Nov dec BUILD Maryland by Maryland Building Industry Association

November/December 2015 The exclusive magazine of MBIA

THE 2015 REMODELER’S AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Design Inspiration

BUILDER CONNECTIONS

MBIA AT MACO

DEATH OF THE SUBURBS PART VI

Contact Robert McDonald 1-877-767-1800 Offices in Jessup, MD, Prince Frederick, MD and Chantilly, VA

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IN THIS ISSUE

18 14

BUILDER CONNECTIONS The Ultimate in Associate Networking COVER FEATURE

THE 2015 REMODELER’S AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Design Inspiration

MBIA AT MACO Golf and Good Times

DEATH OF THE SUBURBS PART VI Towards a Non-Euclidean Model of Development

IN EVERY ISSUE 2

EVENTS CALENDAR

12 ENGINEER’S TOOLBOX

40 STARS CLUB

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

32 STATS & FACTS

40 ADVERTISER INDEX

CEO’S MESSAGE

36 NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

LEGAL BRIEF

38 NEW MEMBERS

marylandbuilders.org

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EVENTS CALENDAR November/December 2014 Vol. 56 Issue 4

TIC BUIL

Southern Maryland Chapter PAC Happy Hour

R C O M ME

N LA

E M I D -AT

NOVEMBER

Hilton Garden Inn Waldorf, MD November 3

AT I V E I

2015 Maryland Housing Conference Baltimore Hilton Baltimore, MD November 4

Multifamily Trends Conference Greenbelt Marriott Greenbelt, MD November 12

Remodeler’s Awards of Excellence Historic Savage Mill Savage, MD November 12

4 Past Presidents

30 Builder’s Story

AARPof HBAM 8 A Photo Tour Washington, DC

MBIA Makeover Membership 34 Extreme A look at HBAM members featured on theDinner hit television show.

CAPS Courses

Builder Mart Events November 3, 4 & 5 Awards Publications Staff

28 Q&A

Baltimore City PAC Event

Mid-Atlantic Builder sat down with past La Scala Ristorante members to hear a bit about our Baltimore, MD the history and garner advice about path for our future. November 10

Building relationships that last a lifetime.

featuring the Land Also Development 4 President’s Message Council Awards & 44 Ad List the 2016 Election The Westin Annapolis Annapolis, MD November 19

Builder Banker Kristin Josephson Hogle, Breakfast Communications Director EDITOR

communications@homebuilders.org The Radisson

ADVERTISING Rockville, MD Chris Baughan, November Advertising Sales 20 Manager 410-265-7400, ext. 121 chris@homebuilders.org

DESIGN Heather Winkel, Art Director Corinne Thompson, Graphic Designer Network Design Group ndg@networkmediapartners.com

DECEMBER

Hel 201 Req Con

HBAM LEGAL COUNSEL

Winter Ball

Linowes and Blocher

The per ener curr

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER

Cattail Creek Country Club

is a publication of HBAM Member Services, Inc., a subsidiary Glenwood, MD of the Home Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., 5 #A150 6030December Daybreak Circle PMB 362 Clarksville, MD 21029 410-265-7400, www.homebuilders.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to Home Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., 6030 Daybreak Circle #A150 PMB 362 Clarksville, MD 21029

*Changes in dates and locations of events listedBOX on our calendar do occur. Please ECO visit www.marylandbuilders.org for the latest information. Mid-Atlantic Builder text and cover pages are printed on SFI certified Anthem Plus Gloss using soy ink.

• The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® program promotes

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

Co “E En yo

BUILD Maryland is published bimonthly by MBIA—the Maryland Building Industry Association, 11825 West Market Place, Fulton, MD 20759. The stateLooking Ahead

Merger

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 to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at its discretion. The publisher is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. POSTMASTER: Send address Fulton,will MD 20759, USA. © 2015 MBIA. All rights reserved. Achange closerof look at to MBIA, 11825 West Market Place,MBIA continue to make a positive

Our future. the Maryland Building Industry Association BUILD MARYLAND

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The exclusive magazine of MBIA

TIME TO PASS THE BATON

s the winter chill begins to settle upon us, our attention and focus turn to the most important things in our lives; family, friends, and celebrating the Holidays together. It is in moments like this that we can take an eye off of what drives us the other 10 months of the year and reflect upon all that we are thankful for in our lives. Serving as President of our new organization has been incredibly gratifying for me this year. I must admit that, when first asked about the prospect of leading MBIA in its inaugural year, I was uncertain as to whether I had the capacity to step into this role while still tending to the duties of my ‘day job.’ The organization was new, and while the thesis for the merger seemed sound, it was unproven as to whether we had strong footing to launch our planned merger. Many questions remained relative to how to make a locally focused organization grow its geography by greater than two-fold yet still remain relevant and effective for its membership. Those of us who sponsored the idea of the merger shared a great sense of responsibility toward the organizations that were our foundation. As I reflect back upon my term, it is amazing to see the progress the organization has made in such a short time. We are in a new headquarters at the Maryland Center for Housing, located in the geographic center of our constituency. Our newly combined staff has formed cohesive working relationships. We have forged strong ties politically with our Builder-Governor Hogan, who by his support has given MBIA great political standing and relevancy. We have a membership that has grown to over 1000 members, broadening our reach into Washington, DC, as well as a renewed focus on multifamily and infill development to reflect the changing demographics of our constituency. An organization that only one year ago had many questions relative to its viability, now stands poised and well positioned to take on the many issues confronting Maryland builders now and into the future. I am thankful that change in political leadership has given MBIA a relatively quiet legislative period to focus on the fundamentals of building the organization. Yet even in this time MBIA has had the ability not only to gain a firm footing, but perhaps for the first time in decades, we have seized the opportunity of a friendly Executive Branch to play offense in pushing for regulatory reforms at the state level. It is with great pride, and maybe just a little sense of relief that I prepare to pass the reins to the next President. While perhaps on reflection, the greatest achievement of my tenure may simply be that of “do no harm,” I do think there is legitimate accomplishment in doing just that; successfully putting the first year of mileage on a vehicle designed to run for the long haul. I would like to thank all who support this organization for the faith you have entrusted in me to serve as your President. I have gained far more than I have given from the experience through the lasting relationships I have formed and the knowledge that I have acquired over this year. I will be forever grateful to have played a small part in the formation and history of MBIA.

TOM BAUM President, MBIA

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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., Jeff Caruso 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-MBIA www.marylandbuilders.org Info@marylandbuilders.org

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Bright future: Brookfield Residential goes solar in Maryland. When the Brookfield Residential team was looking at Maryland’s homebuilding market, they wanted something that could make their new community in Anne Arundel County stand out. “We were trying to think different,” said Gregg Hughes, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Brookfield Residential’s Washington, D.C. Division. “Many of our competitors were selling really nice homes with great designs, but we wanted something that would be a real benefit to potential buyers—and we found SolarCity.” Brookfield Residential teamed up with SolarCity earlier this year to offer 119 solar townhomes in the new Oakview Village community in Glen Burnie. The three-level townhomes will produce their own clean energy, and owners will benefit from steady solar electricity rates for the next 20 years to protect them from rising utility power rates. The solar system is installed, monitored, insured and maintained by SolarCity as well, so Brookfield Residential and their homeowners have the reassurance that in the rare case that issues arise, SolarCity will handle everything.

“Solar will help us sell more homes, it’s absolutely a value. It’s a good way for our buyers to have energy savings that are real—something they can see from day one—and it’s really cutting-edge.” “Solar will help us sell more homes, it’s absolutely a value,” said Hughes. “It’s a good way for our buyers to have energy savings that are real—something they can see from day one—and it’s really cutting-edge. When you can explain the benefits of solar to a buyer, it’s a win-win.” SolarCity has also worked with Brookfield Residential’s D.C. Division on the PureBlue Concept Home—a model home dedicated to showcasing superior energy-efficient designs to help save homeowners money—at the Avendale community in Prince William County, Virginia. “There is huge support for solar and other alternative energy sources. The next steps are offering things like home energy storage and maybe even getting people off the grid. It’s a big positive and we’re looking to be out in front of a growing trend. In other parts of the country, solar is far more

mainstream. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s still relatively new and we’re excited about that,” said Hughes. “We’re expecting solar to be a big success [at Oakview Village] and will hopefully continue spreading across the nation. We’re early in the game but our buyers are definitely excited. Most important to us is that we do what we think is best for our homeowners,” said Hughes. “We truly believe solar is a good alternative for homeowners that helps them save money and the environment.”

For new homebuilders. The SolarCity Homebuilder Program gives builders and developers the opportunity to integrate solar power systems into their offerings to help meet 2015 energy code updates. With innovative financial options available from SolarCity, builders can accomplish this at no cost and without adding to the purchase price of the home. Due to increased demand from homeowners for intelligently built, sustainable homes, solar systems from SolarCity can provide a competitive advantage for forward-thinking builders.

Visit solarcity.com/commercial/homebuilders to learn more.

Bryan Hacker | bhacker@solarcity.com | 240-586-2261 CT HIC 0632778/ELC 0125305, DE 2011120386/ T1-6032, DC 410514000080/ECC902585, MA HIC 168572/EL-1136MR, MD HIC 128948/11805, NC 30801-U, NH 0347C/12523M, NJ NJHIC#13VH06160600/34 EI01732700, PA HICPA077343, RI AC004714/Reg 38313, VA ELE2705153278, VT EM-05829. Nassau H2409710000, Greene A-486, Suffolk 52057-H, Putnam PC6041, Rockland H-11864-40-00-00, Westchester WC-26088-H13, N.Y.C #2001384-DCA. SCENYC: N.Y.C. Licensed Electrician, #12610, #004485, 155 Water St, 6th Fl., Unit 10, Brooklyn, NY 11201, #2013966-DCA.

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CEO MESSAGE

THE FUTURE IS LOOKING BRIGHT

s we look to 2016, all signs point toward a bright future for our industry. According to the most recent National Association of Home Builders/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence in the market for single-family (newly constructed) homes continues to increase. The HMI is the highest it has been since October 2005. The HMI is comprised of three components: buyer traffic, current sales conditions and sales expectations in the next six months. The indexes measuring buyer traffic and current sales conditions saw an increase, while the sales expectations decreased slightly. NAHB is projecting about 1.1 million total housing starts for 2015. For more information about the Housing Market Index (and other member benefits), visit www.nahb.org. As for the Association, the MBIA has a lot to look forward to next year. Our membership is continuing to steadily increase, in part thanks to two very successful membership drives in May and September. Also working on increasing their member numbers and member involvement are our councils and chapters. If you don’t know, we have seven councils, 13 committees and 12 chapters. That is 32 different ways for you to get involved. If you are looking for a fresh start in 2016, visit www.marylandbuilders.org and check out the different ways to get involved. If you don’t know where to start, contact me at lgraf@marylandbuilders.org or call me at 301-776-6204 or any other member of our staff. We are always happy to help you figure out how to get the most of your membership. Also in 2016, we have many exciting and new events on the agenda. Right around the corner, is the International Builders Show (IBS). Once again, it is being held in Las Vegas. If you haven’t been to the Vegas show, it’s an experience. In 2017, IBS moves back to Florida. It is a great opportunity to look at hundreds of new products, learn about industry trends, get up to date on the latest strategies and techniques with more than 120 educational sessions and network with industry members from around the country. In addition, MBIA will be hosting a member reception and two networking breakfasts at The Wynn. Keep an eye on eNewslink for details. Following on the heels of IBS is MBIA’s Builder Mart, our one day tradeshow, which will be held on March 23 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. We are very excited for our upcoming show, not only for our bigger and better exhibit floor and exciting education programs, but this year we unveil a new, more technology savvy, registration process. Get ready for kiosks! As we look toward the new year, there are many things for which to be grateful and to look forward to in both the industry and the Association. Here’s to a great 2016! I look forward to seeing you at our many events.

LORI GRAF

CEO, MBIA

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LEGAL BRIEF

2014 HBAM LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Russell Dickens President

Tom Baum President Elect

INTRUDER ALERT – WHAT EPA’S INCREASED FOCUS ON VAPOR INTRUSION MEANS TO YOU Steve Breeden

First Vice President

Lisa Junker

Associate Vice President

Steve Smith

BY AMANDA NEIDERT KESLER

Secretary

While vapor intrusion into buildings and enclosed spaces has been a recognized phenomenon for many years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed a renewed focus on the issue with several recent developments, including the issuance of long-awaited, final technical guidance for assessing and mitigating vapor intrusion at contaminated sites, the submission of a draft rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to require the evaluation of vapor intrusion under EPA’s hazard ranking for listing sites on the National Priority List (NPL) of Superfund sites and the adoption of an updated due diligence standard for commercial and business property transactions. Because vapor intrusion can affect contaminated sites, as well as adjacent sites, this increased regulatory focus is of particular significance to developers, builders, current landowners, prospective purchasers, and lenders who must understand these developments to better identify and plan for future costs and risks, and limit liabilities. WHAT IS VAPOR INTRUSION? Vapor intrusion is the migration of hazardous vapors from subsurface contamination, such as contaminated soil or groundwater, into an overlying building. Hazardous vapors released from subsurface contamination can eventually enter buildings through a variety of pathways, such as cracks in basement floors, walls, or foundations, as well as through utility corridors or within sewer and drain lines. Volatile organic compounds frequently found at contaminated sites, such as perchloroethylene (PCE) (a chemical widely used in dry-cleaning), trichloroethylene (TCE) (an industrial solvent primarily used as a metal degreaser) and petroleum hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel) are common sources of vapor intrusion. When vapor intrusion occurs, the accumulation of vapors has the potential to threaten the health of building occupants due to the toxicity of the vapors and/or potential explosion hazards.

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OSWER VAPOR INTRUSION TECHNICAL GUIDANCE The “Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) Technical Guide for Assessing and Mitigating the Vapor Intrusion Pathway from Subsurface Vapor Sources to Indoor Air” (OSWER Vapor Intrusion Technical Guidance) (June 2015) is intended for use at sites being evaluated under various cleanup programs, including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action, and brownfield grant sites. A goal of the guidance is to promote national consistency with respect to vapor intrusion assessments, while providing a flexible science-based approach to accommodate differing circumstances. Generally, the guidance offers a tiered approach to vapor intrusion assessment starting with a preliminary analysis using available and readily ascertainable information to understand the potential for human health risks, followed by a detailed investigation if the preliminary analysis indicates subsurface contamination with vapor-forming chemicals are present beneath or near buildings. When there are reports of odors or physiological effects or when there is a wet basement in an area with groundwater known to contain vapor-forming chemicals, the

Kimberly Palmisano

Treasurer guidance also calls for “prompt action,” including indoor air testing or other Scott Armiger evaluations to determine whether exigent Immediate Past President measures are necessary to address the PRESIDENTS humanCHAPTER health hazard. Jim vapor Krapf Anne Arundel County Should intrusion be determined Mathias Carroll to poseJames an unacceptable risk, County mitigation David Murphy Baltimore County measures may include remediation of Russ Robertson Baltimore City the subsurface vapor source, engineered James Fraser Howard County controls (e.g., sealing major openings, Dan Whitehurst Upper Chesapeake installing vapor traps or sub-slab depressurization systems,PRESIDENTS or treating air through COUNCIL Sandy Marenberg activated carbon adsorption), monitorLand Development Council ing, and institutional controls to restrict certain land uses or activities and notify Bruce Rosenblatt other parties (e.g., restrictive covenants, Sales and Marketing Council deed restrictions, environmental coveTimconsent Ellis orders). nants or HBAM Remodelers

PETROLEUM VAPOR INTRUSION Thom Marston TECHNICAL GUIDANCE Maryland Residential Because petroleum generGreen Buildinghydrocarbons Council ally biodegrade rapidly in the presence of Nicholsconditions), as comoxygenTim (aerobic Builder Mart Chair pared to chlorinated solvents, such as TCE and PCE, which biodegrade in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), EPA determined that separate guidance for addressing petroleum vapor intrusion was necessary. The “Technical Guide for Addressing Petroleum Vapor Intrusion at Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites” (Petroleum Vapor Intrusion Technical Guidance) (June 2015) applies to new and existing releases of petroleum-based fuels from leaking underground storage tanks (UST) sites. Sites with comingled petroleum and chlorinated solvent plumes and petroleum contaminated sites that are not comparable to UST sites, such as refineries, petrochemical plants, terminals, above-ground tank farms, pipelines and

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LEGAL BRIEF

large scale fueling and storage operations, “should be addressed under OSWER’s more general vapor intrusion guidance.” The Petroleum Vapor Intrusion Guidance generally provides for screening based on the vertical separation distance between the building and the vapor source. In general, additional investigation is deemed unnecessary if the separation distance is 6 feet for dissolved contamination beneath the building, or 15 feet for light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) (i.e., free product that is relatively insoluble in water and tends to form a layer on top of the water table). DRAFT RULE ADDING VAPOR INTRUSION TO THE HAZARD RANKING SYSTEM FOR NPL SITES EPA also proposed a new rule that would add vapor intrusion to the existing pathways (i.e., ground water, surface water, air and soil exposure) evaluated under the hazard ranking system (HRS) for the National Priority List (NPL) of Superfund sites. Under the current ranking system, sites with vapor intrusion could be listed on the NPL, but not solely because of vapor intrusion. The draft rule, which is EPA’s second attempt at adding vapor intrusion to the HRS, was submitted to OMB in June 2015 for review and, if approved, a notice of proposed rulemaking is expected this fall. VAPOR MIGRATION AND THE DUE DILIGENCE STANDARD Effective October 6, 2015, EPA will no longer consider ASTM International’s E1527-05 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” sufficient to comply with its “All Appropriate Inquiries” (AAI) rule. The AAI rule sets forth the environmental due diligence standard required for parties who intend to claim liability protection under CERCLA as a bona fide prospective purchaser, contiguous property owner or innocent landowner, as well as for persons using EPA brownfield grant funding. ASTM

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International updated the E1527 due diligence standard in 2013 to, among other things, clarify that Phase I site assessments must include an assessment of vapor migration and vapor releases. While EPA initially intended to allow the use of both the 2013 standard and the 2005 standard (which did not explicitly address potential vapor migration), after October 6, 2015, the 2005 standard will no longer be considered compliant. IMPLICATIONS OF EPA’S FOCUS ON VAPOR INTRUSION EPA’s heightened focus on vapor intrusion increases the potential for longterm liability at contaminated sites. Proactive site assessment and planning steps should be taken with respect to sites where contamination remains as these sites may require more long term care and continuing obligations. While mitigation measures for vapor intrusion are generally not difficult, they add to the cost and scope of remedial obligations. Further, for sites where hazardous substances have been allowed to remain at levels above unrestricted use, periodic regulatory reviews provide an opportunity for regulators to reassess potential vapor intrusion issues. As a result, sites at which vapor intrusion was not addressed or inadequately addressed may be reopened. Finally, in addition to increased regulatory scrutiny, potential third party plaintiffs may see the technical guides, which call for community involvement, as a standard of care for lawsuits claiming vapor exposure to hazardous materials. Accordingly, the technical guides must be factored into plans for limiting liability and reducing risks at sites where contamination remains in place. Potential vapor releases or vapor migration must be considered in transactional due diligence. Parties wishing to claim CERCLA landowner liability protections must undertake all appropriate inquiry into the prior ownership and use of a property prior to purchase of the property. To satisfy this standard, Phase I assess-

ments must now meet the 2013 ASTM Phase I Standard (E1527-13), which includes consideration of vapor intrusion as a potential recognized environmental condition. Further, if vapor intrusion is identified as a pathway, reasonable steps with respect to the hazardous substances on the property will need to be identified and taken to maintain the exemption. State vapor intrusion guidance and other applicable requirements must be consulted in connection with the federal technical guides. While the intent of EPA’s vapor intrusion technical guidance is to promote national consistency, the federal guidance took so long to finalize that many states have developed their own policies. EPA’s first draft of the guidance was issued almost thirteen years ago and remained in draft form. In December 2009, the Inspector General issued a report recommending the guidance be finalized and cited shortcomings of the draft guidance, such as outdated toxicity values, the failure to address mitigation or monitoring of mitigation efforts, and the failure to clearly recommend the use of multiple lines of evidence. In the meantime, states moved forward with issuing their own policies. The Maryland Department of the Environment, for example, issued a vapor intrusion factsheet and presentation in 2008, which it updated in 2014. Parties should consult state guidance as these pre-existing vapor intrusion policies may create uncertainty. This article is not intended to be taken as legal advice. The opinions expressed and any legal positions asserted are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Miles & Stockbridge P.C., or the Maryland Building Industry Association. Amanda Neidert Kesler is an environmental attorney whose practice focuses on contaminated property transactions, regulatory compliance and permitting, and environmental and toxic tort litigation. She is a principal at the Baltimore office of Miles & Stockbridge, P.C. and can be reached at 410-727-6464 or akesler@milesstockbridge.com.

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ENGINEER’S TOOLBOX

RETAINING WALLS – WHY ARE SO MANY PLAGUED WITH PROBLEMS OR FAIL? by Ravi Malviya, P.E., Geo-Technology Associates, Inc.

With the high cost and cutthroat competition for available land, there is an increasing push to maximize the usable area available for development. This frequently results in the need for retaining walls to provide grade transitions at the property line or within the site. Geogrid-reinforced walls (a.k.a. MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) walls) or grouted and stacked stone gravity walls are very commonly utilized due to their relatively low cost, ability to use on-site soils, and ease of construction. Multiple research studies have documented a failure rate of up to six to eight percent for such retaining walls. Below are photos of several retaining walls from the Baltimore-Washington corridor that experienced failures in the spring of 2015. Such a high failure rate is very unusual and unacceptable for engineered structures! What is the reason for such high failure rate for MSE walls in particular and retaining walls in gen-

eral? Based on published studies and Geo-Technology Associates, Inc.’s own experience during more than 30 years of practice, the contracting methods for both design and construction of walls are a big contributing factor to the high failure rate of the walls. Lack of attention to details/setbacks during site layout and grading and pro-

Concentrated discharge resulted in sinkhole and undermining of wall foundation.

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curement practices that push the design responsibilities to the wall contractor are significant contributing factors. The wall contractors frequently utilize high-volume, low-cost, out-of-town (frequently out-of-state), small engineering firms that operate more as “wall design factories” with limited manpower and expertise. The cutthroat competition for the work leads to incorrect and/or optimistic assumptions in the design. Therefore, some of the critical design issues (e.g., global stability of the wall, site-specific soil conditions, and available backfill materials) are not addressed properly or left for others to address. Use of low-quality backfill, inadequate quality

This 25’+ high wall failed within months of construction. It was reconstructed and failed a second time. Why? Inadequate global stability assessment due to designer’s lack of understanding of site soils.

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or periodic flooding (e.g., walls adjacent to or within SWM ponds). • Avoid temporary sediment traps or concentrated water discharge in the vicinity of the walls. • Stabilize the areas near the top and bottom of the wall immediately after wall construction. • Inspect and maintain the wall drainage system and ground around the wall on a regular basis. Happy walling!

control/testing during construction, and locating utilities or temporary/permanent stormwater management (SWM) facilities too close to the wall, further increases the potential for problems or failure of the walls. We recommend the following dos and don’ts to reduce the risk of problems and failures of retaining walls: • Do not be penny wise and pound foolish! Allocate and invest adequate budget for the design and construction of walls that will last for the useful life of the development. • The civil engineer should account for the wall thickness; face batter; minimum setbacks for railing and guardrails; and setbacks from curbs, utilities, and SWM structures during the site layout and grading. • Retain a local and experienced geotechnical engineer to perform borings and design the retaining wall. The project geotechnical engineer is generally in the best position to design walls for the site.

• Use design-bid-build process for construction of the wall. Retain a local and experienced contractor to build the wall. • The wall designer should take into account the site-specific soil and groundwater conditions, planned utilities, and other facilities in the vicinity of the wall. The designer should perform global stability analysis of the wall using site-specific and meaningful soil parameters. • Retain the project geotechnical engineer/wall designer to provide full-time observation and testing services during construction. • Assess and incorporate measures to improve surface and subsurface drainage in the vicinity of the wall. • Use nonclayey, sandy soils for wall backfill. Well-graded soils form better backfill and improve drainage. Avoid beach sands (poorly graded sands classified as SP per the Unified Soil Classification System) as wall backfill. Beach sands are prone to washouts and resulting settlement and failures. • Use open-graded backfill for the portions of the walls subjected to permanent

Lack of stabilization and uncontrolled runoff above the wall resulted in washout of wall and foundation soils.

Undermining of foundation support soils resulted in failure of the wall.

Ravi Malviya is a Vice President and Principal of Geo-Technology Associates, Inc. (GTA) and has more than 25 years of geotechnical and site engineering consulting experience throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England. GTA provides geotechnical, environmental, drilling, and construction observation and testing services. Ravi can be reached at rmalviya@gta.com. www.GTAEng.Com.

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BUILDER CONNECTIONS

BUILDER CONNECTIONS THE ULTIMATE IN ASSOCIATE NETWORKING

f you ask people why they joined any association, the number one answer, or at least close to the top, is for the networking. It was for this reason that Builder Connections was invented many years ago. The concept is simple. Building companies staff tables with their key decision makers while Associate members get a chance to visit with each builder to pitch their product, service or technology. If all goes well, a connection is made and a contract is signed. But even if pen doesn’t hit paper that night, there are still born many new business relationships.

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This year we had key players from building companies in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Montgomery, Howard and Prince George’s counties as well as from Virginia who set up shop at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville on September 16 to support their association and to network with the nearly 200 Associate members in attendance. To maintain the vitality of MBIA it is important for builder and developer members to seek out bids and proposals from our Associate members to help uphold MBIA’s motto, “Do Business with members.”

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A BIG THANK YOU! TO THE BUILDING COMPANIES WHO PARTICIPATED Beazer Homes

Mid-Atlantic Builders, Inc.

Bozzuto Homes

Miller and Smith Homes

Cairn Custom Homes

Mitchell Best Homes

Caruso Homes

NAI-The Michael Companies

The Craftmark Group Covell Communities, LLC

Owings Brothers Contracting Inc.Richmond American

Dan Ryan Builders,

Homes

Foxhall Homes,

Ryland Homes

Gemcraft Homes, Inc.

Sage Custom Homes

K. Hovnanian Homes

Stanley Martin Companies Inc.

M/I Homes

Timberlake Design/Build

Michael Harris Homes

Williamsburg Homes

And a special thank you to our Sponsors who keep this event going strong! Our Ultimate Bar Sponsor, Homestead Building Systems, Builder Drink Sponsor, Guardian Home Protection and our Door Prize Sponsor, Washington Gas, who graciously supplied two 32â&#x20AC;? flat screen TVs and made two attendees very happy.

marylandbuilders.org

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2015

Remodelers Awards

Owings Brothers Contracting

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emodelers were awarded top honors for their design and craftsmanship at MBIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Remodelers Awards of Excellence on November 12 at Historic Savage Mill in Savage, MD. A diverse judging team made up of remodeling contractors and interior designers rated each project based on quality of construction, degree of difficulty, value and cost effectiveness, unique and creative design approach and sensitivity to the existing structure. In this competitive market, these winners are shining examples of the talent our area has to offer.

Award of Excellence

Whole house $500,000-$750,000 Glickman Design Build Bethesda Whole House Renovation Bethesda, MD

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Silver Award

Award of Excellence

Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC

Starcom Design Build

T.W. Ellis Design/Build

Wharton Residence

Hoffman Project

Schaefer Project

Bethesda, MD

Ellicott City, MD

Towson, MD

Whole house $500,000-$750,000

Whole house $100,000-$250,000

Outdoor Living $150,000-$250,000

Award of Excellence

Richstone Homes & Remodeling

T.W. Ellis, LLC

Mt. Washington Deck

McCarty Project

Baltimore, MD

Outdoor Living $25,000-$50,000

Green Remodel $75,000-$150,00

Award of Excellence

Silver Award

Award of Excellence

Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC

Owings Brothers Contracting

Bates Residence

Outside/In

Waterfront Wow

Potomac, MD

Ellicott City, MD

Crownsville, MD

Detached Structure $500,000-$800,000

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Outdoor Living $25,000-$50,000

Kitchen Remodel $95,000-$130,000

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Silver Award

Kitchen Remodel $95,000-$130,000 Starcom Design Build Gallaher Kitchen Columbia, MD

Award of Excellence

Kitchen Remodel $45,000-$90,000 Bluehouse Architecture Poolesville Farmhouse Kitchen Poolesville, MD

Silver Award

Kitchen Remodel $45,000-$90,000 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanlon Kitchens, Inc. Fieldstone Kitchen Carlisle, PA

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Award of Excellence

Kitchen Addition $200,000-$350,000 Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC Savannah Kitchen Bethesda, MD

Silver Award

Award of Excellence

Lang and Company

Richstone Homes & Remodeling

Murray Hill Residence

Highfield House Apartment

Annapolis, MD

Baltimore, MD

Interior Remodel $200,000-$350,000

Award of Excellence

Owings Brothers Contracting

T.W. Ellis, LLC

Bird’s Eye View

O’Haver Bathroom

Baltimore, MD

Ellicott City, MD

Interior Remodel $50,000-$175,000

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Bathroom Remodel $70,000-$150,000

September/October 15

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Award of Excellence

Interior Remodel $30,000-$50,000 Richstone Homes & Remodeling St. James Master Bath Baltimore, MD

Designs for every room.

Award of Excellence

Interior Remodel up to $50,000 Richstone Homes & Remodeling Hillsyde Laundry/Mud Room Cockeysville, MD

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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Award of Excellence

Accessible Living Remodel $100,000-$250,000 Glickman Design Build Brand Universal Design Project Arlington, VA

Silver Award

Interior Remodel $30,000-$50,000 Owings Brothers Contracting Baltimore Bath Baltimore, MD

Award of Excellence

Other Remodel Project $150,000$300,000

Award of Excellence

Specialty and/or Details $100,000-$250,000 Bluehouse Architecture

Owings Brothers Contracting

Grace Lutheran Church Interior

Extraordinary Basement

Westminster, MD

Timonium, MD

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Award of Excellence

Other Remodel Project$150,000-$300,000 Starcom Design Build In-Law Suite Ellicott City, MD

Innovative Builder Solutions You Build The Homes, We Build Your Business! • Over 50 years of combined New Home Sales, Marketing, and Managment experience • Hands on approach • Staffing only top New Home Sales Professionals • Continual Sales Training • Innovative, passionate, and effective marketing • Market Studies • Full involvement in your New Home Sales business Earl Robinson and Terri Hill Earl@innovativebuildersolutions.com Terri@innovativebuildersolutions.com 410-979-7740

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10/21/15 11:20 AM

MBIA’S GOLF

TOURNAMENT AT MACO W

ith the Eastern Shore tidal marshes as their backdrop, over 50 MBIA members took on the challenge of the War Admiral course at Glen Riddle Golf Club in Berlin, MD on August 13. The tournament was held in conjunction with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) summer conference that took place in Ocean City that week. Each year MACO attracts an estimated 2,000 local government officials, county staff decision-makers, legislators, business representatives, and exhibitors for three days of education, networking and walking the show floor. MBIA’s golf tournament offered our members a nice break from the numerous meetings, government briefings and more than 35 educational sessions.

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Many thanks to the golfers who participated and congratulations to the wining team of Tim Kotroco, Wes Guckert and Chris Mudd with a respectable score of 61. And kudos to the Longest Drive winner, Joe Bivona and the Closest to the Pin winner, David Katz. We hope you all attend next year to defend your titles. Later that same day, MBIA held a cocktail reception at Seacrets in Ocean City, which brought out more than 200 people including many local government officials and staff for two hours of casual networking. Neither of these events would have been successful without our sponsors. MBIA gives its sincere thanks to MRA/GTA, PK Law and Whiteford, Taylor & Preston. In addition, MBIA sponsored the Governor’s Cabinet Reception on the closing night of the conference.

September/October 15

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Your houses. Our land. (Imagine the possibilites.)

Reese Road, Anne Arundel County, MD 30 single family finished lots $205,000 per lot Greenfields @White Marsh Bird River Road, White Marsh, MD 37 single family finished lots $135,000 per lot Phase II 59 single family recorded lots $55,000 per lot

Curtis Farm TDRs Howard County, Maryland 11 eastern TDRs which transfer and add density to subdivisions in eastern Howard County at a density of 1 TDR per 1 additional single family lot 1 TDR for 2 additional town home lots 1 TDR for 3 additional multi-family units $60,000 per TDR

Townhome Lots S. Dolfield Road, Owings Mills, MD $30,000 per lot

Woodlawn Aberdeen, Maryland 103 single family lots plus 14 acre parcel zoned R-3 $6,800,000

Stephen J. Ferrandi, Director of Land Brokerage â&#x20AC;˘ Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) licensed through

marylandbuilders.org

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â&#x20AC;˘ 410-290-1110

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e h T

H T A DSEUBURBS fo the

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PART VI

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TOWARDS A NON-EUCLIDEAN MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT DAVID S. THALER, P.E., L.S., F. NSPE, F. ASCE & VICTORIA M. BALLESTERO, EIT

n 2004, Baltimore County adopted an alternative zoning process entitled the “Renaissance Development Pilot Program” in an effort to revitalize older communities. The program provided for a community design process known as a charette and if a consensus of the participants was reached, the zoning on a property could be changed and almost all other regulations varianced or waived. The only property to proceed under the process was Renaissance Square, a World War II era, rundown apartment complex on the east side of Baltimore County, formerly known as Kingsley Park.

Renaissance Square, by Enterprise Homes, won MBIA’s Land Development Council Awards of Excellence “Community of the Year” in 2010.

The community design meetings were led by an experienced facilitator and a design was developed that accommodated the community’s wishes, including: a mixture of housing types and styles, public green spaces, tree-lined streets, and a pedestrian friendly land plan designed so the residents could interact with their neighbors. The cutting edge design was virtually unanimously supported by the community and won numerous design awards including “Community of the Year” from MBIA’s Land Development Council. The following is the actual list of zoning rules and regulations that had to be waived in order to implement the consensus design: • Residential Apartment Elevators— Amenity Open Space Requirements • RAE-2 Bulk Requirements • DR-16 Bulk Requirements • Residential Transition Area requirements • Accessory Building Regulations • Minimum Use Area Requirements • Sign Regulations • Fencing Regulations • Open Projection Regulations • Parking Regulations • Performance Standards • Sections of the Comprehensive Manual Development Policies (CMDP) • Adequate Public Facilities Regulations.

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This list comprises just the zoning regulations. Public works and other standards had to be waived as well. As if the above weren’t enough, the actual petition additionally requested to waive “any other law, regulation of standard that may be applicable to this final Charette plan.” There is something wrong with this picture. If one wants to do a superior plan that is supported by the entire community and creates a livable, walkable neighborhood in the style of a traditional American town, one shouldn’t be prohibited from doing so by a mountain of regulation. The most common tool for managing development in the United States for nearly the last 100 years has been Euclidean Zoning, a technique that was first developed to control high-rise development in Lower Manhattan in the early 20th century, and whose guiding principle is the segregation of uses. But use, per se, is a very poor proxy for compatibility as the appearance of the nation’s suburbs has proven over the last few decades. Other countries take different approaches. The United Kingdom, for instance, permits much higher densities in its urban areas than we do in America and it is mass, proportion, style, and often appearance that are managed, and not simply use. A long row of London townhouses in say Mayfair, will frequently contain a vast array of different uses. There may be restaurants and shops on the ground floor and offices or flats above. There are often even schools, hotels, and churches in the same block of townhouses, as well. Yet the streetscape is so appealing because all of the uses are part of a consistent, unified plan, which creates

a very desirable environment (as well as some of the highest real estate values on the planet). A great change is underway in our nation’s sprawling suburbs. The suburbs, which are home to as much as half of the U.S. population, were a good place to grow up, but they are proving to be a tough place to grow old. The inner suburbs are under especial stress. These are the suburbs that were built during the great housing boom from the end of WW II until about 1959. Often, these homes were little more than small boxes with one bathroom. They became obsolete almost as soon as they were built and now they are of the age when they need new roofs, new plumbing and major rehabilitation. They were built almost all at once and now they are becoming old

A typical post WWII home in the U.S. suburbs.

IR Stone / Shutterstock.com

and unsalable almost all at the same time as well. Consumer preferences have also changed dramatically. For example, the average size of a home built in the 1950s contained about 1,000 square feet but grew to approximately 2,500 square feet in 2010. Remodeling such homes in the inner suburbs is often not economically feasible and Millennials who are looking to start out can find better opportunities elsewhere. The outer suburbs aren’t faring much better. As the country ages and as traffic increases, suburbia’s widely assumed benefits—privacy, space and convenience—have diminished. Maintaining big yards and homes requires effort and money and driving everywhere for everything becomes expensive and Mayfair in London.

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eventually impossible. Suddenly the privacy that drew people to the suburbs in the first place is proving to be isolating and time consuming. The Baby Boomers are down-sizing and moving in increasing numbers to the cities. The Millennials, burdened with student debt and having seen their parents suffer in the recent housing recession, love the vitality of the cities and are moving to the cities as well, often renting in lieu of buying.The model slowly being adopted across the country is to retrofit suburbia and to rebuild the cities to create communities of dense, mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods where there are lots of housing choices and nearby services and amenities. There are many hurdles, but the principal obstacle is our obsolete zoning and subdivision regulations. Euclidean zoning has us locked in a death spiral. Its emphasis on the “prevention of the overcrowding of land” and the “segregation of use” may have been appropriate for the ills of the Industrial Revolution, but is not suitable for our post-industrial world. Baltimore City has been working steadily on “Transform Baltimore” to update its 1971 zoning code for several years, but there is currently no end date in sight. Prince Georges County has started working on “Creating a 21st Century Zoning Ordinance” to update its zoning regulations, but there are so many rules and regulations often created in response to some particular problem and they are so intertwined and convoluted that a rewrite of a zoning ordinance is a monumental task at best. There is another approach and that is to start fresh with a regulation that permits a new model of development— one which allows for sustainable development with higher densities, mixed-use, pedestrian friendly and livable communities. This approach can take many forms. Some alternate methods that have been tried successfully are planned unit developments, form based zoning, performance zoning and traditional neighborhood design ordinances, among others. But whatever the approach, the suburbs are changing rapidly and we must adopt regulations that will permit a sustainable, non-Euclidean model of development for the 21st century. 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 five books, and has won numerous lifetime achievement awards. He also holds both the highest professional engineering award in Maryland, now known as the Thaler Prize, and the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross, Maryland’s highest military honor. dsthaler@dsthaler.com Victoria M. Ballestero, EIT is a civil and environmental engineer with D. S. Thaler and Assoc., Inc. She is a graduate of Clarkson University. vballestero@ dsthaler.com

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With 40 years of residential, commercial, and institutional land development engineering experience, DST&A can ef�iciently and creatively help to transform raw land and redevelopment sites into thriving communities.

Land Planning

Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering Surveying

Landscape Architecture

Feasibility Studies

Land Use Consulting

www.dsthaler.com 7115 Ambassador Road Baltimore, Maryland 21244 info@dsthaler.com

410.944.3647

September/October 15

10/21/15 11:21 AM

WE TAKE THE LOAD , OFF. IT S THAT SIMPLE.

For thirty years, Builders Mutual® has been dedicated to helping builders ease the burden of choosing and managing insurance. We offer straightforward tools like risk management and Builders University® to help protect your bottom line. If you’re in construction, the insurance choice is simple.

Stay connected. buildersmutual.com marylandbuilders.org

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STATS & FACTS

STATS & FACTS WEAK WAGES AND HOUSING DISTRESS HOLDING BACK HOUSING RECOVERY BEN SAGE, DIRECTOR, METROSTUDY’S MID-ATLANTIC REGION

s we transition away from summer, we’re beginning to enjoy all the wonderful signs of Autumn … cooler weather, fall foliage, and football season. We are also looking for signs of an improving housing market, and we are getting only small doses of that. Starts are up slightly, as are home sales, and we appear to be on track for Metrostudy’s forecast of a modest increase in new-home demand in 2015. Despite these modest improvements, builders are struggling to raise prices in their communities. Housing is expensive in Maryland, as indicated in the new-home price graph, and builders are paying more and more for land. Builders are also generally assuming some price escalation over the life of the project, so the ability to raise prices is critical. Unfortunately, repeat-sales indexes for Baltimore reveal that resale home prices depreciated from June 2014 to June 2015. According to FHFA, the resale market fell 1.5 percent over the past year, and according to Clear Capital prices fell 2.6 percent. There is no repeat-sales index for Suburban Maryland, but home prices in DC Metro are up slightly from one year ago. This trend is likely the case in the Maryland portions of DC Metro as well because resale supply in this area is a good deal lower compared to the rest of the state. In Baltimore the number of listings relative to sales suggests that the

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market is closer to balanced, but prices should not be falling. So what is the problem? Housing distress is clearly an issue that continues to linger even though most markets around the country have moved past this hurdle. Foreclosures in Baltimore metro were higher in 2014 than 2010, which was the low-water market for the housing recession nationally. Foreclosure laws in Maryland favored homeowners, so a large number of foreclosures are more recently being pushed through despite the area being several years into an economic recovery. Note, though, that foreclosure activity is concentrated in geographies with older housing stock where builders are generally less active. Another reason for poor home price appreciation could be wages and incomes. Typically, there is an inverse relationship between unemployment and income. In other words, when unemployment falls, wages tend to rise (and vice versa). This held true in 2013, the last time we had a decent housing market by the way, where incomes began to rise when unemployment dipped below seven percent nationally. Inexplicably, however, real wages have fallen in the last two years despite unemployment continuing to decline. This trend holds true not only nationally, but in the Washington DC and Baltimore metro areas as well. The accompanying graph illustrates the

weakness in wages despite unemployment in Baltimore falling below six percent this year. What will put Maryland builders on more solid footing? On the positive side, Maryland has the following going for it: • Low to balanced resale supply • Job growth • Falling unemployment • Low mortgage rates We generally suffer from these ailments: • Lingering housing distress • Weak rents • Soft wages Rents and wages are often overlooked, perhaps because they are typically byproducts of an improving economy. That has not been the case lately as we have had a fair amount of improvement in Maryland by most economic measures, yet rents and wages are lagging. As we enjoy the signs of fall, Metrostudy will also keep an eye out for signs of a fuller housing recovery and the factors leading up to that. 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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$800,000

-4%

$354,700

$386,700 $232,500

$409,900

$432,800 $380,600

$286,000

$448,800 $355,700

$492,000 $374,300

$100,000

$500,000

-2%

$310,700

$200,000

$508,300

$443,200

$300,000

$514,600

$468,200

$400,000

$289,100

$500,000

$540,700

$600,000

Attached

$355,900

$700,000

Detached

Source: Metrostudy (Analytics)

$668,800

Source: BLS

$737,500

10%

MD NEW HOME $ BY COUNTY

$745,000

BALTIMORE WAGE UNEMPLOYMENT CHART

Ho wa rd Di st M ric on t tg An ome ne ry Ar un de l C ar Ba ro lti ll m or Pr e in Co ce . Ge or ge 's Fr ed er ick Ha rfo rd Ch ar le St s .M Ba ar lti y's m or e Ci ty

n08 De c08 Ju n09 De c09 Ju n10 De c10 Ju n11 De c11 Ju n12 De c12 Ju n13 De c13 Ju n14 De c14 Ju n15

Note: not all areas shown

Unemp Rate (6-mo lag)

YOY % Change Wages

MD NEW HOME $ BY COUNTY CLOSING PRICE MEDIAN

CLOSING PRICE MEDIAN

CLOSINGS

DETACHED

ATT

DET

COUNTY

ATTACHED

CALC

Howard

$468,200

$276,800

$745,000

108

119

District

$514,600

$222,900

$737,500

166

Montgomery

$443,200

$225,600

$668,800

175

121

Anne Arundel

$355,900

$184,800

$540,700

223

116

Carroll

$289,100

$219,200

$508,300

Baltimore Co.

$310,700

$189,300

$500,000

112

Prince George’s

$374,300

$117,700

$492,000

122

168

Frederick

$355,700

$93,100

$448,800

109

Harford

$380,600

$52,200

$432,800

Charles

$286,000

$123,900

$409,900

129

St. Mary’s

$232,500

$154,200

$386,700

Baltimore City

$354,700

marylandbuilders.org

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September/October 15

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!                                                                      

2M Quality, LLC 36 Builders, Inc. dba Insight Homes A/I/DATA Acorn Environmental Consulting Advanced Drainage Systems Athena Stone Atlantic Remodeling Bay State Construction Beracah Homes Blue Gypsy, Inc. Brown, Brown & Young PA Brookfield Residential Properties CBG Building Company Choice Builders Conestoga Tile Delmarva Site Development Denison Landscaping Environmental Systems Analysis Finecraft Building Contractors Gemcraft Homes GB Development Company Gilbane Development Company Griffith Brothers, Inc. Housewright Construction J H Malone Construction / Malone Homes J.L. Ward Painting Co. James Hardie JEMS Contracting K.C. Company/Pella Windows KB Homes KGRW and Associates Kipp's Contracting Knauf Insulation Lands End Properties Lauer Construction Lenhart Traffic Consulting Mariner Custom Homes Marshall Moya Design Maryland Concrete Foundations McCarthy & Associates McNamee Hosea Metro Permit Services Mortgage Master MVB Bank NAIOP Maryland OA Partners Oracle Builders Paragon Title and Escrow PCI Systems Premier Accounting Solutions ProHome of Metro DC Randy Melvin's High Performance Building and Code Solutions Richard S. DeWolfe, PE RMF Robert Weaver Masonry + Lancaster ICF Rollingwood Builders, LLC Ronald W. Johnson Associates Santos, Postal & Company, P.C. Simms Showers Solar Gaines Stehr Enterprises St. John Properties The Columbia Bank The Tile Shop Trak Homes Turgla Utility Imaging Weber Solutions WINMAR Construction Woodlawn Development

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Building our Membership As you may have noticed by the near-constant stream of new member posts on Facebook, we recently held a very successful membership drive at MBIA. For the month of September, our councils and chapters divided up into teams and set off to recruit some new members. We brought in 86 new members in all! Please take the time to look over the list of new members and help us welcome them to the association. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and commitment to our industry. A special congratulations to our Future Industry Leaders team led by Alex Villegas and our Sales & Marketing Council team led by Cindy Plackmeyer! In a tight finish, both teams brought in 14 members for the month.

COUNCILS VS. CHAPTERS Here is a breakdown of our team results: Future Industry Leaders - 14 Members Sales & Marketing Council - 14 Members Home Builders Care Foundation - 4 Members Remodelers Council - 4 Members Anne Arundel County - 3 Members Howard County - 3 Members Green Building Council - 2 Members Land Development Council, Montgomery County, Multifamily Council and Professional Women in Building all finished with 1 each. For our individual contest, our big winner was Alex Villegas with Dewberry who finished with a whopping 12 New Members! This was Alex’s first time recruiting and has already skyrocketed to Life Member Spike status with NAHB! A big shout outs also goes out to Tim Morris with Williamsburg Homes (our winner from May who has now brought in 9 New member for ’15) and Steve Breeden with Security Development who both finished with 4 New Members. Cindy Plackmeyer with Beazer, Jeff Barba with Richmond American and Bryan Hacker with SolarCity all finished with 3 New Members. Judy Borns with Residential Title, Ryan McGinn with Saratoga Insurance and Michael Schueler with Winchester Homes each brought in 2 new Alex Villegas, Dewberry members. Those bringing in 1 new member include: Brian Afnan, Bob Mowrey, Dave Lunden, Eliot Powell, Hillary Colt, Jim Krapf, Joe Smith, Josh Rosenthal, Karen Goucker, Ken Dunn, Marty Mitchell, Michael Charlton, Michael Greenspun, Roger Lebbin, Tom Marshall and Yvonne Deardorf. Thank you all again! MBIA is here to provide education, advocacy and networking opportunities for our members. We want to help you and our new members be successful. So, if you recognize a name on the new member list, give them a call to welcome them and see if there is an opportunity for you to do business with them. Or, maybe you can put another colleague in touch with a member. Members do business with members is one of our mottos for a reason. We are all working to elevate the level of professionalism in our industry and gain influence through our numbers. P.S. The drive coincided with the National Association of Home Builders membership drive competition with over 450 other HBAs. Winners are determined based upon percentage growth of new builder and associate members during their competition month. We'll let you know as soon as we find out how we ranked! Visit us online at marylandbuilders.org

Be Educated · Be Involved · Be a Member

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NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

P e

S F

THINK OF IT AS GREEN...ONLY BROWNER All Knauf Insulation products are sustainable. EcoBatt glass mineral wool insulation with ECOSE Technology takes that standard to a whole new level. It is based on rapidly renewable, bio-based material— up to 70 percent less energy intensive than traditional binders. ECOSE Technology is an evolutionary, more sustainable binder that contains no phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors. Knauf Insulation’s EcoBatt insulation combines ECOSE Technology with sand—one of the world’s most abundant resources—and a high degree of recycled bottle glass. EcoBatt insulation products

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deliver the same exceptional quality, handling and durability that you have come to expect from Knauf Insulation, with an even higher level of sustainability. LAB-TESTED, MOTHER NATURE APPROVED EcoBatt insulation products are interior friendly. They are certified to the toughest indoor air quality certification in the industry, GREENGUARD Gold, and are certified to meet CHPS Low-Emitting Materials criteria section 01350. They also meet or exceed all applicable industry performance specifications and standards.

All Knauf Insulation products are inherently sustainable because of high recycled content. They save hundreds of times more energy in use than is required to manufacture them. EcoBatt insulation is even more sustainable because its ECOSE Technology helps reduce our carbon footprint further by eliminating the traditional non-renewable petroleum-based binder chemistry.

For more information call (800) 825-4434, ext. 8485 or visit online at www.knaufinsulation.us.

September/October 15

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Providing innovative solutions that balance environmental protection & land use goals for 24 years

wetlandstudies.com Wetland and Stream Delineations Stream and Wetland Restoration Forest Conservation Planning

Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Clean Water Act Permitting

Archeology

Civil and Water Resources Engineering

Land and Bathymetric Surveying Forest Conservation Planning Tree Preservation Plans

Ecosystem and Restoration Management

Environmental Permit Compliance GIS Mapping

Community and Urban Forestry

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Studies and Approvals

Expanding to better serve our Clients SW Virginia Office 1402 Grandin Road SW Suite 211 Roanoke, VA, 24015 (571)-283-9208 G54603MBIA.indd 37

New Location

Maryland Office

Northern Virginia Office

5300 Wellington Branch Drive 1131 Benfield Boulevard Suite 100 Suite L VA, 20155 Millersville, MD, 21108marylandbuilders.orgGainesville, 37 BUILD MARYLAND (703) 679-5600 (410) 672-5990 10/21/15 11:21 AM

NEW MEMBERS & REINSTATEMENTS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 ASSOCIATES 2M Quality, LLC Doug Mciltrot 1213 Liberty Rd., Ste 336 J Eldersburg, MD 21784 240-508-4998 dougm@2mconsultingllc.com Accurate Infrastructure Data, Inc. Mike Maguire 1100 Batavia Farm Rd. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-686-5091 mmaguire@aidatainc.com Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. Thomas Janes 115 W. Crown Point Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 202-430-9381 thomas.janes@ads-pipe.com Athena Stone Rachel Taylor 8335 Pulaski Highway, 2nd Fl. Baltimore, MD 21237 410-574-4626 rachel@athenastone.com Beracah Homes Mark Leishear 9590 Nanticoke Business Park Dr. Greenwood, DE 19950 302-349-4561 sales@beracahhomes.com Blue Gypsy, Inc. Leah Kaiz Fellows 680 Highland Farms Circle Gambrills, MD 21054 804-384-7555 leah@bluegypsyinc.com Brown, Brown & Young Albert Young 200 South Main St. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-838-5500 jay@lawbrown.com

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The Columbia Bank John Glover 7168 Columbia Gateway Dr. Columbia, MD 21046 (410) 423-8060 jglover@thecolumbiabank.com

JEMS Contracting Justin Naeder 142 Railroad Ave. Westminster, MD 21157 410-751-9095 erinjems142@gmail.com

Metro Permit Services Amanda Barrett 7110 Ora Glen Ct. Greenbelt, MD 20770 301-814-6153 barretta6@yahoo.com

Conestoga Tile Gary York 810A Oregon Ave. Linthicum, MD 21090 800-422-6860 garyyork@cctd.com

KGRW and Associates Kevin Glover 3454 Center Dr., Ste 107 Ellicott City, MD 21043 410-680-8900 kevin.glover@kgrw.com

Mortgage Master Robert Nusgart 1425 Clarkview Rd. Baltimore, MD 21209 443-632-0858 RNusgart@mortgagemaster.com

Del Balzo Development Services, LLC Joe Del Balzo 12 South Adams St. Rockville, MD 20850 410-916-6433 jdelbalzo@jdplanning.com

Knauf Insulation Clint Shireman One Knauf Dr. Shelbyville, IN 46176 317-398-4434 clint.shireman@knaufinsulation.com

MVB Bank, Inc. James Harper 1801 Old Reston Ave. Reston, VA 20190 571-526-4243 jharper@mvbbanking.com

Lenhart Traffic Consulting Michael Lenhart 331 Redwood Grove Ct. Millersville, MD 21108 410-987-3888 mlenhart@lenharttraffic.com

NAIOP Maryland, Inc. Tom Ballentine 6030 Marshalee Dr. Elkridge, MD 21075 443-986-9429 naiop.md.tom@verizon.net

McLaren Engineering Group Pete Mellits 601 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-243-8707 pmellits@mgmclaren.com

PCI Systems Skip Lewis 601 N Hammonds Ferry Rd. Linthicum, MD 21090 410-487-6439 slewis@pcisystemsinc.com

Marshall Moya Design Paola Moya 2201 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 305 Washington, DC 20007 202-537-1107 paola@marshallmoya.com

Paragon Title and Escrow Company Randy Rothstein 7415 Arlington Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1114 rrothstein@paragontitle.com

Maryland Concrete Foundations, Inc. Billy Armacost 2240 Conowingo Rd. Bel Air, MD 21015 410-879-4964 billamcf@verizon.net

Premier Accounting Solutions Sandy Pucciarelli P. O. Box 271 New Market, MD 21774 240-848-3427 sandy@pasaccountant.com

Delmarva Site Development, Inc. Matthew Facchina 2200 Defense Hwy., Suite 107 Crofton, MD 21114 443-292-8083 mfacchina@delmarvasite.com Denison Landscaping Inc. Duane Denison 8911 Oxon Hill Rd. Fort Washington, MD 20744 301-567-0210 duane@denisonlandscaping.com Environmental Systems Analysis, Inc. Dave Knorr 162 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-267-0495 kkelly@esatoday.com Epic Consulting Theo Bell 3210 Grace St., NW Washington, DC 20007 202-640-4135 tbell@epicconsultingfirm.com J.L. Ward Painting Co., Inc. Jeff Ward P. O. Box 521 Woodbine, MD 21797 410-984-2505 jeffward123@aol.com

McNamee Hosea Matthew Tedesco 6411 Ivy Ln. Greenbelt, MD 20770 301-441-2420 mtedesco@mhlawyers.com

ProHome of Metro DC Jesse Jackson 9292 Old Dumfries Rd. Catlett, VA 20119 703-895-3833 jesse.jackson@prohomemetrodc.com

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Randy Melvinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Performance Building and Code Solutions, LLC Randy Melvin 6164 Mississippi Ln. New Market, MD 21774 410-365-7781 r.melvin@comcast.net Richard S. DeWolfe, PE Richard DeWolfe 1216 Ridervale Rd. Baltimore, MD 21204 802-249-2800 dirtsteel@gmail.com Robert Weaver Masonry + Lancaster ICF Builders Dave Sensenig 44 Truce Rd. New Providence, PA 17560 717-786-1900 dave@lancastericfbuilders.com Ronald W. Johnson Assoc., Inc. Steven Johnson 2661 Riva Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5221 Stevej@rwjai.com Santos, Postal & Company, P.C. Patrick Ryan 11 N. Washington St., #600 Rockville, MD 20850 240-499-2040 pryan@santospostal.com Simms Showers, LLP Casey Bryant 201 International Circle Hunt Valley, MD 21030 410-783-5795 clbryant@simmsshowers.com

Switch to Solar Chris Graves 20632 Highland Hall Dr. Gaithersburg, MD 20886 866-387-4122 chris@switchtosolarnow.com

Choice Builders, LLC Richard May 7410 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-768-4421 rmay@choicebuildersllc.com

TNT Services Group, Inc. Don Tarleton 3958 Dartmouth Ct. Frederick, MD 21703 301-874-8400 bt@tntservicesgroup.com

Gemcraft Homes, Inc. Bill Luther 2205 Commerce Rd. Forest Hill, MD 21050 410-893-8458 bluther@gemcrafthomes.com

Trak Homes, LLC Alex Trakhtman 2197 Ridge Rd. Reisterstown, MD 21136 443-421-2800 alex@trakhomes.com

Housewright Construction Co. Inc. Susan Smith 1215 Hollidge Rd. Lusby, MD 20657 410-326-0411 housewrightconst@yahoo.com

Turgla Huseyim Ozan 5220 Sunnyside Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705 301-937-0333 hozan@turgla.com WINMAR Construction Edwin Villegas 1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007 202-464-8750 cbedor@winmarconstruction.com Woodlawn Development Group Michael German 11700 Plaza America Dr. #310 Reston, VA 20190 703-649-5100 mgerman@woodlawnllc.com BUILDERS

Solar Gaines Hans Wittich 10616 Beaver Dam Rd. #3 Cockeysville, MD 20130 410-785-1760 hwittich@solargaines.com

36 Builders, Inc. dba Insight Homes Carolyn Christenbury 16255 Sussex Hwy. Bridgeville, DE 19933 302-337-0400 carolyn@insightde.com

Tile Shop Cedric Milton 78 Mountain Rd. Glen Burnie, MD 21060 443-270-1615 cedric.milton@tileshop.com

CBG Building Company, LLC Glenn Ferguson 4401 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22203 703-294-4500 gferg@clarkrealty.com

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J H Malone Construction Inc. / Malone Homes Jason Malone 1131 S Salisbury Blvd. Salisbury, MD 21801 443-260-4775 malonehomes@comcast.net Landow and Company Megan Castro 4710 Bethesda Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-6688 seasons@landowco.com Mariner Custom Homes LLC Bill Bullock 2600 Laurel View Ct. Fallston, MD 21047 410-877-3349 marinercustomhomes@verizon.net OA Partners, LLC Peter Zadoretzky 164 Conduit St. Annapolis, MD 21401 410-267-8688 pzadoretzky@oapartners.com UDR Louis Kovalsky 5579 Harrington Falls Ln. Alexandria, VA 22312 703-750-6415 lkovalsky@udr.com

Weber Solutions Katrina Weber 6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 700 Greenbelt, MD 20770 301-313-9030 kweber@weber-solutions.us REMODELERS Atlantic Remodeling Corporation Bert Lebhar 4111 E. Joppa Rd., Ste. 300 Baltimore, MD 21236 410-933-1025 bert@redcentguarantee.com Finecraft Building Contractors Niko Papaheraklis 104 Summit Hall Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-330-9191 niko@finecraftcontractors.com JL Ferko Contracting Services, LLC Jacki Ferko 15706 Pinecroft Ln. Bowie, MD 20716 240-882-9270 jferko@jlferkocontracting.com Kippâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Contracting Rick Kipp 11858 Ramsburg Rd. Marriottsville, MD 21104 410-442-5477 mycontractor@comcast.net Rollingwood Builders, LLC Andy Rosenthal 1600 Tysons Blvd Tysons, VA 22102 301-938-1445 andy@rollingwoodbuilders.com Utility Imaging, Inc. Allyson Alexander Legg 8519 Woodville Rd. Mount Airy, MD 21771 240-409-2530 utilityimaging@gmail.com

10/21/15 11:21 AM

STARS CLUB

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

Chesapeake Employers Insurance Group Dewberry K Hovnanian Homes Lakeside Title 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 Project Management Soltesz SunTrust Washington Gas

Associated Insurance Management Baker Tilly Ballard Spahr, LLP 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

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

AD INDEX

AD INDEX Appliance Distributers Unlimited �� 3 BGE Outdoor Lighting �� 9 Builder Mart �� 34 Builders Mutual Insurance �� 31 California Closets �� 21 D.S. Thaler & Associates �� 30 Devere Insulation �� 11 Dewberry �� 19 GE Contract Sales �� Back Cover Innovative Builder Solutions �� 23 KLNB �� 25 Linowes & Blocher �� 15 MAPGA �� 29 Pepco Holdings �� 7 Shulman Rogers �� 23 Solar City �� 5 and Inside Back Cover Vintage Security �� Inside Front Cover Wetland Studies �� 37

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MBIA HAS WHAT YOU NEED TO GET CONNECTED Your members-only resource for local utility hook-ups is online. Our regional utility providers look forward to working with architects, builders and engineers in meeting the needs of their projects. MBIA is happy to provide a variety of contacts to help facilitate the process. For more information visit, www.marylandbuilders.org/ members-only

September/October 15

10/21/15 11:21 AM

Don’t just build homes. Build solar power houses. Integrating solar power from SolarCity in your new homes can set them apart from the rest. As a SolarCity partner building power houses, you’ll provide your customers with a measure of energy independence for many years to come. Contact us today to find out more about the advantages of partnering with SolarCity. Learn more at newpowerhouse.com.

Contact Bryan Hacker at bhacker@solarcity.com or call 240-586-2261.

CT HIC 0632778/ELC 0125305, DE 2011120386/ T1-6032, DC 410514000080/ECC902585, MA HIC 168572/EL-1136MR, MD HIC 128948/11805, NC 30801-U, NH 0347C/12523M, NJ NJHIC#13VH06160600/34EI01732700, PA HICPA077343, RI AC004714/Reg 38313, VA ELE2705153278, VT EM-05829. Nassau H2409710000, Greene A-486, Suffolk 52057-H, Putnam PC6041, Rockland H-11864-40-00-00, Westchester WC-26088-H13, N.Y.C #2001384-DCA. SCENYC: N.Y.C. Licensed Electrician, #12610, #004485, 155 Water St, 6th Fl., Unit 10, Brooklyn, NY 11201, #2013966-DCA.

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