2022 Chalk Line Magazine Issue #4

WHAT HOME OWNERS REALLY WANT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IT'S AN HONOR TO SIT ON THE BOARD!

Somehow, I woke up and it is already July. With the slow start to summer, it feels like we have so much to fit into such a short time.

served us with perseverance and hope throughout the depth of the pandemic.

PRESIDENT JOHN MCKINLAY

As I start to come down from the excitement and “awe” from the success of our 2022 Education Foundation Auction, I cannot help but think how lucky I am to be in the President's role as we finally start to feel like we are coming out from under the COVID cloud. This year's Auction brought sold-out seats and record-breaking numbers. Our PWB and Contractors' Roundtable events continue to pack the house as they draw in new member participation with their networking events and engaging meeting topics. Our team registration and sponsor commitments filled up for our upcoming Golf Tournament before we even really had the chance to promote it. It’s clear our members are ready to get together again in person and to do it with a bang!

I feel grateful that I get to experience this as I sit in the President's role, with equal sympathy for the Presidents who

2022 Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is responsible for soliciting and considering recommendations of the membership, both builder and associate, to fill the office and directorships for OMB's Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will interview prospective candidates, advise them of the responsibilities and duties associated with the office or directorship to be filled, and determine if the candidate meets the qualifications for the office which they seek.

That leads me to think about the honor, joy, and benefits of sitting on the OMB Board and Committees. Board and committee roles provide an incredible opportunity to meet other intelligent, influential, and well-connected people in our industry and community. It also gives ourselves the platform to bring our personal knowledge and insight to the table in a way to help further the organization's mission and cause.

Below you will see our list of the 2022 Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is responsible for soliciting and considering recommendations of the membership, for filling the seats for OMB's Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on the Board or have suggestions of other members you think would be good candidates, please contact one of the members of the Nominating Committee below. We love to see new faces that come with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. I hope to see you at Board meeting one day soon!

Per the bylaws there are four permanent members of the Nominating Committee:

1. President John McKinlay

2. Chair – Immediate Past President John Erwin

3. First Vice President Becky Reiger

4. Second Vice President Chris Winters

There are (4) members appointed by the President:

• Jeff Kuster

• Kim Asay

• Rusty Ruiz

• Daniel Doyle

Chalk Line

Official Publication of the Olympia Master Builders

1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia WA 98506

Phone: (360) 754-0912 • www.omb.org

The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 463 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.”

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President – John McKinlay

First Vice President – Becky Rieger

Second Vice President – Chris Winters

Treasurer – Kim Asay

Associate Vice President – Rusty Ruiz

Second Associate VP – Forrest Wilson

Secretary – Barb Whitlow

Immediate Past President – John Erwin

Builder At Large - Jeff Kuster

ELECTED DIRECTORS - TWO YEAR TERM

Builder Director - Barry Jespersen

Builder Director – Jeff Kuster

Builder Director – Kirk Haffner

Builder Director – Danny Doyle

Builder Director - Mike Koidahl

Builder Director – Kai Fyrst

Associate Director – Scott Woods

Associate Director – Daniel Berner

Associate Director – Kelly Jensen

Associate Director – Forrest Wilson

NATIONAL DIRECTORS - ONE YEAR TERM

National Director - Builder – John McKinlay

National Director - Builder - Karen McClennen

National Director - Associate - Linda Mosier-Vaudt

STATE DIRECTORS - ONE YEAR TERM

State Director - Builder – John McKinlay

State Director - Builder – Harv Lillegard

State Director - Builder – Andrew Spear

State Director - Builder – John Johnson

State Director - Builder – Steve Waltemate

State Director - Builder – John Erwin

State Director - Builder – Kai Fyrst

State Director - Builder – Karen McClennen

State Director - Builder – Danny Doyle

State Director - Associate – Daniel Berner

State Director - Associate – Janine Ezzell

State Director - Associate - Debbi Boyd State Director - Associate – John Canfield State Director – Associate – Bob Kagy

GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – Harv Lillegard, Lillegard Construction

LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes

MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC

PACIFIC COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – Steve Waltemate, SAW Construction Co., Inc.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Teena Williams, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC

ASSOCIATION STAFF

Executive Officer – Angela White

Events Director – Brianna Bedell

Communications Director – Jill Williams

Membership Director – Jenn Wasson

Office Administrator – Rodolpho Bonilla Franco

OMB

OMB Members Take The Stage at the BIAW Remodeling in Excellence Awards Banquet!

Congratulations to the 2022 BIAW Remodeling in Excellence Award winners John Erwin Remodeling, Family Man Handyman, and Dunamis Interior Design + Build announced at the recent BIAW Board Meeting.

Chalk

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WHAT HOME OWNERS REALLY WANT

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY:

FORREST WILSON, TOP SOLID SURFACE

A SNAPSHOT COMPARISON AT THE

NATIONAL LEVEL VERSUS WHAT WE ARE SEEING HERE AT HOME.

One of the essential ingredients to being a successful homebuilder is a clear understanding of what buyers really want in a new home and how those preferences change over time. NAHB recently released What Home Buyers Really Want, 2021 Edition to provide the most recent and accurate research on what home buyers want in their homes.

NAHB'S FINDINGS:

The top 5 most wanted specialty rooms are the laundry room, a dining room, a great room, a home office, and a separate living room – all essential or desirable to over 60% of buyers.

The top 5 most wanted outdoor features are exterior lighting, a patio, a front porch, a rear porch, and a deck – all wanted by 75% or more of home buyers.

The top 5 most wanted technology features deal with either energy efficiency or home security: a programmable thermostat, security cameras, video doorbell, wireless home security system, and a multi-zone HVAC system.

Looking at just green features, the top 5 most wanted are ENERGY STAR windows, ENERGY STAR appliances, efficient lighting, ENERGY STAR rating for whole home, and triple pane insulating glass windows – all essential or desirable to over 70% of all buyers.

Most buyers (52%) prefer to heat and cool their homes with electricity, while 33% prefer to do it with gas. The reverse is true for cooking: 51% prefer to cook with gas and 39% with electricity. Preferences are more evenly split for water heating: 45% prefer gas and 40% electricity.

Looking at just the kitchen, the top 5 most wanted features there are a double sink, a walk-in pantry, table space for eating, a central island, and drinking water filtration – all essential or desirable to over 75% of buyers.

You can read the full report of findings at https://www.nahb.org/-/media/ NAHB/news-and-economics/docs/housing-economics-plus/special-studies/2021/special-study-what-home-buyers-really-want-march-2021.pdf

" We have had a growing number of people asking for blue tile and/or blue cabinets which play nicely with white quartz countertops. The days of all white and black kitchens and bathrooms are fading and we are seeing more dark brown cabinetry as well, again contrasting nicely with white quartz counters but also enlivening the space a bit with more tones.

We have also seen an increase in waterfall drops for countertops. Stone which has some natural flow used for waterfalls are a great design statement and can be a focal point on an island, peninsula or even a raised bar or windowsill.

For kitchen or bathroom backsplash trends, we see a good mix of slab backsplash to the upper cabinets vs tile backsplash. The tile trend of subway backsplash is still big, but we are seeing fewer orders for glossy white subway tile and more requests for unique, differentiated textures and colors of subway tile."

MARY BRIGHID, BROWN BUILDING CONTRACTORS

"We’ve found homeowners want to incorporate design elements and home features that make their day-to-day lives more comfortable, be it installing new windows, upgrading HVAC systems, or creating unique spaces in their homes where they can sit and appreciate those quiet moments together. Also, they want to make sure the improvements we make will be elements they can appreciate now and will also provide a ROI in years to come."

MESSAGE

What's Happening at OMB

EXECUTIVE OFFICER ANGELA WHITE

We’re halfway through 2022 and are excited to see how many members are coming out to in-person events! The 2022 OMB Education Foundation- Hot Havana Nights Auction was a huge success in many ways. Not only did it surpass the budget, but the people in attendance are raving about what a great time they had! The 2022 Committee was small but mighty, led by Melissa Stone of Washington Business Bank and rounded out by Karen McClennen and Becky Rieger of Environmental Design, LLC. They did a wonderful job procuring, planning, and executing with the help of OMB Staff! Thank you to the committee and staff and a huge thank you to those in attendance! We look forward to seeing you all at upcoming OMB Events!

On another note, we recently had Josh Cummings, Director of Community Planning and Economic Development, join OMB members during a Government Affairs meeting to dis-

cuss permitting and inspection delays members are experiencing. Chair Stuart Drebick of Adroit Contractors, Inc. did a great job leading the discussion on an extremely frustrating topic. Josh laid out the County’s plan to bring timelines back down. The plan includes a new permitting system as well as hiring more staff.

Rising interest rates and supply chain issues continue to plague members and the housing market. Nationwide single-family permits are down 2.5% year to date, according to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Chief Economist Robert Dietz. In mid-June, NAHB gathered more than 600 builders, remodelers, and associate members from all across the country to urge Congress to implement policies that will help builders provide more housing stock, which in turn, will improve housing affordability. You can read more on NAHB actions on page 11.

continued from page 6

MIKE COVERDALE, WINDEMERE OF WESTPORT

"Buyers here (Grays Harbor) are looking for great room concept (open living), outdoor living space (which here means large covered decks or porches) and low maintenance landscaping. And of course... an ocean view if they can get it."

JEFF KUSTER, KUSTER HOMES

"We are seeing a pattern of requests for spa-like master bathrooms with heated tile shower floors and decked out with multiple shower heads, body sprays, rain heads, etc."

DIANE GASSMAN, INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

"The trends we have been seeing this year is to bring back the original architectural style to the interior of the home- example mid century - as well as incorporating family heirloom furnishings with minimalist room designs.

Fireplace designs are moving more towards refined look with porcelain tile and concrete panels over textured ledgestone. And, we have been designing with a lot more wood and paint trends - moving towards the warmer wood tones and saturated paint colors, creams, taupes, blues and greens over stark white color palette."

The official numbers are in – we raised over $30,000!

Shout out to the committee, staff, sponsors, volunteers, those who donated items, and all who came out...we couldn't have done it without you!

ISSUES IN ACTION

Olympia building leader to State Building Code Council

A highly respected building professional and Life Director for the National Association of Home Builders, Daimon Doyle has worked in the residential construction industry for more than 30 years. He previously owned Viridian Northwest and Doyle Custom Homes.

“We’re proud Gov. Inslee selected Daimon Doyle to represent the residential construction industry on the Washington State Building Code Council,” said Greg Lane, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Washington. “BIAW nominated Daimon for his deep knowledge of residential construction. We believe his passion for supporting our work to build homes people can afford is critical to the council.

A commitment to green building and energy efficiency Doyle is a Master Certified Green Professional, a Green Building Trainer at the National Association of Home Builders, a RESNET HERS Rater, and a certified verifier of the Energy Star, Built Green, and Indoor airPLUS programs.

In addition to his background in energy efficiency, he’s also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, a past president of both BIAW and Olympia Master Builders and a Lifetime Director of OMB.

APPOINTMENT COMES AT CRITICAL TIME

Inslee appointed Doyle as part of a legal settlement after BIAW and the Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC-WA) sued the governor for failing to follow state law. The governor previously appointed two individuals to represent the residential and commercial construction industry sectors without complying with state law.

“The SBCC makes important decisions that affect not only builders, but hundreds of thousands of potential and existing homeowners across our state,” Lane said. “We nominated three highly qualified individuals to represent our industry—and the governor this time complied with the legal requirement to appoint one of them.

Spotlight at High-Level Meeting in Washington DC

At a meeting on June 9th hosted by the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter set the tone for the conversation by noting that “housing affordability is the top priority of NAHB members, and we feel it should be the top priority of lawmakers and government officials.”

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge echoed Konter’s remarks. “We need to rethink housing," said Secretary Fudge. “If we do not address the housing crisis right now, we all will have failed.”

HUD SECRETARY MARCIA FUDGE ECHOED KONTER’S REMARKS. “WE

HOUSING," SAID SECRETARY FUDGE.

through its Advanced Building Construction initiative, including a recent award of $33 million for retrofitting homes in real-world trials.

Michael Parker, with home builder Ivory Homes in Utah, agreed that a focus on retrofitting existing homes would do much more for overall building energy efficiency than increasing requirements on new homes. He also noted that modular building practices are just coming into maturity in the U.S. after enjoying decades of success overseas. If more builders would take risks and try new technologies, the industry could rapidly advance.

The meeting, held at the National Building Museum in Washington, served as a kickoff event for the Innovative Housing Showcase a three-day event on the National Mall featuring new building technologies and housing solutions to make housing more innovative, resilient and affordable for American families.

Today’s event featured a series of panels on how innovative building technology can bend the cost curve, and what public and private sectors can do to spur the adoption of this technology.

Before the first panel, an economic presentation by NAHB Chief Economist Rob Dietz and the National Multifamily Housing Council VP of Research Caitlin Sugrue Walter laid bare the issues facing the U.S. housing environment.

“We have a persistent housing deficit in the country and the costs to build are going up,” noted Dietz. “The time to address these issues is now, and we need to address them with market solutions and government policy changes.”

The first panel, moderated by Jenny Schuetz of the Brookings Institute, focused on incorporating innovative building techniques into common practice. Joan Glickman, Program Manager, Residential Buildings at the U.S. Department of Energy, touted some of the work her agency has done

NAHB First Vice Chair Alicia Huey moderated the next panel with newly confirmed Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Julia Gordon and Dr. Rodney Harrell from AARP. Commissioner Gordon noted that it is “the duty of the federal government to move quickly and make sure regulations are updated for new developments in home building, like accessory dwelling units.”

Harrell said that his group is seeing a disconnect between what people are asking for today compared to what demands homeowners will be making of their homes in the future, especially around universal design. He noted that in addition to cooperation between government and industry, there needs to be a lot more public education on the issues.

Public pushback, especially in the form of NIMBYism, was a common theme across the panels. Getting the public to understand that the housing affordability crisis is tied to antiquated ideas about where and what type of housing is allowed to be built is a key challenge to delivering solutions.

The Innovative Housing Showcase opens Friday, June 10 on the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C. The event will feature exhibitors and homes highlighting the technology that will be used to build the homes of the future. It is free and open to the public.

NEED TO RETHINK

“IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE HOUSING CRISIS RIGHT NOW, WE ALL WILL HAVE FAILED.”

OMB EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Olympia Master Builders offers scholarships to college or vocational/technical school bound students intending to pursue studies leading to a career in the construction industry. This year, OMB awarded $13,500 in scholarships to five students, to assist them in financing their education.

Welcome to our New Members!

Joined in April and May 2022

Cascade Trader Inc. 215 Hamilton Rd N Chehalis, WA 98532 (360) 748-1182 lynda@cascadetrader.net

Sponsor: John Canfield

Suprema Homes 15315 50th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98446 (253) 331-1490 paul@supremahomes.com Sponsor: Kirk Haffner

Panza dba Quixote Communities 3350 Mottman Rd SW Tumwater, WA 98512 (564) 200-7346 jaycie@quixotecommunities.org

Sponsor: Daniel Berner

Harmon and Harmon Construction 4742 181st LN SW Rochester, WA 98579 (253) 442-4528 harmonandharmon66@outlook.com

Sponsor: Mike Koidahl

Trestlewood Construction 401 Central St SE Olympia, WA 98506 (360) 810-8349 tyler@rjdevelopment.com

Sponsor: Kelly Jensen

Quality Geo NW 4631 Whitman LN SE Suite D Lacey, WA 98513 (360) 878-9705 admin@qualitygeonw.com

Sponsor: Bob Kagy

West Coast Roofing and Siding, LLC 1004 Centralia College Blvd Centralia, WA 98531 (360) 508-4488 westcoastroofingandsidingllc@outlook.com

Sponsor: Janine Ezzell

Jubilee Community Association 8487 Bainbridge Loop NE Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 923-1584 crichmond@thejubileelodge.com

Sponsor: Karen McClennen

Neil Sharp Realty 7134 Littlerock Rd SW, Apt. 203 Tumwater, WA 98512 neil@neilsharprealty.com

Sponsor: John Johnson

Thank You Renewing Members!

Renewed in April and May 2022

ONE YEAR

Baker Ave., LLC

Kim Asay Insurance Agency Garrette Custom Homes Outdoors By Design, Inc.

2-4 YEARS

Advanced Build NW Tri County Holding, LLC Woody’s Septic Specialties, Inc. Smith Castle Properties, LLC Mr. Appliance of Olympia Quality Parking Lot Services, LLC R4 Contractors, LLC

AC Burton Homes

5-9 YEARS

Bay Shore Construction Academy Mortgage Coorportaion -Lacey Deschutes Law Group Kifer Construction Woods Electric RHD Enterprises Moutnain Lumber First Finishers, LLC MB Electric, LLC J. Kerzie Homes, LLC Seabrook Construction Larson & Associates, Inc. Polar Bear Construction Scherer Trucking & Excavation Randle Woods

10-14 YEARS

Bud’s Lumber & Electric Trimtek, Inc.

United Roofing Solutions, Inc. Carnahan’s Pest Control Co.

Albert Lee Appliance C.T. Building, Inc. Brumfiels Construction, Inc.

KC Maintenance Services

15-19 YEARS

Ron Deering Homes, LLC

Schneider Homes, Inc.

Shanex, LLC

Turner Insulation Company, Inc.

Pape Machinery, Inc.

Washington Federal Top Notch Plumbing Oyster Bay Construction

20-25 YEARS

House Brothers Construction, Inc.

Summit Fence Co.

Lane French Construction

Alderbrook Quarry, Inc.

John J. Karnas Co.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Oman & Sons Builders Supply, Inc Huttman Electric, Inc.

25 YEARS

Wirkkala Construction

CSM Heating, Cooling & Roofing

Brad Davis Construction, Inc.

McKinney’s Appliance

Northwest Design & Develpoment Olympic Heating & Cooling, LLC

Buehler Homes, LLC

Olympia Overhead Doors

Skillings, Inc. Lakeside Industries

Boulton Insulation Company

Crawford Construction, Inc. Mr. Electric

Olympia Fireplace and Spa

Sunset Air, Inc.

Olympia Lighting Center