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Volume 6 • Issue 3 • May/June 2009
12 Industrializing building Techniques and components from manufactured housing haven’t stayed in the factory
4 President’s Column
15 Coaching for a morale victory
July 1 deadline looms for contractor registration
Any size company can provide programs to support employees
7 The J. Roger Glunt Fellowship: Sensational success stories Fellowship has provided remarkable opportunities for graduate students
17 Member spotlight Stephen Black Builders: Customers built for life
10 Meet the current Glunt Fellows
18 The Drexel Smart House: Designed for progress
Three students working toward engineering degrees
Students use project to test technology, skills
14 Award winners honored at PBA’s February board meeting Presentations recognize the accomplishments of building industry individuals and businesses
Member Insider Member briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A On the Hill.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B Answering your questions about contractor registration . . . . . . . . C Premier Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
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Keystone Builder
Photo is courtesy of the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association.
Cover designed by Chris Anderson
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Keystone Builder cover designed by James Robinson
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Associate Vice President Jim Miller, Lancaster County BIA Secretary Ray Venema, West Branch Susquehanna BA Treasurer Joe Harcum, Wayne County BA Immediate Past President Ray Fertig, York BA Executive Vice President Doug Meshaw 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@pabuilders.org Advertising does not imply acceptance or endorsement of the products contained in the publication. Publishing and advertising sales services provided by:
President’s message
Vice President Joseph Mackey, Pocono BA
By Gene Kreitzer • PBA President
President Gene Kreitzer, Lebanon County BA
July 1 deadline looms for contractor registration
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ome improvement contractors began registering with the state Attorney General’s office in March. As members began registering, many took advantage of the wealth of information available from Pennsylvania Builders Association to help them understand the intricacies of the law. Despite our best efforts at reaching out through the March/April Keystone Builder and electronic communications, some PBA members remain unaware of the home improvement contractor law. That’s a major concern. In simple terms, home improvement contractors accepting $5,000 in annual home improvement work must register with the state by July 1. This registration costs $50 for two years. Contractors who successfully register are provided an official registration number to be used on all contracts and most advertising (including vehicles, business cards, media ads and billboards). Contracts must be written to the specifications of the law for any project valued at $500 or more. Those who build new homes only are exempt from registration. Many local builders associations have held seminars for members about the new law. More than 75 questions from members are answered in the still-growing online PBA Member Registration Resource Center, available on the PBA web site at PaBuilders.org. Attorney General Tom Corbett has helped field these member questions, providing information that will help our members stay legal and stay in business. If you are unsure whether your business must register, check out the web site or call PBA at 1-800-692-7339. As this issue of Keystone Builder reaches you, the weeks are counting down to the July 1 registration deadline. Since you will need your registration number for contracts and advertising, you are better off registering as soon as possible. No contractor I know wants to delay home improvement jobs because he’s waiting for a registration number. And, if you’ve seen the law, you know you don’t want to run afoul of its requirements. As your PBA president, I don’t want to see any of our members running into trouble. Please play it safe: Register today and start using your registration number as soon as possible. s
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 • May/June 2009
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The J. Roger Glunt Fellowship at Penn State: Sensational success stories by Tess Wittler or the past 15 years, the J. Roger Glunt Fellowship at Penn State has provided remarkable opportunities for graduate students interested in a career in the residential construction industry. Although the fellowship is named for him, Roger Glunt, a Pittsburgh home builder and the 1993 NAHB president, is quick to explain that Bernie Hankin deserves all the credit for getting the idea started. “Bernie’s idea was to have better home builders and more professionalism in our industry,” Glunt said. “He wanted to expose these young people, who are the best and the brightest, to our industry with the hope that they will choose a career in home building. And, even if they are not directly involved with building homes, he wanted them to understand the issues that affect home builders.” We caught up with three of the past Glunt Fellowship recipients to see how their experience at Penn State shaped where they are today.
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Jesse R. Burow (2004-2005) When Jesse R. Burow made the decision to focus his studies on structural engineering, he knew that the building industry was a strong and stable element of Pennsylvania’s economy and would allow him to stay in the area – a primary goal of his upon graduation. Weeks after receiving his master’s degree, Burow started work at Rigidply Rafters, a family-owned manufacturer of glued-wood products and wood roof trusses. Today, he is Rigidply’s technical services supervisor, working out of the company’s Oakland, Md., facilities. He is involved with the design and layout of metal plate connected wood roof and floor trusses used in residential construction. On any given day, Burow works with a variety of customers – from lumber yards to individual contractors. Burow said that he owes much of what he’s doing today to the Glunt Fellowship at Penn State, explaining that his research for the fellowship focused on the lateral stability of wood I-joists. He said he first learned of the Glunt Fellowship from his advisor. “I really do appreciate the fellowship,” he added. “[It] took the financial stress away from the equation so I could focus on my studies.” Even though Burow has only been out of school for four years, he already considers his life a success.
“I feel like I’ve done pretty well for myself. I am happy to work for Rigidply and do what I do every day,” he said. He realizes that many graduates don’t get to choose where they want to live – that they have to go away before they can “come back home.” Not Burow. He and his wife are building a house just across Pennsylvania’s border with Maryland … only about 20 minutes from his hometown of Confluence. His advice for anyone who is going to engineering school and trying to decide on a focus is simple: Take it for a test drive first. “Go out there and experience the specialty [through internships] first before you decide. It is an important decision; you should decide whether or not it is right for you,” said Burow.
Katie Blansett (2006-2007) Katie Blansett is involved in a different aspect of construction – the water resources side of the industry. As she put it, “I don’t do the sticks and bricks part of construction. I work with the site layout and design.” It was during her pursuit of her master’s degree in civil engineering that she was introduced to the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center. There, she had the opportunity to speak to builders about the hurdles to affordable housing. She quickly learned that the price of the home is tied to the cost of the land and complying with site development regulations, including stormwater management. From there, she wanted to work toward creating a balance between “protecting our natural resources and developing land in an efficient and cost-effective way.” Blansett said that the Glunt Fellowship was invaluable for the connections she made within the industry. She found the experience of attending the International Builders Show incredible and is appreciative of the opportunities provided to her through the help of the Glunt Fellowship. “[The committee] really does care about the next generation of builders, engineers and developers,” she said. Blansett is currently pursuing her doctorate at Penn State in agricultural and biological engineering with a focus in natural resources conservation and management as well as working toward becoming a licensed professional engineer. Once her studies are complete, she plans to teach at the college level as well as do some consulting work. “I feel it is important that engineering faculty at colleges are actually professional engineers,” Blansett said. “PEs can guide students with practical experience and understand the issues their students will face.” Continued on page 8 May/June 2009 • Keystone Builder
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J. Roger Glunt Fellowship Continued from page 7
Brennan Glantz (1995-1997) As the first Glunt Fellow, Brennan Glantz had the distinct honor of being the trailblazer for the program. “It came at the perfect time,” he said. “It was at the end of one professor’s tenure, Dr. Jack Willenbrock, and the beginning of another, Dr. Eric Burnett.”
Glantz’s focus on residential construction came naturally. His dad, an attorney by day, always had a remodeling project or spec house project in the works. However, Glantz said that although he spent weekends and summers helping his dad, what influenced his decision the most was the fellowship. Glantz talked highly of his experience as a Glunt Fellow. “Penn State is a big school, and you can get lost in the shuffle really quickly,
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but once I received the fellowship, everyone knew who I was.” The fellowship also pushed him to focus. “In the end, I ultimately got more out of the experience,” Glantz said. After spending some time in southern California, Glantz returned to his hometown of State College. He is the owner of Engineering Projects Inc., where he employs two Penn State engineering graduates. Much of the company’s work involves planning and designing for builders and developers. On the construction side, he operates two businesses: LTG Construction and Bozak Construction, in which he is a partner.
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“I spent two years studying building science. Building science is what we called it then; now it’s called green building.”
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LTG builds spec homes, and Bozak builds grander, custom homes in Centre County. With green building being the buzz in the industry, Glantz is particularly thankful for his time as a Glunt Fellow and feels that it has given him insight into where the industry is heading. “I spent two years studying building science. Building science is what we called it then; now it’s called green building.” Over the last two years, Glantz has been slowly incorporating green building practices into the homes he constructs. “As we could, we’d include one or two new [green] features into a home, until we got to the point where, just recently, we built a full-blown green home that was verified at the silver level,” Glantz said, who also earned the NAHB Certified Green Building Professional designation. Glantz is serving his second year on the BA of Central PA board of directors, and he would like to help educate members and consumers in green building practices – something he started learning about years ago. “The Glunt Fellowship was a remarkable experience, and something I am certainly proud of. In fact, I still have the plaque and photo of Roger Glunt and me on the wall.” s
I Keystone Builder • May/June 2009
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Glunt Fellows 1995-1997
Brennan Glantz, P.E.
1997-1999
Edward J. Bosack III, P.E.
1999-2000
Benjamin Wisniewski
2001-2002
Julie Masser Bailey
2002-2003
Joseph P. Pinon
2003-2004
Xing Shi, Ph.D.
2004-2005
Jesse R. Burow, E.I.T.
2006-2007
Katie Blansett
2007-2009
Maral Amini, E.I.T.
2007-2009
Tanya Myers
2008-2009
Brian Wolfgang
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May/June 2009 • Keystone Builder
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Meet the current Glunt Fellows by Tess Wittler ince 1995, the J. Roger Glunt Fellowship has provided additional financial resources to cover travel, research and educational expenses. The Glunt Fellows also receive travel funds to attend the International Builders Show. In total, the Glunt Fellowship has seen eight students successfully complete their master’s degree programs, with three more students currently part of the Glunt Fellowship program: Maral Amini, Tanya Myers and Brian Wolfgang. Maral Amini earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in architectural engineering. She is a doctoral student working on the effects of wind loads on low-rise buildings. Tanya Myers is working on her master’s degree in structural engineering. Prior to attending Penn State, she worked for a New Jersey home builder where one of the managers was a civil engineer. From there, she knew she wanted to pursue civil engineering. Myers first learned of the Glunt Fellowship from Bo Kasil, the Bernard and Henrietta Hankin Chair of Residential Building Construction, who encouraged her to apply. “The Glunt Fellowship has helped me out tremendously,” said Myers. “I was able to attend the IBS [International Builders Show] in 2008, and, financially, it has allowed me to focus on my studies.” Myers’ research project is investigating aspects of IRC that deal with the wind loads of low-rise buildings. “I am looking at the bracing table in the IRC and simulating wind loads on a house to see how they compare,” she explained. Her research is run through the PHRC, so she’s been able to present her results to the PHRC Advisory Council for input and feedback. When Myers graduates in May, she plans to return to New Jersey and find a job with an engineering firm where she can get her professional engineering license. After that, “if the opportunity arises in residential construction,” she said, “I’d be more than happy to get back into the residential building industry.” Brian Wolfgang is working toward his master’s degree in architectural engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, along with a housing certificate from Penn State in May 2008. “I decided to take some residential construction classes and the interest just kept growing,” he said. Wolfgang is the president of the NAHB Student Chapter at Penn State, which he sees as a vital component of his interest in construction. “It’s helped me learn more about the industry and introduced me to some remarkable people.” Like so many other Glunt Fellows, Wolfgang appreciates having the financial stress removed while in graduate school. But even more rewarding for him is the exposure to “amaz-
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ing industry people, including Roger Glunt. Just the amount of knowledge he has is unbelievable to me.” Wolfgang’s research project focuses on basement insulation. He’s conducting a retrofit study where three different types of insulation are being studied to see how they perform during temperature and moisture changes. “My goal is to provide useful information to the industry,” he explained. Another advantage of being a Glunt Fellow is attending the IBS in February. “I was there at 8 a.m. every day going to seminars and walking the show floor. I was overwhelmed by how much was there.” Wolfgang admitted that the economy will play a huge role in what’s next for him when he graduates in December. Ideally, he’d like to stay in Pennsylvania, and his dream is to get exposure to both home building and development. He concluded, “I would love to work with a builder who will give me field experience.” s
About the Bernard and Henrietta Hankin Chair Established in 1979, the Bernard and Henrietta Hankin Chair in Residential Building Construction at Penn State was created with the generosity and foresight of the Hankin family with a $1 million endowment. The original goal of the program was to prepare young engineers for a career in the residential construction industry. This program has grown to include both undergraduate and graduate courses, research programs, a Housing Certificate (12 total credits), and various scholarships and fellowships to recruit the best and brightest students into the program. In the last three years, the current chair, Bo Kasil, has introduced new elements. The NAHB student chapter now competes every year at IBS, and students receive one course credit for their participation. Kasil has also developed the Hankin Distinguished Lecture series, which continues to grow each year. To learn more, visit www.engr.psu.edu/ce/ divisions/residential/res_program.htm.
About the J. Roger Glunt Fellowship Donations to the J. Roger Glunt Fellowship make it possible to recruit the best and brightest graduate students to Penn State. Donations are applied toward student research, travel and educational expenses. Donations also make it possible for the NAHB Student Chapter to travel to the IBS to compete in the NAHB Residential Construction Management Competition. To donate, contact Dr. Bo Kasil, 814-863-9788, or by e-mail at Buk13@psu.edu. To apply: The J. Roger Glunt Fellowship is run through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. To learn more about the program, including how to apply, visit www.engr.psu. edu/ce/divisions/residential/Glunt.html.
I Keystone Builder • May/June 2009
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MemberInsider May/June 2009
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Training available for Keystone HELP certification
Homebuilders organize to help Coatesville arson victims
PA Home Performance 101 training sessions began this spring and are scheduled through May and June at many locations throughout Pennsylvania. Successful participants in the one-day program will become certified to perform work under the $17 million Keystone HELP Residential Energy Efficiency Program, through which residents can receive low-interest loans and rebates for energy-efficient improvements to their homes. For Pennsylvania Builders Association members to take advantage of these funds, they must become a Keystone HELP-approved contractor, unless they are already BPI or Resnet certified. To find out more about this program, visit the Keystone HELP web site at www.keystonehelp.com.
Pennsylvania homebuilders recently filled seven vehicles with donated food, clothing, school supplies and toiletries for the victims of arson fires in Coatesville. Offices of five members and the office of HBA of Chester and Delaware Counties served as drop-off points for the drive, which distributed the contributions through the Salvation Army. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that about 70 deliberately set fires since early 2008 have left dozens of people homeless and caused millions of dollars in damages.
Workers’ comp program marks 10 years PBA and Eastern Alliance Insurance Group have completed 10 years of partnership in providing competitive workers’ compensation insurance to the state’s homebuilding industry. Members benefit from the rates provided through the program and its risk management solutions that keep losses to a minimum. More than 70 PBA members renewed for all of the first 10 years of this partnership, which reflects the program’s high level of customer satisfaction. For more information, visit program administrator E.K. McConkey’s web site at www.ekmcconkey.com/pba.htm or call 1-800-864-4849.
Thompson elected chairman of building code council PBA member Frank Thompson of Sweetwater Builders, Cranberry Township, has been elected chairman of Pennsylvania’s new Uniform Construction Code technical review and advisory council. The council began reviewing changes to the International Code Council’s 2009 revised code standards in April to determine if any of the proposed standards may be inappropriate for Pennsylvania. It will issue recommendations to the state Department of Labor and Industry about the code changes appropriate for adoption in Pennsylvania.
Associate members: Get leads through news clips PBA’s daily news clips are a popular member service that delivers the day’s top housing news stories to your inbox. Many members report it alerts them to statewide homebuilding news they might have missed otherwise. But this service is even more valuable for associate members because it can tip them off to hot business prospects. Every edition of the daily news clips includes stories about new developments underway around Pennsylvania. Associate members can use these articles to identify builders breaking ground and solid leads for new sales. To purchase the news clipping service individually, it would cost members $4,000. But it’s available at no cost, making a valuable PBA member benefit. To subscribe, contact Eric Wise at 1-800-692-7339, ext. 3003, or ewise@PaBuilders.org.
State court rules against competition among third-party inspections Municipal governments remain free to establish exclusive inspection deals under a Feb. 20 ruling from the state Supreme Court. The ruling overturned the Commonwealth Court decision that would have allowed any certified third-party agency to perform UCC inspections in municipalities that opted-in to enforce the building code. Inspections may be limited to agencies under contract with the municipality – establishing legal monopolies. PBA objects to this approach as it fails to provide for competitive pricing or any incentive for prompt, reliable service. For more information, contact Jerry Leach, UCC specialist and field service director, at 1-800-692-7339, ext. 3012, or jleach@PaBuilders.org. Member Insider • Keystone Builder
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Permit extensions: They’re a good thing
On the hill
To match the slowing in the general economy, Pennsylvania builders are asking that state and municipal permitting processes be extended. Background: Pennsylvania Builders Association believes that allowing for permit and approval extensions would jump start the economy and help maintain and protect the state’s high standards and quality of life. Issue: PBA’s position is to support legislation to allow for permit and approval extensions on permits that have or are about to expire. By not having to go back through the sluggish and expensive permitting process, builders and developers would be better positioned to respond to economic changes. Proposal: The proposal would extend “approvals” for a specific period of time in response to the fact that many residential, commercial, office and industrial projects have been stalled due to the economic downturn. This proposal also ties in with the “smart growth” concept. PBA response: As always, developers and municipalities must be progressive and forwardthinking. Everyone needs to plan with the intent of remediation and responsible development, not to deter progress, commerce and deny clean-up.
In discussions with home-buying and remodeling consumers, builders have a new arsenal of tools in the form of specialized grants, rebates, loans and tax credits. PA energy investment fund programs The $17 million Keystone HELP Residential Energy Efficiency Program will allow the state’s residents to receive low-interest loans and rebates for energy-efficient improvements to their homes. For PBA members to take advantage of these funds, they must become a Keystone HELP-approved contractor. To find out more about this program, visit www.keystonehelp.com. Other state funds are available through a variety of programs that help consumers and small businesses, they include: • Money to pay for 35 percent of the cost for installing solar energy projects; • Grants, loans, rebates and reimbursements for consumer energy conservation projects; • Loans and grants for commercial and residential “high performance” green building; and • Help for qualifying Pennsylvania small businesses that purchase and install energy efficient equipment or processes To learn more about these options, visit PBA’s web site at PaBuilders.org.
Loan options through PHFA Builders can provide new homebuyers an advance of up to $5,000 as provided in the federal stimulus law through a new program being developed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Builders interested in this new tax grant program should contact Kate Newton, director of PHFA homeownership programs, at knewton@phfa.org. Other options from PHFA include: • Purchase improvement loan – $1,000 to $15,000 extra to homebuyers for upgrade/repair of a purchased home. • Renovate and Repair loan – maximum of $35,000 or 120 percent of the home’s value for approved work by current homeowners.
Tax credits • 25C credit – Under the stimulus legislation, the percentage of the cost and lifetime cap for home improvements that increase energy efficiency have been tripled to 30 percent and $1,500, respectively. The deadline for installing them has been extended through the end of 2010. • 25D credit – This 30 percent tax credit applies to renewable energy products including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. There is no cap on their cost through 2016, and these credits apply to new construction as well as to remodeling and renovation projects. For more information, contact Calli Schmidt at cschmidt@nahb.org or 1-800-368-5242, ext. 8132. B
I Keystone Builder • Member Insider
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Judges up for the vote Although considered an “off-year” election, Pennsylvanians will vote this fall for the state Supreme Court and the Commonwealth Court judges. Background: Voters will elect one Supreme Court justice and two Commonwealth Court judges this fall. These positions came open through retirements and judges moving to “higher” courts. Issue: Ed Mullin, an attorney and associate member from the HBA of Bucks and Montgomery Counties who has been on past judicial task forces, was appointed to lead the current task force that will meet with judicial candidates and make recommendations. Action: The task force will be interested in the judges’ experience and knowledge on land use and environmental law. Also, the interviewers will quiz the candidates about their ideas on making the state’s appellate courts more efficient and effective, including creating more written opinions when decisions are made.
Limiting HOP improvements PBA is working to reform the highway occupancy permit program from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Background: PBA’s main concerns are the parts of the current regulation that require developers to make roadway improvements miles beyond their development in a manner that is inconsistent and unfair to all developers. Action: PBA is drafting legislation that would create a formula for proportionately charging all current and future developers an impact fee. This fee would be based on the amount of increased traffic any proposed development would have at specific intersections near to proposed project.
Answering your questions about home improvement contractor registration Pennsylvania’s home improvement contractors began registering with the state’s Attorney General on March 23
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ennsylvania Builders Association staff has posted answers online to more than 75 questions received from members about the contractor registration law. The following are some of the most common questions received since the last issue of Keystone Builder was printed. Q: How and when will we be able to register as home improvement contractors? A: You will need to register with the state Attorney General’s office before July 1. The state’s registration process began March 23. You also have three registration options: 1) You can register online at www.AttorneyGeneral.gov; 2) you can download the registration form from the AG’s web site, fill it out and mail it to their office (which will take more time); 3) or you can call the AG’s office to request a paper form, which you would then mail back with your payment (probably taking the most time of all these options). The phone number is 1-800-441-2555, and a live operator will answer during normal business hours. The benefit of online registration is that you get your registration number instantly. Q: I am confused on whether the new law requires licensing or registration of home improvement contractors, and what is the difference? A: The law requires registration only, not licensing. Licensing typically includes testing of competency in various trade skills. Registration simply involves completing a form with the state AG’s offices that provides information like your permanent business address. Registration will cost $50 every two years. Q: I see the law has requirements regarding advertising. What is considered “advertising?” A: Under the new registration law, an advertisement is a statement promoting home improvement services in a newspaper, periodical, pamphlet, circular, billboard, sign, letterhead,
business card or other printed materials; or in announcements to the public on radio, television or the Internet. It does not include sponsorship or recognition of sponsorship of civic, charitable or nonprofit events, teams or purposes. Also, it does not include writing or graphics on promotional clothing, pens, pencils, notepads or similar items. The law states that contractors must include their registration number on all advertisements distributed within Pennsylvania and on all contracts, estimates and proposals with owners in Pennsylvania. This applies to all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals created by a contractor after July 1. Q: How should the registration number be listed on advertising, vehicles, etc.? Can we eliminate the zeros before the number? Do we have to include the entire abbreviation PAOAGHIC? A: The zeros before the number are not necessary. However, you must include the entire PAOAGHIC prefix before your registration number. For example, if you register and receive the registration number PAOAGHIC 005102 you would only need to list PAOAGHIC 5102. Q: Do subcontractors (such as electrical subcontractors and plumbing subcontractors) who are paid directly by a general contractor and who never enter into contracts with consumers need to register? A: Yes, subcontractors who perform home improvements must register, even if they do not enter into agreements directly with consumers. The AG’s office interprets the definition of home improvement contractor to be broad enough to include such individuals. While PBA disputes that interpretation of the act, we recommend that such subcontractors register to protect themselves from legal liability. Subcontractors do not need to register if they only work for new home builders. Member Insider • Keystone Builder
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PBA Premier Partners the PBa Premier Partners program is energized by an elite group of businesses taking a leadership role promoting the growth of Pennsylvania’s housing industry. Premier Partners provide nondues revenues that help expand PBa’s services to members. Next time you’re bidding a project, please keep our Premier Partners in mind. Gold level sponsor
Wells Fargo Home mortgage
By utilizing our extended rate lock products and other innovative solutions, we offer builder partners the opportunity to eliminate market risk, easing buyer concerns and allowing you to sell more homes more profitably. Contact Chris Kulp, regional builder sales manager, at 215-529-0416 for more information. Silver level sponsors
ProBuild
warranties to builders and remodelers nationwide. Since 1981, RWC has issued over 2.5 million warranties and is considered an expert in the field of risk management. Over our 25+ years, RWC has developed a wide range of products and services to meet various industry needs including its HUD accepted 10 Year Standard Warranty for FHA and VA financing, Customized State Warranties and General Liability Insurance for builders, to name a few. By providing an RWC-insured warranty on your new or remodeled homes, not only will you distinguish your company from the competition, you will have the added benefits of limiting your liability and providing buyers with peace of mind.
ProBuild is dedicated to the building industry. ProBuild has been, and will always be, on the cutting edge of new products and services, as well as providing technical and building industry knowledge. ProBuild sales representatives are thoroughly trained in green building products and can assist you in achieving your NAHB or LEED green certification. The company’s involvement at the national, state and local builders association is extremely important to ProBuild. For more information, please contact Michael Kurpiel, C.G.A, C.G.P., market development manager, at 800-883-8800, ext 665, or email mike.kurpiel@probuild.com.
First NatioNal BaNk
First National Bank is your Premier Partner for both your business and personal banking needs. Stable, strong, and committed to our clients since 1864. Over 225 locations covering Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. Visit a First National Bank Personal Banker by calling 1-800-555-5455 or go online at www.fnb-online.com.
ilevel By WeyerHaeuser
iLevel is Weyerhaeuser’s integrated residential framing business resulting in a seamless, unified solution for residential builders through dealers – offering a coordinated network of support for all structural framing materials. By combining Weyerhaeuser’s high-quality products and services from well-known brands like Trus Joist and Structurwood, with its distribution and technology capabilities, iLevel efficiently supplies customers with all the necessary components for building the residential structural frame, and solving builder and customer needs around that frame. To learn about the iLevel line of residential framing products, design software tools, technical support and extensive distribution network, visit www.iLevel.com or call 800-678-8787 for a structural frame specialist or dealer near you. Bronze level sponsors
PeNNsylvaNia HousiNg FiNaNce ageNcy
Close the deal by helping your customers find money for downpayment and closing costs with PHFA’s Tax Credit Advance Loan. Programs are also available to fund home renovations and repairs! Visit www.phfa.org for details.
one of the attractions for companies to become PBa Premier Partners is the access they gain to leaders in the state’s housing industry. For instance, consider the breakfast roundtable held on board meeting weekends which brings our sponsors and PBa senior officers together for a discussion of shared industry concerns. a casual breakfast is followed by an energetic discussion targeted to the interests of our Premier Partners. during the most recent breakfast in February (top photo, left to right), PBa President gene kreitzer and Wells Fargo’s Chris Kulp share thoughts, while PBa secretary ray venema and Residential Warranty Company’s Lori Fetterhoff have a conversation. For companies selling to Pennsylvania’s homebuilding market, the PBa Premier Partner program offers targeted exposure and unfettered access of value well worth the investment.
For more information on the PBA Premier Partners program, please contact Bill Lapitsky at PBA at 800-692-7339, ext. 3030, or via e-mail at blapitsky@PaBuilders.org. More information is also available online at www.PaBuilders.org.
resideNtial WarraNty comPaNy llc
Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC) is a leading provider of written, insured D
I Keystone Builder • Member Insider
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Don’t be a dinosaur
Send PBA your e-mail address for up-to-date news and info
Leave the Jurassic Age behind and move into the 21st century — send PBA your e-mail address so we can keep you up-to-date on association and housing industry news that directly affects your business. If you don’t receive PBA’s e-mail updates, you’re missing critical information. E-mail (opposed to regular mail) keeps PBA’s costs down — which helps keep your dues low — while getting news to members faster. Send your e-mail address to aedwards@ PaBuilders.org and put E-MAIL in the subject line, or call Aiyana Edwards at 800-692-7339, ext. 3004. Don’t have an e-mail address? Call PBA and we can help you set one up! Make no bones about it, without e-mail, your business might go the way of the dinosaurs.
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Photo is courtesy of the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association.
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Industrializing building Techniques and components from manufactured housing haven’t stayed in the factory by M.H. Morrison aving time and adjusting to a changing labor market has pushed components that once only graced the factorybuilt sector into the site- or stick-built industry. “The industrialization of the building process has been going on for quite a while,” said Mark Fortney, director, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center. For decades, improvements in manufacturing processes have changed the housing industry. As early as the 1800s, Fortney said that the manufacturing of nails allowed building to move from beam to platform construction. Similar revolutions happen today, but the pace of change is increasing.
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Practically unheard of decades ago, pre-built roof trusses are the rule, not the exception, in today’s homebuilding. Other components have gone through, or continue to go through, a similar progression. Fortney and Mary Gaiski, executive vice president, Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association, said that some of the common components of a site-built home that originated from the manufactured housing industry are framed windows, prehung doors, staircases, roof trusses and floor systems, panelized walls and precast foundations. There are also techniques and equipment such as the pneumatic nailers now used at job sites, Pex tubing, which is flexible
I Keystone Builder • May/June 2009
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and more easily installed, and durable flooring materials, such as Rhino SuperPro flooring. These and other components have benefited the entire industry and consumers, Gaiski said. Both experts agreed that controlling labor costs and speeding up the building process are driving the move to using prebuilt components. “The general trend is to minimize labor and increase the speed,� Fortney said. Additionally, by including prefabricated items like prehung doors, Fortney said that the need for specialized, skilled labor is decreased. Items built in a factory setting also have another level of quality control because not only is the construction completed the same way each time, but the environment can be controlled. Fortney said that factory-built housing has led the industry in innovation. Builders want to use new technology but they are risk averse, he said, because they hold the whole liability if a new technique or product does not work. Despite a reputation among consumers and those in the building industry that factory-built housing including modular units are of lesser quality, Gaiski explained that modular units are constructed to the same building codes as site-built structures. Manufactured homes are slightly different because its building standards fall under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but they are coming closer to the International Residential Code each year, she said. The manufactured housing industry is and has been green for years, according to the experts. “Green is a big spectrum. It starts with material management in site design and everything else that goes into building any home,� Gaiski said. In the case of an industrialized product, energy savings start during the manufacturing process, where use of materials is carefully controlled to reduce waste. Last year, the National Association of Home Builders announced the Modular Green Approved program, which will certify that a structure meets specific green standards. This program was worked on between NAHB and the National Modular Housing Council. “I’m convinced that 100 years from now, we’ll build houses very differently than the way we build now,� Fortney said, adding that the economy, environment and climate change are all drivers of the changes. “How that manifests to a job site, I just don’t know.� s
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• New construction • Remodel Work
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Elwood Landscaping 1610 Landis Rd. • Mt. Joy, PA 17557
Commercial & Residential
• New Lawn Seeding & Erosion Control • Hydroseeding • Straw Mulching • Grading • Retaining Walls • Paver Patios & Walkways • Landscape Plantings & Design
(717) 367-9599
Sam King • ElwoodLandscape@aol.com Jay N. Crouse, President
P.O. Box 66 • 535 Stiegel Valley Road Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545
Basement Excavating • Septic Systems • Grading
Phone: (717) 664-2820 Fax: (717) 664-1615
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Award winners honored at February meeting
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ore than 200 Pennsylvania Builder Association members, colleagues and distinguished guests participated in the association’s annual awards presentation that recognizes the accomplishments of individuals and businesses for excellence across the building industry. “It’s important for us to recognize exceptional work among our members,” said PBA President Gene Kreitzer.
Distinguished Achievement Award For his career-long contributions and service to Pennsylvania’s building industry, Carl Flohr of Chambersburg received the Distinguished Achievement Award, honoring a member’s lifetime of achievement in the housing industry and community service. Flohr has held more than 25 high-level volunteer positions at the national, local and state levels. He has served as PBA’s president; served as president of his local, Franklin County Builders Association; chaired various committees; and twice was honored with PBA’s Builder of the Year Award. Flohr owns and operates a real estate company, a home-andcommercial-development company, and a pool installation and service company.
Builder of the Year Stephen D. Black of Stephen Black Builders, Lititz, earned top honors as Builder of the Year in recognition of his leadership skills, community outreach, and contributions to the local and state housing trade. In addition to being a PBA member and its 2007 president, Black is actively involved in his local homebuilders associations – Building Industry Association of Lancaster County, Home Builders Association of Metro Harrisburg and York County Builders Association. Black has sat on many association committees and led the BIA of Lancaster County as president.
Associate of the Year Peter Restaino of Dallas was named Associate of the Year on the basis of his activism and his leadership on housing issues. Through PBA committees and his local association, he has worked countless hours on a variety of projects, including the construction and sale of his local’s first Showcase Home, a no-cost home renovation for an elderly couple, and increasing his local membership by 16 percent. He is active in the Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, previously chaired PBA’s public relations/public affairs committee, and is an active member in other association committees. 14
Remodeler of the Year Peter Maruca of Haverford-based Orion General Contractors was named Remodeler of the Year in recognition of the detailed attention he has given remodeling projects, such as the transformation of a 178-year-old structure into a modern guest house and party pavilion that used spray insulation technology, radiant heating and an advanced cooling system. In addition to being a PBA member, Maruca is an active member of the Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties.
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Building Innovation Award Sarah Peck of Malvern-based Progressive Housing Ventures LLC was awarded the Building Innovation Award for her innovative neighborhood revitalization in Downingtown and performance zoning achievements that yielded a combined increase of onsite parking and open space. In addition to being a PBA member, Peck is actively involved in the Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties.
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Developer of the Year and Multifamily/ Multiunit Housing Champion
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The Dranoff Properties, Philadelphia, was recognized with the Developer of the Year Award and as the Multifamily/Multiunit Housing Champion. The company earned this recognition for its innovative structures and development that revitalized a neighborhood and spurred further development, revealing the power of using culture and the arts as the springboard for the economic growth of major cities.
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Hammers and Gavels Club Member of the Year Pam Anderson of Anderson Construction, Chambersburg, was named Hammers and Gavels Club Member of the Year for her exceptional service and dedication in educating government leaders on housing issues. She serves as a life director for PBA and is involved in work force development. Anderson is also a member of the Franklin County Builders Association and active in her local chamber of business and industry.
Housing Advocate Award Carl D’Amico of Reading received the Housing Advocate Award for his significant contributions to the state’s housing industry as well as to the commonwealth, having served for more than 15 years as PBA’s representative to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Sewage Advisory Committee. s
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Coaching for a morale victory
Any size company can provide programs to support employees by M.H. Morrison egardless of the economy, implementing programs to increase employee morale makes good business sense. Rob Jones, vice president of Glick Associates, Shamokin Dam, said that his area of the state has not gone through the dramatic economic ups and downs like the rest of the nation, but his overhead door, wood/pellet stove and awning installation and service business is slower than normal. But morale-wise, he said, “Most of the employees have seen it before and understand. So morale is not a problem.” Jeff Musser, owner and president of Musser Home Builder’s Dillsburg, agreed that morale is fine, adding that he has hired employees in the last six months and plans to hire again. Doing well does not mean that Musser is not working on employee relations. He communicates “a whole lot more than I did before. We have regular meetings to keep the guys informed” of what is coming along in the next six months or year. He also is sure to compliment them for the jobs they are doing that contribute to the success of the company. Jones said that being a small company, his employees see each other every day and have the opportunity to talk to each other. During this economic slow down, the discussions have included how to spread out work so the number of employees match the amount of work. This has been accomplished by employees pitching in and taking days off, as needed. For Jan Webb, human resources manager of Pavone Inc., Harrisburg, a nontraditional communications firm, supporting employee morale is active and fun. She organizes company events throughout the year to help everyone get to know each other and to discover the things that define the company. “These are not new initiatives,” she said. The events “are tried and true. I think the employees look forward to them.” She said that the morale-building events do not cost much money but show that the company is committed to investing in the employees and cares about them.
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1884-2009 Celebrating
One Hundred and TwenTy-Five years of being in business
54 Holland Street • Salunga, PA
MYERS BROS. Drilling Contractors, INC. (717) 898-2321 Geothermal Well Drilling • Domestic & Industrial Wells • Municipal & Monitoring Wells • Water Wells
In addition to organizing events like potluck lunches, pitch and putt golf outings, and a company picnic, which are held during work hours, Webb said that the company shows its interest in employees by providing a choice in health plans and holding staff meetings. “Once employees feel invested, they’re more loyal to you. That’s what I’m ultimately trying to get to. We’re investing, so employees invest back. It all comes down to caring,” she said. Musser said that he and his crew do get together outside of work. He has taken advantage of events sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, such as the skeet shooting luncheon. Otherwise, he and his employees try to get together once a month for lunch. Musser also sees the benefits he provides as another key to employee morale. He offers profit sharing for some employees, and everyone can take advantage of the 401(k), holiday and vacation pay, health insurance, company trucks and other perks. “I invest in my people. In turn they have a massive amount of allegiance to my company,” he said. Jones does not take employee morale lightly, saying “In this business, all it takes is springtime and sunshine. It’s surprising what it does to everyone’s morale.” s
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Member spotlight
Stephen Black Builders: Customers built for life
Stephen Black has been building custom homes and additions for more than 30 years.
by Tess Wittler teve Black isn’t new to the building trade. He’s been renovating and building homes for 30 years. This avid Penn State sports fan has had his share of ups and downs, but just like a Penn State defensive linesman, he’s aggressively tackled each challenge for a clean, swift takedown. He then gets up, shakes off the grass and mud, and it is on to the next – with a satisfied grin. Black, PBA’s 2007 president, has a wall filled with local, state and, now, national recognition, but he credits many of his accomplishments to the camaraderie found in the builders association. “We are a good group of people dedicated to our profession. We aren’t afraid to share our challenges in business, good and bad, so that we can help each other succeed,” said Black. In 1979, Black started out remodeling and building additions and decks. Fast forward a few years and he completed his first spec home … and business grew from there. Now, as the shift in new home construction goes green, Black candidly admitted that’s something he’s always done. “We were interested where our houses stood on the NAHB Green Building scale, so we had one tested. Without veering from what we’ve always done, the house was certified silver. Now we’ll make adjustments to achieve the gold certification,” he explained. Over the years, Black’s business model shifted from remodeling and additions to new home construction, but a few years ago he decided to return to his beginnings. “People know us as a new home builder, but we’ve been remodeling and building additions for 30 years, so our marketing efforts now emphasize this,” he said. His most effective marketing asset is his customer base. Black said, “If we do a project, we can count on estimating at least one or as many as three projects for their neighbors.”
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Perhaps the reason Black receives accolades from customers is his care. He knows that remodeling is one of the most stressful activities a family can live through – with contractors tramping through their home 10 hours a day for months. To address this, he arranges for families to move into a short-term rental while their house is being remodeled. He also arranges delivery of a POD storage container so homeowners’ belongings are completely protected. “We go to great lengths to make it as easy as possible to get a homeowner through the stress of a remodeling project,” he said. That mindfulness is what makes his customers for life. “One family that I built a home for was relocated out of the area. A year and a half later, they were back in the area, and we built them another home. And I have another remodeling customer who calls me every year with a project.” He concluded: “It is repeat business like that which is most rewarding to me.” s
Business quick facts: Stephen Black Builders Inc. • Years in business: 30 years • C ounties of operation: Lancaster, Lebanon, York and Dauphin • L ocal associations: BIA of Lancaster County, Lebanon County BA, York County BA, HBA of Stephen Black Metro Harrisburg • A ssociation involvement: 2001 BIA of Lancaster President, 2007 PBA President, HBA of Metro Harrisburg Parade of Homes Chair, and NAHB State Builder Representative (to name a few) • A wards won: Multiple Parade of Homes and remodeling awards from the BIA of Lancaster and HBA of Metro Harrisburg; PBA Builder of the Year in 2008; and 2002 BIA Builder Distinguished Service Award • Website: www.stephenblackblr.com May/June 2009 • Keystone Builder
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The Drexel Smart House:
Designed for Progress by Tess Wittler hat does the house of the future look like? Students at Drexel University are unearthing answers through a unique student-led program: The Smart House. The Smart House was conceived by students three years ago and has since grown into one of the most diverse organizations on campus with up to 200 people involved in various projects. “The Smart House philosophy is unique,” said Eric Eisele, Smart House director of research. “We aren’t constructing a new building. Instead, we are seeing how we can improve the sustainability of an existing building in an urban environment.” “Energy efficiency is a massive global concern, so one of the goals with Smart House is to see how we can do more by using the same amount of energy,” said Patrick Hoffman, Smart House director of facilities. The Smart House organization secured from Drexel University a vacant 5,000-square-foot fraternity house, located at 35th and Race streets, Philadelphia. When completed, this house will function as a home for students and also will serve as a testing site for new technologies that are meant to improve and simplify life in these five areas: environment, energy, interaction, health and lifestyle. “We’ll test technologies in a functional way, so we can determine not only if the technology works as it should but also if people can live with it,” said Jameson Detweiler, Smart House president. Ultimately, the liveability factor determines whether or not a product will be successful when brought to market. Projects in each of these five areas are already underway. “We are taking advantage of the classes available at Drexel, and as a result, more people are participating,” said Prineha Narang, a student being groomed as successor to the current Smart House research director. For now, the Smart House project is funded through private sponsorships and grants; however, the students foresee that as
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the project moves forward, others in the building and technology industries will want to get involved. “We’d like to partner with those who want to test their technology in this fashion,” said Detweiler. The Smart House has already seen success through individual projects, including one that addresses natural lighting in an urban environment. “We developed daylight simulated LED lighting, and from that, our first start-up company sprouted, Summalux, LLC,” said Eisele. Additionally, a new architectural coating that the students believe is extremely effective at reflecting solar radiation was developed and is being tested. Voice-activated systems and reflective displays also are being considered. Another success is the way the Smart House project has cut across departmental and college borders. “We bring extreme groups of people together to work. In the past, we’ve paired interior design students with engineering students to work on a multidisciplinary research project,” said Cody Ray, Smart House vice president. The Smart House recently reached its first big milestone by selecting a design for the house as a result of a year-long design competition.* But the students understand that this project will continue long after their time at Drexel is done. “As students look to graduate, there are systems in place to ensure the transition goes smoothly, just like we are designing the house so we can change things very easily as technology evolves,” said Detweiler. Even when Detweiler and Eisle graduate, they will still be involved in Smart House. “Summalux is our company, and we plan to use Smart House for testing,” said Detweiler. s *At time of publication, designs were not publicly released.
I Keystone Builder • May/June 2009
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