June 2023 Building Connections

Why Ring’s End?

Darien (Flagship Yard)

Lewisboro,

Wilton

Bethel

Innovative Options and Designs to Complement Your Home

Pella’s Impervia® windows and doors provide unmatched strength, energy efficiency and lasting durability with proven performance. There’s never a need for painting or refinishing because with our powder-coat finish, our windows and doors resist chipping, chalking and fading. Rot and corrosion-free to naturally resist water and bugs.

Complement your home with Pella’s proprietary, low maintenance fiberglass that offers a sleek and timeless style. Our windows and patio doors have been tested to withstand some of the harshest conditions, including extreme heat and sub-zero cold, damaging UV rays and seacoast environments.

For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro

631-219-9258 or smortillaro@pellactny.com

Let's Welcome Summer & Celebrate!

I want to thank each and every one of you for making the first half of this year such a success. We have added 44 new members since January and have had some of our most well attended events to date. If you haven’t joined us for a meeting yet, or haven’t been in awhile, please join us and see what we’re all about!

While we are taking a summer break from networking, rest assured we are working hard behind the scenes to bring you quality and engaging networking and education in the fall. We have great new events lined up and look forward to seeing you all! As a reminder, if you know someone who would benefit from becoming a member-we are currently running a special for new members - Join now and come to your first 3 meetings for free!

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,

Kerry Brunn Executive Officer

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

“ 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. ”

AUTHENTIC TO YOUR DREAM

Andersen ® A-Series windows and doors are based on the style of home you want. Whether it’s a stately Queen Anne, a bold Modernist design or anything in between, you can now create it with the best-performing, most energy-efficient products Andersen has ever offered. Don’t just imagine your dream home, build it with Andersen.

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

Membership Discounts & Deals

Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. Members save big when they take advantage of these offers.

Steps to Access NAHB Discounts:

Log in at www.nahb.org

Please Note: Your nahb.org login is separate from your buildfairfieldcounty.com login.

If you do not have an NAHB account, select “Register” on the right side of the screen.

You will need the PIN you received when you first joined the HBRA – find yours by logging in to your account at buildfairfieldcounty.com, or contact the HBRA office and we would be happy to let you know!

After you log in, go to www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Member-Benefits/Savings Click on “Learn More” under the discount you want to use and follow the instructions.

See the NAHB "Member Savings Program at a Glance" handout for a full list of available discounts!

Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free.

Steps to Access NPP Discounts:

Visit www.mynpp.com/association/hbra-of-fairfieldcounty/

If you already have an account, select “Log In” at the top right to log in.

If you do not currently have an NPP account, enter your information on the form on the right and follow the website prompts to create an account. Click on the discount you would like to sign up for and follow the instructions.

See the NPP handout for a full list of available discounts!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit: buildfairfieldcounty.com/membership-benefits-discounts/

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 Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC

2023 DIRECTORS

George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting

Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.

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

Upcoming EventsRegister Today!

Weds. Sept. 6: Annual HBRA Clambake

Boca Oyster Bar, Bridgeport

New venue with Surf & Turf Dinner (lobster & steak) and drinks!

Mon. Sept. 18: Golf Classic

Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull

Our biggest event of the year! Golf & dinner registration, sponsorships, & raffle prize donations now open!

Thurs. Oct. 19: Casino Night with the HBRA

Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton

Brand new event! Try your luck at the tables, and bring your highest bids for some great prizes at our Silent Auction!

Tues. Oct. 24: Building Science Training

Hotel Zero Degrees, Norwalk

Educational training - breakfast included!

For more info & to register, visit buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

MEMBER EVENTS

June GMM & Annual Meeting RECAP

The HBRA’s Elite VIP Partner, Ring’s End, helped us kick off summer and hosted our June GMM outside at their Darien location with food trucks and vendors.

Our biggest crowd of the year enjoyed pizza from the Colony Grill Hot Oil Rig and tacos from the Bodega Taco Bar Truck, and sipped drinks from the Rambling Inn Mobile Irish Pub - a rambling piece of Ireland in the lumberyard! Multiple vendors were on display including Andersen Windows & Doors, Benjamin Moore, C&G Media Group, Marvin, Kebony, TimberTech by Azek, Upstate Door, Westlake and Weyerhaeuser.

At this meeting the HBRA Board of Directors were also sworn in for another term and John Hertz, of Hertz Construction Inc., was sworn in for his second and final year as president of this association.

VendorsMaking CONNECTIONS

June GMM & Annual Meeting

CONTINUED...

Brett Fagan of Fulcrum won $250 in our Membership Raffle sponsored by Marvin, and Ring's End raffled off great prizes including a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, DeWalt table saw, Weber Spirit II gas grill, and Graco paint sprayer. Congratulations to the winners: Carlos Armas from CEA Construction, Emilia Ferri from Emilia Ferri Architecture + Design, Krystal Stone from Bender, and Tom Myles from Yellowbrick Real Estate.

Thanks to all the members and guests who attended our June GMM and to Ring’s End for their continued partnership with our association.

Clambake on the Water

September 6, 2023 | 6pm-9pm | Boca Oyster Bar

Steelpointe Harbor: 10 East Main Street, Bridgeport

Join the HBRA for our annual Clambake on the Water at a new location, the beautiful Boca Oyster Bar.

This year dinner includes an all-new surf & turf dinner menu!

Every attendee will enjoy lobster, sirloin steak, clams, mussels, salad, red potatoes, and corn on the cob!

Two drink tickets included, cash bar thereafter.

Boca Oyster Bar is a half mile / approximately 12 minute walk from the Bridgeport Metro-North Train Station.

HBRA Members: $150 | General Admission: $160

Week of Event Price Increase:

HBRA Members: $160 | Gen. Admission: $170

Sponsorships Available!

Presenting Sponsor - $2000

- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on banner at event

- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on all marketing materials

- 3 tickets to the event

- 1 minute to speak at the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for September

Dinner Sponsor - $1500

- Premium signage at the food table

- Logo on cocktail napkins

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 2 tickets to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections

E-Magazine for September

Membership Raffle - $450

Includes signage at the event & have a member of your team draw the winning raffle ticket to announce the lucky winner!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Drink Sponsor - $1250

- Premium signage at the bar

- Logo on drink tickets

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 2 tickets to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections

E-Magazine for September

Event Sponsor - $350

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 1 ticket to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for September

in Inspiration: Pella Windows & Doors of Long trends that ushered in the first few years of this decade

2023, with some notable shifts in interior design philosophy comfortable homes that embody the spirit of “inviting.” Here trends to watch out for in 2023… and how to execute

New Window Trends.

1. Black Window Frames for Moody Interior Design

Whatever your style sensibilities, atmosphere is the name dark interior design, and one of the easiest ways to tap into window frame. Black window frames are back in alongside and maroons. If creating a vibe that entices guests to linger for you to explore.

2. Get in Touch With Nature

Here are the biggest window and home design trends to watch out for in 2023... and how to execute them flawlessly.

Frames for Moody Interior Design

Have you heard us mention houseplants before? The biophilic command the interior design scene in 2023. Incorporating greenery, owners who want their house to feel more alive. Plants, plant tons of dimension and visual appeal. Additionally, swap out stunning indoor/outdoor space to maximize your home’s continue to rise in the coming year.

sensibilities, atmosphere is the name of the game heading into 2023. one of the easiest ways to tap into the dimension this trend offers window frames are back in alongside deep jewel tones, bottom-of-the-lake a vibe that entices guests to linger a little longer is high on your design

The home design trends that ushered in the first few years of this decade will continue to grow in popularity in 2023, with some notable shifts in interior design philosophy toward creating unique and comfortable homes that embody the spirit of “inviting.”

1

Nature

3. Get Maximalist With Art Deco Finishes

Black Window Frames for Moody Interior Design

Whatever your style sensibilities, atmosphere is the name of the game heading into 2023. We’ve covered how to master dark interior design, and one of the easiest ways to tap into the dimension this trend offers is by choosing a dark interior window frame. Black window frames are back in alongside deep jewel tones, bottom-of-the-lake blues, dark olive greens, and maroons. If creating a vibe that entices guests to linger a little longer is high on your design priority list, this is the trend for you to explore.

Minimalism still has its devout followers, but the maximalism cozy is king, it makes sense that artful clutter is having a moment has been popping up more frequently and you’ve got a recipe deco trend by combining window shapes, and pairing them

4. Embrace Your Home’s History With Vintage Design

Rather than gutting your home and starting fresh, focus on honoring

mention houseplants before? The biophilic trend that was bolstered design scene in 2023. Incorporating greenery, houseplants, and living house to feel more alive. Plants, plant prints, and natural materials visual appeal. Additionally, swap out your basic patio door for a multifold space to maximize your home’s oneness with nature. The trend

Get in Touch With Nature 2

Long Island Blog decade will continue to grow philosophy toward creating Here are the biggest window them flawlessly.

Get Maximalist With Art Deco Finishes 3

Minimalism still has its devout followers, but the maximalism trend has been gaining steam. In a home design world where cozy is king, it makes sense that artful clutter is having a moment to shine. Pair that with the old Hollywood glam trend that has been popping up more frequently and you’ve got a recipe for manifesting your wildest Gatsby dreams. Capture the art deco trend by combining window shapes, and pairing them with gold curtain rods or hardware.

Window Design and Home Look Out for in 2023

Have you heard us mention houseplants before? The biophilic trend that was bolstered by the pandemic continues to command the interior design scene in 2023. Incorporating greenery, houseplants, and living florals is all the rage for homeowners who want their house to feel more alive. Plants, plant prints, and natural materials provide unique textures with tons of dimension and visual appeal. Additionally, swap out your basic patio door for a multifold glass option that creates a stunning indoor/outdoor space to maximize your home’s oneness with nature. The trend of inviting the outdoors in will continue to rise in the coming year.

Embrace Your Home’s History With Vintage Design 4

posted on December 22, 2022 in Inspiration: Pella Windows

Rather than gutting your home and starting fresh, focus on honoring where your home came from. Look into the architectural roots of your house and create a design plan that highlights its strengths. For example, Victorian style homes with a lot of angles are the perfect match for single- and doublehung windows, whereas craftsman and ranch-style houses pair well with bay and bow windows. Once you’ve got your window design aligned with your home’s history, focus on restoring interior spaces instead of renovating them. Utilize family heirlooms as design centerpieces or vintage decor for a cozy cottage vibe.

The home design trends that ushered in the first few in popularity in 2023, with some notable shifts in interior unique and comfortable homes that embody the spirit and home design trends to watch out for in 2023… and

Soften it Up With Curves 5

Sharp angles and harsh squares are on their way out. Softer design is ready to take the stage. Soften up your interior and exterior design by embracing the elegance of curves. This rising trend makes your home more comfortable than ever by incorporating round coffee tables and kitchen islands to arched windows and doors. Consider adding statement pieces like a sofa with a high, arched back, curvy candles, light fixtures with glass globes, or a wavy, retro take on a frameless mirror. Incorporate curves in your exterior window design with a custom-shaped window or cottage-style door to finish the look.

We’ve covered how to master offers is by choosing a dark interior bottom-of-the-lake blues, dark olive greens, design priority list, this is the trend by the pandemic continues to florals is all the rage for homematerials provide unique textures with

Whichever rising trend or combination of window trends is calling your name, there are so many ways to bring it to life. Working with the professionals at Pella will help you decide how to execute the latest window designs for your house. Request a consultation or stop into a Pella showroom near you to get started on your next home improvement project.

Whatever your style sensibilities, atmosphere is the name of the game

RING’S END COMPANY CULTURE

RING’S END

Since 1902

RingsEnd.com

·

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 be the premier resource in the building supply industry.

Mission Statement

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

“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017. Roberta and the rest of the team have been instrumental in helping to get our brand in front of our target audience: homeowners, architects, and interior designers. Working with the New England Home Connecticut team feels closer to a supportive friendship than a business agreement. We highly recommend them (and their networking events) to everyone in the home industry!”

KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS

Sept. 18 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull

|

Register now to receive early bird pricing for the 18 and 9 hole tournaments! We also have sponsorship opportunities available. Click below for more information.

tournaments! We also have sponsorship opportunities available.

Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments

Golfers: 11am Shotgun

18 Hole: 11am Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $1000 / foursome or $250 / golfer

Increase after Aug. 18: $1100 / foursome or $275 / golfer

9 Hole: 2pm Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer

Increase after Aug. 18: $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

All golfers receive on-course lunch and dinner.

Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer golfers receive dinner.

Dinner-Only

Network with industry friends, participate in our raffle with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the awards! This year dinner will be back inside, featuring open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations!

CLICK

with industry participate in stations! Register Dinner!

HERE to Register for Golf or Dinner!

Sponsorships Available!

ponsorships Available!

Opportunities are available for budget. event out, your

pportunities are available for every udget. This event sells out, so book your sponsorship today!

We are also accepting raffle prize donations.

We are also raffle donations.

NEW MEMBERS

All Hardwood Floors, LLC | Andy Ross

Get to know your Connecticut & Westchester County, New York area flooring experts. We use the highest quality stains, polyurethanes, hardwood and luxury vinyl products and promise exceptional customer service. Read More

Rubiny Drywall, LLC | Bruno Mello

Rubiny Drywall provides the highest quality construction and finishing aesthetics to interiors throughout the tri-state area. Whether you need restoration or new services for your home, business or rental property, Rubiny Drywall Services has the expertise to accomplish a great job to keep our clients satisfied. Read More

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters | Ryan Curtin

When designing and installing gutters on your property, keep the roofline, pitch, overhang, fascia, and valleys in mind. Our Solutionists will assess your home and recommend the best seamless gutter installation or gutter replacement option based on your individual requirements. Read More

Urban Stone Inc. | Bobby George

Urban Stone Inc. is an experienced company committed to bringing our clients the finest in granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone, onyx, and more in Connecticut and tri-state area. Read More

BioClean | Paul Caseria

At BioClean, we provide the highest quality in mold inspection and remediation, air quality testing, basement waterproofing and janitorial services in Connecticut & Westchester County. We offer free inspections, warranties for our work, and sameday estimates and service for clients that need the work done now. Read More

New England Propane | Connor Shortell

From automatic propane delivery to around-the-clock emergency response and from free consultation and design services to our worry-free GASCheck™ safety program, residential and commercial customers rely on New England Propane for exceptional customer care bar none. Read More

SBC Group USA | Marios Ellinas AFFILIATES

Marvin | Jeffrey Scott McCluskey

Ridgefield Supply Company | Jeff Jeffries

Yellowbrick Real Estate | Thomas J. Bepko

2023-2024 Print Membership Directory

Listing forms & advertising opportunities are now available for the annual HBRA Print Membership Directory, distributed to all current members and displayed at HBRA events, in member's showrooms, & in local businesses.

Listing forms advertising are now available for annual Print Directory, to current and displayed at events, in member's showrooms, & local businesses.

Your FREE listing is included with membership.

Your FREE listing with membership.

Advertising opportunities are available for all budgets. A Directory ad is an investment that gives you year-round exposur to fellow members, industry professionals, and consumers. Plus, revenue from ads helps the HBRA expand our services, events & legislative advocacy to better serve the members of the HBRA.

Advertising for budgets. ad investment that gives year-round exposure to fellow industry professionals, consumers. revenue from ads the expand our events, to serve the members of HBRA.

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.

Accurate Lock And Hardware

JOB TITLE: Customer Solutions Specialist

SUMMARY: In this role, you will communicate with customers via phone and email, help determine their requirements, process purchase orders, provide quotations, check on order status and expedite orders. You will be part of a team that provides customer service and support for a wide array of products to a network of showroom and contract hardware distributors, OEM accounts, architects, designers and specifiers.

Studio KC LLC

JOB TITLE: Jr Designer/Project Manager

SUMMARY: Studio KC is an emerging high end interior design firm located in Norwalk specializing in full home renovations, kitchens, baths and custom millwork. We are looking for a Junior Designer/Project Manager to join our tight knit team. Our office is a fun, fast paced environment where collaboration and mutual support are encouraged.

Chloe Winston Lighting Design

JOB TITLE: Showroom Coordinator

RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with showroom opening and closing duties, answer phones and make customer appointments, greet customers in showroom and make them feel welcomed, receive deliveries and help with in-store merchandise pick-ups, liaise with showroom, manufacturers, and designers, architects, builders and retail customers, and support sales team.

HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm

Email resume to hello@chloewinstonlighting.com

AVAILABLE JOBS: (Continued)

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

Bear Paw Builders Inc.

JOB TITLE: Part Time Bookkeeper

START DATE: immediately

Salary: $30-$35 per hour

SUMMARY: Experienced bookkeeper experienced in construction job costing with QuickBooks.

CONTACT: peter@bpaw.com

JOB BANK

Lot Shortage Eases but Still a Problem

Obtaining lots for new homes remains a challenge for many of NAHB’s builders, but the shortages are not as widespread as they were in 2021, according to responses to the May 2023 survey for the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

Nearly half (42%) of single-family home builders characterized the supply of lots simply as low, and another 25% said the supply was very low. That total (67%) is down from 76% who reported shortages in the September 2021 survey, but is still the second highest incidence of lot shortages on record since NAHB began collecting the information in 1997.

The current percentage of builders reporting a shortage of lots is particularly high relative to the current level of production. Over the past six months, total housing starts have been hovering around an annual rate of 1.4 million. In comparison, in 2005 when total housing starts peaked at more than 2 million, 53% of builders were reporting lot shortages.

Read More

NAHB-Supported Gas Stove Bills Back on the Front Burner

Lawmakers approved H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act — legislation that would protect consumer access to gas stoves by preventing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from advancing regulations on existing or new gas stoves that would ban their use or substantially increase the price of the average gas stove.

Read More

Be Unstoppable with Help from UPS®

The world moves fast – and your NAHB UPS® Savings Program has the tools you need to help your small business move even faster. We’re here to help you push envelopes and ride the edge of what’s possible. We’ll be right by your side with everything you need to keep blazing forward.

Let UPS® help make your business unstoppable. Members enjoy the following savings every time you ship:

• 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred

• 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential

• 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports

• Up to 50% off on additional services.

• Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free.

Don’t Let Shipping Mishaps Slow You Down

A lot can go wrong in shipping – package loss, breakage, porch piracy theft. The good news is that you can mitigate the financial impact of some shipping mishaps with InsureShield® shipping coverage.

Through your NAHB UPS® Savings Program, you have access to insurance that can help keep your business moving despite the everyday risks of shipping.

All you have to do is enter the value of the goods in the declared value* field of your UPS® approved shipping system and you are on your way to better shipping experiences.

Start covering your shipments today: savewithups.com/nahb

Legal Disclaimer:

Insurance coverage is offered through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., a licensed insurance producer. If you elect protection for your shipment, it will be insured under a policy of insurance (the “Policy”), but you are not an insured under the Policy. In the event of a loss covered under such Policy, any resulting claim payment will be directed to you as a loss payee. All insurance-related information is provided by UPS Capital and does not in any way alter or amend the terms, conditions, or exclusions of the Policy. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions or on all shipments.

© 2023 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, UPS Capital, InsureShield, the UPS brandmark, and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Build Your Knowledge this Summer with NAHB Courses

NAHB Education is offering some of its most popular live online courses this summer. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from some of the best instructors in the industry.

Register for these interactive, live online courses held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July. Continuing education credits available.

Land Development: Getting Started, Business Management & Financing | Tuesday, June 20, 1-4 p.m. ET

Explore the land acquisition and development process, and discover the crucial first steps to becoming a successful developer. You’ll get a balanced perspective on what it takes to develop land and, more importantly, learn approaches to limit risk and maximize profits. Register today.

Site Planning, Approvals & Construction | Thursday, June 22, 1-4 p.m. ET

Learn about the typical approval and final platting process through a governing authority. Tom Stephani will help you take the next step to becoming a small volume land developer by exploring actual site planning and preliminary platting. Register today.

Land Development and Site Planning Bundle | Tuesday and Thursday, June 20 & 22, 1-4 p.m. ET

NAHB members can save 10% when they register for both the Land Development and Site Planning live online courses. Register today and save.

Financial Management | Thursday, June 29 & July 7, 1-4 p.m. ET

Improve productivity and increase profits by applying financial management techniques used in successful businesses. This live online course for building professionals discusses financial tools you can apply immediately to achieve financial success. Learn how to work with annual operating plans and budgets, financial reports, operating ratios and revenue forecasts that control profitability. Register today.

Risk Management for Builders & Remodelers | Tuesday, July 11 & 18, 1-4 p.m. ET

This course is designed to help building companies of various sizes understand and apply fundamental risk management concepts. The instructor will cover risk management topics such as contractual risk transfer, financing risk, construction loss exposures, and solutions for controlling risk through insurance coverage. Register today.

Read More

Protect Yourself and Workers from the Dangers of Wildfire Smoke

As wildfire season approaches, it is important to understand the effects of wildfire smoke across the country. As we saw last week in the Northeast, even if you are not in an area that is at risk for wildfires, smoke can impact daily life and health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to wildfire smoke can irritate eyes and respiratory systems, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Wildfire smoke can have an immediate impact on a worker’s health, such as coughing, trouble breathing normally, a scratchy throat, headaches and more.

Read More

New Video Series Aims to Demystify Remodeling Industry

NAHB has launched its Remodeling Forecasts, Myths & Trends video series, sponsored by Lowe’s Pro. The first installment, “Remodeling Forecasts, Myths & Trends,” features Paul Emrath, NAHB’s vice president of survey and housing policy research, and guides viewers through the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI).

The video outlines how this data can be used to project the remodeling market outlook for the second half of 2023 and includes an overview of NAHB’s projections for remodelers through the end of the year. This 35-minute video gives professional clarity on the following topics:

• Overall remodeler sentiment in 2023.

• Factors that impact remodeling demand both positively and negatively, such as house price appreciation, home owner equity and interest rate hikes.

• Supply-side challenges that remodelers face and whether they are projected to ease in the second half of the year.

Read More

Housing Affordability Posts Solid Gain but Still Much Lower from a Year Ago

Solid nominal wage gains (unadjusted for inflation) combined with lower mortgage rates and home prices helped to boost housing affordability at the start of 2023, but ongoing building material supply chain issues and expected wage growth cooling signal ongoing concerns for affordability conditions in the year ahead.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/ Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), 45.6% of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of January and end of March were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $96,300. This is up from 38.1% posted in the fourth quarter of last year, which was the lowest level since NAHB began tracking affordability on a consistent basis in 2012. However, the first quarter 2023 HOI reading remains significantly lower than the first quarter 2022 score of 56.9%, a reminder of ongoing housing affordability challenges.

Read More

Podcast: NAHB Legal Expert Sheds Light on Next Steps for WOTUS

In the latest episode of NAHB’s Housing Developments podcast, co-hosts CEO Jim Tobin and SVP of Communications Paul Lopez welcome VP of Legal Advocacy Tom Ward to help explain the implications of the recent Supreme Court decision that rescinded key parts of the Biden Administration’s “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule.

Listen Now

We did this. The whole thing. The faucets. The hardware. The cabinetry. The sink. The tile. And, the mirrors. Multiple brands, all from one company. Holistically designed by Bender to bring form, function, and flow together – beautifully. Now your clients can shop the look at Bender.

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

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More Than 700 Residential Construction Workers Discuss Housing Issues in Hill Visits

More than 700 builders, remodelers and associates engaged in all facets of residential construction marched on Capitol Hill today to call on Congress to take steps to ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis and make housing and homeownership a national priority.

“From coast to coast, members of the housing community have come to Washington for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2023 Legislative Conference to deliver a simple message to lawmakers: ‘As housing goes, so goes the economy,’” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala.

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Focus on Falls this Week During National Safety Month

The National Safety Council organizes National Safety Month every June as a reminder to businesses to focus on safety policies and procedures. Each week brings a new focus for jobsites.

This week’s focus is slips, trips and falls. Fatalities caused by falls on jobsites continue to be the leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 378 of the 986 construction fatalities recorded in 2021. Those deaths were preventable with the proper training, jobsite requirements and equipment.

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Single-Family Construction Slowdown Less Pronounced in Lower Density Markets

While single-family home building has slowed significantly from pandemic-fueled highs because of higher interest rates and construction costs, the slowdown is less pronounced in lower density markets. Meanwhile, multifamily market growth remained strong throughout much of the nation, according to the latest findings from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) for the first quarter of 2023.

“This latest data indicates that the pace of single-family construction in the first quarter of 2023 has slowed from pandemic-induced highs, but a turning point is coming into view with a rebound led particularly in more affordable, lower density areas,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “And while many builders are having difficulties with labor shortages and tighter finance conditions, the multifamily building market remains strong with risks of slowing later this year.”

“Higher interest rates and construction costs, along with shortages of key materials such as transformers and concrete, have contributed to all single-family markets posting a negative year-over-year building growth rate, but this particularly true for the largest, densest metro areas,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.

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How to Save Over 20% by Working with a Specialized Work Comp Broker

Like most construction businesses, a Colorado-based barricade company that designs and manages construction work zone traffic has high-risk class codes and claims. The safety officer managed all the claims, created safety programs and resources, and tried to find savings himself. The company decided to move its workers’ compensation from a general insurance broker to one who specialized in workers’ compensation. The company not only saved 21.8% on the premium but was able to utilize additional services that the previous broker did not provide.

The barricade company hired Associates Insurance Group — the premier work comp brokerage in the country — to service its workers’ compensation. With Associates, every client receives:

• In-Depth Policy Design Review

• E-MOD Analysis

• Deductible Analysis

• Discount Analysis

• Yearly Quotes from up to 100 Carriers at Renewal

• Safety Programs

• In-House Medical Division

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Promote Homeownership Month with NAHB Resources

Each year, the housing industry celebrates homeownership month in June to remind consumers about the importance of home in our lives. According to NAHB’s latest Housing Trends Report, the retreat in mortgage interest rates during the first quarter of 2023 led to a record share of adults in the United States –18 percent – to declare having plans to buy a home within a year.

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MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL RAFFLE RAFFLE

Sponsored by the HBRA Membership Committee, the Membership Renewal Raffle acknowledges current members who renew their memberships on time. Each month one winner receives a free half page ad for them or their company in our e-magazine, Building Connections.

Low Existing Home Inventory Fueling Buyer Interest in New Homes

As the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrates National Homeownership Month in June, more Americans are turning to new home construction as existing inventory remains low and mortgage rates begin to stabilize. Sales of newly built, singlefamily homes increased in April, reaching the highest level since March 2022.

“Buyers are purchasing new homes so they can start investing in homeownership now instead of waiting for an existing home to come on the market,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “Builders want to meet buyer demand; however, high construction costs and labor shortages remain persistent challenges for the residential construction industry.”

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FHFA Seeks Input on Multifamily Tenant Protections

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a Request for Input (RFI) on tenant protections at multifamily properties with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This action is part of the Biden Administration’s government tenant protection initiatives announced on Jan. 25, and was included in the Administration’s white paper, Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights.

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