Lincoln Business Builder

The LINCOLN BUSINESS BUILDER April 2013

Published monthly by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln Volume 50 No. 4

Tribute to Youth with guest speaker

Aaron Davis Monday, April 15

6:00 p.m. Social 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Program

Nebraska Champions Club 707 Stadium Drive

$10 for HBAL Members • $20 for Non-Members No shows will be billed

Save us a call and send your RSVP by April 9 to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225.

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view the Lincoln Business Builder on the go!

Need a QR code scanner? It’s easy and free to download an application from your service provider.

In this issue...

• Parade of Homes • Tour of Remodeled Homes • Golf Tournament

www.nebtitleco.com

President’s Message April 2013 Vol. 50, No. 4

Contents President’s Message 3 Upcoming Events 4 Member News 4 Contractor Licensing Follow-up 4 Tour of Remodeled Homes 5 LHBCF Golf Tournament 6 Builders’ and Remodelers’ Use of Information Technology 8-10 The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home 11 Financial Column 13 Chili Cook-off 14-17 Spring Parade of Homes 18 Parade of Homes Requirements Window Safety More Than Just a Warm Weather Concern New Members Directory Changes Cancellations Renewals Four Reasons to Be Optimistic Celebrate Earth Day Every Day at Home Lancaster County Perspectives MarketGraphics Presentation

19 21 22 23 23 23 24 25 26 26

President’s Message Mike Rezac, HBAL President Although there was some questionable use of beans (see photo below), thank you to the event sponsors and teams who spent hours creating their booths, cooking their chili and engaging with fellow members to make the fifth annual chili cook-off a fun and successful evening for all.

As a well respected trade association, HBAL is invited to many forums, discussions, task force meetings and committee meetings. The NAHB does the same in order to maintain and raise housing’s profile among various stakeholders, all with the aim to ensure we have a seat at the table as policymakers decide issues that will affect our industry and our livelihoods. The strength of HBAL is with its members. As you interact and hear about possible issues, perspectives, opposition or support for various concepts, issues, ordinances or legislation, please share with Mike Benker at the HBAL office. Partnerships and alliances on various topics can come from some unexpected places.

For those of you who live in Lincoln, two key opportunities to make a difference are just ahead on April 9 (Primary Election) and May 7 (General Election). HBAL encourages you to Get Out and Vote! It’s even recommended you vote early so unexpected circumstances don’t keep you from casting your vote! If you have questions on how to do this, stop in or contact the Lancaster Election Commissioner at 601 North 46th Street here in Lincoln or call 402-441-7311. As you vote for three At-Large City Council members, consider what is important to you and who will protect or grow your livelihood while serving with integrity and transparency.

Regardless of your part in creating a home, it is important!

Home Builders Association of Lincoln

Executive Committee

6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516 (402) 423-4225 phone • (402) 423-4251 fax www.hbal.org • info@hbal.org

Mike Rezac, President

Jeff Bielenberg

Mike Kinning, President Elect

National Directors

The Lincoln Business Builder is published 12 times per year by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516. The Lincoln Business Builder is mailed to all members of the HBAL.

Mike May, 1st Vice President Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President Lori Pippitt, CKD, CGR, CAPS, Secretary Bob Bryant, Treasurer

The Home Builders Association does not accept responsibility for or endorse any statements or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles.

Dan Klein, Sr., Immediate Past President

The annual subscription rate is included with your membership dues.

Mark Aksamit, Jess Baker, Roger Bumgarner, Ruth Hietbrink, Eric Hoke, Justin Johnson, Matt Kleinschmit, Jerry Maher, CGP, CAPS, CGB, Chuck Pfenning, Herb Reese, CGR, CAPS, Lance Roach, Ken Svoboda

Mike Benker Jennie Korth

Publisher Editor, Photographer, Design

HBAL Staff

Mike Benker, Executive Vice President

Board of Directors

Remodelers Council Dan Klein, Sr. Justin Johnson, Alternate

National Life Directors Jim Christo, CGR, CGB, Joe Hampton, Duane Helmink, John Hoppe, Jr., Ward Fred Hoppe, Joe McKee, Robert Peterson, J. Greg Schwinn, Bob Stephens, Jerry Witthuhn

Past Presidents Allen Barber, Jerry Boyce, Steve Fulton, CGP, Mike Goings, CGP, CSP, Lois Hartzell, GMB, CSP, Rick Krueger, Dan Kubr, Donn Mann, Sam Manzitto, Roger Reynolds, CGR, CAPS, Greg Shinaut, CGP, Ken Westerhold

Kayla Harrison, Jennie Korth & Melissa Hilgenkamp

3  Lincoln Business Builder

Upcoming Events | Member News | Contractor Licensing Follow-up

Calendar of Events Apr. 3

Remodelers Council Meeting Tour of Cornerstone Printing & Firespring 11:30 a.m. • $9 per person

Apr. 9

Primar y Election

Apr. 11

HOMEPAC & Board of Directors HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 9:45 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Apr. 15

Tribute to Youth Nebraska Champions Club 6:30 p.m. Social • 7:30 p.m. Dinner $10 per person

Apr. 27-28

Tour of Remodeled Homes Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $5 for all 21 homes Guidebooks are available in all homes.

Hog Roast at The Bridges Friday, August 23, 2013 The Home Builders Association of Lincoln is planning its first Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Hog Roast.

We are planning a fun evening, along with the hog roast, there is a fishing tournament in the works, a bounce house for the kids, a “Fish and Chips” contest and a live band!

Watch upcoming issues of the Lincoln Business Builder for more information.

Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 & under

Sponsored by:

For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact the HBAL office at 402-423-4225.

4  Lincoln Business Builder

Member News In Sympathy Our sympathy to Russ Neil, American Electronics, on the death of Russ’s grandfather, Walter Knippelmeyer, who passed away March 7.

Our sympathy to Mike & Mary Kinning and Matt Kinning, Kinning Design Build, Inc., on the death of Mary’s father, Bill Gaskins, who passed away on March 8.

Congratulations!

Donna & Greg Shinaut (Home Real Estate & Black Hills Energy) They are the proud grandparents of a baby girl

Adalyn Claire

6 lbs 11 oz • 19 inches Born March 3 Parents: Toby & Stacey

Contractor Licensing Follow-up!

Thank you to the HBAL members who completed the “Contractor Licensing Survey” in the March edition of the Lincoln Business Builder or the Survey Monkey version emailed to all members. Your opinion matters!

On Thursday, March 14th, the HBAL Board of Directors made the following statement regarding Contractor Licensing, “The membership of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln is split regarding the issue of contractor licensing. HBAL will remain neutral at this time and its members will speak independently for their respective companies.”

HBAL will do its best to remain at the table for any further discussions at the state or local levels regarding contractor licensing.

One of the major components of contractor licensing is education.

With the codes continuing to become increasingly more and more complex, many expressed an interest in a separate codes review, information regarding taking the International Code Council (ICC) test and a pre-course for taking the test. HBAL will outline the process, list opportunities for review and discussion, and how to register for the test. Becoming Code Council-certified is a significant personal and professional accomplishment, and can be a key step in differentiating you and your company from others in the industry.

Other recognition and promotion may be possible, but yet to be determined. If you are interested in such opportunities, please let the HBAL office know of your interest to make sure you are notified of upcoming reviews, classes or testing.

At the March 21, 2013 meeting of the Mayor’s Contractor Licensing Roundtable Discussion, it was decided this would be the last formal meeting due to a lack of interest from the industry. Once again, education was the common interest of the group and Building & Safety will look at what it could offer those who are ICC-Certified as a benefit. If further information comes available, HBAL will continue to share with its members.

Tour of Remodeled Homes

April 27-28 Noon - 5:00 p.m.

MAP OF ENTRIES 1-14

Admission: $5.00 for all 14 Homes Children under 12 are free 1. 6701 Vanderslice Circle Kitchen Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 2. 6215 Glass Ridge Drive Basement Finish, Master & Kitchen Remodel JR Premier Designs

•11 •12 -14

3. 6100 Oaks Hollow Kitchen Remodel Reese Construction, Inc.

• 10 •9 •8

4. 5211 Bison Drive Kitchen/Dining/Bath Remodel Maher Custom Homes

•4 •7

5. 6730 Crooked Creek Drive Kitchen Remodel GoodeGuy Construction, Inc./3 Day Kitchen & Bath 6. 2915 Coronado Drive Kitchen Remodel GoodeGuy Construction, Inc./3 Day Kitchen & Bath

•6

•5

•3

2•

•1

7. 6851 Shadow Ridge Road Kitchen Remodel Willet Construction, Inc., Remodeling Specialists 8. 3701 Calvert Street Kitchen/Family Room/Bathroom Remodel Reynolds Design & Remodeling

6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516 www.hbal.org

9. 2915 Woodsdale Blvd Kitchen Expansion/Second Story Addition Willet Construction, Inc., Remodeling Specialists 10. 2640 Woodleigh Lane Kitchen/Living and Basement Willet Construction, Inc., Remodeling Specialists 11. 535 S. 29th Street Kitchen Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 12. 6119 Everett Street Kitchen Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 13. 6521 Everett Street Enclosed Porch GoodeGuy Construction, Inc. 14. 6540 Everett Street Kitchen Remodel Lincoln Cabinet 5  Lincoln Business Builder

LHBCF Golf Tournament

Team Registration Please register my team for the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament If you are interested in a designated foursome, register all four players together. If not, you will be assigned to a team. This is a first-come, firstserved event. Payment by May 1 is required to save your tee-time.

Player No. 1

2013 Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament Friday, June 7, 2013 Highlands Golf Course 5501 NW 12th Street

“Texas Scramble” • $60 per person First tee-off at 6:45 a.m.

Last tee-off at 4:00 p.m.

Registration

The $60 registration fee includes green fees, cart, hot dogs, hamburgers and the fixin’s for lunch, and lots of prizes! Each person will receive drink tickets toward beverages. Additional drinks may be purchased (please assign a designated driver for your team).

Priority Tee-time

By making a donation of $200 to the tournament, you will have the ability to choose your tee-time range on a priority basis. In order to take advantage of a priority tee-time, you must pledge your contribution by March 1 and pay by May 1, 2013. (This contribution is in addition to the entry fee.)

Prizes

Corporate Hole Sponsors are being contacted. If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, contributing giveaways for the golfers, or volunteering your time to help…call the HBAL office (402-423-4225) for more details.

Hurry!

This is a first-come, first-served event. So don’t delay, get your tee-time reserved.

Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Contact Kayla Harrison at 402-423-4225 or kayla@hbal.org if interested.

The proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for high school and college students. The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry, and providing funding for other industry related educational and research programs. Gifts are tax deductible to this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

6  Lincoln Business Builder

Name________________________________________________________ Company_____________________________________________________

Player No. 2 Name________________________________________________________ Company_____________________________________________________

Player No. 3 Name________________________________________________________ Company_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Player No. 4 Name________________________________________________________ Company_____________________________________________________ Tee time range requested________________________________________ We will do our best to set your tee-time as close to your choice as possible. Tee-times are arranged on a first-come first-served basis. You will be sent a postcard as a reminder of your tee time.

Payment must be received before May 1 in order to ensure a tee-time. l Enclosed is $60 per golfer. Pre-payment is required to play.

l I don’t play golf, but I do want to support the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Enclosed is my contribution of $______.

Sponsorship Registration Yes! I would like to be a:

l Hole Sponsor.......................................................... $200 l Hotdog Sponsor...................................................... $150 l Hamburger Sponsor................................................ $300 l Giveaway Sponsor

l Raffle Prize Sponsor

Item: ________________ Item: ________________

l I do not wish to be a sponsor, but I do want to support the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Enclosed is my contribution of $______.

Name: Company: E-mail: Total Amount Due: $

l Check enclosed Send registration form and check made payable to:

Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C • Lincoln, NE 68516 Fax: 402-423-4251 • Email: info@hbal.org

Local service for the life of your mortgage loan.

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Please contact a mortgage lender for details.

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402-434-2265

Member FDIC

When it comes to cabinetry, Millard Lumber offers a vast and diverse selection. Whether it’s a color, finish, or look, Millard Lumber has the solution to any builder or contractors needs. Stop by our Design Center today for design assistance and free estimates. Millard Lumber also offers installation for all cabinets and hardware.

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402.786.3030

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Our showroom displays 37 fireplaces and over 170 brick and stone samples. Also available at Lumbermen’s: • Wood & Pellet Stoves • Grill Islands & Kitchens • Erosion Control Products

• Outdoor Firepits • Paving Stones • Stone Veneers • Brick

Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm | 8655 Amber Hill Court, Lincoln, NE 68526 | 402.421.0948 | www.lumbermens.biz

7  Lincoln Business Builder

Builders’ and Remodelers’ Use of Information Technology

Builders’ and Remodelers’ Use of Information Technology

By Paul Emrath, Ph.D.

Economics and Housing Policy

In the late 1990s, monitoring the adoption of information technology within the residential construction industry meant tracking how many builders had begun to use the Internet. But by 2000, this was no longer much of an issue. At that time, over 90 percent of builders were reporting that they had access to the Internet and were using it for a variety of purposes in their businesses.

cellular phones, mobile apps provided by manufacturers, and GPS. So far, tablets (excluding Ipads) and voice over Internet Protocol (a technology that lets you to make phone calls over computer networks, including the Internet) have penetrated the residential construction market only to a limited extent (Figure 1).

Since then, the world has changed significantly. Mobile devices have proliferated, offering different tools for communication and accessing the Internet. Software applications designed for use on these devices have also proliferated, giving businesses new options for managing their internal operations and interacting with customers. It’s now become standard practices for even relatively small businesses not only to visit web sites on a regular basis, but to maintain sites of their own on the Internet.

So when NAHB revisited the use of information technology in its periodic surveys of builders and remodelers, it was necessary to develop a new set of questions. The questions, which were introduced on surveys toward the end of 2012, covered the devices and applications builders and remodelers use, what the technology is used for, how long companies have had their own web sites, what they provide on the sites, and how effective the sites have been in attracting new business.

Results from the questions on the effectiveness of web sites proved to be particularly interesting, suggesting that it may be possible for some remodelers and small builders to at least double the share of business they get from their web sites by following the lead of larger builders and providing 1) downloadable brochures, and 2) if they’re builders, information on the value of buying new homes on their sites.

Other results from the surveys include the following: • Over 80 percent of both single-family builders and remodelers use smart phones and desktop computers; over 70 percent use laptops in their business.

• The most common ways builders and remodelers use this technology is for internal management of their business, to manage individual projects, and for communications with staff.

• So far, only about one-fifth of builders and remodelers use information technology to track customer satisfaction, and to allow customers to track progress of a project.

• Facebook and LinkedIn are two most common social media platforms used in the industry.

There are few substantive differences between builders and remodelers in the use of particular types of information technology.

The largest is a greater use of GPS by remodelers, possibly reflecting the relative difficulty of locating isolated addresses in existing neighborhoods vs. construction sites in a new subdivision.

So far, builders and remodelers have used information technology more for managing internal operations than for interacting with customers. At least 80 percent of builders use the technology for internal management of their businesses, management of individual projects, and internal communications with staff. About half use the technology to select products and to help make client presentations. After making presentations, further use of the technology to interact with customers—either by allowing customers track progress of a project, or allowing the builder to track customer satisfaction after the project is completed—is limited to about 20 percent of builders (Figure 2).

The following sections describe the surveys and discuss the results in more detail.

Surveys on the Technology and Its Uses NAHB canvasses its single-family builders once a month in the survey for the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), and its residential remodelers once a quarter in the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey. The main purpose of each survey is to collect the information needed for the HMI and RMI, respectively, but each survey also often includes a set of special questions on a topic of current interest to the industry.

The 4th quarter 2012 RMI and February 2013 HMI surveys each incorporated the new questions on information technology. A total of 402 builders and 447 remodelers responded to the two surveys.

The results show that the most common types of information technology in the residential construction industry are smart phones, desktop computers, and laptops—each used by over 70 percent of builders and remodelers (over 80 percent, in the case of smart phones and desktops). Next comes a group of devices and applications used by well over one-fourth—but well under onehalf—of builders and remodelers. The list includes Ipads, standard

8  Lincoln Business Builder

Like Figure 1, Figure 2 shows relatively few differences between single-family builders and remodelers. Compared to the builders, remodelers are slightly less likely to use technology for staff communications, but slightly more likely to use the technology for client presentations and product selection.

Some of even these relatively small differences may be attributable

Builders’ and Remodelers’ Use of Information Technology to underlying differences in the size and nature of the businesses involved. The average single-family builder has 9.5 employees on staff, compared to 6.0 for the average remodeler. And, compared to new construction, the selection of particular building products is somewhat more likely to be turned over to the customer in a remodeling project.

There is one notable difference in the use of technology by very large builders (those who started at least 100 homes in 2012).

Although there are relatively few builders in this size category, and they therefore tend to have on relatively small impact on the percentages shown in Figure 2 (which are straightforward percentages of respondents, not weighted according to the number of homes they build or any other criteria), nearly half (47 percent) of the builders with at least 100 starts use information technology to track customer satisfaction.

At this time, we have no information on whether economies of scale may make it feasible for larger businesses to track customer satisfaction, or if some larger builders are simply moving ahead of the rest of the industry in their decision to apply information technology this way.

The most common social media platforms in the residential construction industry are Facebook, used by 80 percent of remodelers and 78 percent of builders, and LinkedIn, used by 68 percent of remodelers and 65 percent of builders (Figure 3).

Other platforms are used, but Facebook and LinkedIn lead the alternatives by a wide margin. Once again in Figure 3, the graph shows few large differences between builders and remodelers.

Company Web Sites The NAHB surveys show that over 85 percent of both remodelers and single-family builders have web sites, and in most cases this is not a new phenomenon. Over two-thirds of them have had web sites for at least five years.

Nearly all of the builders’ and remodelers’ web sites provide company history, contact information and pictures of jobs. But there are some differences in a few of the less commonly provided items, depending on type of business. The largest differences are not between builders and remodelers, but between large builders on the one hand (those with at least 25 starts) and smaller builders and remodelers on the other. In particular, large builder’s web sites are much more likely to provide material marketing the benefits of buying a new home (remodelers answered an equivalent question on marketing the value of remodeling a home), downloadable brochures, and virtual tours (Figure 4).

Another noticeable difference between the web sites of different companies is that smaller builders and remodelers get only 10 to 12 percent of their customers from their web sites—compared to 35 percent for builders with 25 or more starts (Figure 5).

We have seen that, compared to smaller builders and remodelers, builders with at least 25 starts put additional materials on their web sites and generate more business from the sites. That raises an obvious question about whether smaller builders and remodelers

could get more customers from their web sites by expanding into some of the features more common on the large-builder sites.

In the case of downloadable brochures and marketing the benefits of buying a new home, the answer appears to be yes. Between 30 and 40 percent of builders with fewer than 25 starts provide downloadable brochures and market the value of buying a new home on their web sites (compared to 69 percent for the larger builders), but those who do get a larger share of businesses from their web sites compared to other builders of the same size class.

Builders with fewer than 25 starts who have a web site, but provide neither downloadable brochures nor material on the benefits of buying a new home on it, get only 7 percent of their potential buyers from the site. But the percentage more than doubles (to 18) for small builders who market the benefit of buying a new home on their sites, and more than triples (to 23) for those who provide downloadable brochures (Figure 5). Small builders who provide both downloadable brochures and material on the benefit of buying a new home get 27 of their potential customers from their web sites, starting to approach the 35 percent for larger builders.

Among remodelers, the results are not quite as dramatic, but still significant. Although marketing the value of remodeling a home doesn’t seem to have a large impact, remodelers who provide downloadable brochures generate twice as many customers from their sites—18 percent—compared to 9 percent for those who don’t (Figure 7).

9  Lincoln Business Builder

Builders’ and Remodelers’ Use of Information Technology In the near term, company web sites are unlikely to replace more traditional methods for generating business. The largest share of web site customers in Figures 5, 6 and 7 is the 35 percent for large builders—which means that even they get 65 percent of their customers through other means. NAHB’s recently published What Home Buyers Really Want shows that consumers most often find contractors though referrals from friends or acquaintances, next most often through referrals from other contractors.

Nevertheless, some builders get a substantial share of their business from their web sites, and the evidence from NAHB surveys suggests that many smaller builders and remodelers could increase effectiveness of their web sites by providing downloadable brochures and, for the builders, information on the value of buying new homes on their sites.

Given the potential increase in business builders can apparently get from marketing the benefit of a buying a new home, they should be aware of the major study NAHB produced at the end of 2012 Lower Operating Costs Mean Buyers Can Afford a Higher-Priced Home—If It’s New, which shows that annual costs, especially for maintenance and energy, are significantly lower in new homes.

Other resources, including consumer flyers and guides are available in NAHB’s New Homes Month Toolkit. NAHB will update this site and post additional resources on the benefits of buying new homes in conjunction with the next New Homes Month, which occurs in April.

Results from the survey used to generate the Wells Fargo/NAHB Housing Market Index, June 2000.

2 NAHB’s builder members are divided into several categories, based on their primary business activity. Subsets include those whose primary business is building single-family homes, and those for whom it’s residential remodeling.

For more information on the breakdown of NAHB’s builder members see the 2012 article Who are NAHB’s Builder Members?

3 See the additional resources box in Who are NAHB’s Builder Members?

4 See Figure 1 in the 2012 article Buying Products for Home Building & Remodeling: Who and Where.

1

10  Lincoln Business Builder

The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home

The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home Prospective home buyers have the choice of two types of houses on the market: resale or new.

Home buyers planning to buy a brand-new house or condominium often cite energy-efficiency, open layout, a warranty, and being able to select appliances, flooring, paint colors and other design elements as factors driving their choice.

But builders say that buyers can be drawn to a new house for reasons that aren’t so obvious. Below are a few more benefits of a brand-new home that you may not see in the sales brochure.

Building a Community Together

A brand-new community is one of the built-in benefits of many new homes. When families move in to a subdivision at the same time, often lasting bonds of friendship and neighborliness are formed right away. Nobody is the “new kid on the block,” and many home builders host community block parties in new developments to help owners meet and connect.

Popular amenities like pools, walking trails and courts for tennis and basketball offer additional opportunities for interaction among neighbors of all ages. Often new communities are comprised of home owners in the same stage of life, such as young families or active retirees, so neighbors can get to know each other through carpools, PTA meetings, tennis matches or golf games.

Entertaining

Throwing a party in an older home can be a challenge because smaller, distinct rooms make it difficult to entertain guests in one large space. Builders are responding to today’s home buyer preferences with layouts featuring more open spaces and rooms that flow into each other more easily, like the popular great room.

While you are in the kitchen preparing dinner, you can still interact

New Homes Month Toolkit New Homes Month in April is the perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits of purchasing a new home. NAHB has prepared a toolkit to help you target potential home buyers with messages of quality construction, location, new home amenities and more that will entice consumers to consider purchasing a new home as the spring home tour season kicks off.

Also, don’t miss our tips on maximizing New Homes Month.

Find NAHB’s toolkit and other consumer articles like the one above at

www.nahb.org/newhomesmonth

with guests enjoying conversation in the family room without feeling closed off. The feeling of spaciousness in today’s newhome layouts often is enhanced with higher ceilings and additional windows that bringing in more light than you would find in an older home.

A Clean Slate

For some buyers, parking the car in a sparkling-clean garage or being the first to cook a dinner in a brand-new kitchen is part of the appeal of new construction. In addition, you won’t have to spend time stripping dated wallpaper or repainting to suit your own sense of style. You can create your own home décor from the get-go!

The advantages of being the first owner of a home extend to the outdoors. Instead of inheriting inconveniently or precariously placed trees, or having to tear up overgrown shrubs, you can design and plant the lawn and garden you want.

Outlets, Outlets Everywhere

Homes built in the 1960’s and earlier were wired much differently than houses today. Builders had no way of anticipating the invention of high-definition televisions, DVRs and computers that we enjoy today — and the very different electrical requirements they would introduce. New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual home owner’s needs.

Anyone who has ever lived in an older home can also attest to the fact that there are never enough outlets, inside or out! New-home builders plan for the increased number and type of electronics and appliances used by today’s families, so you can safely operate a wine cooler, Christmas lights or your computer.

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12 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Financial Column

Trust Basics

Provided by Brian Willet, Waddell & Reed Whether you’re seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility--many types of trusts exist, each designed for a specific purpose.

Although trust law is complex and establishing a trust requires the services of an experienced attorney, mastering the basics isn’t hard.

A living trust can also continue after your death--you can direct the trustee to hold trust property until the beneficiary reaches a certain age or gets married, for instance.

Caution: Despite the benefits, living trusts have some drawbacks. Property in a living trust is generally not protected from creditors, and you cannot avoid estate taxes using a living trust.

What is a trust?

A trust is a legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of another. Basically, it’s like a container that holds money or property for somebody else. There are three parties in a trust arrangement: • The grantor (also called a settlor or trustor): The person(s) who creates and funds the trust • The beneficiary: The person(s) who receives benefits from the trust, such as income or the right to use a home, and has what is called equitable title to trust property • The trustee: The person(s) who holds legal title to trust property, administers the trust, and has a duty to act in the best interest of the beneficiary You create a trust by executing a legal document called a trust agreement.

The trust agreement names the beneficiary and trustee, and contains instructions about what benefits the beneficiary will receive, what the trustee’s duties are, and when the trust will end, among other things.

Funding a trust

You can put almost any kind of asset in a trust, including cash, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, real estate, and artwork. The assets you choose to put in a trust will depend largely on your goals. For example, if you want the trust to generate income, you should put income-producing assets, such as bonds, in your trust. Or, if you want your trust to create a fund that can be used to pay estate taxes or provide for your family at your death, you might fund the trust with a life insurance policy.

Potential trust advantages:

• Minimize estate taxes • Shield assets from potential creditors • Avoid the expense and delay of probate • Preserve assets for your children until they are grown (in case you should die while they are still minors) • Create a pool of investments that can be managed by professional money managers • Set up a fund for your own support in the event of incapacity • Shift part of your income tax burden to beneficiaries in lower tax brackets • Provide benefits for charity

Irrevocable trusts

Unlike a revocable trust, you can’t easily change or revoke an irrevocable trust. You usually cannot change beneficiaries or change the terms of the trust. Irrevocable trusts are frequently used to minimize potential estate taxes. The transfer may be subject to gift tax at the time property is transferred into the trust, but the property, plus any future appreciation, is usually removed from your gross estate.

Additionally, property transferred through an irrevocable trust will avoid probate, and may be protected from future creditors.

The article is written by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc., but is provided by Brian W. Willet. It is meant to be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Please consult with your tax, legal and financial advisor prior to making financial decisions. Insurance products are offered through insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements.

Copyright 2012 - Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc., all rights reserved. Waddell & Reed and Broadridge Investor Communications Solutions, Inc. are not affiliated companies.

Brian W. Willet is a District Manager with Waddell & Reed in Lincoln, NE and can be reached at 402-484-7526. Waddell & Reed, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC

Potential trust disadvantages

• There are costs associated with setting up and maintaining a trust, which may include trustee fees, professional fees, and filing fees • Depending on the type of trust you choose, you may give up some control over the assets in the trust • Maintaining the trust and complying with recording and notice requirements can take considerable time • Income generated by trust assets and not distributed to trust beneficiaries may be taxed at a higher income tax rate than your individual rate

Waddell & Reed

Types of trusts

There are many types of trusts, the most basic being revocable and irrevocable.

The type of trust you should use will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish.

1001 S. 70th Street, Suite 201 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-484-7526 800-399-4468 www.lincoln.wrfa.com www.lincoln.wrfa.com

Living (revocable) trust

A living trust is a trust that you create while you’re alive.

A living trust: • Avoids probate: Unlike property that passes to heirs by your will, property that passes by a living trust is not subject to probate, avoiding the delay of property transfers to your heirs and keeping matters private • Maintains control: You can change the beneficiary, the trustee, any of the trust terms, move property in or out of the trust, or even end the trust and get your property back at any time • Protects against incapacity: If because of an illness or injury you can no longer handle your financial affairs, a successor trustee can step in and manage the trust property for you while you get better. In the absence of a living trust or other arrangement, your family may have to ask the court to appoint a guardian to manage your property

Brian Willet, CMFC Financial Advisor bwillet@wradvisors.com bwillet@wradvisors.com

Let Us Help You Make The Most of Your Financial Future    

Personal Financial Planning Investments Retirement Planning Business Financial Planning

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Financial Planning - Investments - Insurance Solutions *Insurance products offered through insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements Waddell & Reed, Inc. Member SIPC

13  Lincoln Business Builder

Chili Cook-off

Raynor Doors, Harrison Roofing & The Frontier Group

5th Annual

Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation

1stce

Chili Cook-off

Pla

Chili Lincoln Laminating

Lincoln Winnelson Co.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

2nd Place

Chili Lincoln Winlectric

3racde Pl

Chili 14 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Chili Cook-off

Saltdogs

The Hoppe Law Firm

1stce

Pla

Bo oth Rezac Construction

Beans or no beans...

...the debate continues.

2nacde Pl

Vistar Homes

Bo oth Earl Carter Lumber

3racde Pl

Bo oth 15 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Chili Cook-off

Thanks to our

Sponsors & Congrats to our Winners!

Thank You! Lois Hartzel, Vistar Homes, Inc., and Mark Aksamit, Earl Carter Lumber Co. for supervising the cooks.

Prize Winners 4 Passes to the Children’s Museum

courtesy of the Lincoln Children’s Museum Kylie Smith & Lucy Ring

$25 to Cabela’s

courtesy of Union Title Company Justin Johnson

$25 to Casey’s

courtesy of Nebraska Land Title & Abstract Sue Krogman

Chili Gift Baskets

courtesy of HBAL Jerry Luettell & Ryan Davis

4.5 Quart Crock Pot

courtesy of Nebraska Furniture Mart Diane Hoppes

$25 to Scheels

Perry Haralson, Cornhusker Bank, for being our emcee.

courtesy of Union Title Company Mark Aksamit

Chili Cook-off Committee

4 Lower Reserved Tickets & VIP Parking Pass

Mark Aksamit Perry Haralson Lois Hartzell

Jennie Korth Mike Rezac Dan Walker

Prize Sponsors

HBAL Lincoln Children’s Museum Nebraska Title Company Saltdogs Lincoln Title Nebraska Furniture Mart Nebraska Land Title & Abstract Union Title Company

Beverage Sponsor

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

Water Sponsor

Culligan Water Conditioning

Cinnamon Roll Sponsor West Gate Bank

16  Lincoln Business Builder

courtesy of Lincoln Saltdogs Carmen Sims

Saltdogs Kids Club Membership courtesy of Lincoln Saltdogs Olivia Kallhoff

Cooler & Chili Goodies

courtesy of Union Title Company Toby Antonson

$25 to Casey’s

courtesy of Lincoln Title Trevor Niemann

$50 to Phillips 66

courtesy of Nebraska Title Company Pam Filter

Chili Cook-off

All proceeds from the Chili Cook-off went to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.

The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry, and providing funding for other industry related educational programs.

If you are interested in contributing to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation, please contact the HBAL office. Gifts are tax deductible to this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

17 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Spring Parade of Homes

May 12-19, 2013 Hours: Weeknights: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. & Weekends: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

View the online flipbook at www.HBAL.org.

You must remove your shoes at these lovely homes.

CARDWELL RESERVE

1. 1239 W. Cademon Court

Woita Homes & Remodeling

2. 1249 W. Cademon Court S & S Homes

WILDERNESS VIEW

3. 6110 Maple View Drive Cameron Townhomes

SKYLINE ROLLING HILLS

4. 5945 Bartholomew Circle MK Builders, Inc.

WILDERNESS HILLS

5. 9001 S. 28th Street

Manion Construction, Inc.

6. 9120 Del Rio Drive Great Plains Custom Homes, LLC

7. 9200 Del Rio Drive Schwinn Homes, LLC

8. 2966 Forest Avenue Old City Homes, Inc.

9. 2946 Forest Avenue Rybak Homes, Inc.

10. 2909 Forest Avenue

Smetter Custom Homes

11. 9431 S. 29th Street

Maher Custom Homes

THE WOODLANDS AT YANKEE HILL 17. 7248 Rutha Lane

Signature Homes, LLC

18. 8917 S. 71st Street

Third Generation Builder

19. 8944 S. 71st Street

Third Generation Builder

20. 8949 S. 71st Street

Signature Homes, LLC

21. 9045 S. 71st Street

Third Generation Builder

13. 7015 Straffan Place

Nebraska Cottage Company

THOMPSON CREEK

23. 7111 Countryview Road S & S Homes

16. 8310 Emery Lane Buhr Homes, Inc.

25. 6525 Winterberry Lane MK Builders, Inc.

Prairie Home Builders, Inc. Prairie Home Builders, Inc.

54. 9030 Blacksmith Road Lewis Homes

37. 6023 Laroche Road

LD 55. 3030 RawhideSO Drive

BOULDER RIDGE

56. 3222 Rawhide Drive

Cameron Townhomes

38. 6601 S. 86th Street

Hoback Custom Homes

Trademark Builders

RAVENWOOD

Wilderness Construction, Inc.

42. 10030 Edgewater Lane

South Shore Builders, LLC

ARBOR RIDGE, HICKMAN WATERFORD ESTATES 26. 915 W. 10th Street

Nelson Construction & Design CASEYCO, Inc. Not

Op

GRAND TERRACE

28. 8118 Renatta Drive

Dun-Rite Homes, Inc. Geysun Style Homes, Inc. Bugbee Homes

31. 7935 Mandalay Drive DeRun Construction

SOUTH LAKE

32. 7730 S. 94th Bay

Heritage Builders, Inc.

HERITAGE LAKES

33. 7247 S. 97th Court

Tru-Built Construction

34. 7223 S. 97th Street Ironwood Builders

18 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Nelson Construction & Design

SOUTH SHORE AT WATERFORD ESTATES

30. 8020 Mandalay Drive

VILLAGE MEADOWS

53. 8910 Blacksmith Court

36. 6610 Glass Ridge Drive

THE PRESERVE AT CROSS CREEK

Lewis Homes

BIG THOMPSON CREEK Brester Construction, Inc.

VINTAGE HEIGHTS

24. 9200 S. 71st Street

14. 7535 Greycliff Drive

15. 5824 Box Canyon Circle

52. 3147 Colt Avenue

Aspen Builders, Inc.

41. 5300 S. 93rd Place

29. 8030 Mandalay Drive

Stonybrook Homes

35. 11411 Links Drive

n

Don JohnsonN Homes ot Ope Bugbee Homes

EVANDALE ESTATES,

22. 9121 Wishing Well Drive 39. 6610 Granite Ridge Court WAVERLY Kinning Design Build Third Generation Builder 57. 10021 N. 152nd Street Entity Designs 40.

6701 Granite Ridge Court WINDMILL RIDGE ESTATES

12. 2901 Valley Stream Drive EDENTON WOODSLD SO 27. 6410 Ashbrook Drive en Rybak Homes, Inc.

VILLAGE GARDENS

HIDDEN VALLEY ESTATES PRAIRIE VILLAGE NORTH

43. 9900 Waterford Estates Drive

Campbell Construction New Homes

44. 10001 Blue Water Bay

Custom Design Homes, Inc.

45. 9921 Flat Water Circle Great Plains Custom Homes, LLC

46. 9920 Flat Water Circle Great Plains Custom Homes, LLC

NORTHBANK PRESERVE 58. 5030 Beckys Way

Timber Ridge Homes

KING RIDGE

59. 3200 King Ridge Blvd.

Summit Homes, L.L.C.

REGALTON

60. 2421 City View Court Regal Building Systems

HIGHLAND VIEW

61. 1650 W. Silverado Court Lewis Homes

ASHLEY HEIGHTS

62. 4310 W. Thatcher Lane Legacy Construction

HUB HALL HEIGHTS

63. 4526 W. Hub Hall Drive

Cherry Hill Construction, Inc.

HARTLAND HOMES SOUTHWEST

47. 1340 Blue Spruce Drive

64. 2911 W. Arlington Street

48. 9530 White Pine Road

LONG VIEW ESTATES

Old City Homes, Inc. Legacy Homes

49. 9520 White Pine Road Legacy Homes

50. 1423 N. 96th Street

Prairie Home Builders, Inc.

CEDAR COVE

51. 8965 Broken Spoke Drive Cameron Townhomes

Hartland Homes

65. 2410 SW 47th Street Tru-Built Construction

ACREAGE, DENTON

66. 5909 W. Old Cheney Road Neighbors Family Homes

CONESTOGA LAKE ESTATES, DENTON

67. 9045 W. Burnham Street Becker Construction, Inc.

Parade of Homes Requirements

Important Notice for the Builders in the Spring Parade of Homes The following are guidelines which the Building & Safety Department requires in order to have a house open in the Parade of Homes.

These items are required. Please observe. Your Parade contract requires that your home have final inspection.

City of Lincoln Building & Safety Department Parade of Homes Code Items to be completed Prior to being Open to the Public A show home in the Parade of Homes needs to meet basic safety criteria due to the large volume of public that passes through each home. Final inspections for all sections (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, building) must be scheduled AND completed before a house can be open to the public as a show home. As as reminder, each contractor or subcontractor must schedule their respective inspections separately for each permit. A building inspection can occur only after plumbing, mechanical and electrical finals have taken place. When all final inspections have taken place, the building inspector may issue a Certificate of Occupancy or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

Temporary Occupancy permission may be granted by the building inspector based on the following guidelines:

• • • •

Building

Address posted on the exterior of the house Sidewalks, steps completed leading to main entrance Handrails and guards on decks, porches, stairs Smoke detectors installed throughout the house Door hardware installed on all exterior doors Tripping hazards have been corrected due to uneven floor finishes

• •

Electrical

• • •

Main electrical panel is properly enclosed and doors installed All switch and outlet plates covered Lighting fixtures installed (substitute fixtures may be used) Outdoor lighting installed

• •

Plumbing

Main plumbing fixtures installed Any missing plumbing fixtures need to have waste piping sealed Water heater needs to be installed All gas piping must be final inspected and approved for furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, etc.

Mechanical

Heating/AC must be operational Bathroom exhaust fans need to be installed Floor registers installed

These guidelines are not considered to be all inclusive but meant to assist the permit applicant in obtaining permission to have a show home open to the public.

Are

getting level service deserve?

you

the

of

• • • • • •

you

At Norandex Building Materials Distribution, we’re all about people, products and service.

Our people are experienced building industry professionals who are genuinely interested in your business.

We distribute top quality, competitively priced windows, siding, roofing, doors and more, that are strongly warranted for performance.

And, the service, commitment and support to our customers is unmatched and unwavering.

Our customers deserve the best, and we deliver it, because of the high level of trust they put in us.

Visit oNe oF our loCatioNs:

facebook.com/norandex

12201 Cary CirCle laVista, Ne 68128 (402) 334-8286 (800) 999-1494 Fax (402) 334-7994

5601 N. 57th street liNColN, Ne 68507 (402) 464-7433 (800) 927-7969 Fax (402) 464-7437

www.norandex.com

19  Lincoln Business Builder

Bob Nohavec Plumbing

420-1552

Service • Remodeling • New Construction Free Estimates Bob Nohavec, Master Plumber 3400 S. 6th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502

• Furniture • Flooring • Appliances • Electronics

Give Your Customers

MORE!

More choices, more brands, more savings.

Nebraska Furniture Mart provides an unrivaled selection of products and services all under one roof, making it a one-stop center for your contracting and building needs. We understand your business needs, and understand what you need to make it successful.

Showroom open everyday at 10am

Contractor Sales Division 700 S. 72nd St. • Omaha, NE 68114 Monday - Saturday: 10am to 9pm Sunday: 10am to 6pm Contractor Sales: 800-776-5066 ©2013 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

20  Lincoln Business Builder

Window Safety More Than Just a Warm Weather Concern

Merritt

Est. 1904 402-435-3213 • 26th & Randolph

Natural Veneer Stone Custom Cuts & Blends Visit Our Showroom

• Sand / Gravel • Rock / River Rock • Promix / Colored Cement • Crushed Concrete Fines

• U-Kart Ready-Mix • Concrete Block • Mulch • Lennox Fireplaces

We provide quick delivery and quality service.

Visit us at www.dhmerritt.com

Window Safety More Than Just a Warm Weather Concern Windows are being flung open across the country as families welcome fresh spring breezes and warm temperatures. It’s important, however, to pay attention year-round to the critical role windows play in home safety.

Open windows can be hazardous, especially to young children.

Screens are designed to keep insects from getting into a home; not to prevent a child from falling. Parents need to recognize and take action to lessen the potential risks of accidental falls from windows.

But windows can also save lives. In a fire, windows are an essential escape route. Every member of your family should know how to take advantage of a window exit during a fire.

During National Window Safety Week — which is the first full week of April every year — take time to evaluate the condition of your home’s windows and educate or remind your family of safety measures they need to be aware of. The following checklist containing information from the National Safety Council’s Window Safety Task Force provides important reminders: • Develop an emergency escape plan for your family and practice it regularly.

• Keep your windows closed and locked when children are around.

• Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent a fall.

• Keep furniture — or anything children can climb — away from windows.

• Make sure windows with guards, security bars, grilles or grates have a functioning release mechanism.

• Never paint or nail windows shut.

NIFA’s Extended Lock 150 day new construction rates

2.50% rate 30-year fixed

• Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency.

• Plant shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass under windows to cushion potential falls.

These tips can help ensure that your home’s windows provide an effective escape route for your family in an emergency while at the same time remain safe for youngsters. For more information about National Window Safety Week and additional window safety tips, visit the National Safety Council website at www.nsc.org.

(2.58%APR**) NIFA reserves the right to change rates without notice

www.nifa.org/homebuyer 800.204.6432

21  Lincoln Business Builder

New Members

Welcome New Members

Campbell Construction New Homes, Inc. Brian Campbell (Anita)

3425 N. Cotner Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68507 Phone: 402-540-4387 Email: campbellconstructionhomes@hotmail.com Description: Residential and light commercial construction.

Sponsor: Alan Sutton, Fireplace Center Reason I joined HBAL: Parade of Homes exposure.

What I hope to get out of my membership: New home contacts.

Desired areas of involvement: Sporting Clay Shoot.

Company Information: We are a small handson company striving for quality & fair pricing.

Personal: Wife Anita, son Chad, daughter Kate and one grandchild Evelyn.

DLR Group John Badami

1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 201, Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: 402-742-4200 Cellular: 402-314-6964 Fax: 402-742-7100 Email: jbadami@dlrgroup.com Website: www.dlrgroup.com Sponsor: Fred Hoppe, Hoppe Homes, LP

Derun Construction and Homes, Inc. Viktor Derun (Larisa)

14515 N. 14th Street, Raymond, NE 68428 Phone: 402-890-7632 Email: derunhomes@gmail.com Description: New home construction and remodeling since 1997.

Sponsor: Vladimir Oulianov, Woods Bros. Realty Reason I joined HBAL: To be part of the building community.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Access to education classes, participate in Parade of Homes.

Company Information: The company has been involved in home building and remodeling since 1997. The company is certified to work with lead-based paint projects and is an approved contractor for NeighborWorks Lincoln and U-Energize Lincoln.

Personal: Fishing. I live on a small farm in Raymond with my wife, Larisa, and 4 kids.

Dun-Rite Homes, Inc. Greg Heller

1520 SW 26th Street, Lincoln, NE 68522 Phone: 402-430-1865 Description: New home construction.

Sponsor: Vladimir Oulianov, Woods Bros. Realty Reason I joined HBAL: To support the home building community, exchange ideas.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Access to educational opportunities and HBAL events.

Company Information: Greg has been working in the construction industry for over 20 years, specializing in flooring installation. He has been building homes for this last 7 years.

Personal: Fishing and traveling.

22  Lincoln Business Builder

Entity Designs Drue Neben

P.O. Box 220, Waverly, NE 68462 Phone: 402-499-2620 Email: DrueNeben@gmail.com Description: New Construction.

Sponsor: Mark Lewis, Lewis Homes

Erickson Homes

Darin Erickson (Natalie)

2901 A Street #114, Lincoln, NE 68510 Phone: 402-304-1493 Email: darinj-erickson@yahoo.com Affiliate Member • Natalie Erickson (402-419-8379) Email: nbachmeier@me.com Description: New home construction.

Sponsor: Donna Youngquist, R & D Custom Homes Reason I joined HBAL: An opportunity to grow business opportunities, learn from community builders, maintain awareness and expand sales opportunities.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Industry awareness and insight, camaraderie and training on marketing.

Desired areas of involvement: Parade, golf, education and membership.

Company Information: Erickson Homes focuses on a hands-on approach to all projects, detailed focus on reasonable pricing with a strong commitment to exceptional quality.

Personal: Golf, boating, running and cooking.

Geysun Style Homes, Inc. Gena Geysun (Irina)

420 W. Saunders Ave., Lincoln, NE 68521 Phone: 402-730-7631 Website: www.GeysunHomes.com Description: Builder and remodeler.

Sponsor: Vladimir Oulianov, Woods Bros. Realty Reason I joined HBAL: To support the industry and be part of the building community.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Educational opportunities, participate in HBAL events.

Hoback Custom Homes Bob Hoback (Carla)

9135 Chalk Hill Drive, Lincoln, NE 68526 Phone: 402-432-5871 Email: bobhoback@gmail.com Description: Home builder.

Sponsor: Linda Heiman, Reimers-Kaufman Concrete Products Co. Reason I joined HBAL: Parade of Homes.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Exposure to home buying public.

Legacy Homes Steve Champoux

12040 McDermott Plaza, Ste. 200, LaVista, NE 68128 Phone: 402-884-3202 Cellular: 402-730-7302 Email: scott.kinkaid@legacyhomesomaha.com Website: www.legacyhomesomaha.com Description: New home general contractor.

Sponsor: Steve Champoux, Prairie Home Builders, Inc. Reason I joined HBAL: To support the building industry and meet new subcontractors and suppliers.

What I hope to get out of my membership: To help families move into affordable homes.

Desired areas of involvement: Parade of Homes, Home and Garden Show Personal: I have 5 wonderful daughters, and love backpacking, fly fishing and mountains.

Manion Construction, Inc. Shane Manion

10211 N 152nd Street, Waverly, NE 68462 Phone: 402-416-1731 Cellular: 402-416-1731 Email: manion.shane@gmail.com Description: New home construction, framing.

Sponsor: Vladimir Oulianov, Woods Bros. Realty What I hope to get out of my membership: Parade of Homes, education.

Company Information: I have 12 years of framing experience, specializing in large custom homes. I’ve been building homes in Lincoln for 10 years.

Nebraska Cottage Company Kelly Langer (Mary)

8101 Cooper Court, Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402-525-5577 Email: Nebraskacottagecompany@aol.com Description: Custom home builder and remodeler.

Reason I joined HBAL: Parade of Homes.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Exposure.

Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Kim Topp

3801 Union Drive, Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: 402-437-8700 Fax: 402-437-8701 Website: www.prudentialambassador.com Description: Real Estate Sponsor: Terry Kraft, Prudential Ambassador Real Estate Reason I joined HBAL: To be involved in the home building community.

Trademark Builders Jay Hiatt (Alexis)

6701 Granite Ridge Court, Lincoln, NE 68526 Phone: 402-570-7588 Email: jay_hiatt@yahoo.com Sponsor: Brian Hester, Brian Hester Heating & A/C, Inc. Reason I joined HBAL: Networking and Parade of Homes.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Grow my business.

Personal: Wife – Alexis, 3 children – Brody (4), Mason (2), Scarlett (8 months).

Directory Changes | Cancellations | Renewals

Directory Changes

• Brad Harris is the new principal contact for Shelter Distribution. Email: brad.harris@shelterdistribution.com.

• New email for Ray’s Lawn & Home Care is ken@rayslawn.com.

• Landmarketing, Inc. has changed their name to MarketGraphics of Nebraska, LLC. Email: tunderwood@MGofNebraska.com.

Website: www.mgresearch.net.

• Austin McKillip is the new principal contact for Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather.

• New name for Mahris Custom Homes is Maher Custom Homes.

Thanks for Renewing Your Membership!

(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)

2K Landscape Designs, 19 years Apollo Steel Co., 15 years Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Radiant Floor Heating, 30 years Briggs, Inc. of Lincoln, 14 years Buckley & Sitzman CPA, 4 years Cattle National Bank & Trust Co., 10 years

• New email for S & S Homes, Inc. is scott@sshomesincorporated.com.

Cline, Williams, Wright, Johnson & Oldfather, 4 years Custom Concrete, 5 years DWS, Inc., 4 years Eagle Nursery, LLC, 1 year

Sorry to See You Go! If you see your company listed below, contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 to renew your membership TODAY! Crawford & Holthus Construction D & E Insulation Dynamic Construction and Roofing, LLC Malibu Sunrooms & Outdoor Living Nelson Contracting, LLC Cassandra Lynn Design Morgan Masonry A Pause for Paws, Inc.

Golden Rule Contractors, 2 years Harley’s Heating & A/C, Inc., 40 years Harrison Roofing, 7 years Holly Well Drilling, 4 years Huenink Construction, Inc., 4 years Infinity Excavating, 4 years Judson Irrigation, 4 years K2 Construction, 4 years KFGE Froggy 98.1, 21 years King’s Home Inspections, LLC, 6 years KLNC-FM 105.3, 16 years Kurt Virgil Excavating, 4 years Lincoln Winnelson Co., 31 years Lowe’s, 6 years Nebraska Printing Center, 11 years

402.483.7575 3133 S. 7th Street • Suite D

Fax 402.483.7577 info@pioneerprintinginc.com www.pioneerprintinginc.com Multi Color Printing Graphic Design Ad Specialties Bindery Services

Digital Color Copies Digital Black & White Engineering Copies Personalized Service

Nickell Construction, 4 years Nissen’s Hardwood Floors, Inc., 6 years Pinnacle Bank, 19 years Pioneer Printing, Inc., 27 years Premier Distributing, 4 years Reese Construction, Inc., 26 years Rezac Construction, Inc., 22 years Shotkoski and Associates, 4 years Third Generation Builder, 4 years

Providing Offset Printing & Digital Services in Lincoln since 1980.

Tru-Built Construction, 4 years Underfoot, Inc., 4 years Wellmann Plumbing, Inc., 28 years Window Option Specialists, 16 years Wolf Professional Realty, PC, 3 years

23  Lincoln Business Builder

Four Reasons to Be Optimistic

Four Reasons to Be Optimistic Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D.

While economic growth has been lackluster since the end of the recession in summer 2009, this is likely to change, despite the sequester. Here are my top four reasons why, in rank order of their importance to the economy going forward.

The painful process of deleveraging is over. Deleveraging is, in part, what caused this recession to be so painful compared with all other post-WWII recessions. Non-financial corporations have outstanding balance sheets, and have actually begun to releverage.

Commercial and industrial loans are once again on the rise and the banking sector is healthier than it has ever been since record keeping began. To give just one indicator, the core capital ratio of banks is 9.2%; the post WWII average is 7.5%. Households are pretty good shape too. There are now only about nine million households seriously behind on some sort of payment. At the peak of the recession, the number was 20 million, while now credit card and auto loans and personal loan defaults are all profoundly low. The surprisingly rapid rate of deleveraging is partly why the housing sector is now recovering much faster than expected.

The housing market has turned the corner and the next few years should be excellent. At their weakest, housing starts were 550,000 units/year. They are now at 900,000 and should grow by 200,000 units/year for the next three to four years, topping out at about 1.7 million units in 2016. This is being driven by a rise in household formations that were delayed due to the anemic job market. Note that each new home creates about 5 new jobs nationwide, so 200,000 new homes means a million new jobs. And while there are

Scott Williamson

Vice-President Mortgage

The next reason I am optimistic is because US corporations are profoundly competitive and have drastically lowered their costs.

As a result, they are now able to compete with firms anywhere and win. Unit labor costs are way down. In the manufacturing sector, they are back to where they were 20 years ago, and as a result corporate profits have been setting records quarterly. Productivity is so high firms that would not have previously considered manufacturing here (like Apple) are now taking a second look.

Lastly, despite severe dysfunction on Capitol Hill, substantial progress has been made on the fiscal front. The cumulative impact of the tax increases and spending cuts enacted in spring 2011, during the debt-ceiling fiasco of late summer 2011, the recently completed New Year’s Day fiscal-cliff negotiations, along with the most recent sequester have come close to stabilizing our public debt-to-GDP ratio somewhere in the 75% to 78% range. With another $500 billion in spending cuts and or tax increases over the next decade, we will be done.

Our economy has come a long way. The worst is over and by the end of the year the economy will hopefully look a lot different than it does now. And housing will be leading the way.

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is President of GraphsandLaughs, LLC and can be reached at Elliot@graphsandlaughs.net. His daily 70 word economics and policy blog can be seen at www.econ70.com.

Your Building Envelope Specialist!

Adam Flanagan

Construction and Real Estate Lending Officer

still about three million first mortgages in foreclosure, that number is way down from where it was and is on its way to the 750,000 mark, which is the historic norm.

Susan Bredthauer

Vice-President Mortgage

Strong Foundations Begin With Great People

West Gate Bank recognizes that people make the difference.

Our staff is knowledgeable, experienced and committed to providing excellent service.

Whether you are building, buying or refinancing your home, experience the West Gate Bank difference. Create your customized loan program today.

Lincoln’s Bank westgatebank.com 402-434-3456

24  Lincoln Business Builder

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

member FDIC

• Solving problems for contractors with Icynene foam since 1995.

• Spray foam is only as good as the installers.

• Both open cell and closed cell insulation available.

Contact Rick McConnell

402-643-2340 or 402-641-1254 rickmcconnell@inebraska.com www.mcconnellthermalservicesllc.com

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day at Home

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day at Home

Tankless Water Heaters

You are Invited

Every year in April the world celebrates Earth Day. Millions of people participate in thousands of marches, parades, lectures and cleanup projects coordinated around the globe by The Earth Day Network.

This is your invitation to learn more about tankless water heaters. An expert from Rinnai will provide information for you. Please, don’t wait to RSVP.

You don’t have to wait until April to incorporate the concepts of Earth Day in your own home, however. These simple environmentally-friendly household suggestions can make you an Earth Day advocate all year long.

Conserve Water — and Your Pocketbook

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. To combat this, the agency suggests that you:

Hosted by

Black Hills Energy & Ferguson Enterprises

•

Don’t let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.

Date: May 14th, 2013 Time: 4 P.M. – 6 P.M. Address: 5001 S 19th St

•

Take short showers instead of tub baths.

•

Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.

Appetizers & Drinks provided

•

For more information or to RSVP, contact Ruth at

Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads.

•

402/437-1814

Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.

•

Repair all leaks (a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).

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Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best).

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Group plants according to their water use so you don’t overwater. Check with your local extension service or nurseries for advice.

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Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only — not the street or sidewalk.

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Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs.

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Keep your yard healthy — remove dead grass from your lawn, use mulch, and set your mower on a high setting to encourage grass growth and eliminate weeds naturally.

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Sweep the driveway and walkways outside instead of using a hose to spray it down.

ruth.hietbrink@blackhillscorp.com

Almost Any Brick You Use Can Last for Hundreds of Years.

So Be Particular.

Y

ANKEE HILL BRICK manufactures the highest quality FBX brick in a color palette ranging from the traditional reds and buffs to the innovative pinks, maroons, and lavenders.

Standard and custom color ranges, sizes, and shapes are our specialty.

Brick murals and ornamentation are brought to a new level of sophistication at Yankee Hill Brick.

Rely on Yankee Hill to supply your project with the nest of materials.

3705 S. Coddington Lincoln, NE 68522

(402) 477-6663

Face brick Paving brick

Thin brik veneer Pool Coping Ceramic tile and marble Keystones Address & entry signs Brick mural & ornamentation Crushed landscape brick

4212 S. 133rd Street Omaha, NE 68137

A few behavioral changes in your water usage can make a big difference to the environment and to your pocketbook.

Incorporate Energy-Efficient Appliances into Your Home When the time comes, replace appliances with energy-efficient models. Tankless water heaters, for example, are comparable in cost to traditional gas water heaters but are 30 percent more efficient, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Another easy option is to replace your old thermostat with a programmable one. These types of automatic thermostats will lower the heat when home owners are at work, but will automatically raise it to make the home comfortable again when they return home.

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. For more information on green household practices, visit the National Association of Home Builders’ green building website at www.nahbgreen.org.

(402) 330-2751

25  Lincoln Business Builder

Lancaster County Perspectives | MarketGraphics Presentation

Attention Builders, Associates & Realtors!

Anyone interested in the statistics like those below are invited to join us for

Permit, Lot and Starts Statistics

presented by Edsel Charles, Founder of MarketGraphics April 16, 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Cornhusker Bank Community Room • 63rd & Hwy. 2 Please RSVP to info@hbal.org by April 12

MarketGraphics of Nebraska is projecting an increasing need for new home production over the next 5 years. The chart is as of the March 2013 drive of all active subdivisions. In addition to the 227 that been started to this point, we are predicting the need for an additional 683 more homes for 2013.

This number will continue to climb based on our projections of current activity. By 20 18 we are projecting a need of 1.316 new home in Lancaster County, an increase of 47%. Unknown external factors can alter this number of course, but the positive aspect of the projection is a continued healthy increase each year for the new home market.

The projections for Housing Starts

by Price range for each of the 7 MarketGraphics in Lancaster County is based on the on continued motioning of the market conditions for the new home market in the county. Our projects for the year of 910 starts is broken down by area and one of 8 prices points. As can be seen by the chart, MG Area 30, which is Southeast Central Lancaster County is the most active area with a projected 420 of 910 projected stars or 46% of the total. The under $175,000 is the most active price range in the market with a projected 300 starts or 33% of the total.

26 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

27 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Home Builders Association of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516

May 12-19

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN NE PERMIT NO 51

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

www.HBAL.org

Turn the cost of a geothermal heat pump from “good gracious” to “good value.”

Les122853 Feb HBAL Ad Heat Pump.indd 1

There’s no disputing geothermal heat pumps are pricey. Or that they’re extremely efficient and save a lot of energy. That’s why they qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. And why, through our Sustainable Energy Program, LES offers homebuilders significant financial incentives to install them. Whether you keep these incentives or pass them on to clients, you’ll help save energy, reduce environmental impact and delay the need to build expensive power plants. Visit our website or call 402.473.3275 for complete details.

www.les.com

12/17/12 2:59 PM