irrigation Doctor, Inc. Ispiri, LLC James Hardie Building Products Jerry's Floor Store

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Cosentino Center-Minneapolis

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Accent Homes, Inc.

Country Joe Homes

Keller Williams Classic Realty NW

Admit One, Inc.

Creative Color Solutions, LLC

Kinzler Construction Services

Creative Homes, Inc.

Kohler Co.

Creative Lighting, Inc.

Kolbe Windows & Doors

Crystal Kitchen Center, Inc.

Konen Homes, Inc.

Culligan Water SystemsMinnetonka

Lake Country Builders, Ltd.

Custom Millwork, Inc.

Larkin Hoffman

All, Inc. Allstar Construction Alside Supply Center American Building Contractors, Inc. Automated Building Comp.Cabinetry Division Automated Building Comp.Millwork Division

Custom One Homes

Automated Building Comp.Truss Division

Dakota County Lumber Co.

BATC-Housing First Minnesota Bellacor Professional Best Siding Co., Inc. Biffs, Inc. Black Dog Homes Co. Bob & Mary Jo Bennett Boise Cascade Braun Intertec Bruce Wenger Brush Masters Builders Club Builders FirstSource CAMBRIA

D.R. Horton, Inc. - Minnesota Dakota Supply Group Daltile Stone Center David Weekley Homes DEsigned Glass, Inc. Distinctive Drywall & Painting Diversified Wall Systems, LLC Dorglass, Inc. DPIS Builder Services Edward Jones Emser Tile Erosion Works Felhaber Larson Ferguson Enterprises Fidelity Bank

Cardinal Financial

Fireside Hearth & Home

Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc.

FocalPoint Flooring Cabinets & Design

Carl M. Hansen Companies Carpentry Contractors Co. Carroll's Exterior Remodeling, Inc. Cates Fine Homes, LLC

Foley & Mansfield, PLLP Frontier Structures, LLC GAF

City Homes, LLC

GE Appliances

Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising

Glowing Hearth & Home

Coldwell Banker Burnet Coldwell Banker Burnet - Wayzata Collins Electrical Construction Co. Comcast

GlassArt Design Hagstrom Builder, Inc. Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc. Hampton Companies, LLC Harkraft, Inc.

Cities

Lampert Lumber Lecy Bros. Homes & Remodeling Lee Lyn Construction, LLC Lennar Lennox Industries

REFINED LLC Refined Remodeling, Inc. Rick Harrison Site Design Studio Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. Roberts-Hamilton Company Ron Clark Construction Sathre-Bergquist, Inc. Scandia Custom Cabinets Scherer Bros. Lumber Co. Schwieters Companies, Inc. Seven Corners Printing Shaughnessy Flooring Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. Showcase Renovations, Inc. Soderberg Apartments Specialist Solid.

St. Paul Pioneer Press Stewart Title Stockness Construction, Inc. Sustainable 9 Design + Build

Liberty Title, Inc.

Swan Studios

LP Building Products

Synergy Products

Lyman Lumber Co. Lyman Roofing & Siding M/I Homes Manor Concrete Construction, Inc. Martha O'Hara Interiors McAlpin Marketing MCI Paint & Drywall McNulty Construction Company Metro Siding, Inc. Michael Lee, Inc. Michael Paul Design + Build Michels Homes Minneapolis Glass Co. Minnesota Construction Law Services, PLLC Minnesota Premier Builders, LLC Minneapolis Area REALTORS Minnesota Rusco, Inc. MJ's Contract Appliance, Inc. Muska Lighting New Spaces One Ten Ten Homes, LLC Parent Custom Homes, LLC Pella Windows & Doors

Tamko Building Products TC Homebuilders, Inc. The Builders Group The Kingdom Builders Tradition Capital Bank Trestle Homes, LLC Twin Cities Closet Company Twin City Fireplace & Stone Company, Inc. US Bank Villaume Vujovich Design Build, Inc. Warners' Stellian Appliance Water Doctors Water Treatment Co. Waterstone Mortgage Corp. MN Weekes Forest Products, Inc. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Bloomington Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Minneapolis Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Weyerhaeuser

Contract Interiors, Inc.

Hayfield Window & Door Co., Inc. Hays Companies of Minnesota

Premier Surfaces (formerly Princess Marble)

Wings Financial Credit Union

Conversion-omics Creative Sales Solutions

Heating & Cooling Two, Inc.

Project Build Minnesota

Zawadski Homes, Inc.

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Wooddale Builders, Inc.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

HOLD YOUR EDGE SMALL TAPER HUGE ADVANTAGE Patented Edge Swell Technology

Durastrand pointSIX lets you build fearlessly, in any weather.

Proven in the Pacific Northwest, its patented tapered edge holds the line on all four edges. A proprietary blend of resins and waxes blocks moisture, meaning subfloors go down flat and stay that way. Engineered for strength, durability, overall performance, and backed by our 1-year no-sand guarantee, nothing can hold you back.

1 YEAR NO-SAND GUARANTEE

NORBORD.COM/DURASTRAND

MEMBERSHIP

Member Voices

Our members make up a smart, dedicated community that works to make this industry a better place. And we’re here to support you by helping you build your business through marketing, advocacy and industry connections. Here, members of our ambassador committee tell us why they joined BATC-Housing First Minnesota.

WE ASKED: WHY DO YOU BELONG?

Constance Koopman

Marshall & Koopman REAL ESTATE

“

It’s also a great way to enhance my network and make new friends.

I have been a part of BATC-Housing First Minnesota as long as I have been a part of the construction industry. Trying to choose one reason is too difficult; my best advice is if you want to stay up to date on anything related to the homebuilding industry, this is THE association to be a part of.

Dean Wathen All American Title Company

“

“

I enjoy networking with like-minded, thoughtful professionals.

“

Pattie Martin

Twin City Fireplace & Stone Company, Inc.

I am a member of BATC-Housing First Minnesota to learn about important information in our industry. It helps me to stay connected with my clients by understanding how they are being impacted. I also like connecting with other members at the many networking events held throughout the year.

Most people think of Parade of Homes when they think of BATC-Housing First Minnesota, which is definitely an excellent aspect of the organization.

For me, being a member has been such a positive way to grow and maintain my network within the industry. Joining a BATC-Housing First Minnesota committee and attending events and classes has led me to develop

Jocelyn Hafertepe

Cuddigan Custom Builders, LLC

wonderful relationships and has provided excellent opportunities.

Angela Warner Warners' Stellian Appliance

“

I belong to BATC-Housing First Minnesota because I have seen firsthand how hard they are working to ensure that the industry that I love and have worked in all my life continues to thrive. I have also met so many amazing people from BATC-Housing First Minnesota through the networking events they hold. It has made a huge difference in my career personally.

As an advocate for the association, I feel great about giving back to an organization that has given me so much!

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MEMBERSHIP

SERVING THE TWIN CITIES & WESTERN WISCONSIN

ONE-DAY GARAGE FLOOR COATINGS SHIELD AGAINST THE ELEMENTS

BlackHawkGarageDoor.com 952-894-0970

7940–12th Avenue S. Bloomington, MN

715-688-3200

370–8th Avenue Baldwin, WI

PROUD MEMBER OF

Extend the life of your garage floor with durability and function

Garage floor coating protects your floor from a variety of elements including: moisture, chemicals, impacts, chipping, abrasions and stains; 100% UV Stable

LONG TERM WARRANTIES

We offer a 15 year warranty against chipping, peeling, delamination and excessive wear on all residential coating systems

SINGLE DAY INSTALLATION 12 hours to walk on, 24 hours to drive on

NEW MEMBERS

BATC-HO USI N G F IR S T MINN E S OTA

New Members

DEC 2018-FEB 2019

AndersonPalmer Devon Palmer 651-707-4494 AndersonPalmer.com

Greg J Homes of Hastings, Inc. Darren Kunert 651-437-3700 GregJHomes.com

Nottingham Homes, LLC Susie Oleson 651-383-4850 NottinghamConstruction.net

ATR Commercial Flooring Elissa Merritt 651-463-1250 ATRFloors.com

Guardian Building Products Shonda Younker 800-569-4262 GuardianBP.com

NRD Landscape Design, Inc. Eric Robertson 952-212-2665 NRDLandscape.com

Brilliant Properties, LLC Daniel Sarkiaho 612-364-5288 Brilliant-Properties.com Carpenter, Evert and Associates Kathy Bader 952-831-0085 CarpenterEvert.com Country Creek Builders, Inc. Daniel Drenckhahn 952-484-9812 CountryCreekBuilders.com Dem-Con Companies Erik Shuck 952-445-5755 Dem-Con.com

Heritage Window and Door Joe Scott 715-394-7390 HeritageWindows.com JB Woodfitter Homes, LLC Jena Sura 612-710-5076 JBWoodfitterHomes.com Kathryn Johnson Interiors, Inc. Kathryn Johnson 612-423-5014 KJInteriorsInc.com Kelly Pearo Kelly Pearo 763-755-1100

Dem-Con Dumpsters Russ Reger 763-780-0404 Dem-Con.com DT Building Components Dennis Kisch 605-689-0357 DTBuildingComponents.com Eagle Home Mortgage Mary Bowar 952-229-6039 EagleHM.com

KW Integrity Realty - The Haas Real Estate Group Christopher Haas 612-840-4227 OwnTwinCities.com Lone Tree Construction, LLC Dustin Marquand 651-341-8170 LoneTreeConstruction.com

National Shelter and System Components Gary Craig 330-528-0684 NationalShelter.com

Findoor Industrial, Inc. Ross Fredrickson 763-482-6908 Findoor.ca ForeverLawn Minnesota, Inc. Troy Johnson 612-246-3002 ForeverLawn.ComMinnesotaArtificial-Grass/

NewCon Homes Joseph Weinzetl 763-772-7898 Northern Land Company, LLC Ron Bastyr 813-205-2794

start

Picotte Custom Homes, Inc. Dennis Picotte 612-701-4860 PicotteCustomHomes.com Project Build Minnesota Dennis Medo 612-221-9849 ProjectBuildMN.org Ryan Chase & Company, Inc. Brian Davis 612-267-0448 St. Francis Mercantile Tim Holen 763-753-1265 Summit Craftsman, LLC Blake Grefe 612-247-6997 SummitCraftsman.com Superior Contracting, Inc. Chris Ahlbrecht 612-366-0156 The Blackburn Company, Inc. Rick Harker 952-934-0104 TheBlackburnCo.com

Metro Air Chris McBride 651-208-2306 MetroAirMN.com

Final Touch Construction Clean Up Mark Murphy 763-443-3859 FinalTouchCleanUp.com

Old National Bank Steve Dobin 612-656-3443 OldNational.com

The Firm Realty Eric Perkins 612-219-0234 EricPerkinsRealEstate.com UglyDeck.com Tom McKeen 952-736-3308 UglyDeck.com

NEW MEMBER RECRUITERS DEC 2018-FEB 2019

Thanks to these members who have helped grow our BATC-Housing First Minnesota community by recruiting new companies to join our association.

1

Lynn Dale Minnesota Tile & Stone

1

Brad Fritch Caliber Homes

1

Mike Fritz M & M Home Builders

1

Tim Hassett Felhaber Larson

1

Kori Meewes and more by Kori

1

Krystle Nehls Lennar

1

Dennis Picotte Finishing Touch Painters, Inc.

1

Mark Tripp Associated Bank

1

Mitch Turgeon ABC Supply Company

1

Mark Williams Mark D. Williams Co.

HAVE A HOT PROSPECT?

Contact Heather Griffis Heather@BATC.org

Werner Electric Ryan Butterfield 651-256-7757 WernerMN.com

You’re a Member, Now What?

Join us for breakfast or happy hour and learn how to kick-start your BATCHousing First Minnesota membership. Members new and old are welcome!

JUNE 19

AUGUST 7

OCTOBER 10

DECEMBER 12

12-1:30PM

3:30-5PM

12-1:30PM

9:30-11AM

All events are held at BATC-Housing First Minnesota | Register on our Calendar of Events on BATC.org Questions? Call us at 651-697-1954

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MEMBERSHIP

®

Staying Connected Welcome to Member News, the place to learn about what’s happening in the lives of BATC-Housing First Minnesota members. We feature awards, marriages, condolences, promotions and all sorts of other milestones.

Remember to send all your important news and announcements to Laura@BATC.org

CONGRATU L AT I ON S : :

C O N D O L EN C ES : :

TOM RYAN CONGRATULATIONS Janice Meyer, BATC-Housing First Minnesota’s director of finance and development, welcomed her first grandson into the world this February.

Congratulations to her family on their new addition, Jackson West Jerzak!

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Our sympathies to the friends and family of Tom “Tommy” Ryan, who unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 16. Tom was an employee of Aggregate Industries for more than 30 years and will be remembered for his passion for golf, riding motorcycles with friends, and his kindness and loyalty to others. He brought joy to everyone he knew and will be dearly missed.

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER NEWS

AWA RDS ::

LENNAR WINS RESNET AWARDS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

MARLA ABSTETAR WINS BELIEVING IN BETTER AWARD

Congratulations to Lennar Minnesota on winning two awards in the 2019 RESNET Cross Border Builder Challenge. The company was presented the award for Lowest HERS score American Production Builder with a HERS score of 42 and the RESNET President's Award with 81 percent of their fleet under a HERS score of 52.

Congratulations to Marla Abstetar for being awarded Kohler’s inaugural Believing in Better award. The award recognizes Kohler associates who demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and safe and ethical business practices, while strengthening communities and addressing critical social needs.

MARVIN NAMED VENDOR OF THE YEAR BY THE NORTHWEST LUMBER ASSOCIATION Marvin Windows and Doors was honored by the members of Northwestern Lumber Association as one of two Association Partners of the Year for 2019. The company was recognized for its unwavering support of the association, their dealer customers and the building material industry as a whole. Marvin Windows and Doors was recognized in front of 250 members, colleagues and peers at the Northwestern Building Products Expo in St. Cloud, Minn. on Jan. 28.

“

Little needs to be said about Marvin Windows and Doors and the Marvin family’s commitment and dedication to the association and the industry. They are pioneers of their product category and represent the best of the best for engineering, product quality and customer service.

— Cody Nuernberg, President, Northwestern Lumber Association

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION WINS 2019 AVIVO CHAMPION AWARD The charitable arm of your association, the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation, was honored to receive an Avivo Champion Award for their work renovating an apartment building for women in need. The award was presented at the Avivo Night of Champions and honors those who’ve made a difference in the lives of people Avivo serves and the community.

MEMBERSHIP

BATC.org || April-June 2019 || THE DIGEST || 75

ENDORSED PROGRAMS

BATC-HOUSI N G F IR S T MINN E S OTA

Member Benefits BATC-Housing First Minnesota has brought together an array of members-only benefits that positively impact your bottom line.

We seek companies that thoroughly understand the building industry and provide products at rates generally not available on the street. Give these folks a chance to see what they can do. We think you will find they can save you money and provide you better service.

Save 5 cents on every gallon of gas from Holiday Stationstores.

Special promotion for BATC-Housing First Minnesota members who are new applicants—10 cents off the first 90 days.

Don Keis: 952-830-8889 • Don.Keis@HolidayCompanies.com

Learn how you can join over 2,000 builders receiving incentives and rebates from building product manufacturers.

Melissa Wolf: 331-431-7433 • MWolf@HomeSphere.com

Connecting new home builders to the top manufacturing brands nationwide Learn how you can join over 2,000 builders receiving incentives / rebates from building product manufacturers

Competitive and customizable pricing for members on architectural coatings, chemical coatings, industrial coatings and paint supplies/ rollers. Members also have the option of receiving a local quote on wall coverings, floor coverings, window treatments and spray equipment.

Contact NPP at 800-810-3909 • CustomerService@MyNPP.com

Speedway is now in Minnesota! Save up to 5 cents

Get Started today! per gallon with a Speedway Fleet Card for your business.

(331) 431-7433 | mwolf@homesphere.com Ryan Delaney: 207-233-4610 • Ryan.Delaney@wexinc.com North Central Local Contact SpeedwayFleetCards.com Melissa Wolf - Regional Sales manager ww w. h o me s p h e r e .c o m HomeSphere 1/4 Ad.indd 1

6/6/17 2:48 PM

Save 22% off monthly cell service or 18% off personal cell service for companies performing a significant amount of physical construction services, as well as architects, engineers and surveyors.

Contact NPP at 800-810-3909 • CustomerService@MyNPP.com

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MEMBERSHIP

FROM CONSTRUCTION TO PERMANENT FINANCING

Your TRUSTED

BUILDING PARTNER SINCE 1914

You’re Listed.

Your Membership Directory is working for you all day, every day.

CALL 651.439.5195 TODAY!

fsbt.com Update and upgrade your listing any time by logging in to BATC.org

MEMBER SEARCH BATC.ORG DO BUSINESS v A MEMBER

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

MEMBER FDIC

5 THINGS TO WATCH FOR IN 2019

1

Smart Technology and the Internet of Things Based on what we saw at BATC-Housing First Minnesota’s Builders and Remodelers Show (BRS) and International Builders Show, smart technology and the connectedness of devices will only continue to expand. Now, you can talk to your mirror to control lighting or start your kitchen faucet via voice command. You can start your oven from wherever, check on your garage door from a different state, and control your thermostat from your mobile phone. And more than ever, these devices are now interconnected and operating as a system. Millennials and Gen Z will just expect these kinds of features in whatever home they buy. As a proof point, Best Buy saw smartphone sales slow this past quarter, but other products picked up the slack including wearables, appliances, smart home tech, and gaming.

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2

Continued Focus on Housing Affordability Across the country, housing affordability is a topic of substantial discussion, and the problem is particularly acute here in Minnesota due to our regulatory climate.

We have successfully elevated housing affordability to a top issue at the State Capitol this year, and we expect continued conversation throughout the year on this topic. Watch for more research from our Housing Affordability Institute as we continue to dig into the many cost drivers impacting the price of housing.

It’s been heartening to see the discussion expand dramatically from years of narrow discussion about subsidized housing to a much broader understanding of the challenges we face in delivering market-rate affordable homes.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

DAVID SIEGEL :: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

3 4 5 Expansion of Workforce Development Efforts

If you attended BRS, you saw six teams of two students each completing a construction activity in the back of the hall at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Special recognition to District 916, St. Paul College, Dunwoody and Wayzata High School for fielding teams. That’s just one example of the work being done by our Education and Workforce Development Committee.

In addition, our efforts as leaders of Project Build Minnesota continue to bear fruit. Please put the Project Build Minnesota logo on your website and point to ProjectBuildMN.org. Watch for continued efforts in this area as we speak in classrooms, attend professional conferences and use social media to get out the word.

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

Innovative Consumer Marketing Products from BATC-Housing First Minnesota

Expansion of BATC-Housing First Minnesota Online Education

Our consumer marketing is being enhanced with the addition of a Parade of Homes event app. We’re in the early stages of design with this new feature.

We’ve also added a project gallery feature to the Remodelers Showcase magazine and plan to enhance the listings that each Remodelers Showcase entry receives in our event magazine to grow marketing opportunities connecting consumers with our remodeler members. We’re also working on an expansion of our annual printed membership directory giving it a powerful consumer reach.

More than 100 people have taken our first, seven-hour online course, and our second online class is now live as well. We have plans to develop more CE courses, and we see a tremendous opportunity to offer additional valued content as well.

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DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS ABC Supply Co., Inc............................................................. 59

James Hardie Building Products........ Inside Front Cover

Arrow Building Center.......................................................... 7

JL Schwieters Bldg. Supply/Const., Inc........................... 33

Bell Bank Mortgage............................................................. 27

Lampert Lumber....................................................................16

Black Hawk Garage Door..................................................... 71

LP Building Products........................................................... 73

Brush Masters, Inc............................................................... 77 Builders FirstSource........................................................... 25 CenterPoint Energy................................................................ 1 Cityscape Painting Contractors, Inc................................60 Corporate 4 Insurance Agency, Inc................................... 71 Elevations Millwork & Cabinetry by ABC.......................... 5 Excelsior Capital.................................................................... 9 Ferguson Enterprises..........................................................40

Marvin Windows and Doors................................................. 3 Norbord, Inc..........................................................................69 Pella Windows & Doors....................................................... 28 Residential Warranty Company, LLC............................... 35 RMC Solutions, LLC............................................................. 55 Scherer Bros. Lumber Co....................................................51 Schwieters Companies, Inc................................................43

First State Bank and Trust................................................. 77

Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co..................................................... 2

Hedberg Supply....................................................................60

Synergy Products.................................................Back Cover

IDC-Automatic Garage Door.............................................45

The Resultants............................................................... 34, 55

In-Focus Systems.....................................Inside Back Cover

Thermo-Tech Windows, Inc..................................................11

Don’t miss a beat.

Follow BATC-Housing First Minnesota on social media.

80 || THE DIGEST || April-June 2019 || BATC.org

BATC-HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

Today, it’s about bringing families closer together.

In-Focus Systems understands and listens to what is important, and then we make it fun and easy.

Let us put the FUN in your new home!

Both customer experience showrooms are now open.

Come experience FUN in South St. Paul and St. Louis Park!

3305 Republic Ave, St Louis Park, MN 55426 │ 952.929.0000 │ 101 Bridgepoint Way #130, South St Paul, MN 55075

Photography: Spacecrafting • Architect: Peterssen/Keller Architecture • Builder: REFINED • Interior Designer: Tara Cain Design

We create windows and doors that flawlessly unite wood, glass and metal—captivating the eye, elevating the spirit and bringing your world one step closer to perfection.

Phone: 952.224.2202

6011 Culligan Way, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345

•

Fax: 952.224.2203

•

  

synergy-trt.com