Mid-Atlantic Builder July/August 2008

MARYLAND AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE SHOWCASE ISSUE MID-ATLANTIC

Vol. 50 Issue 4 July/August 2008 www.homebuilders.org

RAISE THE STAKES

The Best in New Homes

PLUS 2008 General Assembly Session Report Trend Forward 2010 Let Buyers Option Up

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July/August 2008 Vol. 50 Issue 4

Publisher John Kortecamp

Editor Kristin Josephson Hogle communications@homebuilders.org

Design Network Design Group Jen Smith, Art Director Heather Winkel, Graphic Designer

Advertising Network Publications, Inc. Irene Hatzigeorgalis, Account Executive 410-584-1962, irene@networkpub.com Chris Martin, Account Executive 410-584-1964, cmartin@networkpub.com Megan Crawford, Advertising Coordinator 410-584-1907, mcrawford@networkpub.com

Cover Credit Rainmaker Marketing & Design Snowmass, Silver Spring, MD

HBAM Legal counsel

Interior Concepts, Inc., The Preston, Ellicott City, MD

22 MAX Awards

The MAX program recognizes local home builders who provide buyers with excellence in design, livability and value.

32 2008 General Assembly Session Report

Linowes and Blocher

Mid-Atlantic Builder

44 Green Building Getting to Green

48 Journal of Light Construction Reprint

By Katie Maloney

Drywall Art

36 Trend Forward 2010

As we near 2010, it is more important than ever to be “in the know” about what people value and how those values translate into sales.

By Georganne Derick

40 Builder Mart 2008

Review of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier building industry show.

42 Let Buyers ‘Option Up’

with More Packaged Options

Offer fewer single options or amenities and, like automobile dealers, package options and let home buyers choose from various packages to upgrade their homes.

By Joshua Nester

Corners 52 54 55 56

Legal Insurance Remodeler Builders’ Haven Foundation

Departments 12 14 16 59 62 64 66

Publisher’s Message President’s Message Events New Members Notable Products Industry News Education Courses

is a bi-monthly publication of HBAM Member Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Home Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., 7127 Ambassador Road, Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21244 410-265-7400, www.homebuilders.org.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Home Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., 7127 Ambassador Road, Suite 150 Baltimore, MD 21244.

CUSTOM PUBLISHING SERVICES PROVIDED BY Network Publications, Inc. and Network Design Group, The Creative Group of Network Publications, Inc., Executive Plaza 1, Suite 900, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031, 410-584-1900

ECO BOX Mid-Atlantic Builder text and cover pages are printed on forest-friendly Anthem Matte paper using soy ink.

Using this combination of papers saves the following: Paper: 6 tons Total Energy: 73,000,000 BTUs Greenhouse Gases: 11,021 lbs. Co2 Wastewater: 34,127 gallons Solid Waste: 4,437 lbs.

Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator.

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Photo Credit stuart zolotorow

2008 HBAM Leadership Executive Committee

publisher’smessage

Time for the Winds of Change Virtually everywhere I go, everything I watch and everything I read reinforces the feeling: America is in a funk. There may be debate about whether

or not the country or the housing industry is in a recession but there can be little doubt that, as a nation, we are in a collective dour mood. The media certainly continues to do its part with the endless barrage of negativity. Even when the news is modestly positive it usually gets buried in the back of the paper, under a tepid headline, in small type.

The statistics confirm it. Consumer confidence hovers at, or near, all time lows. Eleven percent of the country believes we are headed in the right direction. Energy prices soar daily to new record levels, based not on consumption or demand, but on speculative buying. The dollar is getting trounced by foreign currencies, and even the Canadian “loonie” has caught us. Clearly this is not an encouraging climate for consumers, including prospective home buyers.

So you ask – When does this change?

Why does it change? Never fearful of prognosticating I will give you the precise answer: at 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, when the polls close on the West Coast. At that moment we will have elected a new national leader and, whoever that person is, the nation will breathe a collective sigh of relief that we have turned a page and are at the dawn of a new era.

When Ronald Reagan ran successfully for

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President in 1980, the country was in a mood similar to what we see today, but he assured us that “it was morning in America.” Change was welcomed then and it will be welcomed this November.

As Thomas Jefferson put it, “a little rebellion every now and then is a good thing and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.” Thankfully, the system he and the other founders created allows for change without necessitating rebellion. Let’s hope that the political winds of change clear the air of the general malaise we feel today and get us back on the track of prosperity.

John Kortecamp HBAM Executive Vice President

President Lou Baker President-Elect Mike Owings First Vice President Eliot Powell Associate Vice President Pete Baxter Secretary Jack Orrick Treasurer Theresa Leatherbury Immediate Past President Chris Rachuba

chapter Presidents Anne Arundel County Eric DeVito Baltimore County Evan Morville Baltimore City Sandy Marenberg Carroll County Paul Kotsher Howard County Scott Armiger Upper Chesapeake Bill Luther

Council Presidents Land Development Council Steven Rubin HBAM Remodelers Donald Lynch Sales and Marketing Council Shawn Fortney Certified Master Builder/Remodeler Jeff Powers Builder Mart Jerry Hoover

HBAM Board of Directors David Altfeld Steve Bartenfelder Steve Breeden Tim Burkard Chickie Grayson Dover Hankins Joe Hikel Jim Hunter Jim Joyce Chip Lundy Cynthia McAuliffe

John Meade David Miller Paul Mueller Tim Naughton Howard Perlow Scott Peterson Jake Ruppert Rich Pezzullo Dale Thompson William Zahler

Alternate Directors Pat Costello George Decker Patti Freeman Jay Hergenroeder Martin K.P. Hill Barbara Magill Mary Beth Taylor

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Photo Credit Stuart Zolotorow

Visit www.homebuilders.org for an on-line listing of Mid-Atlantic Builder advertisers with hotlinks. There, you can also view MAB archives and find information on upcoming events and current industry issues.

president’smessage

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS Appliance Dist. Unlimited AZEK Building Products

Is the Housing Crisis Over?

As bad news regarding our industry continues to dominate our media outlets, it is nice to see some positive signs begin to work their way into the picture in recent weeks.

Some examples: • A survey of forecasters by the National Association for Business Economics concluded, “The worst of the painful housing slump and the credit crunch might come to an end this year.”

• John McClain, senior fellow at the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, states, "We expect prices to bottom out pretty soon, certainly in the second half of 2008."

• The most upbeat article, though, came from the Wall Street Journal. Titled, "The Housing Crisis is Over", by Cyril Moulle-Bertaux, the article opens with "The dire headlines coming fast and furious in the financial and popular press suggest that the housing crisis is intensifying. Yet it is very likely that April 2008 will mark the bottom of the U.S. housing market. Yes, the housing market is bottoming right now." His primary reason for being so confident: Affordability.

He continues with, “The boom made housing unaffordable for many American families, especially first-time buyers. During the 1990s and early-2000s, it took 19 percent of average monthly income to service a conforming mortgage on the average home purchased. By 2005 and 2006, it was absorbing 25 percent of monthly income. For first time buyers, it went from 29 percent of income to 37 percent. That just proved to be too much. Prices got so high that people who intended to actually live in the houses they purchased (as opposed to speculators) stopped buying. This caused the bubble to 14

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burst. Since then, house prices have fallen 10-15 percent, while incomes have kept growing (albeit more slowly recently) and mortgage rates have come down 70 basis points from their highs. As a result, it now takes 19 percent of monthly income for the average home buyer, and 31 percent of monthly income for the first-time home buyer, to purchase a house. In other words, homes on average are back to being as affordable as they were during the best of times in the 1990s. Numerous households that had been priced out of the market can now afford to get back in.”

Mr. Moulle-Bertaux closes with, “We are of course experiencing a serious housing bust, with serious economic consequences that are still unfolding. The odds are that the reverberations will lead to subtrend growth for a couple of years. Nonetheless, housing led us into this crisis and this recession. It is likely to lead us out. And that process is underway, right now.”

If you’d like to read the entire article, it can be found at http://online.wsj.com/ article/SB121003604494869449.html We are not out of the woods yet. We still have a challenging economy, excess inventory and the threat of foreclosures adding to the problem. However, resale prices are decreasing and lots of progress is being made by the industry to both deal with foreclosures and provide assistance to potential home buyers. We are closer to the end of this thing than to the beginning so let’s keep fighting the fight on all fronts.

Lou Baker 2008 HBAM President

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Back Cover BASCO Shower Enclosures 15 Bay National Bank 5 BGE 21 BGE Outdoor Lighting 67 Bonded Builders 16 Bradford Bank 65 Broan-Nutone 17 Builders Advantage Centerspread California Closets 8 Chaney Enterprises 1 Columbia Bank, The 51 Coover & Barr, LLC 55 Electrolux 11 EP Henry Corp.

3 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 4 First Horizon 53 GE Contract Sales 20 General Shale Brick 7 HTG Insurance Group 68 KAWG & F 66 Lennox Industries, Inc. 20 Louisiana - Pacific 2 Lubrizol Advanced Materials 6,8 Mid Atlantic Control Systems 65 Mid Atlantic Propane and Gas 18 Potomac Valley Brick & Supply 55 Premier Lifts, Inc. 9 ProSource Wholesale Flooring 31 Provident Bank 30 Quality Stone Veneer, Inc. 31 Railtec Construction LLC 47 Reeb Millwork Corporation 13 Reico Kitchen and Bath Inside Back Cover Rexel Branch 65 Sound Structures 47 Southern Pacific Supply Inside Front Cover Susquehanna Bank 57 Swift Flooring Distributors 49 T. W. Perry 19 Walbrook Mill/Lumber Company 51 Weyerhaeuser 63

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Events

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CALL 410-265-7400 for information on registration for our events or visit www.homebuilders.org.

FOR INFORMATION on sponsoring any of our events, please call Carey Swift at 410-265-7400, ext. 118.

LDC Awards of Excellence

Remodeling Awards of Excellence

September 25, 2008 Center Club

November 13, 2008 Boumi Temple

The Land Development Council Excellence in Community Development Awards recognize excellence in land development for design and quality and acknowledge outstanding contributions by companies and individuals. If you have a project that you would like to enter in the Awards of Excellence program, please contact Stephanie Draminski at 410-265-7400, ext. 108 or stephanie@homebuilders.org. Entry deadline is July 18, 2008.

Experience the art of remodeling at the 18th Annual REM Awards of Excellence program. This annual event recognizes outstanding achievements by members who provide customers with excellence in remodeling design and craftsmanship. Visit www.homebuilders.org for more information or to enter a project. Registration deadline is August 29, 2008.

Celebrity Chef Night and Auction

Don’t miss this association wide celebration at the Turf Valley Resorts where the Builder and Associate Member of the Year Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced.

Get your nominations in NOW for Builder of the Year, Associate of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement award. If you feel someone is deserving of one of these awards contact the events department at 410-265-7400 or visit www.homebuilders.org for more information. ■

October 16, 2008 Martin’s West

Prepare yourself for the best TAILGATE party ever.

Want to donate an auction item or show-off your culinary talents? Contact the events department at 410-265-7400 or visit www.homebuilders.org for more information.

ICON Awards November 20, 2007 Turf Valley Resorts

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR YOUR HBAM LICENSE PLATE YET? Get your own HBAM personalized license plate from the MVA. Call HBAM today at 410-265-7400 for availability.

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RAISE the STAKES

multi-Family conDo $450,000-$549,999: large Volume BuilDer company: Steuart-Kret Homes Project name: Boxelder community: The Delight at Fairwood, Bowie, MD

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HBAM Announces Best in New Homes

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Single Family DetacheD $300,000-$399,999 large Volume BuilDer company: K. Hovnanian Homes Project name: Hadley community: Nassau Grove, Lewes, DE

Single Family DetacheD $500,000-$599,999 large Volume BuilDer company: K. Hovnanian Homes Project name: Sequoia community: Nassau Grove, Lewes, DE

Single Family DetacheD $400,000-$499,999 large Volume BuilDer company: K. Hovnanian Homes Project name: Jasmine community: Nassau Grove, Lewes, DE

he Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) of the Home Builders Association of Maryland announced the 2007 Maryland Award of Excellence (MAX) winners at a ceremony held at the Marriott Hunt Valley on Thursday evening, April 3, 2008. The MAX program recognizes home builders who provide buyers with excellence in design, livability and value.

Awards presented in the outstanding home categories included: Active Adult, Custom Home, Customized, Multifamily, Multiple Product, Single Family, Townhome and Model Home Merchandising and Marketing.

In addition, sales achievement awards were presented including: Salesperson of the Year, Rookie Salesperson of the Year, Exceptional Sales Effort, New Home Sales Team and Sales/ Construction Superintendent Team, Overall 2007 Sales Excellence Award, Sales Manager of the Year, Sales & Marketing Manager of the Year and Sales Volume Achievement.

A team of judges from the Virginia and Baltimore area evaluated this year’s entries. The judges considered new home entries in such areas as floor plan layout, quality and convenience features, overall design and value.

All award winners are members of the Home Builders Association of Maryland.

cuStom $900,000 anD oVer Small Volume BuilDer company: J Paul Builders, LLC, Owings Mills, MD

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Single Family Detached $850,000-$999,999 large Volume Builder Company: Pulte HomesMaryland Division Project Name: Kendall II Community: Palisades, Upper Marlboro, MD

Single Family Detached $600,000-$699,999 Large Volume Builder Company: Caruso Homes, Inc. Project Name: The Westminster Community: Edelen Village at the Preserve, Accokeek, MD

Townhome $250,000-$349,999 Large Volume Builder Company: Pulte Homes-Maryland Division Project Name: Silverbrook Community: Whispering Creek, Frederick, MD

Single Family Detached $1 Million and over Large Volume Builder Company: Baldwin Homes, Inc. Project Name: William Lane Community: Brice Manor West, Annapolis, MD

55 and Better Attached $300,000-$399,999 Large Volume Builder Company: Pulte HomesMaryland Division Project Name: Janssen Community: Carroll Vista by Del Webb, Taneytown, MD 24

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Townhome (Green Building) $650,000 and over Large Volume Builder Company: Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse Project Name: Parkview Community: Clipper Overlook, Baltimore, MD

55 and Better- Attached $400,000-$499,999 Large Volume Builder Company: Pulte Homes-Maryland Division Project Name: Morgan Community: The Cloisters at Village Crest, Ellicott City, MD

Townhome $650,000 and over Large Volume Builder Company: Steuart-Kret Homes Project Name: The Rehoboth Community: Stone Lake, Laurel, MD

55 and Better Detached $700,000 and over Large Volume Builder Company: NV Homes Project Name: Bornquist Community: Stonecrest, Arnold, MD

Townhome $350,000-$449,999 Large Volume Builder Company: Ryan Homes, Inc. Project Name: The Inglewood Community: Lancashire at The Village of Dorchester, Hanover, MD www.homebuilders.org

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Townhome $650,000 and over Small Volume Builder Company: Bozzuto Homes, Inc. Project Name: Albany Community: Woodbrook on Charles, Baltimore, MD

Multi-Family Condo $249,999 and under Small Volume Builder Company: Bozzuto Homes, Inc. Project Name: The Berkshire Community: The Addison, Capitol Heights, MD

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Townhome $450,000-$549,999 Small Volume Builder Company: Ruppert O’Brien Group, LLC Project Name: Snowmass Community: Albany Grove, Silver Spring, MD

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Townhome $550,000-$649,900 Small Volume Builder Company: Ruppert O’Brien Group, LLC Project Name: Hopkins Community: Lombard Court, Baltimore, MD

Single Family Detached $400,000-$499,999 Small Volume Builder Company: Laurence Construction Project Name: The Frye Community: Ashman’s Hope at Franklintown, Baltimore, MD

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Single Family Detached $700,000-$849,999 Small Volume Builder Company: Forty West Builders, Inc. Project Name: The Sonoma Community: Stone Manor, Ellicott City, MD

Single Family Detached $850,000-$999,999 Small Volume Builder Company: Williamsburg Group LLC Project Name: Dorchester II Community: Caudries Cove, Cooksville, MD

Single Family Detached $1 Million and over Small Volume Builder Company: Clark Turner Signature Homes LLC Project Name: The Triple Crown Community: The Residences At Bulle Rock, Havre de Grace, MD

Custom $750,000-$899,999 Small Volume Builder Company: Shore-Line Construction Enterprises, Inc., Baltimore, MD

Customized Home $750,000-$899,999 Small Volume Builder Company: The Rachuba Group Project Name: The Gentry, Woodbine, MD

Customized Home $900,000 and over Small Volume Builder Company: Williamsburg Group LLC Project Name: Wellington Community: Waterford, Mitchellville, MD

Single Family Detached $600,000-$699,999 Small Volume Builder Company: Williamsburg Group LLC Project Name: Thomas Goodwin Community: Owen Woods, Columbia, MD

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Multi Family Condominium $350,000-$449,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Interior Concepts, Inc. Architect: The Martin Architectural Group Merchandiser: Interior Concepts, Inc. Project Name: Newport, Selbyville, DE

Single Family Detached $1 Million and over Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Interior Concepts, Inc. Merchandiser: Interior Concepts, Inc. Project Name: The Preston, Ellicott City, MD

Single Family Detached $700,000-$849,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Builders’ Design & Leasing Architect: Lessard Merchandiser: Builders Design Project Name: Nantucket, Rehobeth, DE

Single Family Detached $550,000-$649,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Interior Concepts, Inc. Merchandiser: Interior Concepts, Inc. Project Name: The Cromwell IV, Brandywine, MD 28

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Single Family Detached $300,000-$399,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: K. Hovnanian Homes Merchandiser: Model Home Interiors Project Name: Hadley, Lewes, DE

Single Family Detached $400,000-$499,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: K. Hovnanian Homes Merchandiser: Model Home Interiors Project Name: Jasmine, Lewes, DE

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Townhome $550,000-$649,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Carlyn and Company Interiors and Design Architect: Rast Architectural Studio Merchandiser: Carlyn and Company Interiors and Design Project Name: Wyndemere, Bowie, MD

Townhome $450,000-$549,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Rainmaker Marketing & Design Architect: GPS Designs Merchandiser: Rainmaker Marketing & Design Project Name: Snowmass, Silver Spring, MD

Townhome $250,000-$349,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Interior Concepts, Inc. Architect: Middleburg Assoc.

Merchandiser: Interior Concepts, Inc. Project Name: Spinaker, Easton, MD

Townhome $650,000 and over Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Dream House Studios, Inc. Merchandiser: Dream House Studios, Inc. Project Name: The Charleston, Chestertown, MD

Single Family Detached $600,000-$699,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Pulte Homes-Maryland Division Architect: Pulte Homes Merchandiser: Pulte Homes- Jill Mastrostefano Project Name: Ashville, Frederick, MD

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Single Family Detached $850,000-$999,999 Outstanding Merchandising Winner: Powers Smith Interiors Architect: Design Concepts Architects Merchandiser: Powers Smith Interiors Project Name: Sequoia, Brandywine, MD

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Sales Achievement Awards Overall Salesperson of the Year Krystyna Szprengiel Ryland Homes Exceptional Sales Effort/Achievement Aymen Janki Builder’s Advantage, LLC Most Dedicated Salesperson Tameiko Prentice Lennar New Home Sales Team Tom Vaughan and Chris Birth Ryan Homes, Inc. Rookie of the Year Scott Michajluk Ryan Homes, Inc. Sales & Marketing Manager of the Year Candace Smith Ryan Homes, Inc. Sales Manager of the Year Joanie Prim Pulte Homes- Maryland Division Townhome Salesperson of the Year Christina Coulter Ruppert O’Brien Group, LLC Single Family Salesperson of the Year Detached Krystyna Szprengiel Ryland Homes 55 and Better Salesperson of the Year Amy Crise Ryan Homes, Inc. Multi- Family Salesperson of the Year Katherine Holt Ryan Homes, Inc. Multi-Product Salesperson of the Year Terri Hill Ryland Homes Selection Center Coordinator/Manager of the Year Judy Heagy Pulte Homes- Maryland Division

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Marketing Awards Outstanding Club House Small Volume Builder Company: Carlyn and Company Interiors and Design Project Name: Jefferson at Inigo’s Crossing Club House Outstanding Brochure Small Volume Builder Company: Ruppert O’Brien Group, LLC Project Name: Lombard Court Brochure Outstanding Associate Website Company: Canton Group LLC, The Project Name: www.cantongroup.com Outstanding Associate Brochure Company: Metropolitan Fire Protection Project Name: Fire Protection Brochure Outstanding Website Large Volume Builder Company: Turner Development Group Project Name: www.silopoint.com Outstanding Brochure Large Volume Builder Company: Bozzuto Homes, Inc. Project Name: Shipley’s Grant Brochure Outstanding Club House Large Volume Builder Company: Pulte Homes-Maryland Division Project Name: Carrol Vista Club House Outstanding Sales Center Large Volume Builder Company: Ryland Homes Project Name: Ryland Sales CenterMiramar Landing Outstanding Use of Technology Large Volume Builder Company: Ryland Homes Project Name: Ryland TV Outstanding Advertising/ Media Campaign Large Volume Builder Company: Clark Turner Signature Homes LLC Project Name: Extreme Home Makeover Campaign www.homebuilders.org

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Maryland State Builders Association

2008 General Assembly Session Report

By Katie Maloney

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Executive Summary The 2008 General Assembly session marked the middle of Governor O’Malley’s four- year term. Often times these mid-term sessions tend to see the most aggressive legislative packages as the Administration seeks to make its mark in preparation for the next election cycle. However, the Governor’s legislative package was somewhat conservative, perhaps in part due to a sense of fatigue from legislators who had little time to recover after the Special Session this past November and in part because of the substantial tax increases secured in the special session. In spite of these facts, 2641 bills were introduced and by the time the 2008 session came to a close, a total of 747 bills had gained final approval. Fiscal problems continue because of the economy and some of the commitments made to secure the votes to pass the tax increase had to be scaled back or delayed as revenues continue to decline. The legalization of slot machines will be on the ballot this November. Both sides of the issue are busy fundraising in order to get their message out in extensive television advertising this fall. The passage of the referendum would provide essential funding for some of the Administration’s key election promises.

Land Use Issues Measures that sought to expand standing for groups and individuals to appeal land use decisions were again intensely debated. The Senate and House considered legislation to expand standing to nonprofit and homeowner associations to appeal a zoning action or board of appeals decision. These bills were defeated in Committee. However, a measure that would give all charter counties the ability to expand standing beyond aggrieved parties to include any taxpayer passed the House as enabling legislation. The bill died on the Senate floor in the waning hours of session.

Environmental Issues By far, the most visible position taken by the Industry during this legislative session was on the Critical Area Enforcement bill.

A workgroup was formed to review and respond to the original language and amendments as they were drafted. After extensive negotiations with the Critical Area Commission, the industry secured broad grandfathering language to protect current projects and supported the measure. After additional amendments in the Senate, the House bill passed the legislature, giving the Governor a major environmental win. The global warming bill supported by the Administration did not fare as well. The bill would have required a 25% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2020 and a 90% reduction by 2050 but after a protracted debate on the Senate floor, the House took no action and the bill died. Other issues that passed include a new fee schedule for wetlands permits to be used to improve turnaround time and quality of permit writing and a task force bill that will establish a no net loss of forest policy for the State.

Tax Issues In response to pressure from an age-restricted community in www.homebuilders.org

Prince George’s County, a bill that would prohibit the creation of new special taxing districts and abolish all existing districts was introduced. Local jurisdictions that use these types of taxing districts to offset the costs of infrastructure would be devastated by the change. The Senate took no action on this measure but it is expected to be reintroduced next year. Another bill that saw no action in the Senate tax committee was a measure to apply the recordation tax to indemnity mortgages. The building excise tax bill that would give municipalities taxing authority was reintroduced and killed again in the Senate Committee.

Professional Issues In an effort to “fix” the 2007 law that required builder sales representatives to become licensed real estate agents, the industry requested introduction of a bill to require builder sales representatives to become registered within the existing builder registration unit. In addition, the measure creates a guaranty fund financed by a fee on all building permits. The fund will be used to pay claims to consumers for construction defect and other performance issues.

Other Other issues of note include a bill that would have required the Department of Housing and Community Development to include visitability requirements in the state building performance standards. These accessibility codes would require all new homes to be built at zero–grade with accessible bathrooms and other features on the first floor. The measure will be studied during the interim. Common Ownership Communities were the focus of a series of bills aimed at providing additional accountability and information on associations to assist the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection in providing assistance to homeowners and associations. None of the measures passed this year but all will be studied during the interim.

The 2008 General Assembly Session Report provides a synopsis of the major issues considered by the Legislature affecting the building industry, a progress report of all legislation monitored during the session, voting records of Delegates and Senators on selected issues and statistical information showing the number and types of bills followed by the MSBA Legislative Committee.

The report is designed to provide a snapshot of the session, with a focus on the most important bills. n Katie Maloney is the Executive Vice President/Legislative Affairs Director for the Maryland State Builders Association. She handles policy priorities of the building industry in both the legislature and state regulatory agencies. She is a member of the Development, Redevelopment and Revitalization Workgroup and the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Chesapeake Bay Agreement Implementation. Katie serves as the Co-Chair of the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee and is a member of the Maryland Government Relations Association. She also served as an adjunct professor in the Political Science Department at the United States Naval Academy. She can be reached at kmaloney@ mdstatebuilders.org.

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By Georganne Derick

Trend Forward 2010 K

nowing the trends will empower us to “get it right” in marketing new homes in this consumer savvy age. From product design to finish appointments, we’ve got to turn up the heat on emotional appeal. As we near 2010, it is more important than ever to be “in the know” about what people value and how those values translate into sales.

Here are a few home trends to watch for in years ahead, labeled according to our culture cravings. Satisfy them and your sales will soar!

1.

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Revive We are seeking a place to retreat, relax and refresh in our ideal home. In a harried world, where stress fuels our days, women especially crave a spa-like environment at the workday’s end.

Warm and cool colors are both well suited to this environment.

Colors to engage the senses include pumpkin spice, walnut, leather and coffee, creating a warm sanctuary. Gold, copper and bronze metals mix well in this palette. For a cooler version, try oxygen, spaqua, peony and sand. Glass and natural tiles add to the spa-like effects.

Styles are transitional with soft and clean lines, made comfortable with textures and smooth natural fabrics of solid colors.

Patterns are soft and non-stimulating. Sounds are soothing to the soul and may include water features, flute and random chimes.

2.

Reflect Born from the Gatsby-era and reminiscent of the cinema of the 40’s, light and shadow inspire an understated elegance. This home is romantic, seductive and alluring. We can create that sense of glamour through the use of silk and satin fabrics that have an inner luster and sheen. New are fabrics studded with crystals and beads. Textiles that have metal fibers woven into them sparkle in new ways thanks to the alchemy of technology.

Metallic cabinets from Bellini in Bronze Manhattan-foil are well suited for this style.

Colors are chameleon-like, reflective and opalescent. Quartz, ivory, champagne and stone combined with graphite, dove and white shimmer in light and dark shadows. Furnishings combine clean modern pieces with art deco accents for an updated version of this era, signaling a desire for refined quality, romance and Hollywood hope.

Preserve

3.

The Green revolution is here in full force. Most shelter magazines have a cover story on Green Design and Sustainable Living. An astute quote from Leatrice Eisman, color consultant, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of “More Alive with Color” (2006, Capital Books) says “Green 1. Circling back to basics, the interplay of simple circles throughout creates memorable imagery. 2. Colors of quartz, pearl and stone on satin and velvet provide feminine romance, while a geometric sofa lends a masculine element in this Owners’ Suite. 3. The interplay of circles and squares are taken from the fabric and furniture, and are reiterated on the wall trim detail for a memorable room.

4. By combining contemporary and vintage elements, mirror and crystals, this dining room sparkles and shines with understated elegance for the Second City Elite and the Winner’s Circle niche markets.

Builder: Steuart-Kret Homes; Community: Stone Lake, Laurel, MD; Model Name: The Rehoboth; Interior Merchandiser: Merchandising East PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA MASSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.homebuilders.org

4.

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design is beyond a trend. This is not fluff; this is a serious concern, and it just keeps growing.”

Eco-chic, Earth Friendly, Kid-Healthy and Wellness Themes

5.

6.

In recent years, environmentally friendly design was a fledgling niche market. Today, green design is flourishing like a wellnurtured garden. Fueled by growing concern for the Earth’s resources and human health, there is more awareness and a deep appreciation for what is at stake.

Time magazine’s summer Style & Design cover even celebrated “Green Living” and asked “Is sustainability the New Luxury?”

All signs say that it is beyond luxury, that cost is no longer just about the bottom line. We only have one planet earth known to us currently and everyone’s survival is at risk.

The green movement is part of a broader appreciation for balanced, healthy living. There is growing interest in recycling, conservation of fuel and clean water, organic foods and yoga.

Homes and products that are energy star and LEEDS certified are sought after by growing numbers of prospects.

Colors that reflect this consciousness include watery blues, clean pastoral hues combined the way nature provided them.

Yellow golds and earthen browns round out this palette of vegetal hues.

Fabrics are natural and chemical free, including organic cottons, hemp, linen, wool and silk. Recycled materials are being made into fabrics on the eco-friendly scene, although they are not necessarily health friendly, for those of us with chemical sensitivities.

Furnishings are now available using sustainably harvested woods and bamboos, with latex fillings that are non-toxic. These are now entering the mainstream in the design world.

Organic forms and patterns from nature round out the green movement. Generations Y (the echo boomers) and the aging Baby Boomers share a passion for this trend and together they outvote all other market segments in sheer numbers, representing the largest generations on mother earth.

Construct/Deconstruct

7.

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Cool urban architecture and all things modern are typified here.

Living spaces that are industrial in nature are the most indicative of the constructionist/de-constructionist trend, and it is decidedly for markets without children. Spaces have an easy maintenance quality with cement floors and countertops and brick, block or industrial walls in the urban-life vernacular. Living rooms double as basketball courts for flex living in the city.

Like the energy of glittering city lights, fabrics and furnishings have vivid colors set against a palette of black, white and grays, known as kinetic contrasts. They mimic the art of Warhol, Modrian and Klee. Metals are steel, silver and black; furnishings are contemporary and whimsical. www.homebuilders.org

Georganne’s Top 12 Home Design Trends towards 2010 Grand trend: Coining! A double-double entendre that acknowledges opposite sides of the coin, co-existing as trends, and also a mode of expression considered standard. Also refers to a cornerstone of architecture, as well as “making money”. Consider the profits that can occur when you acknowledge both sides of the coin. Consider the Yin/Yang.

1.

2.

8.

Virtual Re-mix Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Summer of Love, we are seeing signs of being Way-Out and Feelin’ Groovy. According to Michelle Lamb, of Marketing Directions, Inc., a 60’s, 70’s and 80’s retrospective is upon us, with surprising materials added to the mix, including neoprene! If you can imagine feeling groovy in a wet-suit, you’ve got it! Bright and nearly neon colors of citrus orange and green, reds, purples, gold (almost avocado and harvest gold, for those of us who remember this)…it’s ba-ack!

Prepare for psychedelic patterns in the style of Emilio Pucci, along with paisleys and posey-inspired flowers, Peter Max imagery wild and mod. This is a style clearly suited to the Young Bohemian-mix.

Spiraling Back to Basics Notice we are “not returning to a former place of basics”. Rather we are on an upward spiral with design savvy and sophisticated consumers, who are responding to the simplicity of basic geometry and a re-connection to the elements of nature: metal, stone, wood, air and water. Hence, a renewed commitment to the basics in the context of high-style design.

Like designer Barbara Berry reminds us, Art is a marriage of form and function, texture, light and color. Beauty can be both inspiring and healing. In these times, we can use a double dose of both. As a nation, these are our cravings. Offer these on-trend options to the right market segments and enjoy the profits, Take some time off to revive and reflect. Preserve your own health so you can construct the next award-winning, profit-producing, ontrend community! n Georganne Derick, MIRM, CAASH is founder and president of Merchandising East and its parent company, MS Interior Design, Inc. in Ellicott City, MD. Together their companies have installed over 4000 model homes, and have won over 100 regional and national awards, while being instrumental in selling billions of dollars worth of real estate since 1975. Ms. Derick is an instructor of IRM courses across the U.S. and is a nationally acclaimed speaker and widely published writer on industry design trends.

A frequent judge of national and regional design, architecture and land planning awards, her current passion is all design that is Green, Sustainable and Health Friendly. You may contact her and enjoy other articles published in leading industry publications at www.merchandisingeast.com. www.homebuilders.org

Basics of design + new levels of sophistication Places of retreat and renewal + places of excitement and entertainment 3. Indoor living with outdoor connections + outdoor living with indoor luxuries 4. Nostalgia + Contemporary 5. Safe + Daring 6. Minimalism + Opulence 7. Conservation + abundant use of natural materials 8. Wireless + Un-plugged 9. Neutral color + Wild color unleashed 10. Residential elements in commercial application + Commercial elements in residential application 11. Health friendly homes + Brown-field pioneers 12. Feminine + Masculine

Market Segments for the first decade of the 21st century For Current Market Segments Defined, go to www.claritas.com.

Here are just a few: Full Circle Buyers/ Affluent Empty Nests Second City Elite Movers & Shakers Family-Focused/ Accumulators Beltway Boomers

Winner’s Circle Young Achievers Bohemian Mix. Young Digerati Urban Achievers

5. Wireless entertainment zones with bold orange and silver appeal to the Young Digerati and Urban Achievers. Builder: Metro Ventures; Community: Camden Crossing, Baltimore, MD; Model Name: The Pratt; Interior Merchandiser: Merchandising East 6. Color is unleashed in this Tangerine living room, which contrasts with the black and white geometry of the furnishings and fabrics, suitable for Young Achievers and Edge-City buyers. Builder: Eastwood Homes; Community: Quail Ridge; Model Name: Cypress; Interior Merchandiser: Merchandising East 7. A martini bar featuring Bellini Allegro cabinetry in bronze metallic foil balanced with bronze and silver metallic paints using simple geometric imagery with quartz, as a trend color choice. 8. Women respond to pampering spaces for renewal within the home. Builder: Steuart-Kret Homes; Community: Stone Lake, Laurel, MD; Model Name: The Rehoboth; Interior Merchandiser: Merchandising East PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA MASSON PHOTOGRAPHY (SPA), CURTIS MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY (RECREATION ROOM AND TECH LOFT) AND EASTWOOD HOMES (TANGERINE LIVING ROOM) JULY/AUGUST 2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

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Builder Mart 2008

Best Single Booth South – Heister House Millwork

Best Multiple Booth North – Amenity Resources

Best Single Booth North – Ram Jack of MD

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www.homebuilders.org

Builder Mart 2008 proved that this one-day tradeshow is still the best place to find the latest and most innovative products and services in the building industry.

Best Island Booth South – Lansing Building Products

Best Island Booth North – L & L Supply Corporation www.homebuilders.org

Best Multiple Booth South – Maggio Firewall JULY/AUGUST 2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

41

Let Buyers

with More Packaged Options

By Joshua Nester

One key to getting to the next cycle in the housing market is to cut costs and let home buyers “option up” their homes through pre-priced structural options much like automobile dealers sell cars, says Ross Robins of the Lee Evans Group/Shinn Consulting Inc., an operations and marketing consulting firm based in Littleton, Colorado.

“The problem that we have had is that we have been living high on the hog for a long time,” Robbins says. “We’ve outpaced our buyers’ ability to buy the homes we have for sale. With the new loan standards that we have, we are facing issues to get the costs out of houses.”

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restructure sales from automobile dealers. He suggested that builders should be offering fewer single options or amenities and, like automobile dealers, package options and let home buyers choose from various packages to upgrade their homes.

“We could do well to learn from these people and configure the houses in different ways pre-priced for our buyers,” says Robbins. “For example, if you have a flex space that could be an office, nursery or artist studio, you could configure those spaces and have those pre-priced packages for whatever direction your buyer wanted to go.”

Be Prepared Because price is critical to selling homes in 2008, Robbins suggested five basic things builders can do to effectively prepare for the market: • Reassess every component in the homes you build.

• Get good market research data on your buyers.

• Realize that buyers have changed.

• Find out what the buyer will pay for; it will probably be different from what you think.

• Go back to zero-based specifications; determine what items and specifications are necessary before adding them to the home. www.homebuilders.org

Cash Is Critical to Surviving the Slowdown Robbins said that cash will be critical to businesses that are working to survive the housing slowdown. Credit lines can dissolve, he said, but cash has staying value. In addition, opportunities will arise when the market enters its next cycle and cash will be needed to take advantage of them.

“We may be closer than we think to that part of the cycle,” Robbins says. “You need to minimize your financed land and inventory, get your cash out and your properties sold, or even walk away from deals if you must” “Too many specs or widgets can take you down,” he added.

“Sell them for what you can get and get out of there. If one or more of your inventory homes is aging, cut your prices now, not later.”

“Have some preplanned action points, say, 30-, 60- or 90-day holding periods and determine in advance what you will do at each of those points,” Robbins suggested. A company can survive a down market as long as it stays above the break-even point, Robbins says, adding that no one knows how long that will be.

Cut Overhead But Keep Key Team Members Robbins says that companies should cut as much overhead as they can, but not so deeply that they would lose key team members. “In order to be ready for the next cycle, you need to have a team of capable people that can take you to the next level,” Robbins says. “You need to identify who they are ahead of time.

They may be doing more jobs, but they must remain intact.”

Don’t Over-Enforce Buyer Contracts Dan Levitan, of Levitan & Associates, warns not to go overboard when enforcing buyers’ contracts during the slowdown. Builders can realize short-term benefits by strictly enforcing their customers’ contracts but, if they do, they probably shouldn’t plan on staying in business too long in their current location.

Builders should consider the negative publicity and repercussions that could arise if they decide to aggressively sue buyers who are not adhering to their contracts. www.homebuilders.org

Builders should consider the negative publicity and repercussions that could arise if they decide to aggressively sue buyers who are not adhering to their contracts.

“I’m involved with a number of builders around the country,” Levitan says. “Some of them are enforcing 100 percent of their contracts. They are suing buyers that have not performed. Most of these people are not going to be in business in that community long term.” He adds, “You have got to come up with a position of where you want to be long term and what you’re willing to put up with for the short term.”

Renegotiate Credit Builders should also focus on asset protection in order to survive the slowdown. “If you haven’t already done so, get an attorney and make sure that you are going to be around for the long term,” Levitan says.

Levitan also encouraged builders to work closely with their lenders. Lenders, he said, are dealing with many of the same issues that are confronting builders and better and more effective solutions can be achieved if builders and lenders work together.

“The lenders have to understand that they are your partner with this issue and that you are better than anyone else at working out this existing job,” Levitan advises. “If they foreclose on the deal or if they take the land back, they are going to dump it at a substantial loss.”

“It’s better for you and for them for you to stay in the deal somehow and work out any issues that arise,” he said. “To keep you in the relationship means everyone will get a higher return on investment.” n You can contact Joshua Nester at 800-368-5242, ext. 8461 or email him at jnester@nahb.com for more information.

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green building Getting to Green – a major step forward

A Practical Guide to NAHB Model Green Building Guidelines

By H. Alan Mooney, P.E.

A

bout two years ago when I started writing this series for Mid-Atlantic Builder in March 2006, I noted the following: The objectives of the NAHB Green Home Building guidelines include: 1.

2.

To “work toward minimizing environmental impact” “…to highlight ways in which a main stream home builder can effectively and holistically weave environmental concerns into a new home…”

Those were (and still are) lofty objectives; complex and far reaching. The NAHB model guidelines (2005) is a 156-page document. The acknowledgements list nearly 100 people, each of whom represents organizations significant to the home building industry that contributed to the guidelines. Included in the process was a review of more than 20 existing green building programs. The research and background for this program was extensive.

Concurrently, the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC) had developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating system. The USGBC has issued LEED standards for pilot programs for a variety of building types including commercial projects, renovations, land development, residential and others. The one that matters to home builders is LEED-H (for homes).

Now, in April 2008, we are on the eve of another major step in the evolution of green building. For some time, NAHB has been working with the International Code Council (ICC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to transform the NAHB Green Building guidelines into an independent, national standard; the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). This is a rigorous process involving 44

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a large consensus committee and input from organizations from both outside and within the construction industry. There is a period for public comment as well. It is a well-established, highly credible process used by ANSI for any new or updated standards.

The process is nearly complete. The new, official NGBS is expected to be released in the near future; perhaps at about the same time you read this article.

While the NGBS is quite similar to the previous NAHB Green Building guidelines, there are some significant differences.

Emerald Level First, there is a new level of performance possible – EMERALD. To accommodate four levels (to match LEED-H) and adjust to other input from the ANSI consensus committee, the points requirements have changed as well. Figure 1 (see next page) compares the 2005 NAHB Green Building guidelines to the 2008 National Green Building Standards. The 2005 NAHB are shown in parenthesis.

Generally, the requirements to achieve points in each of these categories and levels are quite similar to the earlier NAHB guidelines. I will compare the 2005 NAHB standards and the NGBS in more detail in future articles.

Remodeling Another significant change in the NGBS is a new category for remodeling work. Throughout the standard, there are specific guidelines in each category to achieve the performance point levels in remodeling and renovation projects.

This is an entirely new dimension of this standard and, in my opinion, a needed one. These guidelines offer and encourage opportunities to improve existing buildings during a remodel or renovation project. www.homebuilders.org

I will also look at these standards for remodeling in more detail in future issues.

Where Are We Now? These are important advances for the NAHB Green Building program. If the NGBS becomes widely adopted by municipalities and governmental agencies, it will set the standard for green home building. Ultimately, a single standard is important.

However, change is never simple. For those who have developed programs around the 2005 guidelines, adjustment will take some time. As you make those adjustments, your suppliers and customers are likely to be confused.

Meanwhile, you should campaign for the NGBS whenever and wherever possible.

It is intended to be the official NAHB standard, endorsed objectively by an independent, third party; ANSI. However, it is not without competition.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is not standing still either! I recently attended the

NAHB “Pillars of the Industry” conference for Multi-Family builders in Colorado Springs.

While there, I listened to various discussions about green building. Among them was a panel discussion where two industry experts were essentially arguing about which program was best, LEED or NAHB/NGBS. They offered some compelling arguments for both sides. Among them were: Municipal adoption – LEED tends to win out on

this one with more municipalitties moving toward adoption of the LEED standards than the NAHB/NGBS standards, at least so far.

Branding – LEED has become more visible, more quickly, perhaps because it covers many different types of buildings, not just homes.

Practical – NGBS seems to have the edge here, complying with the NAHB 2005 guidelines and now the NGBS seems to be more manageable for most builders and the process of certification is somewhat more flexible.

Cost effective – Again, NGBS seems to have the edge when building a green home where

CATEGORY

BRONZE

SILVER

GOLD

EMERALD

lot Design

37 (8)

59 (10)

85 (12)

114

Resource effi ciency

31 (44)

66 (60)

101 (77)

136

energy effi ciency

30 (37)

70 (62)

100 (100)

120

Water effi ciency

20 (6)

25(13)

30 (19)

40

Indoor environmental Quality

53 (32)

63 (54)

78 (72)

103

Homeowner education

8 (7)

10 (7)

11 (9)

12

Global Impact*

3

5

6

optional

100

100

100

120

ToTAlS

279 (234)

393 (306)

505 (389)

625

Figure 1. Threshold Point Ratings for Green Buildings NGBS, 2008 (NAHB, 2005)

* Global Impact has been deleted from the NGBS.

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green building

a

Figure 2. Four levels of green certification.

Platinum Gold Silver

Certified

46

the upgrades can pay for themselves through resource savings.

Public perception – this appears to vary regionally, although LEED tends to pop up in conversation more.

As you may know, LEED-H (homes) has four levels for green certification; certified (the lowest), silver, gold and platinum. Also, LEED has added a “Re-green” standard for residential remodeling.

In my experience, more homeowners are familiar with LEED than with the NAHB standards. Of course, very few people know about NGBS since it has not officially been released yet. From a timing standpoint, LEED has the edge in consumer visibility.

However, neither program has any broadbased regulatory power yet. The standards are voluntary until adopted and enforced by a municipality or other governmental agency. To date, to my knowledge, no such adoption has occurred although it is under consideration in some parts of the country.

When the panel at the NAHB Multi-family conference was asked about the LEED vs.

NGBS issue, the answer was, essentially, a nonanswer; “…that you should be guided by what is best established and most common in your market place.”

In future issues I will devote more of my time to the NGBS and the details that are relevant to you. However, I will also monitor and compare the LEED program since it is still unclear whether one will ultimately prevail in the marketplace and, if so, which one. In the meantime, I believe you should be at least aware of both programs since your customers will have questions about both.

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER JULY/AUGUST 2008

Ultimately, we believe that building green can be a win-win-win; for you (a more profitable product), for your home buyers (a more efficient, environmentally sensitive home) and for the environment (less demand, more sustainability).

Green building, or sustainable design, is a relatively easy concept to understand. As a measurable standard to implement, however, it is much more difficult. It embodies how you use the site, the materials employed, the systems designed and installed and how the home is maintained and operated. In any integrated system, there are always tradeoffs. Evaluating the benefits of one approach over another becomes extremely complicated. Nevertheless, it is important to continue the journey. There are limits to our resources (natural and man made) and we should be proactive about conserving those resources. ■ Criterium Engineers has specialized in residential construction for nearly 50 years, with more than 60 offices in more than 30 states. We have evaluated more than 600,000 buildings.

H. Alan Mooney, P.E, President of Criterium Engineers, is a licensed, Professional Engineer in 8 states, with more than 35 years experience and has been the author and presenter for various NAHB programs, mostly on construction quality. For more information, please visit www.criterium-engineers.com

www.homebuilders.org

www.homebuilders.org

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journal of light construction

Drywall Art Layering drywall is a simple way to dress up an otherwise boring surface

Figure 1. The mural can be geometrical, representational, or abstract. In this photo, the author is finishing the layout for a whimsical landscape.

Figure 2. A spiral saw with a drywall bit is the best tool for cutting out irregular pieces.

by cory merryman

B

ack when I worked for a commercial drywall contractor, we sometimes created decorative effects by layering the drywall. Usually this involved little more than a step at the perimeter of the ceiling, a simple panel, or some other very basic shape. I always wondered why no one tried carrying the concept further.

When I went out on my own, I got my chance: I started doing what I call “drywall art,” layering the material to create “murals” on walls and ceilings. I don’t do it on every job, of course — but when a customer wants something out of the ordinary, it’s a unique option I can offer them.

Design and Layout I begin the process by making a drawing of what the final mural should look like. Once the design is complete, I screw a full layer of drywall to the studs, same as I would on any wall.

If this were a painting, the first layer would be the canvas. In this case, it’s the base that the cutouts are fastened to.

To make the cutouts, I’ve found it easiest to put sheets of drywall on the floor and draw the 48

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER JULY/AUGUST 2008

mural full-size (see Figure 1).

Multiple layers. Most of the photos in this article are from a project I did in a basement.

The thickest buildup is the outer frame, which — not counting the base — is five layers thick.

The other raised areas vary in thickness from four layers to just one. The buildups could be single layers, or they could be more — it’s just a question of how much you want the profiles to stand out. www.homebuilders.org

Cutting and Installation After the mural is drawn, I put the sheet of drywall on sawhorses and use a spiral saw with a drywall bit to cut out the pieces (Figure 2).

For areas with multiple layers, I cut the first piece, then trace and cut some more. It’s easiest to cut all the pieces at one time. To keep from getting confused, I number and stack the parts as they are cut.

Once all the pieces are cut, I fasten them to the wall, a process akin to assembling a giant puzzle. I use a combination of drywall screws and drywall adhesive to attach the pieces.

The only way to catch the studs is to use longer screws for each successive layer of drywall (Figure 3). In places where there is more than one layer, the edges will not be perfectly aligned at first. I fi x this by using a razor knife to carefully trim the edges flush. A drywall rasp would also work.

Figure 3. The author applies drywall adhesive to the back of a piece (top left) before applying it to the wall (top right). At first, the layers are only roughly aligned; once all the pieces are up, the author trims and smooths edges with a utility knife. He uses drywall screws to catch whatever framing he can (left).

Exposed Edges Normally, you would put J-bead or L-bead on the exposed edges of drywall. But when pieces are stacked more than one layer thick, that doesn’t work. Arch beads don’t bend enough to follow tight curves or complicated shapes.

Therefore, on most of my drywall murals I skip the bead and finish the edges by skimming them with a thin coat of allpurpose joint compound. Since all I need to do is fill the dimples and imperfections, I wipe most of the mud off with the knife. Mud doesn’t bond well to dust, so before applying it, I use a shop vac to clean the edges.

Then, I tape the seams, spot — or fill — the screwheads, and finish any bead that did go on.

Bead. The straight outer-frame pieces on the basement mural shown here did get bead — a vinyl bullnose. Before stapling it to the wall with a hammer tacker, I sprayed the back with 3M drywall vinyl bead adhesive. A paper-edged tape-on bead would have worked, too. Metal bead, though, wouldn’t have; the bead didn’t land over framing, so there was nothing to nail it to.

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journal of light construction

Figure 4. Except for mudding the edges of the cutouts, taping the mural is the same as for any wall (top). Sanding is more difficult. Here, the author uses a sanding sponge to smooth near an edge (bottom).

Taping and Finishing The next step is to finish taping the wall. Topping compound is a little easier to sand than most all-purpose joint compounds, so I use it for the last couple of coats. When the mud is dry, I lightly sand the skimmed edges of the cutout pieces with a sanding sponge. Then I vacuum them and use a fine bead of latex caulk to fill the hairline cracks where the layers hit the wall. Caulking this joint is very effective; I have never had trouble with cracking.

Color. The original plan for the basement mural was to use different solid shades for each layer, going from white to gray to black. After experimenting on the tree, however, I ended up creating a more realistic look by varying the shading within each piece (Figure 5).

On other jobs, I’ve chosen to paint the raised sections of drywall the same color as the rest of the room. n Cory Merryman is a drywall contractor in Morley,Mich.

Figure 5. On the job featured in this story, the finished mural was painted shades of gray (top right). A more subtle effect can be achieved by painting the raised areas the same color as the rest of the room (middle). On another job, the author applies vinyl bead to an abstract pattern on the ceiling (bottom).

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51

corner features legal Improve Your Understanding of Maryland’s Home Improvement Statute

By David b. applefeld Are you about to undertake a home improvement project or are you thinking about

entering into a contract to do so? If your answer to this question is “yes,” then it is critical that you understand the Maryland Home Improvement Statute and the requirements which this statute may impose upon you.

The Maryland Home Improvement Statute (the “Statute”) was enacted by the Maryland Legislature to protect home owners from dishonest contractors. In doing so, the Legislature established the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (the “MHIC”) to oversee home improvement activity in Maryland and placed a number of technical requirements on home improvement contractors operating in this state. As a result, even contractors with the best intentions can find themselves in violation of the Statute and subject to the civil and criminal penalties provided therein.

The first question you need to ask is “does the Statute apply to me?” If you are contracting to remodel, improve, alter, repair or replace a structure that will be used as a residence or dwelling place that houses less than four single family units, or you are building an addition to such a structure, then the Statute applies to you. The Statute also applies to contracts to improve land adjacent to such structures and encompasses projects such as the construction of driveways, garages, fences, landscaping and swimming pools.

Assuming you have answered “yes” to this question, let’s take a look at some of the things which the Statute requires.

Initially, any contractor or subcontractor who undertakes to perform a “home 52

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER JULY/AUGUST 2008

improvement” for an owner or tenant, or offers to do so, must be licensed by the MHIC. The Statute sets up a detailed licensing procedure. Applicants must have at least two years experience in the trade or comparable educational training and must pass a test. In addition, all Maryland home improvement contractors are required to maintain at least $50,000 of general liability insurance.

The Statute requires that your contract be in writing and signed by each party. A fully executed copy of the contract must be provided to the owner before you begin any work. Your contract must also contain the following minimum information: (a) the name, address, and license number of the contractor; (b) the name and license number of each salesperson who solicited the home improvement contract or sold the home improvement; (c) a clear description of each document incorporated into the contract; (d) the approximate date when the home improvement will begin and when the home improvement will be substantially completed; (e) a description of the home improvement to be performed and the materials to be used; (f) the contract price; (g) the number of monthly payments and the amount of each payment, including any finance charge; (h) a description of any collateral security for the obligation of the owner under the home improvement contract; and (i) a notice that provides the telephone number of the MHIC and states that each contractor and each subcontractor must be licensed by the MHIC; and anyone may ask the MHIC about a contractor or subcontractor. In addition to these requirements,

if payment for work performed under your home improvement contract will be secured by an interest in residential real estate, the contract must include a written notice and disclosure in a specific format provided by the Statute, including the owners right to rescind the contract within 3 business days after the date it is signed.

The Statute also places specific prohibitions on home improvement contractors.

While certain of these specified prohibitions, such as acting without a license, abandoning a project, committing fraud, or violating local or state building and labor laws are obvious, other prohibitions are not so obvious. For example, a home improvement contractor cannot collect a deposit of more than one third (1/3) of the contract price and cannot receive payment for the home improvement before a contract is signed. In addition, a home improvement contractor must include its MHIC License Number in any advertisement.

Keeping in mind that the Statute is intended to protect homeowners, the Statute also established a Home Improvement Guarantee Fund which is designed to compensate victims who are alleged to have suffered an actual loss at the hands of an unscrupulous contractor. The Statute sets forth a detailed procedure for filing and responding to such claims.

Upon receipt of a claim, the MHIC will send a copy of the claim to the contractor alleged to be responsible and will require the Contractor provide a written response to the claim. Thereafter, the MHIC will investigate the claim, and will take one of three actions: (a) schedule a hearing; (b) www.homebuilders.org

dismiss the claim, if the claim is found to be frivolous or to have been filed in bad faith; or (c) issue an order requiring the contractor to pay all or part of the claim. The Statute provides a procedure for an aggrieved contractor to take exception to the order requiring the contractor to pay and further hearings may be scheduled.

Finally, the Statute imposes both civil and criminal penalties for violations. A contractor who fails to comply with the Statute, or engages in a prohibited act, can be held liable for civil damages and criminal fines and penalties. Depending upon the nature of the violation, personal liability may also be imposed.

This discussion does not cover all of the potential pitfalls a home improvement contractor may encounter. Rather, it is intended to be a general summary of common traps into which the uninformed may wander. In light of the serious ramifications, it is important for any home improvement contractor to understand the Statute and the requirements it imposes before beginning any project. n Mr. Applefeld is a member of the Law Firm Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC whose practice concentrates in construction law. If you have questions about the topic of this article or other legal matters, Mr. Applefeld can be reached at (410) 539-5195 or dapplefeld@adelbergrudow.com.

Use our

logo

and gain credibility Visit our website at www.homebuilders.org to download the logo today.

HOMEBUILDERS Association of Maryland

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JULY/AUGUST 2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

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corner features insurance Let Project Management Boost the Bottom-Line

By Micelle labrosse The next time you hear the words “bottom-

line” when you’re sitting in the audience at a company meeting, don’t roll your eyes. Instead, think about all the ways that you, as a project manager, can help to boost that bottom-line.

Top Five Project Management Bottom-Line Boosters 1. Develop clear and quantifiable goals. If a goal is murky and indistinguishable, how does anyone know when and if it’s done? Don’t hide behind a curtain of vagueness. Be clear and make it measurable.

2. Track time and dollars spent. When you can show your boss and your team exactly where you are, both in terms of time allocated and actual dollars spent, you’re speaking their language. Nothing makes upper management quiver more than not knowing where they are on a mission-critical project.

3. Meet deadlines and milestones. If your team is missing every single deadline and project milestone, there’s generally a reason why. Don’t accept this as normal. Do you have too many false deadlines in your company culture, so people no longer accept them as real?

When you understand what impedes meeting deadlines, you can get answers that not only get your project back on track, but save your organization time and money.

tion as busy work instead of using it to get at its real value. When you close out a project, don’t literally put it to bed.

Instead, wake up and unearth all the gems inside it. Did you have enough resources allocated to this project?

At what points did this project falter and why? What was behind the cost variance between our original budget and actual budget? If you don’t capture the intelligence in your documentation, understand it and share it, you’ve missed a huge opportunity to make you and your team more productive, effective and efficient.

5. C reate a consistent and standardized approach to project management. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but I see companies every day that expect their people to learn project management by osmosis. I know you’ve seen this too: “Let the new people shadow Gloria for a few days because she’s a great project manager.” This is a good start, but you can’t have enterprisewide impact from Project Management unless you have a consistent way of approaching Project Management.

This is why the PMP® certification has become important to many businesses and government. These organizations have started to see the value of having whole teams and whole departments – and even entire companies – working from the same body of knowledge.

Embrace the Bottom-Line So, now you know what many project managers already use as their “secret sauce.” The bottom-line is not just for accountants and executives. It’s a sure fire way for project managers to show their value and make themselves a valuable player in financial discussion. n PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute.Michelle LaBrosse is the founder of Cheetah Learning, www. cheetahlearning.com, and an international expert on accelerated learning and project management. In 2006, The Project Management Institute, www.pmi.org, selected Michelle as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Project Management in the World, and only one of two women selected from the training and education industry. Michelle is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Owner & President Management program for entrepreneurs, and is the author of Cheetah Project Management and Cheetah Negotiations. Cheetah Learning is a virtual company and has 100 employees, contractors, and licensees worldwide.

4. Unearth the hidden gems in your project agreement and documentation.

Too many people mistake documenta-

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www.homebuilders.org

corner features remodeler Siding with a Remodeler

by Michael Murray Two things come to my mind when I think of

siding advancement; insulated siding and fiber-cement.

Insulated siding is the vinyl siding that has expanded polystyrene glued to the back, like Alcoa’s “Structure”. This siding is 10 percent thicker than standard insulated vinyl, giving it 1 ¼” of real insulation. It also adds R-4 to your house and its resistance to heat loss, in turn, will increase the home’s energy efficiency by 25 percent. This will also reduce noise levels by 30 percent, making for a much quieter and more comfortable home. When properly installed, “Structure” can help meet the performance guidelines of an Energy Star home.

Fiber-cement siding, like James Hardie, gives homes the most aesthetic appeal of the traditional lap sidings. Fiber-cement offers shingle siding, soffit and trim for a low maintenance exterior. You can get this product in a wide array of colors that are factory applied for beauty, durability and low maintenance. This ultimately gives the look and charm of wood siding, with the strength of fiber-cement. n

Michael Murray is the Branch Manager of Lansing Building Products on Whitehead Road in Baltimore.

www.homebuilders.org

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builders’ haven foundation

Foundation gives back by beth hayes

T

he Building Industries Foundation was created in 1999 to support three areas – education, research and charitable activities. Not surprisingly, charitable activities received the greatest interest from our generous members.

Capitalizing on this interest, the Builders’ Haven Foundation was formalized as its own organization under the umbrella of The Building Industries Foundation. This charitable arm of the Home Builders Association of Maryland was formed with a mission to promote shelter related activities for those less fortunate throughout the Baltimore region. Today the Foundation focuses on ‘sticks and bricks’ projects that provide shelter or shelter improvements for needy families in the seven counties serviced

by HBAM – Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard and Baltimore City.

At the request of HBAM Executive Director John Kortecamp, Cindy McAuliffe of Grayson Homes and Rich Thometz of Hailey Development, L.C. took the reins as the first Co-Chairs of the Builders’ Haven Foundation. Signing on as a leader for this organization was a no-brainer for Rich. Rich felt that although our membership was very generous in its charitable giving, there was no formal marshalling of our industry’s resources to ensure the lowest costs possible to create crisis housing, and establishment of the Builders’ Haven Foundation could begin to answer that need. “Our industry’s members can provide unique sticks and bricks assistance for crisis shelter needs in the Baltimore region. They do it in projects every day, whether on their own or through the foundation. Strong leadership of members in the home building industry such as Stuart Greenebaum’s charitable work, Steve Koren’s work on Grassroots Shelter as well as many others, serve as inspiring examples of leadership in giving back to the communities in which we build,” added Rich.

According to Cindy McAuliffe there were two reasons why she agreed to take on the responsibility of the Foundation. “First, Rich and I knew that caring, energetic and generous people abound in the home building industry. Second, rather than having a wonderful reputation, builders are somehow seen in a different light. We wanted to, first and foremost, “Do Good Deeds”, we wanted to get the word out to the public at large, and to local governments that we are Good People. By joining forces, we could channel the energy of these great people and companies to “do good deeds” more effectively and efficiently to serve people that need our help. So many people in our industry want to give back. They just need an avenue to do it and we are trying to provide that avenue for them.”

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Lou Baker, Nancy Fox and raffle winner Kayce Kerr at Builder Mart.

The Foundation’s strategy is to provide shelter-related charitable services in the region by calling upon HBAM members for donations of labor, materials and funds. Since its inception, the Builders’ Haven Foundation has contributed countless hours, legions of volunteers, buckets of sweat and a lot of heart to a multitude of charitable projects because of the generosity of HBAM’s members.

Currently led by Chairman Mark Miller of Capital Mortgage Finance Corporation, the Foundation is still going strong in 2008. “This year one of my goals is to make the general public aware of the foundation’s current and future projects and to recognize those who have contributed their time, money and effort, so they will continue to participate and inspire others to join in,” stated Miller. To that end, the Foundation has been making its www.homebuilders.org

presence known at recent association events such as Celebrity Chef night in the fall, Key Connections in February and most recently at HBAM’s March 19th Builder Mart. The Builder Mart committee invited the Foundation to man the Coat Check for the event and donated the resulting $269.00 in gratuities to the Foundation. The Foundation also had a booth with a power point presentation and sponsored a 50/50 raffle to benefit its programs. A group of energetic volunteers from Grayson Homes was recruited by Cindy McAuliffe and they tirelessly trolled the show floor selling raffle/chance tickets. Judy Borns of Residential Title & Escrow and Mark Amos of Gemcraft Homes put their selling skills to work on the show floor as well. Due to their efforts, a total of $900 was collected! Standing alongside Bessie the cow in the Bull Roast area of the show, 2008 HBAM President Lou Baker announced the winner at the end of the day. Kayce Kerr, of HomeTeam Pest Defense was the lucky winner pocketing $450.00 cash!

The Builders’ Haven Foundation will continue to participate in association events as a way to raise funds as well as build awareness among HBAM’s members. The real work of the Foundation is identifying housing needs in our communities and mobilizing our members to meet those needs. In that vein, the foundation is currently working on several worthwhile charitable projects and

www.homebuilders.org

2008 Builders’ Haven Foundation Board of Directors Mark Miller Chair William Zahler Vice Chair Mark Amos Pete Baxter Richard Bechtel

Judith Borns Steve Breeden Kevin Carney Steve Koren John Long Joe Lucado

Cindy McAuliffe Bill McBride Eric McLauchlin Frank Potepan Rich Thometz

evaluating several others. Your involvement is welcome – contributions of time, labor, materials and dollars are always needed.

If you or your company would like to be added to our “resource pool”, or you would like more information about current projects, please contact any of our board members or Nancy Fox at the HBAM office 410-265-7400, ext. 122. n

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Benefits of Membership Legislative Advocacy Public Relations and Information Education EVENTS Events and Conferences ANNUAL

& CONFERENCES

HBAM offers a variety of events and programs each year that provide both business and social forums to increase your industry contacts.

HOMEBUILDERS Association of Maryland

Contact Kim Dresser at 410-265-7400, ext. 115 or kim@homebuilders.org for more information.

Builder Mart Key Connections MAX Maryland Awards of Excellence International Builders’ Show Celebrity Chef Night, Auction & Wine Festival Golf Outing & Picnic HBAM Remodelers Awards of Excellence The Governors Conference on Housing The Maryland Housing Conference Th e Maryland Real Estate & Construction Forecast Conference Icon Awards President’s Luncheon La nd Development Council Community Development Awards

Do Business With Your Fellow HBAM Members.

“Building Your Business Through Association” is our philosophy. HBAM members believe that they should support those who support the building industry.

NETWORK with other companies in the building industry to gain new contacts as well as strengthen your current ones at the Celebrity Chef Night & Auction, Golf Outing & Picnic, sporting events, chapter and council meetings and more.

KEEP UP-TO-DATE about pertinent legislative and regulatory issues on a local, state and national level.

INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE of the building industry through our educational programs and seminars.

TARGET YOUR MARKET with cost effective advertising in any of HBAM’s publications and receive a spreadsheet of HBAM members.

STAY INFORMED with HBAM’s publications. You will receive Mid-Atlantic Builder, HomeFront, HomeFront Online and the Buyers’ Guide.

ADD CREDIBILITY for your company in the building industry as well as with the general public by being associated with one of the largest building associations in the country.

WWW.HOMEBUILDERS.ORG is designed to serve both consumers and those in the building industry. You can access the latest legislative news, find out about member benefits, profile your company in the online directory or register for an event. Consumers can visit the HBAM home page to find you and other builders or suppliers in their area.

The site received over 3 million hits in 2007.

HBAM Welcomes New Members ASSOCIATES Advanced Land and Water, Inc. Mark Eisner 7540 Main Street Suite 7 Sykesville, MD 21784 Phone: 410-795-4626 Fax: 410-795-4611 www.alwi.com Sponsor: Eliot Powell, Whitehall Development, LLC Professional Services - Environmental Services

American Community Management Inc. Mel Herzberger 9198 Red Branch Road Suite A Columbia, MD 21045 Phone: 410-997-7767 Fax: 410-997-8876 Professional Services - Property Management

Baltimore City Paper Ashira Jensen 812 Park Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 443-452-1536 Fax: 410-728-8728 www.citypaper.com Professional Services - Publishing & Printing

Cheryl Moyer, CPA Cheryl Moyer 4402 Sycamore Drive Hampstead, MD 21074 Phone: 410-952-0371 Sponsor: Shawnn Bittorie, William Douglas Associates, Inc. Professional Services - Accounting

Cornerstone Kitchen & Bath Jim Nolan 5 Bel Air South Parkway, Suite 217 Bel Air, MD 21015 Phone: 410-569-3700 Fax: 410-569-3577 www.ckbmaryland.com Supplier - Cabinets & Countertops

Dell Franklin Financial, LLC Pete Baxter 7061 Columbia Gateway Drive #110 Columbia, MD 21046 Phone: 800-395-6070 Fax: 410-312-0799 www.dellfranklin.com Sponsor: Eliot Powell, Whitehall Development, LLC Professional Services - Banking & Mortgage

Excel Painting Company Linda Georgopalis 8380 Old Philadelphia Road Baltimore, MD 21237 Phone: 410-682-8989 Fax: 410-682-5117 Subcontractor - Paint & Wallcoverings

www.homebuilders.org

Ferndale Electric, Inc.

NASE

James Sell 213 Williams Road Ferndale, MD 21061 Phone: 410-227-2261 Fax: 410-266-5704 Sponsor: Shawnn Bittorie, William Douglas Associates, Inc. Subcontractor - Electrical & Structural Wiring

Stephen Koncurat 8825 Stanford Blvd., Suite 145 Columbia, MD 21045 Phone: 443-430-3200 Fax: 410-872-0432 www.nase.org Sponsor: Bill Rauser, Rauser Professional Contracting Professional Services - Insurance

Griffith Brothers Landscaping Inc.

BUILDERS Coastal N.R.M. Tim Domanowski P.O. Box 43386 Nottingham, MD 21236 Phone: 410-598-7473 www.coastalcustombuilder.com Builder - Custom

Harford Habitat for Humanity

Daryl Griffith 3004 Fallston Road Fallston, MD 21047 Phone: 410-557-8885 Fax: 410-557-6979 Sponsor: Charles Wise Supplier - Landscaping

Pennoyer Group, The

Insurance First, Inc.

Silver-top Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Bob Plante 26215 Ridge Road Damascus, MD 20872 Phone: 301-253-2116 Fax: 301-253-2255 www.insurancefirstinc.com Professional Services - Insurance

Peter Burkert 11120 Pulaski Hwy White Marsh, MD 21162 Phone: 410-335-5500 Fax: 800-447-6793 www.silver-top.com Sponsor: Chris Rachuba, Rachuba Group, The Supplier - Sunrooms/Greenhouse, Skylights & Screens

KBS, Inc. Crystal Davis P.O. Box 7 Thomasville, PA 17364 Phone: 717-650-8207 Fax: 717-246-5911 www.kbstrucking.com Subcontractor - Trucking Services

Kercher Engineering, Inc. Greg Jakubiak 2107 Laurel Bush Road, Suite 304 Bel Air, MD 21015 Phone: 443-512-8360 Fax: 443-512-8686 www.kercherei.com Professional Services - Engineering & Technical

Messick Group, Inc. Wayne Newton 2120 Renard Court Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-266-3212 Fax: 410-266-3502 Sponsor: Eliot Powell, Whitehall Development, LLC Professional Services - Engineering & Technical

Metro Study Corporation Kenneth Wenhold 5180 Parkstone Drive, Suite 170 Chantilly, VA 20151 Phone: 703-961-1776 Fax: 703-961-8117 http://www.metrostudy.com Professional Services - Consulting & Customer Svc.

Debbie Palfi 2135 Defense Highway Crofton, MD 21114 Phone: 301-261-6940 Fax: 301-261-6546 Professional Services - Insurance

Skylight Creative Ideas Inc. Bob Titelman 125 N. Main Street, Suite 105 Bel Air, MD 21014 Phone: 410-879-8401 Fax: 410-879-8486 www.skylightcreativeideas.com Professional Services - Advertising & Marketing

Traffic Concepts, Inc. Ken Schmid 325 Gambrills Road, Suite E Gambrills, MD 21054 Phone: 410-923-7101 Fax: 410-923-6473 Sponsor: Eliot Powell, Whitehall Development, LLC Professional Services - Engineering & Technical

Tri County Hearth & Patio Joshua Kelley 2475 Old Washington Road Waldorf, MD 20601 Phone: 301-843-1771 Fax: 301-645-7972 www.heatbyfire.com Supplier - Fireplaces

Joann Blewett 205 S. Hays Street Bel Air, MD 21014 Phone: 410-638-4434 Fax: 410-420-8843 www.harfordhabitat.org Sponsor: Lou Baker, Pulte Homes-Maryland Division Builder - Small Volume

Knott Homes James Knott 1 Texas Station Court, Suite 260 Timonium, MD 21093 Phone: 443-689-8006 Fax: 443-689-8001 www.jfknott.com Developer

Miller and Smith LLC Chuck Ellison 8401 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300 McLean, VA 22102 Phone: 703-821-2500 Fax: 703-394-0671 www.millerandsmith.com Sponsor: Chris Rachuba, Rachuba Group, The Builder - Production

Pro-Built Construction, Inc. Christina Speiden 13330 Clarksville Pike Highland, MD 20777 Phone: 301-854-0821 Fax: 301-854-9632 www.probuiltconstruction.com Builder - Custom

Thorwood Real Estate Group, LLC James Thornton 2120 Blue Spruce Drive, Suite B Bel Air, MD 21015 Phone: 410-420-1004 Fax: 410-420-0994 www.thorwoodreg.com Developer

Wholesale Millwork Paul Brogan 7364 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd.

Glen Burnie, MD 21037 Phone: 410-760-9734 Fax: 410-760-9735 www.wholesalemillwork.net Supplier - Decks & Fences

JULY/AUGUST 2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

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REMODELERS

Mid-Atlantic Builder receives award

Ayres Construction Inc. Daniel Ayres 7423 Bradshaw Road Kingsville, MD 21087 Phone: 443-992-5339 Fax: 410-592-3017 Remodeler

Mid-Atlantic Builder recently received a Circle of Excellence award in the best magazine category from the Maryland Society of Association Executives for excellence in communicating the association’s message.

Custom Home Repair Guy Huber 104 River Road Edgewater, MD 21037 Phone: 410-535-9866 www.customhomerepair.com Remodeler

36 Superstars 32 Negotiate the Best Financing Stay Sharp in a Flat Market 28 Membership

Greenspring Building Systems LLC

MID-ATLANTIC

Daniel Levy 8213 Marcie Drive Pikesville, MD 21208 Phone: 410-961-8900 www.greenbuildingsystems.com Sponsor: Ryan McGinn, Saratoga Insurance Brokers, Inc. Remodeler

Highlights include: • National, state and local housing issues; • Current events; • Editorial commentary; • In-depth research and • Legislative information,

which impact the building industry.

MAKING THE EXTREME DREAM Clark Turner Brings Reality TV Home to Port Deposit

Timothy Hatfield Building & Remodeling Inc. Tim Hatfi eld 289 Eastmain Street Westminster, MD 21157 Phone: 410-386-0522 Fax: 410-386-0522 www.timothyhatfi eldremodeling.com Remodeler

Mid-Atlantic Builder is HBAM’s bi-monthly magazine.

Vol. 50 Issue 3 May/June 2008 www.homebuilders.org

“When a community unites, the extreme is possible” —Clark Turner

The 4-color glossy magazine has a readership of over 6,000 industry professionals in the mid-Atlantic region, including Southern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and Maryland.

2008

SPONSOR CLUB Members do business with members

PRESENTING MEMBERS Taking Care of Business We Take Banking Personally Firewall Specialists

All Things Financial

We Don’t Just Insure Builders, We Help Build a Better Bottom Line

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS Allied Building Products Expect Excellence ChesapeakeHome Magazine IWIF Injured Workers Insurance Fund

Lansing Building Products Provident Bank The Right Size Bank Residential Title & Escrow Company Don’t Make a Move Without Us!

Ryland Homes America’s Home Builder Saratoga Insurance Brokers Susquehanna Bank

T.W. Perry Wachovia Uncommon Wisdom The Williamsburg Group Maryland’s Award Winning Homebuilder

K. Hovnanian Homes The First Name in Lasting Value

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www.homebuilders.org

notableproducts CertainTeed CoolStar™ Roofing Products Help Reduce Energy Costs and Keep Buildings Cooler

Novagard Solutions Siding & Trim Sealant Provides Lasting Performance

A roof is a building’s first line of defense in controlling energy consumption, thanks to innovations like CertainTeed Corporation’s CoolStar™ reflectant surface for low-slope roofing. The energy-wise CoolStar technology was initially unveiled last fall on CertainTeed’s Flintglas® Cap Sheet. Now CertainTeed is pleased to announce an expanded line of 14 low-slope roofing granulated cap sheet membranes featuring CoolStar-coated surfaces. “CoolStar has a positive impact on both the environment and building owners’ pocketbooks. By reducing the amount of heat absorbed by roofing materials, CoolStar helps improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings, which can mean lower energy costs,” says Husnu Kalkanoglu, Vice President of Research and Development for CertainTeed Roofing. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com.

Novagard Solutions, the leading manufacturer of advanced silicone-base sealants, adhesives and lubricants, announces a new siding and trim product that is available for sealing vinyl/aluminum siding, trim, coil and other substrates. This silicone-based sealant guns easily and consistently in low and high temperatures for optimal performance. Novagard Solutions Siding & Trim bonds quickly to many surfaces (including: vinyl, aluminum, wood, steel, fiber cement, concrete, stone, fiberglass and masonry) forming a flexible, durable and watertight weatherseal on new construction, retrofitted and remedial installation applications. For more information, visit www.novagardsolutions.com.

Woodgrain Millwork Expands Exterior Frame, Component Product Line Woodgrain Millwork – Exterior Frames Division is pleased to introduce several new species to its exterior frame and component manufacturing product line. The expanded product offering includes mahogany, oak, cherry and maple species for a variety of applications, including exterior frames, brickmolds, mull posts, exterior components, stops and double rabbet jambs. “Expanding our exterior frame and component offering to include mahogany, oak, cherry and maple species ensures we have a broad product line to complement customer demand,” says Robb Hitch, general manager for Woodgrain Millwork. For more information, visit www.woodgrain.com.

Simonton Windows® Launches Brickmould 600 New Construction Product Line Simonton Windows®, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of vinyl windows and doors, has introduced Brickmould 600 — a new addition to the company’s popular Simonton ProFinish® new construction product line. Every window in the new Brickmould 600 series is ENERGY STAR® qualified and comes with Low E/Argon and 7/8” IGU standard. Intended for higher end new construction projects and for installation in more traditional wood markets, the Brickmould 600 windows feature optional PVC grids in Colonial, Prairie and Perimeter styles that create Simulated Divided Lites on the windows. For more information, visit www.simonton.com.

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Carlisle Residential Offers Complete Protection With EZ Roof® Carlisle Residential, a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing materials, now offers the tried and true EZ Roof in brilliant new colors. EZ Roof is a high-performance waterproofing system designed to provide premium protection for low-slope roofing projects. The EZ Roof system is a self-adhering waterproofing membrane system that begins with EZ Roof Base synthetic roofing felt, which is applied with cap nails to nailable substrates. Synthetic felt, free of any sand or silica, unlike traditional base sheets, permits a perfect bond with the self-adhered cap sheet and is much more economical than film-surfaced SBS modified bitumen base sheets. For more information, visit www.carlisleresidential.com.

Bilco Offers the Security Series Roof Hatch The Bilco Company, a leading manufacturer of specialty access products for the commercial and residential markets, offers the Security Series roof hatch for increased building security in high-security applications such as banks, pharmacies, and correctional facilities. The hatches, constructed of heavy-gauge materials and feature heavy-duty manganese hinges, to resist prying and forced entry. A keyed cylinder or detention lock prevents the hatch from being opened and tamper-proof hardware and security fasteners are used throughout. All Bilco roof hatches are fully insulated and gasketed for energy efficiency and weathertightness and feature engineered lift assistance for easy one-handed operation. For more information, visit www.bilco.com.n

www.homebuilders.org

industrynews Dwight Griffith Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from HBAM Remodelers Home Builders Association of Maryland held its annual Spring Dinner May 1st, where the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dwight Griffith, an individual who has dedicated himself to the industry and the HBAM Remodelers. Mr. Griffith has been a Custom home builder and remodeler for over 25 years.

Dwight is a two-time NAHB Remodelers Council Remodeler of the Month, a HBAM Remodelers Council Remodeler of the Year, a NAHB National Remodeler of the Year and a HBAM Builder of the Year. In addition, he is an NAHB-Certified Senior Housing Specialist, a MDcertified Housing Inspector, an NAHB registered Apartment Manager, an NAHB Certified Graduate Remodeler and a Certified Pella Contractor.

Spero Re-Appointed to Chair National Accounting Association Committee For the second year in a row, Alan Spero, CPA, and Principal at Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn, P.A., has been selected to serve as Chairman of PKF North American Network’s Construction Committee for 2008. PKF North American Network, is a membership association comprised of 160 independent accounting and consulting firms in North America that are dedicated to serving middle-market businesses and individual clients. The Construction Committee members are leaders in their field, with proven track records providing service and solutions to construction clients. These leaders are chosen based on their depth of knowledge and experience.

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MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER july/august 2008

Builder/Architect Magazine Comes to the Greater Baltimore Region

Mayor of Annapolis Celebrates Opening of Capital Lighting & Supply Branch Capital Lighting & Supply (CLS), a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, held a ribbon cutting ceremony recently for the new Annapolis branch which opened in March of this year. The Honorable Ellen Moyer along with John Hardy, President & CEO of CLS cut the ribbon to celebrate the new location. “Annapolis has a vibrant economy and is a great community” said John Hardy. “It has been on our list for expansion for a long time and we are excited to finally open our branch. We believe that the combination of our quality products, excellent service levels and the exceptional expertise of our people will not only ensure our success but will also have a positive effect on the community.”

Sunshine Media Inc. has named Gail L. Dixon, Publisher of Builder/Architect magazine, Greater Baltimore, edition.Gail started her career in publishing about 20 years writing for The Washington Informer newspaper, Eagle News, the now defunct Capital Spotlight newspaper and Baltimore Sun’s Jubilee Magazine, the Washington Times newspaper, the Library of Congress and others. She is the former Managing Editor of the Burtonsville and Silver Spring Gazette Newspapers. Gail has an extensive background in sales and marketing, assisting media outlets and entrepreneurs prosper and grow their businesses.For more information, visit www.sunshinemedia.com.

James Hardie partners with Wolf Distributing Company to bring fiber cement products to eastern United States James Hardie Building Products and Wolf Distributing Company announced that they would join forces to deliver James Hardie’s fiber cement products throughout eight eastern states. Wolf Distributing Company, a leading East Coast distributor of building materials based in York, Pa., will offer dealers from New York to North Carolina a full line of James Hardie fiber cement home exterior products, including siding, trim, soffit and backerboard. For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com and www.wolfdistributingco.com. n

www.homebuilders.org

july/august 2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

65

Industry Leaders Advertise

with HBAM

1

Mid-Atlantic Builder

• Reaches 6,000 decision makers in the Mid-Atlantic Building Industry • Each issue of Mid-Atlantic Builder is posted online to maximize your results!

3

Builder News Network

• Reaches 4,000 HBAM members everyday For Company names starting with I-Z please contact: Irene Hatzigeorgalis • 410-584-1962 irene@networkpub.com For Company names starting with A-H please contact: Chris Martin • 410-584-1964 cmartin@networkpub.com

2

Directory & Buyers’ Guide

• Most comprehensive Buyers’ Guide in the market • 12-month shelf life • Complete listings for subcontractors, professional services and more

4

Builder Mart Program Guide

• Show draws over 9,000 industry professionals • Allows companies to showcase their services

5

www.homebuilders.org

• Page views 209,478 • Average session length is 31 minutes

courseofferings Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) Designation Courses Home Modifications Taught by Bill Rauser, CAPS August 19, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

This course provides information on the codes and standards, common barriers and solutions, as well as product ideas and resources for the aging-in-place remodeling market.

Working With and Marketing To Active Adults Taught by Bill Rauser, CAPS August 20, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

This course provides a background on the older adult population, communication techniques and common remodeling expenditures and projects. This course provides Builders and Remodelers information and techniques to assist in accessing the aging-in-place remodeling market.

Business Management for Building Professionals (formerly Intro to Business Management) (Required CGA designation course) Taught by Bill Rauser CAPS August 21, 2008 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

This course teaches strategies and techniques for building a competitive sustainable remodeling business. n

For information on any of the offered courses,

please call Vickie Martin at 410-265-7400, ext. 105 or visit www.homebuilders.org.

Location The courses listed above will be held at: HBAM, 7127 Ambassador Road, Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21244

cost for each course C Members – $250.00 R Non RC Members – $275.00 Non HBAM Members – $325.00

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www.homebuilders.org

BGE01

HBAM POLICY PARTNERS What is a Policy Partner? Since 2001, HBAM has been underwriting benchmark studies and programs that have been essential in helping us build our case that: • The buildable inventory, across the region, is precariously low (2003 University of Maryland study by Dr. Gerrit Knaap); that • Counties and municipalities must be accountable for maintaining sustainable residential development capacity (2001 RESI/Towson University Study of Baltimore County); that • At specific price points, new residential construction is a net contributor to a county’s tax base (2004 Optimal Solutions Group, Anirban Basu and RESI/Towson University); that • The lack of affordable workforce housing throughout central Maryland is severely affecting our quality of life (Maryland Workforce Housing Coalition 2005); and mostly • Building moratoria do not curtail growth, they only serve to deflect it to ever more remote areas of the mid Atlantic region (University of Maryland 2005).

As we continue to press our case, these fact based, objective studies and policy initiatives have been critical in convincing governmental officials that our concerns and positions are legitimate.

Policy Partners are those members who have been willing to financially support this essential work. Please review the list of our current Policy Partners. I encourage you to recognize and thank them for their leadership. We, and indeed all in the industry, owe them a debt of gratitude. We also must take the opportunity to encourage you, if your company is not on the list, to join them by becoming a HBAM Policy Partner. n

HBAM POLICY PARTNERS | 2008 Beazer Homes + Bob Ward Companies + Clark Turner Signature Homes, LLC* Forty West Group, Inc.+ Gemcraft Homes, Inc.* Goodier Builders, Inc.+ Grayson Homes+ Mister, Burton & Palmisano, P.C.+ Orchard Development* Owings Brothers Contracting, Inc.+ Powers Homes* Provident Bank+ Pulte Homes Maryland DC Division +

Residential Title & Escrow Company+ Ryland Homes + Shelter Systems Limited + Susquehanna Bank+ The Rachuba Group + Thomas Builders, Inc.+ Whitehall Development, LLC + Williamsburg Group, LLC + Woodhaven Building and Development+

+ Received * Commitment Made As of 5/19/08

Take a look www.homebuilders.org

Redesigned to meet the needs of builders, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers and home owners.

Easy to navigate, both consumers and industry professionals can instantly gain access to membership lists, statistical information, government affairs updates, event calendars and more.

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You’ll be able to register for events online, update your membership information, pay dues and more.

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MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER JULY/AUGUST 2008

www.homebuilders.org