June 2024 Building Connections

Page 1


Your Monthly Newsletter

Building 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

Front Cover:

Featuring: Tile America, Photo by Douglas Friedman

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.

Learn more at andersenwindows.com

“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. All

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

Happy Summer!

As many of you know, on June 5th, we swore in Rob Michaud as the new HBRA of Fairfield County President. We are very excited for this new chapter and what he will bring to the organization.

I would like to thank John Hertz for his presidency over the past two years. His passion, dedication, and constant positivity has revitalized both our organization and our board. John has set our organization up for growth for both the HBRA and its members for years to come. I cannot express enough how wonderful it was to work with him. Thank you, John!

For those of you that don’t know, we have launched a new Young Professionals Recruitment Program. For nonmembers, aged 45 years and under, their first-year dues are now only $75! Please let nonmembers you know of this great deal! We are excited to get this committee going!

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. ”

Upcoming Events - Save the Date!

Tues. June 25: Seminar: The Twenty-Six Hour Day

Northeast, Bridgeport | 8am-10am

Learn how contractors can get two more hours in your day!

Tues. July 23: Building Science Training

New Canaan Nature Center | 9am-11am

Presented by Northeast | Sponsored by Polcer Home LLC. Ben Bogie will go over the “fundamentals of water management.”

Mon. August 19: Building Science Training

New Canaan Nature Center | 9am-11am

Presented by Northeast. Ben Bogie will go over “high performance building assemblies.”

Weds. Sept. 4: Annual GMM & Clambake

Save the date! More info & registration coming soon!

Mon. Sept. 16: Annual HBRA Golf Classic

Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull

Our biggest event of the year. Sponsorships, 18 and 9 hole golf foursomes & individual, dinner-only, volunteer opportunities, and raffle prize donations all available!

Tues. Oct. 15: Bowling Bash with the HBRA

Nutmeg Bowl, Fairfield | 6pm-8:30pm

Our bowling bash is back! Sponsorships and bowler registration now available!

For more info & to register, visit

2024 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President John Hertz Hertz Construction Inc.

President: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group

Senior VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber

VP & Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC

Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

2024 DIRECTORS

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

George Knapp Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

Bepin Mgushi Fixitup Building and Remodeling

Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC

George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting

Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC

LIFE DIRECTORS

Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance

Jerry Effren

The Greyrock Companies

Gary Fanali City Carting

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

Michael Palumbo

ERI Building & Design

Peter Gaboriault

Bear Paw Builders

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR RECAP

HBRA Members and industry guests ages 45 and under gathered at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on May 22nd for the first event of our new Young Professionals Committee, a Happy Hour Meet-Up sponsored by Guiltec Development.

Attendees enjoyed open bar craft beer and had the opportunity to meet and network with other professionals recently established in the building industry.

The HBRA’s newest committee, Young Professionals is dedicated to fostering networking, growth and mentorship to our industry professionals that are 45 and under, with a special focus on networking, education, and mentorship.

Our next Happy Hour will be at Nod Hill Brewery in the fall. If you are a current HBRA member age 45 or under, email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to join!

Not currently a member? Industry professionals aged 45 and under, from companies that are not already a member or have not been a member in the past two years can join the HBRA of Fairfield County for their first year for just $75!

PLUS, they’ll get a $300 discount on the membership when they renew in years 2-4.

Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com for information on how to join at the discounted rate!

*Normally $650 each year

Photos by Kirt Washington Photography.

(Continued on next page.)

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Membership Recruitment Program

l H B R A m e m b e r s , n e w o r c u r r e n t , u n d e r a g e 4 5

a r e a l s o e l i g i b l e t o j o i n o u r Y o u n g P r o f e s s i o n a l s

C o m m i t t e e , d e d i c a t e d t o f o s t e r i n g n e t w o r k i n g ,

g r o w t h a n d m e n t o r s h i p t o o u r i n d u s t r y

p r o f e s s i o n a l s t h a t a r e 4 5 a n d u n d e r .

E m a i l u s t o j o i n : h b r a @ b u i l d f a i r f i e l d c o u n t y . c o m

Presented By

Seminar: The Twenty-Six Hour Day

Tues. June 25th | 8am-10am | Northeast, Bridgeport

Time management coach Don Wetmore will show how you can get the equivalent of two more hours in your day!

Building Science: Fundamentals of Water Management

Tues. July 23rd | 9am-11am | New Canaan Nature Center

Ben Bogie will cover real ways that we can easily and reliably manage water on, in, and around our buildings.

Sponsored By

Building Science: High Performance Building

Assemblies

Tues. Aug. 19th | 9am-11am | New Canaan Nature Center

Ben Bogie will cover real high performance assemblies that result in buildings that are more comfortable, durable, healthy, and efficient.

S U M M E R F U N D I S C O U N T S

T H E M E P A R K S

HBRA members can get discounted tickets and deals at theme parks including Walt Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Hersheypark, Legoland, Knott’s Berry Farm, & many more!

C L I C K H E R E

M O V I E , T H E A T R E &

C O N C E R T T I C K E T S

Stay cool and save on tickets to Broadway and NYC shows, concert tickets, plus movie tickets at AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Showcase Cinemas, Cinemark, & more!

P R O S P O R T S & G A M E S

Preferred access and discounted tickets to MLB Baseball including the Yankees, NFL including the Giants/Jets/Patriots/Eagles, tennis including the US Open, Golf, Major League Soccer, plus advanced tickets to the NHL, NBA, & more!

JUNE GMM

RECAP

Perfect sunny skies greeted our biggest crowd of the year to kick off summer at our 2024 Annual Meeting and June GMM on June 6th, hosted by the HBRA’s Elite VIP Partner, Ring’s End.

Members and guests enjoyed the beautiful night outdoors at the Darien lumberyard, with pizza from Marco Pizza Truck, burgers and fries from Cowabunga Burgers and Sliders, and drinks from the Rambling Inn Mobile Irish Pub: a rambling piece of Ireland in the lumberyard!

Vendors from Andersen, Benjamin Moore, Benjamin Obdyke Roof & Wall Products, Iron Woods, Marvin, TimberTech, Upstate Door, Weyerhaeuser, and Woodgrain were on hand to showcase their newest products.

Ring’s End raffled off some great prizes including a Yeti cooler, DeWalt tool bundle, Weber spirit grill, Woodluxe exterior stain & sealer, and the Graco Ultra Quickshot paint sprayer, and Geoff Knapp of Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group won the HBRA’s $250 membership raffle, sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors!

RECAP CONT.

The highlight of the evening was the swearing-in of the HBRA’s 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Rob Michaud of Michaud Development Group was inducted as our new Board President, along with fellow senior officers Brian Kurtz of Interstate+Lakeland Lumber (Senior Vice President), Chris Shea of Domus Constructors, LLC (Vice President & Treasurer), and Karen Bradbury of Closet and Storage Concepts (Board Secretary).

The HBRA would like to especially thank outgoing Board President John Hertz of Hertz Construction Inc. for his many years of service to the HBRA.

Thank you to all the members and guests who attended, and thank you to Angela Cullinan and Ring’s End for their continued partnership with our association.

Photos by Kirt Washington Photography.

Welcome to our 2024-2025 Board of Directors:

President: Rob Michaud (Michaud Development Group)

Senior Vice President: Brian Kurtz (Interstate+Lakeland Lumber)

Vice President & Treasurer: Chris Shea (Domus Constructors, LLC)

Secretary: Karen Bradbury (Closet and Storage Concepts)

Immediate Past President: John Hertz (Hertz Construction Inc.)

Board Members:

Bepin Mgushi (Fixitup Building and Remodeling)

Geoff Knapp (Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group)

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:

Anthony DeRosa (DeRosa Builders, LLC)

Chris Steiner (Steiner Inc.)

Gary Fanali (Complete Dismantling Services, LLC)

Jerry Effren (The Greyrock Companies)

Joanne Carroll (JMC Resources, LLC)

Kim DiMatteo (Cross Insurance)

Michael Palumbo (ERI Building & Design, LLC)

Peter Fusaro (Preferred Builders Inc.)

Peter Gaboriault (Bear Paw Builders Inc.)

PWB Chair: Robin Carroll (Karp Associates Inc.)

UILDERB SPOTLIGHT

COMPANY BACKGROUND:

Polcer Home has been remodeling homes in the Fairfield County area for over 7 years. We are currently running several different projects including our first commercial space in downtown Fairfield, a basement renovation, a kitchen/family room renovation and a primary suite renovation.

OWNER:

COMPANY MISSION: At Polcer Home, we want to form lasting relationships with our customers. We are committed to uncompromising quality, integrity, communication, cleanliness and attention to detail to deliver projects that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but built with integrity and pride - the way it should be.

PHOTOGRAPHER: FVI Photo (photos 2-4)
DESIGNER: GLDESIGN (photos 1, 2 & 3)

ADDING VALUE TO YOUR HOUSE WITH HOME IMPROVEMENTS

For the majority of us, the home that we own is our biggest asset. So how do we make that asset even more valuable? Easy! You can increase your home's value with a few home improvements or house projects, or by developing some creative concepts. Also, with warmer weather on its way, you might be even more eager to begin these projects.

Think Green

Here are a few ideas from our friends at Trex Protect. They have extensive experience with everything from small DIY projects to professional home renovations that add value and enjoyment to people’s homes. You would be amazed at all of the innovative solutions they’ve seen!

We actually mean this as a bit of a double entendre. Besides beautifying your yard, outdoor area, or shrubbery, consider making your home more energy efficient. Windows which close completely, solid storm doors, and good weatherstripping can help retain your home's heat or AC. It will keep your heating and electric bill low, too. In addition, ensuring your appliances are up-to-date and operating efficiently will make your home more appealing to a potential future buyer. EnergyStar is a program designed to help you learn about energy-saving appliances.

Cooking up Ideas

The kitchen is not only a place for recipe creating, eating, and, yes, absently staring into the refrigerator. It is often the central point for gathering. As a result, the kitchen is often the room for making many memories.

Embarking on a kitchen project - either simple or more involved - will help add value to your house. Replacing cabinets and counters are some things that come to mind if you want a new look for your kitchen. Or simply stripping and painting your kitchen cabinets will give them a fresh look. Additionally, installing artistic hooks for pots and pans or some fun food-related artwork will make your kitchen pop!

Spring Cleaning

Cleaning doesn't have to be reserved only for the spring season. However, with the warmer weather, people tend to do this during those months, so let's look at some things you can do now. A good dusting, cleaning, and waxing of hard floors, along with paint touchups, will help improve the appearance of your house. In addition, hiring a company to clean the ductwork and vents and steam clean your carpets will aid in sprucing up your abode.

Remember to inspect your house for cracked windows, leaky faucets, bugs, and damp basements (if you have one), as these things will help improve the appearance and quality of your home. Don't be shy about donating items you don't use or repurposing them for your current needs. Homeowners tend to dismiss that merely doing a thorough cleaning of their homes might help them get in the mindset for home beautification and improvement.

Bathroom Break

Although we may not think it, we're in the bathroom more often than we realize. Besides getting ready for work or zoom meetings, we utilize it throughout the day, and then we spend a few minutes before bedtime in there. It adds up. Let's make that room more attractive.

Fresh paint, a new backsplash, or a faucet upgrade can make all the difference. Even swapping out the toilet seat, and putting in new hardware, such as towel racks, can give your bathroom a nice makeover.

Outdoor Upgrades

Let's talk about the outside of your house. There are so many ideas! Some of the first things we think of might be adding a patio or deck. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may either DIY or consider hiring a reputable company to help you install your chosen project. According to Remodeling Magazine, outdoor decks recoup around 83% of their value.

For those more ambitious, consider adding a three seasons room or sunroom to expand your enjoyment of the outdoors. If you want something less extravagant, try installing a canopy or pergola, as that can enhance the use of your patio or porch.

In regards to landscaping, as mentioned before, installing a small garden, a fountain, or if space is an issue, plant some flower boxes. Adding a few flowering plants, a water feature, or some outdoorsy art can work wonders for curb appeal.

These suggestions are fun and mostly easy projects for you and your family to ponder this spring. With the weather turning warmer and the days becoming longer, you will likely be outside more. By making some home improvements, identifying potential trouble spots in and around your house, and doing some deep spring cleaning, you can make your house shine – literally – and add value to your home, which is especially good in today's market.

If you would like to learn more about premium waterproofing and drainage solutions for spaces underneath decks, visit www.trexprotect.com.

Follow Trex Protect on social media:

UILDERB SPOTLIGHT

COMPANY HISTORY:

Domus Constructors has been a prominent custom home builder and remodeler in Fairfield County since 1998. Led by acclaimed builder Chris Shea, we have earned a stellar reputation as the preferred choice for a wide range of home building and renovation projects.

LATEST PROJECT:

We are just finishing up a new "Party Barn" in Greenwich which has been a very fun and exciting collaboration with our clients and the architect Brooks and Falotico.

OWNER: Chris Shea

WHEN TO HIRE AN Interior Designer?

Katie Canfield, an experienced interior designer and owner of Studio KC Interiors is here to share some insight on why enlisting a designer from the onset of the project can make all the difference in your project’s final result.

The collaboration between interior designer, architect, and builder is a careful balance to ensure the project is properly executed. A renovation of any scale is an exciting time, but you may be wondering when the best time is to bring an interior designer onto the team. Ask any interior designer and their answer will be – immediately!

CONSTRUCTION AND FUNCTION

Having a designer come on board before construction begins means you can more intentionally consider the result of the construction that will affect your everyday life. A designer will work with you to visualize how you live in your space and come up with solutions that combine form and function, all while making sure they work with your specific needs. For example, a designer will carefully consider the placement of outlets in the kitchen or mudroom while also selecting outlets that look beautiful in the space. Inevitably there will be questions or ideas that need to be discussed during the construction process. Without a design professional, you may be asked dozens of questions by your contractor that you weren't expecting or aren't even sure how to answer. An interior designer

"Ask any interior designer and their answer will be –immediately!"

will be on call to guide you through these situations and work with the contractor to provide the best solutions.

UPFRONT PLANNING

Once walls are closed or tile is installed, making changes becomes expensive, messy, or no longer possible. Especially when it comes to electrical work or plumbing. Your designer will provide invaluable foresight in the planning process while also developing concepts that you may have never considered. Like hanging pendants over your bedside tables instead of using table lamps…therefore meaning junction boxes would need to be installed prior to the completion of drywall installation. If you wait to hire a designer for the “decorating” portion of the project, you could end up finding a lot of things you missed or wish you’d thought of during the construction phase. In addition, a designer may not be able to execute certain ideas due to the time and expense needed to backtrack on finished construction.

LEAD TIMES

A beautiful design brings together thoughtful elements, and those unique elements are often not in stock at your local warehouse stores. If you wait until the bathroom is already gutted to hire a designer, that

Katie Canfield Studio KC Interiors

made-to-order light fixture or specialty tile is probably a missed opportunity, since the lead-time would now delay the project. A seasoned designer will work with you to create realistic schedules for ordering and will manage any unforeseen delays to keep the project on-track. Your designer will not only have access to tradeonly resources, but they will be an invaluable part of order management from start to finish.

TAILOR MADE FOR YOU

Unless you're building a prefab home, your unique project has never been done before. Certainly, your builder has renovated hundreds of bathrooms, but none entirely unique to your style and your needs. A designer will think about your project from the inside out and bring up ideas to make the final result look beautiful and truly customized to you.

Interested in learning more about how a designer can help you get the most out of your next home project?

Visit www.studiokcinteriors.com to get a free informational packet on our design process and schedule a consultation.

Follow Studio KC Interiors on social media:

Sept. 16 | 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.

A portion of all proceeds will go to support the HBRA’s Partnership with the Circle of Care. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments

18 Hole: 10am Shotgun Start

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

Increase after Aug. 16: $1100 / foursome or $275 / golfer

9 Hole: 1pm Shotgun Start

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

Increase after Aug. 16: $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

All golfers receive on-course lunch and 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!

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

We are also accepting raffle prize donations.

2024 HBRA Print Membership Directory

It’s that time of year again! 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. Your FREE listing is included with membership.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE FREE LISTING FORM

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

CLICK HERE TO PLACE AN AD

NEW MEMBERS

Architectural Building Resources | Nate Bowler

Whether you're building a new home or adding on, ABR is committed to helping you achieve your dream. Your source for all your architectural window needs, from aluminum clad to all-wood, energy efficient to historic. Read More

Bespoke Cabinetry & Design | Colleen Debellis

At Bespoke Cabinetry and Design LLC, we specialize in crafting extraordinary kitchen spaces with every design accented to the client’s personality. We dedicate extensive hours to refine and perfect our designs, considering it an honor to earn our clients’ trust in their investment. Read More

Northeast Residential Elevator | John Blaschke

All your residential elevator needs. All your home elevator needs. Read More

P.C. Floors | Mike Karolitzky

For more than 30 years, P.C. Hardwood Floors has been dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and the best inventory selection in the flooring industry. With our hundreds of flooring options and large variety of supplies and equipment in stock at all times, we have the hardwood floor materials you need to complete any size project. Read More

Thomas Garage Doors, LLC | Nicholas Granja

Thomas Garage Doors, LLC - serving your garage, install & assemble, business services, doors needs in Connecticut. Here at Thomas Garage Doors, with 15+ years of experience in the industry, our team services all of the major brands of doors and operators! Read More

WindsorONE | Joe Burgoyne

The first thing you notice when you step into a home is the detail work. Focusing on detail and craftsmanship is what has made WindsorONE a leader in the interior/ exterior trim market since 1972. Read More Heritage Housing Inc. | Niall Farrell

AFFILIATES

AVAILABLE JOBS:

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

SONERICA Capital

JOB TITLE: New Home Builder

SUMMARY: Investor with large land inventory looking for highly experienced New Home Builder. You will be a paid consultant. Your main role is to prepare specs and inspect work. Must have built numerous homes. Intimate hands on experience in all facets of home building including foundation, framing, roofing, siding, sheetrock, interior and exterior trim, floors, HVAC, plumbing, electric, costs, scheduling etc.

CONTACT: Email detailed resume to hbsj7@yahoo.com

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.

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

SALES SHEET

GO BEYOND.

A subflooring panel with a built-in barrier for jobsite durability.

AdvanTech X-Factor panels are the latest innovation from the subflooring brand builders have trusted for more than 20 years for the FLAT OUT BEST™ start to a quiet, stiff floor. AdvanTech X-Factor is a new class of premium subflooring with a fade-resistant, watershedding surface on a high-performance engineered wood panel. With a built-in protective top layer, it takes the moisture resistance teams expect from an AdvanTech panel to the next level and pairs well with AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive for a Squeak-Free Guarantee™1

The built-in, water-shedding top layer provides a distinctively smooth, even, premium subfloor surface that is marker friendly and easy to clean.

AdvanTech X-Factor Panels

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.

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

Lansing Building Products, LLC

JOB TITLE: Outside Sales - Norwalk, CT (lever.co)

START DATE: immediately

SUMMARY: Full time - secures new business while building and maintaining relationships with customers.

CONTACT: (203) 831-0977 or george.harvey@lansingbp.com

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.

Membership Discounts & Deals

Log in at www.nahb.org

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:

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!

Steps to Access NPP Discounts:

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

Know the Different Excavation Requirements for Your Project

As NAHB celebrates next week’s 2024 Trench Safety Stand Down, it is important to know the requirements for the different types of excavation activity for your job. While federal OSHA’s excavation standard has been in place for roughly 50 years, builders should also know the separate requirements for certain residential foundation/ basement excavations.

According to an agency letter of interpretation, OSHA’s requirements for protective systems in excavations do not apply to house foundation/basement excavations when all of the following conditions are met:

• The house foundation/basement excavation is less than 7.5 feet in depth or is benched for at least 2 feet horizontally for every 5 feet or less of vertical height.

• The minimum horizontal width (excavation face to formwork/ wall) at the bottom of the excavation is as wide as practicable but not less than 2 feet.

Read More

HBA-Led Programs Increase Interest in the Trades

HBA leaders and members are not waiting for interest in the skilled trades to tick up. As part of NAHB’s national strategic partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America, associations of all sizes actively recruit the next generation of skilled trades professionals by leading dynamic and engaging career exploration programming.

Read More

More than 900 Housing Professionals Urge Congress to Act on Affordability Crisis

More than 900 business professionals engaged in all facets of residential construction trekked to Capitol Hill today to call on Congress to ease the chronic headwinds that are fanning the nation’s housing affordability crisis and impeding builders from boosting housing production.

“Members of the housing community from across the nation have come to the nation’s capital for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2024 Legislative Conference to deliver a powerful message: ‘The only way to tame shelter inflation (homeownership and rental costs) and to ease the housing affordability crisis is to build more homes and apartments,’” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan.

Read More

How Will the Economy Impact Housing for the Rest of 2024?

Limited inventory, higher construction costs and elevated interest rates continue to frustrate prospective home buyers. The new quarterly NAHB/ Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index recently underscored the burden that housing costs represent for middleand low-income families. And builders are feeling the crunch, too, as noted in the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

So what can the housing industry expect for the remainder of the year?

Read More

High Mortgage Rates Act as a Drag on Builder Confidence

Mortgage rates that continue to hover in the 7% range along with elevated construction financing costs continue to put a damper on builder sentiment.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 43 in June, down two points from May, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This is the lowest reading since December 2023.

“Persistently high mortgage rates are keeping many prospective buyers on the sidelines,” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan. “Home builders are also dealing with higher rates for construction and development loans, chronic labor shortages and a dearth of buildable lots.”

“We are in an unusual situation because a lack of progress on reducing shelter inflation, which is currently running at a 5.4% year-over-year rate, is making it difficult for the Federal Reserve to achieve its target inflation rate of 2%,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The best way to bring down shelter inflation and push the overall inflation rate down to the 2% range is to increase the nation’s housing supply. A more favorable interest rate environment for construction and development loans would help to achieve this aim.”

The June HMI survey also revealed that 29% of builders cut home prices to bolster sales in June, the highest share since January 2024 (31%) and well above the May rate of 25%. However, the average price reduction in June held steady at 6% for the 12th straight month. Meanwhile, the use of sales incentives ticked up to 61% in June from a reading of 59% in May. This metric is at its highest share since January 2024 (62%).

Read More

CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS

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

Fed Holds Rates Constant; Sees One Cut for 2024

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee held constant the federal funds rate at a top target of 5.5% at the conclusion of its June meeting. In its statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) noted:

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated. In recent months, there has been modest further progress toward the Committee’s 2 percent inflation objective.

Compared to the Fed’s May statement, the current statement upgraded “lack of progress” stated in May to “modest further progress” referred to this month with respect to achieving the central bank’s 2% inflation target.

Read More

How to Focus on Fall Prevention This National Safety Month

The second week of National Safety Month, created by the National Safety Council and powered by NAHB safety partner Builders Mutual, is all about slips, falls, and trips on jobsites. Falls are the most common jobsite accident in home building and prevention is key to keeping workers safe.

Read More

Elevate your bathroom with the Flutti line from Lacava, now available at Bender. This collection combines sleek, modern design with top-tier craftsmanship, featuring stylish sinks, vanities, and mirrors. Perfect for any contemporary or classic bathroom, the Flutti line offers both elegance and durability.

Upgrade your space with these stunning fixtures today!

Entitlements

Master Planning

Scheduling

Contractor

Broad Housing Coalition Calls on Lawmakers to Address Rising Insurance Costs

This week, a broad coalition of groups representing America’s housing providers, lenders and residents — including NAHB — sent members of Congress and the Biden administration a letter outlining a number of bipartisan policies to address the causes of rising insurance premiums across the nation’s housing market. The letter focused in particular on the significant negative impacts such increases have had on all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, single-family, multifamily, and affordable housing developers, lenders, investors, owners and renters.

Rising insurance costs are one of several factors that are mostly beyond the control of housing providers, driving price increases. The volatility in the insurance market over recent years hinders the ability of housing providers to deliver the housing that is so desperately needed.

Read More

New HBI Report Shows an Increase in Demand for Construction Labor

Additional skilled construction workers will be needed to reduce the nation's housing deficit during the second part of this decade, a shortfall NAHB estimates to total 1.5 million homes. The latest Construction Labor Market Report from the Home Builders Institute (HBI) provides an overview of the current state of the nation’s construction labor market.

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

NAHB Joins Lawsuit Challenging Department of Labor's New Overtime Rule

NAHB has joined a coalition of business groups in a lawsuit challenging recent changes to the Department of Labor’s overtime rules.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that the Department of Labor (DOL) exceeded its statutory authority and acted arbitrarily and capriciously.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay their employees overtime wages for time worked beyond 40 hours each week. However, employees who perform bona fide executive, administrative or professional duties are exempt from the overtime pay requirements under the FLSA.

Read More

Americans Want Policymakers to Act on Housing Affordability

Nearly four out of five Americans agree that the country is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis and that officials at all levels of government are not doing enough to address this vital issue, according to a survey conducted by the polling firm Morning Consult on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Read More

“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017, which has 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!”

Buyers Willing to Give up Land in Exchange for Homeownership

As the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrates National Homeownership Month in June, high mortgage rates and double-digit growth in home prices since COVID-19 are putting buyers in a position to compromise on lot sizes and shrink their square footage to buy a home they can afford, according to survey results from NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want, 2024 Edition. “Buyers place a high value on homeownership and are prepared to make significant compromises to invest in their future,” said Carl Harris, chairman of NAHB and a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan. “Home builders are willing to meet this demand but are hamstrung by a mix of regulatory burdens. Housing industry leaders are ready and willing to work with policymakers to find concrete solutions to help more families achieve the American Dream.”

Read More

June NAHB Monthly Update Now Available

To help members articulate key housing priorities, NAHB’s Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. An exclusive benefit for NAHB members and local and state association leaders, the Monthly Update provides top-line information on housing economics and the housing priorities for the Federation.

Read More

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.

Pella. Perfectly Beautiful.

For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro 631-219-9258 or smortillaro@pellactny.com

Year-over-Year Gains for Single-Family Built-for-Rent Starts

Single-family built-for-rent construction posted year-over-year gains as of the first quarter of 2024, as builders sought to add additional rental housing in a market facing ongoing, elevated mortgage interest rates.

According to NAHB’s analysis of data from the Census Bureau’s Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, there were approximately 18,000 single-family built-for-rent (SFBFR) starts during the first quarter of 2024. This is 20% higher than the first quarter of 2023, albeit with favorable comps because of a weak start of 2023. Over the last four quarters, 80,000 such homes began construction, which is almost a 16% increase compared to the 69,000 estimated SFBFR starts in the four quarters prior to that period.

Read More

NAHB Builders Report 22% All-Cash Sales in 2024

Up to this point in 2024, the median builder has sold 22% of its homes to buyers who used all cash to pay for them (i.e., did not take out a mortgage), according to a recent NAHB survey. The survey took the form of a special question appended to the instrument used to collect data for the May NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

The percentage of all-cash sales is interesting, in part because it may indicate the availability of mortgage credit.

Read More

Residential Building Material Prices Remain Relatively Unchanged in May

Inputs to residential construction, goods less food and energy, fell 0.09% over the month according to the most recent producer price index (PPI) report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for inputs to residential construction, goods less food and energy, represents building materials used in residential construction. This was the first decrease in the index since October of last year. While the index fell over the month, it was 2.91% higher than May of last year.

The seasonally adjusted PPI for final demand goods decreased 0.78% in May, after increasing a revised 0.41% in April. This was the largest decrease in the index for final demand goods since a 1.24% decline in October of last year. According to BLS, around 60% of the monthly decline in May was due to a 7.11% drop in the index for gasoline. The PPI for final demand energy and final demand foods both fell at 4.76% and 0.10% respectively. At the same time, the PPI for final demand goods, less foods and energy, rose 0.26%.

Read More

RING’S END

Since 1902

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!

Strategic Vision

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

• Legal Consultation Program RingsEnd.com | 800 · 390 · 1000

Grow With the HBRA Website

Our new website layout promotes our HBRA Members more than ever!

• Navigation Focused on Member Directory

• Homepage Builder Spotlights

• Tips & Tools Provided by HBRA Members

• Homepage Logo Placement for New Members

Builder Spotlights

Stand out to Homeowners as a Featured HBRA Builder on Our Homepage

• Dedicated Builder Pages

• Links Directly to Your Website, Socials & Contact Info

New Members

Homepage Logo Placement for New Members

Focus on Homeowners Finding an HBRA Business

Tips & Tools

Promote Your Business by Educating the Homeowner Through Informative Articles

Join Today & Get Found by Having Your Business Featured on Our Homepage

AUTO BUILDING MATERIALS

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.