February 2023 Building Connections

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THE E-MAGAZINE OF THE HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - FEBRUARY 2023 FEATURES Bowling Bash February GMM Recap NAHB IBS Learnings UPCOMING Beyond the Blueprint OSHA10 April Membership Meeting MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

Why Ring’s End?

Darien (Flagship Yard) Lewisboro,
NY
Inventory Unsurpassed breadth and depth of inventory. Quality The highest quality products in the industry. Convenience 20 locations, including 5 full service lumberyards serving Fairfield County. Service A full range of services from custom millwork capabilities to education, estimating, and design. Your Inspiration. Our Expertise. RingsEnd.com | 800-390-1000
Wilton
New
Bethel
Milford
Newsletter
Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry. Contact Us: hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com @hbraffc (203) 335-7008
Cover: Featuring Ring’s End Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer
Your Monthly
Building
Front

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For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro

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Pella. Perfectly Beautiful.

Here’s to 2023 Starting Strong!

I hope you are all doing well and those that went to IBS have since recovered! We have started the new year off strong, with our PWB Hosted GMM on February 8th.

Next up on the agenda, we have our Annual Beyond the Blueprint panel on March 1. Come listen to some great panelists! We also have our OSHA class on March 16 and 17th! To see all the events we have to offer, please see our CALENDAR.

Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business. kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com

Kind Regards,

“ The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County. Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we areindependently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future. ”

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5
MISSION
EXECUTIVE WELCOME LETTER

Weds. March 1: "Beyond the Blueprint" Panel Presentation

The Waters Edge at Giovanni's, Darien

March 16 - March 17, 2023: OSHA 10 Training

Ring's End, Stratford

Thurs. April 6: General Membership Meeting

Interstate+Lakeland Lumber, Westport

Weds. May 3: Member Mixer

Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford

Weds. June 7: GMM & Annual Meeting

Ring's End Darien

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7 Save the DateUpcoming Events! For more info & to register, visit buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents or call (203) 335-7008.

2023 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President

Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance

President: John Hertz Hertz Construction

Senior VP: Rob Michaud Michaud Group

VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate Lumber

Treasurer: Steven Roth Elevator Service

Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

2023 DIRECTORS

Alex Shook Pella Windows

Bonnie Paige Bonnie Paige Interiors

Chris Shea Domus Constructors LLC

George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Development

Stephen Gidley

Stephen C. Gidley Inc.

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LIFE DIRECTORS

Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Jerry Effren

The Greyrock Companies

Gary Fanali City Carting

Peter Fusaro

Preferred Builders

Michael Palumbo

ERI Building & Design

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Terrence Beaty

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

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Andersen is proud to support the Home Builders and Remodelers Assn. of Fairfield County and its members.

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9
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more at andersenwindows.com
“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.
Learn
LO VE THE LIFE YO U SE E.

Northeast Architectural is a leading provider of luxury materials and solutions for architects, designers, and custom builders.

We’ve curated an intimate and exclusive space in Mamaroneck, NY for the influencers in the luxury residential building industry.

Schedule Your Design Consultation ( 9 1 4 ) 6 3 0 - 7 8 4 9 SAVE THE DATE Northeast Architectural & HBRA March 21st, 5-7pm

BEYOND BEYOND THE BLUEPRINT

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!

Weds. March 1 | 6p-9p | Giovanni's Darien

Presenting Sponsor - $2000

Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on banner at event

Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on all marketing materials

Three attendees to the event

1 minute to speak at the event

Full page ad in program at the event (back cover)

Tagged in social media post

Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for 3 months

Drink Ticket Sponsor - $1500

Logo on website registration page and all email invitations

Logo on sponsor banner at the event

Full page ad in program at the event

Logo on all drink tickets

Two attendees to the event

Foundation Sponsor - $500

Logo on website registration page and all email invitations

Logo on sponsor banner at the event

Half page ad in program at the event

Thanked by Executive Officer at the podium at the beginning of the event

One attendee to the event

Blueprint Sponsor - $1000

Logo on website registration page and all email invitations

Logo on sponsor banner at the event

Full page ad in program at the event

Thanked by Executive Officer at the podium at the beginning of the event

Half page ad in Building

Connections magazine for 3 months

Two attendees to the event

Ad Sponsor - $350

Logo on sponsor banner at the event

Full page ad in program at the event

RING’S END

Since 1902

RingsEnd.com | 800 · 390 · 1000

RING’S END COMPANY CULTURE

Strategic Vision

To be the premier resource in the building supply industry.

Mission Statement

Bethel | Branford | Danbury

Darien | Fairfield | Lewisboro | Madison

New Milford | Newtown | Niantic North Stamford | Norwalk | Orange Stamford | Stratford | Trumbull Westport | Wethersfield | Wilton

JOIN THE RING’S END TEAM!

Do you have a positive attitude that contributes to a high company morale? Are you goal-oriented and self-motivated? Can you connect with our customers and build strong relationships? Are you an effective communicator? Do you present yourself professionally? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a career at Ring’s End!

Ring’s End is a Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer serving Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Southern Westchester County, New York. We are a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated business with a rich history dating back to 1902. With 20 retail locations, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve as an industry leader.

The positions at Ring’s End are as diverse as the employees who hold them. Discover your passionjoin the Ring’s End team today!

To provide the very best products, industry knowledge, customer service, and shopping experience. We do this by employing the best team in the industry, ensuring we maintain a diverse, evolved work environment that values cooperation and teamwork. We look for innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.

Our Values

• Integrity

• Passion

• Pride

• Accountability

• Community

Work Environment & Commitment to Safety

• Total commitment to safety and teamwork

• Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment

• On-the-job training/certifications

Compensation

• Weekly pay

• Direct deposit & electronic pay stubs (paperless)

• Competitive wages and overtime compensation

• Profit sharing

• Discretionary bonus program

Benefits

• Medical plans including HMO, POS, and HDHP (with HSA)

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Accounts

• Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Long & Short Term Disability

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Workplace flexibility

• Education Assistance Program

• Employee Wellness Program

• Legal Consultation Program

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13
ONLINE
RingsEnd.com/careers APPLY
Scan to apply

Bowling Bash RECAP

A sold-out crowd joined us January 17th to kick off the New Year with the return of our Bowling Bash! Builders and Associates brought their crews to enjoy food and drink with some friendly competition. Congratulations to our winners:

1st Place:

2nd Place: High Roller:

Thank you to our Presenting sponsor Pella, Event sponsors Ring’s End Inc. and Huber Engineered Woods, Awards sponsor Wetstyle, and Lane sponsors Ed’s Garage Doors, Tile America, Interstate+Lakeland Lumber, Michaud Development Group, Waterware Showrooms by Plimpton and Hills. What a great night!

MEMBER EVENTS
1st Place Team: Ring’s End Inc.: Rich Cahill, Victor Gonzales, Ferbian Salkie, Joel Reichin, Matt Santo High Roller (Highest Individual Scorer): Tony Vaitkunas from Crown Point Cabinetry (Pictured with Awards Sponsor Angela Legg of Wetstyle) Tony Vaitkunas
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February General Membership Meeting RECAP

Members and industry guests joined us February 8th for our first GMM of the year at 314 Beer Garden. Presented by the Professional Women in Building Council, attendees enjoyed delicious house-made wood-fired pizza, wings, sliders, and local craft beer sponsored by CT Propane & Petroleum, while catching up with friends and colleagues and meeting new faces around the roaring fire pit.

PWB Board Member Rebecca St. Germain spoke about the important work the Council is doing to support Circle of Care, one of our philanthropic projects for 2022-2023. Circle of Care provides emotional and financial assistance to children and families going through pediatric cancer treatment. As part of the “Art From The Heart” program, the PWB will collaborate with Circle of Care to design and build room make-overs for two children currently undergoing cancer treatment. Plus, our 50/50 raffle at the GMM raised almost $300 to support Circle of Care!

Thank you to our sponsors, CT Propane and Petroleum, Breakwater Renovation and Design, and Stephanie Rapp Interiors!

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17 MEMBER EVENTS
Danica Caruso, Joe Marotta, Buddy Ontra Jhonnatan Martinez, Freya Bromwich, Emilia Ferri Presented by:

TRADE SHOWS

THINGS I LEARNED AT IBS 2023...

Back to Las Vegas!

After attending the 2023 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) this February, I walked away with a few real ideas and creative solutions to apply to our business. While some displays were definitely meant to be more inspirational, others I look forward to implementing in future designs. I mean where else will you see a bath tub cascading with flowers or an archway of pastel toilets? Let me share some of my findings with you!

Mixed Finishes

Appliance and cabinet pulls were merchandised and treated like jewelry in key booths like Monogram and Café. This applies to combinations like black and brass, but also more subtle executions like lacquered and unlacquered brass on kitchen hoods in Monogram.

FEBRUARY 2023
1
4

Unexpected Metal Accessories

The use of Architectural Grilles on cabinets, ceiling beams and even place settings was an unexpected but really beautiful design element that paired well with tile, flooring, and cabinetry to dress up a kitchen and give it personality

Pastels

Kohler had a stunning display of pastel toilets fit for the Easter Bunny. What is old is new again!

Induction Cook Tops

From Caesarstone to Bertazonni – the evolution from gas to induction cooking is sleek and a very present trend.

FEBRUARY 2023 | 2
3
4

Milo’s Playroom

The Professional Women in Building Council is partnering with Circle of Care for their 2022 & 2023 philanthropy project. Circle of Care provides emotional and financial assistance to children and families, from day of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, with programs and services that meet the unique and challenging needs of pediatric cancer treatment. As part of the Art From The Heart program, the PWB will collaborate with Circle of Care to design and build room makeovers for two children currently undergoing cancer treatment. In November, PWB members gathered to make the dream playroom a reality for the first child, Milo. The team put together furniture and toys, sorted items, and decorated the room to perfection. The reveal was perfect, and the family was thrilled. Thank you again for our volunteers and donations!

Volunteers:

Donated Time & Talents to the Project

Emilia Ferri | Emilia Ferri Designs

Stephanie Rapp | Stephanie Rapp Designs

Joanna Silengo | MJG Interiors

Michelle Hughes | Tile America

Robin Carroll | Karp Associates

Peggy Rubens-Dahl | Fresh Architects

Lora Mazurak | Torrco

Erin Shiarzay | Ring’s End

Mara Skowronek | THC Paris

Lydia Cobb | MetLife

Services:

THANK YOU!

Monetary:

Northeast Building Supply

Prutting & Company Custom Builders

MetLife

Professional Group Plans

New England Cabinet – Joel Salwocki – Truck Garage

Karp Associates – Drywall/Carpentry

Silvermine Painting – Anna Roberts

L & M Custom Carpet – Gary Shafran

Kanters Carpet – Brian Kanter - (Installation)

Greenwich Play – Courtney Gault & Courtney Van Naarden - Toy Storage Cabinets/Bins/Labels

Delamar West Hartford – Rooms for the Family for Makeover Weekend

Geoff Knapp – Tooher Ferraris Insurance – Secured Hotel Rooms and Passes to Flaming Farms in Simsbury

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21 MEMBER NEWS

NEW MEMBERS

Katonah Architectural Hardware | Andrew Baren

Our styles range from contemporary to traditional and our experienced team of hardware specialists are well-versed in all of the diverse products we offer. Most recently, we expanded to offer lighting and furnishings, which are carefully selected and crafted to carry on the design elements of our hardware. Read More

Total Household Inc. | Jeffrey LaCava

At TotalHousehold Pro we offer digital marketing services specifically tailored for home improvement contractors. Since 2010, it’s been our goal to make sure potential customers can find your business online by establishing an attractive and high quality website. Read More

Stage To Move | Kara Woods

Stage to Move is an award-winning home staging and design firm specializing in the luxury market. We are a unique company in that we serve all needs related to selling and home preparation for the real estate market. From editing, auctions, painting, lighting, updates and floor repair to home staging we have all the solutions. Read More

RSN Interiors, LLC | Jacob Shukrun

RSN Interiors LLC is a family-owned company that turns the ordinary into extraordinary serving the tri-state area from Connecticut for over 20 years. We are committed to designing and building luxurious interior aesthetics for discerning clients and challenging situations. Read More

Z Home Creations, LLC | Carlos Zapf

As a premier company dedicated to providing premier customer service, it is important to us to deliver unparalleled workmanship on every assignment. We offer a wide range of services to meet your project needs and ensure durable and cost effective workmanship. Read More

Pagano Builders | Franco Pagano

For over 25 years, Pagano Builders has been passionately building the finest high-end custom new homes, additions and renovations in Connecticut and New York. From grand modern estates to exquisite country homes, the quality and attention to detail that we demand is second to none. Read More

AKB, LLC | Tom Tamberrino

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

Construction trade program o�ers students skills and a head start

Construction Trade Program Offers Students Skills and a Head Start

This New London Day article is a great example of leading by example demonstrated by our own HBRACT President, David Preka who recently spent a day in the work shop providing instruction and guidance to students engaged in the Home Builders Institute pre apprenticeship curriculum at Stonington High School. Contact your state or local HBRA to learn how you can help bring shop back to your local school districts.

Read More

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) with HBRA Member Leigh Overland of Leigh Overland Architect, LLC

a workshop, amid band saws, router tables, and tools of all types, slightly more than a dozen students, halfway through the �rst year of a pilot trade program at the high school, are beginning to put their knowledge into practice.

“I’m very excited to take this class, because I need the training in high school,” said Gage Trebilcock, who intends to work at Electric Boat after graduation, as he glued boards together this past

�e �rst students in the state to take part in the Home Builders Institute’s Schools to Skills pre-credentialing apprenticeship program for construction trades were each building a Shaker style end table under the guidance of teacher Dean Rocha and David Preka, chairman and president of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut.

Watch HBRA member Leigh Overland of Leigh Overland Architect, LLC | The Overland Design Group on a local TV interview on his use of Insulated Concrete Forms in building and a tour of his Ash Creek home, showcasing how Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), can be used to create a modern, strong, efficient and nearly maintenance-free home at the same cost — or less — as traditional building techniques.

“You guys are doing a fantastic job,” Preka told students. He said he was encouraged by their accomplishments so far this year. Preka, who also owns Advanced Group, was at the high school to give advice and provide a bit of mentoring to the students he said the trade industry desperately needs.

“We’re working with HBI to develop this program because there is a lot of shortage in this industry, so we’re just trying to encourage kids, and really people in general, to understand that this is a need for generations to come, because the generation that we have right now in this industry is in their 60’s,” he said.

�e Schools to Skills program, currently used in 33 states, is funded by a two-year, $10,000 grant from HBI, which pays for professional development for instructors, curriculum and costs associated with testing for students. It is one of only three curricula used nationwide and approved by the United States Department of Labor, as well as several state education

Watch the Video

NEW AFFILIATES

Closet Factory | Carol Kaesmann

Closet Factory | Hillary Wallace

Parksite / Tyvek | Joel Madsen

24 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2023
MEMBER NEWS
Local News Wednesda, Februar 15, 2023
   3    Februar 11, 2023 12:25 pm B Carrie Czerwinski, pecial to The Da Stonington — In
Bu Photo Reprints
Feb. 9, 2023. The class is part of the school’s Home Builders Institute’s chools to kills program, the �rst in the state. (arah Gordon/The Da)  LoginSubscribe Privacy Terms Construction trade program offers students skills and a head start https://www.theday.com/local-news/20230211/construction-trade-program-offers-students-skills-and... 1 of 4 2/15/2023,
tonington High chool Junior Adam Elmakhlou� and David Preka, chair and president of Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT, change the settings on the power sander as students work to make a shaker stle end table Thursda Stonington High School Junior Adam Elmakhloufi and David Preka, chair and president of Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT, change the settings on the power sander as students work to make a shaker style end table Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023.-

JOB BANK

AVAILABLE JOBS:

These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

DHD Windows And Doors

JOB TITLE: Delivery Project Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Operations

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2/10/2022

SUMMARY: Initiates, coordinates, and executes administrative and other project support to Sales Manager/team including providing Customer Service to the Company’s Customers.

DHD Windows And Doors

JOB TITLE: Warehouse Supervisor

DEPARTMENT: Warehouse

EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/15/2022

SUMMARY: Directs the activities of warehouse personnel involved in the receiving of various products into the facility, movements of product within the facility, and the picking and loading of product shipping out of the facility; ensures that all policies and procedures are followed.

R.B. Benson & Company, Inc

JOB TITLE: Residential Construction Project Manager

SUMMARY: Plan, direct, and coordinate all activities concerned with the construction of new luxury single-family homes and/or renovation of singlefamily homes. Participate in the conceptual development of construction projects from acquisition through design and oversee their organization, scheduling and implementation through completion.

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
COUNTY HAS ALL YOUR APPLIANCE & SMART HOME NEEDS IN STORE AND ONLINE SALES | SERVICE | INSTALLATION | CONCIERGE SUPPORT | BUILDER PROGRAMS COUNTYTV.COM 203-327-2630 2770 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905 BEST SERVICE at the Guaranteed BEST PRICE countytv info@countytv.com @countytvandappliancect

AVAILABLE JOBS (Continued):

BigHire, LLC

JOB TITLE: Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction

CONTACT PERSON: Vernita Tertullien

START DATE: Immediate

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Stamford-based company that specializes in residential and commercial concrete and excavation work would like to hire a heavy equipment operator to perform work in southwestern Connecticut.

BigHire, LLC

JOB TITLE: Drywall Technician

CONTACT PERSON: Kelly Hamlett

START DATE: July

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Norwalk-based company is looking to add a full time multi-skilled drywall repair technician. They are a well-established and expert Drywall Repair Company serving Fairfield County.

BigHire, LLC

JOB TITLE: Concrete Laborer

CONTACT PERSON: Kelly Hamlett

START DATE: July

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Stamford-based company that specializes in residential and commercial concrete and excavation work would like to hire two concrete laborers to perform work in southwestern Connecticut.

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27
JOB BANK
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Boosting Housing Production is Best Way to Ease the Affordability Crisis

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today commended Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and their fellow committee members for making housing the focus of the panel’s first hearing of the new Congress and recognizing that market-based solutions are needed to boost the production of affordable housing and ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis.

“We applaud the committee for making housing a top national priority and allowing NAHB to share its views on the barriers the residential construction industry faces to increase the production of quality, affordable housing,” NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said while testifying before Senate lawmakers. “Building more homes and apartments is the only way to tame inflation, satisfy unmet demand, achieve a measure of price stability in the for-sale and rental markets, and ease America’s housing affordability crisis.”

Read More

Podcast: What’s in Store for 2023 and Beyond

On the latest episode of Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jerry Howard and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin provide a recap of a successful 2023 International Builders’ Show, an economic overview for the year ahead.

Listen Here

NEWS
401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT l 203 847 2471 l Aitoro.com Helping you lead a better life.
N O W H I R I N G ! L E A R N M O R E & A P P L Y O N F U L C R U M C O M P A N Y . C O M / C A R E E R S / Construction Project Management for Owners, Developers, Lenders and Investors Entitlements Master Planning Cost Estimating Scheduling Contractor Evaluation Construction Management Draw Preparation QA/QC Oversight Project Closeout Page Turn/Peer Review C O N T A C T U S f u l c r u m c o m p a n y . c o m ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 9 6 4 2 INTERNS | PROJECT COORDINATORS | PROJECT MANAGERS (ALL LEVELS)

Cautious Optimism for Builders in February

Two consecutive solid monthly gains for builder confidence, spurred in part by easing mortgage rates, signal that the housing market may be turning a corner even as builders continue to contend with high construction costs and building material supply chain logjams.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in February rose seven points to 42, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This is the strongest reading since September of last year.

Read More

OMB Proposes Standards on Building Materials Made in America

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed new standards to determine if construction materials for federally funded infrastructure projects are made in the USA. The new guidance, required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)— “sets standards to carry out the statutory requirement that all manufacturing processes for construction material occur in the United States.”

Read More

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31 NEWS
32 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2023 APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 32 BROOKFIELD | FAIRFIELD | MANCHESTER | NEW HAVEN NEW LONDON | STAMFORD | WEST HARTFORD AMAZING SHOWROOMS | INSIGHTFUL ADVICE Try r V u izer @ TileAmerica.com tru t ex rts

Why is it so difficult for builders to meet America’s insatiable demand for houses? Here are 4 reasons slowing down construction.

MarketWatch · Feb 09, 2023

There is more demand for homes in the U.S. than the number of homes available on the market. The U.S. is short of anywhere between 3.8 million and 5 million homes, and counting, according to the most recent estimates.

According to Freddie Mac FMCC, +0.23%, the U.S. was short of 3.8 million homes, as of the last quarter of 2020, up from 2.5 million two years earlier. The National Association of Realtors put that figure at 5.24 million in 2021.

The bottom line: The U.S. has not been able to keep up with demand due to the way the housing market resists changes, one economist said.

Read More

Materials Remain Builders’ Top Challenge, but Inflation and Interest Rates are Threatening

The price and availability of building materials again topped the list of problems builders faced last year, while interest rates (along with general inflation and negative media reports) moved considerably up the list.

Read More

Our Crosswater London collection combines inspired design and meticulous craftsmanship to create a bath space that will take your client’s breath away. From vanities and tubs to faucets, they’ll find a total bath solution that’s distinctively striking.

Join the many builders and remodelers who send their clients to Bender to create their next masterpiece.

Experience the entire curated collection at a Bender Showroom near you.

FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33
their personality. Exquisitely. decorative plumbing | kitchen & bath cabinetry | tile & stone bendershowrooms.com © 2021 Bender Plumbing Hartford | New Haven | Norwalk | Waterbury NEWS
Reflects

X Design Consultation including on-site walk-throughs and Recessed lighting layouts

X Large offering and inventory of integrated LED Recessed Lighting

X Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for all applications

X Door, Cabinet & Bath Hardware

X Motorized & Manual Window Shades

X Lutron Lighting Controls Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks

X Bath Ventilation Fans

X Builder programs

34 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2023 Your Source for ANY Residential or Commercial Lighting Project SOUTHINGTON 860-621-7585 50 GRAHAM PLACE (I-84•EXIT 32) – next to Pilgrim Furniture HARTFORD 860-249-7631 312 MURPHY RD (I-91•EXIT 27) HOURS: M-F 8-6, Sat 9-5, Sun closed www.CTLighting.com CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS Locally family owned & operated since 1972 – now in 3rd generation.
Providing excellent service and the LARGEST SELECTION & INVENTORY in the Northeast:

Age of Housing Stock by State

According to the latest data from the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes was 40 years. The age of the housing stock is an important remodeling market indicator. Older houses are less energy-efficient than new construction and ultimately will require remodeling and renovation in the future. Moreover, as people use their homes for more purposes and require additional space, older housing represents an investment opportunity for homeowners.

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NAHB Launches Member-toMember Mentoring Program

Knowledge is one of the most valuable assets for any business owner. And much of it can only be attained through real-world experience and collaboration.

That’s why NAHB recently established the Mentor Match program to further support members’ professional development needs. Mentor Match is a free, online resource exclusively for NAHB members to establish mentoring relationships. To sign up to become a mentor or mentee, or for answers to frequently asked questions, visit nahb.org/mentormatch.

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NEWS

Credit for Builders Tightens as Rates Climb

During the fourth quarter of 2022, credit continued to become less available and generally more costly on loans for Acquisition, Development & Construction (AD&C) according to NAHB’s Survey on AD&C Financing.

To analyze credit availability, responses from the NAHB survey are used to construct a net easing index, similar to the net easing index based on the Federal Reserve’s survey of senior loan officers (SLOOS). In the fourth quarter of 2022, both the NAHB and Fed indices were negative, indicating tightening credit conditions. This was the fourth consecutive quarter during which the indices from both surveys were not only negative, but declining (indicating tightening was more widespread than in the prior quarter). In the first quarter of the year, the NAHB net easing index stood at -2.3 before declining to -21.0 in the second quarter, -36.0 in the third and -43.3 in the fourth.

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2023 Off to A Sluggish Start for Single-Family Production

Due to elevated mortgage rates and high construction costs, overall housing starts decreased 4.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.31 million units in January, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. Although rising builder sentiment indicates a turning point for housing later this year, the volatility in the 10-year Treasury rate in recent weeks is a sign that the housing sector will face further challenges in the coming months.

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36 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2023 NEWS

Workforce Development Partnerships Help Fuel the Talent Pipeline

The ongoing scarcity of skilled workers is one of the most significant challenges builders are facing. As a result, many state and local HBAs are partnering with community organizations to develop strategies for attracting the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Last year, for example, NAHB launched a successful Boys and Girls Club pilot program in which several HBAs partnered with their local club to host a variety of engaging and fun career-focused programming.

To continue building the momentum into 2023, NAHB needs input from members and HBAs on the Boys and Girls program. Please take a moment to complete a short survey to help inform NAHB’s afterschool community organization partnership initiatives. In addition, NAHB is hosting a Creating Successful Partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs webinar on Feb. 22, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET. NAHB members, executive officers and HBA staff are encouraged to join.

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How Pandemic Changed Living Arrangements of Young Adults

NAHB’s analysis of headship rates from the latest 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) reveals that the Covid-19 pandemic unlocked some pent-up housing demand, especially among young adults ages 25 to 34. The pandemicheightened desire for more spacious and independent living, as well as “excess” savings accumulated early in the lockdown stages of the pandemic, propelled headship rates of young adults by two percentage point to 43.1%, the highest level since 2010.

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FEBRUARY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 37
NEWS
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