Mbia marapr 15

March/April 2015 The exclusive magazine of MBIA

ALL ABOARD! Builder Mart 2015

16

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

26

DEATH IN THE SUBURBS PART II

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March/April 15

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IN THIS ISSUE

12 FEATURES COVER FEATURE

12

BUILDER MART 2015 What’s on Deck

16

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS Honoring Those Who Give Back

22

MBIA’S WINTER BAL An Affair To Remember

26

DEATH IN THE SUBURBS PART II The Trouble with Zoning

IN EVERY ISSUE 2

EVENTS CALENDAR

10 ENGINEER’S TOOLBOX

36 NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

11 LEADERSHIP INSTALLATION

38 NEW MEMBERS

6

CEO’S MESSAGE

32 COUNCIL CONNECTIONS

40 STARS CLUB

8

LEGAL BRIEF

34 STATS & FACTS

40 ADVERTISER INDEX

marylandbuilders.org

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EVENTS CALENDAR

MARCH Builder Mart

Maryland State Fairgrounds Timonium, MD EDITOR March 25

Kristin Josephson Hogle, Communications Director communications@homebuilders.org

ADVERTISING Chris Baughan, Advertising Sales Manager 410-265-7400, ext. 121 chris@homebuilders.org

Prince George’s Heather Winkel, Art Director Corinne Thompson, Graphic Designer County Network Design Group ndg@networkmediapartners.com Legislative HBAM LEGAL COUNSEL Breakfast Linowes and Blocher DESIGN

Greenbelt Marriott Greenbelt, MD Member is a publication of HBAM Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Home March 30 Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

6030 Daybreak Circle #A150 PMB 362 Clarksville, MD 21029 *Changes in dates and locations of events 410-265-7400, www.homebuilders.org.

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Maryland Building Industry Association Fulton, MD Helps You March 31, April 7, 14, 21 &Reach 28

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Inc., 6030 Daybreak Circle #A150 PMB 362 Clarksville, MD 21029

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• The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® program promotes BUILD Maryland text and cover pages are printed on SFI certified Anthem Plus Gloss using soy ink. sustainable forest management.

Contact Eddy Esplund, Tremco Barrier Solutions, to schedule a “Energy Trade-Off Analysis” on your most popular ho BUILD Maryland is published bimonthly by MBIA—the Maryland Building Industry Association, 11825 West Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759. The stateEnviro-Dri WRB can reduce air changes, reduce your constru ments and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of MBIA. The publisher reserves the right you meet isthe 2012forIECC code. to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at its discretion.

The publisher not responsible claims made by advertisers. POSTMASTER: Send The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® program promotes sustainable forest management.

change of address to MBIA, 11825 West Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759, USA. © 2015 MBIA. All rights reserved.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The exclusive magazine of MBIA

SPRING AHEAD!

I

s it Spring yet? There is nothing like those occasional glimpses of warm weather in March and April to herald the triumphant return of the change of season. I am sure all of us involved in the construction industry relish this time of year when we can look forward to ramping up our teams to sell and build more homes!

It was great to see such a fabulous turnout for the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas – held January 20-22. Over 250 members represented MBIA at the show this year, and we were treated to the latest innovations in construction products and technology, including a whole new genre of home automation products. After so many years of reduced attendance, it was great to feel the energy and excitement back as the premier event of our industry.

Of course, 2015 began with a lot of energy and excitement right here in Maryland; First and foremost, we witnessed history in that we elected the first Governor in our state to have roots in the building industry. And while we have been made acutely aware of the challenges facing our state’s finances, never before have we been able to look ahead so optimistically, knowing that at the very least our Executive branch fully understands the value the building industry has on the economy.

2015 also marked the inaugural year for the MBIA. With our new organization, we can finally have a focused approach to the issues affecting our membership, and can respond with a cohesive and united voice, not only in Annapolis but at the local level as well. It is now more important than ever to help get MBIA onto solid footing with your active support and involvement, and there are many ways to get the most out of your membership. First and foremost, our advocacy at both the state and local levels means that MBIA is tracking the issues important to your business survival. Attending county chapter and council meetings allows you to get informed and stay ahead of legislation and issues that may directly affect your business. Additionally, our events calendar represents a wealth of opportunity to network with fellow builder members and associates. The relationships that result from these member interactions can have wonderfully profound effects, not only on individual business opportunities but also from long lasting professional relationships. I would encourage you to not only get personally involved, but encourage involvement at all levels of your company in the activities of MBIA – there is truly an opportunity for all to find interesting and educational benefits through participation in the organization.

In this issue you will be able to preview our largest and most exciting event of the year – Builder Mart 2015, located in the Cow Palace (yes, really) of the Maryland State Fairgrounds, in Timonium, MD. At Builder Mart you will be treated to aisles and aisles of the latest products and services, plus a day full of educational seminars and the legendary Bull & Oyster Roast all in an atmosphere filled with familiar and friendly faces. Check out the website at www.buildermart.org for details and to order tickets and treat yourself and your fellow employees by taking time to attend and explore the show – you won’t regret it!

TOM BAUM President, MBIA

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March/April 15

2015 MBIA LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President, Tom Baum 1st Vice President, David Lunden Vice President/Advocacy, Baltimore Mkt., Steve Smith Vice President /Advocacy, Washington Mkt., Hillary Colt Vice President /Advocacy, Eastern Shore Mkt., David Zeitlin Vice President /Advocacy, Maryland State Mkt., Steve Breeden Vice President /Associates, Lynn Elahi Treasurer, Kim Palmisano Secretary, Tom Hudson Life Director, Rich Thometz Legal Counsel, Jack Orrick Immediate Past Co-President, Russ Dickens Immediate Past Co-President, Clark Wagner

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Advocacy/Anne Arundel County, Jim Krapf Advocacy/Baltimore City, Brooke Kaine Advocacy/Baltimore County, David Murphy Advocacy/Carroll County, Jim Mathias Advocacy/Charles County, Doug Meeker Advocacy/Eastern Shore, Bob Purcell Advocacy/Howard County, Jamie Fraser Advocacy/Montgomery County, Raquel Montenegro Advocacy/Prince George’s County, Ken Dunn Advocacy/Southern Maryland, Tom Thomas Advocacy/Upper Chesapeake, Michael Charlton Advocacy/Washington DC, Stephen Alfandre

COUNCIL CHAIRS Builder Mart, Tim Nichols Custom Builders Council, Larry Cafritz Green Building Council, Karen Benner Land Development Council, Sandy Marenberg Multifamily Housing Council, Tom Marshall Professional Women in Building Council, Peggy White Remodelers Council, Joe Smith Sales & Marketing Council, Yvonne Deardorff

MEMBERS AT LARGE Brian Afnan Tim Ellis Howard Katz Mark MacFarland Michael McCann Timothy Morris

Tim Nichols Cindy Plackmeyer Dusty Rood Michael Schueler Robert Spalding

SUBSIDIARIES Builders Development Guaranty Group/President Scott Nicholson Home Builders Care Foundation/President Liza Bowles PUBLISHER Lori Graf, CEO lgraf@marylandbuilders.org EDITOR Kelly H. Grudziecki Director, Internal Communications kgrudziecki@ marylandbuilders.org

ADVERTISING Chris Baughan Sales Manager cbaughan@marylandbuilders.org DESIGN The YGS Group Art Director, Megan Meckley Graphic Designer, Zon Buckley Account Manager, Kali Eskew

Maryland Building Industry Association 11825 W. Market Place Fulton, MD 20759 Ph: 301-776-6242 www.marylandbuilders.org Info@marylandbuilders.org

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CEO’S MESSAGE

BUILDER MART 2015: THE PLACE TO BE

W

hen it comes to bringing together the Mid-Atlantic region’s top builders and suppliers, there is no better place than MBIA’s Builder Mart on March 25. Now in its 45th year, Builder Mart is the largest and oldest one-day trade show in the region, bringing exhibitors from around the country and attendees from as far away as Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. In one day it is possible to network with more than 3,000 people and visit 300 plus booths, where on display will be new marketing strategies, innovative tools and equipment, cutting edge products and ground-breaking advances in technology, not to mention enjoy the legendary, all-you-can-eat Bull and Oyster roast!

Our Builder Mart committee is also planning a wide array of other activities that day: Sales Camp: We are very excited to announce that the Sales and Marketing Council is again holding Sales Camp. This year the event will feature Sugar Ray Leonard, retired world champion boxer and motivational speaker. Leonard is known for keeping audiences mesmerized with his high-energy presentation where he recounts the difficulties of his own life to show us how to “set our fears of the unknown aside with preparation, focus, discipline, determination and attitude.” It is sure to be an inspiring speech.

Education: Once again, Builder Mart will offer several education courses throughout the day aimed at architects, engineers, custom builders, interior designers and more. Take a look at our exciting Builder Mart preview on page 12 for a current list.

Builder Mart is the largest and oldest one-day trade show in the region.

Home Builders Care Foundation: New this year, the Home Builders Care Foundation, MBIA’s charitable foundation, will have a booth where show attendees can learn about HBCF’s mission to complete shelter-related projects, how the Foundation gives back to the community and how YOU can get involved. There will even be chances to win cash and prizes!

After Party: After you have walked the show floor, networked, eaten and maybe played a little Corn Hole, be sure to hang around for the 2nd annual Deck After Party featuring local rock band, Misspent Youth. Last year more than 500 attendees stayed for the fun and it was a great way to continue networking.

I also want to encourage those of you attending to use your time at Builder Mart to help our industry.

If you happen to run into an elected official, ask him or her to look around and see the strength and size of our industry. Remind them that home builders are part of the solution when it comes to land use policies and that we truly care about the communities in which we work and live.

Each year Builder Mart marks a special occasion for the Building Industry. It is our day to come together as a community and celebrate all we do to make home ownership a reality for people.

Check out our Builder Mart preview on page 12 for all the show details and to purchase tickets.

I look forward to seeing you there!

LORI GRAF

CEO, MBIA

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LEGAL BRIEF

2014 HBAM LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Russell Dickens President

Tom Baum President Elect

NO GIVE OR TAKE: EXACTIONS AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL CONDITIONS

Steve Breeden First Vice President

Lisa Junker

Associate Vice President

BY WILLIAM E. ERSKINE, OFFIT KURMAN ATTORNEYS AT LAW

A common complaint among property owners as they undertake development of their property relates to the high costs of obtaining permit approvals - including the high costs of monetary subdivision exactions imposed by permitting authorities. Most property owners do not object to monetary exactions that are reasonably requested to offset the negative impacts associated with proposed projects. Rather, the frustration stems from the demands for monetary exactions that are not reasonably related to the negative impacts of the development project or that otherwise exceed what is reasonably required to offset the project’s negative impacts. Historically, Maryland property owners had limited recourse. While it is true that the 5th Amendment protects owners from having their real property taken for public use without just compensation, the only relief available to an owner facing an exorbitant monetary exaction demand was to challenge the constitutionality of the exaction demand in the courts. Such challenges unfortunately take years to wind their way through the court system. In the end, all an owner can hope for is an injunction directing the permitting authority to issue the permit approval without the payment of extortionate monetary exaction. All too often, the cost of maintaining such a legal challenge exceeds the cost of simply acquiescing to the exorbitant monetary exaction demand. (The cynics among us actually

Most property owners do not object to monetary exactions that are reasonably requested to offset the negative impacts associated with proposed projects.

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believe that the permitting authorities are well aware of this conundrum.)

Thanks to Florida resident Coy A. Koontz, Jr. and the decision of the United States Supreme Court in the case of Koontz v. St. Johns River Water Management Dist., the playing field for all property owners may have been leveled just a bit. In 1994, Mr. Koontz sought permits to develop a portion of his property containing wetlands from the local permitting authority, St. Johns River Water Management District (the District). Florida law, requires property owners seeking to develop wetlands to offset the resulting environmental impact. Mr. Koontz sought to meet these requirements by dedicating to the District a conservation easement on approximately three-quarters of his land.

The District informed Koontz that it would approve the development only if he (1) substantially reduced the size of his development and dedicated to the District a conservation easement on the remainder of his land or (2) paid for improvements to District-owned wetlands located several miles away (a monetary exaction). Rather than acquiescing to these demands, Mr. Koontz filed suit under a Florida law that provides money damages for the District’s action deemed to be an “unreasonable exercise of the state’s police power constituting a taking without just compensation.”

Mr. Koontz’ persistence paid off in 2013, (that’s right 2013 – nearly 20 years later), when the Supreme Court held that the District’s action amounted to the imposition of an unconstitutional condition upon the approval of the permit.

The court held that such conduct ran afoul of the 5th Amendment’s prohibition against takings without just compensation

Steve Smith Secretary

notwithstanding the fact that no actual Kimberly Palmisano taking Treasurer ever took place due to the fact that Mr. Koontz declined to acquiesce to the Scott Armiger District’s demands.

The court further Immediate Past President abrogated long standing 5th Amendment PRESIDENTS takingsCHAPTER jurisprudence by holding that Jim exactions Krapf Anne Arundel monetary that do notCounty meet the James Mathias Carrollfor County Nollan/Dolan requirements a reasonDavid Murphy Baltimore County able nexus and proportionality likewise run Russ Robertson Baltimore City afoul of the 5th Amendment. Prior to this James Fraser Howard County decision it was widely held that the 5th Dan Whitehurst Upper Chesapeake Amendment was only implicated when the government sought an interest in real propCOUNCIL PRESIDENTS Marenberg erty as Sandy opposed to a monetary exaction.

LandofDevelopment Council Mr. As a result the Court’s decision, Koontz was awarded $376,000 in moneBruce Rosenblatt tary damages resulting fromCouncil the District’s Sales and Marketing “temporary taking” of his property during Tim Ellis when the permit approval the time period HBAM Remodelers was improperly withheld.

What this means for Maryland property Thom Marston ownersMaryland is that those facing an exorbitant Residential monetary exaction demand as a condiGreen Building Council tion of permit approval no longer have to TimtoNichols acquiesce such requirements; but rather, Builder Mart Chair they now have the option of suing the permitting agency not only for injunctive relief but also for monetary damages resulting from the temporary taking of their property. If such actions are filed in Federal Court as a violation of civil rights under 42 USCA 1983, the opportunity to seek reimbursement of reasonable attorney fees and court costs exists as well.

William E. Erskine is a business attorney and a real estate attorney, whose practice is focused primarily on commercial litigation, construction litigation, real estate, zoning, and land use matters. Mr Erskine is Chair of the Real Estate Land Use and Zoning Practice Group for Offit Kurman Attorneys at Law. He can be reached at 301-575-0363 or werskine@offitkurman.com.

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www.homebuilders.org

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

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ENGINEER’S TOOLBOX

BAT SEPTIC SYSTEMS: CARE DURING CONSTRUCTION

BY MATT GECKLE, BACK RIVER PRE-CAST, LLC

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) adopted new septic system regulations that went into effect on January 1, 2013. These new State regulations (COMAR 26.04.02.07) require: 1) the installation of onsite wastewater systems utilizing the Best Available Technology (BAT) for removing nitrogen instead of a conventional septic tank; 2) all work to be performed with a certified installer onsite; and 3) a certification from the BAT manufacturer for the installation.

The impact on builders and developers is significant, as this regulation applies to all new construction, including all new houses, non-residential buildings and renovations that increase the capacity of an existing septic system. The regulations require builders to be more involved in the selection of the system, the supervision of the installation, care of the system during construction and the education of the homeowner on the proper care and maintenance of the system.

It is of the utmost impor­tance for builders to be more involved in the selection of the system.

The BAT selection process should begin before the engineer puts the system on the site plan. While the plan can be changed, it is most cost effective to have the system on the original plan.

Any system on the MDE’s approved list can be used. That list can be found on MDE’s website. The size of the BAT will be determined by the number of bedrooms on residential systems. Cost is always a major concern in the selection process. BAT’s can vary significantly in

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price and installation costs. Performance factors to consider include the dependability of the BAT and the number of times the toilet can be flushed once the BAT goes into alarm mode.

Builders need to supervise the BAT installation process; an improper installation can result in the warranty being voided and/or costly repairs. The project manager and all subcontractors involved in installing the system need to meet with the BAT manufacturer to ensure proper installation of the system. The project manager supervises and coordinates the onsite work. Proper installation includes: 1) connecting the system to the required number of properly sized, dedicated circuits (no sharing of grounds, neutrals or hots); 2) mounting the control panel and operating equipment in a location outside of the house which is preferably within the sight line of the BAT and is easily accessed by the service technician (no mounting under decks, in crawl spaces or any other hard-to-reach places); and 3) informing the landscaper that the risers need to be at least 6” above grade.

Care of the BAT during the construction process is crucial. BAT’s are designed for one specific purpose. Certified BAT service providers report to MDE and local Health Departments after performing system assessments and routine service visits. Therefore, it is important that all onsite subcontractors be educated that the BAT is not a trash can. Using the BAT to dispose of paint, drywall compound and/or any other unintended material can severely damage it and void the warranty.

Whomever is culpable may be held financially liable for the damage they cause to the system. In addition, builders need to request a lien release from the BAT

manufacturer. If the BAT manufacturer does not provide a certification to the local Health Department and to MDE or cancels the certification, the builder may not get his use and occupancy permit.

Educating the homebuyer about BAT care and warranty information is also very important. The homebuyer should be made aware that someone will be coming out, unannounced, to service the system for five years and that the homebuyer is required to purchase a service contract from an approved service provider once the initial five year period is over. They also need to know, if the alarm sounds, they are required to call the BAT manufacturer immediately.

In closing, it is of the utmost importance for builders to be more involved in the selection of the system, the supervision of the installation, care of the system during construction and the education of the homeowner on the proper care and maintenance of the system. BAT’s are relatively new and most sub-contractors are unfamiliar with their requirements.

However, installation is easily accomplished if the proper installation and care procedures are followed. After all, the builder will most likely to receive the call if the alarm goes off during the first year and more importantly is getting the bill if the BAT is damaged because of improper installation and/or improper care during the construction process.

Matt Geckle is co-owner of Back River PreCast, LLC and has 37 years of precast concrete experience. He is a MDE certified BAT installer and O&M Service Provider, a Norweco Singulair certified distributor and an ACI, MD SHA, and NPCA certified concrete technician. Matt can be reached at 410-833-3394.

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LEADERSHIP INSTALLATION

2015 LEADERSHIP TEAM TAKES OFFICE Tom Baum, President of Bozzuto Homes, was installed as MBIA’s 1st President on February 18, 2015 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City. Howard County Executive, Allan Kittleman conducted the installation.

In attendance was also Tom’s wife, Lisa.

TOM BAUM President, MBIA

Tom’s goals as he heads into 2015 include, introducing MBIA as the voice of our industry building bridges with our representatives at all levels of state and local government, increasing our visibility as an organization and gaining credit for some of the great work our members do and seeking ways of engaging our members and expanding the base of our representation.

Commenting on his new Presidential role, Mr. Baum said, “It is a great honor to have been chosen President of the Maryland Building Industry Association and to have the opportunity to lead this new organization through its first year. I look forward to working with our many wonderful members to introduce the MBIA as the voice of the industry.”

MBIA LEADERSHIP 2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tom Baum, President, The Bozzuto Group David Lunden, 1st Vice President,Timberlake Homes Steve Smith, VP/Advocacy Baltimore Mkt., Gaylord Brooks Realty Hillary Colt, VP/Advocacy Washington Mkt., Konterra David Zeitlin, VP/Advocacy Eastern Shore Mkt., Davey Resource Group Steve Breeden, VP/Advocacy Maryland State, Security Development Corporation

Lynn Elahi, VP/Associates, Washington Gas Kim Palmisano, Treasurer, Kimberly Palmisano, CPA Tom Hudson, Secretary, HHHunt Jack Orrick, Legal Council Rich Thometz, Life Director, Hailey Development LC Russ Dickens, Immediate Past Co-President Clark Wagner, Immediate Past Co-President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Krapf, Advocacy/Anne Arundel County, Elm Street Development Brooke Kaine, Advocacy/Baltimore City, Charm City Builders David Murphy, Advocacy/Baltimore County, Elm Street Development Jim Mathias, Advocacy/Carroll County, Development Design Consultants Doug Meeker, Advocacy/Charles County, Elm Street Development Bob Purcell, Advocacy/Eastern Shore, Beachwood Inc. Jamie Fraser, Advocacy/Howard County, Island Development Raquel Montenegro, Advocacy/Montgomery County, Ballard Spahr Ken Dunn, Advocacy/Prince George’s County, Soltesz Tom Thomas, Advocacy/Southern Maryland, Stanley Martin Companies Michael Charlton, Advocacy/Upper Chesapeake, Elm Street Development Stephen Alfandre, Advocacy/Washington DC, Toll Brothers Tim Nichols, Builder Mart/Chairperson, Chesapeake Bank Scott Nicholson, Builders Dev Guaranty Group/President, Monument Bank Larry Cafritz, Custom Builders Council/Chairperson, Laurence Cafritz Builders

Karen Benner, Green Building Council/Chairperson, EYA LLC Liza Bowles, Home Builders Care Foundation/President, Newport Partners Sandy Marenberg, Land Development Council/Chairperson, Marenberg Enterprises Tom Marshall, Multifamily Housing Council/Chairperson, Elm Street Development Peggy White, Professional Women in Building Council/ Chairperson, Axiom Engineering Joe Smith, Remodelers Council/Chairperson, Owings Brothers Contracting Yvonne Deardorff, Sales & Marketing Council/ Chairperson, Lakeside Title Brian Afnan, At-Large Director, NVR Inc. Tim Ellis, At-Large Director, T.W. Ellis, Design/Build Remodel Howard Katz, At-Large Director, Michael Harris Homes Mark MacFarland, At-Large Director, Westbrook Partners Michael McCann, At-Large Director, McHenry Real Estate Services Timothy Morris, At-Large Director, Williamsburg Homes Cindy Plackmeyer, At-Large Director, Beazer Homes Dusty Rood, At-Large Director, Rodgers Consulting Inc. Michael Schueler, At-Large Director, Winchester Homes Robert Spalding, At-Large Director, Miller & Smith

marylandbuilders.org

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ALL ABOARD! Builder Mart 2015 All Aboard! Builder Mart 2015 is cruising your way on Wednesday, March 25 bringing to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium more than 300 booths displaying the latest products and technology, top notch education, nearly 3,000 people to network with, the legendary all you can eat and drink Bull and Oyster Roast and a rockin’ Deck Party featuring local rock sensation, Misspent Youth. This is the 45th year of Builder Mart and it promises to be the best one yet. Don’t miss the boat!

Buy your tickets now at www.buildermart.org.

THE EDUCATION At Builder Mart, architects, engineers, custom builders, interior designers and others can learn about design trends and applications, gain hands on experience with new techniques and processes, get updated on the latest codes and much more!

ARCHITECTURAL COURSES 11:00am-noon | Components of Design & Structural Integrity in Fenestration | Ken Clark, TW Perry Participants will be instructed to evaluate various methods and components of window and door manufacturing as it relates to structural integrity, durability, performance values and architectural compliance, gaining an understanding of how fenestration manufacturing processes and selected products can enhance the structural and thermal dynamics of weatherization and life cycle analysis. As a result, participants will be able to place this information into functional design applications, while maintaining the desired architectural integrity and improving the overall performance value. (1LU/HSW) 12:30pm-1:30pm | Understanding Moisture Dynamics in Residential Construction | Dr. Jim Wells, Tremco Moisture and energy performance are so inter-related, developing a good understanding of moisture performance is essential to all energy professionals. Understanding the dynamics of moisture movement is essential to minimize moisture issues through proper design and to properly diagnose any issues that may occur. Participants will learn how moisture is transported, why and how much, and under what conditions. Helpful tools and techniques will be presented as well. (1LU/HSW)

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2:00pm-3:00pm | Construction Considerations for Designing Unique and Enduring Custom Entry Systems | Chris Gray, TW Perry Participants will learn how to design custom entry doors incorporating a freedom of expression with considerations to panel layout and grain design and their effects on door longevity for residential applications. They will be able to determine the construction techniques that work best to maximize aesthetics and longevity of doors and will be able to incorporate custom glass panels into custom entry systems to maximize durability of the door for residential applications. Finally, participants will be able to determine the best machining and joinery methods to minimize warping issues in custom entry doors for residential applications. (1LU/HSW) 3:30pm-4:30pm | Designing with Daylight | Kanishka Kapil, Velux Commercial lighting strategies with quality natural light from above, when applied properly, can overcome many design challenges. Participants will learn about commercial lighting strategies, health and wellness, energy savings solutions and passive solar products. This daylight program addresses designer’s needs for continuing education to meet

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and maintain state licensing requirements and professional accreditation. (1LU/HSW) OTHER COURSES What’s Ahead for the Maryland Building Industry Association, CEO Lori Graf and President, Tom Baum Join Lori and Tom in the MBIA Lounge for a causal discussion about MBIA’s plans for 2015. Hear about the biggest regulatory hurdles affecting our industry, ask questions about your membership, get the latest update on upcoming events and education programs, learn how to join a council, and more!

SMC SALES CAMP

Sugar Ray Leonard

Beginning at 8:45 am, MBIA’s Sales and Marketing Council will again hold Sales Camp at Builder Mart. This year the Council is excited to present legendary sports icon, world champion boxer and motivational speaker, Sugar Ray Leonard, who is sure to give the audience a rousing and inspirational speech.

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OVER 300 BOOTHS IN 100,000 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE

THE SHOW FLOOR This year’s Show Floor features more than 300 booths filling more than 100,000 square feet and displaying some of the finest homebuilding products, technologies and services available to the building industry.

THE FOOD, FUN & GAMES The all-you-can-eat Bull & Oyster Roast is known far and wide as one of the highlights of Builder Mart, Featuring, pit beef, ham and turkey, grilled Italian sausage, oysters on the half shell, hot dogs, baked beans, grilled fajitas, cream of crab soup, cole slaw, potato salad, desserts, sodas, bottled water, tea and coffee, plus all-you-can-drink regular and lite beer, no one will leave the show hungry.

Of course you will need all those carbs to walk the enormous show floor. Don’t skip a booth or you may miss out on great prizes and giveaways. If you’re really interested in prizes, be sure to sign up for the CornHole Tournament when you arrive at the show. You can find it next to the MBIA Lounge, where members can stop by and find out what’s happening at their Association. Of course non-members are welcome too, but we may not let them leave without joining MBIA! THE CHARITABLE SIDE OF BUILDER MART Make time to visit the Home Builders Care Foundation (HBCF) booth near the main entrance. HBCF is MBIA’s official nonprofit charitable affiliate whose mission is to build for

the homeless & others in need – in the name of the building industry - throughout the state of Maryland & the District of Columbia. Stop by to learn about their construction projects and find out how you can get involved. And in the spirit of charity, play some fun games of chance – all proceeds support future projects!

THE DECK PARTY After the Show Floor closes, the food, fun and beer keep flowing at Builder Mart’s Deck Party from 6:00pm-8:00pm, featuring, “Maryland’s Top Party Rock Band”, Misspent Youth. The band has played for thousands of fans from New Jersey to South Carolina, and has headlined at festivals, clubs, charity concerts, and corporate events for the past 10 years. They play crowd pleasing songs covering the biggest hits from bands like Aerosmith and Journey to Bruno Mars and Maroon 5.

Visit www.buildermart.org for Show details and to register.

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Your houses.

Our land.

The Villages at Herron Lake Elkton, Maryland 540 apartments, 584 townhomes, 138 singles Offered at $7,250,000 Riverbend New Castle, Delaware 176 partially finished lots in waterfront an active adult 55+ community Offered at $6,000,000 White Marsh Run Opposite White Marsh Mall Assemblage of 60 acres zoned DR 3.5 Offered at $20,000,000, payable at record plat.

Philadelphia Road (Vince’s Auto) White Marsh, Baltimore County, Maryland 32 acre industrial site currently used as an auto salvage yard.

Offered at $4,500,000 Curtis Farm TDRs Howard County, Maryland 11 Transfer Development Rights to be transferred off the property for construction on another subdivision in Howard County.

Offered at $60,000 per TDR (The farm is now in preservation and is not being sold.)

(Imagine the possibilities.)

Stephen J. Ferrandi, Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Principal with KLNB, LLC 410-290-1110

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HOME BUILDERS CARE FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Community Service Awards The Home Builders Care Foundation (HBCF), MBIA’s 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable affiliate, named three worthy winners of its 2014 Community Service Awards. The award is presented annually to individuals or to companies in the local home building industry in recognition of significant contributions to the community through unselfish efforts and dedication in support of the foundation and its projects that help the poor and disadvantaged in our communities.

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Tony Crane (left) and Joe Carroll (4th from right) of Efficient Home LLC help lead the work team for the Friendship Place Welcome Center renovation.

We cannot do what we do without the direct contributions and efforts of key support­ers like these winners.

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This year’s awards were presented in the following categories: The Directors Award – presented in recognition of leadership and advocacy for the mission and purpose of Home Builders Care; The Tom Sawyer Award – presented in recognition of significant contributions to HBCF’s shelter-related projects; And the Community Builder Award – presented in recognition of a builder member who helped raise awareness of the industry’s spirit of giving.

The Foundation’s first service award, the Directors Award, was presented to Jack Orrick of Linowes and Blocher LLP, a business and real estate law firm in Bethesda where he is a Partner and Chair of the firm’s Business Transactions Group.

Jack’s list of accomplishments, affiliations & community involvement runs deep. He has been a long-time trusted advisor for various community housing-related organizations in Maryland and the District, and he has earned his place as a well-respected leader in his community.

Time and time again, Jack has demonstrated his personal commitment to helping his clients and community thrive.

He served as President of the Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington, General Counsel for Housing Unlimited, and of course is a long-time board member and executive committee member of the Home Builders Care Foundation.

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For the past 15 years, Jack has generously donated his time, talents, resources and expertise to Home Builders Care and has helped guide the non-profit through exponential growth.

A board member since 2000, under his counsel, HBCF has established subsidiaries, set up public-private partnerships with several agencies, ratified construction agreements, procured government-associated funding, contracted with trades, and of course merged with the Building Industries Foundation. Not to mention, Jack was a leader in helping Home Builders Care earn the Seal of Excellence for nonprofit management.

The Tom Sawyer Award was presented to Efficient Home LLC for its dedication and commitment to lead the extensive renovation project at the Friendship Place Welcome Center and Clinic in Washington, DC. The Welcome Center is a place where the homeless can escape from the streets. It offers case management, medical and psychiatric care, housing and job placement, shower and laundry facilities, telephone and voice mail, mail services, a computer lab, and hot food. Last year it had 575 unique visitors providing thousands of medical appointments and consultations.

The Center was originally built as a single family home in 1928 and consists of approximately 3,000 sq. ft. Friendship Place began serving the homeless at this location around 1993. With its heavy use, the building was in serious need of extensive updates and repairs, and Efficient Home stepped up to help at a discount. The scope of work included replac-

Jack serves dinner to residents of the Home Builders Care Assessment Center in 2009.

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In the past year, Home Builders Care provided close to $400,000 worth of charitable construction services to 12 local area nonprofit organizations providing housing and supportive services to the homeless and others in need.

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Mark Bennett

ing the entire boiler system with high-efficiency mini-splits, reconfiguring the first floor, replacing all flooring including subfloor work, and renovating the kitchen and two bathrooms. On top of that, work needed to be completed in about two weeks to minimize the impact on client services.

The work of Efficient Home was simply remarkable.

This is not the first time Efficient Home has helped Home Builders Care on an energy retro-fit project. In 2011, they led the energy retrofit project for Sasha Bruce Youthwork, helping save the organization more than $5,000 per year in energy costs.

This year’s Community Builder Award was presented to Mark Bennett, Vice-President of Development for Greenebaum Enterprises. At the firm, Mark is responsible for commercial construction and residential land development in Baltimore. Mark has more than 25 years of experience and has been active in the Association for well over 20 years having always stepped up to assist, and not always for the easy volunteer jobs. Most recently, he stepped up to assist for possibly one of the biggest tasks in the Association’s foundation history - to lead the completion of the Maryland Center for Housing in Maple Lawn.

During the past two years, Mark served as Co-President of the Building Industries Foundation. In that capacity, he has donated countless hours to assist with the construction of the Maryland Center for Housing building, which is owned by the Foundation and is the new MBIA headquarters. It could not have been done without his help.

From the inception of the project he played an integral part - from getting the land donated by Greenebaum to serving as an important resource throughout the process to actually taking over the full day-to-day project management of the building.

And on June 16, 2015, the grand opening celebration of the building took place largely thanks to his leadership. Rent paid by the Association to the Foundation will help fund future charitable construction projects.

The cooperation and dedication of the 2014 Community Service Award Winners are excellent examples of why the Home Builders Care program succeeds in enhancing the lives of the poor and homeless in our communities. We cannot do what we do without the direct contributions and efforts of key supporters like these three winners.

The Maryland Center for Housing during construction (above) and after (below).

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MBIA’S

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ter Ball

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER

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December 6, 2014 marked MBIA’s first Winter Ball & Silent Auction at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD, however, members know that this elegant affair has been going on for more than 30 years as one of the late MNCBIA’s much-loved traditions that celebrates the season and the end of another year.

A highlight of this evening, dating back to the early ’80s, is the presentation of the Joseph C. Rodgers Sr. Award for outstanding service by an associate member and the Milton E. Kettler Award for lifetime achievement. This year’s recipients were Lynn Elahi of Washington Gas and Miles Haber of Monument Construction, Inc. Also dating back to the days of pop and new wave is the dancing component of the Ball, which has heard everything from Dee Jays to 12 piece ensembles over the years. This past year the Winter Ball committee, looking to liven up the dance floor, wisely chose a local legend in the DC music area, the Soul Crackers to play enough Memphis & Motown soul to get even the worst dancers moving.

Keeping the beat strong, was MBIA member and custom builder, Chuck Sullivan on drums. Who says builders don’t have rhythm?

Of course the gala isn’t just for shaking your groove thing, it is also the site of the Home Builders Care Foundation’s silent auction, one of the charities’ biggest fundraisers of the year. All the proceeds from the auction go to support HBCF’s ongoing shelter-related community service projects. More than 40 items were up for bid this year ranging from jewelry, gift baskets and electronics to top shelf bourbon and a luxury golf weekend. Thanks to the generosity of the MBIA members and guests who attended, the auction brought in more than $4,500 for Home Builders Care.

Thanks are due to the Winter Ball committee who begins planning this event in the summer. Loads of details, from choosing the band and flowers to designing the invitations and menu, go into this party, and it is all handled by a small, hard-working committee made up of Chair, Penny Glover, SK+I Architecture and Lynn Elahi of Washington Gas, with support from MBIA staffers, Jean Mathis and Patti Kane.

Thanks to the generos­ity of the MBIA members and guests who attended, the auction brought in more than $4,500 for Home Builders Care.

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RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY COMPANY, LLC

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T he

DEATH

of the SUBURBS PART II

BY DAVID S. THALER, P.E., L.S., F. NSPE, F. ASCE & VICTORIA M. BALLESTERO, EIT D. S. THALER AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

THE TROUBLE WITH ZONING

O

ne of the great drivers of suburban sprawl is our near universal reliance on Euclidean zoning, created a century ago in response to very urban problems in lower Manhattan.

Zoning as we know it appeared on the scene rather suddenly. Two elements converged in New York City at the turn of the 20th century that led to the first zoning: the desire by fancy Fifth Avenue merchants to stem the encroachment of garment factories and the appearance of the skyscraper, which was made possible by the invention of the steel frame and the elevator. In 1915 General Thomas Coleman DuPont opened the Equitable Building at 120 Broadway. Although it was not the first Manhattan skyscraper, its dimensions were spectacular, covering an entire city block at Broadway between Pine and Cedar Streets and cramming 13,000 workers into its incredible, nearly 1.8 million square feet of office space. It was gigantic for its time and cast a noon-time shadow four blocks long, darkening buildings up to half its height from direct sunlight.

In response, New York City created a Height of Buildings Commission whose report verged on hysteria when it described the possibilities of serious fire in a tall building and conjured horrific visions of the panic that would occur if the building’s occupants were disgorged onto the narrow city streets during a fire. Such fears were

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photo courtesy of EYA

far-fetched, at least until 9/11, but the solution to this somewhat exaggerated problem was zoning. The Commission was headed by the brilliant lawyer, Edward M. Bassett, considered the father of American zoning, who drafted the first zoning regulation, which became law on July 25, 1916. Its stated goal was to “provide adequate light and air” and prevent “overcrowding of the land.”

Bassett was later appointed to head an advisory committee of the Department of Commerce, which in 1924 drafted the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act by which municipalities could adopt zoning regulations. Zoning quickly swept the country.

By 1926, more than 425 municipalities had adopted zoning ordinances, including Baltimore.

EUCLID The first zoning case to reach the Supreme Court was from the Village of Euclid, OH, a suburb of Cleveland. The Village encompasses about 12 square miles along the shore of Lake Erie and its southern border, Euclid Ave., is a main thoroughfare out of Cleveland. In the 1920s, industrialization was creeping eastward and, like the Fifth Ave. merchants in Manhattan in the decade before, the residents of Euclid saw zoning as a way to protect their existing land use patterns and property values. In 1922 they enacted a zoning ordinance based on the 1916 New York model.

The village was divided into six classes of uses: U1 through U6; three classes of height, H1 through H3; and four classes of area, A1 through A4. A rather complicated zoning map was part of the ordinance.

In 1912, Ambler Realty Co. bought 68 acres abutting Euclid Ave. upon which it planned to develop industrial

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In almost any traditional town center there is a mixture of uses, usually retail on the first floor and office or residential above, with all of the different uses generally coexisting quite happily together.

uses. The 1922 Ordinance only permitted single family and duplex homes along the Avenue, and prohibited commercial or industrial uses. Ambler argued that if its property were developed for industrial purposes, it would have a market value of $10,000 per acre, but if it were restricted to residential use, then its market value would only be $2,500 per acre. The issue, of course, was whether the loss of three-quarters of the land’s value was a compensable taking under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution (“…nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”)

The case was argued before the Federal District Court, which invalidated the ordinance and it was appealed to the Supreme Court1. In a 6-3 opinion, the Supreme Court somewhat surprisingly overturned the finding of the District Court and upheld the constitutionality of zoning.

Had it not, zoning would never have gotten started and the Country would look much different. The Court based its justification in the police power and on nuisance law, stating most famously that “a nuisance may be merely a right thing in the wrong place, like a pig in the parlor instead of the barnyard.” The Supreme Court did not take up another zoning case for more than 50 years and the Euclid case has been hailed as creating the basis for modern regulatory and land use law.

In the ensuing years, zoning spread across the country and was adopted by nearly every jurisdiction with the notable exception of Houston. Most communities have followed the Euclid model, dividing their jurisdictions into what has come to be known as Euclidean zones, where generally only single uses are permitted. As a result of the Euclid case, the principal construct that has come to control the way land was developed in America in the second-half of the 20th century is regulation by use.

The Euclid case is justly famous for upholding zoning as a constitutional exercise of the police power but it did much more than that and has had far reaching consequences. It is the some.

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1 Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., 272 US 365 (1926)

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The problem is that most Euclidean zones are deliberately based on preventing overcrowding of the land and the mixing of uses, and so prohibit the very elements that make traditional towns so livable. what more subtle aspects of the Euclid decision that have shaped the suburban environment. These include: • The fact that the Supreme Court found every town and village to be sovereign, which makes regional planning difficult.

• The Court gave great deference to the enactments of legislative bodies under the “fairly debatable principle.”

That is, unless an enactment is arbitrary, capricious, illegal, or procured by fraud, it must be upheld. This makes zoning and similar ordinances extremely challenging to overturn unless they are especially egregious.

But the most far-reaching consequence of Euclid is surely segregation by use. Of course, the justification usually made for zoning is that a slaughterhouse, factory, or other noxious use should be strictly separated from residences but in almost any traditional town center there is a mixture of uses, usually retail on the first floor and office or residential above, with all of the different uses generally coexisting quite happily together. Elements that make these places so desirable are the

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mixture of uses and the fact that the structures are set close to the street, where together with the parallel parked cars, the sidewalk, the street trees, and sometimes even the street lamps, they create a very pleasant space – almost an outdoor room. For use in itself, is a very poor proxy for compatibility. Mass, scale, style and performance standards are much more effective criteria, but are typically ignored in Euclidean zoning schemes.

So now, almost 100 years after Euclid, the principle technique for land use control in America is Euclidian zoning, where it is use and density that is the element of control.

One of the paradoxes this creates is that the areas that are most desirable- Roland Park, Ruxton, Annapolis, Leesburg, and Alexandria, for example, where the property values are the highest and where people most want to live, cannot be built today. Their form of development is prohibited by a mountain of regulation. Yet, it is these more traditional areas that provide a human-scaled environment,

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one where human activities are considered as much in their design as vehicular ones.

The problem is that most Euclidean zones are deliberately based on preventing overcrowding of the land and the mixing of uses, and so prohibit the very elements that make traditional towns so livable. Euclidean zoning has proven to be a very poor tool for promoting good planning and well-designed communities.

The building industry should be designing communities so as to shift the focus from the problems in lower Manhattan in the early 20th century to making them livable in the 21st century. It is not that there should be no zoning, on the contrary; there should be better zoning, zoning that at least permits human-scaled, pedestrian-friendly development, livable neighborhoods and communities actually worth caring about.

David S. Thaler, PE, LS, F., ASCE, F., NSPE is the President of D.S. Thaler & Associates, Inc., a civil and environmental engineering firm in Baltimore, Maryland, which has designed hundreds of communities. Repeatedly honored, he is a Fellow of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, and is Guest Scholar at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He has published more than 200 articles and four books, and has won numerous life time achievement awards. He also holds both the highest professional engineering award in Maryland, which was named in his honor, and the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross, Maryland’s highest military honor. He can be reached at dsthaler@dsthaler.com.

Victoria M. Ballestero, EIT is a civil and environmental engineer with D. S. Thaler and Assoc., Inc. She can be reached at vballestero@dsthaler.com.

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COUNCIL CONNECTIONS

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN BUILDING: GROWING STRONG

BY SHELAH F. LYNN, BALLARD SPAHR LLP

J

anuary 2015 marks the beginning of the third full year for the Maryland Professional Women in Building Council (PWB). A little idea by Peggy White, principal of Axiom Engineering, in late 2012, tenacity and the hustle to complete the necessary paperwork to charter the Council under the National Home Builders Association (NAHB), turned into a successful new professional organization in Maryland providing educational, networking and even charitable opportunities for women involved in the building industry.

The first year of the Council was incredibly successful, quickly registering in excess of 50 members composed of a diverse group of women professionals, representing a cross-section of the industry, including engineers, architects, land planners, builders, attorneys and various contractor vendors that serve and rely upon the building industry. The Council started with networking events in various locations throughout Maryland targeted at connecting women from different parts of the State. While these events were primarily social to develop its membership base, PWB quickly moved to more substantive programs, including a joint educational program with the previous Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA) entitled Land Development 101. This program was extremely successful and was attended by more than 100 women and men involved in the building industry. PWB closed out its first year with a solid membership and recognition from NAHB, a very productive first year.

After a great beginning establishing itself as an effective and educational organization, PWB approached 2014 with the intent of building on the efforts and recognition of its first year. One of the first events was a luncheon in Bethesda in January with three speakers, all women involved in the building and construction industry, representing a small builder, a medium-sized builder and a multifamily developer. Despite a

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significant snow event that day, with many businesses closing down, PWB attracted a substantial turnout, with more than sixty women in attendance. PWB continued to build its presence over the course of 2014 as a desirable and effective women’s organization with a good mix of networking, educational and charitable programs. These included some social events held around the state, the second annual clothing drive conducted at the Home Builder’s Care Foundation’s annual Bull and Oyster Roast, another joint development workshop with MNCBIA as well as HBAM, its Baltimore area counterpart at the time, and some further luncheons with women legislators, women bankers and other building industry professionals. PWB also received recognition from NAHB and received awards at the national convention of all Professional Women in Building councils from around the country. The final event in 2014 was an end of the year luncheon in December, that attracted a large group of professional women from real estate agents to lawyers to engineers; a great ending to another successful year As we commence 2015, PWB is poised to expand the organization and its support of women in building even further.

With the merger of MNCBIA and HBAM to create the new Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA), PWB gained more exposure and a larger platform. PWB has a great schedule of programs planned for the year. In addition to a number of networking events, PWB will have a presence at MBIA’s Builder Mart this month and at NAHB’s Professional Women’s National meeting scheduled later in the year in Washington. Additionally, PWB will again organize the clothing drive at HBCF’s annual Bull Roast in May and is planning another joint educational event with MBIA in June. A few new ideas in the works for 2015 include some programs focused on trades related to the building industry such as architecture and accounting.

PWB is quickly becoming an established organization dedicated to the support and advancement of women in the building industry. As it grows in membership, it welcomes new ideas and new members to better serve the women working and competing in a previously male-dominated industry. PWB holds monthly Board meetings at MBIA usually at noon on the last Wednesday of the month. Please attend one of the meetings or come out for one of the upcoming events this year.

Shelah Lynn was one of the early members of PWB and currently serves as the Communications Committee Co-Chair. Shelah can be contacted at 301-664-6204 or slynn@ballardspahr.com

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STATS & FACTS

STATS &

FACTS 2014 YEAR IN REVIEW

T

BEN SAGE, METROSTUDY’S MID-ATLANTIC REGION

he year 2014 started out with high expectations and lots of snow.

When the spring selling season started out as cool as the weather, it made sense to speculate that the climate played a role. As spring turned into summer and sales remained below expectations, it was apparent that wintry conditions were not the culprit.

Builders would have to fight for every sale throughout the year, and there was little urgency among consumers.

Metrostudy’s year-end figures are in, and starts for 2014 numbered 9,038, which is down 3% from the previous year. That figure includes The District, however, whose starts expanded by 40% last year. Metrostudy’s Maryland territory (excludes Eastern Shore) declined 6.1% from 8,694 starts in 2013 to 8,167 starts in 2014.

At the county level, Montgomery led the way with 1,335 starts (-0.5%)

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followed by Prince George’s with 1,275 starts (-6%), Anne Arundel with 1,181 starts (+8%), and Howard with 967 starts (-16%). These four counties account for more than half of the starts in Metrostudy’s Maryland survey territory. Only four counties increased output over 2013 – Queen Anne’s (+43%), Baltimore County (+10%), Anne Arundel (+8%), and Frederick (+1%).

Please note, though, that while starts were down slightly in Montgomery and Howard Counties, these areas are held back by a lack of available land.

The year 2014 was not terrible for Maryland builders, given where we have been in the last eight years, but we lost the momentum that built up in 2013. What is in store for the state in 2015? We are seeing some economic momentum locally and nationally, and mortgage rates remain a bargain.

In fact, the lending community seems to be gradually heading toward looser qualification standards. Lower gas

prices should be a shot in the arm to the American consumer, but wages are flat and slower economic growth abroad could mute economic progress.

Local builders have a little inventory to shed heading into this year, so they will likely be cautious with their spec-home strategy. All in all, Metrostudy is forecasting a modest increase in housing demand this year for Maryland.

Ben Sage, Director of Metrostudy’s Mid-Atlantic Region, has been researching and analyzing housing markets since 1994. He regularly meets and consults with many of the top homebuilders in the country as well as with lenders, developers, investors, and utilities concerning trends in the local economy and their effect on the real estate market. Ben can be reached at bsage@ metrostudy.com. For more information, visit www.metrostudy.com.

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Maryland

Annual Starts 4Q13

*

4Q14

# Change

% Change

Baltimore City Cecil Washington Queen Anne’s Calvert Carroll Harford St. Mary’s Frederick Baltimore Charles Washington DC Howard Anne Arundel Prince George’s Montgomery

58 169 (111) -65.7% 119 142 (23) -16.2% 142 203 (61) -30.0% 146 102 44 43.1% 152 157 (5) -3.2% 269 311 (42) -13.5% 305 413 (108) -26.2% 311 370 (59) -15.9% 594 586 8 1.4% 647 588 59 10.0% 666 707 (41) -5.8% 871 622 249 40.0% 967 1,146 (179) -15.6% 1,181 1,098 83 7.6% 1,275 1,360 (85) -6.3% 1,335 1,342 (7) -0.5%

Total Without DC

9,038 9,316 8,167 8,694

(278) (527)

-3.0% -6.1%

Field Verified Count of New Finished Vacant Housing Units Single Family Detached and Townhomes

Finished Qtr Vacant Units 4Q10 867 1Q11 841 2Q11 776 3Q11 795 4Q11 748 1Q12 853 2Q12 818 3Q12 801 4Q12 758 1Q13 692 2Q13 769 3Q13 675 4Q13 812 1Q14 804 2Q14 766 3Q14 830 4Q14 989 * Excludes DC; See this map for Metrostudy’s survey territory http://www.metrostudy.com/ view_market.php?id=43 Source: Metrostudy

30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

Source: Freddie Mac

Average based on national weekly survey of 125 lenders Jan-09...... 5.05% Feb-09...... 5.13% Mar-09..... 5.00% Apr-09...... 4.81% May-09..... 4.86% Jun-09...... 5.42% Jul-09........ 5.22% Aug-09...... 5.19% Sep-09...... 5.06% Oct-09...... 4.95% Nov-09...... 4.88% Dec-09...... 4.93% Jan-10...... 5.03% Feb-10...... 4.99% Mar-10..... 4.97% Apr-10...... 5.10% May-10..... 4.89% Jun-10...... 4.74% Jul-10........ 4.56%

Aug-10...... 4.43% Sep-10...... 4.35% Oct-10...... 4.23% Nov-10...... 4.30% Dec-10...... 4.71% Jan-11...... 4.76% Feb-11...... 4.95% Mar-11..... 4.84% Apr-11...... 4.84% May-11..... 4.64% Jun-11...... 4.51% Jul-11........ 4.55% Aug-11...... 4.27% Sep-11...... 4.11% Oct-11...... 4.07% Nov-11...... 3.99% Dec-11...... 3.96% Jan-12...... 3.92% Feb-12...... 3.89%

Mar-12..... 3.95% Apr-12...... 3.91% May-12..... 3.80% Jun-12...... 3.68% Jul-12........ 3.55% Aug-12...... 3.60% Sep-12...... 3.47% Oct-12...... 3.38% Nov-12...... 3.35% Dec-12...... 3.35% Jan-13...... 3.41% Feb-13...... 3.53% Mar-13..... 3.57% Apr-13...... 3.45% May-13..... 3.54% Jun-13...... 4.07% Jul-13........ 4.37% Aug-13...... 4.46% Sep-13...... 4.49%

Oct-13...... 4.19% Nov-13...... 4.26% Dec-13...... 4.46% Jan-14...... 4.43% Feb-14...... 4.30% Mar-14..... 4.34% Apr-14...... 4.34% May-14..... 4.19% Jun-14...... 4.16% Jul-14........ 4.13% Aug-14...... 4.12% Sep-14...... 4.16% Oct-14...... 4.04% Nov-14...... 4.00% Dec-14...... 3.86% Jan-15...... 3.71%

marylandbuilders.org

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NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

KOHLER PUREFRESH TOILET SEAT DEODORIZES AIR AND GIVES BATHROOM A FRESH SCENT

A

leader in bathroom technology, Kohler Co. once again demonstrates its position as an innovator with the launch of the Purefresh toilet seat, featuring built-in technology that deodorizes bathroom air.

The Purefresh seat contains a deodorizing system that utilizes a carbon filter to neutralize odorous air. An integrated fan, activated when the user sits on the seat, directs the filtered air over a scent pack located within the system and permeates the bathroom with a light, clean scent.

The KOHLER Purefresh technology is featured on the Purefresh seat, as well as the Purefresh Highline Classic Toilet,

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offering consumers both a seat option or as a complete toileting solution.

“Kohler is founded on the ideal of gracious living, and improving people’s experiences with our products in their homes is something we aspire to and value,” says Jerry Bougher, Kohler marketing manager for toilet seats. “The new Purefresh seat is more than just a great toilet seat – it’s a technology that adds comfort and not clutter. It can improve someone’s overall experience in their bathroom, the most personal of spaces.”

Homeowners can choose from three available scents for the Purefresh, included with the purchase of the seat: (1) Garden Waterfall, (2) Soft and Fresh Laundry and (3) Avocado Spa. Scent packs are easy to install and refill, similar

to the refill method used in standard home air fresheners. Scent pack refills and carbon filter replacements are available for purchase – scent packs last one month on average and carbon filters approximately six months. The Purefresh seat operates on two D batteries for an average of six months prior to replacement. Replacing the batteries, carbon filter and scent packs is an easy task – a gentle push on one of the accessory trays allows the tray to slide out for maintenance without needing to remove the seat from the toilet.

MORE PUREFRESH FEATURES Additionally, the Purefresh seat features a dual LED Nightlight for added comfort during nighttime use. The auto-

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©2013 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. MHIC 28991

Designs for every room.

matic eight-hour nightlight functions as a task light when the lid is lifted, a guiding light when the lid is closed and is programmed with the push of a button on the first cycle.

The seat is also equipped with Kohler’s Grip-Tight bumpers for added stability and to prevent shifting, as well as Quick-Release hinges that allow the seat to be removed quickly for easy cleaning.

Quick-attach hardware speeds up the installation process and provides a tight, secure fit while Quiet-Close technology provides for a slow-closing seat and lid to eliminate any slamming.

Custom designed storage solutions to fulfill your dreams and suit your lifestyle.

Call us today for a complimentary in-home design consultation.

BALTIMORE Sulphur Spring Rd.

SEVERNA PARK Park Plaza

410.247.8088 CaliforniaClosets.com

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NEW MEMBERS & REINSTATEMENTS

DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 BUILDERS

ASSOCIATES

Conifer Realty, LLC Jessica Zuniga 8808 Centre Park Dr., Suite 205 Columbia, MD 21045 Ph: 443-320-0492 jzuniga@conifer.com

American Cedar & Millwork Mike Neal 214 Najoles Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 Ph: 410-987-6800 mneal@millwork1.com Sponsor: Joe Smith, Owings Home Services

Mallard Construction Group, Inc. Victoria Hoffman 116 S. Piney Rd., Suite 208 Chester, MD 21619 Ph: 410-643-4131 victoria@mallardconstruction.com Parris Construction Group Tonya Harris 1507 Freedom Way, SE Washington, DC 20003 Ph: 202-412-4234 camiparris@gmail.com

Blue Water Environmental, LLC Mark O’Rourke 3618 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. Matthews, NC 28105 Ph: 704-400-0803 mark@bwenvironmental.com Baylaw, LLC Dirk Schwenk 30 C West St. Annapolis, MD 21401 Ph: 410-775-6805 dschwenk@baylawllc.com

CertainTeed Samuel Phillips P.O. Box 860 Valley Forge, PA 19482 Ph: 800-233-8990 Samuel.E.Phillips@Saint-Gobain.com EcoMize USA, LLC Greg Richards 126 Church Lane Cockeysville, MD 21093 Ph: 410-446-7283greg@ecomizeusa.com Gorfine, Schiller and Gardyn, P.A. David Landman 10045 Red Run Blvd., Suite 250 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Ph: 410-356-5900 dlandman@gsg-cpa.com Kimley-Horn Jon Kraft 400 East Pratt St., Suite 847 Baltimore, MD 21202 Ph: 667-401-5330 jon.kraft@kimley-horn.com Pessin Katz Law, P.A. Dino La Fiandra 901 Dulaney Valley Rd., Suite 500 Towson, MD 21204 Ph: 410-938-8800 dlafiandra@pklaw.com Progressive Waste Solutions Jeaninie Hunt 2900 Dede Rd. Finksburg, MD 21048 Ph: 443-324-0020 jhunt@iesi.com Stonemark Tile Ken Bullough 1302 Rising Ridge Rd. , Suite 8 Mt. Airy, MD 21771 Ph: 301-607-9100 kbullough@stonemarktile.com Sponsor: Mike Rubenfeld Target Marketing Flora Betro 11404 Cronridge Dr. Owings Mills, MD 21117 Ph: 443-738-3112 flora@tmgroup.com Your Home Warranty Manager Dwight Velez 9624 Marston Ln. Montgomery Village, MD 20886 Ph: 240-751-8911 dgvelez33@yahoo.com

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STARS CLUB

DGG-MC, Inc. Residential Title & Escrow Wells Fargo Solar City

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Group Dewberry K Hovnanian Homes Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc. Pleasants Development Pulte Homes Saratoga Insurance Shelter Systems TW Perry Versatex Trimboards

Elm Street Development Lerch Early & Brewer Linowes & Blocher McMillan Metro Miles & Stockbridge Robert A. Tull Plumbing Rodgers Consulting Rutter Property Management Soltesz SunTrust Washington Gas

Axiom Engineering Design, LLC Builders Mutual Insurance Charles P. Johnson & Associates Cohn Reznick Craftmark/Craftstar Homes Geo-Technology Associates, Inc. Gutschick, Little & Weber John H. Myers Sandy Spring Bank Shulman Rogers Stantec Sterling Mirror & Glass Winchester Homes

Baker Tilly Bonded Builders Bozzuto Homes DICO EYA Insurance Associates Macris Hendricks & Glascock Michael Harris Development Miller & Smith Homes Mitchell & Best Homes O’Malley, Miles Nylen & Gilmore Ward & Klein Chtd.

Wetland Studies and Solutions

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National Harbor; Wetland Delineation, Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Surveys, Permitting, and Compliance Services.

Photo: Peter Fellows

WSSI’s Maryland office is now open!

8373 Piney Orchard Parkway Suite 207, Odenton, MD 21113 410.672.5990

Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Klebasko and Ken Wallis to our team.

Combined with WSSI’s 20+ years of experience providing natural and cultural resource consulting services on both sides of the Potomac River, acquiring Klebasko Environmental allows us to better support the needs of our clients throughout Maryland.

www.wetlandstudies.com Providing innovative solutions that balance environmental protection & land use goals 5300 Wellington Branch Drive

Suite 100

Gainesville, VA

20155

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2/19/15 4:29 PM