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PBA pushes back against code breakers
6 Taking a look at a building code inspector’s day PBA’s Nate Herring learns communication and respect are the keys to a positive inspection process
8 High school students hone skills on real-world project Gettysburg Area High School’s Building Trades Program gets students off on the right foot
9 It feels something like this A 2008 Builders Gala Award grows business, too
10 Green home in the city
16 High style and function combine in new products U.S. and overseas designers and manufacturers create practical, yet innovative products
18 Densely traditional Although often misunderstood, traditional neighborhood developments are finding their place in Pennsylvania
20 Cashing in Member Rebate Program provides checks to builders
21 Grants provide training opportunities State funding is available for companies that want to upgrade employees’ skills
Sustainable housing finds a niche in the urban landscape
23 Home warranty field adapts
12 No bulbs required
New products are a win-win for builder and consumer
Lighting solutions provide illumination from the sun, wallpaper and Nanogel
26 Final word
15 Take advantage of your membership
Young woman receives mansion playhouse from Carbon Builders Association
PBA member programs save money and provide expertise
Member Insider Member briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A On the hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B PACAH Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Premier Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
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Keystone Builder
4 President’s message
Volume 5 • Issue 4 • July/August 2008
Peter Ahrens takes notes during a foundation inspection. (Photo by Nate Herring)
Keystone Builder cover designed by Chris Anderson
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Associate Vice President Jim Miller, BIA of Lancaster County Secretary Chauncey Wirsing, Somerset County BA Treasurer Richard Clawson, Indiana-Armstrong BA Immediate Past President Stephen Black, BIA of Lancaster County Editor Eric C. Wise Associate Editor Chris Anderson
PrintComm Staff Publisher Kevin Naughton Assistant Editor/Publication Director H.J. Hormel Graphic Design Jason Gabel Advertising Sales Manager Brenda Poe Advertising Sales Jeff Pinwar • 800-935-1592, ext. 118 Address correspondence to: Keystone Builder 600 North Twelfth Street Lemoyne, PA 17043 Phone: 800-692-7339 or 717-730-4380 Fax: 717-730-4396 Web: www.pabuilders.org E-mail: ewise@pbabuilders.org Advertising does not imply acceptance or endorsement of the products contained in the publication. Publishing and advertising sales services provided by:
2929 Davison Rd. • Flint, MI 48506 Phone: 800-935-1592 • www.printcomm.com An Exclusive Publication of the PBA Keystone Builder magazine is published six times a year by the Pennsylvania Builders Association®, Editorial Offices, 600 North Twelfth Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043. With the exception of official association announcements, the statements of fact and opinion that are made herein are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not reflect an opinion or philosophy of the officers or the membership of the PBA. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission from the PBA headquarters. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pennsylvania Builders Association, 600 North Twelfth Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions available through membership to the Pennsylvania Builders Association.
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I Keystone Builder • July/August 2008
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President’s message
VICE PRESIDENT Gene Kreitzer, Lebanon County BA
By Ray Fertig • PBA President
President Ray Fertig, York BA
PBA pushes back against code breakers
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f you ever doubted the value of your association’s work for you, consider its effort on the state’s building code. In 2004, after years of work, our association applauded when Pennsylvania replaced its patchwork mess of codes, stemming from action and inaction by thousands of local government officials, with the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act. We worked for years to get a standard code in Pennsylvania, one that would protect homeowners’ safety, while leveling the previously random standards encountered by builders who crossed township lines with their businesses. While some local exceptions were grandfathered in the code, Pennsylvania adopted a code that was as uniform as possible, and PBA has been vigilant in maintaining its integrity. Since the Uniform Construction Code took effect in Pennsylvania, we began skirmishing with the code breakers – local government officials seeking to weaken the code by continuing to rule their realms as if no statewide code existed. Code breakers often seek excessive requirements like mandating fire-sprinkler systems in single-family homes. First, we appeal to the state Labor and Industry Department, the administrator of the code under the law. Our second resort is the court system. As often as possible, we use decisions about ordinances that exceed the UCC as an opportunity to educate local officials about code matters. Yet the code breakers keep trying. We hope to set precedents through state Labor and Industry Department decisions and court rulings, but local officials find new ways to try to break the code. Others persist in spending money to fight us. The state Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal in our case with Schuylkill Township in Chester County. Local officials passed an ordinance setting a government mandate for fire sprinklers in single-family homes. Chester County Court and the Commonwealth Court upheld the department’s decision to strike down this local ordinance, because no unique local conditions justified sprinklers. It’s unclear why the officials believe the higher court will rule differently. PBA’s challenge to another sprinkler-related ordinance in Hamilton Township, Adams County, has been scheduled for a hearing Sept. 24. Like others, Hamilton Township officials persisted when the department found no justification to exceed the code. So we’re challenging. We made an honest effort to educate officials in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, about problems with an ordinance. However, the officials still enacted an ordinance allowing the township to regulate all decks, including those shorter than 31 inches. Another excessive requirement allows local regulation of roof resurfacing – the replacement of shingles, even on a portion of a roof. We expect the department to strike down this ordinance in its entirety because of two problem sections. In cases like these, PBA works to protect the code for everyone. No one else is a watchdog looking out for a standard building safety code in Pennsylvania. It protects consumers and our businesses. Call the PBA office at (717) 730-4396 to sign up for PBA’s TradeSecrets biweekly e-newsletter to keep up-to-date with these issues that demonstrate how your association is working for you. s
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Taking a look at a building code inspector’s day
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Residential code inspectors Peter Ahrens and Andy Bowman split their time between the office and building sites in Manheim Township, Lancaster County. Pennsylvania Builder Association’s Nate Herring recently spent a day with the men to help Pennsylvania’s homebuilding industry understand a typical day as a code inspector.
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by Nate Herring
A morning with Peter Ahrens
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he code inspection process can be difficult. It’s not unusual for an inspection to become tense and for communications to break down. But Manheim Township, Lancaster County, provides a glimpse into a code inspection process where builders and inspectors work as partners to ensure a well-built home. There are disagreements, but there is also mutual respect and open communication. The success of the inspection process here may suggest approaches to building inspections worth replicating elsewhere in the state. Peter Ahrens, a code inspector with nine years of experience, arrives at the Manheim Township building between 5 and 5:30 a.m. He uses this time to review construction plans, reply to e-mails and enter data into Cityview, a computer program designed to manage data from municipalities or review permit applications. Like Ahrens, many of the other code inspectors also arrive early. Don Forry, director of code compliance, said that since most of the day is filled with inspections, most code inspectors come into the office early, so they can get a head start before heading out to the field. The time Ahrens spends reviewing construction plans is vital. As he carefully reviews each plan, he checks to make sure code requirements are met in the design of the house, such as the placement of electrical outlets. Ahrens said that the more carefully inspectors review a plan, the more likely they will find and help a builder resolve issues prior to construction. After plans are reviewed and permits are issued, each step of the construction process undergoes an inspection, generally resulting in about 11 inspections per home. Coordinated precisely, 11 inspections may be completed in as few as five visits. Other times, 10 or more visits may be necessary, especially when a home fails in one area. On this day’s first building site, Ahrens hops out of his truck and strikes up a conversation about family with the builder. He said interpersonal skills can be challenging but forging relationships with builders is essential. Since most inspections turn up at least one code issue, the relationship is important to convey how to fix the violation without insulting the builder’s work. In this case, a small porch roof was built over an entranceway. A simple inspection – lasting only a few minutes – showed Andy Bowman looks over construction plans during an inspection of a new home. (Photos by Nate Herring)
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this had no violations. After chatting with the builder for a few minutes, Ahrens continued to his next inspection. Manheim Township gives builders specific times that the code inspector will be arriving so that the builders can be present for the inspection. Since Ahrens was ahead of schedule for his second inspection, he decided to investigate a complaint that was called into the office. Investigating code violation complaints is another area of the code inspector’s duties. In this instance, a vacant house was reported to have yard waste in the front and a swimming pool in the back without a proper barrier around it. Ahrens took some photos of the yard waste and the swimming pool from a nearby alley, so he could document the visit. Ahrens will review the photos later. After consulting with other code inspectors, he will decide if this is a violation and if a violation notice should be issued. Manheim Township has adopted the 2003 International Property Maintenance, Ahrens said, which allows township inspectors to regulate the safety of buildings and property in the township. Many townships have adopted the maintenance code, which is separate from the statewide Uniform Construction Code, to provide for safety in existing buildings and force landlords to maintain properties. After several inspections, it is evident that Ahrens likes his job as a code inspector. “I enjoy going to a job site where the builder takes pride in the work,” Ahrens said. “It’s evident and I can sense that they are careful to ensure that everything is the way it should be. It’s a pleasure to inspect their work.”
Peter Ahrens, a code inspector for Manheim Township, Lancaster County, examines an electrical box during a framing and rough electric inspection.
An afternoon with Andy Bowman Another code inspector, Andy Bowman, who has 11 years of experience, takes a slightly more direct approach to his work, than Ahrens. For example, Bowman prefers to directly cite the applicable UCC section when dealing with a violation to avoid any ambiguities. “I’ve had circumstances where I’ve been wrong and I actually welcome a builder to challenge me on something,” Bowman said. “We’ll look it up and if I’m wrong, great. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve learned something from a builder. It just helps me do my job more effectively.” Like Ahrens, Bowman spends part of each inspection chatting with the builder about families, hunting and fishing. These relaxed conversations help make the whole inspection process go much more smoothly. Both Ahrens and Bowman used personal connections to keep builders relaxed. Experience in the industry helped them respect builders’ culture and encourage cooperation. “We all have been on the other side of the fence,” Bowman said. “So we try to do as much as we can to make the builder’s life easier, such as providing them with the exact time we’ll be there and issuing permits as soon as possible, so we don’t slow down the building process and both the builder and consumer can benefit from our inspections.” s Andy Bowman, a code inspector for Manheim Township, Lancaster County, performs a rough electric inspection on a new home. There are an average of 11 inspections needed for a new home. (Photos by Nate Herring) July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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High school students hone skills on real-world project
Kyle McDannell, Jacob Oyler, Jed Fetter and Ross Maring (left to right) install hardwood flooring in the home that the building trades classes completed in June.
by Arden Bortzfield nitiated in 1992, the Building Trades Program at Gettysburg Area High School helps students who have a knack for building get off on the right foot. Dave Snyder, a member of the school’s Career and Technology Department, has been with the Building Trades Program since it built the first house in 1996. The generalized program gives students the chance to learn about every aspect of the construction process. Students are responsible for all of the electrical, plumbing, carpentry and framing work for each home. Constructed only by students, it usually takes 40 to 50 students from two classes about two years to finish an entire home. “Unlike vo-tech, there are no individual shops, so the kids get the chance to do a bit of everything, which is why it takes longer,” Snyder said. So far, the program has completed four homes. During each project, students learn aspects of roofing, siding, finish carpentry, concrete work and painting. Students do not do their own excavating because of lack of equipment.
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Students involved in on-site building must first complete the first class level, which focuses on applied physics and background knowledge of the industry, said Snyder. Students in the second class level spend two class periods, about two hours at a time, working at the site. Students completed the first home, a student-designed rancher, in 1996. Since then, they have purchased floor plans. The Building Trades Program wrapped up its latest project, a 2,200-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath, two-story home on Pin Oak Lane in Gettysburg this spring. Snyder said they plan to use the same floor plan for the next few homes, likely changing the exterior for each of them. Once completed, homes are appraised, and a price is determined by a market analysis. The Building Trades Program accepts bids for the home, and once sold, the money goes back into the program for additional projects. Construction of a new home began this spring in Hunterstown, on one of the four lots the school district owns.
Jacob Oyler (top) and Kyle McDannell use a coping saw to craft joints for crown molding in the house’s dining room. Students learn about many trades during the homebuilding process.
Snyder credited the Adams County Builders Association for supporting the program and spending time with the students. s
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Graphic renditions of the courtyard in the Ducks Flats project, designed by Onion Flats of Philadelphia
Green home in the city Sustainable housing finds a niche in the urban landscape
by M.H. Morrison reen and cityscapes go together like chocolate and peanut butter, according to some developers who are making the concept work in Philadelphia and Harrisburg.
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Building green, building affordable Two Philadelphia projects in process are taking different approaches to construc10
tion, but are looking for similar results: affordable and sustainable housing. Chad Ludeman, president of Postgreen, a development company, and vice president of Build It Green Philly, is working on bringing the $100K House to reality and obtaining LEED certification. The price point has been achieved, in part, by simplifying the design of the house, which requires fewer materials for interior walls, limiting the square
footage to 1,000 feet and placing the mechanicals in a “straight shot.” Onion Flats, a Philadelphia architectural firm, will provide sustainable housing that is LEED-certified and comparable in price and size to more conventional construction, said Johnny McDonald, a partner in the company and a Realtor. There are three projects in pre-development. A lot of the fat was trimmed from the company’s process, because it is able to
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design, build and market the projects. Onion Flats has also used grants to support the sustainable aspects of these and other developments. While these grants are becoming less available, McDonald said there will be a crossroad when supply and demand in the sustainablity marketplace will bring down the price of the construction. In Harrisburg, Mark Moseley, executive director of Tri-County Housing Development Corp., is working on housing in the city’s Allison Hill neighborhood that would provide for its own energy needs. This project received a $5 million subsidy to build 25 zero-energy homes on land reclaimed through tax sales. This will allow the nonprofit agency to sell the singlefamily homes in the $65,000 range.
Where the mortar hits the foundation These three projects are using many similar techniques to achieve sustainability, such as following Energy Star guidelines, creating a good thermal envelope, exploiting solar as an alternative energy/
heating source, and installing low-flow toilets and fixtures. In the $100K House, the use of structural insulated panels will increase the r-value of the construction as well as keeping down costs by decreasing the number of days needed to build the home. Ludeman said the house uses an energy recovery ventilation system, rather than traditional air conditioning. “We’ve done the calculations and there are only five to 10 nights that would be uncomfortable” in the summer, Ludeman said. The ERV also is used in the winter to warm incoming cold air before it is goes through the heating system. With the projects by Onion Flats, green innovation has gone skyward with green roofs to manage stormwater flows and decrease the urban island effect. A mechanical parking system that requires 1/3 the space of traditional parking, which allows for larger common areas for residents, will be used in the larger developments. On Allison Hill, a 6-inch polished concrete floor is heated by the sun and releases built-up heat into the home. In
the summer, the windows are shaded to keep the floor cool. Construction will include recycledcontent dry wall and reclaimed wood floors, as part of the green package.
Ready for green Ludeman said that there is sometimes resistance by builders to do anything different, which has given green building a slow start. To Moseley, sustainable housing, which has lower energy costs annually, is a great option for homeowners on the lower end of the income scale. Along a similar vein, McDonald sees the present economy and cost of utilities helping the sustainability movement. He added that the most sustainable place to build these homes is in the urban environment where homeowners can walk to shopping or use public transportation to reach their jobs. This means less fossil fuel burned. “The urban core is the most appropriate place to develop sustainable housing,” he said. “We’re just a little ahead of the curve … consumers just don’t understand it yet.” s
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e to July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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No bulbs required Lighting solutions provide illumination from the sun, wallpaper and Nanogel by M.H. Morrison ired of recessed lighting? Bored with sconces? Manufacturers have some new ideas to shed light in any home.
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Solatube: Tunnel of daylight The Solatube Daylighting System captures light through a dome on a home’s roof and channels it down through an internal reflective system that projects 150 percent as much light as a traditional drywall skylight shaft. The tubing fits between rafters and installs with no structural modification. At the ceiling level, a diffuser that resembles a recessed light fixture spreads the light evenly throughout the room. There are cost savings as a result of installing Solatubes because electric lights can be turned off during daylight hours. The daylighting also has insignificant heat gain, so air conditioning and heating systems are not affected.
Nanogel for walls, ceilings of light Nanogel aerogel, an eco-friendly daylighting option by Cabot, is being incorporated into skylights and into panels to create walls. Nanogel aerogel is the world’s lightest, light-transmitting, solid insulation material. This unique, silica-based product has an extremely small pore structure of aerogel (approximately 20 nanometers) that eliminates convection, while the lightweight content of the solid aerogel minimizes conduction. The combination of these two unique properties effectively prevents heat loss and solar heat gain. Additionally, Nanogel aerogel as a glass substitute eliminates glare to disperse an even, soft, diffused light for better energy savings. Continued on page 14
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July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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No bulbs required Continued from page 12
Recently, Nanogel has been incorporated into Acralight skylights for use in residential and commercial projects. “Both architects and builders will find this Nanogel aerogel skylight provides a high performance, long-term solution to decreasing energy costs, stricter building regulations and more design options,� said James Satterwhite, global business manager for Cabot’s Nanogel Construction segment, in a company release.
Find more information online Solatube www.solatube.com Nanogel http://w1.cabot-corp.com/index.jsp (enter Nanogel in the site’s search box) Lighted wallpaper www.jonassamson.com
Unlike glass, Kalwall daylighting panels that use the Nanogel product eliminate shadows, glare and hot spots, and radically reduce maintenance. Increased privacy is an added benefit, as the Kalwall translucent panels provide soft, natural, even light, while obscuring the view from the house next door, for example. Since 2003, Cabot’s Nanogel aerogel has been installed in numerous daylighting projects in more than 35 U.S. states and five countries in Europe.
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Jonas Samson, a Dutch designer and innovator, has created a high-tech, lightemitting wallpaper that is bright enough to light a small room. When turned off, the wallpaper looks like ordinary wall covering. The wallpaper’s patterns consist of light emitting diodes embedded into the layers of the wallpaper. With the LEDs as the light source, the wallpaper uses relatively little power. Because of the low power consumption and low production costs of LEDs, some believe this technology has the potential to take over the indoor lighting market. In his designs, Samson explores the utility, art and craft of turning conventional items into works of high-tech design, just like his unusual wallpaper. s
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MemberInsider July/August 2008
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Member briefs
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Associates blog now available Created to promote idea sharing and problem solving for associate members, PBA’s Associates Council has launched an Associates Council blog at www.PaBuilders.org. The blog – which is an online discussion board where an individual can post a question or comment and have others from around the state respond – allows open discussion of important topics and issues relating to associate members. Topics that are well-suited for the blog include networking opportunities, building industry-related questions, industry trends and more. To use the blog, go to www.PaBuilders.org and move your mouse pointer over the Members tab, and click on Members’ blog from the drop-down menu. If you have trouble using the blog, please contact Chris Anderson at PBA at (717) 730-4380 ext. 3011, or canderson@PaBuilders.org.
P’burgh builders form 50+ housing group Members of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh have formed the 50+ Housing Council of Western PA. The council will help all types of members adapt their businesses to this growing market. For more information, contact John Auciello, executive officer of the association, at (412) 434-5690.
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credit trading program in order to make it a more viable option for sewage treatment plants that face costly retrofit and upgrade requirements. The bill also would provide for up to $500 million for sewage treatment plant improvements and up to $250 million over five years to help fund agricultural efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. For more information, please contact Grant Gulibon at (717) 730-4380, ext. 3013, or at ggulibon@PaBuilders.org.
‘BayWatch’ keeps eye on Chesapeake Pennsylvania Builders Association’s latest electronic newsletter, “BayWatch,” reports news about Chesapeake Bay-related regulation and legislation. PBA members interested in receiving “BayWatch” are encouraged to contact Grant Gulibon, PBA regulatory specialist, at (717) 730-4380, ext. 3013, or e-mail at ggulibon@PaBuilders.org.
PBA begins search for new exec. VP PBA has assembled a search committee to begin identifying well-qualified candidates for its vacant executive vice president position. Members who know of candidates for this position are invited to have them contact the PBA office in Lemoyne for more information. Former EVP David Martin resigned in June.
Perry bill to improve Bay strategy Rep. Scott Perry, R-Cumberland, introduced the Chesapeake Bay Strategy Improvement Act, House Bill 2441. PBA joined several groups to help Perry craft the bill’s text. The bill already has attracted 40 co-sponsors from both parties. HB 2441 contains many of the elements of the Pennsylvania Fair Share for Clean Water Plan, proposed by PBA, the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The bill would reform the state’s nutrient
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Fire-sprinkler appeal gets hearing The State Supreme Court announced that it will hear arguments in the appeal of a decision regarding a municipal ordinance to require fire-sprinklers in all homes built in Schuylkill Township, Chester County. PBA has supported consumers’ right to have fire sprinklers installed in new homes, if desired, but not under a mandate that exceeds the state’s Uniform Construction Code.
Member Insider • Keystone Builder
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Independent contractor or employee?
On the hill
New legislation is aimed directly at the construction industry and its use of independent contractors. The act is written to require contractors to prove their independence and includes penalties for those who have not directly violated the law. Background: The Construction Industry Independent Contractor Act, House Bill 2400, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-Delaware, is meant to clarify the differences between employees and independent contractors. Proposal: Anyone who is paid to work in the commercial or residential construction industry is presumed to be an employee, unless he/she can demonstrate that his/her work is performed without control or direction. Also, independent contractors must be regularly engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business. Another provision states that even when a company does not meet the definition of “employer,” it would be subject to penalties, if the company contracts with an employer that knowingly intends to misclassify employees as independent contractors. Update: The House voted 122-78 in favor of this bill on June 9. PBA Response: Opposition from Pennsylvania Builders Association to this legislation is based on the restrictions it places on independent contractors, along with the unreasonable penalty section. However, PBA is working to help create a legislative solution that would target the “bad actors” but allow legitimate contractors, who may have inadvertently violated the standards, another chance.
Blight for sale Eliminating neighborhood blight caused by owners who fail to maintain their property or comply with property maintenance codes is the target of new legislation. Realtors and PBA have met in a coalition to work on outlining their concerns with the act. Background: The Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act, Senate Bill 1291, sponsored by Sen. James Rhoades, R-Schuylkill, is aimed at problem properties. The act would amend Title 53 (Municipal Law in General). Proposal: The act was written to expedite the process of prosecuting owners of blighted properties and give municipalities the ability to go after the assets of negligent owners. The bill would clarify the identity of property owners and hold them responsible for the municipal costs to secure, remediate or demolish blighted structures. Property owners would also be required to bring any property they own into code compliance before they could obtain any municipal or state permits or approvals for any other property they own in the state. Other provisions include appointing conservators to manage property before it becomes blighted; expansion of redevelopment authorities’ abilities; and requirements that lenders maintain properties during default. Update: The bill is in the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. PBA Reaction: Realtors are leading the coalition that includes PBA to delineate the groups’ concerns and possible compromises. As the bill stands, PBA is opposed to its passage. The major concerns are the overly broad definitions of residential building and blighted property.
PHARE housing Providing affordable housing is an important issue for PBA, but how exactly the most recent legislation to address this issue would be funded has everyone asking questions and expressing concerns. Background: The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania seeks to provide safe, affordable housing for all Pennsylvania residents through its “Homes Within Reach” program. In pursuit of this goal, the alliance proposed a housing trust fund. Sen. John Pippy, R-Washington, introduced SB 1400, which amends the Housing Finance Agency Law and establishes the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Reinvestment Program, including the housing trust fund. Proposal: PHARE would allow the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to develop or expand affordable housing programs to build, rehabilitate and preserve homes for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, the elderly and people with disabilities. This bill spells out that $10 million will be appropriated annually for a variety of projects supported by the program. Update: The bill headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee where it was to become part of the budget negotiations. PBA Reaction: PBA supports the general intentions of the legislation. There are concerns that new taxes or fees affecting the industry will be added to the bill to pay for the $10 million price tag. During upcoming PBA regional meetings, members will discuss revisions to the law, including how the funds in the trust may be used and the sources of the money. B
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Member Insider • Keystone Builder
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Take advantage of your PBA membership
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ou belong to the Pennsylvania Builders Association, but do you know how much your PBA membership can be worth? As a PBA member, you are entitled to its benefits, including the Member Rebate Program and workers’ compensation insurance and a general liability insurance programs. That’s only the beginning. Other perks include Uniform Construction Code support, PA One Call, networking opportunities and a prestigious statewide awards program. The PBA Member Rebate Program gives money back to members for simply using products from a list of more than 20 major manufacturers. (See page 20 for more information on this program.) Competitively priced general liability insurance is another bonus for PBA members. PBA works with Global Construction Insurance and Risk Service to customize insurance plans for residential builders, trade and artisan contractors, land developers, roofing contractors and commercial construction. General liability, commercial auto and builder’s risk are just a few of the types of insurances offered. Workers’ compensation insurance is also offered at very competitive rates. Members who have used this program have saved between $5,000 and $15,000 annually, as compared with their old carriers. PBA uses Eastern Alliance Insurance to provide risk management services to members, on-site visits and claims administration. Eastern Alliance also offers the Return to Work program for employees who are hurt, but not hurt enough to work in a different sector of the company. The Return to Work program allows workers to maintain a modified duty status until they are able to go back to their original job and off benefit payments, helping reduce the employers’ future premium costs.
PBA saves members when they use PA One Call, which checks for underground utilities and is required by state law for mechanical excavations. When companies use PA One Call, they pay $50 for the first call. Any additional calls during the calendar year are free. If member builders submit to PBA confirmation of payment of this fee, then PBA staff will submit paperwork, so the member is reimbursed by PA One Call. PBA members have numerous opportunities to network, including with suppliers. Doing this allows builders to compare prices, learn about products and establish relationships with suppliers so that the members can build with peace of mind, knowing they’ve received the best deal on the products of their choice. Members of the PBA also receive UCC support, which provides assistance with understanding the statewide building code, addressing concerns with specific code officials through the state Department of Labor and Industry and intervention when a municipality attempts to exceed the code. PBA and local builders associations coordinate UCC-related training for the industry. PBA also provides expert advice to legislators about construction standards and the code. Finally, membership provides access to a staff that monitors changes to state laws and regulations and supports PBA lobbying efforts on behalf of the industry, which helps protect members’ business interests. Some new laws and regulations may not affect members for years. While others, like the repeal of an inappropriate section of the International Residential Code, immediately saved thousands of dollars on each house constructed by member builders. If you aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits PBA offers, please call the association office at (717) 730-4380. The operator will direct you to the PBA field service director who serves your area. s July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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High style and function combine in new products
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In the United States and across the world, designers and manufacturers are creating products that meet practical needs and others are answering design desires. In either case, the results are new products for builders’ arsenals.
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Find more information online Adelphi Kitchens www.adelphikitchens.com Thorunn Arnadottir www.thorunndesign.com Hansgrohe www.hansgrohe-usa.com UsTogether www.ustogether.eu Therma-Coat www.therma-coat.com Sterling Services www.sterlingsurfaces.com 16
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by M.H. Morrison
Adelphi Kitchens: What’s old is new Metal cabinets installed in homes during the 1950s and early ’60s were discarded by the thousands when people updated their homes, but like many other trends, metal kitchen cabinets are making a comeback. Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry in Robesonia is re-introducing this once passé cabinetry with a line of new metallic glazes. These finishes are available on all cabinetry styles and any wood species. Because the consistency of glazing varies greatly depending on the wood species and door design chosen, there is an endless array of combinations to create the style that reflects the homeowner’s personal style. “Our metallic glazes can transform dull to brilliant, renewing the room’s sense of sophistication and character – and the home’s value,” said Stratton Yatron, co-owner and chief financial officer, Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry, in a company press release.
Thorunn Arnadottir: Blushing radiators A prototype radiator, created by Thorunn Arnadottir, “blushes” as it heats. Made of cast iron, the unit is painted with a coating that changes color according to its temperature. When cold it is blue, but blushes to red when above 86 degrees. The radiator’s twisted and knotted tubing is meant to resemble veins and nerves, which reflects the Icelandic designer’s view of the home as resembling a living being.
Hansgrohe: Widespread designing In 2008, Hansgrohe introduced its World of Styles, offering the U.S. market a range of products including its versatile, yet high-style, widespread faucets. “Whether building new, adding on or simply replacing what’s already in the bath or kitchen, Hansgrohe’s World of Styles offers consumers all they need to match their particular tastes,” said Hansgrohe President Russ Wheeler in a company release. Specifically for bathrooms, the company’s new line provides widespread faucets that are: minimalist in design with clean lines and geometric precision; transitional, mixing traditional and contemporary details that offer a design bridge from the classic to contemporary; and timeless Americana that turns designs from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s into modern classics.
UsTogether: Once and future design UsTogether is a group of British and Irish designers who produce designs that have clean lines and an overall futuristic feel. The Loop line is a gravity defying mix of slender lines and voluptuously proportioned cabinets, freestanding bath and matching recliner. The structures are suspended on the wall by hidden brackets, and the majority of the piping is encased within the material itself, leaving clean, crisp lines from every angle. Line is the latest addition to the company’s designs. It is a solid form centred around the concept of diminishing lines with the sink and bath not interrupted by fixtures so that all water flow mechanisms are hidden and motion-activated. The sleek lines of the forms are augmented by the hidden light panels with changeable color options.
Therma Coat: Primer or insulation? Therma-Coat is a British product that is a primer with built-in insulation. The company said that its product can reduce heat loss by 20 percent, because the Thermilate ceramic beads suspended in the formulation reduce thermal conductivity. While Therma-Coat is specially formulated for use on concrete, tile backer boards, bricks and blocks as part of under-floor heating, it can also be applied using a brush or a roller to walls and ceilings, prior to painting or papering, to further reduce energy losses.
Sterling Surfaces: Countertops with panache A kitchen backsplash that looks like tile but is made of Corian and a kitchen’s wallpaper pattern laser engraved into the Corian countertop are just two of the many options brought to the marketplace by Sterling Surfaces of Massachusetts. In fact, national manufacturers have recommended the company as a fabricator of special projects, including The Grand Central Furniture Collection in New York City, which highlighted the unlimited possibilities of solid surface materials. Sterling can add unique elements in bathrooms and kitchens using Corian in applications that showcase the renewable material’s versatility and its low maintenance needs. s July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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Homes by Arcadia Land Company in the New Daleville TND, located in Londonderry Township, Chester County.
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Homes by Arcadia Land Company in the Woodmont TND, located in Lower Moreland Township, Montgomery County.
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Summerset, a TND community in Squirrel Hill, just outside of Pittsburgh developed by Montgomery & Rust includes a variety of home styles and prices.
by M.H. Morrison s its name implies, traditional neighborhood development (also known as traditional neighborhood design) is not a new concept, but it is a new way for developers to provide housing while conserving land and energy. These high-density, mixed-use land developments are planned to mimic some of the best parts of town life, such as walking and bicycling as transportation instead of driving cars, interacting with neighbors and the availability of communal green spaces.
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The good, the bad and the misunderstood Supporters of TND point to the smaller tracts of land needed for homes because of the higher density, which keeps down the price of lots and allows nearby tracts of land to remain undeveloped. Critics don’t see the higher density as an advantage. Their concerns include a larger volume of traffic, noise and people as compared to a more traditional subdivision. “People equate density with negative connotations,” said Murray Rust, founder of Montgomery & Rust, which developed the Summerset TND community in Squirrel Hill, just outside of Pittsburgh. But TNDs have park lands and open space, he said, which bring down the overall density of the project. These communal areas, along with clubhouses, pools and similar amenities, usually are maintained by the TND’s homeowners association, rather than the municipality. W. Joseph Duckworth, president of the Arcadia Land Company, a leading Smart Growth Developer, in Wayne, said that TNDs look and feel great – that is the number one appeal. “They are new homes in a place that feels like an old town,” he said. Still, TNDs are not for everyone, he added, but there is a segment of the home-buying market who wants the connected feel of this style of community. Laid out on a grid of streets, including alleys, TNDs have garages to the rear rather than the street side, so they “are aesthetically pleasing. The garages are not sticking out in front,” he explained.
To market, to market The interest in TNDs has increased over time, Duckworth said. Even so, most people do not completely understand or accept the concept until they see a completed development. With the price of gas, Rust believes that TNDs, which are usually located near employment centers, shopping and recreation, will become more attractive. While Duckworth is considering a TND that is age restricted, Rust said that he has found that the 55-plus buyer is not particularly attracted to TNDs. “They (55 plus) want to live with people of their own ilk. They don’t want to be bothered with the noise of children and they want a golf course next door,” he said.
Variety is the spice of TND Duckworth said that in his company’s various TNDs, there is an attempt to provide a variety of housing styles and prices, however, the municipalities sometimes step in and limit the mixture. In Summerset, there are a range of housing options, including townhomes, mid-rise condominiums and single-family homes of various square footages. “It’s multi-dimensional to satisfy all the market niches,” said Rust.
The market loves TND Rust said that his TND project is selling well, which he attributes to a number of factors including the proximity to an employment center (in Pittsburgh), to major roads and to commercial areas, as well as the lure of living in a new house in the city. Duckworth agreed that there is a very strong market. About 30 percent of the buyers prefer the TND style of living, but the market is only offering about 5 percent of its housing stock as TND. This has created a good market. “It’s not oversupplied, so it’s selling relatively better than other communities.” s
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Cashing in
Member Rebate Program pays builders back by M.H. Morrison few check marks on a form, an address and a closing date is all the effort members need to expend to get quarterly checks through the PBA Member Rebate Program. There’s only one catch – the builders and remodelers must be active members of PBA – but the cumulative rebates can more than pay for membership. More than half of the members who have used the rebate program have recouped their membership dues and 30-40 percent have made back more than the cost of dues, said Rich Robinson of S & I, the program administrator. The goal is to give small to mid-sized builders the same buying power and incentives given to the “big builders,” he added. In the program’s first year alone, about $80,000 has been paid out to more than 100 PBA builder members.
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“This is one program that is a no-brainer. Participants would vouch for that, and the amount back speaks for itself,” said Robinson. For example, a rebate from Carrier can range from $28 to $200 per project. Participating is straight forward. The member builder fills out the rebate claim form every quarter with the closing date on the home that was built or remodeled and which manufacturers’ products were used in the construction. That’s it. Unlike many rebate programs, there is not a minimum or maximum number of projects eligible, and no receipts are necessary. With rebates available for more than 20 brands from top manufacturers, covering a variety of product categories, builders do not have to change the way they buy, explained Robinson. To register, active member builders of PBA must sign up at www.pabuilders.org. Additionally, if a builder/remodeler registers by July 31, any homes or projects closed from Jan. 1 to June 30 will be eligible for rebates from the majority of the participating manufacturers. For questions about the PBA Member Rebate Program, contact Chris Anderson, PBA public relations specialist, at (717) 730-4380, ext. 3011, or at canderson@PaBuilders.org.
Pollard Windows’ Liberty Collection
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Pollard Windows’ Liberty Collection vinyl clad wood windows are the green choice for your next project. With a DP rating of 55 and a U-value of 0.29 (using Low E Argon glazing), you can rest assured you’ll conserve more energy. Pollard’s Liberty Collection windows have been featured in some of the first Platinum-rated LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified homes in North America. 20
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Grants provide training opportunities by Nate Herring omebuilders in Pennsylvania may apply for free employee training as part of the state program, Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania. Using Guaranteed Free Training Grants, qualified businesses in Pennsylvania can receive funding for the training. The individual company works with one of Pennsylvania’s 14 state universities, 14 community colleges and other educational institutions to create the training program from a variety of subjects in basic skills and Internet technology. The schools act as a point of contact for businesses, and they provide instructors for the training. The training is designed to allow companies to remain competitive by updating and improving employees’ skills. Classes are available on-site, off-site and online. Topics available in basic skills include mathematics, business operations, computers, communications and teamwork, manufacturing training, welding, machine maintenance, quality assurance, behavioral skills, and health and safety.
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Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania: www.wednetpa.com Programs offered in Internet skills training include computer programming, database development, e-business, information security, software engineering and Web design. Employers must meet certain requirements in order to apply for the grants. A company must be located in Pennsylvania or have significant business presence in the state. An employer may be disqualified for the program if they have a historical turnover rate of 50 percent or more, or if they were a prior grant recipient and have a turnover of 40 percent or more. Participation is limited to two consecutive years or three of the past five years. Training must begin within five months of receiving the grant approval letter or by the end of the fiscal year, whichever comes first. s
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Home warranty field adapts to changing marketplace 22
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Changing times bring product diversification Since 1981, RWC has provided homebuilders with a 10-year insured, FHA/VA-accepted new home warranty product. More recently, as customer service issues have become more complex and the potential for litigation has increased, the company has expanded its home warranty offerings. Today, instead of the previous “one-size-fits-all” approach, RWC offers a number of program choices, giving builders the ability to choose the warranty program that best suits their business situation. Certainly, the full-coverage, 10-year warranty is still available and popular. But RWC also offers Customized State Warranties. These are tailored to the unique needs of each state, with special attention to the arbitration rules, statutes of repose and other criteria that are different in Pennsylvania than elsewhere. For example, Pennsylvania has a 12-year statute of repose, while the North Carolina statute covers a six-year period. RWC’s Customized State Warranties are adapted to cover these differences. In Pennsylvania, workmanship, materials and major systems are covered for one year, while designated structural elements are covered for all 12 years. The builder’s liability under RWC’s Customized State Warranties is limited to first-year workmanship and materials. As a result, exposure for structural defects falls on the insurer of the warranty, not the builder, eliminating hassles, headaches and expense.
Customers see value in dispute resolution A time-proven feature that remains in both RWC’s standard warranty product and its Customized State Warranty is an effective dispute resolution process. This provides informal mediation coupled with binding arbitration, when needed. The value of the warranty with its builtin dispute resolution process immediately becomes clear when a builder is faced with an unreasonable homeowner threatening a lawsuit. Under RWC’s Customized State Warranty, either the homeowner or the builder can request arbitration. PBA is fortunate to have a number of committed Premier Partners with a variety of expertise to help its builder-member companies be successful. For information about home warranty products, call Lori Fetterhoff with RWC at (800) 247-1812, ext. 2147. s
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July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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he term “win-win” is an oft-used phrase because it summarizes so well a desired objective in the business world – a situation in which both parties walk away having gained something of value. In the case of residential home warranties, the phrase is especially appropriate because the advantage of these products is so clear for both builders and consumers. In light of an increasingly litigious society, new home warranties represent a product that consumers want and builders need. Residential Warranty Company is a valued Pennsylvania Builders Association Premier Partner with decades of experience in this field. As a financial sponsor of the association, RWC is investing in PBA programs that help grow the industry. To learn more about changes in the home warranty field, we approached RWC for their perspective.
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-PXFS :PVS 1S FNJVNT 3BJTF :PVS &YQFDU BUJPOT This is the health insurance plan that does more for you because it was built for you. Builders Benefits delivers a full range of health insurance products for you and your workforce from a trusted source, the Pennsylvania Builders Association BenefitsTrust. And because we’re a self-insured plan, we offer lower premiums today and greater control in what the plans and costs will be in the future. We provide our members high-quality health insurance at an affordable price.
If you have yet to talk to one of your fellow member authorized agents, do it today. It’s time to expect more from your health insurance. It’s time to join the plan built for you — Builders Benefits.
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Builders Benefits, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Builders Association Benefits Trust, offering to members of the building industry who join the Trust a self-insured health plan administered by Coventry Healthcare Management Corporation.
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Member spotlight
Wheatland Custom Homes Building value every day
by M.H. Morrison fter decades in the business, Rick Martin, owner of Wheatland Custom Homes, Lancaster County, still enjoys meeting with potential buyers and providing them with a home that gives them value for their dollar. For him, satisfying the customer is number one. “We value the relationship we have with our customers,” he said. “We’re open and honest.” For Martin, part of this honesty is being straightforward about the cost of construction. He said that he doesn’t ask a lot about the budget for the project, because the cost is based on the project and selections, and how much value can be provided within the budget. “We’re value oriented, but value and inexpensive are not cheap. Cheaper is never less expensive, because the customer is never happy with a cheaper product.” In the present economic climate, building on the cheap may look attractive, but Martin is not willing to compromise. He said that the company uses the same structural components on all of its projects, regardless of sales price. The differences in the final cost are a result of the finish selections, cost of cabinets, amount of exterior masonry, flooring materials and other finish items. Generating leads has become the biggest challenge in the present marketplace, Martin said. “Historically, if we can have potential clients sit down and talk, we get more than our fair share of them as customers,” he explained. Wheatland is bringing one of the needs of the future into clearer focus, the efficient use of resources in homes. Wheatland is now one of only a few 100 percent Energy Star builders in central Pennsylvania and recently started construction of its first “green” house as certified by the National Association of Home Builders Green Build program. Martin started in the business as a carpenter, right out of high school. He worked off and on for a couple years, while he attended college. He graduated from Millersville
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University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, although he started school as a math major. While he was waiting to get into graduate school, Martin worked in real estate, eventually becoming a draftsman and project manager for E.G. Stoltzfus Jr. He never went to graduate school and instead went into the building trade. He worked for Stoltzfus for 17 years before starting Wheatland Custom Homes in 1994. His company is Energy Star certified, building homes that range from 2,100 to 4,000 square feet in Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland, York and Lebanon counties. Martin is the vice president of BIA of Lancaster. He said the most important aspect of being a member of Pennsylvania Builders Association is supporting the industry in its legislative and regulatory endeavors, especially efforts to rein in over-regulation. He also serves on Lancaster County’s Vacant Property Board and the Urban Enhancement Fund Committee, both of which are working to improve urban areas. Martin summed up Wheatland Custom Homes’ one goal – to provide its customers with a quality home of exceptional value. No matter the economy, “There are ways to give good quality job and control costs. Our personal service starts the first time our homeowners walk through our door.” s
Business quick facts: Wheatland Custom Homes • Owner: Rick Martin • Years in Business: 13 • Counties of Operation: Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Cumberland and Dauphin • Local Association: BIA of Lancaster • Association Involvement: Vice president, BIA of Lancaster • Recent Awards: Two Home Builders Association of Harrisburg Pyramid Awards for Best One Page Mailer/Flyer and Best Single-Family Model/Spec Home 2,001 to 3,000 square feet under $400,000. • On the Web: www.wheatlandhomes.com July/August 2008 • Keystone Builder
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Final word
Carbon builders deliver mansion playhouse in Tamaqua
Gwen Turner of Tamaqua was the happy recipient of playhouse mansion built by Dreams Come True and the Carbon Builders Association. Inset, Turner poses on her new playhouse with its builders. (Photos courtesy of the Carbon Builders Association)
by Nate Herring magine having your own mansion at 16 years old. Gwen Turner of Tamaqua does thanks to Dreams Come True and the Carbon Builders Association. Turner was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenital, a rare disorder of bone growth that results in dwarfism, skeletal abnormalities and difficulty with vision and hearing. She wished for her own playhouse mansion through the Palmerton-based Blue Ridge chapter of Dreams Come True. Volunteers – primarily from the Carbon Builders Association and Dreams Come True – surprised the 37-inch-tall Turner with the 12-by-14 foot clubhouse after school on May 22. The Victorian style “mansion” came complete with three gables, turret, functional windows, a front door and double rear doors, and a kitchen with working sink and a sitting area. The playhouse has an upstairs area and is equipped with electrical service, outlets, and overhead lighting.
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It was designed by Allentown architect Sean O’Brien of Howard Kulp Architects and constructed by a team of builders from various Carbon County area companies led by Ned Beige of Palmerton-based Garage Doors Inc. After four weeks of construction, using donated and discounted materials, the playhouse was transported to Turner’s grandparents’ Tamaqua home by Jeff Bartholomew of All Trade Construction. After arriving at the home, builders set the playhouse on a concrete foundation and waited until Turner’s return from school. Upon seeing the playhouse Gwen simply said, “Awesome.” Nick Hawkey, a Dreams Come True volunteer, said that Turner’s health issues and her small stature create both physical and social challenges for her. The playhouse creates a place where she can go with her friends or she can be alone when things get tough for her. The playhouse’s retail value is estimated at $30,000, but the actual cost was less than $7,000 because of generous donations.
Pike Builders second recycling event a success!
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ike County Builders Association attracted more than 150 cars piled high with electronic waste at its second recycling event in the past year. The association teamed up with Advanced Recovery to accept electronic waste for recycling on April 26 at Wallenpaupack Area High School, Hawkley. For just $5 per car load, the event encourages locals to recycle electronics waste, rather than disposing of it with the trash.
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Residents brought in 24,000 pounds of materials at Pike County Builders Association’s second electronic recycling event.
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