November 2022 Building Connections

Darien (Flagship Yard)

Lewisboro, NY

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

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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Hello All,

I hope you all enjoyed your summer!

As the weather cools, the HBRA of Fairfield County ramps back up with many networking and education events to look forward to. Please be sure to check our calendar for all our future events!

Congratulations to our winners

Builder of the Year – Cornerstone Contracting

Associate of the Year – Geoffrey Knapp Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

Remodeler of the Year – Stephen C. Gidley Inc.

Woman of the Year – Tori McBrien, McBrien Interiors

Business of the Year – Closet and Storage Concepts

Supplier of the Year – Torrco Design Center

Volunteer of the Year – Steven Roth, Elevator Service Company Inc.

Member of the Year – Kim DiMatteo

New Member of the Year – Theresa LaRock

Ambassador of the Year – Rebecca St. Germain

President’s Choice – Rob Michaud, Michaud Development Group

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

2022 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

2022 DIRECTORS

Alex Shook Pella Windows

Bonnie Paige Bonnie Paige Interiors

Chris Shea Domus Constructors LLC

George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Development

Peter Sciaretta

Hemingrway Construction

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

DIAMOND

TITANIUM

Annual Awards Dinner & Holiday Celebration

Join the HBRA of Fairfield County at the Trumbull Marriott to celebrate the accomplishments and wonderful work produced by your peers in the association at our 2022 Awards Dinner and Holiday Celebration.

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 | 6pm-9pm | Trumbull Marriott

HBRA Members & Guests of Members: $125.00 General Admission: $150.00 Table of 10: $1200.00

Evening Festivities Include:

6:00pm - 7:00pm Cocktail Hour Networking with Open Bar 7:00pm - 9:00pm Seated Dinner with open bar, Awards Presentation, and Dessert Dinner Choices: Seared Sirloin, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Pan Seared Salmon, or Vegetable Ravioli

Please Note: Tables of 10 - only pre-purchased full tables will have reserved seating. First-come, firstserve seating otherwise.

Sponsorships and Program Ads available! CLICK HERE for information and to purchase!

Help support those most in need this season! We will be collecting non-perishable goods to benefit the CT Food Bank - all items can be left at registration when you arrive. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.

CAPS I, II and III Designation (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)

Millions of Americans are living longer and more active lives. Because they are embracing newly found and changing lifestyles, they need to revitalize their home environment. Identifying this burgeoning opportunity and then developing the skills to interact with this market can help you grow your business dramatically.

The Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is the result of the work of NAHB Remodelers, in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center, 50+ Housing Council. and AARP. The training program equips graduates with the technical, customer service and marketing skills required to effectively service the burgeoning market for aging in place home modifications.

Instructor: Alan Hanbury, CGR, CAPS, CGP, GMR, MBA House of Hanbury, Inc.

Three Courses Required for Certification:

- Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)

- Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging In Place (CAPS II)

- Details & Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging In Place (CAPS III)

Member Fee: $300 per course / $750 for all three

General Admission: $375 per course / $1000 for all three Wednesday, December 14th - Friday, December 16th

Registration: 8:00am

Class: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided each day.

Payment must be received by December 6th to reserve your spot.

Walk-Ins will not be accepted at this course.

If your schedule changes, you may cancel up to noon on Tuesday, December 6th without charge; thereafter there are no refunds.

Continuing Education Credits: CAPS, CGA, CGB,CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM, AOTA, AIA

Click Here to Register

Temporary Approved Meter Sockets for Year 2022

CT Temp 22 Rev. 1

Disclaimer: The meter sockets listed below are only approved during the meter socket shortage. Due to the multiple different type of software programs, spell check/auto correct may change a prefix or suffix on the model numbers listed below. It would be your responsibility before ordering any sockets to make sure the sockets below are a levered manual bypass w/ clamping jaws, arc flash shield, and a ringless cover. If you find a model number below that does have the previous mentioned equipment please contact the New Service Dept or Meter Dept for clarification before placing an order.

Manufacturer Model# Service Type Amperage

Leviton w/disconnect/panel

LP815-5MC OH Only 150Amp Leviton w/disconnect/panel LP820-5MC OH Only 200Amp Milbank U9801-RXL OH Only 200Amp Milbank U3924-XL UG 200Amp Milbank U4031-O-2/200 UG 320Amp Milbank U6584-O-2/200-BL UG 320Amp Milbank U6228-X-400-K3-BL UG/OH 320Amp

Leviton w/disconnect/panel LP820-LMC OH Only 200Amp Leviton w/disconnect/panel LP815-LMC OH Only 150Amp Milbank U2594-X UG/OH 320Amp Milbank U6193-RL-QG-AMS OH Only 125Amp Milbank U3042-XL-QG-BLG-LIS OH Only 200Amp

Eaton HP816P400BSL OH Only 320Amp Milbank U5880-XL-200 OH Only 200Amp Milbank U3791N-RXL-200 OH Only 200Amp Milbank U6281-XL-200 OH Only 200Amp Milbank U9551-RXL OH Only 200Amp Milbank U5871-XL-200 OH Only 200Amp Milbank w/disconnect U3986-XL-200 OH Only 200Amp Square D/panel QC816F200SL OH Only 200Amp Milbank U4801-XL-5T9 OH Only 200Amp Milbank w/disconnect U3986-XL-100 OH Only 100Amp Milbank w/disconnect U3986-XL-150 OH Only 150Amp Milbank w/disconnect U5080-RXL-200 OH Only 200Amp

Eaton w/disconnect/panel CMBXB200BTS

OH Only 200Amp Siemens 41405-025F OH Only 200Amp Siemens MM0404L1400RLM OH Only 320Amp

Eaton w/disconnect/panel MBX816B200BTS OH Only 200Amp

Milbank 2 gang U4142-XT-LIS UG/OH 200Amp

Talon MM0202L1125RLC OH Only 100Amp

Talon 48104-02 OH Only 320Amp Siemens MK0402L1400RLM OH Only 320Amp Eaton UTH43369UCH UG/OH 320Amp Milbank U9701-RXL-QG OH Only 200Amp Milbank U4362-R-K3-BLG-AEPU OH Only 320Amp Eaton 1008801EXCH OH Only 200Amp Square D UTH5213T OH Only 200Amp

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

EMPLOYER: DHD Windows & Doors, LLC.

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Operations Manager

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

EMPLOYER: DHD Windows & Doors, LLC.

DEPARTMENT: Warehouse REPORTS TO: Warehouse Manager

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 facil ity; ensures that all policies and procedures are followed.

MEMBERS DOING BUSINESS WITH MEMBERS

Ed’s Garage Door has been a family owned and operated company since 1972. They have a 7,500-square-foot facility in South Norwalk, which is the largest garage door showroom in Fairfield County, with more than 30 full size doors on display. They have helped thousands of customers in Fairfield County with their garage door and garage door opener installations and repairs. They also offer garage flooring, storage and organization solutions through their sister company, Garage Living.

Rebecca St. Germain at Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group has worked with Rich Cunningham and the team at Ed’s Garage Doors for several years.

The recent carrier renewal was coming in with a 23.4% premium increase, which equates to an annual premium increase of $18,748.56. Of course, this would be problematic for both employer and employees, as they share in the premium cost.

Fortunately for Rich and his team, Rebecca presented a level funded insurance program that not only eliminated the increase but provided premium savings over last year.

In addition to the monthly premium savings, the level funded plans offer small groups an opportunity to receive a surplus at the end of the plan year should employee claims be less than expected.

Rebecca understands that it is critical for her, as the insurance broker, to be up to date on all available carrier and plan options. Many of her newly acquired clients have come to her because as smaller agencies are being purchased by larger corporate agencies, the business focus is shifted to large employers with more than 50 employees.

The team at Tooher Ferraris feels differently and values smaller employer groups. We believe small employers deserve the same level of care as the larger ones. We provide a concierge level of claim assistance to all our clients and their employees. In addition, we offer technological solutions at no cost to all of our clients.

Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group has been family owned since 1932. Tooher-Ferraris delivers an integrated insurance and risk management program that protects the assets of each business, individual and family they insure with a collaboration called Risk Synergy.

For more information about level funded plans, please contact Rebecca St. Germain at TooherFerraris Insurance Group. rstgermain@toofer.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!

RING’S

Mission Statement

• Accountability • Community

to Safety

NEW MEMBERS

FnR Luxury Homes | Ralph Adorno

FnR Luxury Homes was created to build superiorly crafted homes in a stress free environment. Our homes are built to maximize all energy efficient options available in today’s market. Read More

Construction Management Group | Salvatore Zarrella

Construction Management Group, LLC is an award winning full service building firm specializing in residential and commercial projects. Read More

Greenwich Play | Courtney Gault

Greenwich play provides early-childhood focused interior design services to parents looking to incorporate style, function and fun into family friendly homes. Read More

Kitchen Traditions | Neil Orwick

We specialize in interior design services in Danbury, CT. We want to hear from you! . Read More

New Perspective Cabinetry & Design, LLC | Samantha Calicchio

New Perspective Cabinetry & Design has been a source for fine cabinetry in the Connecticut / New York area since 1999. Read More

Vanish Media Systems | Mark Motyl

Vanish Media Systems builds state-of-the-art home theaters that disappear into your own customized credenza or bench Read More

Westport Family Homes | David Popkin

Westport Family Homes builds new construction homes to meet the quality, design and energy efficiency standards that today’s homeowners need to live and work comfortably. Read More

1-800 Water Damage of Fairfield County | Scott Weiner

We are a leading property restoration company focused on restoring what matters most. From water damage, mold, fire & smoke damage restoration, carpet cleaning, and more, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is here to provide the ultimate customer experience. Read More

Accordant Co. | Bruce Dominick

The staff at Accordant company has a level of expertise that’s unmatched, with extensive knowledge of many industries including construction & real estate, financial services, franchise, professional services and wholesale distribution.Read More

Advanced Home Audio Inc. | Bill Charney

We design, engineer, program, install, and maintain smart home technology control systems. We provide simple control of integrated technology and automation comprised of audio, video, lighting, shading, climate control, energy and power management, networking, phone, and security components.Read More

Connecticut Propane and Petroleum | Tony Gjonbalaj

Connecticut Propane is a family owned and operated full service heating and cooling company in CT. The company was founded by three brothers with a vision of operating their own Propane business. Read More

DB Essentials | Joe Stroll

A new way to complete your custom small projects Read More

Iconic Modern Home | Teresa Kratzman

Founder Geoffrey Walsky’s acumen for sourcing both furnishings and art that enhance a home’s inherent vibe remains the foundation for every Iconic Modern HOME project.. Read More Moffly Media / athome in Fairfield County Magazine | Jonathan Moffly Publishers of Greenwich, New Canaan/Darien & Rowayton, Westport, Stamford and athome in Fairfield County magazines. Read More

U.S. Bank – Ridgefield | Christopher Pappas

As a mortgage loan officer right here in Ridgefield, I work with you to help you find the right mortgage for your unique situation. Read More

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty- Darien | Jennifer Matthews

Jennifer is a dedicated, resourceful, and accomplished professional committed to helping sellers get the highest price possible for their house, position it properly in the marketplace, and guide buyers to make smart decisions in purchasing a new home or investing in a weekend property. Read More

Floor and Decor | Tracy Kilmartin

Floor & Decor is a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, offering the broadest in-stock selection of tile, wood, stone, related tools and flooring accessories at everyday low prices. Read More

Raymond Design Builders | Jason Raymond

Since our founding in 1998, the team at Raymond Design Builder has been dedicated to creating value for our clients through top quality craftsmanship and customer service. Read More

WIN Waste Innovations | Dominique Roseau

At WIN Waste Innovations, we’re proud to deliver Performance for the Planet — with reliable waste and recycling solutions, a professional and passionate team providing unmatched customer care, and a commitment to sustainability at every step. Read More

Has Inflation Peaked?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today that consumer prices eased slightly to an annual rate of 8.5% in July from a 40-year high of 9.1% in June, as declines in energy prices offset increases in food and shelter indexes. Despite this improvement, inflation remained above an 8% rate for a fifth straight month and rent increases continue to stay stubbornly high.

The index for shelter, which makes up more than 40% of the “core” Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by 0.5% in July, following an increase of 0.6% in June and May. Nonetheless, it is likely that the core CPI measure of inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, has now peaked as tighter monetary policy from the Fed slows the housing market and overall economy. Meanwhile, the indexes for owners’ equivalent rent (OER — how much money a property owner would have to pay in rent to be equivalent to their cost of homeownership) increased by 0.6% and rent of primary residence rose by 0.7% between June and July.

Monthly increases in OER have averaged 0.6% over the last three months. More cost increases are coming from this category, which will add to inflationary forces in the months ahead. These higher costs are driven by lack of supply and higher development costs. Higher interest rates will not slow these costs, which means the Fed’s tools are limited in addressing shelter inflation.

NAHB constructs a “real” rent index to indicate whether inflation in rents is faster or slower than overall inflation. It provides insight into the supply and demand conditions for rental housing. When inflation in rents is rising faster than overall inflation, the real rent index rises. The real rent index is calculated by dividing the price index for rent by the core CPI (to exclude the volatile food and energy components).

The Real Rent Index rose by 0.4% in July. Over the first seven months of 2022, the monthly change of the Real Rent Index increased by 0.1%, on average.

NAHB economist Fan-Yu Kuo provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing blog post

Read More

New Home Sales Fall Back in September as Interest Rates Jump Higher

Rising mortgage rates approaching 7% along with declining builder sentiment stemming from stubbornly high construction costs and weakening consumer demand pushed new-home sales down at a double-digit rate in September.

Following a brief uptick in August, sales of newly built, single-family homes in September fell 10.9% to a 603,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Builders continue to face lower buyer traffic due to declining affordability conditions as the housing downturn continues,” said Jerry Konter, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Savannah, Ga. “Builder sentiment has declined for 10 consecutive months. The entry-level market in high-cost areas has been particularly affected, with growing numbers of first-time and firstgeneration buyers priced out of the market.”

“New home sales are down 14.3% on a year-to-date basis compared to 2021,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Moreover, sales are now down 1.9% on the same basis compared to 2019 levels that were prior to the Covid-related changes to interest rates.”

Read More

401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT l 203 847 2471 l Aitoro.com Helping you lead a better life.

NAHB NEWS

How to Recession-Proof Your Business

As many builders learned during the previous downturn, weathering a recession often requires embracing lean business processes. But finding ways to deliver value on essential services while eliminating waste is easier said than done.

NAHB members Jake Harris, CEO of BuildWallet, and Robert Carroll, owner of Carroll Construction, shared some lean-business strategies during a recent presentation as part of NAHB’s Young Professionals Week. The webinar covered a wide range of strategies businesses could proactively implement during uncertain financial times.

“Recessions are pivotal times to focus on business fundamentals, particularly during these periods of high inflation and rising interest rates,” Carroll said. “Businesses that are prepared will have the best chance of succeeding and maximizing opportunities to grow.”

Read More

Interest in New Homes on the Rise

The share of adults planning a home purchase within a year rose from 13% in the first half of 2022 to 15% in the third quarter. The marginal increase suggests that the prospect of higher mortgage rates in the near term may be leading a small segment of consumers to consider the purchase of a home sooner rather than later.

New homes in particular may be of interest. After bottoming out at 19% in the first quarter of 2022, Read More

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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.

NAHB Urges White House to Act on Transformer Shortages

NAHB is continuing to press the Biden administration to take action to address the severe shortage of electrical transformers that are preventing many of our members across the nation from completing home building projects.

NAHB has held several conversations on this issue with U.S. Department of Commerce officials but the shortage of transformers and other electrical components is spreading across the country and imperiling many construction projects and the ability to provide affordable housing. NAHB is continuing to press the Biden administration to take action to address the severe shortage of electrical transformers that are preventing many of our members across the nation from completing home building projects.

Read More

Put Your Guard Up on Jobsites to Prevent Falls

The third annual Guardrail Safety Week runs Oct. 17-21. An initiative of Builders Mutual, with NAHB and the Job-Site Safety Institute as partners, the week is a public awareness campaign on the effectiveness of properly installed guardrails to prevent fall injuries during the home building process. At various points during a residential construction project, nearly all jobsites have unprotected sides, edges, wall openings, or floor holes...

Read More

Overall Building Material Prices Down in September, but Concrete Keeps Rising

Led by a decline in softwood lumber and steel mill prices, overall building material prices fell in September with the notable exception of ready-mix concrete, which continues to grow at a rapid clip. And while gypsum prices edged lower last month, they are up more than 20% over the past year.

In tandem with a slowing housing market and economy, the prices of building materials decreased 0.3% in September (not seasonally adjusted) according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report. The PPI for goods inputs to residential construction, including energy, declined for the third consecutive month in September (-0.1%).

Prices have fallen 2.3% since June, the largest three-month drop since April 2020. However, these modest price declines have occurred when material prices were already at extremely elevated rates.

And while lumber and steel prices have trended down in recent months, the prices of ready-mix concrete and gypsum building materials have continued their climb dating back to early 2021.

Read More

Labor Department Proposes New Rulemaking for Determining Independent Contractor Status

On Oct. 13, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will issue a proposed rule changing its process for classifying workers as employees rather than as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The proposed rule seeks to determine whether a worker is economically dependent on the employer or truly in business for himself or herself by using a revised “economic reality test,” which consists of six factors

Read More