Granite State Builder Fall 2019

Granite State HomeBuilders A S S O C I A T I O N

Official Magazine of The New Hampshire Home Builders Association

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cover story

Home Smart

Home

The future is now, in Home high Tech

Is a finished basement right for your clients?

A look at remodeling and building trends Construction careers program receives national award

Professionals committed to Excellence

BRING THEIR HOMES TO LIFE. Whether big or small, a replacement project can be an opportunity to bring new life to your clients’ homes.

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In This Issue

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 4

Granite State

Official Magazine of The New Hampshire Home Builders Association

The High Tech Half Dozen High tech has become ubiquitous.

Here's how to put the “smart” in smart homes.

119 Airport Road • Concord, NH 03301 Phone: (603) 228-0351 Fax: (603) 228-1877 NHHBA.com • info@nhhba.com

HomeBuilders A S S O C I A T I O N

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nhhba Officers president

Joe Harnois VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER

Value, Flexibility, Comfort

Christine Lamontagne vice president of associates

Trudy Sutherland immediate past president

Lynette Rogers

Is a finished basement right for your clients? When a family needs more space, the basement is the natural place to look.

NAHB National Builder Director

Joe Harnois NAHB State Representative

Kurt Clason

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Associate National Director to NAHB

Will Infantine Past President Council

Sandy Lamontagne

Live Large in a Tiny House Visitors have a chance to own an innovative, newly designed home, featuring the latest in color trends and custom materials.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sharon Wayman EDITORia l Board

Sharron McCarthy Sharon Wayman Paul Morin, CGB Bill Burke contributors

Brion O’Connor Paul Morin

PAGE 12 2 President’s Letter

10 GSB Buzz

A message from Joe Harnois

7 Buying Trends

The days of excesses may be waning as builders and remodelers are finding that customers are trending toward the more practical.

News of note to our members

13 Member Application Become a NHHBA member today

16 the finish nail Diva Dens and grandma’s wallpaper?

Design trends? We leave this up to the professionals.

Art Director

John R. Goodwin Managing editor

Bill Burke Production Superviso r

Jodie Hall

find professionals quickly!

Scan the QR Code to take the NHHBA Member Directory with you.

Add the page to your home screen or visit: http://appk.me/NHHBA

Become a Member Annual NHHBA membership includes a one-year subscription to Granite State Builder.

Non-members may request a subscription for an annual fee of $27.80.

Contact us for more information (603) 228-0351 • info@nhhba.com • nhhba.com NHHBA.com

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Sharron R. McCarthy

Granite State Builder is published four times a year by McLean Communications, Inc. and is distributed to NHHBA members.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s written permission is prohibited. Statements and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, Inc. and Granite State Builder disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. Annual NHHBA membership includes a one-year subscription to Granite State Builder. Non-members may request a subscription for an annual fee of $27.80.

© 2019 McLean Communications, Inc. granite state builder magazine

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president’s letter / Joe Harnois

Dear NHHBA Members

I

am proud to announce that in early July 2019, Peggy Danis was hired as the new executive assistant of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association. In addition to an infectiously positive personality, Peggy brings with her more than 30 years’ experience

working in non-profits, serving in various capacities. She will help Sharon carry out all the responsibilities the Association has to its members. Please join us in welcoming her to this new and exciting position..

The 11th Annual New Hampshire Construction Career Days will be held September 26-27 (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) at the Hillsborough County Youth Center Foundation in New Boston, NH. Our industry, like others, has a significant workforce shortage, and this is just one opportunity for our Association to help aid in the development of our future workers. I have volunteered at this event for the past few years, and because it can significantly impact our Industry, I will do so again this year. Anyone looking to volunteer for this event can get more information by contacting Sharon Wayman at swayman@nhhba.com.

Mark your calendar for the 2019 Cornerstone Awards, which will be held on October 3 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford. This long-standing event is an opportunity to showcase the very best projects completed in different categories, including new construction, additions, kitchens and bathrooms, and outdoor living. 47 entries have been submitted for this year’s event. For more information or to register to attend the event, go to www.nhcornerstoneawards.com. Look forward to seeing you there.

The 53rd Annual NH State Home Show will be March 6-8, 2020, held again at the DoubleTree

by Hilton in Manchester. Sharon Wayman has been, and is continuing, to reserve booths and work with the Home Show Committee to produce the biggest and best show north of Boston.

To reserve booth space or inquire about sponsorship email swayman@nhhba.com or call (603) 226-6538.

On September 15, the newly updated International Codes (2015 IRC) will be effective. To assist our members in this transition, we will have a three-ringed copy in the Housing Center Office in Concord for reference.

Our Annual NHHBA Membership BBQ will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at the NHHBA Office in Concord.

Anyone looking for more information or sponsor any of these events can get more information by contacting Sharon Wayman at swayman@nhhba.com.

Joe Harnois 2019 NHHBA President

HomeBuilders A S S O C I A T I O N

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granite state builder magazine

fall 2019

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cover story / Brion O’Connor

Top Home Tech

The High Tech Half Dozen: Putting the “Smart” in Smart Homes

H

igh tech has become ubiquitous. We have smart phones and smart cars. So, could smart homes be far behind?

Fortunately for today's consumers and contractors, smart homes have already arrived.

The challenge is to make sense of all the smart products flooding the market. After all, choosing the right upgrades from all these products designed to make your life easier can be a daunting task.

But with the right choices, even older homes can be brought into the 21st century.

For expert advice, we reached out to John Patrick Pullen, a New England native and smart-home enthusiast who is the tech editor for Fortune magazine. Here are his top six suggestions to help convert ordinary homes into Einstein-quality abodes, along with another half-dozen honorable mentions.

 Philips Hue Lighting (meethue.com) Light, and types of lighting, can have a huge impact on our moods.

Now, imagine the convenience of being able to turn off all your lights with a tap, or using color to transform the atmosphere of your living room, or selecting the optimal light to help you concentrate better or relax after a long day. Phillips Hue lighting systems invites homeowners to discover a whole range of lights, sensors and switches to help them improve their home environment.

“From outdoor landscape lighting to incandescent light bulb replacements, the company offers a device for every setting,” he said. “And by linking the lights to everything from smart smoke alarms to music apps, they do everything from keep your home safe to make it more fun. They aren’t the most inexpensive smart home lights on the market, but Hue lets you continually add lighting to your home, wherever you want it. Even if you’re just building a smart home, start here.”

 Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat (ecobee.com) Most of us have dealt with homes that don't heat or cool evenly during extreme temperature swings. That's because most thermostats only read the temperature in one place, usually a hallway.

Ecobee4's sensors manage and compensate for those hot or cold spots. With a room sensor and built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Service, Ecobee4 is the smart WiFi thermostat that will listen to your voice commands and respond.

Depending on where you place the sensors, Ecobee4 can determine the temperature and detect occupancy, ensuring comfort in the rooms that matter most.

“Nest might be the big name on the smart thermostat market, but Ecobee is the better product,” said Pullen. “With an integrated microphone, the Ecobee4 also doubles as an Amazon Alexa command center, if you want to enable that functionality. But it also has remote room sensors, which let you program your home's heating and cooling in more energy-efficient ways.”

 Blink Home Security Cameras

“Smart light bulbs are the quickest, easiest and most useful smart home products on the market,” said Pullen. “And with a wide variety of products and integration into major smart home systems, Philips Hue products are undoubtedly the best.

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(blinkforhome.com) Everyone wants to be safe, but we also want that peace of mind without breaking the bank. The wireless camera systems from Blink Home Security are affordable, with no monthly subscription fees. These video home security camera and monitoring systems run on batteries that last for two years, providing long-lasting coverage for your entire home, inside and out. The new waterresistant Blink XT2 ensures clear, HD-quality video no matter what the forecast brings. fall 2019

“There are a lot of smart home cameras on the market these days, and these little, inexpensive, wireless wonders

by Blink don't get enough attention — but perhaps that's by design,” said Pullen. “About the size of a deck of coasters, they are easy to set up, are unobtrusive and have great motion-sensing chops.

“A lot of people don't want cameras constantly recording in their homes, and since these run on a pair of AA batteries, you wouldn't want them on all the time anyway,” he said. “But they are great for shoving in a drawer, then setting up around the house when you're out of town. And since they turn on and record when they detect motion, your batteries should last a while.”

devices. The compact design fits into just about any space, from kitchen countertop to office bookshelf. It's even humidity resistant, allowing you to put one in the bathroom. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are built right in, so you can play music, check news, set alarms, get your questions answered and more, completely hands free.

“Smart speakers are all the rage, but most of them sound awful.

Sonos One not only has great acoustics, but it also connects to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple's Airplay protocol,” said Pullen. “If you're a fan of Alexa, you might not care about that kind of versatility today, but it's good to have it, just in case you decide you want to go another way later.

“But in addition to working with all those digital assistants, Sonos also syncs up well with a mess of music and streaming services, and it's still adding more all the time,” he said.

 Kwikset Premis Lock System (kwikset.com)  Sense Home Energy Monitor (sense.com) True confession time — How many of us have children, or a spouse, who automatically reply “It wasn't me!” when you ask who left the lights on, or forgot to turn down the heat, of turn off the air conditioner? Installed in your home's electrical panel, the Sense monitor system provides insight into energy use and home activity through our iOS, Android and web apps. That allows homeowners to see how much electricity they're using, what time their kids got home or when a basement light comes on. Sense identifies patterns in energy use to help families be more efficient, informed and secure. No subscription fees, and a 60-day money back guarantee, are added bonuses.

“If you want to turn your whole home into a smarty in an instant, this is one way to go,” said Pullen. “Sense hooks on to your breaker box — you'll want an electrician's help with this — connects to your Wifi, and collects all sorts of information about how your home's electrical system works.

“Using some back-end magic, Sense analyzes the electrical signals flowing through your wires to determine what appliances and electronics are on, off or not working correctly,” he said. “It's a great way to troubleshoot your home energy bill, or see if big-ticket items like your water heater are sucking your wallet dry.”

 Sonos One (sonos.com) The Sonos One is a powerful, smart speaker that delivers rich, room-filling sound. Better yet, you can control the speaker with your voice, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2 and other assistant NHHBA.com

Kwikset's Premis contemporary touchscreen door lock provides both style and security. The lockset, with Bluetooth connectivity, allows you to control access to your home from your Apple device, employing any one of 30 customizable user codes for easy entry (or if the kids get home before you do). The locks also add a level of remote security if you've got that nagging feeling that you forgot to lock up.

“Every smart lock is different, but they all have one thing in common: They're disappointing,” said Pullen.

“Either they gobble up batteries, or they don't connect to phones and home networks, or the bolt sticks, etc. But the one lock I find myself returning to, time and again, is Kwikset's Premis.

“I like Kwikset's smart lock most for its dumb feature — you can re-key it so you can use the same key to unlock all of your other Kwikset locks, reducing the bulk of your keychain,” he said. “But if there's a smart reason to like this, it's a combination of its touchscreen that lets you unlock the door using an entry code and its Apple HomeKit integration that lets you ask Siri to do the honors for you. Worried about someone else taking your iPhone and breaking into your house? They'll need your handset's passcode, or if you use FaceID, your mug.” continued on next page > granite state builder magazine

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Honorable Mentions First Alert Safe & Sound. “This connected carbon monoxide/ smoke detector not only doubles as a smart speaker, it also works as an Amazon Alexa device and a nightlight to boot,” said Pullen. “I just installed one in my house, and can't wait until it gets its Apple Airplay 2 compatibility later this fall.”

Google Home Hub. “The perfect countertop companion, this smart speaker has a screen on it, so you can see your day's appointments when you ask Google Assistant what's on your calendar for the day,” said Pullen. “It also plays nice with a whole bunch of other smart home products, including Nest's Hello doorbell camera, which means you can tell people 'no soliciting' without ever opening the door.”

AmazonBasics Microwave. “How long should you cook that baked potato for? I don't know either, but Alexa does,” said Pullen. “Simply pop your spud — or popcorn, or coffee — in this Alexa-connected microwave, say 'Alexa, microwave popcorn' and Amazon's smart assistant is on the case.”

Insignia Wi-Fi Garage Door Controller.

“Wouldn't it be great if your iPhone could open your garage door? For $50, it can,” said Pullen.

“And you don't have to change out your existing opener. That alone is worth much more.”

Maximus Smart Security Light.

“I had one of these for years, and loved that it didn't look like a giant camera was staring down my doorstep,” said Pullen.

“And if you've got two porch lights, they make a 'dumb' version, so you can have matching lights.”

Remodelers’ Confidence Holds Steady in Second Quarter courtesy NAHB.org

The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 55 in the second quarter of 2019, rising one point from the previous quarter. The RMI has been consistently above 50 — indicating that more remodelers report market activity is higher compared to the prior quarter than report it is lower — since the second quarter of 2013. The overall RMI averages current remodeling activity and future indicators.

%

“The demand for remodeling continues to hold strong throughout the country,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Tim Ellis, CAPS, CGP, CGR, GMR, Master CGP, a remodeler from Bel Air, Md. “However, the lack of skilled labor continues to be one of the largest roadblocks in the industry.”

Current market conditions rose two points from the previous quarter to 55. Among its three major components, major additions and alterations increased four points to 53, minor additions and alterations and the home maintenance and repair component both held steady at 55 and 56, respectively.

The future market indicators gained one point from the previous quarter to 55. Calls for bids stayed at 54, amount of work committed for the next three months fell two points to 52, the backlog of remodeling jobs increased four points to 58 and appointments for proposals remained steady at 55 for the third quarter in a row.

“The remodeling market has decelerated somewhat due to ongoing supply-side challenges, as well as year-over-year declines in existing home sales,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “However, remodelers’ confidence continues to be positive. Market conditions would be better if not for labor shortages and rising construction costs making it difficult to complete some projects at prices home owners can afford.”

For the full RMI tables, please visit www.nahb.org/rmi. For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

SimpliSafe. “Mixing and matching sensors into a system can be a pain,” said Pullen. “SimpliSafe makes it easy, and offers outside monitoring for $15 per month, which is a great price.”

Freelance writer Brion O’Connor is a product of New Hampshire schools — Manchester Central High School and the University of New Hampshire. He currently resides with his wife and two daughters on Boston’s North Shore.

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Buyer Trends / Janet Bagley

Expected vs. Innovative Quality: A Look at Remodeling and Building Trends

T

he days of excesses may be waning as builders and remodelers are finding that customers are trending toward the more practical.

“People want the things they really need versus the bells and whistles,” says Stephen Melman, director of economic services for the National Association of Home Builders, in Washington, D.C. “When Millennials purchase, they’re not going for the media room, etc. They’re going to think about affordability — what do I really need and what can I afford?”

When selling a home, buyers are well aware of the basic trends such as open concept homes with modern conveniences like forced hot air and central air conditioning. However, as younger buyers weigh wants vs. necessities, consider additions that meet expectations as well as basic needs, like hardscapes. Quartz can be lighter as an upgrade from granite. Knock a non-bearing wall down, (with a professional of course) and open up that space.

Transitional style is in. It crosses the elegant trim of the Victorian era with the simpler lines of craftsman style. It gives a clean, sophisticated look to a home with little detail.

Trending Needs Space

Breakfast nooks and eat-in kitchens are taking the place of formal dining rooms. Multi-use center islands with different levels are both flexible and useful. Baby boomers like bar stools, but a standard chair height up to a kitchen island also helps with the little bakers.

Multi-function Laundry rooms need to be on the same living space floor as the bedrooms. It can also double as an Amazon delivery/paper goods storage space. Let’s hide it all behind a French pocket door with blurred windows (lights).

Lighting Exterior and walkway solar lighting can be important and desirable, but check with inspectors, as some towns can be restrictive about lighting allowances.

Floors and Windows Gone are the days of tile and grout cleaning in the kitchen.

Hardwood throughout the main living areas are now favored over carpeting. Window treatments no longer exist as fabric, but as clever window shades.

Storage

Efficiency Familiar to most people, Energy Star is important as costs continue to rise. But true net-zero homes can still be pretty far off. Solar panels aren’t quite where we’d like them to be yet, but hopefully they will break into the market at an affordable rate before too long.

Heating & Cooling Ceiling fans work well for air circulation—and not just for bringing heat down from the ceiling in the winter. Homes today have tight envelopes and are no longer breathing as well. Ceiling fans help with that stale air.

Outdoor Living Plastic decking is helpful in terms of low maintenance, but the patio is back. Get in touch with the grass in your back yard. The grill can be placed safely away from the house — and at times built into the patio space with an outdoor cabinet.

Trending Wants Technology

Control the entire home on your mobile phone. In the connected home, the fridge becomes the new Google family calendar.

Thermostats, garage door openers and lighting are all run from the mobile phone, which is now the master remote. (see page 4 for more on home technology trends.)

Color It’s no longer about bold color design in a home. It’s a place of serenity. Gray has been the color of choice for the last 4-5 years, and many homeowners are leaning toward something with a little more sophistication — blues based in white and grey.

A marketing veteran with more than two decades in the industry, Janet Bagley recently started her own agency, Vizuluxe. When she gets a down moment, she likes to spend time with her husband and their 11-year-old daughter.

Whether it’s in the garage and perfect for all those sports that our kids do, or it’s a cabinet between double sinks in the bath, you’ll need storage that can provide quick, easy access.

NHHBA.com

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Renovation / Brion O’Connor

Value, Flexibility, Comfort Is a finished basement right for your clients?

W

hen MaryEllen and Chuck Stergiou moved into their new home in Manchester in the summer of 1996, they had two young children in tow and a pair of newborn twins who arrived on Mother's Day. By the time the summer of 2008 rolled around, their eldest son was 17, their daughter was almost 16, and the twin boys were 12. And their classic Colonial home was feeling just a bit snug.

“The kids had enjoyed being able to mess around in the unfinished basement,” said MaryEllen. “But they were getting a bit older, always had a ton of friends here at the house, and we wanted a nicer area for them.

“Also, this is when video games were really making some headway into our home. But I hated listening to the kids playing them,” she said. “We also liked what a finished basement with some unfinished storage areas would add to our home value.”

The most important point was that the Stergious planned to use a renovated basement to address their own needs, and not simply increase the value of their home, said Janet Bagley, a real estate agent with Vizuluxe and creative director at Vizuluxe, Design & Marketing.

Homeowners “should finish a basement once a family has children in their teen years and need further space to spread out within the home if they're unable to move to a bigger home, or it doesn't make financial sense,” said Bagley.

“The majority of the time, basement finishing is used when a member of the family requires more privacy or ability to come and go as they please through a walk-out basement,” she said. “This could be a returning-from-college adult, as well as one that is moving back home after a divorce or a stint out on their own.”

“You can only count on getting back 50% of the cost (of a basement renovation) when going to sell your home, due to the space being below grade level,” said Bagley.

For that reason, Bagley suggests homeowners “should also consider above ground space, such as above a garage, or a third story walk-up attic first for that extra square footage for young ones' playrooms. It holds its value better than the below-ground space.”

However, Donal Dignan, owner of Dignan Construction in Portsmouth, said basement renovations are attractive precisely because they are typically — but not always — a less-expensive option for expansion.

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“When a family needs more space, the basement is the natural place to look,” said Dignan. “Unlike other addition projects — going up or going out — the costs of excavation, foundations, windows, landscaping, etc. can be avoided. Basements lend themselves as a great space to add a family room, play area, guest suite for the inlaws, or even a home office in the right situation.

“The good, and bad, thing about finishing a basement is that it's located underfoot,” he said. “This can be great if you want a play room or TV room, because the noise won't travel upstairs as easily as it would through a wall. But the opposite is true for a room like an office or a study, especially for families with young kids.”

Fortunately, said Dignan, most New England homes have base-

ments, which is not the norm in many other areas of the country.

Most basement projects will only take a portion of the available space, in order to prevent reducing the functional aspects of your home.

“I usually see basement remodels finish off 60% to 80% of the home's overall footprint,” said Dignan. “Since the basement usually houses all of your home's mechanical systems, (the project should) utilize and integrate with some of those spaces to leave some unfinished storage area.”

In addition to living and/or office space, basement renovations often include a bathroom. This is a particularly popular option if you're considering adding a bedroom, a “man cave” or a locker room (for outdoorsmen, athletes and kids).

“When it comes to cost, adding a bathroom to a home and placing it in a basement can come with some sticker shock,” said Dignan. “While the rest of your home's plumbing runs downhill fall 2019

into the basement, it's not uncommon for your main sewer line to exit your foundation many feet above the basement floor. That latter situation can involve jackhammering the floor and adding additional plumbing equipment.”

Other major considerations including choices for windows, walls, floors and ceilings. Regarding recent trends, Bagley said, “it's fairly typical to go with a floating plastic floor, like luxury vinyl tile.”

“If it gets damp, it will prohibit mold growth,” she said. “There is a necessary evil to (finished basements). You have to have a constant dehumidifier, as the space is below ground and that tends to be the norm.”

Dignan agreed, adding that what's above your head is just as important as what's below your feet.

“A big decision people face, and always ask me about, is if they should use a dropped ceiling or 'hard' ceiling,” said Dignan. “My vote is always for a hard, or drywall, ceiling. You can gain a little height, and most of all a normal ceiling in a basement makes the space feel more like a normal room rather than a commercial space or office.

“I know people worry about needing access for a plumbing leak, but the same wires and pipes run throughout the rest of your walls and ceilings,” he said. “In the unfortunate event of a water leak, drywall can be repaired rather easily.”

Finally, Bagley cautioned homeowners not to forget about lighting. Though there are outstanding lighting systems now available, such as Phillips Hue (see related article on high-tech products for smart homes), there's really no substitute for natural lighting, she said.

“If there isn't a window in the basement that's a full window, I would suggest adding one,” said Bagley. “You need at least some light to provide a successful living space.”

Still, no matter how attractive a finished basement might sound, there are certain red flags that homeowners, and contractors, need to be aware of when considering this work. At the top of the list, said Dignan, is potential water damage.

“If you're going to invest in a basement remodel, the best way to protect your investment is to make sure any and all water issues are mitigated as part of the project or before it starts,” he said.

A close second on that list of precautions is making sure you don't create any hazards for occupants. Remember, you're finishing a space that you hope will be used by yourself and others, and that brings certain responsibilities.

“Depending on the intended use of space, egress can also be an issue, especially when trying to add a bedroom,” said Dignan.

NHHBA.com

“Safety isn't a place you want to cut corners. So make sure you consult your (contractor) or local building inspection department to see if you'll need to add any doors or egress windows.”

To ensure that you make the most of your basement renovation, both Bagley and Dignan suggested that homeowners need to do their homework beforehand.

“There are companies out there that do this work consistently,” said Bagley. “However, I would trust a builder who has a track record of completing below-ground space first.

They're much more able to cater to your needs to include the full bath in the space, and complete the project.”

Likewise, Dignan said he always tells people “to choose someone they trust and get along with.”

“Chances are by the time you call a potential contractor on the internet or through a friend, you'll already confident that they have the skills to complete the type of project you want,” he said. “So you'll want to ask about their process and communication style, and make sure it matches up with yours.

“Not everyone is a good fit for each other,” said Dignan. “If you don't feel like you hit a home run after the first couple of meetings, you might need to keep interviewing.”

The Stergious' project included addDignan Construction ing 625 square feet of finished space in dignanconstruction.com their basement, including a three-quarVizuluxe ter bathroom with a stand-up shower, vizuluxe.com while maintaining the same level of accessibility. While the couple declined to discuss specific costs, MaryEllen Stergiou said the renovation was “worth every penny.”

“We've loved the results over the last 11 years,” she said. “The finished space has provided a very private setting for whomever is using the space. The Owens-Corning System of insulated wall panels makes the basement almost soundproof. As a few of my visiting brothers have said, 'It's like a sensory deprivation chamber.'

“The system also provides amazing temperature insulation — very cool in the summer, toasty in the winter,” said MaryEllen.

“We've all spent many a movie night binge-watching down there.

We also have a very large extended family, so the finished space it provides to visiting cousins, aunts, uncles is excellent.”

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GSB Buzz

News of Note Trudy Sutherland, of iHeartMedia, named VP of Associates 2019 Trudy Sutherland has been named Vice President of Associations, 2019, for the New Hampshire Home Builders Association.

During Trudy’s career, she has delivered world-class service while generating millions of dollars for businesses and nonprofits by creating mutually beneficial long-term partnerships.

Trudy is energized by in-person networking opportunities and especially by giving back to the New Hampshire community. Assisting clients and nonprofit associations with achieving marketing/fundraising goals and educating the community at large is a pleasure for her.

“Seeing all my clients and partners successful delights me,” she said. “I’m in for the winwin situation for all.”

In the past, Trudy served as PR Chair for the New Hampshire Home Builders Association for four years, as well as on numerous committees since 1996. She was also a New Hampshire State Commissioner serving on the Board of Directors for VolunteerNH, Good News Garage and many other committees and nonprofit causes. Now going on eight years, she is the Senior Account Representative for iHeartMedia NH and represents over 858 radio stations as well as digital and marketing events nationwide. Prior to iHeartMedia, many know Trudy Sutherland from the 16½ years she spent at the NH Business Review, and before that, running a small advertising agency after her four years as the marketing director for the Concord Monitor.

Trudy has also set up an affinity program with iHeartMedia, where NHHBA members can get discounts as well as advertising credits for the state NHHBA when going through her for advertising and marketing.

save the date

The Cornerstone Awards: October 3, 2019 The submissions have been judged, and now you’ll want to attend.

Come see the Granite State’s best-of-the-best, as judged by their peers at the 2019 Cornerstone Awards on Oct. 3, 2019 at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford, New Hampshire.

The Cornerstone Awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in the building industry. Members of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association enter their best work to be judged by industry professionals.

Categories range from marketing, new construction and remodeling to a range of interior design specialties. The categories encompass both residential and commercial work. There are also specialty categories for landscaping, lighting, model homes and energy-efficient projects.

For more information on this year’s event, visit nhcornerstoneawards.com.

Cornerstone awards Recognizing SOUTHERNExcellence In The Building Industry

Manchester Middle School Construction Careers Program receives national award

NH Sector Partnership Initiative program honored at national ABC convention

Pictured, from left: Kevin Walsh, of Resource Options Inc; Golf Chair Chick Beaulieu, of Chick Beaulieu, Inc.; Hannah Stohler and Krista Tsechrintzis, of Marguerite's Place; GMNHBRA Executive Officer Lisa Bowman; and Peter Dolloff, of Sequel Property Management.

Check presentation to Marguerite's Place The Greater Manchester/Nashua Home Builders and Remodelers Association Golf Committee presented its donation from tournament proceeds to Marguerite's Place — a shelter for mothers with children located in Nashua. Many thanks to our sponsors and players for making the tournament such a big success!

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granite state builder magazine

The Construction Careers Program at Parkside Middle School in Manchester has received national recognition from the Associated Builders & Contracts at the organizations’ annual convention in Long Beach, Calif.

The program, designed with the help of advisors from the NH Sector Partnership Initiative’s Construction Sector Advisory Board, is designed to expose younger children to the career options open in the construction industry. It was presented with a Chapter Award of Excellence & Merit for its innovative approach to construction workforce development.

The program was praised for the way it works to match experienced craftspeople with educators to give students exposure to a career in construction. The use of age-appropriate, hands-on learning and lectures from real construction workers was praised as well.

One of the Construction Sector Advisory Board’s members, Manchester Joshua Reap, left, construction sector advisor for the NH Sector Partnership Initiative, accepts Chapter City School Board member Jimmy Award of Excellence & Merit from George Nash, Lehoux, spearheaded the effort and Associated Builders & Contractors’ national chair. several of the sector stakeholder companies provided input, materials and other forms of support to initiate the program. fall 2019

Start Your… Engines?

Inaugural LRBRA Belt Sander Race

T

he Indianapolis 500 was run for the 103rd time this season, with more than 300,000 fans in attendance. The Coca-Cola 600 was run in Charlotte in front of 100,000 fans. Both races were preceded by the traditional pomp and circumstance, including military personnel, 21-gun salutes, bands, patriotic songs and flyovers.

But before all of this, another race — perhaps destined for similar heights — was held right here in the Lakes Region.

Drivers and teams from around the globe quietly made their way to Meredith on the Thursday before Memorial Day. These seasoned professionals were headed to the Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association’s first annual Lakes Region Belt Sander Races. It was held at the Middleton Building Supply’s newly constructed (but temporary) indoor racing facility at 157 Main St. There are no weather delays at this track; you can be assured of that.

While attendance was slightly less than the Coca-Cola 600, it is hoped that the addition of sky-boxes in the near future will boost attendance in the coming years. The admission was free (any guesses on what an Indy 500 ticket costs?) and, as a bonus, the fans also enjoyed a free barbecue.

Here’s how it works: Two belt sanders (the kind that do-it-yourselfers use to sand their floors down) are put side-by-side on a 30-foot track—much like a drag strip. They are plugged into extension cords and a master switch lights both machines up at the same time. They cover the track in a couple of seconds, reaching blazing speeds of up to 60 mph.

There are stock and modified divisions and sander owners are allowed to customize the appearance and add guide systems to keep the sander going straight. And of course, there’s always a debate over which is the best grit sandpaper for the track conditions.

There is an award for the best-decorated machine. Many of the teams took the inaugural race seriously and spent hundreds of seconds getting ready for it. Many manufacturers were represented, including Craftsman, Porter Cable, Chicago Electric, Ryobi and Makita. Mercedes and Ferrari were no-shows. They were likely intimidated.

After dining on dogs and burgers, Race Coordinator Kurt Clason uttered the most famous words in motor racing; “Gentlemen and ladies, click your switches!”

The huge field of a dozen or so high-performance machines matched up in double-elimination heats to determine a champion.

This sport is not for the faint of heart. It is dangerous. There

NHHBA.com

by Roy Sanborn were crashes, spins and running out of fuel (the extension can become unplugged.) This was intense competition.

In the end, it came down to two Porter Cable machines going head-to-head in a two-out-of-three shootout. The overall winner was Steve Custance of Team Custance Brothers with Paul Muckerheide of Team Granite State Hydroshield coming in second.

The advertised winner’s purse of $1 million was not awarded due to lack of funds. The Sassy Sanders Team, comprised of Marylena Sevigney, Patti Phelps, and Marie Degulis, won the best-decorated. Jeremy Doucet and the Smooth Criminals Team from Lighthouse Contracting Group won the Modified Award with his confettispitting, Nitrous Oxide-induced VW. So what’s all this got to do with real estate? The Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association is dedicated to “promoting, protecting and preserving the home building industry as a viable economic force in the Lakes Region area.” It provides a platform for networking and learning for its members.

The LRBRA puts on the annual and much-anticipated Parade of Homes tour every Columbus Day weekend which showcases our area builders’ work and suppliers’ products and materials. The proceeds from this amazing tour of beautiful homes benefit the Workforce Development Program at the Huot Technical Center, which inspires younger people to get into the trades as a profession. The Huot Technical Center is currently building its third tiny home under the watchful eye of Building Instructor Matt Towle.

LRBRA members help plan the build, work hand-in-hand with the students on all-day builds, and provide aid and materials for the tiny home.

Thanks to Engraving and Awards for the winners’ plaques, Pella Windows and Secondwind Water Systems for the raffle prizes and a special thanks to Middleton Building Supply for hosting the event. If you don’t have a belt sander, they probably have one they will sell you.

To learn more about The Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association, visit lakesregionbuilders.com. You might want to race next year.

Visit DistinctiveHomesNH.com to learn more about the Lakes Region real estate market and sign up for a monthly newsletter. Roy Sanborn is a sales associate at Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty.

Contact him at 603-677-7012. granite state builder magazine

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GSB Buzz

Live Large in a Tiny House

Visitors have a chance to own innovative, newly designed home

F

or the third consecutive year, the Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association worked alongside students from the Huot Technical Center's Building Construction and Plumbing and Heating classes to help construct a tiny house build project.

The 192-square-foot tiny house, which sits on a 24-by-8-foot trailer, is now for sale.

“Working alongside such bright and engaged students on such a meaningful initiative exemplifies our commitment to workforce development, and the training made possible for the many aspects of home design and construction,” says LRBRA President Ray Boelig.

Students from six area high schools began work on the project last fall. The all-new design includes a side door entrance, staircase leading to the 80square-foot loft area and many built-in features. The cabinetry is perhaps the most notable feature with this year’s project. Custance Brothers, of Ashland, helped with the cabinets and guided the creative layout. Daniels Electric helped wire the tiny house to be fully functional and meet safety standards.

Visitors can expect to see a more contemporary-style tiny house than years past, featuring the latest in color trends and combination of painted and wood walls both on the interior and the exterior.

The house features a 32-by-32 inch shower, running water, elec-

tricity, a full kitchen and mini split.

The students have gained a lot of industry knowledge throughout the school year learning how to frame, install windows and flooring, cabinet door alignment, trim work, staining and painting, insulation techniques, setting the range top, cutting in the sink, and plumbing the bathroom and kitchen areas. Under the watchful eye of the Lakes Region Builders, the students have also had many opportunities to meet with trade professionals to ask questions, talk about techniques as well as possible job opportunities.

“Watching a project grow from the beginning to the end is the best part about building,” says Travis Mallalieu, this year’s recipient of the Joseph Cerutti Scholarship Award.

The Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association’s focus on workforce development helped support this extensive project over the course of the school year as part of its commitment to help inspire the next generation of building trade professionals.

The LRBRA is already at work on a new concept and build for this coming year.

For more information about ways to get involved or to purchase the tiny house, please call (603) 387-1817 or lakesregionbuilders@ gmail.com

Key partners in this year’s build include • FW Webb • Pella Windows • Ponders Hollow Custom Flooring • All in the Details • Balanced Interiors • Lighthouse Contracting Group • Cyr Lumber • Quality Insulation • Middleton Lumber • Barlett Flooring • Hayward & Co. • Custance Brothers • Daniels Electric • The Home Beautiful • KA Classon Fine Woodworking • Miles Marine • WEEI Sports Talk Radio 101.5 / the Hawk 104.9

Hammering home help for others Southern New Hampshire Home Builders and Remodelers Association Executive Officer Lisa Bowman presented a donation from golf tournament proceeds to Lynette Rogers on behalf of Hammers for Veterans and the Builders Care Foundation. Many thanks to golf sponsors and players who made it all possible.

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granite state builder magazine

The Southern New Hampshire Home Builders and Remodelers Association Planning Committee gathered recently to put together an outstanding season of events and programs for members to enjoy. fall 2019

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An Affiliate member is an employee that can join under their company’s full-membership in the same Local. ___________________________________ Name of Primary Full Member to list Affiliate Member under (required)

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I understand that by providing my contact information I consent to receive all forms of communications sent on behalf of NHHBA (and its endorsed affiliates). I understand that the NHHBA will not share my contact information with other organizations. Full policy available upon request. All applications are "pending” until approved by the chosen local association. I understand that my membership dues entitle me to the benefits and services of the National Association of Home Builders, the State and Local Associations. I will abide by the By-laws and Code of Ethics of the Association and will promote the objectives of the Association to the best of my ability. .

Support state and local candidates for public office who support housing and small business related legislation and regulation in the Granite State.

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KITCH Plannt Plan Lakeshore Redevelopme redeveloping In June, the charged with Laconia ning Commission, was home to the pris prisonce the site that minimum securitypropprop and later a plan for the State School a draft master a proposal on, presented a without mirroring erty that echoes criticism from city officials that drew sharp acres some 245 year ago. the state owns parcels. The Altogether, five abutting the 911 divided among the 17 acres housing Re Reof the Lakes state has retained headquarters leased call center and Aid Association and Fire in 2000 gion Mutual to the city abutting lots three other is for 99 years. of 200 acres ef t efThe main campus the redevelopmenfrom the focus of rises westward fort. The tract northwest quarter of the 13 Route 106 in SCHOOL, PAGE LACONIA STATE

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impasse worth But is this of many business (a top priority The It’s a question Appeal Board decline to answer. and construction Associa the real estate for As- groups and Industry AssociaBY BOB SANDERS regulations sup Business strongly supindustry) and about the business Plans (allowing for instance, It’s not all sociated Health buy lower-cost tion, the tax cuts, continuing to and tax rate. businesses as re- ports did not ask the governor the budget, bulk) as well The veto of but “we David legislation, insurance in budget,” said tax structure the accompanying in othto veto the policy at vises the business companies president of affect businesses up Juvet, vice to benefit multi-stateState. his decision.” er ways by holding Granite BIA. “That is economic based in the him to blame? a fight the funds for deheld up for Does that make imply that.

All of this is in the and technological for certainly didn’t of a percent relief less Juvet certainly do. over a fifth velopment, Tax rate, and and Democrats comprocompro Business Profit of the But the workforce made many of a percent shortages, Democrats pulling is them, than a tenth that housing Tax chief among increasEnterprise in mises, — a mandated and Medicaid shifting Business top priority raise $90 million out alleviate bud- their expected to program — es that could family leave budget. (The costs to companies than paid a $13.3 billion And they argue healthcare million more 14 of the budget. private insurance BUDGET, PAGE get is $200 that provide governor proposed, the one the for their employees. about the money. a 1.5% difference.)

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the finish nail / Paul & Tricia Morin

Diva Dens and Grandma’s Wallpaper…

Leave It to the Professionals

A

s builders, we feel it’s important to stay on top of the major home design trends. Mind you, we are not, and never have been, in the interior design business. We leave this up to the professionals.

That said, we’re constantly asked for advice on just that because our clients don’t want to invest in a designer. Besides, we builders do this every day, right? And when we’re not, we’re always watching HGTV in our downtime, right? So, we must know what’s hot.

We routinely get these questions: • What are the trends for this year?

• What plumbing finish would you pick?

• What colors do you like?

• What’s your countertop material?

• Do we wallpaper or paint?

Like I said, we try to stay up on current styles, tastes and trends because it does tie into what we’re building. We like to work with the clients’ full-house vision. But here’s the problem: there’s no right answer. What they’ve seen on HGTV (always done under-budget and within the allotted time frame, of course) is great television. The oohs and ahs sell ads. Have you actually seen a show where everyone says, “This really sucks; I hate it”?

Tricia came home from a client consult recently and told me about the appointments the clients were looking for: “Honey, I don’t care what the house has as long as I have my Diva Den. I mean, we don’t even have to have much of a kitchen, considering I don’t cook anyway, but I have to have my den to fit the chandelier!”

Diva Den, huh? Okay. That must be the interior version of a She Shed; a counterpart to the Man Cave.

Decent assumption, but nope. Not even close. It turns out that a Diva Den is basically a tricked-out, walk-in closet with a budget roughly equating to 25% of the rest of the house, featuring motorized jewelry displays, enough lights to seriously consider solar (if you weren’t before), and enough space for shoes that would make Imelda Marcos drool. Cool. Her house, her money.

But what about the other trends? I want to stay in-the-know, so I’ve done a lot of research and here’s our recommendations for what’s hot (or not) going into 2020: Wallpaper’s back in a big way. Meaning, it must be big and bold, like your great-grandma’s old place. Big birds, life-sized flowers, you get it.

Painted walls? Sure! Gray, but only certain grays (another nod to “great tv”; make sure you don’t get it wrong). No focus walls.

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granite state builder magazine

Whatever you choose, put it on every single wall. Want color?

Go for jewel-tones. Color, color, color — that is, unless it’s white.

Then it must be at least 90% white. Throw in a little leopard throw and you’re killing it, now!

Speaking of metallic trends (oh, that’s right, we weren’t…yet) — that includes brass but only for plumbing fixtures (really? I was truly hoping that was a thing of the past) because brass elsewhere is passé. Oh, and no rose gold. Or brushed nickel or brushed chrome.

What does that leave?

Ah, yes — matte black fixtures and appliances.

You know all that stuff from your childhood? The furniture and appointments you either relish with fond memories (think: Dick Clark’s American Bandstand-era), or block out like a bad first date? The “treasures” we’ve told our kids would someday be back in fashion now has their own name: Mid-Century.

We got so cocky, saying “I told you so!” Well, it was in fashion…for a hot second. Back to the attic with ye, dang kids.

The light-colored quartz countertops that everyone wants in lieu of anything else (except for the Diva Den). Forget it! Rip those babies out and replace them with a natural, dark-colored granite to go with the dark blue, dark gray, black-painted cabinets and matte black appliances, featuring matte-black plumbing fixtures. What?

Didn’t we just say color, color, color? I’m so confused.

To wrap it up — black fixtures/brass fixtures, 90% white/gray/ jewel tones, diva dens/man caves, wallpaper/paint, quartz/granite.

I really don’t know. Our advice at the end of the day? Pick what you like and what you can live with for the next few years. All I do know with any certainty is that I’m going to go back to my mid-century LazyBoy (thanks, Dad!) in my natural wood-finished library and look into the next room admiring Great-Grandma’s big-flowered wallpaper and know that at least one room in this big ole 1790’s house will be in style at some point in time, and leave the trends to the professionals.

We’re just gonna build ‘em.

This month’s article was a collaboration between Paul & Tricia Morin, owners of Tarkka Homes, Inc. in Hopkinton, NH, celebrating 30 years building custom homes in the Manchester/Concord areas. In 2009, Paul was the first residential builder to receive the New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award.

Asked to write a satirical article for The Finish Nail, they recommend all offended readers to direct their complaints to the publisher for apologies. fall 2019

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