2015 April Plains Builder by Home Builders Association of F-M

PLAINS

BUILDER A magazine for HBA of F-M members | www.hbafm.com | April 2015

PLATINUM SPONSOR

spring

parade of homes

APRIL 30 - MAY 3 & MAY 7-10

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PLAINS

Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 www.hbafm.com info@hbafm.com Publisher Bryce Johnson Editor Krista Mund Coordination, Design and Production Chelsea Smith

The Plains Builder is published 12 times per year by the Home Builders Association of F-M 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 It is mailed or emailed to all members of the HBA of F-M Address editorial inquiries to Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 info@hbafm.com Subscription rate for members is $15, which is included in annual dues The Home Builders Association does not accept responsibility for or endorse any statements or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles ASSOCIATION STAFF Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson Director of Development & Education Jenny Erickson Communications Manager Krista Mund Events Coordinator Lindsey Nogosek Director of Accounting & Records Amanda Ohlsen Communications & Office Coordinator Chelsea Smith Membership & Marketing Coordinator Allison Weckman

2015 HBA of F-M Executive Committee and Board of Directors President and National Director Clay Dietrich , Dietrich Homes, Inc. President Elect and National Director Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting Treasurer Tyrone Leslie, Heritage Homes Associate Vice President and National Director John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc. Secretary Paul Krabbenhoft, Coldwell Banker First Realty Past President and National Director Carlita Dietz, Jay Dietz Construction, Inc. Directors Jason Eid, Eid-Co Buildings, Inc. Harry Gilbertson, Harry Gilbertson Construction Darrick Guthmiller (National Director), Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. Ursula Hegvik, Smart Spaces, Inc. Kimberly Krueger Tehan, Krueger Construction, Inc. Terry Lipp, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom Sylvia Lunski, Design Direction, Inc. Dustin Murray, Dustin Murray Construction Gary Orth, Cornerstone Specialties, Inc. Todd Rasmussen, Valley Lights Broc Roberson, Stone Ridge Builders, Inc. Robin Swanson, Superior Insurance Ex-officios to the board of directors Senior Life Director Gerald Eid, Eid-Co Buildings, Inc. Life Director and NDAB State Representative John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc.

Life Director and NDAB Associate National Director Ken Krajsa, Bell State Bank & Trust Life Director and NDAB Treasurer Dan Lindquist, Dan Lindquist Construction, Inc. Life Directors Don Dabbert, Jr., Dabbert Custom Homes, Inc. John Mahan, Mahan Construction, Inc.

BUILDER FEATURES 10

DEPARTMENTS

HBA Leaders Believe Assessment District is Best, Most Affordable Plan to Move Ahead with F-M Diversion: Vote yes

6 Letter From the HBA of

12 Letter from the North

Parade of Homes Features 90 Homes by 47 Builders

Remodelers Council Update

Remodelers Council member Ursula Hegvik, Smart Spaces, has a brand new showroom and we got the inside look!

Building the Future of North Dakota: Healthcare from the Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perspective An update from NAWIC Chapter #246.

5 News Briefs F-M President

Dakota Association of Builders

Letter From the HBC Foundation President New Member Report

NEWS BRIEFS

Hires & Promotions

Acme Tools has hired Christine Knutson as a human resource recruiter. Jon Forness and Austin Nguyen have been hired at Bell State Bank and Trust. Forness is a graphic designer, and Nguyen is a Web user design specialist. BlackRidgeBANK has hired Jamie Moch as vice president and director of human resources. Jena Johnson has been promoted to health benefits consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Johnson joined BCBSND in 2013 as a customer contact center specialist in the Customer Contact Center. Rena Stenseth was recently promoted to director of human resources and benefits for Choice Financial. Todd Lebahn has joined Cornerstone Bank as a compliance specialist. He has more than 14 years of banking experience. Jacob Distel has joined Eide Bailly as an application development senior associate. Flom Property Group, a team within Keller Williams Roers Realty, has hired Sara Bakken as a marketing coordinator. First Class Mortgage hired Megan Henschel as mortgage processor. Henschel is from Moorhead and has prior experience in the sales industry. She earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education and paraprofessional from Northland Community College in East Grand Forks, Minn. FM Title has hired five new employees: Derek Martin, closing

officer; Sheri Steidel, residential and commercial closing officer; Brandon Pittenger, in-house real estate attorney; Jessica Martin, post-closing officer; and Kristin Jacobsen, who rejoined FM Title as a post-closing officer. Gate City Bank has promoted Sherri Smith and Roseann Lund to senior vice president and Todd Olson and Kristi Persons to vice president. Ten employees have been promoted to assistant vice president: Jaymie Emmerich, Dalila Nurkic, Tanya Cox, Casey Thielges, Cory Ystenes, Heather Rye, Kim Settel, Shawn Carlson, Ryan Goellner and Stacey Iverson. The bank has hired Kari Tews as training and development specialist and Megan Erovick as manager of business solutions and project management at the bank’s corporate office in Fargo. April E. Leinen has joined Labor Masters as an employment recruiter and director of marketing. S&S Promotional Group has named Troy White as the new sales director. U.S. Bank has promoted Deidra Dick to sales and service manager. VISIONBank has promoted Jayme Kautzman to vice president and compliance/bank secrecy act officer. Jackie Huschle has been hired as a real estate processor. Western Products has hired Jeanine Larson as digital marketing manager and Kayley Erlandson as a WordPress and digital marketing specialist. Mike Bannach has been named market president at Western State Bank.

Awards & Accolades

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties made the Top 10 in 2014 for its fundraising efforts for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which provides national, one-week activities free of charge for young cancer patients from across the country. Representatives from BHHS

Premier Properties received an award for their efforts at the national BHHS conference in March in Las Vegas. Keller Williams Realty was named by Training Magazine as the world’s number one training organization across all industries. Keller Williams was recognized for the growth, productivity and profitability gains resulting from its education and training programs. Jay Nelson, a commercial Realtor at Keller Williams Roers Realty was recognized as top agent in total closed volume and total written volume for the company during January. He was recognized for the same categories in October 2014. Nelson is a certified commercial investment member and a member of Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. Choice Financial was recently recognized as the 2014 Best Place to Work Runner-Up by the North Dakota Young Professionals. NDYP recognizes businesses that provide high-quality jobs and a work environment enticing to and in support of young professionals. Dan Van Winkle of First Class Mortgage has been named the FargoMoorhead Association of Realtors 2015 Affiliate of the Year. The award recognizes one affiliate member annually for exemplary business accomplishments, civic activity and real estate industry involvement. M&J Construction has earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014. Showplace Kitchens ND was recently named a “President’s Club Award” winner for exceptional cabinetry sales by Showplace Wood Products. This achievement places them among the top Showplace dealers nationwide. This is the eighth year they have been recognized as a “President’s Club Award” winner.

News Briefs continued on page 28

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

HBA Gears up for Third-Largest Parade, Stays on Top of Industry Issues Our Spring Parade of Homes begins April 30 and it’s one of the largest in

Association history. We have 90 homes registered as of press time; the two events topping that number are 2007 with 114 homes and 2006 with 104 homes. Thank you to the Builders, Realtors and developers who get excited about this promotional opportunity and provide such a wonderful selection of homes for area consumers to visit. This is truly a showcase of the product that our local industry provides. As we finished up the Home & Garden Show in early March, and prepared for the Parade, staff and members diligently continued covering governmental issues concerning you and your livelihood on the national, state and local levels. We participated in events and meetings with both the North Dakota Association of Builders and the Builders Association of Minnesota to build bridges with our state legislators and talk to them about bills currently meandering through the state capitols. Thank you to NDAB and BAM for their work on organizing these visits. Last month, we met with our North Dakota Congressional delegates’ staff in Bismarck as part of the National Association of Home Builders’ “Bringing Housing Home” initiative which encourages local and state associations to meet with delegates and staff who are back in-state on recess. We addressed several federal issues including President Obama’s flood plain executive order, regulatory reform, building energy codes, labor shortage and “Waters of the U.S.” concerns for North Dakota as it relates to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act. Thank you to NDAB for the work on these items and organizing the visits with our nation’s leaders. Locally, the HBA continues meeting with codes officials on flood proof basement requirements in Fargo, electrical code changes in Fargo, and Minnesota’s new code which includes new energy provisions and requires fire sprinklers in single-family homes over 4,500 sq. ft. (accumulative) and all twin homes regardless of size. We will host a full-day class April 9 with Ed VonThoma, president of Building Knowledge. He developed the field guides for BAM that Builders currently use to comply with the new Minnesota code. VonThoma has over 20 years of construction project management experience with extensive expertise in the development of innovative single- and multi-family homes. He has served as the Energy & Environmental Building Association’s president and as a member of the Minnesota Energy Code Advisory Committee. Check out the enclosed insert, the calendar at www.hbafm.com or page eight for details on the class. As you can see, last month was filled with opportunities for your HBA to do its job of talking to our local, state and national leaders regarding issues critical to your livelihood: building and remodeling homes and developing land. If you are interested in becoming more involved with these activities, please contact the office at (701) 232-5846 or email Allison Weckman at allisonw@hbafm.com.

Back your PAC

PAC dollars are directly related to these legislative activities! You have probably seen promotions for fundraising for the National Association of Home Builders political action committee (BUILD-PAC). If you haven’t already sent in your President’s Message continued on page 28

April at a glance

April 2 Education Committee

April 3 HBA Closes at 2 p.m. April 7 Public Issues

Committee

April 7 PAC Committee

April 7-8 OSHA 10-Hour Training

April 9 2015 Minnesota

Residential Building and Energy Code Changes

April 10 Events Committee April 13 Membership

Committee

April 13 HBA Executive

Committee

April 14 HBA Board of

Directors Meeting

April 20 Parade of Homes Committee

April 23 Health Plan

Management Committee

April 28 Fargo Special Election

Clay Dietrich, HBA President Dietrich Homes, Inc. 6

April 28 Lunch Session www.hbafm.com

January and February HBA Accomplishments Each month, the HBA staff puts together a list outlining what

the HBA has done for you, including education opportunities, legislative work, events and meetings staff and members have attended. • Mobilized 30 volunteers to distribute 700 World of Thanks packets containing the 2015 Membership Directory & Consumer Guide, window decal, plus more. • Coordinated an offering for Minnesota building contractor continuing education for home builders and remodelers, taught by professionals from Building Products, Inc. serving 98 attendees. • Worked with the North Dakota Association of Builders to track legislation of concern to the home building industry. • Sent a letter expressing concern on a North Dakota bill that would require further study of the F-M Diversion, delaying construction and wasting tax payer dollars. • Three HBA of F-M board members traveled to Bismarck to testify against a fire sprinkler bill that could impact residential construction encompassing two units or more, and that referenced National Fire Protection Association standards instead of North Dakota-adopted International Codes. • Attended the Northern Region Association of Safety Professionals meeting covering safety leadership in companies and organizations. • Attended Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation Workforce Council meeting covering the regional workforce study it is launching. • Leaders and staff traveled to the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas to participate in National Association of Home Builders’ learning opportunities, networking, committee meetings, board meeting, and to support our local NAHB Student Chapters competing in the Residential Construction Management Competition. • Welcomed over 130 members and over 20 city and county representatives to the New Year Celebration and City Night Jan. 29 at the Radisson in Fargo • Hosted a news conference to release 2014 year-end building permit numbers, garnering coverage by all the local television affiliates, local news radio stations and The Forum. • Attended the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber’s

• • •

State of the Cities event to keep apprised of the key issues facing the big four local communities. Offered a lunch session on mitigating radon in Minnesota homes. Hosted a free safety course on scaffolding. Members and staff traveled to both Bismarck and St. Paul for the North Dakota Association of Builders’ and the Builders Association of Minnesota’s legislative lobbying events. Distributed 2014’s builder summary listing that recaps local building company activity across the metro last year. Welcomed 14 new members into the Association during January and February combined! Hosted the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show featuring over 300 exhibitors and attracting nearly 8,000 pre-qualified consumers interested in remodeling, building or buying a home. Even members who didn’t exhibit benefit from the increased traffic to www.hbafm.com and promotion of your industry. Attended the F-M Diversion Authority meeting. Assisted the Fargo Motor Patrol with its annual Fish Fry at the Fargo Civic Center, generating funds for Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation. Organized the first-annual Lego competition for children ages 5-13 during the Home & Garden Show. We had 40 registrants and a waiting list!

Last month the HBA Accomplishments were not featured in the Plains Builder and as of press time, March wasn’t over yet, so we’re always a month behind. Thank you for your understanding!

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PUBLIC ISSUES

HBA Continues Work State Associations Deal with Fargo on Floodproof with Legislation Critical Foundations to Building Industry In December, Fargo’s City Commission adopted revisions to its floodproof foundation requirements. HBA of F-M leaders involved with preparatory meetings on these changes were not presented an opportunity to review the final document and were surprised to find troubling changes affecting cost. As of press time, Association leaders had met with Fargo’s engineering and inspections departments. Fargo is adjusting some requirements, and the document is expected to appear before the city commission soon. From there, the changes must be reviewed and approved by FEMA. Once finalized, the HBA of F-M will provide education to the industry on the changes so contractors can prepare accurate bids and planning for projects.

HBA, BAM Offers Classes, Field Guides to Deal with Minnesota Codes Changes The 2015 Minnesota Building Code and Energy Code

are now in effect. A new provision requires fire sprinklers in certain housing types and sizes including two-family dwellings, townhouses and single-family dwellings of 4,500 square feet or more. As for the energy code, home builders should be aware of the changes regarding foundation insulation and blower door testing requirements. Minnesota contractors who are members of the HBA of F-M have access to the Builders Association of Minnesota’s members-only website at www.bamn.org. BAM’s code guides are valued at over $10,000, and they will help you navigate and comply with the new codes. Request a user name and password from Mary Campbell at (651) 646-7959 ext. 163 or visit the website contact page: www.bamn.org/contact. The HBA of F-M is arranging lunch sessions focused on the fire sprinkler requirements and will host an all-day Minnesota code update session April 9 with Ed VonThoma, president of Building Knowledge. He developed the field guides for BAM that Builders currently use to comply with the new Minnesota regulations. VonThoma has over 20 years of construction project management experience with extensive expertise in the development of innovative single- and multi-family homes. He has served as the Energy & Environmental Building Association’s president and as a member of the Minnesota Energy Code Advisory Committee. The class will be approved for Minnesota contractor continuing education credit. See the enclosed insert or the calendar at www.hbafm.com for details on the class. Watch HBA communications for more details on the fire sprinkler lunch sessions.

Here is a recap of the top bills that the HBA of F-M, North Dakota Association of Builders and the Builders Association of Minnesota are watching on your behalf as of March 20. Watch HBA of F-M email communications for updates. North Dakota

• HB 1322 relates to allowable costs in improvements by special assessments. It passed the House and is awaiting a committee hearing in the Senate. • SB 2147 relates to the one-call excavation notice system. The NDAB is opposed to this bill. It passed the Senate, and was referred to the House Industry, Business & Labor committee. • SB 2167 provides a legislative management study of the one-call excavation system. It passed both the Senate and House, and is waiting on the Governor’s signature. • SB 2257 extends the housing incentive fund program and tax credit and to provide a continuing appropriation. The NDAB supports this bill. It passed the Senate and was referred to the House Finance & Taxation Committee. • SB 2278 relates to contractor licensing fees, renewal fees, and late fees. The NDAB supports this bill. It passed the Senate and was referred to the House Finance & Taxation Committee.

Minnesota

BAM celebrated success as HF 539 relating to adopting a six-year cycle for code adoption and a 12-month implementation period passed out of the Commerce Committee in mid March. It also continues working on SF 118, which prohibits mandatory fire sprinkler installation. An item of particular interest to the HBA of F-M is a bill that authorizes Minnesota border cities to adopt changes to the state building code to allow regulations that are no less restrictive than neighboring North Dakota cities. The HBA views this legislation as creating parity in our metropolitan marketplace and “leveling the playing field” for Moorhead and Dilworth with Fargo and West Fargo.

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HBA Takes Part in ‘Bringing Housing Home,’ NDAB Board Meeting

by Dustin Murray, Dustin Murray Construction, HBA of F-M Director On March 10-11, representatives from the HBA of F-M traveled to the Bismarck-Mandan area to attend the North Dakota Association of Builders’ board meeting and NDAB-PAC meeting. HBA representatives also met with our North Dakota Congressional delegation’s staff. This was coordinated as part of the National Association of Home Builders “Bringing Housing Home” Legislative Conference where state and local associations arrange meetings with delegates in their home states. Those in attendance included Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes Inc.; Carlita Dietz, Jay Dietz Construction Inc.; John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc.; Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting; HBA Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson, HBA Public Affairs Intern Tessa Wakefield and me. The board meeting involved the state’s executive team, Kim Schneider and Heather Austin, as well as representatives from the Minot, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Bismarck-Mandan, and Williston Builders Associations. One issue discussed was that of the qualified labor shortage in the building industry, sparking reactions from all of the associations. They agreed that it is becoming increasingly important to engage students at a younger age to familiarize them with the industry and build interest in potential industry-related careers. Some ideas voiced were career fairs, classroom visits, and mentorship/shadowing programs. Additionally, the group met with North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger and staffers from the offices of U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and U.S. Sen Heidi Heitkamp. Secretary Jaeger expanded on SB 2278, which concerns contractor licensing fees, renewal fees and late fees. This is a bill that NDAB supports. As of press time, it passed the Senate and is currently in the House. Secretary Jaeger’s explanations regarding the reasoning behind the legislation were beneficial to the group. In the meetings with Senate staff, the HBA of F-M focused on a specific concern. At the end of January, President Obama signed an Executive Order that established

federal Flood Risk Management Standards. These new standards are representative of a movement away from flood protection measures to a more risk management approach, which discourages building and development in coastal and river floodplains. Requirements under this order include mandatory updates every five years and any buildings constructed in a floodplain must be built to 500-year standards. This severely limits where members can build, remodel, etc. The HBA opposes this measure and President Clay Dietrich shed some light on the issue for the staffers. He emphasized that the order is essentially a “one size fits all” piece of legislation. It groups all kinds of flooding

issues, ranging from hurricane related flooding to the springtime floods typical of this region. He also explained that the order is reminiscent of the Clean Water Act, which members also felt was an attempt by the federal government to apply a “one size fits all” standard that would, in the long run, hurt the North Dakota building industry. He concluded by saying that this area needs its own legislation specifically concerning the area’s flooding. Heitkamp’s and Hoeven’s staffers were extremely receptive and interested in what the group had to say. They repeatedly mentioned that both senators understand the importance of hearing from constituents and greatly appreciated NDAB members’ feedback. Thank you to NDAB for organizing these meetings. As always, it was wonderful to see our friends from around the state and discuss these important issues that affect us all.

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HBA Leaders Believe Assessment District is Best, Most Affordable Plan to Move Ahead with F-M Diversion: Vote yes

by Krista Mund, Communications Manager Cass County property owners received a ballot last month to vote yes or no on the formation of an assessment district to finance a portion of North Dakota’s local share of the F-M Diversion. If passed, the district’s intent is for a sales tax already in place to make assessment payments rather than property owners footing the cost. The HBA of F-M board of directors support a yes vote and urge Association members to approve the assessment district if they have received ballots (due April 30). “The Association supports permanent flood protection and construction of the F-M Diversion. Compared to flood insurance rates, this assessment district is the most affordable way for our community to finance the Diversion project,” says HBA President Clay Dietrich, Dietrich Homes, Inc. “In simple terms, by voting yes, property owners are co-signing with the Cass County Joint Water Resource District to get a better bond rate and help move ahead with the Diversion in the most affordable way possible.”

Assessments can be scary, liabilities… not so much

Many home owners dread receiving a piece of paper from a government entity titled “assessment,” immediately expecting their property to be charged in the way they’ve come to know for items like city street improvements. This is different. “We prefer to call it a ‘liability district’ for the home owner, because I think if you call it an ‘assessment,’ people expect to get a bill, and that’s not necessarily the case,” says Diversion Project Consultant Rocky Schneider. The “liability district” is a special assessment process, but it is different from the method used by a city. The state of North Dakota allows a water district to use a process in which each property owner gets a vote. The weight of each property’s vote is based on the benefit assigned to the property, so the higher a property’s value and protection level, the more that property’s vote is weighted and is ultimately assessed. Properties with lower flood risk will not be assessed as much under the liability district. 10

“Each property receiving an assessment has gotten a vote. This doesn’t necessarily mean it will show up on your tax bill as long as those mortgage payments continue to get paid every year through sales tax revenues, but it will still be a liability against your property,” says Schneider. “Most people are familiar with buying a home, and things are similar under the liability assessment. You’re being asked to co-sign a loan as a property owner so the Diversion Authority and Water District can get a better rate on their bond and better coverage requirements.” The Joint Water Resource District’s Diversion Project Assessment Committee, including representatives from its own board and Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County, has been

working for more than two years to establish the district.

Liability decreases over time, will be lower than flood insurance

The structure of the liability district also benefits property owners in the long term. Liability will be reduced annually through sales tax payments and continued regional growth. The two voter-approved sales taxes in Cass County and Fargo are estimated to raise $700 million over the life of the tax. According to Schneider, the mortgage payments that come every year would likely be paid before the property owner sees them. The liability will go down over the course of 30 years as sales tax revenue makes payments. “A lower interest rate and lower coverage requirements are the attractive features of the assessment district borrowing,” says Cass County Joint Water Resource District Chairman Mark Brodshaug. “Using special assessment-backed bonds is the most effective way to borrow money long term and to spread the financing over a long period of time. If you just back it with sales tax revenue, you need larger coverage, Assessments continued on page 28

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The construction season has resumed in many parts of Minnesota and North Dakota. When starting up activity on the job site, be sure to resume stormwater controls and inspect your construction site now in response to runoff from winter snowmelt or rain. Here are some reminders from Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo:

Contractors: Remember to Resume Stormwater Controls FARGO

I hope everybody had a great season last year as things seemed to be busy across the entire area. As we all prepare to hit the ground running this spring, there were a few things I wanted to bring up that you may want to take into consideration. First, we made the change to requiring Flex Storm style inlet protection, or Type C Inlet protection per the city of Fargo Standard Specifications for Construction on all street inlets as of last season. This season, we will actually be writing violations for any other styles of inlet protection in street inlets so be sure to use one of these on inlets in the street. Second, effective April 1 the new NDR10-0000 Construction General Permit took effect and there are a few changes to be aware of. Go to: http://ndhealth.gov/WQ/Storm/ Construction/ConstructionHome.htm to take a look at the draft construction general permit and fact sheet. On the bottom of page four of the fact sheet there is a summary of the significant changes that have been made from the last permit. And lastly I would like to bring up keeping stormwater in mind throughout the duration of your project this year. I understand that it is a constant struggle to keep the streets and gutters clean with our soil type, but please stay on top of cleaning up after yourself and subcontractors. Another thing to keep in mind is the maintenance of things like inlet protection, perimeter controls like wattles and silt fence and construction entrances. Keeping your temporary entrance refreshed can really be helpful with reducing the number of times the street needs to be cleaned. Have a terrific season and don’t hesitate to contact me, Josh Pederson, for anything relating to stormwater at (701) 7308655, or japederson@cityoffargo.com.

MOORHEAD

Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as silt fence, bio-rolls, erosion control blankets, dandy bags, construction entrances and any other needed erosion and sediment control device should already be in place. If not do so now. Tips:

Josh Pederson, Fargo Stormwater Technician

Andrea J. Crabtree Nayes, CFM Moorhead Utilities Engineer

Chad Zander West Fargo Program Coordinator

• Routinely inspect your entire construction site at least once every seven days during active construction. • A site inspection must be completed within 24 hours after a rainfall event greater than ½ inch. • Remove any tracking from the street by the end of the day’s work. • Concrete, stucco, paint, etc. must be washed out in a leak-proof containment system. • MPCA Permits • Fill out an MPCA Permit Modification Form (subdivision); mail the original to the MPCA; do not give the original to the city of Moorhead. • When you sell the home, fill out the MPCA Notice of Termination Form and send it to the MPCA • You must give the new home owner the MPCA Home Owner fact sheet. • Leave BMPs in place for the new home owner and explain to them that they are now responsible for inspecting and maintaining temporary stabilization until permanent cover is established. Please visit our website at www.cityofmoorhead.com to get more stormwater information.

WEST FARGO

With this year’s early spring, the public works department would like to remind everyone about their responsibilities to prevent stormwater pollution. All inlet protection devices and best management practices must be installed and/or maintained as soon as possible. These protections devices must be in place prior to any spring rainfall. Also we are requesting that any sediment in the street by your construction site gets cleaned up and not washed into a storm inlet. All site fence, straw wattles and other devices must been inspected to ensure they are in working order. Any questions or comments can be directed to me, Chad Zander, at (701) 433-5400.

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NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS

Thanks for Your Involvement In March National Association

of Home Builders hosted “Bringing Housing Home,” where each state association was encouraged to set up meetings with the State Congressman LeRoy Kurtyka to discuss key housing issues while NDAB President back in their home states. Our condolences go out to Congressman Cramer whose father passed away the weekend before our meetings. Informational packets were still delivered to his office with all of the NAHB and NDAB materials and we will work with his office in the future to set up another face-to-face meeting. While gathered in Bismarck members still got the opportunity to have great conversations with North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger who shared updates on the status of some of the bill NDAB has collaborated with his office on at the North Dakota Legislature and other updates from his office. Members also had the opportunity to speak with staff members from both Senator Heitkamp and Senator Hoeven’s offices. We truly appreciate the time they offered to us and we will be working with the schedulers to set up face-to-face meetings with both the Senators when we travel to D.C. in June for NAHB Board Meetings. Thanks to all those who joined us in March for these Bringing Housing Home meetings, as well as for our NDAB Board of Directors meetings. We truly appreciate your time and talents! Speaking of talents, there are more opportunities available to get involved with NDAB and to use your skills or to learn new ones. We have several committees active on behalf of our members, and we encourage you to inquire about openings with your Local offices. One committee, that is very active at the moment, is our Government Affairs Committee. We welcome Eric Brenden of Northwest Contracting in Bismarck as the new Vice Chairman and we thank those committee members who have already renewed their terms for the coming year. We consider the Government Affairs Committee an important tool for our members and hope that through their continued efforts NDAB can continue to be relative and effective in promoting the housing industry in North Dakota. This group recommends association policy on legislative, regulatory and legal issues to the board of directors, monitors and tracks government activities and issues that may have an impact on the industry, and conducts research where necessary. It also develops personal relationships with public (municipal, county, regional, state and national) officials, and develops and coordinates local legislative and regulatory goals and strategies on behalf of NDAB members. It’s also responsible for the Call to Action notices you’ve seen this legislative session, and we appreciate all the involvement and responses you’ve given. Please let us know if we can get you involved in other ways as well. Thank you! LeRoy

Gathering

Will April showers bring May flowers? We sure hope so as the temperatures in March sure teased us going from 75 degrees one day to 40 with snow the very next. It should be no surprise to a life-long North Dakota resident, but still makes you shake your head. Kim Schneider March was a time for gathering for NDAB Executive Officer NDAB Executive Board Members, NDAB-PAC Trustees and our members. March 10-11 was spent in Bismarck while NDAB President LeRoy Kurtyka (Grand Forks) led his first Executive Board meeting. A lot of discussion really focused around the future of NDAB, our six locals and the strong voice we hold. At over 2,000 members our voice is heard and our opinion matters on the local, state and federal levels to those that Represent North Dakota, our districts and our cities. So how do we keep our membership strong and growing? We welcome stories and ideas from our members who are new and who are seasoned. Share with us what got you involved and kept you involved. Share these stories at your local level, invite a prospective new member to join you at a meeting and introduce them around. See someone new at a general membership event, and then invite them to sit with you. Mentoring and networking are keys to continuing a legacy of the boards at a local and state level and the states success is a highlight of the local association’s success. Work is still happening at the Capital at the session is nearing the finish line. A recap of the bills followed and their outcomes will be shared once session wraps up and notes can be compiled. All are encouraged to spend a day in Bismarck if have the opportunity. Legislators have said numerous times throughout this session that they much prefer to hear from our members more than me and other lobbyists. Your stories are what stick with them the most and remind them who they represent. If you haven’t signed up to be an Annual or event specific NDAB Sponsor, there are still some great opportunities available. NDAB logo shirts are given to our top sponsors as a thank you and are also available for sale. These stylish, yet very comfortable dri fit polo shirts look great when attending meetings or out on the golf course! NDAB’s Golf Tournament will be held June 18 in Grand Forks, so mark your calendars now for a great time! Make sure to contact our office to learn more about becoming an annual sponsor, how to purchase your very own NDAB polo or to get registered for the golf tournament. Warm wishes to you and yours, Kim Schneider

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NORTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS BISMARCK-MANDAN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION DOT FRANK, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 222-2400 BMHBA.COM • More than 7,200 adults visited the 38th Annual Home Show March 13-15, which amounted to a 13 percent increase in attendance over the prior year. • The association hosted its 3rd Annual Bowling with the Builders March 24. Nearly 70 members met at Midway Lanes to socialize, network and have fun. • The Spring Parade of Homes is scheduled for the last weekend of April and first weekend in May. To date, there are 44 homes registered. • The Spring Building Officials Roundtable is tentatively scheduled for April 16. • The BMHBA Government Affairs Committee is engaging commissioners in discussion regarding the impact of codes on affordability.

DICKINSON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION IRENE SCHAFER, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 483-0044 DICKINSONAREABUILDERS.COM

• Dickinson’s PAC Fundraiser at our March member meeting was a success. Arnold Karsky provided current PAC information to our members encouraging a number of newer contributors to join the group. • Our spring Home Show is close to ‘sold out’. We have many new exhibitors this year. We expect a big interest in attending this show. • Early planning is underway for our Picnic and Golf Scramble. This year our members will be responsible for putting on the Picnic. We expect some major surprises. • We are also looking forward to and are starting to plan now for the November State Meeting when Arnold Karsky will be installed as State President.

Energy on May 12. We will hold a PAC event during this gathering.

WILLISTON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION BETH SUNDHEIM, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 572-5744 WILLISTONBUILDERS.COM • “Boom or Bust” member meeting Feb. 19 brought close to 80 leaders from the Williston & Watford City areas, in construction and Real Estate industries. They shared their outlooks on the construction, housing and development markets for 2015 in the wake of the recent drop of oil prices. • The March 26 member meeting is sponsored by American State Bank & Trust. Special guest speaker is Heidi Rettig, tax senior associate with Eide Bailly. • NAHB Affiliate Services is coming to Williston April 7 to work out a strategic plan for the WABA. The sessions are a great opportunity for board member education. • The April 24 Membership Networking Social for members will be located the first evening of the Home & Garden Show in conjunction with the vender’s social. • 2015 Home & Garden Show is scheduled April 24–26. All the booths are sold. Miss North Dakota will be present to autograph pictures. A booth is set aside for the community, which will include Williston State College, Rotary, Sheriff’s Department, Catholic Health and more. See you there.

FORX BUILDERS ASSOCIATION BETTY MCDONALD, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 746-4536 FORXBUILDERS.COM

• Just had our 40th Home Design & Garden Show. It was a very successful show. • A Lunch & Learn presented by Automated Financial Services on April 8 • Our Annual Sporting Clay Shoot will be held May 21 at the Dakota Club.

MINOT ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS VICKY FLAGSTAD, EXECUTIVE OFFICER (701) 852-0496 MINOTAB.COM

• 40th Annual MAB Home & Garden Show was very well attended with 111 registered exhibitors. Exhibitors contributed good ideas for seminars next year. • Minot had to cancel both initial and recertification classes for lead base paint due to low registration numbers. • April BAH will be hosted by Century 21 Action Realtors at their new location on the April21. • May BAH is being hosted again by MDU and Xcel

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Bring the Outdoors in For most builders and remodelers, warmer weather equals

new business opportunities. As the days get longer and hotter, home owners begin to think of ways that they can revamp their home to let the outdoors in. Many builders are choosing large windows and doors for their clients, both to help them enjoy summer and to take advantage of limited light during the winter. Marvin Windows and Doors is known for its windows and doors with large expanses of glass, including the Scenic Door line. The latest addition to the line is the Ultimate Clad MultiSlide Door, available this summer. It’s designed with narrow stiles and rails for maximum daylight openings and views, and is as smooth to operate as it is dramatic. Available in large sizes with standard widths up to 50 feet wide, this door comes in a variety of configurations that include pocket door panels that disappear completely into the wall or a stacked panel configuration. Additionally, customers can choose to have up to six panels in a unidirectional configuration or up to 10 panels in a bi-directional configuration, offering the ultimate in design flexibility and unbelievable, wide-open views.

The Ultimate Lift and Slide Door can be made up to 48 feet wide, and is available in a corner (90 degree) option. It allows for a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior of your home. Marvin’s industry-exclusive hardware virtually disappears to give you an incredibly clean and unobstructed view with simple, effortless operation. Like the Ultimate Clad Multi-Slide Door, it comes in Pocket or Stacked configurations. The other Scenic Door option, the Bi-Fold Door, opens like an accordion. From two to eight panels, this door stylishly and effortlessly connects your space to the outdoors. One of the panels is designed to swing out when the other panels are closed, making it easy to use when you don’t want all the door’s panels open.

Advertorial

Help your clients take advantage of the Midwest’s nice weather with Marvin’s Scenic Doors. To learn more or to find your local dealer, visit www.marvin.com.

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PLATINUM SPONSOR

@ParadeFM

Parade of Homes Features 90 Homes by 47 Builders

by Lindsey Nogosek, Events Coordinator Spring is here and it is time to get outside and celebrate a great building season by visiting the HBA of F-M’s 55th Annual Spring Parade of Homes. The Parade runs two four-day weekends, April 30 – May 3 and May 7 – 10, and features homes in Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Hours run 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon - 5 p.m. on weekends. Renderings, descriptions and a map showing the location of each entry will be included in the Parade of Homes magazine available starting April 27 at all Hornbacher’s locations or the HBA office, 1802 32nd Ave. S., Fargo. An insert will also be included in The Forum April 26. The Parade website (link will be available at www.hbafm.com) will go live April 27. The Parade of Homes Committee is planning another fabulous Parade of Homes Celebration May 14

This list is for members only. A final list will appear in The Forum April 26 and will be available April 27 at all Hornbacher’s. This list is subject to change as final proofing was not complete as of press time.

Builder Company Name Development Model Street Address City Total Price Benjamin Custom Homes LLC........................................ Brooks Harbor ................................... 1227 26th Ave W..................... West Fargo ��$448,000 Blue Ridge Builders........................................................ The Wilds at Westport........................ 4826 Lilac Dr........................... West Fargo �� $419,500 BMW Homes, Inc............................................................ Shadow Wood................................... 3365 1st St E........................... West Fargo ��$594,000 Brookstone Property........................................................ Osgood.............................................. 4628 44th Ave S..................... Fargo ��$369,900 Building Concepts........................................................... Shadow Creek................................... 3670 Houkom Dr..................... West Fargo ��$479,900 Building Concepts........................................................... Villas on the Green............................ 4526 65th St S........................ Fargo ��$568,000 Century Homes............................................................... The Wilds at Westport........................ 1069 49th Terrace Way........... West Fargo �� $1,250,000 Cornerstone Specialties CGP, NDPB.................................... Valley View........................................ 3566 55th St S........................ Fargo ��$435,000 Dabbert Custom Homes NDPB......................................... Tuscan Villa at Osgood...................... 5518 Tuscan Ct....................... Fargo ��$233,900 Dabbert Custom Homes NDPB......................................... Shadow Creek................................... 3605 Bell Blvd E...................... West Fargo ��$355,900 Dabbert Custom Homes NDPB......................................... Horizon Shores.................................. 2126 42nd St S....................... Moorhead ��$253,900 Dabbert Custom Homes NDPB......................................... Eaglewood......................................... 951 30th Ave E........................ West Fargo ��$223,900 Dabbert Custom Homes NDPB......................................... Woodbridge ...................................... 1311 Southwood Dr................... Dilworth ��$227,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... Brooks Harbor.................................... 1114 24th Ave W...................... West Fargo ��$369,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... Crofton Coves.................................... 6800 21st St S........................ Fargo ��$609,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... Davies............................................... 6874 24th St S........................ Fargo ��$369,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... The Pines at the District..................... 4241 54th Ave S...................... Fargo ��$429,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... River’s Bend at the Preserve.............. 122 26th Ave E........................ West Fargo ��$509,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... The Wilds at Westport........................ 4708 Chokecherry Ct W.......... West Fargo ��$899,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... The Wilds at Westport........................ 1060 49th Terrace W............... West Fargo ��$999,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... Eagle Pointe...................................... 7403 14th St S........................ Fargo ��$699,900 Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead NDPB...................... The Wilds.......................................... 817 48th Ave W....................... West Fargo ��$399,900 Dietrich Homes, Inc CGB.................................................. Shadow Creek................................... 551 Lizzie Place....................... West Fargo �� $1,200,000 Differding Signature Homes a division of Level Constructions, Inc.......................................................... Brooks Harbor................................... 2314 10th St W........................ West Fargo ��$325,000 Doug Mjolsness Construction, Inc................................... Allyson Parkway................................. 4509 Allyson Ct....................... Moorhead ��$449,000 Eid-Co Homes CAPS, CGP.................................................. Maple Pointe...................................... 230 Maple Point Blvd............... Mapleton ��$217,349 Eid-Co Homes CAPS, CGP.................................................. Legacy .............................................. 2156 57th Ave S...................... Fargo �� $272,993 Eid-Co Homes CAPS, CGP.................................................. Village Green .................................... 3641 34th St S........................ Moorhead �� $282,475 Eid-Co Homes CAPS, CGP.................................................. Westview .......................................... 3826 7th At E.......................... West Fargo ��$286,042

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Eid-Co Homes CAPS, CGP.................................................. Westview........................................... 633 38th Ave E....................... West Fargo �� $207,137 First Choice Construction................................................ Crofton Coves.................................... 6873 21st St S......................... Fargo �� $399,999 Fiske Construction, LLP.................................................. River’s Bend at the Preserve.............. 2704 1st St E........................... West Fargo ��$697,000 Hampton Homes a division of Windows Plus, Inc..................... Parkview............................................ 3435 25th St S........................ Moorhead ��$250,000 Hanson Brothers, Inc NDPB.............................................. River’s Bend at the Preserve.............. 2812 1st St E........................... West Fargo ��$575,000 Harry Gilbertson Construction.......................................... Valley View........................................ 3685 54th St S........................ Fargo ��$348,000 Heritage Homes CAPS, CGB, CGP, NDPB................................. Valley View........................................ 3585 50th St S........................ Fargo ��$398,500 Heritage Homes CAPS, CGB, CGP, NDPB................................. Shadow Creek................................... 3706 Bell Blvd E...................... West Fargo ��$434,900 Heritage Homes CAPS, CGB, CGP, NDPB................................. Osgood Reserve................................ 3857 2nd St E......................... West Fargo ��$559,900 Heritage Homes CAPS, CGB, CGP, NDPB................................. The Wilds at Westport........................ 4703 6th St W......................... West Fargo �� $419,900 Holly & Company Classic Homes.................................... Eagle Pointe...................................... 1430 72nd Ave S..................... Fargo ��$594,900 Innovative Homes, a division of Century Homes.............. Farmstead at Brandt Crossing............ 5413 Tanner Ave S.................. Fargo ��$379,000 ISR Homes..................................................................... Parkview............................................ 3235 26th St S........................ Moorhead ��$260,000 Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc NDPB.................................... Mallard Creek.................................... 3920 13th St S........................ Moorhead �� $212,817 Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc NDPB.................................... Eaglewood......................................... 2613 6th St W.......................... West Fargo �� $379,011 Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc NDPB.................................... Eaglewood......................................... 2602 6th St W......................... West Fargo �� $268,893 Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc NDPB.................................... Goldenwood....................................... 1323 4th St NW....................... West Fargo �� $170,707 Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc NDPB.................................... Goldenwood....................................... 1301 Goldenwood Dr................ West Fargo �� $239,384 Jordahl Custom Homes, Inc NDPB.................................... South Pond at the Preserve............... 726 30th Terrace E................. West Fargo ��$299,900 Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc CGB, CGP......................... River’s Bend at the Preserve.............. 2871 E Rivers Bend................. West Fargo ��$568,900 Krueger Construction, Inc NDPB....................................... Brooks Harbor.................................... 2363 Harbor Ln....................... West Fargo ��$335,700 Krueger Construction, Inc NDPB....................................... Farmstead at Brandt Crossing............ 5470 34th Ave S..................... Fargo �� $335,854 Labellken Homes............................................................ River’s Bend at the Preserve.............. 2619 McLeod Dr E................... West Fargo ��$765,000 Landmark Homes............................................................ Charleswood...................................... 683 20 1/2 Ave E................... West Fargo ��$479,900 Monarch Homes.............................................................. Eagle Pointe...................................... 7393 15th St S........................ Fargo �� $401,000 Paula Rae Homes & Gardens, Inc.................................. West River......................................... 215 37th Ave E........................ West Fargo ��$580,000 Paula Rae Homes & Gardens, Inc.................................. The Wilds at Westport........................ 856 47th Ave W...................... West Fargo ��$495,000 Paula Rae Homes & Gardens, Inc.................................. The Wilds at Westport........................ 4722 Lilac Dr........................... West Fargo ��TBD Platinum Homes............................................................. Eagle Pointe...................................... 7323 15th St S........................ Fargo ��$336,900 Platinum Homes............................................................. Davies............................................... 2328 67th Ave S..................... Fargo ��$276,900 Plecity Kowalski Construction, Inc................................... The Wilds at Westport........................ 816 48th Ave W....................... West Fargo ��$590,000 Plecity Kowalski Construction, Inc................................... Shadow Creek................................... 3701 Houkom Dr E.................. West Fargo ��$470,000 Plecity Kowalski Construction, Inc................................... Eagle Pointe...................................... 7297 14th St S........................ Fargo �� $510,000 Prairieland Homes, LLC.................................................. Brooks Harbor.................................... 1137 26th Ave W..................... West Fargo ��$335,000 Qin Construction, Inc...................................................... Eagle Pointe...................................... 7324 Eagle Pointe Dr.............. Fargo ��$589,000 Reliant Custom Homes, LLC........................................... Crofton Coves.................................... 6841 21st St S......................... Fargo ��$389,800 RHR Construction, Inc.................................................... Woodhaven........................................ 4370 43rd Ave S..................... Fargo ��$299,900 Rick Halvorson Construction, Inc..................................... Woodbridge Addition.......................... 1209 Southwood Dr................. Dilworth ��$269,900 Serenity Homes of Fargo-Moorhead................................ South Pond at the Preserve............... 621 29th Ave E........................ West Fargo ��$329,900 Spire Custom Homes...................................................... Valley View........................................ 3592 50th St S........................ Fargo ��$349,000 T & S Custom Homes, Inc NDPB..................................... The Pines at the District..................... 4276 Ponderosa Pl S............... Fargo ��$460,900 Thomsen Homes............................................................. Brooks Harbor.................................... 2523 10th St W....................... West Fargo �� $312,900 Thomsen Homes............................................................. Farmstead at Brandt Crossing............ 5422 Tanner Ave S................. Fargo ��$399,900 Thomsen Homes............................................................. Valley View........................................ 5455 38th Ave S..................... Fargo ��$208,500 Thomsen Homes............................................................. Valley View........................................ 5441 38th Ave S...................... Fargo ��$297,500 Thomsen Homes............................................................. Valley View........................................ 5411 38th Ave S...................... Fargo ��$267,500 Thomsen Homes............................................................. Valley View........................................ 5419 38th Ave S...................... Fargo ��$230,500 Titan Homes, Inc............................................................ Shadow Creek................................... 3713 4th St S.......................... West Fargo ��$585,000 Titan Homes, Inc............................................................ Shadow Creek................................... 118 35th Ave E........................ West Fargo ��$499,900 Titan Homes, Inc............................................................ Valley View........................................ 3551 54th St S........................ Fargo ��$475,000 Titan Homes, Inc............................................................ Eagle Pointe...................................... 1505 Claire Dr S...................... Fargo ��$550,000 Turn Key Construction, Inc.............................................. Eaglewood......................................... 613 W 27th Ave....................... West Fargo ��$349,900 Turn Key Construction, Inc.............................................. Eaglewood......................................... 2616 W 7th St.......................... West Fargo ��$324,900 Urban Prairie Homes a division of A & R Drywall.................... Shadow Creek................................... 180 33rd Ave E........................ West Fargo ��$463,900 V & H Construction, Inc.................................................. Hampton............................................ 4839 Abby Way....................... Moorhead ��$359,900 VanDoren Building Company, LLC.................................. Strawberry Fields............................... 3405 4th St E.......................... West Fargo ��TBD VanOverschelde Custom Homes, LLC............................. Valley View........................................ 3580 54th St S........................ Fargo ��$585,000 VanOverschelde Custom Homes, LLC............................. Valley View........................................ 3587 54th St S........................ Fargo ��$580,000 Verity Homes CGB, CGP..................................................... The Pines at the District..................... 4277 54th Ave S..................... Fargo ��$470,990 Verity Homes CGB, CGP..................................................... The Pines at the District..................... 4281 54th Ave S...................... Fargo �� $436,990 Wendt Construction Co, Inc............................................. The Wilds at Westport........................ 1016 Mulberry Ln...................... West Fargo ��$595,000 CAPS, CGB, CGP, CGR, NDPB: Designations from the National Association of Home Builders and North Dakota Association of Builders.

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Largest Parade Since presented by CenturyLink

2007 offers cause for Celebration

by Allison Weckman, Membership & Marketing Coordinator There is no better way than a party to wrap up the largest Parade since 2007. Plan to attend the Parade of Homes Celebration presented by CenturyLink May 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn. That evening, we will honor our Builder member participants and view a photo presentation of the entries. “We’re thrilled to present this event for our Fargo-Moorhead builders,” says Terry VanWatermulen, CenturyLink area operations manager. “CenturyLink is focused on building for the future and supporting those who do the same.” Building for the future with CenturyLink means building with a fiber optic network that can provide consumers with speed up to one Gigabit per second. Why? Consumers are requesting more bandwidth than ever before. According to Huffington Post, the average household will own 50 Internet connected devices by 2020. The social begins at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. During dinner, see photos of all Parade of Homes entries, including the luxurious featured homes. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the night to all members in attendance; if you have an item you would like to donate, please drop it off at the HBA office by May 13. All Parade builders will be eligible to win cash prizes ranging from $50 to $800. Builders who are on the Parade for the first time, or who have multiple entries, will be included in special drawings. Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation will receive the proceeds from the featured homes on the Parade.

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REMODELERS LETTER FROMCOUNCIL THE PRESIDENT

Russ Richards, Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area, Inc. Home Builders Association of FargoMoorhead Remodelers Council 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 www.hbafm.com Address inquiries to Allison Weckman 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 allisonw@hbafm.com

MEMBERS ABC Seamless Accent Contracting ACME TOOLS Allied Building Products Corp. Arvig Braaten Cabinets Inc. Crane Johnson Lumber Company Dakota Construction of Fargo, Inc. Dave Anderson Construction Design Direction, Inc. Dustin Murray Construction Fargo Linoleum Company Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom Fiske Construction, LLP Foam Doctor’s, LLC Granites Unlimited Home Heating, Plumbing & A/C, Inc. Homemakers Villa Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. Lake Agassiz Habitat For Humanity Laney’s, Inc. Luxury Builders/ Designs Minnkota Windows, Inc. Norandex Opp Construction Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of the Red River Valley Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area, Inc. Red River Electric, Inc. RRC Specialties, Inc. Simonson Lumber Smart Spaces, Inc. Stenerson Lumber Stone Countertop Outlet Stone Holding Company Syverson Tile & Stone Twin City Garage Door, Inc. Western Products, Inc.

Invi t i n g Showroom Brings

Organization to Every Situation by Chelsea Smith Communications & Office Coordinator More space, more bling and a lot more storage: Smart Spaces’ new showroom has it all. Ursula Hegvik, owner of Smart Spaces and Remodelers Council Member, has upgraded her showroom to be bigger and better. The new office park near 52nd Avenue also hosts other HBA of F-M members like Rainbow Play Systems, Studs to Rugs and Custom Cinema & Sound to name a few. Smart Spaces specializes in organization and creates custom closets, offices, pantries, kids closets, playrooms, garages and custom organizational pieces. After outgrowing her previous location, Hegvik wanted a place with a more effective layout. She says, “Building a new showroom allowed us to place walls where we wanted, to make it feel more like an actual home.” The showroom offers a range of styles from classic to contemporary but with

one common thread, fabulousness! “It was fun to make decisions on finishes and other finishing touches to make things stand out and really showcase what we can do for our clients,” Hegvik says. The showroom has a few unique features like a live plant wall and heated countertops from Stone Countertop Outlet, in the office and front desk. The showroom also acts as an art gallery. Originally seeing the concept two years ago in New York City, Hegvik knew it was a must for her new showroom. “I loved how adding the art made the showroom feel more alluring and I love the idea of giving local artists another outlet to show their works,” Hegvik says. With the hopes of making her showroom feel more like home, the art is also a great tie with the community. It also offers a unique way to keep the showroom fresh and ever-changing, rotating artist every 2-3 months. Right now the featured artist is Paul Allen, the bright pieces bring warmth and

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excitement to the space. The new showroom has allowed Hegvik to showcase more items that her old space didn’t allow, like a murphy bed, entertainment center, integrated closet lighting, a garage layout and several different types of office systems. “It’s nice to be able to show people some things that they were asking to see before, or simply didn’t know we offer,” says Hegvik. During this process she worked closely with many HBA members including Design Direction, Syverson Tile & Stone, Stone Countertop Outlet, Granites Unlimited, Western Products and Frontier Glass and Mirror Inc. When there are so many new things, it’s hard to choose your favorite part, Hegvik jokes. “Mostly I love the feel of this space. I’ve always enjoyed my job, I love working with people and helping them in their homes. It’s an honor to improve people’s daily lives the way our team does.” The showroom is open, so stop by and check out all of the unique storage solutions! Hegvik will host a grand opening at the end of April. Watch www. smartspacesfargo.com for more details.

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Building Officials Corner Egress Windows….again

I don’t like to repeat myself when it comes to code requirements, however, sometimes it just becomes necessary. In the past, I have cautioned you about egress windows. We’ve run into two projects where a couple of Ron C. Strand unfortunate and unnecessary things Fargo Inspections Administrator have happened. Windows that should have been egress have been installed which had an open-able area that was too narrow. Specifically, these windows had an open-able width of 19 inches when a minimum of 20 inches was required. Close is not good enough. These are already minimum requirements. The inspector(s) involved correctly cited the projects as non-complying. My point here, of course, is that such things should not happen especially when we are dealing with such a long-standing requirement. You should be able to rely on your window supplier to provide egress windows when they would be required. The minimum dimensions for egress windows remain: 5.7 square feet, minimum opening width of 20 inches and a minimum opening height of 24 inches (just in case you have a calculator, 20 inches by 24 inches will not yield 5.7 square feet). At least one dimension has to be larger.

Over the next couple of years there will be a tremendous amount of pressure on our city hall area (and downtown in general) as a result of several major projects including the new city building, new pumping stations and underground, remodeled main fire station and permanent 2nd street levy. Public access to city hall, as an example, will be very limited with nearly non-existent parking for customers and staff. It will be necessary to relocate the entire inspections department for the project’s duration to the public safety building at 4630 15 Ave. N. Our space will be much more limited, but should be serviceable for our needs. We will keep you informed on the date that the move will actually occur. If our phone numbers change, we will provide them to your HBA office and publish them with other move information on our website. The move aside, all of our capabilities, services and requirements for inspection notifications will remain the same.

New construction year

Have a great start to your year. All of us at inspections hope you have a productive and profitable construction year.

2015 International Codes

Believe it or not, it’s time again to review the newest version of the International Codes; we will begin in September and the hearings will run into March 2016. For the first time ever, stake holders such as the National Association of Home Builders and Building Owners and Managers Association have voiced their support to encourage any governmental unit that adopts a code, to adopt the 2015 version of the International Codes. The HBA of F-M and city of Fargo have been extremely successful with adoption of previous International Codes over the past several code cycles, so it is nice to see the rest of the country catching up.

Staff changes

We have been interviewing to fill staff positions almost constantly and you may have thought we were “staffing up” to meet the demand last year and anticipating a similar demand this year. This would only partially be true. Most of the interviews resulted from the departure of two residential building inspectors and the promotion of another. That being the case, we have been fortunate to add some great folks to our staff who come with considerable enforcement or construction experience. Even though these folks have considerable experience, they are new to the enforcement of the IRC. We strive for predictability and consistency inspectorto-inspector. This is not going to happen overnight. There will be inconsistencies until they all come up to speed and remember their training does not occur in a vacuum; we all have to continue to “get the job done” while the training is ongoing. Please be patient.

Relocation

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Home Builders Care Stays Focused on Workforce Workforce development has become a key focus of Home Builders Care. We have

heard from members across all sectors of the industry that workers are needed for almost every type of position. As a goal of the Association, we are always thinking of new ways to promote the industry.

Home & Garden Show Lego Competition

Dan Parrow, ISR Homes Home Builders Care Foundation of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 www.hbcfm.com Home Builders Care Foundation was created in 1993 by the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead. It is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization. It was established with funds donated by HBA members, fundraising events and the HBA itself. The purpose for its creation was to provide an outlet for the builder, remodeler, and companies related to the building industry to show the community that there is more to the building industry than demolition, construction and remodeling. The HBA handles the administratvie duties for the foundation at no charge. Any contribution designated to the foundation goes directly to the foundation and its charitable work.

President Dan Parrow, ISR Homes Vice President Bob Kochmann, Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc. Secretary Casey Beckerleg, Stenerson Lumber Treasurer Monica Hart, Monica Hart Interior Design TRUSTEES Dave Anderson, Dave Anderson Construction Dan Beecher, Foam Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, LLC Carl Blank, Structural Materials, Inc. Randy Cramer, NAI North Central Sylvia Lunski, Design Direction, Inc. Chad Maloy, Gate City Bank Brad Morris, Casselton Lumber Dustin Murray, Dustin Murray Construction Past President Mike Anderson, Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

Address inquiries to Jenny Erickson 1802 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-5846 Fax: (701) 280-1108 jenny@hbafm.com

Our first Lego Home Building Competition at the Red River Valley Home & Garden show is a perfect example of how something most kids play with every day can help foster an interest in building homes early in life. At the RRV Home & Garden Show we saw 40 children, ages 5-13, show incredible creativity and design ability. There were homes with pools, apartment buildings, a tree house, a home on the Sheyenne River, a pyramid and even a deer trying to get into a vegetable garden! We hope this event also helped parents realize that there are rewarding careers available to their children. This event was so successful, we had a waiting list of children wanting to participate. Already, we have started to think of how we can make the event better and allow more children to compete. We have even started to think about a Lego home building competition for adults! Thank you to Dakota Supply Group, Dustin Murray Construction, Minnesota State Community & Technical College Carpentry Department and North Dakota State College of Science Architecture & Construction for supporting this event! We look forward to growing.

Local Career Fairs

Promoting construction careers at the High school level is part of our workforce development plan. We will participate in the Davies Career Fair April 8 and the Moorhead High School Career Fair April 28. These opportunities allow us to speak to students who are starting to think about what they want to do after high school.

Herdina Academy set for June 1-12

The 18th annual Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades is coming up in June. This two-week event is the best promotion the industry has in our area. High schoolers get the chance to work side-by-side doing hands-on activities with contractors. Many contractors have hired students for the rest of the summer. Cost to attend the Academy is only $25 for students. We have already had multiple calls of students interested in attending. To keep costs low, we need the support of the industry. Please consider adopting a student for $75. Your adoption will help us pay for our instructors, purchase materials and make sure we are putting on a high-quality experience. We will also need contractors to volunteer four to eight hours in June to work with the students and show them how much fun the home building industry can be. Contact Jenny Erickson at (701) 232-5846 or jenny@hbafm.com to learn more.

Dan Parrow HBC President ISR Homes

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

Builder Confidence New Study Allows Drops Two Points in Builders to Compare March Employee Compensation March 16, 2015 - Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes in March fell two points to a level of Against Industry 53 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Standards “Even with this slight slip, the HMI remains in positive March 12, 2015 - A newly released publication from territory and we expect the market to improve as we enter the spring buying season,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “The drop in builder confidence is largely attributable to supply chain issues, such as lot and labor shortages as well as tight underwriting standards,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “These obstacles notwithstanding, we are expecting solid gains in the housing market this year, buoyed by sustained job growth, low mortgage interest rates and pentup demand.” Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current singlefamily home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor. Two of the three HMI components posted losses in March. The component gauging current sales conditions fell three points to 58 while the component measuring buyer traffic dropped two points to 37. The gauge charting sales expectations in the next six months held steady at 59. Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast and South each posted a two-point drop to 43 and 55, respectively. The Midwest rose two points to 56, while the West fell seven points to 61.

Editor’s Note: The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index is strictly the product of NAHB Economics, and is not seen or influenced by any outside party prior to being released to the public. HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. More information on housing statistics is also available at housingeconomics.com.

BuilderBooks, the book publishing arm of the National Association of Home Builders gives homes builders an inside look at building industry employee compensation trends across the country. The 2014 Single-Family Builder Compensation Study provides compensation and benefits data for 39 common positions at single-family home building companies including Controller, Director of IT, Estimator, and Office Manager. The study, which was based on data collected in July from builders across the country, is divided into two sections that present the survey findings from different perspectives. The first section provides a broad view of the full-time positions that currently exist at single-family building companies, as well as a comparison of average total compensation and benefits across positions. The second part of the study offers a more detailed view of each individual position’s average compensation and benefits. Builders can use the results to benchmark what they pay their employees against current industry averages. The study shows average total compensation and the prevalence of benefits offered to each position by geographic region, 2014 dollar volume, number of single-family units started in 2013, and the number of employees on payroll. The 2014 Single-Family Builder Compensation Study is available for purchase ($149.95 Retail/$79.95 NAHB Member, ISBN 978-0-86718-737-3) at BuilderBooks. com or by calling 800-223-2665. The eBook is available at ebooks.builderbooks.com ($89.99 Retail/$55.99 for NAHB Members). Editor’s Notes: Editors interested in receiving a review copy of the 2014 Single-Family Builder Compensation Study, may contact Patricia Potts at 202-266-8224 or ppotts@nahb.org.

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Building the Future of North Dakota Healthcare

from the Woman’s Perspective Chapter #246 Corner

and in the words of Assistant Project Manager Melanie Nordhougen, “There’s never a dull moment!” Coming from a drywall and metal framing background, this is Nordhougen’s sixth largest hospital project. She is accustomed to the continual adjustments and thrives on diving into the details to guarantee the owner’s expectations are exceeded. However, by Emily Sumner, Mortenson Construction living in California for the last six years has made the last Once the great Lake Agassiz, now a fully advancing winter harsher than imagined. In contrast, the winters are construction site to be the future location of the largest new painless for Project Engineer Maria Selk. She has been medical center in the state of North Dakota, the Sanford Fargo working for Mortenson for over three years and this is the Medical Center (SFMC) is under way and scheduled to see largest project in her the first patient in late Mortenson career. Selk summer 2017. The vast has a great breadth size of the project can of experience over only be described with several scopes of work, monumental numbers. which has helped her For example, the total to support the project linear feet of steel pipe team to develop plans, pile can span almost identify challenges, and 270 football fields, there maintain the overall will be an estimated project schedule. With 1.5 million pounds of nearly a year under her ductwork, and there are belt at Mortenson, Field a projected 1.4 million Engineer Emily Sumner work hours to complete is witnessing firsthand the project. An integral the dynamics of the part of orchestrating complex project. She any project lies in a takes a support role strong project team. in managing various In this case, four of trades in the daily these exceptional team Emily Sumner, Maria Selk, Joanna Slominski and Melanie Nordhougen, Mortenson Construction tasks of inspections, members are women. resolving issues, Enhancing the project team with strong female leaders and field coordination. The role offers many opportunities to as a direct reflection of the customer demographic is a very learn the construction process, understand fine details and strategic move for Mortenson Construction. At the site, women collaborate with others to reach resolution. are involved in every facet of the project. Leading the project Outside of the project demands, the NAWIC chapter has is Construction Executive Joanna Slominski, who oversees been an ideal opportunity for the women to reach out to the all financial and project team organization and fosters the community. During WIC Week in March, Chapter #246 held customer relationship. With her 11 years of experience at a professional clothing drive for Dress for Success of the Red Mortenson, Slominski brings a different perspective to the River Valley, which undoubtedly surpassed expectations. The team leadership. She is the veteran on the team that brings women of the SFMC project are looking forward to continuing the practical knowledge and care needed to make things run to highlight the construction industry as a career path for young smoothly. Every day new challenges emerge on the project women through their involvement with NAWIC. 26

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News Briefs continued from page 5

Remodelers Council Picnic set for May 15

The Remodelers Council celebrates May as National Home Remodeling Month and is hosting a free barbecue May 15 at the HBA of F-M, 1802 32nd Ave. S., Fargo. The picnic runs 11 a.m.1 p.m. The Council welcomes employees of all member companies and anyone interested in joining the council. The local Remodelers Council is affiliated with NAHB’s Remodelers Council and has its own dues structure. It represents and serves the interest of its remodeling industry members, providing information, certification, education and recognition of programs geared toward keeping members competitive. Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm. com to attend the picnic or with any questions.

Pre-order student-built sheds, support Construction Trades Academy

Student-built sheds will be available for sale through the 2015 Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades. Prices start at around $1,750 for an 8’ x 12’ shed. Contact Dave Kraemer at (218) 299-6912 or david.kraemer@ minnesota.edu by May 15 if you are interested in pre-ordering. Limited customization is possible. Sheds will be complete by July and proceeds from the sale will be used to support the Academy in the future.

2015 Remodeled Home Tour

Mark your calanders! The Remodeled Home Tour is Oct. 3-4. Contact Lindsey Nogosek at (701) 232-5846 or lindsey@hbafm.com for details and pricing.

Mark your calendar for 2015 Golf Outing, sign up now for sponsorships

The 2015 Golf Outing is around the corner. Make sure to mark your calendar for this fun event on June 16 and July 14. The Golf Outing is a great time to network with other members. While you are thinking about it, sponsor this well-attended event for great exposure. Sponsorships are 28

available ranging from $250 - $4,000. Check out the insert included with this issue for sponsorship options and contact Allison Weckman at allisonw@ hbafm.com for details.

Support your industry: Adopt a student for the Construction Trades Academy

For $75, you can support a high school student as he or she explores the world of construction. The Academy allows students to interact with members of the construction industry and experience a variety of construction activities. Students that attend this two-week session in June are often solidifying their interest in the building industry and making plans to pursue additional educational opportunities. In addition to adopting a student, Home Builders Care Foundation, HBA of F-M, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College need the help and support of contractors and trades people from all areas. The student application will be available soon, watch the Herdina Facebook page for updates; www.hbafm. com/TradesAcademy

Take advantage of advertising options within the Association

In West Fargo • $788 total initial liability (equating to a $48 payment annually) Without the F-M Diversion, a flood insurance policy for some home owners in south Fargo could range between $2,000 and $4,000, annually. “Depending on where you live, a lot of people in Fargo will be required to have flood insurance, and those flood insurance rates are expected to climb over time,” Schneider says. “However, once the Diversion is built, and after the liability assessment is set up, the cost of flood insurance will be much lower and eventually disappear.” Dietrich adds, “I have been asked, ‘Why should I vote to approve this if I live in West Fargo or just outside of Fargo and am protected by West Fargo’s flood protection?’ My reply is ‘Do you work, shop or doctor in Fargo?’ Can anyone living in our community say they don’t depend on Fargo’s services or economic impact in one way or another? We are a metro community and the Diversion needs to be constructed to protect our livelihoods as a whole.” For more information, visit http:// www.fmdiversion.com/assessment

The HBA of F-M has opportunities to advertise through members-only publications. The new Permits Plus is published monthly and provides important government affairs updates and monthly building permit reports. This publication is meant to give an up-to-date look at what’s affecting our industry. For information on advertising in members-only publications contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com. Options start as low as $60.

President’s Message Continued From Page 6

Assessment Article Continued From Page 10 which means you can’t borrow as much money.” Here are examples of “liability” for a home valued at $200,000 (average evaluation): In south Fargo • $5,909 total initial liability (equating to a $363 payment annually)

May 14: Parade of Homes Celebration

contribution, I urge you to do so. It is our goal to get as many of our members engaged in supporting PAC as possible. BUILD-PAC, which is NAHB’s PAC, could easily be one of the largest in the nation if all members participated by contributing. Remember, your contribution is divided amongst NAHB’s BUILD-PAC, NDAB and your local HBA when you contribute. Your dollars have helped us keep building industry issues on the forefront of the minds of lawmakers. Contact the HBA at (701) 232-5846 if you need more information. The Parade of Homes runs April 30 – May 3 and May 7 - 10, with the Parade of Homes Celebration on May 14. Mark your calendar now for a great evening recognizing our Parade builders It’s going to be a fun night with a photo presentation of all homes and prizes including drawings for prizes totaling up to $800!

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Top Six Tips about the Home Office Deduction IRS Tax Tip 2015-42, March 19, 2015

If you use your home for business, you may be able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. If you qualify you can claim the deduction whether you rent or own your home. If you qualify for the deduction you may use either the simplified method or the regular method to claim your deduction. Here are six tips that you should know about the home office deduction. 1. Regular and Exclusive Use. As a general rule, you must use a part of your home regularly and exclusively for business purposes. The part of your home used for business must also be: • Your principal place of business, or • A place where you meet clients or customers in the normal course of business, or • A separate structure not attached to your home. Examples could include a garage or a studio. 2. Simplified Option. If you use the simplified option, you multiply the allowable square footage of your office by a rate of $5. The maximum footage allowed is 300 square feet. This option will save you time because it simplifies how you figure and claim the deduction. It will also make it easier for you to keep records. This option does not change the criteria for who may claim a home office deduction. 3. Regular Method. If you use the regular method, the home office deduction includes certain costs that you paid for your home. For example, if you rent your home, part of the rent you paid may qualify. If you own your home, part of the mortgage interest, taxes and utilities you paid may qualify. The amount you can deduct usually depends on the percentage of your home used for business. 4. Deduction Limit. If your gross income from the business use of your home is less than your expenses, the deduction for some expenses may be limited. 5. Self-Employed. If you are self-employed and choose the regular method, use Form 8829, Expenses for Business Use of Your Home, to figure the amount you can deduct. You can claim your deduction using either method on Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business. See the Schedule C instructions for how to report your deduction. 6. Employees. If you are an employee, you must meet additional rules to claim the deduction. For example, your business use must also be for the convenience of your employer. If you qualify, you claim the deduction on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. For more on this topic, see Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home. You can view, download and print IRS tax forms and publications on IRS.gov/forms anytime. If you found this Tax Tip helpful, please share it through your social media platforms. A great way to get tax information is to use IRS Social Media. You can also subscribe to IRS Tax Tips or any of our e-news subscriptions.

Are You Self Employed? Check Out These IRS Tax Tips IRS Tax Tip 2015-34, March 9, 2015

Many people who carry on a trade or business are selfemployed. Sole proprietors and independent contractors are two examples of self-employment. If this applies to you, there are a few basic things you should know about how your income affects your federal tax return. Here are six important tips about income from self-employment: • SE Income. Self-employment can include income you received for part-time work. This is in addition to income from your regular job. • Schedule C or C-EZ. There are two forms to report self-employment income. You must file a Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, or Schedule C-EZ, Net Profit from Business, with your Form 1040. You may use Schedule C-EZ if you had expenses less than $5,000 and meet other conditions. See the form instructions to find out if you can use the form. • SE Tax. You may have to pay self-employment tax as well as income tax if you made a profit. Selfemployment tax includes Social Security and Medicare taxes. Use Schedule SE, Self-Employment Tax, to figure the tax. If you owe this tax, make sure you file the schedule with your federal tax return. • Estimated Tax. You may need to make estimated tax payments. People typically make these payments on income that is not subject to withholding. You usually pay this tax in four installments for each year. If you do not pay enough tax throughout the year, you may owe a penalty. • Allowable Deductions. You can deduct expenses you paid to run your business that are both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your industry. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and proper for your trade or business. • When to Deduct. In most cases, you can deduct expenses in the same year you paid for them, or incurred them. However, you must ‘capitalize’ some costs. This means you can deduct part of the cost over a number of years. Visit the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center on IRS.gov for all your federal tax needs. You can also get IRS tax forms on IRS.gov/forms anytime. If you found this Tax Tip helpful, please share it through your social media platforms. A great way to get tax information is to use IRS Social Media. You can also subscribe to IRS Tax Tips or any of our e-news subscriptions.

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2015 Home Show sees great weather and qualified leads by Lindsey Nogosek, Events Coordinator

The 54th Annual Red River Valley Home & Garden Show ran Feb. 27 – March 1 and wrapped up with over 300 exhibitors! The Fargodome once again provided a great venue allowing exhibitors to showcase their skills and talents and give consumers a wide variety of services and products under one roof. Great weather brought out nearly 8,000 consumers! Consumers came from around the region and many, again, took advantage of our 2-for-1 admission hours on both Friday and Sunday. Ryan Johnson, Monarch Homes, says, “The show was very successsful and there were a lot more serious clients than previous years looking to build in the upcoming year. We had several people who talked to us that were at the show to talk specifically with builders.” Seminars by HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block Project Manager Kimberly Lacy, plus those by show sponsor Accent Kitchen & Bath and seminar sponsor Comfort Choice Homes added fun to the show while also providing great tips. Both the Lego Building Competition organized by Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation and the children’s workshop, sponsored by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, offered a great way for children to use their creativity and imagination. Thanks to all who participated!

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Declares the 2015 Tour de Habitat a resounding success! The 26 teams that participated raised over $35,400 which broke all previous records.

Members of the HBA of F-M have always been big supporters of the Tour de Habitat. This year, teams from Accent Contracting, Alerus Financial, Anderson Bottrell, Sanden & Thompson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, Eide Bailly LLP, Green Team Realty, Heritage Homes and Moore Engineering, Inc. participated in the event. Congratulations to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity for a successful event!

Most Raised - Individual: Tom Spaeth from Accent Raiders 2 raised $1,220! Most Raised - Team: Valley Imports raised $3,115 in memory of Dave Hawkinson. Most Miles - Individual Male: Tyler Spaeth (7.4 miles), Jeff Richmond (7.2 miles), Mike Andrews (7.2 miles) Most Miles - Individual Female: Krista Andrew (6.6 miles), Bianca Buono (6.3 miles), Rachel Vosberg (6.3 miles), Katherine Kiernan (6.3 miles), Sarah Bombenger (6.3 miles) Most Miles - Team: Accent Raiders 2 (42.5 miles) Team spirit - 35 Under 35

Alerus Financial

Green Team Realty

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Higher Wages: When and Why? Last year, 3.2 million net new jobs were created, the

best performance since 2000, and total employment is now several million higher than it was before the recession began. In addition, the unemployment rate which is 5.7 percent continues to fall and should be at or near 5 percent by year end, a level economists consider full employment. All of this is good news, yet serious problems remain. The Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. labor force participation rate (LFRP) is at levels last seen GraphsandLaughs LLC in 1978, which makes the unemployment rate look better than it really is, and after adjusting for inflation, wages have been declining for years. What is going on? The LFPR peaked at 67.3 percent in January 2000 and had had already fallen to 66 percent by the start of the Great Recession in January 2008, suggesting that other forces beyond the weak economy were already at work pushing it down. That said, by the end of the Great Recession in June 2009, the LFPR was down just half of one percentage point to 65.5 percent. Normally, it then would have started rising as the improving economy pulled unemployed workers back into the labor force from the ranks of the unemployed. Instead, the LFPR went into free fall, hitting a low of 62.8 percent in October 2013 where it has remained since. The decline in the LFPR from 66 percent to 62.8 percent not only represents a loss of four and a half million workers, but also has no historic precedent. That said, much of the decline was inevitable. About half of the decline is due to demographics. That is, the number of Baby Boomers who are retiring are currently vastly outpacing the number of new entrants into the labor market. Exacerbating this trend is that today’s youngsters are better educated and, thus, spend longer in school than earlier generations, further delaying their entrance into the world of work. Another quarter of the decline is due to the severity of the recent recession, and the remaining 25 percent decline is simply unexplained. These might be people who are obtaining additional education, receiving disability insurance and may or may not work again, those who have become unemployable, and those who simply gave up. Whatever the cause, knowing how many people in this category return to work is critical to understanding what lies ahead. Some have returned, some will return and some will never return. However, no matter what happens to those persons, close to 10,000 Baby Boomers retire every day. As a result, the fact that the LFRP has not fallen since October 2013 suggests these discouraged workers are returning. Were that not the case, the LFRP would have continued falling. So flat really is the new up! Looking to the future, the greater the number of these discouraged workers who return to the labor force, the slower the decline in the unemployment rate will be, the higher the LFRP will be but perhaps most importantly, the slower wage growth will be. And that’s the kicker. By contrast, if discouraged workers stop returning to the labor force, the unemployment rate will fall faster and wages will start rising more quickly but it would also mean that millions of previously employed persons have given up on work and that is very bad. Ideally, discouraged workers will continue returning and wages will remain flat for a while longer but will eventually start rising. Unfortunately, my guess is that relatively few discouraged workers who have not yet returned will. As a result, expect wage growth to start rising sooner, probably by year end. 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.

HBA Offers Course on new Minnesota Code April 9

by Jenny Erickson, Director Development & Education Starting Jan. 24, the 2015 Minnesota Residential Building code changes went into effect. Feb. 14 saw the Energy code changes enacted. Not only are builders and contractors learning how to build under the new code, so are our building officials. On April 9, Ed VonThoma, Building Knowledge Inc., and the author of the BAM’s field guides will be presenting 2015 Minnesota Residential Building & Energy Code changes. VonThoma will review fire-resistant construction, window fall protection, automatic fire sprinkler systems, concrete footings, foundation waterproofing, energy code changes in insulation, air barriers and blower door testing. The class is approved for seven hours of Minnesota Residential Contractor continuing education credits including two hours of energy. The class is only $100 for members and includes lunch. It will be held at Cass County Electric Cooperative, 3312 42nd St. S., Fargo. Contact Jenny to register at (701) 232-5846 or jenny@hbafm. com.

Mark your calendar

May 14 - Succession Planning Lunch Session May 13 and 15 - EPA RRP Refresher Pre-1978 home language

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‘CHILLY’ cook-off MEMBERSHIP CORNER

1. Front: Terry Braaten, Ray Otterson, Braaten Cabinets Back: Quinn Schenck and Dawn Schmitt, Braaten Cabinets; Rebecca Paulsen, Cambria and Aletha Lippay, Braaten Cabinets. 2. Steve Breyer, Stenerson Lumber, winner of the 2015 ‘Chilly’ Cook-Off with Real Chili 3. Robin Swanson, Superior Insurance; Mandi Smith and Joyce Balstad, Stone Countertop Outlet; Jason Eid, Eid-Co Homes; Kevin Gustman, Twin City Garage Door. 34

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Real Chili

No Bull, All Buffalo

Hole Molé

Children’s Chili

Beer Blazin’ Chili & Kickin’ Chicken Chili

Pure Deliciousness II

Tastiest Chili Imagineable & Ring of Fire

The ‘Chilly’ Cook-Off brought out HBA of F-M members, even though the weather was anything but cold. This year’s event was hosted at Braaten Cabinets. The event was a great opportunity to sample chili. network with members and take a tour of Braaten Cabinet’s showroom! The event featured ten unique recipes. There was some heated competition for the traveling Golden Ladle trophy, but in the end the winner was “Real Chili” by Stenerson Lumber. Second place went to last year’s winner, Heritage Homes with “Pure Delisiousness II” and third place went to our host Braaten Cabinets for their entry “Beer Blazin’ Chili.” Thank you to Cambria for sponsoring drinks and to everyone who attended! If you are interested in hosting a future ‘Chilly’ Cook-Off, contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com to get on the list.

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NEW MEMBERS

ASSOCIATE AR Foam Insulation 3920 Co Rd 17 N West Fargo, ND 58078 Chris Hayden (701) 793-5962 Business Activity: Insulation & Energy - Contractor Sponsor: Scott Fluge, Norsk Builders

Property Partners Management, Inc. 710 1st St NE Perham, MN 56573 Gina Walkup (218) 346-3975 Business Activity: Property Management Sponsor: John Koerselman, Red River Drywall & Painting Services, Inc.

Reliant Custom Homes, LLC 4804 45th Ave S Fargo, ND 58104 Scott Wolf (701) 306-4305 Business Activity: Builder - Custom Homes Sponsor: John V. Hough, J.V. Hough, Inc.

Bueide Law Firm, LLC 1 North 2nd St, Ste 100 Fargo, ND 58102 Dan Bueide (701) 551-5151 Business Activity: Attorneys Sponsor: Don Dabbert, Jr., Dabbert Custom Homes

Roto-Rooter 2080 33rd St S Moorhead, MN 56560 Wesley Wateland (701) 232-3366 Business Activity: Sewer & Water Sponsor: Cody Parr, Home Heating, Plumbing & A.C, Inc.

Fargo Winnelson Company 3333 39th St S Fargo, ND 58104 Jerrod McPherson (701) 282-2309 Business Activity: Electrical Suppliers, Heating & Air Conditioning - Supplier, Plumbing Supplier Sponsor: Robin Swanson, Superior Insurance

BUILDER

VanDoren Building Company LLC 3301 16th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103 Steve Martz (701) 388-0717 Business Activity: Builder - Custom Homes Sponsor: Amber Nefzger, Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead

Lisa J. Wheeler & Associates P.C. 35 N 4th St, Ste 102 Fargo, ND 58102 Dane McCartney (701) 232-2653 Business Activity: Attorneys Sponsor: Joey Johnson, The Title Company Precision Placement, LLC 2618 16th Ave S Moorhead, MN 56560 Shane Gebeke (218) 287-1151 Business Activity: Concrete & Cement - Contractor Sponsor: Chad Ohnstad, All Finish Concrete, Inc.

Blue Ridge Builders 1525 10th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103 Jon Krump (701) 899-0488 Business Activity: Builder Residential Sponsor: Terry Lipp, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom

ASSOCIATE - AFFILIATE

Ham Construction Inc. 4671 10th St N Fargo, ND 58102 Dale Hammerschmidt (701) 200-2698 Business Activity: Builder - Custom Homes Sponsor: Richard Schmit, Schmit Brothers Construction, Inc.

Trevor Odden Stone Ridge Builders, Inc. PO Box 9782 Fargo, ND 58102 (701) 261-4336 Business Activity: Builder - Custom Homes, Remodeler - Residential

Kevin Fisher Park Co. Realtors 28 10th St N Fargo, ND 58102 (701) 237-5031 Business Activity: Real Estate & Sales

BUILDER - AFFILIATE

Reading Custom Homes 617 Valley St Hawley, MN 56549 Raymond Reading (218) 486-4900 Business Activity: Builder- General Sponsor: Terry Lipp, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom

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Thank you 2015 Member Meeting Sponsors!

ADVERTISER INDEX Acme Tools Aggregate Industries Bell State Bank & Trust Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Camrud-Foss Construction Carpet World Cass County Abstract Company Cass County Electric Cooperative Central Minnesota Credit Union Coldwell Banker Crane Johnson Lumber Co. Dawson Insurance

15 9 22 38 19 37 22 22 38 7 22 23

FM Title Goodin Company Hauck & Buchholz Drywall, Inc. Knight Printing Lampert Lumber Minnkota Windows, Inc. Northland Truss Systems Property Resources Group Rigels, Inc. Stenerson Lumber Stone Countertop Outlet The Title Company Valley View Xcel

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38 39 7 2 25 2 29 19 38 19 22 22 2 3 37

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Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead 1802 32nd Ave. S. Fargo, ND 58103 www.hbafm.com | info@hbafm.com (701) 232-5846 | (701) 280-1108 fax est. 1956

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FARGO ND PERMIT NO 1387

Kolams Q4009

I n c o r p o r a t e d

/Fabsupply

828 NP Ave | Fargo, ND 58102 701.298.0644 | fabricatorssupply.net Wholesale To Trade

Wilsonart Debuts the Wilsonart® Quartz Collection

Versatile. Consistent. Translucent. Ambiguous, Hard, Shiny, Cool to the touch, Modern, Colorful. Resilient. The inaugural Wilsonart® Quartz patterns celebrate discovery with designs inspired by locations and cultures from as far away as the Gobi desert to the Midwest skies of the USA and native peoples of the Americas, Australia and Southeast Asia. This high-tech manmade material is equally suited for the home as it is for a hospital, hotel, office or resort. As the earth’s second most abundant mineral, quartz offers unlimited opportunities for discovery among homeowners, architects and builders.

COLZA Q4002

ADENA Q4005

HAIDA Q4008

MEHNDI Q4004

KABI Q3004

KOLAMS Q4009

SANGDA FALLS Q4012

XCARET Q4006

→ For a complete list of colors go to www.wilsonart.com

/Fabsupply

828 NP Ave | Fargo ND 58102 701.298.0644 | fabricatorssupply.net Wholesale To Trade

FOR HOUSING Fargo Special Election April 28

Cass County Joint Water Resource District Ballot

Mayor

Due April 30 VOTE YES

Dr. Tim Mahoney or Brad Wimmer

City Commission Scott Wagner

to approve an assessment district to finance a portion of North Dakota’s local share of the F-M Area Diversion Project.

Paid for by the North Dakota Association of Builders Political Action Committee. Contact the HBA of F-M at (701) 232-5846 to find out more information about the HBA’s election process and how to donate to NDAB-PAC. HBA of F-M • 1802 32nd Ave S • Fargo, ND 58103 www.hbafm.com • info@hbafm.com

hba outing

June 16 & July 14

(Rain dates June 23 & July 21)

SPONSORSHIP Oxbow Country Club

OPPORTUNITIES

TOURNAMENT $4,000 Early Registration

BEVERAGE $2,000 Early registration

Eight free golfers total* Logo on signage (scorecard, program cover and Plains Builder cover) Recognition on www.hbafm.com Opportunity to speak at opening announcements or dinner

REGISTRATION & CART $900

Logo on signage (scorecard, program and Plains Builder) Recognition on www.hbafm.com

Early registration

Four free golfers total* Logo on signage (scorecard, program and Plains Builder) and on two beverage carts Recognition on www.hbafm.com Distribute beverages at one golf hole (cost of beverages included in sponsorship)

DESSERT $400

Early registration Two free golfers total*

LUNCH $1,500

Early registration Logo on signage (scorecard, program and Plains Builder) Dessert served at dinner (cost of dessert included in sponsorship)

Four free golfers total* Logo on signage (scorecard, program and Plains Builder) Recognition on www.hbafm.com Lunch served during registration (cost of lunch included in sponsorship)

HOLE $250 Early registration Company name on a sign at a hole Company name listed in the Plains Builder

All sponsorships listed above are for both golf outings, the price covers both events. *Total free golfers across both event dates. As a sponsor, you also have the choice to provide one, or all, of the following options for both event dates! (Please indicate choices below)

PROMOTIONAL ITEM FOR GOLF BAGS DOOR PRIZE

Must provide up to 144 per day. Item you will provide ________________________

Please circle date(s) you will provide for

JUNE 16

JULY 14

GAME ON A HOLE The company will supply signage, prize and attendant. Prize must be of $50 value or higher. Games are subject to approval to ensure consistent play on course. Game _______________ Preferred Hole _______________ Prize _______________ By signing below, Company agrees to the indicated sponsorship of the HBA of F-Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Golf Outing. Please complete and return this agreement by Friday, April 17. Early registration for one foursome is open to sponsors only beginning April 20 (Tournament Sponsor may register both free teams at that time). Registration for all members opens May 4. Additional foursome entries will be accepted May 18-22. Return agreement and payment to Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, 1802 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, N.D. 58103. For details or questions, contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com.

Company___________________________________________ Name (Please Print) _____________________________________________ Signature_________________________________________________________ Date ________________________________________

JOIN US FOR THE

REMODELERS COUNCIL PICNIC! TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOME REMODELING MONTH The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead invites all members to the Remodelers Council Picnic 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 15 at our office, 1802 32nd Ave. S., Fargo.

F BRATS

POTATO SALAD

CHIPS SPONSORED BY

DRINKS

Please pre-register so we can provide enough food. Contact Allison Weckman at (701) 232-5846 or allisonw@hbafm.com.

WATER POP