Lincoln Business Builder (March 2015)

The LINCOLN BUSINESS BUILDER March 2015

Published monthly by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln

Volume 52 No. 3

Join us for the “HOTTEST” event of the year!

7th Annual HBAL Chili Cookoff

HBAL Chili Cookoff

Monday, March 2, 2015 Shrine Center 1050 Saltillo Road (off Hwy 77 & Saltillo Road) 6:00 p.m. - Let the feast begin!

7:30 p.m. - Votes must be cast 7:45 p.m. - Prizes awarded Admission - $15 per person (kids 12 and under are free)

RSVP to info@hbal.org or 402-423-4225 TODAY! See more information on pages 6-7.

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

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In this issue...

• Bringing Housing Home page 9 • National Designation Month pages 11-13 • Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show pages 14-17

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President’s Message

March 2015 Vol. 52, No. 3 Contents President’s Message 3 Calendar of Events 4 LHBCF Golf Tournament 5 Chili Cook-off 6-7 Member News 8 Meet the Candidates 8 Bringing Housing Home 9 Educational Opportunities 10 March is National Designation Month 11-13 Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show 14-17 Tax Reformless 19 Test Your Electrical Savvy 20 Young Building Professionals Council 21 Home Design Trends for 2015 and Beyond 23 Design with Your Pets in Mind 23 New Members 24 Renewals 25 Directory Changes 25 Cancellations 25 Spring Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home’s Value 26

President’s Message Mike May HBAL President As I visited the 43rd Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, it was great to see the attendee traffic and also to hear from many of you regarding the positive impact this show has on your businesses. The Show is also good for your association, many of the attendees who visit with you, the Lancaster Event Center and our regional economy. Congratulations and thank you to those who exhibit, volunteer and faithfully attend each year.

In April and May of this year, many of you will have the opportunity to vote in your local elections. The opportunity to vote and participate in the selection of your elected officials is not a guarantee worldwide. Please make time for yourself and employees to go and vote! HBAL’s political action committee, HOMEPAC and NAHB’s political action committee, BUILDPAC work independently to interview and support candidates favorable to your industry. NAHB’s advocacy victories in 2014 saved the typical builder an average of $6,882 per housing start. HOMEPAC will be conducting local candidate interviews, hosting a Candidates Night on March 12th and participating in a Nebraska Senator Luncheon on March 25th.

Who doesn’t like a good Chili Cook-off? Whether creating the best chili for bragging rights or enjoying eating some of the best chili prepared each year, the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s Chili Cook-off is the place to be each March. I look forward to seeing everyone on March 2nd at the Sesostris Shrine Center!

Home Builders Association of Lincoln

Executive Committee Mike May, President

Young Building Professionals Council

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

Justin Johnson, President Elect

Matt Kinning

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

The annual subscription rate is included with your membership dues.

Mike Benker Jennie Korth

Publisher Editor, Photographer, Design

Matt Kleinschmit, 1st Vice President Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS, Secretary Bob Bryant, Treasurer Mike Kinning, Immediate Past President Mike Benker, Executive Vice President

National Directors Justin Johnson Mike Kinning Mike May Perry Haralson, Alternate Dan Klein, Sr., Alternate Lori Wellman, Alternate

Board of Directors

National Life Directors

Taylor Ashburn, Jess Baker, CGP, Jeff Bielenberg, Ruth Hietbrink, Bo Jones, Matt Karl, Tim Kenny, Jerry Maher, CGP, CAPS, CGB, Linda Potter, Lance Roach, Marlene Stroup, Ken Svoboda

Jim Christo, CGR, CGB, Steve Fulton, CGP, Joe Hampton, Duane Helmink, John Hoppe, Jr., Ward Fred Hoppe, Joe McKee, Robert Peterson, J. Greg Schwinn, Bob Stephens

HBAL Staff

Remodelers Council

Sam Gans-King, Michaela Harrison & Jennie Korth

Mark Aksamit

Past Presidents Jerry Boyce, Mike Goings, Rick Krueger, Dan Kubr, Donn Mann, Sam Manzitto, Roger Reynolds, CGR, CAPS, Mike Rezac, Greg Shinaut

3  Lincoln Business Builder

Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events Mar. 2

Seventh Annual Chili Cook-off Sesostris Shrine Center • 1050 Saltillo Road 6:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per person (kids 12 years & under FREE)

Mar. 4

Remodelers Council Meeting Dan Hohensee • The Career Academy HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m.

Mar. 12

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

Mar. 12

Meet the Candidates HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 13

Tour of Remodeled Homes Deadline

Apr. 2

YBP Ploughshare Brewer y Tour Ploughshare Brewing Co. • 1630 P Street 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. • Tours at 4:20 & 5:20 p.m. $5 for YBP Members • $15 for Non-Members

4  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

2015 Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament Friday, June 5, 2015 Highlands Golf Course

Name__________________________________________________________ Company_______________________________________________________

Player No. 2 Name__________________________________________________________ Company_______________________________________________________

Player No. 3 Name__________________________________________________________ Company_______________________________________________________

5501 NW 12th Street

Player No. 4

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

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

Name__________________________________________________________

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 2 and pay by May 1, 2015. (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 Michaela Harrison at 402-423-4225 or michaela@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.

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 5  Lincoln Business Builder

Chili Cook-off

Join us for the hottest event of the year!

7th

Annual HBAL Chili Cookoff

Monday, March 2, 2015 Shrine Center • 1050 Saltillo Road (off Hwy 77 & Saltillo Road)

6:00 p.m. - Let the feast begin!

7:30 p.m. - Votes must be cast 7:45 p.m. - Prizes awarded $15 per person • kids 12 and under are free

Thank You!

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank for providing the keg of beer.

West Gate Bank for providing the Miller & Paine Cinnamon Rolls.

Raffle Prizes!!

There will be a variety of prizes awarded throughout the evening! Each attendee will receive a raffle ticket upon arriving at the event.

A separate drawing will be held for kids. Prizes include gift baskets, gift certificates and more!

Thanks to the following for donating a raffle prize:

Lincoln Children’s Museum Lincoln Title • Nebraska Furniture Mart Nebraska Land Title & Abstract Nebraska Title Co. • Union Title Company If you are interested in donating a prize or sponsoring part of the event, please contact Jennie at 402-423-4225 or jennie@hbal.org.

The proceeds from this event will go to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Its 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

Admission

Chili Entrant Info Cost for a booth - FREE Chili preparation and booth set-up: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. *All preparation MUST be done at the Shrine Center!* Exhibitors (cooks) will: • Prepare 3 gallons of chili (in a roaster pan) • Have their own meat thermometer • Bring a table cover • Provide their own three-prong extension cords • Choose a TV show theme for their booth & decorate (please, do not attach anything to the walls) • Name their chili • Help with clean-up at the end of the night HBAL will provide: • 8 ft. table • Chairs • Electrical outlet

• Bowls, spoons, napkins • Crackers • Prizes

Contact Jennie at jennie@hbal.org if you would like to enter the contest.

Same Great Contest, But With A Twist!

Pick your favorite TV Show and decorate your booth accordingly! Need ideas?

There’s plenty of them on the web or give the HBAL office a call for ideas.

Theme:

TV Shows

Chili Cook-off

RSVP to Attend

Chili Cook-off Registration

We will be attending the 7th Annual Chili Cook-off.

Our company wants to have a booth because we are the best cooks this side of El Paso. We understand that all food preparation must be done on-site and that outside alcohol cannot be brought into the Shrine Center during preparation/cook-off.

______________________________________________ Company Name _____ Yes, we will be attending with _____ adults and _____ children under 12.

________________________________ Company or Team Name

Please list names below: ____________________________________________

________________________________ TV Show Theme

____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

________________________________ Primary Contact Name

____ Check here if you would also like to enter the Chili Cook-off and complete Contest Registration form on the right. ____ Check here if you would like to sponsor a kids activity or donate a raffle prize.

________________________________ E-mail Address / Phone No. Don’t forget to RSVP, too! You will receive admittance for three with your booth. Each additional attendee is $15.

Return your this form to the HBAL office via fax (402-423-4251) or e-mail (info@hbal.org).

Golden Ladle Award Winners Best Chili

Best Booth

2009 Hoppe, Vogt & Barrows Rezac Construction, Inc.

2009 Lincoln Cabinet

2010 Lincoln Winnelson Co. 2011 Rezac Construction, Inc. 2012 The Frontier Group, Harrison Roofing & Raynor Doors 2013 The Frontier Group, Harrison Roofing & Raynor Doors 2014 The Frontier Group, Harrison Roofing & Raynor Doors

2010 Lincoln Cabinet & Briggs, Inc. 2011 Lincoln Cabinet & Briggs, Inc. 2012 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery & Bob Nohavec Plumbing, Inc. 2013 The Hoppe Law Firm 2014 The Hoppe Lawn Firm

Current Contestants (as of 2/20/15)

1. Lincoln Federal Savings Bank 2. Home Depot 3. Lincoln Laminating 4. Friesen Landscaping 5. Black Hills Energy 6. Nebraska Title 7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

o t l l a C nter e r chili yoouday! t

Contact Jennie Korth at 402-423-4225 if you are interested in having a booth!

7 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Member News | Meet the Candidates

Member News In Sympathy Our sympathy to the family of Bob Peterson, Prairie Gold Housing, Inc. who passed away on February 12. Bob was the 1965 president of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.

In his early years, Bob worked for and eventually ran Peterson Construction Company until 1985. Most recently he founded Bar None Housing (now Prairie Gold Housing, Inc.), a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing by providing job training to inmates. Bob was an active member of HBAL as well as many other groups and service organizations. He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Scot; daughter, Peggy and many family members and friends.

Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.

-- Albert Einstein

8 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Meet the Candidates BuildPac/HomePac Fundraiser

HBAL Office

6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C

Thursday, March 12 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Join your fellow HBAL members and meet with local candidates running for Mayor, City Council and Airport Authority.

This event is free for HBAL members.

Light hors-d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.

RSVP to info@hbal.org or 402-423-4225 by March 9.

BRINGING HOUSING HOME

TM

March 9-13, 2015 Show federal lawmakers the ECONOMIC POWER of the housing industry where they live, work and play during this week-long event of congressional meetings in YOUR HOME district.

BringingHousingHome.com 9 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Educational Opportunities

Mock OSHA Inspection on a Residential Jobsite (Site located near 56th & Old Cheney Road) What happens during an OSHA Inspection? What do you walk by daily on your jobsites that is a hazard to you and those around you?

If the classroom is not your style, this is the event for you as we bring the classroom to your work environment!

Tuesday, March 24 First session begins at 8:00 a.m.

BAR & PREP Assessments Tuesday, March 10 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

HBAL Office 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C The BAR and PREP Assessments are available online. Bring your laptop to the HBAL office and we will assist you in registering and logging into the NAHB system.

Additional sessions to follow based on response!

Cost: $95 for HBAL Members & Non-Members

Cost:

RSVP to info@hbal.org by March 9.

RSVP to info@hbal.org by March 20.

For more information, contact Jennie Korth at jennie@hbal.org or 402-423-4225.

$15 for HBAL Members • $45 for Non-Members

Builder Assessment Review (BAR) Are you ready to join the elite ranks of the nation’s top building industry professionals? The Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation is your sign to clients and colleagues that you are a member of this respected group of professionals. The Builder Assessment Review (BAR) is your first step towards obtaining this prestigious designation.

This comprehensive 145 question online assessment will measure your expertise in five key areas of the building industry: • Building Technology • Business and Finance • Project Management • Sales and Marketing • Safety

402.483.7575

Your results will show you the areas where your knowledge is strongest, where it is weakest, and will determine the courses required for you to obtain your CGB designation.

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

Providing Offset Printing & Digital Services in Lincoln since 1980.

10  Lincoln Business Builder

Professional Remodeler Experience Profile (PREP) The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR). Candidates do not pass or fail the PREP. Results determine the course of study for CGR candidates.

The 150 question online assessment measures a candidate’s knowledge in five core areas of remodeling business management: • Marketing and Advertising • Business Management • Estimating • Contracts, Liability and Risk Management • Project Management

March is National Designation Month

March is National Designation Month A NAHB Designation says a lot about you. Professional designations offer excellent opportunities to improve your skills, advance your career, and be recognized for your commitment to professional growth.

Continue to grow in your professional endeavors.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your career or gain additional knowledge about a particular topic, NAHB Education offers a wide-range of learning options. NAHB is committed to providing the best residential home building knowledge to foster success in the industry.

q

Interested in obtaining an NAHB Designation?

Here’s a good place to start!

local lending

Bank Local. Local Decisions. Local Mortgage Servicing.

When your mortgage loan is with West Gate Bank®, we have something many banks can’t offer— local decision-making, local processing and local servicing.

That means that during the entire mortgage process and after closing, we’re here to assist you in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Let West Gate Bank® guide you through the entire buying or building process to finance your dream home.

Take the BAR or PREP at HBAL on Tuesday, March 10

HBAL Members with NAHB Designations Jess Baker, CGP Wilderness Construction, Inc. Jim Christo, CGR, CGB Christo Design Build, Inc. Steve Fulton, CGP Fulton Construction, Inc. Delrae Hirschman, CGA, CAPS, CGP Delrae Designs Dan Klein, Jr., CGP, CSP Regal Building Systems, Inc. Ken Koch, CGP Ken Koch Design - Drafting Erin Magnussen, CGR, CAPS, CGP Reese Construction, Inc. Jerry Maher, CGP, CAPS, CGB Maher Custom Homes Vladimir Oulianov, CSP Woods Bros. Realty Herb Reese, CGR, CAPS Reese Construction, Inc. Bob Ruskamp, CGP Lincoln Electric System Sherri Walker, CSP Home Real Estate Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS Lincoln Cabinet

westgatebank.com | 402-434-3456 | member FDIC | Lincoln’s Bank

Your Hometown Source For • House Beams • Columns • Brick Lintels • Joists & Deck • Miscellaneous Plate, Angle, Pipe & Tubing

APOLLO STEEL COMPANY Fabricating The Future of Nebraska 7200 Amanda Road, Lincoln, NE 68507 Phone: 402-466-8587 • Fax: 402-466-0594 11  Lincoln Business Builder

March is National Designation Month

Leadership, Credibility, Prestige: The Value of Designations NAHB Education offers advanced degree programs to building industry professionals nationwide that enhance their business savvy, broaden their areas of expertise and increase their marketability. In today’s changing housing market, what better way to get ahead or maintain your edge on the competition than a professional designation? Designations can lead to more earned income, credibility and prestige for members and their companies.

Professional designees stay up to speed on the latest developments in business, building methods, and technology while showing clients they have the know-how and dedication to earn a professional designation. Potential clients can use designations to help identify and select professionals with superior training, real-world experience and in-depth knowledge of their area of need. Designees are listed in The Professional Designation Directory on www.nahb.org, making their contact info easily accessible to consumers.

Access to real-world information and great leadership opportunities are benefits typically mentioned by designees. However, graduates also routinely express that the chance to network with expert instructors and their peers is a huge plus.

Students develop a nationwide network of colleagues that they consistently return to as sounding boards for challenges and ideas long after their courses have completed. This chance to network with so many fellow industry pros often brings people back to obtain more designations.

Earning a designation from NAHB is hard work and the rigorous coursework is continually being elevated. Still, according to NAHB statistics, builders and remodelers are eager as ever to enroll. In many programs, there are twice as many people in the process of earning a designation as those currently holding one.

“A designation requires us to study and learn more about our industry. It says to our clients, I am continually improving myself as an industry professional by studying the best practices of our national industry,” says Ben Thompson, a CGR from Grand Rapids, Mich. “It also says that I am using that knowledge gained from the collective experience of our industry to give my clients a better end result in their project.”

NAHB’s commitment to offering industry professionals the best, most-extensive continuing education program is evident in the diverse array of programs. Most designations cover industry basics such as marketing and business techniques, however, specialized coursework includes aging-in-place remodeling, property management, green building and more.

12  Lincoln Business Builder

CAPS CSP CSP

Certified New Home Marketing Professional: IRM’s mid-level professional designation, the CMP program recognizes the achievements of students who have completed four marketing-intensive core IRM courses: “Understanding Housing Markets and Consumers;” “Marketing Strategies, Plans, and Budgets;” “Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising, and Promotion Strategies;” and “Challenges of New Home Sales Management.”

Master in Residential Marketing: The most prestigious designation bestowed by the Institute of Residential Marketing, the MIRM represents the highest level of achievement for professionals in new home marketing. MIRM graduates are required to complete all mandated coursework and submit a case study for approval before graduating from the program.

Master

Master Certified New Home Sales Professional: A more advanced designation that acknowledges additional educational achievements of CSP graduates, the MCSP program is open to professionals currently holding a CSP designation. Advanced courses such as “House Construction as a Selling Tool” and “Essential Closing Strategies” are targeted toward improving participants’ sales and marketing skills and providing increased marketability in the industry.

CMP

Graduate Master Remodeler: The Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR) program includes advanced and updated courses geared toward experienced remodeling professionals.

Certified New Home Sales Professional: The CSP program is designed to help specialists in new home sales to enhance their professional image, increase their marketability in the home building industry and sell more homes.

MIRM

Certified Graduate Remodeler: An exclusive professional designation that emphasizes business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation, the CGR designation trains remodelers in project management, design estimating and job cost, along with other core skills relevant to the remodeling industry.

Master

Master Certified Green Professional: The Master Certified Green Professional (Master CGP) designation comprises a more in-depth study of green building science and methods.

The courses required for the designation cover topics like building science techniques, the high-performance home and marketing strategies for selling green.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist: Developed by NAHB Remodelers in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center and NAHB 50+ Housing Council, the CAPS program provides comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.

HCCP

CGA CGB GMB

Certified Green Professional: The National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional™ Designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes—without driving up the cost of construction.

CGP

Graduate Master Builder: The GMB program allows industry professionals who already have completed either the Certified Graduate Builder or the Certified Graduate Remodelor course to more fully develop their skills and provides in-depth instruction geared for experienced building professionals.

CGR

Certified Graduate Builder: An overview of key areas in today’s home building industry, the CGB curriculum covers business management, financial strategies, marketing techniques, construction technologies, and more.

GMR

Certified Graduate Associate: Developed specifically for NAHB associate members (including suppliers of materials and financial services), the CGA program offers participants an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of home building industry fundamentals.

CGP

Through NAHB Education, industry pros can earn professional designations in any one of 13 areas. Get more information on specific designations at www.nahb.org/designations.

Housing Credit Certified Professional: A specialized designation for developers, property managers, asset managers and others working in the affordable housing industry, the HCCP program is the industry benchmark for education, experience and ethical standards for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) professionals. The HCCP designation is the only nationally endorsed credential of its kind, and was created through a partnership of NAHB and the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA).

March is National Designation Month

NAHB Designation, Continuing Education and Course Updates

• Master CGP – At the NAHB Fall Board Meeting, the Sustainability & Green Building Subcommittee and the Education Committee modified the requirement that Master CGP candidates must have been involved in the construction, remodeling or design of a home certified to a green standard within the last three years. There is now no timeframe for completion of the projects.

• Negotiating Skills course– At Fall Board, the CGB Board of Governors and the CGR Board of Governors approved sunsetting the Negotiating Skills course, effective on Dec. 31, 2014. Licensees can no longer offer Negotiating Skills after this date. Negotiating Skills is an approved course for the CGA, GMB, GMR and Master CSP designations.

• Building Codes, Standards & Guidelines course– At Fall Board, the CGB Board of Governors approved sunsetting the Building Codes,

Standards & Guidelines course, effective on Dec. 31, 2015. However, CGB candidates who need to take a safety course may use a local safety course if completed within three years prior to submitting their CGB application. Licensees and local HBAs may offer their own safety courses for course credit. Building Codes, Standards & Guidelines is an approved course for the CGA, CGB and Master CGP designations.

• Advanced Green Building Courses – The Advanced Green Building: Building Science and Advanced Green Building: Project Management courses have recently been approved for 12 and 6 HSW AIA/CES learning units (LU) respectively so that architects can earn CE if they attend these courses. If you deliver these courses, please be sure you distribute the AIA Attendance Form and return it with the student materials so we can submit credit to AIA for architects taking these courses.

New Continuing Education Requirements for NAHB Designations Effective Oct. 1, 2014, continuing education (CE) requirements for NAHB’s professional designations are as follows:

CAPS, CGA, CGB, GMB, CGR and GMR

Individuals holding these designations must earn a total of 12 CE hours every three years. However, NAHB’s designation boards modified the CE requirements, including hour limits in specific CE categories.

Designees may earn CE credit by doing the following: • Complete an NAHB Education course, NAHB e-learning event or education session at the International Builders’ Show. (maximum limit of six CE hours over the past three years) • Teach an NAHB Education course and/or serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for an NAHB Education course. (maximum limit of six CE hours over the past three years) • Successfully earn another NAHB designation and/or other building/ remodeling industry-related designation. (maximum limit of three CE hours over the past three years) • Be an active member of a Builder or Remodeler 20 Club. (maximum limit of three CE hours over the past three years) • Complete an aging-in-place, business management or building/ remodeling industry-related course, seminar or e-learning event conducted by a college, university, technical school, Home Builders Institute or other professional organization. (maximum of six CE hours over the past three years) • Complete manufacturer product training. Includes sponsored education on business or installation techniques, facility tours, fabrication process demonstrations or product demonstrations. (maximum limit of three CE hours over the past three years) • Win a regional, state or national building/remodeling industry award.

State/Regional Award – two credit hours; National Award – three credit hours (maximum of six CE hours for awards over the past three years). Note: CAPS designees only receive credit for aging-inplace or design awards. Learn more about NAHB-sponsored awards programs.

• Purchase and read a BuilderBooks publication or title. BuilderBooks titles must be building/remodeling industry-related or, in the case of CAPS, for aging-in-place or design. (one hour of CE credit for every book, with a maximum of three hours over the past three years)

CGP and Master CGP

Designees must earn 12 CE hours (eight of which must be green building-related) every three years. Designees may earn CE credit by doing the following: • Complete an NAHB Education course, NAHB e-learning event or education session at the International Builders’ Show. (maximum limit of six CE hours over the past three years) • Teach an NAHB Education course and/or serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for an NAHB Education course. (maximum limit of six CE hours over the past three years) • Successfully earn another NAHB designation and/or other green building/remodeling designation. (maximum limit of three CE hours over the past three years) • Be an active member of a Builder or Remodeler 20 Club. (maximum limit of three CE hours over the past three years) • Complete a green building-related course, seminar or e-learning event conducted by a college, university, technical school, Home Builders Institute or other professional organization. (maximum of six CE hours over the past three years) • Complete manufacturer product training related to green building.

Includes sponsored education on business or installation techniques, facility tours, fabrication process demonstrations or product demonstrations. (maximum limit of three CE hours over the past three years) • Win a regional, state or national green building award or another regional, state or national design award. The project must have been certified to the 2012 ICC 700 National Green Building Standard or another recognized state or national green residential program.

State/Regional Award – two credit hours; National Award – three credit hours (maximum of six CE hours for awards over the past three years) • Purchase and read a BuilderBooks publication or title. BuilderBooks titles must be building/remodeling industry-related or related to green building. (one hour of CE credit for every book, with a maximum of three hours over the past three years)

CSP, Master CSP, CMP and MIRM

The Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) Board of Governors approved changes to the CE requirements for all four sales and marketing designations. The new requirements are as follows: CSP, six CE hours every three years; Master CSP, eight hours every three years; CMP, 10 hours every three years; and MIRM, 12 hours every three years. Designees may earn CE credit the following ways: • Complete an Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) or NAHB Education course or a NAHB e-learning event. (one CE hour for every hour of instruction up to a maximum of six hours, not including IRM I-IV) • Teach an IRM or NAHB Education course and/or serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for an IRM or NAHB Education course. (up to a maximum of six CE hours over the past three years) •Attend sales and marketing educational sessions at the International Builders’ Show or any educational programs and seminars at national, regional and state conferences and trade shows. (one CE hour for every hour of instruction up to a maximum of six hours) •Attend HBA or local and state Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) seminars, programs and classes. This includes non-IRM and NAHB courses sponsored by a state or local HBA, SMC or Home Builders Institute. (one CE hour for every two hours of instruction, up to a maximum of four hours) •Attend other real estate industry educational programs. (one CE hour for every two hours of instruction, up to a maximum of six hours) •Successfully earn another NAHB designation or other sales and marketing or real estate designation. (up to a maximum of three CE hours over the past three years) •Be an active member of a Builder or Remodeler 20 Club. (up to a maximum of three CE hours over the past three years) •Purchase and read a BuilderBooks publication or title. (one hour of CE credit for every book, up to a maximum of three CE hours over the past three years) •Win a state, regional or national sales and marketing award. State/ Regional Award – two credit hours; National Award – three credit hours. (up to a maximum of six hours for awards over the past three years) For questions about CE requirements or the status of your NAHB designation, contact the NAHB Professional Designation Help Line at 800-368-5242 or email designations@nahb.org.

13  Lincoln Business Builder

Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

Thank you for a great

A Li nco Traditio ln n 43 Year for s!

Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

14 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

Ultimate

Give-Away

q

Winner!

Congratulations to Jack, the winner of the Samsung 4K UHD Curved Smart TV!

Exhibitor

Reception Sponsored by: 15 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

16 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

Thank you to: UNL NAHB Student Chapter City of Lincoln Recycling Office SCC-Milford Student Chapter The Home Depot Bounce Ninja

Interior & Residential Desig n Contest Winners

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln announced the winners of the Interior & Residential Design Contest at the 43rd annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show held at the Lancaster Event Center February 13-15.

The two categories judged were Residential Drafting and Interior Design.

Winners of the Residential Drafting Contest: First Place, $100 – Alex Murray, Lincoln East High School Second Place, $75 – Conner Swearingen, Lincoln East High School Third Place, $50 – Andy Lant, Lincoln East High School Winners of the Interior Design Contest: First Place, $100 – Ronni Wilkinson, Norris High School Second Place, $75 – Courtney Stephens, Lincoln Southeast High School Third Place, $50 – Olivia Rezac, Lincoln Southwest High School Residential Drafting judges were Greg Smith, Davis Design; Rich Burton, Arrow Architecture; Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs; and Doug Nelson, New Ventures. Interior Design judges were Delrae Hirschman, Delrae Designs; Melanie Boone, PDI, Paul Daniels Interiors; and Carly Belz, PDI, Paul Daniels Interiors. Chair of the annual contest is Megan Dreyer, CS Kitchen and Bath Studio.

17  Lincoln Business Builder

Irresistible charm

THAT RESISTS THE ELEMENTS. Only James Hardie® products are Engineered for Climate.® For uncompromising performance, our HZ5® siding and trim are meticulously designed to resist shrinking, swelling and cracking even after years of wet or freezing conditions.

Choose a complete James Hardie exterior to help keep the look you love longer – no matter what nature brings.

Visit jameshardie.com to learn more about proven, lasting protection, or contact your James Hardie Sales Representative

Jason D. McDonald Sales Representative – James Hardie 402.830.8828 Jason.mcdonald@jameshardie.com

© 2015 James Hardie Building Products Inc. All Rights Reserved. TM, SM, and ® denote trademarks or registered trademarks of James Hardie Technology Limited. The is a registered trademark of James Hardie Technology Limited. AD1507 2/15

18  Lincoln Business Builder

Tax Reformless

Tax Reformless

Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. • GraphsandLaughs, LLC The combination of ongoing weak GDP growth and a steep rise in corporate inversions designed to reduce US corporate tax liabilities has again brought the perennial idea of tax reform to the fore. Done right tax reform is a winner. By closing loopholes and lowering marginal rates the economy can better perform and GDP growth can be raised. That said, despite the positive rhetoric coming out of Capitol Hill, don’t count on it soon. Moreover, the sharp, and shortlived seven day brawl about scaling back tax breaks for 529 college savings plans is painfully instructive and illustrative as to why.

In his State of the Union address, President Obama proposed doing away with the tax-free treatment of capital gains in 529 college savings plans. Instead, he proposed increasing the size of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, available only to families with pretax incomes of less than $180,000, from $1,000/year to $1,500/ year and to allow it to be used for five years, up from four.

Looked at in isolation, the economics behind this particular policy is pretty solid. First, there is limited evidence that tax breaks designed to increase savings actually do so. Rather, the evidence generally finds that tax breaks reward individuals who would have saved anyways. Worse, the tax incentives don’t seem to increase the total amount of savings either!

Second, most of the tax shelter goes to higher income households.

According to the White House, 70% of the benefits from 529 plans go to households with incomes greater than $200,000, while a GAO study from 2010 found that 47% of families with a 529 plan had incomes above $150,000. A recent College Savings Foundation study found that not quite 10% of 529 account holders have household income below $50,000. In short, these plans give tax breaks to wealthier households who already send their kids to

college and would have saved as much with or without the plan.

By contrast, giving all households with incomes below $180,000 slightly more money for college might raise the percentage of kids from middle- and lower-class households that attend college.

More concerning is that be it via 529 plans, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, guaranteed student loans and now increasing student loan forgiveness, government, through the tax code and elsewhere, heavily subsidizes college costs, and in the process dramatically inflates the cost of college tuition. Real tax reform would scrap these inflationary subsidies and implement a more coherent and more focused approach.

But here is the rub, taking away the advantageous tax status of 529 plans created an instant coalition of three powerful groups that rolled the administration. The groups included parents with kids bound for college fearful they were about to lose a valuable tax break that they “deserved,” higher education that was concerned it was losing a subsidy and the financial industry which feared losing the billions in fees associated with administering a huge $250 billion program.

While everyone claims that they want a simpler tax code with lower rates and bereft of deductions, loopholes and credits, taking any of these away creates winners and losers. And while the winners may be numerous, what they stand to gain is nebulous and distant. By contrast, losers quickly organize themselves and make themselves heard. If doing away with something as small as this was impossible, good luck with larger tax issues that touch deeper pockets.

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.

At Norandex Building Materials Distribution we realize that in order to succeed we must be successful in helping our customers grow their business.

That’s why our distribution centers are fully stocked with top quality, top-of-the-line building products—siding, windows, roofing, doors and more. Complementing this selection is a sales and customer service staff that’s knowledgeable and truly cares about your business. And, we back you up with programs and warranties that are among the best in the building products industry.

Stop by your local Norandex branch and put our strengths to work for you.

Visit oNe oF our loCatioNs:

NoraNdexpro.Com/Catalog

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

Test Your Electrical Savvy

Test Your Electrical Savvy The genius inventor of the electrical age, Thomas Edison, was born in 1847. More than 165 years later, his most famous invention, the light bulb, still has an essential place in the home.

With often no more than four hours of sleep per night and his personal creed of, “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration,” his work with electricity is legendary.

For all the work done by Edison and his predecessors, most people know only as much about electricity as is absolutely necessary to go about their daily lives; in other words, not very much. But ignorance isn’t always bliss. A little information can prevent shocks and reduce power bills.

Here are some true/false questions to test your electrical IQ:

If lights flicker or dim repeatedly, you should call an electrician.

TRUE. Flickering or dimming lights signifies an overload and a professional should be contacted. Power outages due to power line accidents, strong wind, storms or extreme heat also can cause brief interruptions. You can call your power company to find out details on the situation, or check your circuit boxes for those outages. You also should call your electrician if you are constantly resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses, smell burning electricity or need to replace faulty wiring.

It’s cheaper to leave fluorescent lights on when exiting a room than it is to turn them back on when you return.

FALSE. This is a commonly held belief, based on the erroneous

notion that fluorescent bulbs use a lot of power to get started.

While it is true that a compact fluorescent bulb does require a brief surge when switched on, it works out to be around the same amount of energy as five seconds of normal use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So turning the lights off for more than five seconds will save more energy than leaving them on.

House wiring never needs replacing.

FALSE. Depending on the amount of use, insulation on house

wires can become frayed or broken, creating a fire hazard. If you have any doubts about your wiring, have a qualified electrician perform a complete inspection. Houses built between 1965 and 1973, in particular, are at risk because many were built with aluminum wiring, which the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says is 55 times more likely to reach “fire hazard conditions” than regular copper wire.

A circuit breaker is not designed to protect against a ground fault.

TRUE. Circuit breakers are designed to protect against high

levels of electrical current caused by a short circuit. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) protect against ground faults, when current leaking from an appliance goes to ground through a person touching the appliance. Even a small amount of current passing through a person this way can be lethal; a GFCI will trip if there’s a ground fault, whereas a circuit breaker won’t.

20  Lincoln Business Builder

Computer screen savers save energy, and your computer will last longer if you leave it on all day, instead of shutting it off when you’re not using it.

FALSE AND FALSE. Screen savers only save screens, not energy.

If you want to save energy, turn the monitor off. In fact, the EPA recommends you turn the computer off, too, if you aren’t going to use it within a half hour. According to EPA, the lifetime of the hard drive is limited by use, rather than start-ups.

You can damage a power tool by using the wrong size extension cord.

TRUE. If your electric lawn mower, hedge trimmer, or leaf blower

doesn’t get enough power, either because the extension cord is too thin or too long, the motor can be damaged and eventually destroyed. Also, overloading an extension cord can cause a fire or shock hazard. Be sure to use a cord rated to provide the proper amperage the tool requires, which is listed on the tool.

Just a little electrical knowledge can go a long way. Remember, when dealing with electrical issues in your home, safety should be your number one priority.

For more information and tips, visit the National Association of Home Builders at nahb.org. Some material in this article was provided by the Leviton Institute.

Young Building Professionals Council

Save the Date!

May 19, 2015 • Kuck Motorsports Event August 7, 2015 • Hog Roast Fall 2015 • Community Service Parks & Rec Project Holiday 2015 • Adopt A Nursing Home Resident

YBP Ploughshare Brewery Tour

Join us as we tour one of Lincoln’s newest breweries! Learn about the history of Nebraska craft beers and see the brewery in action!

Sponsored by:

Thursday, April 2 • 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Tours will begin at 4:20 & 5:20 p.m.

Lincoln Laminating

6

2

since

Ploughshare Brewing Co. • 1630 P Street

19

granite-quartz-solid surface

Cost: $5 for YBP Members • $15 for Non-Members Cost includes tour, souvenir glass, one PBC beer and housemade pretzel with dip.

Space is limited to 40 people, so RSVP early to info@hbal.org or 402-423-4225!

Want to be a YBP?

Yes!

No, but I want to be.

Are you already an HBAL member?

Pick a Membership Type

Yes!

Please provide the following information:

q q q Builder $475 Associate $375 Affiliate* $75

Name:

Company:

Yes!

Please email me a membership application.

Name: Email : Phone : *You must work for an existing HBAL member company.

Submit to: HBAL 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C Lincoln, NE 68516 info@hbal.org Fax: 402-423-4251 21  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 under one roof, making it a one-step center for your contracting and building needs. We understand what your business needs, and understand what prices you need to make it go. Visit us for all of your Furniture, Flooring, Appliances, Electronics, Lighting and Countertop needs.

Your contracting solutions are just a phone call away.

Contractor Sales Division

See our factory-trained Contractor Sales staff or call our Contract Appliance pros at: 800-776-5066

700 S. 72nd St. • Omaha, NE 68114 Monday - Saturday: 10am to 9pm Sunday: 10am to 6pm

Showroom Open everyday at 10am

©2015 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

© 2014 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

22  Lincoln Business Builder

Home Design Trends for 2015 and Beyond | Design with Your Pets in Mind

Home Design Trends for 2015 and Beyond

The National Association of Home Builders recently announced the winners of the Best in American Living Awards – a prestigious award program that spotlights design excellence for the entire residential building industry.

Award recipients are lauded as the most creative and inventive builders, remodelers, architects, developers, land planners and interior designers in the nation.

Take a look at the newest trends in design that home buyers will see over the next several years based on submissions from this year’s winners. Then get inspired to incorporate your favorite trend in your own home.

Design with Your Pets in Mind

Home owners love their pets – and they also love great design with modern function. So it’s no surprise that home builders and designers increasingly are being asked to consider pets when developing floor plans and custom amenities.

Builders are responding to this demand by offering homes with pet-friendly design in the kitchen, laundry room/mud room and even outdoor spaces. Condos and apartment buildings now feature amenities like rooftop dog parks and self-serve grooming stations.

White-on-White Kitchens

This continuing trend can be seen in both traditional and modernstyle homes. Think white cabinets topped with white countertops and finished off with white back splashes and white trim.

Whether you’re in the market for a new home, will soon be remodeling or just need some inspiration for how to use your current space, here are a few ideas to get started.

Double-Island Kitchens

Kitchen

Back-to-back and side-by-side islands are showing up in all styles of homes. Often one island is used for cooking and preparing food and the other for serving food and dining. The second island may also take the place of a more formal dining room table.

If you have a small or medium-sized pet, consider finding a spot in your kitchen to create a built-in eating area. It can be as simple as using free floor space under the island to create a stylish spot for the food and water bowls.

Centered Bathtubs

Or, declutter a large lower cabinet, remove the door and create a convenient feeding spot. You also can add a comfortable custion instead for a cozy pet bed.

As part of the continuing “bathroom as spa” trend, large, welldesigned tubs are becoming the center of attention: pulled away from the wall and treated like sculptures.

Natural Elements Mixed with Contemporary Materials

A softer side of modern design is evolving. Wood, steel and glass are a popular combination, allowing the best from both worlds. Modern textures are being combined with old-world or classical elements.

Get-Away Rooms

Whether it is a room with a view or a game room, creating “escapes” is increasingly popular. These spaces are designed to encourage relaxation, family time or provide room for hobbies.

Wine Rooms and Bars

Wine displays under the stairs stylishly fill spaces that may otherwise go to waste. Full rooms dedicated to wine or liquors are no longer just for the avid collector. Wet-bar nooks are adding to the overall encouragement of relaxing and enjoying time at home.

If a bottom drawer is all you can spare, put a built-in food bowl that easily slides in and out. The water bowl should be accessible to your pet all the time, however.

If your pet is a messy eater, keep the feeding station away from most of the foot traffic. Water spills can be especially hazardous in the kitchen. That’s why feeding bowls for larger pets may be better suited for the laundry room or mud room.

Short on space? Take a tour of your house with fresh eyes and look for otherwise wasted space that you can transform. Turn an alcove or space under the stairs into a nook just for Fluffy.

Laundry Room/Mud Room

Indoor-Outdoor Living

If you have a separate laundry room and/or mud room, there are many ways to utilize this space for your pets.

A feeding station for your larger pet can be conveniently located beneath a boot bench. This also makes a great spot for a pet bed.

Smaller Entries

When storing your pet gear – leashes, toys, food – look for opportunities to seamlessly blend in the storage with the rest of your home’s style. For example, stash pet toys in a basket similar to the ones you use for your family’s outdoor gear. Store pet food in a large glass container – instead of its regular packaging – and you won’t mind the nibbles being on display.

No matter their location, home buyers are attracted to designs that offer space on the roof to give them a great view while soaking in the surroundings. Indoor-outdoor transitional spaces are also showing up where weather permits by using screens and removable or foldable walls.

Entries are still very well designed, but the amount of space allocated to the entrance is shrinking. Large pivoting doors are making grand statements, but open immediately into the main living space of the home.

Non-Car Centric Design

Home owners also are adding pet-washing stations in their laundry/mud rooms. An enclosed tiled area with an extended faucet can be used for baths or simply to clean paws after coming inside.

To find an industry professional who is ready to bring these exciting new trends to your new home or remodeling project, visit the National Association of Home Builders at nahb.org.

To find a home builder or designer that can help you make smart design choices for your pets, visit nahb.org.

While cars, driveways and garages are a part of American life, design features that seem to be taking their place are sidewalks, bike paths and community gathering spaces.

23  Lincoln Business Builder

New Members

Welcome New Members

Freedom Builds

Renew Crew of Lincoln

Pam Rademacher (Jon) 2200 S. 62nd Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402-309-4652 Email: pamrademacher@gmail.com Sponsor: Ruth Hietbrink, Black Hills Energy Reason I joined HBAL: Short-term: to promote the spec house we’re building. Long-Term: to continue building quality homes and to become excellent at it!

What I hope to get out of my membership: Knowledge – what better way to learn than to tap into the wealth of knowledge with current builders?

Desired areas of involvement: Communication, Education Personal: Married 18 years and have one daughter, Jaina.

MPI, Inc. Lee Young

7430 Hidden Valley Drive, Lincoln, NE 68526 Cell: 402-610-0458 Email: huskerclaim@gmail.com Reason I joined HBAL: To become a builder.

What I hope to get out of my membership: Meet new subs and builders.

Personal: Hunting, fishing and cars.

Nebraska Safety Council

Dean Ritchey (Heather)

3320 Scottsdale Lane, Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: 402-429-0547 Cell: 402-890-1798 Email: lincoln@renewcrewclean.com Website: www.lincoln.renewcrewclean.com Sponsor: Lance Roach, JL Exteriors

Truck Center Companies Rocky Wray

5701 Arbor Road, Lincoln, NE 68517 Phone: 402-464-2444 Cell: 402-416-2306 Fax: 402-464-9166 Email: rwray@truckcentercompanies.com Website: www.truckcentercompanies.com

Universal Windows Nick Thompson

10605 Bendesson Circle, Omaha, NE 68122 Phone: 402-453-0993 Fax: 402-884-0994 Email: info@uwdomaha.com Website: www.universalwindowsomaha.com

Robert Nelson

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

So Be Particular.

3243 Cornhusker Hwy. Ste. A10, Lincoln, NE 68504-1592 Phone: 402-483-2511 ext. 111 Fax: 402-483-2513 Email: rnelson@nesafetycouncil.org Website: www.nesafetycouncil.org Sponsor: Jim Christo, Christo Design Build, Inc. Reason I joined HBAL: Nebraska Safety Council is a valuable resource to HBAL members for safety training, health and wellness, company vehicle driving programs and OSHA regulations.

What I hope to get out of my membership: To build relationships with HBAL members by promoting a safe and healthy work environment in our workplace, on our roads and in our homes and communities.

Serving Nebraska since 1961, the Nebraska Safety Council provides safety training and OSHA compliance advice, on-site and custom training, consultation and industrial hygiene services. Workwell is a division of the Nebraska Safety Council that provides worksite wellness expertise to member organizations. Members of Workwell have demonstrated leveraged health insurance costs, reduced workers compensation costs, and improved workplace performance. The councils driving program includes defensive driving for employees driving company vehicles, ticket dismissal, teen driver education, and motorcycle driving courses. The Nebraska Safety Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping Nebraska businesses work, drive, and live safe.

24  Lincoln Business Builder

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 finest of materials.  Face brick  Paving brick  Thin brick veneer  Pool Coping

3705 S. Coddington Lincoln, NE 68522

(402) 477-6663

   

Keystones Address & entry signs Brick mural & ornamentation Crushed landscape brick

13840 C Plaza Omaha, NE 68144

(402) 330-2751

Renewals | Directory Changes | Cancellations

Thanks for Renewing Your Membership!

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

2K Landscape Designs, 21 years A & G Concrete, 2 years Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate, 2 years Boyce Construction, Inc., 18 years Capital Concrete Co., 50 years Caseyco, Inc., 10 years CharterWest Mortgage Center, 1 year Culligan Water Conditioning, 49 years Derun Construction and Homes, Inc., 2 years Drywall Unlimited, Inc., 32 years Duane Larson Construction, 1 year Eagle 1st Roofing & Construction, 5 years Eagle Nursery, LLC, 3 years Epp Concrete Construction, Inc., 1 year Fireplace Stone and Patio, 12 years Frontier Bank, 4 years Galaxy Countertops, 11 years Green’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Remodeling, 63 years Hartland Homes, 30 years Heritage Builders, Inc., 29 years The Home Depot #3204, 1 year Lee’s Propane Service, 8 years Maher Custom Homes, 15 years Mid-Alliance Insurance Associates, LLC, 32 years Mr. Amoto Lawn & Tree Service, 2 years Nebraska Seamless, Inc., 13 years Neighbors Family Homes, Inc., 14 years New Traditions Custom Homes, 3 years Old City Building Group, 1 year Raynor Doors of Nebraska, 19 years RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts, 6 years Ready Mixed Concrete Co., 64 years

Directory Changes • New address for Benak’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. is 9629 Fairbury Lane, Lincoln, NE 68516.

• New email address for Bielenberg Builders, Inc. is bielenbergbuilders@neb.twcbc.com.

• New address for Christensen Lumber Co. is 1200 Libra Drive, Ste. 100, Lincoln, NE 68512.

• Jerry Opryszko is the new principle contact for DWS, Inc. Email: jerry.o@dakotawall.com. Phone: 402-659-1391.

• New address for Geysun Style Homes is 8901 S. 30th Street, Lincoln, NE 68516.

• New address for Humm & Sons Poured Concrete is 5521 S. 88th Street, Lincoln, NE 68526.

• Brad Hulse is a new affiliate member for LincolnFirst Realty.

Phone: 402-570-0128. Email: brad@lincolnfirstrealty.com.

• New address for MK Builders, Inc. is 15750 S. 64th Street, Roca, NE 68430.

• New address for Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc. is 515 N. 162nd Avenue Suite 202, Omaha, NE 68118.

• New address for NeighborWorks Lincoln is 2530 Q Street, Lincoln, NE 68503.

• Scott Heim is the new principle contact for Pella Products of Omaha & Lincoln.

Phone: 402-616-6060. Email: scottheim@pellaomaha.com.

• New address for Sound & Security Innovations is 3925 S. 8th Street, Suite 1, Lincoln, NE 68502.

• New address for Stevenson Electric, Inc. is 7507 Firth Road, Firth, NE 68358.

• New address for Supreme Spa & Pool is 5046 Rentworth Court, Lincoln, NE 68516.

Sorry to See You Go! If you see your company listed below, contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 to renew your membership TODAY! A & A Contracting Boulder Works Landscaping O’Neill Transportation and Equipment, LLC Outback Fence & Stain

Rezac Construction, Inc., 24 years Roof Depot, 37 years Rumery Lawn & Landscape, LLC, 2 years Seacrest & Kalkowski, PC, LLO, 17 years Stuchlik & Associates Insurance, 9 years Urban Homes, LLC, 9 years Willet Construction, Inc., Remodeling Specialists, 15 years

Think

First

Woita Homes & Remodeling, 5 years Zimmer Insurance Group, 24 years

25  Lincoln Business Builder

Spring Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home’s Value

Spring Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home’s Value

Your Building Envelope Specialist!

If the thought of spring cleaning makes you long for winter, it’s time to think about these annual chores in a new way. By dedicating just a few days to complete these simple tasks, you will keep your home running smoothly and protect your investment at the same time.

Inside Your Home

• As the weather gets warmer it’s important to ensure your windows are in good working condition. Inspect all windows for proper operation and a tight fit. Clean the window tracks and check that the weatherstripping hasn’t cracked or torn.

Preventing unwanted outside air from leaking into your home also will reduce your energy bills.

• Remember, 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 take action to lessen the potential risks of accidental falls from windows.

• Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned. If your system has a filter, replace it every three months to keep your unit working efficiently.

• Warmer weather also means that pests – including ants, roaches, rats, and termites – will be looking to join your household. Keep them out by sealing cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. And, repair holes in door and window screens.

• 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

Outside Your Home

• Check the condition of glazing compound, caulking and exterior paint. Replace or paint as needed.

• Exchange glass and screens in storm doors and/or windows.

Ensure the screens are clean by washing gently with soapy water.

• Inspect your roof for snow damage.

• To prevent outside pests from entering your home, look for cracks and holes on the outside of your home and seal them up.

Be sure to include points where utility lines enter the house.

Also address damage to the basement foundation and windows.

• Check for evidence of termites such as sagging floors and ceilings or dry, brown tunnels in the ground near the home’s foundation.

• Seed and feed the lawn and plant annuals, cut back perennials that need pre-growth pruning.

• Clean your gutters of debris. Yes, you have to do this in the fall and the spring. Long winters bring a mix of storms and heavy winds that can carry a lot of debris to your gutters.

Remember, focusing on these small jobs now will save you time and money in the future. For more information about home maintenance, visit nahb.org/forconsumers.

Local service for the life of your mortgage loan.

At Cornhusker Bank, we believe when you come to us for a mortgage loan, you expect to continue to work with us well beyond closing.

This is why we offer to service your mortgage right here in Lincoln.*

Life is good when banking is simple.

Stop by, call, or visit us online to learn more.

56th & South St.

|

CornhuskerBank.com

* Not all mortgage loans qualify for the local servicing program.

Please contact a mortgage lender for details.

26  Lincoln Business Builder

|

402-434-2265

Member FDIC

|

27 ď ´ Lincoln Business Builder

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

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN NE PERMIT NO 51

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

402-310-4362 5 FREE leads for HBAL Members

interested in our marketing programs!

SunShares COMMUNITY SOLAR

Have you ever wanted to invest in solar energy? LES' SunShares program provides an easy and affordable way to participate in cleaner, renewable energy. Enroll for as little as $3 per month. Make a commitment of at least $7 per month and you’ll receive a window cling and invites to project events. Sign up as a business and you’ll be listed on LES’ website at www.les.com.

For more information or to enroll in this ongoing program, go to www.les.com/SunShares or call 402.475.4211.

May 10-17 April 25 & 26 Saturday Sunday

12 to 5 p.m.

12 to 5 p.m.

Weeknights 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.

Sundays 1 to 6 p.m.

www.HBAL.org