T H E E - M A G A Z I N E O F T H E H B R A O F FA I R F I E L D C O U N T Y - S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
UPCOMING
HBRA Annual Meeting HBRA Golf Outing
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MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits
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
On the Cover
Prutting & Company Custom Builders, LLC David Prutting www.prutting.com/
2020 OFFICERS President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders
Sr. Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Insurance
Vice President John Hertz
Hertz Construction
Secretary Rob Michaud
The Michaud Group
Immediate Past President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.
2020 DIRECTORS Propane Pete Battaglio Hocon Gas
Max Bender Bender Supply
Steve Berko
Four Square Build & Design
Michael Church Ken DeLeo
Doherty & DeLeo
Brian Kurtz
Interstate Lumber
Steve LoParco
LoParco Associates, Inc.
Steven Roth
Elevator Service Company
Alex Shook
Pella Commercial
Michael Wood Wood Builders
LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources
Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design
Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies
Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders
Gary Fanali City Carting
Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders
L ET T ER F ROM TH E H BRA PRESIDEN T
Members and Associates, It was a great honor to serve you these past 2+ years. As my time is coming to an end I am 100% certain that our industry and Fairfield County is moving forward. As an association we did grow in the past 2 years, with 100+new members and continued growth with the Professional Women in Business Council. We saw attendances nearing 200 people at several events in 2019 and we sent more individuals to the IBS Home show than ever before. Fairfield County was and is showing up. Covid Pandemic has certainly hit all of our businesses in some way or another, and 2020 while incredibly difficult has presented our industry and members with a silver lining. The businesses and members I speak to are all busy. The real estate market is booming and I for one cannot wait to see what’s in store for 2021. Congratulations to Kim Dimatteo! You will be represented well with Kim taking the helm of the Presidency, Jon Hertz as the VP, Rob Michaud, Steven Roth and Steve LoParco rounding out the executive board. They will be pushing us through the next 2 years and what I hope is a resurgence to the suburbs. Our board also welcomes Peter Sciaretta – Hemmingway Construction, Luigi Altamura – Altamura homes and Karen Bradbury – Closet and Storage Concepts. We are fortunate to have such a great group of new board members along with our returning board. Please remember, getting involved with the industry you work is always a good idea. It generates knowledge, a network and most importantly friends. Friends to do business with, friends to lobby with, friends to lean on for advice. Invaluable assets for you and your business. I look forward to seeing every one very soon. Thank you for the great honor of serving this Association. All the best, Anthony B. DeRosa
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5
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L ET T ER F ROM TH E H BRA EXECUTIVE OFF ICER
Dear Members, While the past few months have been challenging for all of us, we’re part of a community that came together by staying apart and are coming back stronger than ever. We are starting to get together for in person events again, and we are committed to make these safe events for all. Please be sure to mark your calendars for the new date of our golf tournament-October 19. I look forward to seeing everyone soon! I would like to thank Anthony DeRosa for his time dedicated to the HBRA of Fairfield County over the past two years. In his tenure as president, we have seen exponential growth of members, as well as the growth of Professional Women in Building Council. He has truly made our organization better. I would also like to welcome Kim DiMatteo as the incoming President. I am excited to continue the success of the HBRA with her. Please join us at our September 2 GMM to welcome the new board. 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
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7
REGISTER TODAY October 19, 2020
Tashua Knolls Golf Course
The Annual HBRA Golf Classic, presented by Ring’s End will be held on Monday, October 19th at the Tashua Knolls Golf Course: 40 Tashua Knolls Lane, Trumbull, CT We are again offering an 18-Hole Tournament, 9-Hole Tournament, and Dinner Only registration options. 18-Hole Tournament (Limited to 136 golfers) Early Bird Pricing: $900 / foursome or $225 / golfer Price Increase after September 20th: $1000 / foursome or $250 / golfer Includes golf, on-course lunch, and dinner. 9-Hole Tournament- “The Glen” (Limited to 36 golfers) Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer Price Increase after September 20th: $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer Includes golf, on-course lunch, and dinner. Dinner Only - $60
C L IC K H E R E TO REG I S T ER
GOLF FORMS AVAILABLE
� Yes, I would like to participate in the HBRA of Fairfield County Annual Golf Classic � Raw Bar Station: Market Price � Premier Caddy Shack Station: $2,500 � Caddy Shack Station: $2,000 � Dinner Sponsor: $2,000 � Logo Golf Towel: $1,500 � Soft Cooler: $1,500 � Logo Water Bottle: $1,250 � Sunglasses Sponsor: $1000 � Golf Ball Sponsor (18 - Hole): $1000 � Ice Cream Cart: $750 � Beer Koozies: $750 � Hot Chocolate Station: $750 � Golf Ball Sponsor (9 Hole): $500 � Closest to the Pin: $500 � Closest to the Line: $500 � Driving Range: $500 � Golf Ball Marker: $400 � Golf Tees: $400 � Closest to the Pin (9-Hole): $300 � Closest to the Line (9-Hole): $300 � Tee Sponsor (18-Hole): $250 � Tee Sponsor (9-Hole): $150 � Pin Sponsor ( Add On): $100 Select Tournament:
�
18 Hole
�
9 Hole
Name Company Address City, State, Zip Code Early Bird Pricing - Register by September 20th
18 Hole - $225 each - $900 foursome 9 Hole - $125 each - $500 foursome
$ $
Golfer Registration after September 20th
18 Hole - $250 each - $1000 foursome 9 Hole - $150 each - $600 foursome
$
Dinner-Only Registration x$60 per person
$
Sponsorship(s)
$
$
Total
$
Payment: � � �
Online: Click Here Check: (Please make checks payable to HBRA of Fairfield County) Credit
Name on Card
Expiration
Card #
Sec Code
Billing Address City State Zip Amount Charge Signature
Names of Golfers 1. Name Company Address Phone E-mail 2. Name Company Address Phone E-mail 3. Name Company Address Phone E-mail 4. Name Company Address Phone E-mail
Please fill out this registration form and return it to the HBRA of Fairfield County by email, fax, or mail
U PCOMIN G EVEN TS
9.2
HBRA ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | 6-9 PM
HBRA members and guests are invited to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting featuring outdoor, in-person networking and a view of the sunset from the rooftop lounge at Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk. Join us as we swear in the 2020 - 2021 Board of Directors, including rising Board President Kim DiMatteo of DiMatteo Insurance, and acknowledge and thank outgoing President Anthony DeRosa of DeRosa Builders for his many years of service. HBRA Members: $45.00
General Admission: $55.00
This event features an open bar (beer and wine) and pre-wrapped individual hors d’oeuvres from David’s Soundview Catering. To help ease the check-in process, kindly register no later than 2pm the Friday before (8/28).
Click Here To Register
H BRA N EWS
Click above for more information on the 2020 Idea House that features work from several diffrent HBRS members. This property looks incredible! Read More
WILL CONTENTO HUBER ENGINEERED WOODS
781.910.1763 william.contento@huber.com
© 2020 Huber Engineered Woods LLC. ZIP System, AdvanTech the accompanying ZIP System and AdvanTech logos and designs are trademarks of Huber Engineered Woods LLC. Huber is a trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation. HUB 82221 REV 4/20
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N EW MEMBERS
New Beginning Properties, LLC Iwona Rakowicz
New Beginning Properties LLC was founded by Iwona and Renata. They manage projects with an extreme attention to details, oversee every stage of the process to make sure it meets their standards. Craftsmanship, dedication, and strong work ethic sets New Beginning Properties, LLC apart. Read More
Parallel Construction Management, LLC Edwin Larsen
The Architect’s vision for a project is paramount – from the overall scheme down to the smallest detail. Parallel Construction Management is made up of Architects and architecturally trained construction managers that understand the process of design and how detailing is affected by every construction decision. We work with the Architect to understand the design intent and to coordinate construction processes that create the desired outcome.Read More
New England Financial Group David Houser
Since 1908, the New England Financial Group has established and upheld a tradition of excellence with integrity. We have responded to the needs of our distinctive clients with an unequaled level of experience and knowledge in financial services. Over our long history, more than 25,000 individuals and businesses in Western Massachusetts & Connecticut have benefited from our products and services. Read More
EBM, Inc., IT Solutions Provider Melissa Daly
Our Mission - To provide innovative IT solutions with confidence and integrity. Build partnerships through exceptional customer service. Provide employment opportunities that are purposeful and promote professional growth. Create a culture in which commitment to the community is fundamental. Read More
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13
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HAVE YOU SEEN OUR COVID RESOURCES PAGE? Visit https://buildfairfieldcounty.com/covid-19-local-and-national-updates/ for the latest news - Do you have canned, non perishable items to donate? We are hosting a food drive for local Connecticut food banks at various locations in Fairfield County. Contact Kerry at kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com with any questions. - Do you have masks, gloves, gowns or other PPE equipment to donate to area hospitals in desperate need? Contact Kerry at kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com for pickup. - Do you have news about your business that you would like to share with the HBRA membership? Email design@buildfairfieldcounty.com to coordinate an instagram story or a newsletter feature.
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SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15
N AH B N EWS
How to Help the Future Green Building Workforce This year’s Solar Decathlon Design Challenge was held virtually in the wake of COVID-19. Collegiate teams compete in categories such as mixed-use multifamily, urban single family and suburban single family; winning projects feature innovative designs for buildings that excel in affordability, efficiency and occupant health.
Builder Confidence Matches All-Time High on Record Traffic
In a sign that housing continues to lead the economy forward, builder confidence in the market for newlybuilt single-family homes increased If you’re wondering how your company can get involved with this six points to 78 in August, annual Department of Energy competition, consider participating as according to the latest NAHB/ a mentor in the Design Partners program. Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. The HMI Your company could gain exposure by providing student teams with real-life experience working on buildings and homes with your now stands at its highest reading in the 35-year history of the series, clients. Whether you’re a seasoned high-performance builder or matching the record that was set in relatively new to the market, the Design Partners program allows December 1998. you to mentor students and receive a zero-energy design — i.e., a building that produces as much energy as it consumes — for a new Read More or existing building in your project portfolio.
Read More
16 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2020
N AH B N EWS
NAHB Seeks White House Action on Soaring Strong July for Housing Starts Lumber Prices
n a further sign that housing continues to boost the economy, single-family and multifamily starts each posted solid gains in July, with total housing NAHB is urging the White House to play a constructive role to production up 22.6% to a alleviate this growing threat to housing and the economy by calling seasonally adjusted annual rate on domestic lumber producers to ramp up production to ease of 1.50 million units, according growing shortages and making it a priority to work with Canada on a to a report from the U.S. Housing new softwood lumber agreement tariffs averaging more than 20% on and Urban Development and Canadian lumber shipments into the United States. Commerce Department. This is As the nation fights to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 the highest production rate since pandemic, housing has been a bright spot for the U.S. economy, February. particularly single-family construction, with permits running 3.4% Read More higher during the first half of 2020 compared to the first half of 2019. NAHB sent a letter to President Trump expressing the housing industry’s growing concern and seeking prompt action regarding soaring lumber prices and supply shortages that are harming the housing sector and the economy.
Read More
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17
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N AH B N EWS
Total Hydrology Planning: Using Water to Drive Community Design Are you interested in reducing the cost of water infrastructure in your developments and for your homes? Would you like to use less land for stormwater management? Does a lack of water in your area or local water quality issues dictate how and if you can build?
NAHB PWB Council Celebrates Women’s Right to Vote
Total hydrology planning is a methodology developed by landscape architecture firm Consilium Design to identify and utilize all water resources on a project site. It uses strategies best suited to the relationship between the climate and site-specific conditions of a project to achieve a balance between a site’s water supply and demand. Such projects are better positioned to be more resilient to drought and storm events.
The NAHB Professional Women in Building Council celebrates today’s 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting some women the right to vote. But for years after the amendment was ratified, many women — including African-Americans, Native Americans and many immigrants — continued to have difficulty casting ballots until the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965.
Read More
Read More
If you answered “yes” — or even “maybe” — to any of these questions, consider utilizing total hydrology planning for your next project.
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19
N AH B N EWS
Average New Home Price Now $16,000 Higher Due to Lumber
New Home Sales Surge to 13-Year High
The recent spike in softwood lumber prices has caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by $16,148 since April 17, according to NAHB standard estimates of lumber used to build the average home. Similarly, the market value of the average new multifamily home has increased by $6,107 over the same period due to the surge in lumber prices.
In a sign that the housing market continues to lead the economy during the coronavirus outbreak, sales of newly built, single-family homes rose in July to its highest pace since 2006. Sales increased 13.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 901,000 units, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The July rate is 36.3% higher than the July 2019 pace. New home sales are up 8% on a year-to-date basis.
According to Random Lengths, as of Aug. 21 the price of framing lumber topped $800 per thousand board feet — a 130% increase since mid-April. NAHB calculated these average home price increases based on the softwood lumber that goes into the average new home, as captured in the Builder Practices Survey conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs. Included is any softwood used in structural framing. Read More
Read More
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA MOSS; CHRISTOPHER PAGLIARO ARCHITECTS, MARK P. FINLAY INTERIORS, FLETCHER DEVELOPMENT
“Our ads in New England Home generate leads from clients who later discover that we have worked for their friends and colleagues. We often meet people both inside and outside of our business life who say ‘We saw you in New England Home!’”
—Daniel Conlon, DANIEL CONLON ARCHITECTS
nehomemag.com
20 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2020
Contact Associate Publisher, Roberta Mancuso to learn how New England Home Connecticut can help generate business for your company. rmancuso@nehomemag.com | 203.530.9593
COVID IN SIGH TS
Explore Urban Multifamily Demand in the Age of COVID-19
General Government Resources
The exponential increase of urbanization over the past decade has dramatically driven up the cost of living for renters in cities, all while wages have remained stagnant. Increased apartment density and innovative multifamily typologies such as co-living have begun to help combat the housing crisis that millions of Americans face.
CFPB: A Guide to COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Relief
In NAHB’s webinar, Coliving, Density & Multifamily Demand After COVID-19 on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2-3 p.m. ET, speaker Brad Hargreaves, CEO and founder of co-living pioneer Common, will discuss the approach to density changes in a post-pandemic world and how urban residents will need the affordability that density brings now more than ever before.
CDC: Guidelines for Your Home and Family HUD: Coronavirus Resources and Information FHFA: Coronavirus Assistance Information Read More
Read More
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21
L ET T ER F ROM T H E H BRCT EXECUTIVE OFF ICER
Dear HBRAFF Members, I hope this letter finds you and yours healthy and well and enjoying the dog days summer. This past few weeks I have been working with your HBRAFF President Anthony DeRosa and others to address the ill effects of the new so called “Mansion Tax”. In 2019, the legislature passed, and the Governor signed the 2020/2021 biennium budget. Included in the budget was a little-known provision referred to as the Mansion Tax which took effect on July 1st of this year. This little gem increases the seller’s conveyance tax from 1.25% to 2.5% on the portion of the sale price of a home above $2.5 million. In a perverse effort to discourage Connecticut’s wealthier residents from fleeing our high cost, high tax state, this same provision offers those sellers that remain Connecticut residents a tax credit beginning three years after the sale, equal to 1/3 of the additional tax paid for three years. The seller would be fully reimbursed for the additional tax six years after the date of the sale. While the new tax applies to builders and developers who sell new construction, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) interpretation of the law limits application of the tax credit to owner occupied sales. It is our intention to work with our friends at the Connecticut Association of Realtors and others in the 2021 legislative session to repeal the tax. However, in the interim, we have been in touch with the Commissioner of Economic & Community Development (DECD). We have conveyed to the Commissioner that as Connecticut rolls out the red carpet to welcome the influx of New Yorkers fleeing the Pandemic for the relative safety of the Fairfield County suburbs now is not the time to stymy growth with punitive taxes. We have asked the Commissioner to encourage DRS to reevaluate its current interpretation of the law so that builders and developers can also take advantage of the tax credit. We have already heard anecdotally from developers and their investors that are revamping projects to avoid price points impacted by this new tax which will eventually translate into less inventory as urban transplants consider their options here and in competing states. We will continue to address these concerns with the Administration through the summer. I would also encourage our members (especially those in Fairfield County) to reach out to their local legislators and encourage them to work in tandem with their respective caucus leaders on the budget writing committees to repeal the Mansion Tax in 2021. As business owners and constituents most impacted by this tax you are in a unique position to effectively communicate this message. Should you need assistance in determining who your legislators are or how to reach them, please do not hesitate to contact me directly for assistance at jperras@hbact.org.
Best, Jim Perras, CEO HBRA of CT 22 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2020
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SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25 Have a sales question? Email Ed at ed.schultek@sandler.com.
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$ M EM BER REBATES & DISCOUN TS
28 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2020
SUMMER 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29
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