The Voice January 2015

VOICE

THE

OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 1962 January 2015

36th Annual Home Show March 7th & 8th Emerald Coast Convention Center

– PROGRAM SPONSOR CLUB –

Contents

Columns

4 Alan Baggett, Executive Vice President

12 State & National Member Benefits

18 NAHB Economics & Housing Policy

6

Chris Taylor, 2015 BIA President

Departments & Features

is a quarterly publication of

Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, Inc.

5 2015 BIA Board Members

6 Meet the 2015 BIA President

10 OSHA Training

10 Member Spotlight, Architectural Gutter Systems LLC

14 Tips for Selecting a Contractor 16 News Makers

17 Renting vs Buying

19 BIA Associate Member List

Cover

VOICE

THE

OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 1962 January 2015

“We live in a special place.

We have multiple reasons for our success.”

16

2014 Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship Award

Jennifer Fleming Director of Marketing and Communications

jgf@biaow.org

Published by:

1234 Airport Road, Suite 123 Destin, FL 32541 Phone - 850.650.1014 CS@EmeraldCoastPubs.com www.ECMarketingandPublishing.com

Advertisers:

9 2 9 7 15 12 4 13

Alan Baggett Executive Vice President

A Full-Service Media Sales, Creative, Printing and Publishing Company

36th Annual Home Show Emerald Coast Convention Center March 7th & 8th See Page 8

15 9 23 15

BIA STAFF:

Emerald Coast Marketing & Publishing LLC

– PROGRAM SPONSOR CLUB –

Advanced Concrete Supply Inc. Architectural Gutter Systems LLC Bonded Builders C.M. Taylor Contracting, Inc. Century 21, Patsy Bland Team Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Florida PACE Funding Agency Gatlin Lumber Gulf Power Janssen Construction Management, Inc. Linn’s Prestige Kitchens and Baths Okaloosa Gas Paradise Closets ResortQuest Real Estate REW Materials Service First Suntrust Mortgage Waterstone Mortgage

1980 Lewis Turner Blvd.

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Phone - 850.863.5107 Fax - 850.864.2037 www.biaow.org

abaggett@biaow.org

35th Annual Home Show March 7th & 8th Emerald Coast Convention Center

12 22 24 18 17 11

THE VOICE

16

APEX Award Winners for 2014 “Achievement of Professional Excellence”

BIA MEMBERS: Tell us about News Makers Tell us about New Products & New Services The Voice will highlight new hires, employee achievements and promotions. The Voice will showcase your new products and services.

Submit description and photo to: cs@emeraldcoastpubs.com Next Deadline: March 13th

Welcome!

It’s Going to Be a Great Year!

Alan Baggett, Executive Vice President I can’t tell you how excited I am to be writing my first article in the “The Voice.” First let me wish each of you a peaceful and prosperous New Year filled with many blessings. The New Year always brings with it a fresh, crisp feeling, and I’m not talking about that cold northern breeze nipping at your nose and ears.

It’s like a new beginning, a new era, or a fresh start to what could become the best year ever for the BIA. I am excited about the year ahead and I am looking forward to working with our President Chris Taylor. Chris is both energetic and positive about the opportunities and I know he will provide the leadership necessary to get the job done very effectively. I welcome our new board members and officers, and I challenge them to work diligently with me in the pursuit of greater things for the BIA. I challenge each of you to follow Chris’s lead and devote your time and talents to the BIA whenever possible.

Let’s begin the New Year by congratulating the 2014 Builder of the Year Bobby Fisher (Arthur Rutenberg Homes), and Associate of the Year Joe Nacchia (Homes & Land of the Emerald Coast) on their selection for these accolades. Both Bobby and Joe are deserving of these awards due to their commitment to the BIA and the industry, and I appreciate all they do through their involvement with the association. These awards were announced at our December Christmas & Installation Banquet and, if you didn’t make the event, you missed a great time.

4 — The Voice — January 2015

The BIA has great things in store for you in 2015 starting with our first general membership meeting January 14th at the Ramada Plaza on Okaloosa Island. The 2015 Economic & Housing Forecast Breakfast is an event that you do not want to miss. This year’s breakfast is a partnership with our friends at the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and will feature one of the best lineups of speakers we have ever had. The registration form can be found at www.biaow.org, seating is limited, so make your reservations today.

On a final note, make the BIA one of your new year’s resolutions, one that you keep!

This is a great time to get involved in the BIA to make the most of your membership. Committees are gearing up for the year ahead, and you can get in on the ground floor of all the goings-on at the BIA. Together we can grow this organization to new heights in terms of service and participation and have fun in the process.

Take a few minutes to call Jennifer Fleming or myself to discuss how you and your business can make the most of your INVESTMENT with the BIA. All the Best, Alan

2015 Board Members

Executive Committee

President Chris Taylor C.M. Taylor Contracting

Immediate Past President Bobby Fisher Arthur Rutenberg Homes 2014 Builder of the Year

First Vice President Jerremy Whitehead Southern Paradise Homes

Second Vice President Scott Wagner Emerald Coast Building Materials

Secretary Garrett Floyd Niceville Insurance

Treasurer Terry Hymel Bluewater Central Vacuum Systems

Immediate Second Vice President Carmela Bell ResortQuest Real Estate

Presidential Appointment at Large Betty Sims CHELCO

Presidential Appointment at Large Jim Snider Gulf Power Company

Presidential Appointment at Large Debbie Moore Okaloosa Gas

Board of Directors

Eric Babin Babin Custom Builders, Inc.

Felix Beukenkamp Beukenkamp Building Group

Joe Pelter First Federal Bank of Florida

Rick Goff KGII Development

Jeremy Stewart Jeremy Stewart Construction

Kevin Reeves A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group

Michael Riley Sherwin Williams

Thomas Watkins Watree Construction

Jonny Miller Ronco Electric

John Dowd Jr. Dowd Law Firm

Joe Nacchia Homes & Land Magazine 2014 Associate of the Year

Andy Wilson Wilson Enterprises

www.biaow.org — 3

Meet the 2015 BIA President Chris Taylor, C.M. Taylor Contracting How long have you been in the area?

I’ve been in the area almost all my life. I was born in Huntington W.V. and moved to Shalimar when I was two years old. My parents returned home to Fort Walton Beach where they grew up and graduated high school. My family was very large and spread out from Fort Walton Beach to Marianna to Ohio and all in between. We spent a lot of time at family gatherings.

I guess that’s what makes family so important to me today.

What is your educational background?

“We live in a special place.

We have multiple reasons for our success....”

While I was growing up I attended Longwood Elementary, Meigs Jr. High, Choctawhatchee High, and Northwest Florida State College formerly known as Okaloosa Walton Community College.

What was your first job?

My first real job was when I was fourteen. It was my favorite restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, Tony’s Italian restaurant. From that point on I realized that if I wanted money in my pocket I had to work for it. After moving away from the area and gaining construction experience including landscaping, painting, carpentry, and even making caulk at a factory, I attended multiple construction management courses. During that time my stepfather offered me a job as a superintendent for his construction company, Centurion III that at the time was located in Niceville. I worked as a superintendent with his company for fifteen years before starting C.M. Taylor Contracting.

Tell us about your family life.

My family began with my first daughter, Hali, who is now 22 and married, my son Austin, 19, recently graduated high school and is looking forward to attending college in the new year, my son, Braxton, 9, is currently in fourth grade at Destin Elementary, and my youngest daughter, Addison, 7, is currently in second grade at Destin Elementary. My wife of twelve years, Heather, is a devoted mother and second grade teacher at Destin Elementary.

What do you like to do with your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, coaching my children in multiple sports, golfing, fishing, hunting, surfing, and watching college football while cooking out with friends.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for the building industry?

In the recent years following the crash the biggest challenge for builders in the industry was to rebuild all of the facets that work together to create a productive building industry. Now that the recovery seems to have improved the biggest challenge I see today is a labor shortage. The demand for construction has increased but the supply of knowledgeable and reliable labor forces for the subcontractors is struggling. Supporting and promoting our local tech programs will improve our future work force. The next generation needs to experience the hard work that is required in construction as they learn the trades through books and hands-on experience.

What is the state of the building industry in our local area?

Luckily our area has rebounded quicker than most. We live in a special place. We have multiple reasons for our success. We provide homes for the military, rental and second homes for tourists, and forever homes for retirees. Not to mention the thousands of professionals that call our area, home.

What are your goals for 2015 as the President of the BIA?

Looking forward to 2015 my hopes are to continue the growth and recovery of this local BIA. This process starts with spreading the word about the benefits and opportunities the BIA has to offer to the local building community. In return the growth in membership would help support our goals to produce a thriving organization that helps us all not only locally but state and nationwide.

6 — The Voice — January 2015

The 36th annual BIA Home Show will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on the Okaloosa Island on Saturday March 7th from 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday March 8th from 11:00am-4:00pm (don’t forget Sunday Daylight Savings Time begins).

The Home Show features indoor exhibit booths filled with information on products and services for those who plan to build new homes or wish to remodel or even just “spruce up” their current homes. This year’s show will also feature many new “Green” Products and Services available now to our local area!

Spend the whole day at our show with your family! Informational seminars and tons of booths to view are just some of the things you can do at the 2015 Home Show.

Our popular informational seminars include seminars on lawn care, remodeling ideas, and more. Our informational seminars are a great way to learn about products and services offered by our local builders and associates.

We will also have a food vendor on hand so you can have lunch at the show! LesGo Personal Chef Services will be serving lunch. www.lesgopersonalchef.com Advance tickets for the event can be purchased for $2.00 at any Eglin Federal Credit Union branch locations beginning in February.

You can also buy your tickets at the door for $5.00. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Those attendees with military id’s receive $1.00 off of your ticket price at the door.

This year we have partnered with Okaloosa Saves to make this 8 — The Voice — January 2015

event bigger and better!

Okaloosa Saves is partnering with the BIA Home Show on March 7th to display their Piggy Bank contest entries for public judging, conduct two financial seminars: one on improving credit scores and the other on saving money on a mortgage, and joining Savers. In addition, Okaloosa Saves offers free individual federal income tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to include e-file for individuals and families with income below $52k. Interested individuals should bring their social security cards and proof of identification as well as all income documentation to the event. For additional information on income limitations visit IRS.gov (keyword search: VITA).

Be sure to stop by the Okaloosa $aves table for more information and goodies for those who sign up, and remember to vote for your favorite piggy bank. Youth bank entry winners will be announced at 3:00 on March 7 and will receive cash awards.

Okaloosa $aves is a coalition of volunteers in Okaloosa County under the national America Saves program with a mission to encourage individuals to build wealth and reduce debt. Okaloosa $aves provides free financial information, educational programs, and many other events.

You don’t have to be a member of the BIA to become a vendor in our event. Check out our website, www.biaow.org for the official rules and entry form.

Serving Local Builders for 33 Years 20 Time National Award Winning Design Team Custom Cabinetry – Incredible Style at Value Pricing

Ft. Walton 862-6822 Destin 837-9669 www.LinnsKitchens.com

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Paradise CLOSETS & STORAGE Add Beauty & Value to Your Home!

Closets – Pantries – Laundry – Office – Storage – Garages

Open Mon-Fri 6:30 - 5, Sat 7-1 Shop online: www.GatlinLumber.com Key Cutting Fasteners Paint Matching

Tool Repair Pipe Cutting & Threading Re-Key Locks

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850 217-4357 57 BEAL PARKWAY N.E. • FWB

850-243-9102

ParadiseClosets@cox.net Licensed and Insured Free Estimates

Authorized Dealer

For the Emerald Coast

Please visit us at www.ParadiseClosets.com www.biaow.org — 9

Member Spotlight: Architectural Gutter Systems Architectural Gutter Systems, LLC, headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, has been servicing residential and commercial customers from Pensacola to Panama City and surrounding areas since 2008. As a full service gutter company, we perform all levels of seamless gutter system design and installation. Our fleet carries seamless gutter machines and all necessary tools to produce aluminum K-Style gutters directly on the job site.

Recently, the company started doing many copper and galvalume jobs. These specialty gutters add a beautiful

OSHA 10 Training (Construction)

architectural touch to any home. If you are looking for something more basic, the seamless aluminum gutters are matched to the drip edge and camouflaged to your home.

Other areas of expertise includes: screened enclosures, fascia and soffit work, as well as underground drainage!

Founder and owner, Eric Lewis, personally provides proposals and is available to meet with homeowners and contractors.

Customer service is first and foremost because Eric knows that his customers are his most vital asset. Eric will take the time to listen and talk with you to learn and understand your questions or concerns in order to create the perfect solution.

“We guarantee quality workmanship at a reasonable price. All of the installations come with a lifetime warranty (outside of Mother Nature’s disasters) and factory paint jobs come with a 20-year warranty”

Date: Friday, February 6, 2015 Time: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm Instructor: Scottie Smith, CWI, CWE This training program is intended to provide entry level construction workers information about how to identify, abate, avoid and prevent job related hazards on a construction site. The training covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards which a worker may encounter at a construction site. Training should emphasize hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention, not OSHA standards. Instructional time must be a minimum of 10 hours.

The student will be able to: • Identify major hazards • Describe types of hazards • Protect him/herself from these hazards • Recognize employer requirements to protect workers from these hazards The topics covered are: 1. Introduction to OSHA 2. Falls 3. Electrocution 4. Struck-By (e.g., falling objects, trucks, cranes) 5. Caught-In or Between (e.g., trench hazards, equipment) 6. Elective – 2 hours of training will cover a variety of the following topics. a) Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, & Conveyors b) Excavations c) Materials Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal d) Scaffolds e) Stairways and Ladders f ) Tools – Hand and Power

Architectural Gutter Systems is a proud member of the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton Counties, the FWB Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builders Association of West Florida. We have an Angie’s List profile that includes reviews about our company and workmanship. As members of these associations, Architectural Gutter systems strive to be sure their customers are pleased. The best compliments received are a customers’ recommendations to family and friends.

No job is too big or too small! Architectural Gutter Systems has one goal, to provide quality workmanship and an outcome beyond customers’ expectations! Visit us at www.architecturalguttersystems.com, or call 850-226-6133.

Location: Northwest Florida State College, Niceville Campus Student Services Building, Room 308 Fee: $25.00 Ref #: 94253 *Fee Includes: 10 hours of instruction, materials, OSHA Card, breakfast, lunch.

Limited space, BIA members have priority.

For more information and to register call (850) 729-6880 or e-mail leadership@nwfsc.edu Sponsored by:

An Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Institution 10 — The Voice — January 2015

BIA Executive Vice President Alan Baggett and Eric Lewis, Owner

Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors

President Sam Kinkaid

President-elect Cathy Alley

Vice President Terry Pilcher

Treasurer Diane Keller

Assistant Treasurer Liz McMaster

At-large Director Mike Cadogan

Crestview Chapter Director Kathy Wilhelm

FWB Chapter Director Ben Acock

Niceville Chapter Director Susan Rood

Miramar Beach Chapter Director Justin Lindsey

Commercial Chapter Director Gordon MacLean

Destin Chapter Director Eric Hanson

Navarre Chapter Director Rob Brooks

South Walton Chapter Director Nina McCaslin-Horn

Immediate Past President Ed Smith

Emerald Coast Association of Realtors 10 Hollywood Blvd. S.E. • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-243-6145 • info@ecaor.com www.emeraldcoastrealtors.com www.emeraldcoasthomesonline.com

State and National Member Benefits STATE (Florida Home Builders Association – AKA FHBA – www.fhba.com)

• Builder Rebate Program – Rebates from companies like Delta, ClosetMaid, Honeywell, Carrier, and Boise Cascade. The average rebate in 2013 for a builder/remodeler was $915.24!

• Verizon Wireless Discount – Up to 22% off of monthly charges and 25% off of accessories!

• Other discounts available from companies like Staples, Sherwin Williams, Sears Commercial and more!

• Sample business contracts available on fhba.com • Discounted attendance for the Southeast Builders Conference (SEBC) • Plus much much more!

NATIONAL (National Home Builders Association – AKA NAHB – www.nahb.org)

• Free legal research assistance and information on buildingrelated issues to all members. NAHB attorneys can research relevant questions and provide members with a written analysis of the legal issue. They can also share copies of applicable federal, state, and local laws; supply opinions from courts throughout the country; and offer a wealth of other legal information.

• Discount programs from companies like Lowes, GM, Office Depot, Dell, Hertz.

• Representation on Capitol Hill • International Builders Show (IBS)

850.301.0306 Concrete Repair & Restoration Concrete Grinding Epoxy & Urethane Coatings Stamped • Stained • Overlays • Metallic • Chip • Quartz

Commercial | Industrial | Residential

www.AdvancedConcreteSupply.com 12 — The Voice — January 2015

Many more benefits are available. To view more, please visit www.biaow.org.

Protect Yourself And Your Investment Tips for Selecting the Right Contractor Visit www.biaow.org (All BIA builder members are licensed and insured) Get at least three estimates from licensed and bonded contractors Get the estimate in writing Ask for and check references Ask for a proof of insurance Get a written contract Make sure all work that requires city or county inspection is officially

approved in writing before final payment is made

Homeowners are encouraged to verify a contractor’s license by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) 850-487-1395 or www.myfloridalicense.com.

About the BIA: The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Inc, is a Fort Walton Beach, Florida based trade organization representing almost 300 corporate members involved in Okaloosa and Walton counties home building and remodeling industry.

1980 Lewis Turner Boulevard Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Phone - 850.863.5107 Fax - 850.864.2037 jgf@biaow.org www.biaow.org 14 — The Voice — January 2015

FRANK J.B. JANSSEN

President STATE CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR CBC1253992

850-830-2453 cell 850-837-7181 office fjbjanssen@cox.net

www.JanssenConstructionMgmt.com

Quality You Can Trust Service You Can Depend On! At REW Materials, we have people with the technical expertise to help contractors, architects, and owners stay on top of new methods in construction. Unique to the industry, REW has a team of representatives and leading edge technology to help our customers develop the best possible solutions for today’s complex applications.

REW Materials uses all of the latest innovations to meet your residential job site needs.

Drywall | Metal Studs | Acoustical Insulation | Roofing | Stucco

Scott Wagner

850-678-0010 office 850-259-9926 cell swagner@rewmaterials.com www.rewmaterials.com REW Materials 8040 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32534

www.biaow.org — 15

News Makers 2014 Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship Award

Congratulations to Chapman Tew!

The Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship was established by the BIA to honor the legacy of the late Mike Josey who served the BIA on the Board of Directors until his untimely passing in March 2008. This scholarship fund provides scholarships to local student entering a construction like career. Last year over $4000 in scholarships were provided.

Money is raised for this scholarship fund from our Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament. This is a great event held at the Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center in Crestview each October. Our next event is scheduled for October 10th, 2015.

The 2014 Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Chapman Tew, son of Aaron Tew of A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group. Chapman has a GPA of 3.8. He is currently dual enrolled at Crestview High School and Northwest Florida State College. At Crestview High School, he is the Senior Class President and the Student Government /Body President.

Congratulations to Chapman!

2014 APEX Awards

On December 4th, the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton 16 — The Voice — January 2015

Counties presented the prestigious APEX Awards. Since 1999, the APEX Awards have annually recognized the “Achievement of Professional Excellence” by its members in a number of categories which include many of the crafts, trades and professions involved in the homebuilding and remodeling industries, as well as citing companies and individuals who support and enhance the industry.

Judging for categories in the APEX Awards is done by an independent panel of judges from outside the local area who have a wide range of expertise in many aspects of the industry. The judges do not score the entries in competition with one another, but instead rate them against a standard of “Excellence”. Consequently, there may be more than one award presented in the same category or the judges may elect to present no awards at all in a category.

Below is a list of our winners: Category – Kitchen: A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group (Two Awards) Category – Special Purpose Room: A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group Category – Home Design Elements: A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group Category – Remodeling Residential: DKM Custom Homes Category – New Construction Residential: DKM Custom Homes (Four Awards) Babin Builders and Development Category – Energy Efficiency: Gordon Air Conditioning Congratulations to all of our winners!

2014 Builder and Associate of the Year The 2014 Builder of the Year, Bobby Fisher of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, is a person who has truly given his time and talents for the betterment of the building industry and the BIA. He was engaged on a state and local level; recently he with other members of the BIA were able to stop a transportation impact fee in the City of Crestview that would have cost builders nearly $2,000 per new home built, is a Life Spike with over 200 Spike Points and was the builder of the 2014 Emerald Coast Dream Home.

The 2014 Associate of the Year, Joe Nacchia of Homes and Land Magazine, has worked quietly behind the scenes of the BIA. From the NAIL Drivers Golf Tournament, Parade of Homes, Sporting Clay Tournament and even membership

recruitment, Joe has promoted and celebrated the accomplishments of the BIA and its members.

Congratulations to Bobby and Joe!

Previous winner Eric Babin, Babin Custom Builders, with 2014 winner Bobby Fisher

Joe Nacchia, 2014 winner, with previous winner Carmela Bell, Resort Quest

BIA MEMBERS: Send us YOUR employee and new product/new service news and we will publish it in this section. Send to: cs@emeraldcoastpubs.com Deadline for April issue: March 13th

Visit us on Facebook Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Inc.

Follow us on Twitter @BIAOW

Either Way, You’re Still Paying a Mortgage There are some people who have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with someone rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your mortgage or your landlord’s mortgage.

As a paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: Also, if you purchase with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, your ‘housing expense’ is locked in over the 30 years for the most part. If you rent, the one guarantee you may have is that your rent is likely to increase over that same 30-year time period.

As an owner, the mortgage payment is a “forced savings” which will allow you to have equity in your home you can tap into later in your life. As a renter, you guarantee the landlord is the person with that equity.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are looking for a primary residence for the first time or are considering a vacation home on the shore, owning might make more sense than renting since home values and interest rates are still at historic lows.

Wilson Minger Agency, Inc. 1350 East John Sims Pkwy.

Niceville, FL 32578 Toll Free: 800-369-2403

Patsy Bland Team

Patsy Bland, Realtor as Seen on HGTV 850.685.5447

Bill Bland 850.685.5446

Bob & Janeen Booker 850.865.6473

Michele Clark 850.376.8989

Debbie Lowmiller 850.217.6828

Integrity ~ Experience Dedication ~ Results

Buying or Selling...

Go with the Winning Team!

“Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.”

Information provided by: Waterstone Mortgage Renee Pugliese Sr. Mortgage Advisor NMLS# 388000 RPugliese@WaterstoneMortgage.com 850.803.2329

www.biaow.org — 17

NAHB Economics and Housing Policy The housing industry is recovering but nationwide the economic and housing activity has not yet returned to normal levels. The NAHB/First American Leading Markets Index (LMI) provides a measure of recovery for the nation and by metro area based on current permit, price and employment data.

percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of July and end of September were affordable to families earning the Crestview metro area median income of $62,800. Housing affordability in the Crestview metro area compares favorably to the national figure.

The November 2014 LMI shows that the nation is operating at 90 percent of normal economic and housing activity.

For a more detailed report, visit http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=2694.

At the local level, the pace of recovery has varied markedly. The LMI estimates as of November 2014 that the Crestview metro area, which is comprised of Okaloosa and Walton counties, is operating at 85 percent of normal economic and housing activity.

The graph shows Crestview metro area going way above normal in the 2004 to 2007 period then adjusting with a severe crash with only a minor recovery to date.

NAHB/First American Leading Markets Index (LMI)

Housing affordability is another important consideration. The key to housing affordability is that the market meets the needs of the people who provide services that are depended on such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and health care workers.

There are two critical components of housing affordability; income and housing costs.

In the United States, 61.8 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of July and end of September were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $63,900.

The latest figure for the Crestview metro area estimates that 70.2

C.M. Taylor Contracting, Inc. Custom Home Builder New Construction & Remodels Commercial Build Outs Chris M. Taylor, President & Builder

A Part of the Construction Industry Since 1988

85 Garnet Place, Destin, FL 32541

850.830.3305 Chris@CMTaylorContracting.com 18 — The Voice — January 2015

CBC1253010 - Licensed & Insured

Associate Members ACCOUNTING/BOOKEEPING

Centennial Bank (850) 873-4182

Cabinets RRR Us (850) 424-3735

Coastal Bank & Trust (850) 837-6525

Designer Kitchen & Bath of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 835-1211

Community Bank, Coast (850) 423-1526

Home Interior Solutions of NWF, L.L.C. (850) 226-7065

Accent Signs (850) 729-7446

Eglin Federal Credit Union (850) 862-0111

Kitchen and Bath Center (850) 275-3100

Apex Broadcasting, Inc. (850) 424-7980

First City Bank (850) 244-5151

Linn's Prestige Kitchens (850) 862-6822

Homes & Land of the Emerald Coast (850) 650-1014

First Federal Bank of Florida (850) 830-3296

Lamar Advertising (850) 862-4343

First Florida Bank (850) 865-0488

The Petermann Agency (850) 243-5315

First Florida Bank (850) 269-1201

Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (850) 337-3209

Nicholson, Reeder, & Reynolds, PA (850) 243-3176 ADVERTISING

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Merrill Lynch (850) 269-7011

Cooling Services, LLC (850) 269-1964

MidSouth Bank (850) 362-7480

Four Seasons Air Conditioning (850) 243-2655

Mortgage One of the South (850) 796-2100

Gordon Air Conditioning & Associates (850) 682-5214

Regions Mortgage (850) 833-8143

Jordan Air Enterprises, Inc. (850) 678-2313

Security 1 Lending (850) 863-1600

One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating (850) 678-0021

Synovus Mortgage Corporation (850) 499-5627

AIR QUALITY

Bluewater Central Vacuum Systems (850) 420-6416

Trustmark National Bank (850) 654-9600

Cooling Services, LLC (850) 269-1964

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (850) 830-9948

Four Seasons Air Conditioning (850) 243-2655

Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (850) 362-6901

Gordon Air Conditioning & Associates (850) 682-5214 APPLIANCE SALES & REPAIRS Ferguson Enterprises (850) 269-1993 GM Appliance (850) 650-9092

Mims Real Estate Advisors, LLC (850) 835-4444

ARCHITECT / HOME DESIGN / PRINTS

CareerSource Okaloosa Walton (850) 651-2315 Destin Chamber of Commerce (850) 837-6241 Florida PACE Funding Agency (850) 855-2682 Greater FWB Chamber of Commerce (850) 244-8191 Niceville Valparaiso Chamber (850) 678-2323 Okaloosa Habitat for Humanity (850) 315-0025

Coastal Brick, LLC (850) 729-2742

CLOSETS / STORAGE SYSTEMS

BUILDING MATERIALS Builders FirstSource (850) 835-1711

Emerald Coast Building Materials, Inc. (850) 471-6291

Partridge Design, LLC (850) 830-9513

Gatlin Lumber & Supply Co. (850) 243-9102 Interior Exterior Building Supply (850) 517-1167 L&W Supply (850) 433-6411

Bancorp South (850) 269-4320

Navarre Lumber & Supply, Inc. (850) 939-2550

BB & T (850) 460-3080

Niceville Cash & Carry, Inc. (850) 678-5186

Beach Community Mortgage (850) 315-4100

ProBuild South, LLC (850) 432-1421

CCB Community Bank (850) 682-0484

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

Accurate Painting of NWFL, Inc. (850) 689-2177

DCA Design + Construction (850) 226-8565

BANKING / FINANCE

LesGo Personal Chef Services (850) 862-7379

BRICK CONTRACTORS / SUPPLIERS

Crestview Wholesale Bldg. Supply, Inc. (850) 682-5624

Sound Decision, LLC (850) 376-6095

CATERING

CLEANING - RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

B. Design of Destin, Inc. (850) 650-8221

AUDIOVISUAL

Jones Carpet One (850) 863-3239

Bathcrest of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 864-2284

Mims Real Estate Advisors, LLC (850) 835-4444 BLUE

House of Carpets, Inc. (850) 243-6832

Walton Area Chamber of Commerce (850) 267-0683

BROKERS

APPRAISALS

Coastal Carpet & Tile Carpet One (850) 269-0303

BATHTUB REFINISHING & REPAIR

Keego Clay Products (850) 664-2253

Linn's Prestige Kitchens (850) 862-6822

CARPETING / FLOORING

CABINET SALES / INSTALLATION

Paradise Closets and Storage, LLC (850) 217-4357

COMMUNICATIONS - CELLULAR / RADIOS CenturyLink (850) 599-1821

CONCRETE CONTRACTORS / SUPPLIERS Advanced Concrete Supply, Inc. (850) 301-0306 Fort Walton Concrete, Inc. (850) 256-4112

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT JBG Consulting Services, Inc. (850) 420-2738 COUNTERTOPS Classic Design (850) 502-3810

World Stone and Design, LLC (850) 235-0399 DEVELOPERS

Destin Custom Homebuilders, LLC (850) 337-8000 Kolter Homes (561) 682-9500 Sunset Point Development, Inc. (850) 862-3814

A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group (850) 682-2465

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Associate Members DOORS / MILLWORK / WINDOWS

FLOORING

INSURANCE / BONDING

Majors Home Improvement, Inc. (850) 983-2899

House of Carpets, Inc. (850) 243-6832

Gilmore Insurance & Bonding (850) 244-3387

Gatlin Lumber & Supply Co. (850) 243-9102

ProBuild South, LLC (850) 432-1421 Southeastern Sash & Door (850) 664-5252

DRYWALL CONTRACTORS / SUPPLIERS Cemex (850) 243-5117

Emerald Coast Building Materials, Inc. (850) 471-6291 Jimmy Feagins Painting (850) 685-0218 L&W Supply (850) 433-6411 DUMPSTERS

Johnny on the Spot Toilet Rentals, Inc. (850) 682-4877 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Northwest Florida State College (850) 863-6501 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Casey Electric, Inc. (850) 682-3037 Kea-Ash, Inc. (850) 956-4702 Richardson Enterprises (850) 678-2584 Ronco Electric Service, LLC (850) 837-7979

EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS Auxiliary Power Systems, Inc. (850) 475-8724 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Legacy Insurance (850) 682-2519

EMPLOYMENT SERVICE - PAYROLL / ADMINISTRATION / TEMPORARY Progressive Employer Management Company (850) 380-3742 ENGINEERS - CIVIL / CONSTRUCTION / CONSULTANTS DRMP, Inc. (850) 460-3262

Gustin, Cothern, Tucker & Assoc.

(850) 678-5141 EQUIPMENT RENTAL United Rentals, Inc. (850) 430-1815 United Rentals, Inc. (850) 863-0174

EXECUTIVE OFFICES Regus (850) 269-6802

FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTOR

Advanced Fire Protection Services, Inc. (850) 244-2026

FIREPLACES - SALES / INSTALLATION Hearth & Fireplace Creations (850) 729-1234 Keego Clay Products (850) 664-2253

Coastal Carpet & Tile Carpet One (850) 269-0303

GARAGE DOORS

Absolute Storm Protection (850) 244-0039 HomeTown Garage Doors, LLC (850) 398-5197 Overhead Door of NW FL (850) 269-1066 GAS PIPE INSTALER

Okaloosa Gas District (850) 729-4724 GLASS / MIRRORS Destin Glass (850) 837-8329

Fisher-Brown Insurance (850) 982-7300

Insurance Zone (404) 312-4143 Legacy Insurance (850) 682-2519 Mosley Insurance, Inc. (850) 337-1372 Niceville Insurance Agency (850) 729-2131 Norton Insurance of Florida (850) 244-1574 Waldorff Insurance & Bonding (850) 581-4925

INTERIOR DESIGN / DECORATING

GRANITE

Defined Interiors, Inc. (850) 934-7776

Classic Design (850) 502-3810 World Stone and Design, LLC (850) 235-0399

Save the Date 2015 January 7 Florida Home Builders Area 1 Meeting

January 14 Economic and Housing Breakfast February 6 OSHA 10 Training Class

March 7 & 8 BIA Home Show Emerald Coast Convention Center June 6 – 14 Parade of Homes July 16 – 18 SEBC, Orlando

October 10 Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center

December 3 BIA Board Installation & Holiday Party GREEN CERTIFIER - ACCREDITED Okaloosa Gas District (850) 974-7019

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Architectural Gutter Systems, LLC (850) 226-6133

INSPECTIONS (CONSTRUCTION) Professional Inspection Enterprises (850) 830-0127 INSULATION - FOAM / OTHER

Home Interior Solutions of NWF, L.L.C. (850) 226-7065 Sugar Beach Interiors (850) 837-5157 INVESTMENTS

LPL Financial Services (850) 398-8188 KITCHEN & BATHS

At Home Contracting, Inc. (850) 650-4663 A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group (850) 682-2465 Designer Kitchen & Bath of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 835-1211 GM Appliance (850) 650-9092 Kitchen and Bath Center (850) 275-3100 Linn's Prestige Kitchens (850) 862-6822

LAND PLANNERS / SURVEYORS DRMP, Inc. (850) 460-3262

LA Land Surveying, LLC (850) 699-9135

LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION

Pipeline Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc. (850) 803-1867

LENDING / MORTGAGE / HOME FINANCING BB & T (850) 460-3080

Beach Community Mortgage (850) 315-4100 Centennial Bank (850) 873-4182 Community Bank, Coast (850) 423-1526 First City Bank (850) 244-5151 First Federal Bank of Florida (850) 830-3296

Gulf Coast Insulation, LLC (850) 685-9709

Mortgage One of the South (850) 796-2100

Panhandle Insulation (850) 897-8500

Prime Lending (850) 609-1011 Regions Mortgage (850) 833-8143

20 — The Voice — January 2015

Associate Members Synovus Mortgage Corporation (850) 499-5627 University Lending Group (850) 586-7070 Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (850) 830-9948 Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (850) 362-6901 MARKETING

REAL ESTATE SERVICES / HOUSING DATA Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency (850) 376-8989 Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency (850) 685-5447 Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency (850) 678-5161 Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (850) 243-6145

Builders Digital Experience (954) 661-5301

ERA American Real Estate (850) 865-1207

The Petermann Agency (850) 243-5315

ERA American Realty of NWF (850) 651-2454

METAL FRAMING Cemex (850) 243-5117

METAL ROOFING

Destin Roofing, Inc. (850) 837-2645

OFFICE EQUIPMENT / COPIERS / PRINTERS Copy Products Company (850) 243-2679 OUTDOOR KITCHENS

Designer Kitchen & Bath of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 835-1211 PAINTING CONTRACTORS

Accurate Painting of NWFL, Inc. (850) 689-2177 Jimmy Feagins Painting (850) 685-0218 PAINTING SUPPLIES Sherwin Williams (850) 534-0741 Sherwin Williams (850) 650-4334

PEST CONTROL

Florida Pest Control (850) 243-7166 Southland Pest Service, Inc (850) 862-1544

PLUMBING CONTRACTOR / SUPPLIES Amore Plumbing Company, Inc. (850) 994-8814 Ferguson Enterprises (850) 269-1993

POOLS / HOT TUBS / SPAS

Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf, LLC (850) 932-2600 Cox Pools (850) 234-7800

PORTABLE TOILETS

Johnny on the Spot Toilet Rentals, Inc. (850) 682-4877 PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISING A2Z Specialty Advertising, Inc. (850) 654-3080 The Trophy Center, Inc. (850) 862-8413 PUBLISHING

Homes & Land of the Emerald Coast (850) 650-1014 RADIO

Apex Broadcasting, Inc. (850) 424-7980

First National Land Title (850) 862-2143 Jan Hooks Real Estate Group, Inc. (850) 585-2677 ResortQuest Real Estate (850) 837-3700 REFRIGERATION

Jordan Air Enterprises, Inc. (850) 678-2313

REMODELING / IMPROVEMENTS 1st Choice Home Improvements (850) 476-8887

Affordable Home Improvement of the Emerald Coast (850) 862-6766 At Home Contracting, Inc. (850) 650-4663 A-Team Kitchen and Bath Group (850) 682-2465 Bathcrest of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 864-2284 Cox Pools (850) 234-7800 Jones Carpet One (850) 863-3239 Kitchen and Bath Center (850) 275-3100 Linn's Prestige Kitchens (850) 862-6822

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Jordan Air Enterprises, Inc. (850) 678-2313

ROOFING CONTRACTORS / SUPPLIERS Destin Roofing, Inc. (850) 837-2645

SIDING - CONTRACTORS / SUPPLIERS

Affordable Home Improvement of the Emerald Coast 850) 862-6766 SIGNS

Accent Signs (850) 729-7446 The Trophy Center, Inc. (850) 862-8413

SOLAR & WIND ENERGY Compass Solar Energy (850) 439-0035

STORM PROTECTION PRODUCTS Absolute Storm Protection (850) 244-0039

Hometown Contractors, Inc. (850) 863-7880 SURVEYORS

Gustin, Cothern, Tucker & Asso.

(850) 678-5141

TRIM CARPENTRY & FRAMING Lee Smith Construction (850) 865-5399

TRUSSES - FLOORING / STEEL / WALLS Builders FirstSource (850) 835-1711

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES & EXCAVATION CHELCO Services, Inc. (850) 333-9405 Gulf Power Company (850) 689-4630 UTILITIES

CHELCO (850) 892-5069 CHELCO Services, Inc. (850) 333-9405 Cox Communications (850) 857-4586 Gulf Power Company (850) 689-4630 Okaloosa Gas District (850) 729-4724 Okaloosa Gas District (850) 974-7019

VACUUM SYSTEMS (CENTRAL)

Bluewater Central Vacuum Systems (850) 420-6416

Tri-State Roofers, Inc. (850) 217-8688

VINYL SIDING

At Home Contracting, Inc. (850) 650-4663

WARRANTIES - HOME / CALL BACK MGMT

SCREENS / FLORIDA ROOMS

Hometown Contractors, Inc. (850) 863-7880 Tri-State Industries (850) 581-5855

SECURITY - LOCKS / SAFES / SYSTEMS Sound Decision, LLC (850) 376-6095 SHELVING

Paradise Closets and Storage, LLC (850) 217-4357

SHUTTERS - DECORATIVE / HURRICANE Solar Sunsations, Inc. (850) 687-0646

Hallmark Distributors, Inc. (850) 863-3280

Bonded Builders Risk Management (866) 440-7271 WATER SERVICES

Culligan Water Services, Inc. (850) 664-7771

WINDOW TINTING / REPLACEMENT / TREATMENTS Made in the Shade of Destin (850) 460-2077 Overhead Door of NW FL (850) 269-1066 Solar Sunsations, Inc. (850) 687-0646 The Fabric Source (850) 837-5252

www.biaow.org — 21

• Custom Seamless Gutter Systems & Designs • Half Round Galvalum & Copper • Drainage Solutions Underground, Erosion Control, Eco-Friendly Solutions

• Screen Room Installation Covered Patio Areas, Gazebos & Garages

Installations come with Lifetime Warranty* *Outisde mother nature’s disasters

Factory Paint Jobs come with 20 Year Warranty SERVING OKALOOSA, WALTON & SANTA ROSA COUNTIES Member of Okaloosa Walton Building Industry Association & Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Family Owned & Operated Since 2008 Eric Lewis, Owner/Operator

850.226.6133 www.ArchitecuralGutterSystems.com