North Carolina Builder by Association Publishing Inc.

The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association

Vol. 39, No. 2, March 2009

Regional meetings offer forum for members

Annual golf outing is on the horizon New ideas for windows and doors

March 2009

North Carolina Builder   31

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Features

V ol . 39, N o . 2, M arch 2009

The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association

2005 Communicator Award Winner

Dedicated to the advancement of the home building industry, North Carolina Builder (ISSN 1552-8685) is published monthly for the members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, P.O. Box 99090, Raleigh, N.C. 27624-9090. (800) 662-7129 • http://www.nchba.com Mike Carpenter Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Regional meetings offer forum for members

During the week of Feb. 2, members from local associations across North Carolina turned out for their region’s meeting to discuss industry issues.

Tee it up for a good cause

Check out all the details about the annual Builder Classic Golf Tournament and mark your calendar today.

North Carolina Home Builders Association members turned out in full force for the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas Jan. 20-23.

In the spotlight

lmartin@nchba.org

To be named Director of Regulatory Affairs Robert Privott Director of Codes and Construction rprivott@nchba.org Jessica Hayes Director of Political Affairs

Showtime in Las Vegas

Lisa Martin Director of Government Affairs

mcarpenter@nchba.org

jhayes@nchba.org

Kathryn Atkinson Director of Membership Services katkinson@nchba.org Deborah Alford Director of Exhibitions and Education

dalford@nchba.org

Tracie Garrett Director of Exhibitor Services

tgarrett@nchba.org

Kep Paylor Vocational Education

kpaylor@nchba.org

Linda Hall Controller

lhall@nchba.org

Darrel Hamilton, Region VIII Vice President, is a fourth-generation builder and a strong proponent of continuing education.

Erin Jones Manager of Political Operations

ejones@nchba.org

A word on windows and doors

Heather Crews Director of Communications and Managing Editor

hcrews@nchba.org

This issue’s product roundup takes a look at some of the new bells and whistles with windows and doors.

Partnership meets a housing need

Wendy Spaziani Assistant Education Coordinator wspaziani@nchba.org

The North Carolina Home Builders Association teamed up with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the city of Rocky Mount on a project that provided valuable construction training to 12 workers and resulted in a home for a formerly homeless citizen.

Contents 2. President’s Message 4. Capitol Insider 6. Code Corner 18. Spike Member Update 18. Spike of the Month 19. A Step Ahead 20. Knowledge Builder 23. Build-Pac Contributors 23. NCHBA Calendar 26. The Green Scene 27. NCHBA News On the cover: Manufacturers are continually developing windows and doors with improved performance and appearance. (Photo courtesy of Simonton Windows.)

March 2009

Beth Gray Receptionist

bgray@nchba.org

Advertising Sales Executive Sharon Freeman (888) 364-5271 freemanfour4@cox.net Graphic Designer

Paige Takach

Publisher

Association Publishing Inc. www.associationpublishinginc.com Sandra Amidon and Joyce Hearn, APR (757) 420-2434

Acceptance of advertising in North Carolina Builder does not imply endorsement of the product or service by NCHBA. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted and not necessarily those of NCHBA, nor does mention of specific products in editorial content imply endorsement by NCHBA. No material may be reproduced for further publication without the express permission of the association. North Carolina Builder is published for the principals and employees of all member firms of the North Carolina Home Builders Association Affiliated with the Association and its receipt is included in the membership fee. National of Home Builders. North Carolina Builder is published monthly except for January. Since the mailing list used by North Carolina Builder is compiled according to membership records, address corrections should be directed to your local association. Nonmember subscriptions are available from the publisher for $30 a year. Dues paid to NCHBA are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. NCHBA estimates that the nondeductible portion of your 2009 dues — the portion that is allocable to lobbying — is 28 percent.

North Carolina Builder   1

President’s Message

2009 NCHBA Leadership

by Frank Wiesner, 2009 NCHBA President

The unexpected

President Frank Wiesner President-Elect Lyle Gardner First Vice President Bill Daleure Secretary/Treasurer Rick Shields Executive Vice President Mike Carpenter Immediate Past President & NAHB Executive Committee State Representative Ray Rhodes NAHB Executive Committee Rick Judson Vice President, Region I Patrick Mann Vice President, Region II Glenn Morrison Vice President, Region III Barry Tutor Vice President, Region IV Ralph Doggett Vice President, Region V Jackie Trinchitella Vice President, Region VI Brian Robinett Vice President, Region VII Erik Anderson Vice President, Region VIII Darrel Hamilton Vice President, Region IX Kevin Annas Vice President, Region X Zac Koenig Presidential Appointee Elizabeth Cubler Presidential Appointee Larry Howard Presidential Appointee Mike Gerber Chair, Associate Members Committee Tammie Smoot President, EO/ES Council Bunny Boyd President, Professional Women in Building Tammie Smoot

2   North Carolina Builder

I thought my job was to give . . . but you have given me something I never expected!

n the time I spent preparing to take on the responsibilities of being North Carolina Home Builders Association President, I felt that I had a handle on my expectations of what I might encounter this year. I was wrong! I feel as if I have fallen head first into a vast pool filled with strength, resiliency and encouragement as I have visited with 15 of our local HBAs over the past Wiesner few months. I shared in my last President’s Message that the strength of our association is our history and the proud tradition of excellence exhibited by the men and women who came before us and cut the path that we are using to grow the housing industry across North Carolina. While that statement is true, I feel that it is appropriate to add the men and women who currently make up our NCHBA membership. You are like many single strands of fiber that have been braided together in our local HBAs to form a thick rope of tremendous strength, capable of lifting and pulling loads of unthinkable proportion. I carry a word of encouragement and hope to our membership as we live today with the goal of being here tomorrow. Simply put, the current economic crisis that our industry and, more importantly, our country faces is a temporal condition that will soon pass and be a painful and unpleasant memory for most of us. I certainly do not intend to minimize the real financial and even physical pain that some of us are feeling due to the stresses to which we currently find ourselves exposed. Rather, I encourage all of us to take an honest inventory of the positive things in our lives that are not temporal and that we all have and can be thankful for. I am speaking of things that should have a higher priority in our lives than the next deal or how many items we sell, and all the things that make us successful in the business sense. I am talking about things such as our wives, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, friends and other meaningful relationships that over the course of our lives will yield much more fruit than an entire career of business deals or an accumulation of stuff to feed our egos.

As I have shared this message across our great state, I have experienced an incredible sense of encouragement. I have witnessed HBA members stand up and share of the true joy they have experienced because they have reprogrammed their priorities and taken a challenging situation and made the conscious choice to receive something they could not have otherwise. One evening after an HBA meeting, I experienced an emotional situation when a member shared with me his impending bankruptcy and the terrible sense of failure he was feeling not only as a builder, but as a man. As we sat in the lobby of the hotel and discussed his situation, it occurred to me that the words this man was speaking were the words of a man who was preparing to end it all and perhaps take his own life. I put my arm around this fellow and began to open the door to the vault of his life as I asked him questions about his wife, his kids, his family, his friends and the many things he had done and experienced in his life. As he answered the questions I posed, I noticed a change in his demeanor and the great sense of pride that he felt in his children.As he shared with me the day he met his wife, he began to tremble and cry.As tears welled up in my own eyes, I knew that he could now see into the vault of his life and was experiencing the many treasures that were safely stored but had become smaller because he allowed his troubles to be the bigger focus. It’s been a few weeks now since that night, and I proudly report that my new friend has taken steps to work on his business problems and, more importantly, he now understands that he is a man of incredible wealth. No matter what troubles he may face, his new perspective will not allow the treasure to be stolen or diminished in any way. He now professes to be a solid strand on the rope of that local HBA because his experience and perspective are now better equipped to lift and pull with a much clearer sense of purpose and conviction than before. Perspective is a fairly simple concept that can sometimes be very difficult to find. I encourage us all to take a step back and look at our lives through the eyes of our heart and see the abundant treasure that we can only see with the 20/20 vision of proper perspective.

Frank

March 2009

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North Carolina Builder   3

Capitol Insider by Lisa Martin, NCHBA Government Affairs Director

The lay of the land

s the North Carolina General Assembly began its biennial session in January, it is helpful to understand the background of those who are making decisions that will shape the economic and regulatory landscape into the future.

Where you stand depends on where you sit! (Or, where you used to sit.) First, we’ll look at the demographics of both the Martin Senate and the House. The North Carolina Senate consists of 50 members. Thirty are Democrats and 20 are Republicans. There are 44 male members and six female members. Forty-one of the members are Caucasian and nine are African-American. This

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year, the Senate has three Democratic and two Republican freshmen. The senior member of the Senate is Sen. R.C. Soles (D-Columbus) who has served 17 terms in the Senate and four in the House. The Senate will follow the lead of longtime President Pro Tem Marc Basnight (D-Dare). The House of Representatives consists of 120 members — 68 Democrats and 52 Republicans. Eighty-two of those members are male and 38 are female. Ninety-six members are Caucasian, 22 are African-American, one is Latino and one is Native American.The longest-serving member of the House is Rep. and former Speaker Harold Brubaker (R-Randolph), who has served 17 terms. Rep. Joe Hackney (D-Orange) leads the House in his second term as Speaker. More important than demographics, however, is the occupational breakdown of both bodies. Attorneys make up the majority of both the Senate and House. A number of members classified their occupations as “Business/Other,” but no specifics were listed as to what type of business. Three members of the Senate classified their occupation as real estate, building and development.Information provided by the House shows that eight members are directly employed in the real estate business, one is a builder and two are general contractors. One-third of the Senate members are retirees, while one-fourth of the House members are retired.

Now, about the budget . . .

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A recent report from legislative economist Barry Boardman stated that North Carolina’s budget shortfall could reach $2 billion. The report, issued in January, showed state revenues at $625 million below projections through December 2008. Boardman also predicts that state tax collections will drop further in the remainder of the fiscal year as the economy continues to weaken.The amount of the shortfall could more than triple in the final six months of the fiscal year because the period more heavily relies on volatile corporate and personal income tax payments. As of the time of the report, corporate income taxes and franchise taxes were down 30 percent for the year, while sales taxes fell 5 percent for the year and 8 percent for the last quarter of 2008. The report also predicts that revenue growth for the 2009-10 fiscal year will be well below the

typical 5 percent to 6 percent growth. What does this mean for the General Assembly? This means that the General Assembly will have less to work with and the debates will focus on what does and does not need to be funded. Sadly, with the budget shortfall shaping up to be one of the largest in recent history, the Democratic leadership is reluctant to freeze or reduce existing taxes. However, as of publication of this article, Democratic leadership is also reluctant to increase sales or income taxes — good news for North Carolina citizens and businesses. Any money received from the federal stimulus package could help bridge North Carolina’s gap between spending cuts and generating new taxes or fees. A large chunk of that money, if approved by the U.S. Congress, will go toward Medicaid costs. Thus, it is not known how much longterm economic stability or job growth could come out of North Carolina’s cut of a federal stimulus package.

NCHBA legislative issues in 2009 The following issues are on the legislative agenda for NCHBA this session: • clarifying local government authority to adopt APFOs, • clarifying local government development moratoria authority, • enacting income tax credits for energyefficient homes, • limiting developer responsibility for street/highway construction, • requiring public notice/hearing for local fee increases, • reorganizing the North Carolina Building Code Council, • property tax relief for builders’ unsold inventory, • enhancing vocational education, and • increasing the Housing Trust Fund to at least $25 million. In addition to the proposed legislative goals, NCHBA will be evaluating railroad corridor management legislation, coastal property insurance legislation, and water supply and allocation legislation proposed by various study committees during the interim. March 2009

March 2009

North Carolina Builder   5

Code Corner by Robert Privott, NCHBA Director of Codes and Construction Privott

North Carolina Building Code Council update T he North Carolina Building Code Council will meet March 9-10, 2009, at the N.C. Department of Insurance, 322 Chapanoke Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603. The council will hold a work session at 9 a.m., Monday, March 9, followed by a public hearing at 1 p.m. The council meeting will be at 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 10. The agenda for the council meeting can be found at: http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/BCC/ engineering_bcc_agenda.asp. Code changes to the 2009 North Carolina Residential Code will continue to be the focus for the next several issues of Code Corner.

North Carolina 2009 Residential Code changes (continued from the January/February issue of North Carolina Builder)

Highlights on changes between the 2006 and 2009 North Carolina Residential Code

SECTION 403 FOOTINGS

403.1.4 Minimum depth. All exterior footings and foundation systems shall extend below the frost line specified in Table R301.2(1). In no case shall the bottom of the exterior footings be less than 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface or engineered fill. North Carolina change – Removed “be placed at least 12 inches (305 mm) below the undisturbed ground. Where applicable, the depth of footings shall also conform to Sections R403.1.4.1 through R403.1.4.2.”

FIGURE 403.1(1) (on facing page) CONCRETE AND MASONRY FOUNDATION DETAILS North Carolina change - Removed the word “finished” from Note 1. Now reads … Foundations

shall extend not less than 12 inches below the grade or engineered fill and in no case less than the frost line depth. 403.1.6 Foundation anchorage. When braced wall panels are supported directly on continuous foundations, the wall wood sill plate or cold-formed steel bottom track shall be anchored to the foundation in accordance with this section.The wood sole plate at exterior walls on monolithic slabs and wood sill plate shall be anchored to the foundation with anchor bolts spaced a maximum of 6 feet (1829 mm) on center and not more than 12 inches from the corner. There shall be a minimum of two bolts per plate section… North Carolina change – Added the sentence requiring two bolts per plate section for wood sole plates at exterior walls and wood sill plates.

TABLE R402.2 MINIMUM SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

MINIMUM SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Weathering Potential b

CHAPTER 4 FOUNDATIONS

TYPE OR LOCATION OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Negligible

Moderate

Severe

SECTION R401 GENERAL

Basement walls, foundations and other concrete not exposed to the weather

2,500

2,500 c

Basement slabs and interior slabs on grade, except garage floor slabs

2,500

2,500 c

Basement walls, foundation walls, exterior walls and other vertical concrete work exposed to the weather

2,500

3,000

3,000 d

Porches, carport slabs and steps exposed to the weather and garage floor slabs

2,500

3,000 d, e, f

3,500 d, e, f

R401.3 Drainage. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet. Exception:Where lot lines, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches of fall within 10 feet, the final grade shall slope away from the foundation a minimum of 5 percent and the water shall be directed toward drains or swales to ensure drainage away from the structure…. IRC change - Added some new language dealing with exception to the 6 inches in 10 feet positive drainage slope of grade from building.This requires final grade to have a 5 percent slope to a swale and a 2 percent slope to the swale if located within 10 feet of a building.

TABLE R402.2 (at right) MINIMUM SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE IRC change - Add foot F dealing with garage slab applications which is a (reduction of the total air content (percent by volume of concrete) to not less than 3 percent is permitted if the compressive strength of the concrete is increased to not less than 4,000 psi. 6   North Carolina Builder

For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa. a. Strength at 28 days psi. b. See Table R301.2(f) for weathering potential. c. Concrete in these locations that may be subject to freezing and thawing during construction shall be air-entrained concrete in accordance with Footnote d. d. Concrete shall be air-entrained. Total air content (percent by volume of concrete) shall be not less than 5 percent or more than 7 percent. e. See Section R402.2 for maximum cementitious materials content. f. For garage floors with a steel troweled finish, reduction of total air content (percent by volume of concrete) to be not less than 3 percent is permitted if the specified compressive strength of the concrete is increased to not less than 4,000 psi.

March 2009

TABLE 403.1(1) CONCRETE AND MASONRY FOUNDATION DETAILS

and species and for other loading conditions, refer to the AF&PA Span Tables for Joists and Rafters. IRC change - Added new standard “APA E30” that can also be used instead of table R502.3.2.1(1) for wood panels used as subflooring or combination subfloor underlayment.

TABLES R502.3.1(1) and (2) FLOOR JOIST SPANS FOR COMMON LUMBER SPECIES a. & b.“Dead load limits for townhouses in Seismic Design Category C and all structures in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2 shall be determined in accordance with Section R301.2.2.2.1.” IRC change - Added footnotes (a & b) which will apply to townhouses in seismic design category C in North Carolina and limits dead loads per section R301.2.2.2.1.

SECTION R404 FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS R404.1 Concrete and masonry foundation walls. Concrete and masonry foundation walls shall be selected and constructed in accordance with the provisions of Section R404 or in accordance with ACI 318, ACI 332, NCMA TR68–A or ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 or other approved structural standards. Foundation walls that meet all of the following shall be considered laterally supported: 1. Full basement floor shall be 3.5 inches (89 mm) thick concrete slab poured tight against the bottom of the foundation wall. 2. Bolt spacing for the sill plate shall be no greater than per Table R404.1(2). 3’-0”. 3.Where foundation walls support unbalanced load on opposite sides of the building, such as a daylight basement, the building aspect ratio, L/W, shall not exceed the value specified in Table R404.1(3). For such foundation walls, the rim board shall be attached to the sill with a 20-gauge metal angle clip at 24 inches (610 mm) on center, with five 8d nails per leg, or an approved connector supplying 230 pounds per linear foot (3.36 kN/m) capacity. North Carolina has adopted 2006 IRC 404.1 Section name has been changed to include “Retaining Walls”. Notes have been added reference foundation walls being considered laterally supported.

TABLE R404.1(1) TOP REACTIONS AND PRESCRIPTIVE SUPPORT FOR FOUNDATION WALLS Has been deleted in its entirety

TABLE R404.1 (2) MAXIMUM PLATE ANCHOR-BOLT SPACING FOR SUPPORTED FOUNDATION WALL Has been deleted in its entirety

TABLES R404.1.1 (1); R404.1.1 (2); R404.1.1 (3); R404.1.1 (4); R404.1.1 (5) R404.1.1 (1) Plain masonry foundation walls March 2009

R404.1.1 (2) 8-inch masonry walls with Reinforcing; R404.1.1 (3) 10-inch masonry walls with reinforcing; R404.1.1 (4) 12-inch masonry walls with reinforcing R404.1.1 (5) Concrete foundation walls IRC change - Reworked tables by separating information. Masonry and plain concrete are separate tables now and added additional information to some tables.

CHAPTER 5 - FLOORS SECTION R502 WOOD FLOOR FRAMING R502.1.6 Structural log members. Stress grading of structural log members of nonrectangular shape, as typically used in log buildings, shall be in accordance with ASTM D 3957. Such structural log members shall be identified by the grade mark of an approved lumber grading or inspection agency. In lieu of a grade mark on the material, a certificate of inspection as to species and grade issued by a lumber-grading or inspection agency meeting the requirements of this section shall be permitted to be accepted. IRC change - This section has been added to address a standard for log homes and requirement for grade marks on materials. R502.2.1 Framing at braced wall lines. A load path for lateral forces shall be provided between floor framing and braced wall panels located above or below a floor, as specified in Section R602.10.8. IRC change - New requirement to include a load path for lateral forces through any floor system from braced wall line above or below as indicated in section R602.10.8. R502.3 Allowable joist spans. Spans for floor joists shall be in accordance with Tables R502.3.1(1) and R502.3.1(2). For other grades

TABLE R502.3.3 (1) CANTILEVER SPANS FOR FLOOR JOISTS SUPPORTING LIGHTFRAME EXTERIOR BEARING WALL AND ROOF ONLY f. See Section R301.2.2.2.2, Item 1, for additional limitations on cantilevered floor joists for detached oneand two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2 and townhouses in Seismic Design Category C, D0, D1, or D2. IRC change - Added footnote (f) which will apply to townhouses in seismic design category C in North Carolina and limits dead loads per section R301.2.2.2.1.

502.3 ALLOWABLE JOIST SPANS R502.3.1 Sleeping areas and attic joists. Table R502.3.1(1) shall be used to determine the maximum allowable span of floor joists that support sleeping areas and attics that are accessed by means of a fixed stairway in accordance with Section R311.5 provided that the design live load does not exceed 30 psf (1.44 kPa) and the design dead load does not exceed 20 psf (0.96 kPa).The allowable span of ceiling joists that support attics used for limited storage or no storage shall be determined in accordance with Section R802.4. IRC change - This section has added language that identifies if an attic is accessible by a fixed set of stairs in accordance with section R311.5 (stairway section) the joists must be sized as floor joists not ceiling joists.

SECTION R506 CONCRETE FLOORS (ON GROUND) R506.2.4 Reinforcement support. Where provided in slabs on ground, reinforcement shall be supported to remain in place from the center to upper one third of the slab for the duration of the concrete placement. IRC change - Added new code section that addresses the requirement for all required steel to be supported in place during concrete placement. North Carolina Builder   7

Regional meetings draw great participation and excellent discussion By Mike Carpenter, NCHBA Executive Vice President

he North Carolina Home Builders Association held its Regional Meetings Feb. 2-6, with a total of 236 attendees from 43 of our local HBAs across the state. A summary of these meetings follows, along with a listing of the major statewide, regional and local issues discussed. Before doing so, however, NCHBA owes a special thanks to Builders Mutual Insurance Co. for its sponsorship of these meetings and the participation of Mike Gerber, John Parrish, Mel Whitener, Katie Gahr and Jerry Cowan in these meetings across the state. Builders Mutual is always our partner in providing the very best of service to our members, and these regional meetings are but the latest manifestation of BMIC’s outstanding efforts. Also, I would like to thank the NCHBA senior officers — Frank Wiesner, Lyle Gardner, Bill Daleure, Rick Shields and Ray Rhodes — for devoting a week out of their busy schedules to travel to all these meetings from the mountains to the coast. This year, Ray and Bill went East and Frank and Lyle traveled West, with Rick hitting meetings on both sides of the state. Their eager participation vividly demonstrated to our local HBAs the dedication to, and passion for, our association and industry that each of these gentlemen brings to their respective offices. Finally, I would like to thank the NCHBA staff, in particular Kathryn Atkinson and Heather Crews, for their dedication not only in traveling to the meetings but also the many hours both spent in putting together the excellent regional notebooks that each participant received. This notebook is a wonderful resource for our local HBA leadership to explain and categorize the many services NCHBA offers. Also, thanks to Lisa Martin, Jessica Hayes and Robert Privott for their valuable contributions to the meetings they attended. We would also like to thank 2009 BUILDPAC Chairman John McPherson and Vice Chairman Sean Sullivan for their excellent BUILD-PAC presentations at the meetings they attended; and to our exceptional RegionalVice Presidents for their planning and persistence in

8   North Carolina Builder

making these meetings meaningful and topical for all participants. At each meeting, members were given an update on the housing provisions Region I in the stimulus bill and the “Fix Housing First” initiative. Governmental affairs staff gave an overview of the upcoming legislative agenda, and NCHBA services were discussed in detail. At Region I Vice President Patrick Mann’s meeting Feb. 3 in Jacksonville, a total of 47 people attended (40 HBA members and seven in the traveling party: officers, staff and BMIC). Members from Onslow County, Brunswick County, Carteret County, Kinston, Wayne County and Wilmington-Cape Fear HBAs

were represented at the meeting. Among the major issues discussed were: coastal insurance premiums; membership benefits and retention strategies; builder diversification; affordable housing; and the real estate market. Members also shared some online resources they have utilized including the Small Business Administration and the N.C. Rural Center. Region III

HBAs represented were Greenville-Pitt County, Northeastern North Carolina and Outer Banks. Major issues the group discussed included: coastal insurance; NCBI classes and designations; building codes council; mortgage appraisals and how green building affects those appraisals; and the housing market. In Region III, Vice President Barry Tutor reported that all but one of the region’s HBAs were represented at the meeting held Feb. 6 in Garner.Twenty-eight people attended from the HBAs of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties, Franklin County, Harnett County, Johnston County, Raleigh-Wake County, Sanford, and Wilson County, plus eight in the traveling party. Among the major issues discussed were: land use and adequate public facilities ordinances and fees; potential Region II legislation extending various state and local permits; educational classes; code update; and membership retention strategies. At Region IV Vice President Ralph Doggett’s meeting Feb. 5 in Burlington, four out of five of his region’s HBAs were represented, including Burlington-Alamance

Region II Vice President Glenn Morrison (meeting led by Duke Geraghty) reported that 22 people, including seven in the traveling party, attended the meeting in Williamston on Feb. 2. Local March 2009

Region IV

County, Greensboro BA, High Point andVanceGranville County. A total of 28 attendees (22 HBA members plus six in the traveling party) gathered to discuss the following major issues: proposed legislation to object to the Jordan Lake Rules and possible legislative options; upcoming legislative issues in general; economic issues; and membership retention ideas. In Region V, Vice President Jackie Trinchitella reported that 22 local representatives of the HBAs of Fayetteville, Moore Coun-

Region V

ty, Robeson County and Scotland County attended her meeting in Fayetteville on Feb. 4. The 29 attendees discussed new mortgage lending practices (presentation by Melody Spaulding of Carolina Mortgage Co.); green

Region VII

building (presentation by Dan McFarland of Southern Energy Management); builders and their relationships with banks (presentation by Brady Rufenacht); problems with utility companies; and the looming fight against mandatory fire sprinklers in one- and twofamily construction. Five of the region’s seven HBAs were represented at the Region VI meeting, according to Vice President Brian Robinett. Forty-six attendees,the largest crowd of the week, including 40 HBA members from the Cabarrus County, Charlotte, Gaston County, Lake Norman, and Salisbury-Rowan County HBAs enjoyed the meeting on Feb. 6 in Concord at the Speedway Club. Among the major issues discussed were: economic concerns and the pending federal economic stimulus legislation (discussed at length by Elliot Eisenberg from NAHB) and expanding and encouraging vocational education within the region at the local association level. In Region VII Vice President Erik

Anderson welcomed the leadership of the Asheboro-Randolph County, Davidson County and Winston-Salem HBAs to the Childress Winery in Lexington, North Carolina on Feb. 5. Fourteen HBA members joined six in the traveling party. Among the major issues discussed were: fostering vocational education within the region (David Hayes, Career Development Specialist for the Surry County Schools, spoke about their career and technical education programs, and Troy Warner spoke about Winston-Salem’s efforts.); economic concerns and how builders can effectively deal with banks; green building opportunities in the Triad; and membership involvement, recruitment, and retention. (Russel Fox of the Winston-Salem HBA SPIKE Club shared his local association’s experiences and insight.) The Region VIII meeting was postponed due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled in the spring. According to Region IX Vice President Kevin Annas, a total of 22 people attended his meeting in Morganton on Feb. 3. Sixteen of these were from HBAs in Caldwell County, Cleveland County,Western Piedmont and High (See REGIONAL MEETINGS on page 10)

Region VI March 2009

North Carolina Builder   9

Regional Meetings (continued from page 9) Region IX

Region X

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Country, which was a much bigger crowd than traditionally has attended in the past. The group’s discussion focused on: unlicensed contractors; the ongoing battle against mandatory residential sprinklers; economic concerns and a review of the proposed federal stimulus plans; steep slope regulations; development of an inland port within the region; and vocational education. (Caldwell County is an example for other local associations to follow with respect to this issue.) Region X saw a 100 percent participation rate from all seven of its HBAs, according to Vice President Zac Koenig. Forty-four attendees gathered for the meeting Feb. 2 in Maggie Valley, including 39 HBA members from the following locals: the Appalachian, Asheville, Haywood, Hendersonville, Jackson County, Macon County and Transylvania County HBAs. Among the major issues discussed were: continued unlicensed contractors abuse of the “owner exception” for permits; steep slope regulations; member retention in rural areas; expanding NCBI classes and educational opportunities in western North Carolina through such vehicles as satellite classes; methods to help builder members deal with banks; community involvement within the region (The Hendersonville HBA gave a presentation on their STARS Award winning “Community Team Day”); the Green Home Builders of Western North Carolina program; potential card check/union legislation and the negative impact such would have on the building industry; and quarterly regional meetings with one or two representatives per local. In Summary, 43 of the sixty local HBAs (72 percent) were represented at the nine regional meetings that were held. More importantly, however, these 43 locals represented more than 90 percent of our membership in the nine regions that held meetings. Thus, it is clear that the meetings were an unqualified success in reaching the leadership of our local associations that represent nine out of 10 of our members statewide. Our leadership and staff will be working on those issues raised that necessitate our attention. Thanks to all who participated in these meetings. Your participation has helped us focus on issues important to the grassroots. Now, we hope your participation will extend to the next level: attendance at one of our upcoming state quarterly meetings. If you will come once, I can promise you that you will want to come back. March 2009

, don, t thank us,

As you receive your dividend check, don’t forget to give yourself credit. You’re the one who made this year’s $3 million dividend possible. Because safety is one of your top priorities, it’s reflected in our bottom line. At Builders Mutual, we don’t just ask you to work safely—we give you the tools to make it happen. We hear our safety programs have set new industry standards: Fall Protection Certification, Builders University, our Risk Management CD—even on-site risk management consulting. But a safety program is only as good as those who participate in it. Since you’ve shared the responsibility, you share the reward—over $44 million to date. At a moment like this, aren’t you glad you have Builders Mutual? March 2009

P.O. Box 150005 Raleigh, NC 27624-0005 (800) 809-4859 | www.buildersmutual.com

0192-0109-03

you ve earned it.

North Carolina Builder   11

Tee it up for a good cause! The North Carolina Home Builders Association invites you to the annual Builder Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by Builders Mutual Insurance Co. All proceeds from the tournament go to the North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc., a program that awards scholarships to students majoring in a construction-related field.

Friday, April 17, 2009 The Country Club of Whispering Pines Whispering Pines, N.C. Sponsored by

Tournament players will tee off with a shotgun start on Whispering Pines West Course, designed by Ellis Maples and featuring large greens, rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers.

Annual Builder Classic Golf Tournament is a winning way to help students succeed What you need to know Date: Friday, April 17, 2009 Time: 8 a.m. (check-in) 8:30 a.m. (shotgun start) Format: Captain’s Choice Course: West Cost: $85 per player - $340 per team (includes green fee, cart fee, beverages, Thursday dinner and Friday lunch) Lunch: An awards luncheon will follow the tournament play. Pro shop gift certificates will be awarded to the first- and secondplace teams. Door prizes will be presented at this time. Dinner: A BBQ “Pig-nic” Dinner provided by Builders Mutual Insurance Co. will be held Thursday, April 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Pete Mace, owner of the Sandhills Team & Carolina Real Estate Brokers, has donated a location in Pine Barrens for this event. As a special treat, Lake Norman HBA Executive Officer Larry Airey, NCHBA Past President Buddy Hughes and NCHBA Director of Codes and Construction Robert Privott will be the evening’s chefs, squaring off to see who can cook the best BBQ.

How to get there

How to enter

For more information

Fill out and return the registration form on the facing page or log onto www.nchba.com and download the Golf Registration form. Make checks payable to the N.C. Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc.

Contact Deborah Alford, NCHBA Director of Exhibitions and Education, at (919) 676-9090 or toll-free (800) 662-7129, or via e-mail at dalford@nchba.org.

From Southern Pines, take US 1 and NC Hwy 22 to the stoplight at the Moore County Airport intersection. Turn right onto Airport Road. Turn left onto Hardee Lane.Take the third left onto Country Club Boulevard.The clubhouse and parking lot will be on your right. For directions from other areas call (910) 949-3000.

Where to stay A block of rooms is being held for NCHBA golfers at the Whispering Pines Villas and at the Days Inn of Southern Pines. To reserve a room at the Whispering Pines Villas call (800) 334-9536. Rates are $65 per night at the Villas. A limited number of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites are also available. Call the Country Club of Whispering Pines for those rates. To reserve a room at the Days Inn of Southern Pines call (800) 262-5737. Rates are $63.75 per night.

How you can help

In addition to playing in the tournament, you can also help make it a success by becoming a sponsor. Here are some of the options available: Option 1: Hole Sponsor $250 Hole sponsorship includes: Sign at tee box, company listing in the North Carolina Builder magazine article following the tournament and the option to have a company representative at the hole (table and chair not provided). Please do not distribute company literature; business cards are acceptable.

12   North Carolina Builder

Option 2: Donate golf “goodies” to the gift bags Suggestions: logo golf balls, tees, ball markers, towels, koozies, hats, fans, etc. Option 3: Donate an item to be given away as a door prize Suggestions: golf umbrellas, golf bags, certificates to the pro shop, builder tools, small appliances, weekend trips, etc.

March 2009

The North Carolina Home Builders Association

The Builder Classic Golf Tournament Friday, April 17, 2009 Presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc.

2009 Sponsor Club Members Diamond

Team Entry Form Player #1 Name: First ________________________ Last_ ___________________________________ Company_ _______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________City_______________ State_ ______ Zip________ Phone____________________________ Fax _ ___________________________________ E-mail___________________________________________________________________

Platinum

Player #2 Name: First ________________________ Last_ ___________________________________ Company_ _______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________City_______________ State_ ______ Zip________ Phone____________________________ Fax _ ___________________________________ E-mail___________________________________________________________________ Player #3 Name: First ________________________ Last_ ___________________________________

GOLD

Company_ _______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________City_______________ State_ ______ Zip________ Phone____________________________ Fax _ ___________________________________ E-mail___________________________________________________________________ Player #4 Name: First ________________________ Last_ ___________________________________ Company_ _______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________City_______________ State_ ______ Zip________ Phone____________________________ Fax _ ___________________________________ E-mail___________________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to: N.C. Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc. (NCHBECF) *** Use this form as your invoice ***

Number attending lunch Number attending dinner Team - $340, Individual - $85 Hole Sponsorship - $250/hole Total amount enclosed

_ _______________ _ _______________ $_ _______________ $_ _______________ $_ _______________

Mail to: NCHBA PO Box 99090 Raleigh, NC 27624

For NCHBA use only Date Received__________________________ Check number_________________________ Amount received ________________________ Payee________________________________

March 2009

Bronze

Duke Energy ElectriCities of NC Lowe’s •

Patron

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency Progress Energy Stuart Law Firm, PLLC •

Contributor

BuildLinks Inc. Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog, LLP Heritage Propane Lewis & Roberts, PLLC The North Carolina Home Builders Association would like to recognize these companies for their generous support in 2009.

Thank you! North Carolina Builder   13

North Carolina members are well represente

embers traveled west this year for the 65th annual International Builders’ Show, which returned to  Las Vegas Jan. 20-23 after four years in Orlando. The North Carolina Home Builders Association hosted a reception for members and guests  on opening day, with more than 300 joining together to network, rest their feet and enjoy food and drink. The association extends a special thanks to the sponsors of the event, which was held at New York,  New York: Builders Mutual insurance Co. (Gold), Piedmont Natural Gas (Silver) and Brede exposition Services (Bronze). Despite the challenging state of the economy, more than 60,000 building industry professionals attended  this year’s show, according to the National Association of Home Builders. With 1,600 exhibiting companies  and more than 250 education sessions, IBS continues to be the building industry’s premiere event. Building professionals noted the importance of attending IBS, especially in the current down market,  seeing it as an opportunity to re-tool their businesses and educate themselves in order to be ready when the  housing market turns around. Exhibitors indicated that IBS once again demonstrated its strength and value  as the center point of the building industry.

Sales stars shine

s (From left) Ann Gowarty, Brenda Simpson, Ashley Wilson  and Jenn Nowalk of the Heritage Sales Team are all smiles after  accepting their honor.

Rick Judson,  Chairman of the  NAHB Public Relations  Committee, shares a  laugh with Larry Stege  and Kenneth Simons  at the PR Committee  Meeting at IBS.

The year’s most outstanding work in residential  real estate sales, marketing and design was honored  Jan. 20 at The National Sales and Marketing Awards  gala, and North Carolina received two congratulatory  nods. The Heritage Sales Team with Coldwell Banker  Howard Perry and Walston Builders Services in  Raleigh won an Individual Achievement honor and  the Triangle Sales and Marketing Council tied with a  council from Los Angeles for Sales and Marketing  Council of the Year. “NAHB provides countless opportunities for  its members to grow and learn in all aspects of the  building industry, and The Nationals is a big part of  what pushes us to become better at what we do every  year,” said Mary DeWalt, chair of the Nationals.  A diverse panel of industry professionals from  across the country selected Gold, Silver and Regional  award winners from more than 800 entries. For a  complete list of winners, visit www.thenationals.com.

s NCHBA Senior Officers greet attendees at the  North Carolina Home Builders Association Reception  Jan. 20 at the International Builders’ Show.      More  than 300 people mix ‘n’ mingle at the NCHBA  Reception at IBS. 14   North CaroliNa Builder 14   North Carolina Builder

March 2009 March 2009

ed at the 2009 International Builders’Show NChBa’s rick Judson announces NahB candidacy

s A group of students majoring in construction  management from East Carolina University enjoy  the reception hosted by NCHBA. s

Frank Wiesner and Mike Carpenter enjoy a visit  with Coach Lou Holtz, who kicked off IBS as the  keynote speaker.

March 2009 March 2009

The NAHB Nominations Committee officially certified Charlotte home  builder Rick Judson’s candidacy for NAHB Third Vice Chairman at the  NAHB Board of Directors Meeting during the International Builders’ Show. NAHB senior officers serve on a multiyear leadership ladder and,  if elected 2010 NAHB Third Vice Chairman, Judson will become  Chairman of NAHB’s Board of Directors in 2013.  Managing partner of Evergreen Homes, Judson has been an active  member at the local, state and national HBA levels for more than 30 years.  In 2004, he served as President of the North Carolina Home Builders  Association and was instrumental in establishing and promoting the concept  of what is now the very successful 21st Century Building Expo & Conference.  He now represents North Carolina for the second consecutive year on  the NAHB Executive Committee as Area 4 Chairman (NC, SC and GA),  and he served as the 2008 Chairman of both the NAHB Public Affairs  Committee and NAHB Housing Task Force.  Judson earned a business degree while attending East Carolina  University on an athletic scholarship. He later attended Wharton School  of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania and the School of Industrial  Management at Clemson University. He and his wife, Cathy, have four  grown children.

North CaroliNa Builder   15   North Carolina Builder   15

“ D o n’t watch it ha p p m ak e it happ e n .”e n –

An organization’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage. Jack Welch (business leader and author)

21st Century Building Expo & Conference Meet Current Challenges with a New Appr ach Exhibits: September 17-18, 2009 Conference: September 16-18, 2009 Charlotte Convention Center • Charlotte, NC • New concepts and solutions • Innovative products and trends Information and Registration: www.21BuildingExpo.com 1.800.662.7129

• Networking with industry professionals Presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Association

$10,000 Grand Prize

16   North Carolina Builder

Golf Tournament

STARS Awards Gala

March 2009

“Meet the Challenge” with a 21CBEC sponsorship!

he 21st Century Building Expo & Conference, Sept. 16-18 in Charlotte, is offering marketing and sponsorship opportunities to help you make the most of your exhibit investment. With more than 350 exhibits at the 21CBEC, you want to stand out on the Expo floor, and our sponsorship packages are just the way to meet this challenge. The show has designed a series of packages that will enhance your exhibit investment, create company awareness and increase traffic to your booth. The opportunities available are wideranging, from pre-show marketing materials to on-site sponsorship of events. A complete list of options is available on the show’s Web site, www.21buildingshow.com. If you don’t see something that fits your marketing budget or goal, just give us a call.We can create customized packages so that you get the most out of your visit to the 21CBEC. In addition to the rewards that come with individual sponsorships,your company’s name and information will be included in all promotional and direct-mail pieces sent to more than 150,000 housing industry professionals. Contact us today if you are interested in sponsorships. The earlier you sign up, the more promotion you will receive. Call (800) 662-7129 and ask for Heather Crews (hcrews@nchba.org) or Tracie Garrett (tgarrett@nchba.org).

Shine Brightly at the 2009 STARS Awards Gala during the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference Wednesday, September 16, 2009 For more information, contact Kathryn Atkinson at (800) 662-7129 or katkinson@nchba.org www.21buildingexpo.com

Here’s how you can maximize your exposure through sponsorship and marketing opportunities: Registration Back of attendees’ badges Lanyard sponsor Bag sponsor Pen sponsor Food and beverage Coffee/beverage break Educational conference lunch Golf tournament box lunch Special events Educational conference Golf tournament Golf tournament hole sponsor STARS Awards Gala (various options) Builder Blast (various options) Print marketing Show guide (various options) Online advertising www.21buildingshow.com home page Online registration Exhibitor list sponsorship On-site marketing Banners and signs, Cyber cafe March 2009

North Carolina Builder   17

Spike Member Update

Spike of the Month Name: Gilbert W. Stroud Company: Stroud Custom Homes Inc. Position: President How long in business: 16 years Stroud Spike credits: 39 HBA: Home Builders Association of Craven and Pamlico Counties HBA involvement: 2009 President, First Vice President, Chairman Parade of Homes Committee, Spike of the Year, Builder of the Year Marital Status: Single Children: One son, Josh Favorite food: Any recipe cooked on the grill Favorite movies: Action/drama Favorite magazine: Newsweek Ideal vacation: A two-week tour of Europe Last book read: Eye of the Needle by Ken Follet Hobbies: Golf. More specificly, trying to beat my brother at golf. Pets: Geese.Who can remember their names? First Job: Working for a tobacco farmer If you had 15 minutes in front of the NCHBA membership, what would you say about recruitment/retention? I would stress the importance of joining an organization whose main focus is to represent the business that we’re in. As home builders and remodelers, our first choice should be our local HBA as the organization that we support. Being a member of the HBA keeps us informed of the local issues that face us, as well as state and national issues. Many times it’s the local HBA that is the instrument to first tackle the issues. Being an involved member gives us the opportunity to voice our concerns as well as be informed on upcoming programs. What are some ways to maintain our current membership? First, strive to make new members feel welcome at all HBA functions. It’s always a good idea to introduce any new members or guests at HBA meetings.The Board of Directors should make it a point to seek out and meet the new members. Secondly, stress the importance of getting involved.Volunteering to work with a committee is a great way to meet other members and see first-hand the importance of what the HBA does. Whether it’s donating time for a community remodeling project or being involved with local building issues, a member will see first-hand how important it is to stay involved now and in the future with their HBA. 18   North Carolina Builder

SPIKE credits as of December 2008

Highest year-to-date current credits Spike Name

Credits

Cumulative Credits HBA

Alma Jacobs 224.50 900.50 Tasha Soto 165.50 264.00 Warren Smith 138.00 358.50 Jerry Cowan 115.00 699.50 Van Vreeland 112.25 1,008.25 Rusty Tanner 88.50 311.50 Kathy Simpson 74.50 892.00 Sean Sullivan 67.00 196.50 Frank Wiesner 66.75 440.75 Jay Harwood 63.00 1,162.00

HBA of Charlotte HBA of Raleigh-Wake County HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Greensboro BA HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Union County HBA HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Asheville HBA HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Cos. HBA of Albemarle/Stanly County

Highest year-to-date total new credits Spike Name

Credits

Cumulative Credits HBA

Alma Jacobs Tasha Soto Jerry Cowan Richard Latorre Todd Laney Warren Smith Sean Sullivan John Hamrick Jerrold Davis Thomas Anhut

187.00 147.00 70.00 57.00 56.00 48.50 47.00 41.50 39.50 37.50

900.50 264.00 699.50 57.00 126.50 358.50 196.50 467.50 45.00 65.25

HBA of Charlotte HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Greensboro BA HBA of Charlotte Union County HBA HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Asheville HBA Greensboro BA Alleghany County Chapter HBA of Raleigh-Wake County

Highest year-to-date retention credits Spike Name

Credits

Cumulative Credits HBA

Warren Smith 89.50 358.50 Rusty Tanner 80.50 311.50 Van Vreeland 78.75 1,008.25 William Reaves 56.00 2,199.50 Kathy Simpson 51.00 892.00 Jay Harwood 50.00 1,162.00 Frank Wiesner 46.25 440.75 Jerry Cowan 45.00 699.50 Duke Geraghty 40.00 392.00 Tony Hill 39.50 343.00

HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Union County HBA HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Moore County HBA HBA of Raleigh-Wake County HBA of Albemarle/Stanly County HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Cos. Greensboro BA Outer Banks HBA Union County HBA

Growing our strength through member recruitment, retention and involvement

ecruiting new members to your local association is an activity recognized and rewarded through the NAHB Spike Club Program. Those who participate are called Spikes and they are among the most valued members of the association. Member-to-member recruitment and retention efforts are highly valued because of the grassroots growth and stability they bring to your local, state and national associations. These efforts lend to the development of the general membership and our leadership pipeline, keeping the face of our association true to that of our industry and the wide scope of interests we represent. Spikes are the membership leaders of our federation, building the voice, power and influence on every level!

March 2009

A Step Ahead

Maximizing on membership

imes are tough and most companies are making hard decisions about services, programs (and unfortunately, even people) that are expendable. One thing, however, that shouldn’t be on your cost-reduction list is your membership in your local home builders association. The benefits that come with your HBA membership far outweigh the cost. And remember, the dues you pay to your local HBA also cover your membership at the state and national levels.Take a look here at just a few of the benefits your membership buys.

CMY

Discounts that save you money.

Legal know-how you can use.

CMY

March 2009

Magazines to keep you in the know.

Timely tips for sales success. North Carolina Builder   19

Knowledge Builder Tips from your industry experts at Builders Mutual

Does your protection fall short?

hen it comes to fall protection, you can’t drill it down more candidly: “Do not wait until you need it to use it.” Leave it to Sean Purcell, risk management regional manager for Builders Mutual to shoot it straight.

No alarm sounds before you lose your balance and reach for a handrail that’s never been constructed. No flashing lights announce that you need to wear your harness the day that loose shingles cause you to slip off the roof. Even so, countless contractors take their chances.

WE RUN A TOP-QUALITY CATERING SERVICE Put us to Work For You. Visit one oF these Locations: charLotte, nc 28206 (704)377-5443 (800)438-5908 Fax(704)376-3559 eLizabeth citY, nc 27909 (252)338-2737 (800)841-0408 Fax(252)338-3123 FaYetteViLLe, nc 28306 (910)483-3360 (800)542-7448 Fax(910)483-3499 FLetcher, nc 28732 (828)654-8953 (888)809-8181 Fax(828)654-8957 Greensboro, nc 27406 (336)273-8681 (800)722-2200 Fax(336)273-0521 hickorY, nc 28601 (828)322-7080 (800)236-5607 Fax(828)322-7274 neW bern, nc 28560 (252)672-8900 (800)548-1610 Fax(252)672-8904

At Norandex we cater to builders. Our menu includes an extensive line of top-quality exterior building products, including: Siding, Windows, Doors, Soffit, Storm Products, Gutters & Downspouts, Manufactured Stone, Skylights, Vinyl Fence, Deck & Rail, Shutters, Accent Products, and more.

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Our experienced professionals at your local branch make sure your order is precisely processed, and is delivered where and when you want it.

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For quality products and dependable service, call us. We’ll cater to your needs.

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20   North Carolina Builder

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Looking for a lengthy lecture from Builders Mutual senior risk management consultant, Brenda Moore? Not from her. She’ll break it down for you in one breath: “Use it! No harness lying unused in a bag or container in your trailer is going to prevent a fall or save a serious injury.” Sure, half the battle is buying the fall protection kit, but the other critical half is actually using it … properly. That begins with training. Identify the competent person on your job site. Is he or she training workers on fall protection, reviewing how workers use it, and assisting with PPE inspections? Imagine how difficult that must be without you sending the message that fall protection is not optional, it’s mandatory. Your endorsement is key to getting the buy-in of your workers. If they’re not convinced it’s to their advantage to use fall protection, the kits serve no purpose. Admittedly, harnesses can cause some mild discomfort. When you want to frame out a house on a hot day, the fit of a harness might feel constricting. Right now, however, the only alternative to having your fall broken by something other than the ground is the fall protection kit, so given the options, it’s a small price to pay. OSHA standard or not, a worker can always make the choice not to use fall protection.Yes, it may be your safety policy, but it’s more personal than that. Construction workers aren’t just employees.They’re neighbors.They’re friends. In this business, we look out for one another. Don’t let a preventable accident, like a fall that could cause paralysis or worse, take a friend’s livelihood. Make no mistake, enforcing basic fall protection safety practices saves lives. Of course, every contractor’s management strategy is different. Maybe all you talk about lately is the profit margin. How could fall protection radically impact a company’s bottom line? Al Sartain, senior risk management consultant for Builders Mutual, simplifies it. “The more secure workers feel working at heights, the less hesitant they’ll be,” he explains.That productivity translates to profitability. Adjust the harness, secure yourself properly to the attachment point and get the job done. Just as easily as fall protection can put money in your pocket, omitting it can destroy your bottom line. Sartain explains, “The loss of an experienced employee due to an accident for March 2009

any period of time will have a direct impact on your completion schedule and profit margin. You’ll undergo additional expenses due to hiring, screening and training of a replacement.” Needless to say, morale takes a hit that is even harder to quantify. The effect on the bottom line doesn’t end there. Your safety strategy directly links to your insurance costs, too. When your experience mod, a factor which contributes to the overall price of your workers’ compensation premium, goes up, so does your insurance premium. On the bright side, minimizing your losses can trend your experience mod down and help decrease your premium. Even better, Sartain continues,“Keeping your loss history clean helps you create a situation where insurance companies compete for your business.That drives your rates down.” Ever wonder if there’s more to fall protection than a simple fall protection kit? Just ask Ron Adams, senior manager of risk management at Builders Mutual. “Fall protection is more than a harness.” Sure, that’s often the first piece of PPE that comes to mind. Don’t forget that falls can happen anywhere on the job site, not just from a roof or top plate. When Adams consults with contractors, he asks them to think about fall protection much more broadly. Fall protection includes ladder safety,both usage and maintenance.Fall protection involves mitigating the hazards of unguarded openings, whether from windows, doors or the floor. Fall protection even incorporates proper scaffolds and scaffold erection. In fact, fall protection continues long beyond the time when the last worker leaves the job site for the day.Third-party job site visitors, welcome or unwelcome, have an increased risk of even simple slip-and-trip hazards that contractors easily avoid by experience. What’s something that experience tells a Builders Mutual risk manager? Conventional fall protection requirements don’t always lend themselves to unique construction jobs. Always keep the ultimate objective in mind: manage the risk of fall hazards, which may mean you need to improvise accordingly. Just remember, no red alerts broadcast across the airwaves prior to an accident. So, keep sound fall protection in place at all times, and you’ll turn a “close call” into “no problem at all.”

Look for “Knowledge Builder,” compliments of Builders Mutual Insurance Co., in each issue of North Carolina Builder. More risk management resources are available on www.buildersmutual.com. March 2009

Strengthen your Position by Marketing It’s easy to let fear set in during times of economic uncertainty, but remember, now is when you need more sales and more customers. Advertising in the North Carolina Builder is the most effective way to introduce your products and services to over 19,000 Mid-Atlantic region building professionals, 11 times a year! And, because the North Carolina Builder is the official publication of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, you not only benefit from your ad promotions, you help support the efforts of NCHBA members as well! For more information on how you can increase your sales through effective and targeted marketing, contact:

Sharon Freeman (888) 364-5271 freemanfour4@cox.net

Appliances & Electronics. All in one place. hhgregg’s Commercial Division, ready to serve you.

From selection to installation, experience the best of appliances, electronics and home theater. For all of your building and remodeling needs, hire hhgregg’s Commercial Division. · Exceptional customer service for over 53 years · Contract pricing available on appliances and electronics · Local area sales manager · Dedicated direct order desk staff · Contractor terms available · 40-minute call-ahead delivery · Huge savings from our $1 billion buying power

Add hhgregg Commercial Division to your crew. Contact your Regional Commercial Manager today.

North Carolina Builder   21

In the spotlight Regional Vice President has deep roots in the industry By Julie Connell

arrel Hamilton, a fourth-generation builder and president of Darrel Hamilton Builder Inc., was digging footings for homes by hand as a summer job when he was 13.That summer job led to his career as a builder, and he has been in the industry since 1976. His niche is second and third homes, and he builds between six and 10 a year in Ashe County, where he Hamilton has lived since 2001. His company operates as a family affair, with his wife, Donna, and youngest son, Travis, working by his side. Two of Hamilton’s great-grandfathers, both grandfathers and his father were all builders, and his son is now the fifth generation to choose home building as a career. In addition, his sister’s husband is a builder and his nephew is a builder. His success in the industry is something he is

humble about, and he says “We’ve been fortunate and blessed.” Hamilton, who is also an NAHB-certified green builder, began a two-year commitment this year as the North Carolina Home Builders Association’s Region VIII Vice President. His territory encompasses Alleghany,Alexander,Ashe, Catawba, Iredell and Lincoln counties. Hamilton graduated from Columbus State University in the University of Georgia system with a degree in finance and was an intern for a bank during college. Instead of going into the financial field, however, he used money that one of his grandfathers left to him to go out on his own as a builder. He was on his own from 1976 through 1981, and then joined a developer to run a building division in Columbus. From 1987 to 1992, he was a project manager for a commercial building company out of Chattanooga that built shopping malls across the country.

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He took what he calls an “eight-year sabbatical from building” from 1992 to 2000, when he was regional manager and then regional vice president in Washington, D.C., for the MidAtlantic region of Tyco International’s fire and safety division. The year 2000 brought him back into building 3,000- to 6,000-square-foot homes in the $500,000 to $1 million range. “The best part is working with the customer and seeing the fruits of the labor – knowing we did that for them,” Hamilton said. “You get to create something. When someone sees their home finished and you see the delight on their faces and know you have achieved and surpassed their expectations – that’s one of the greatest thrills of my life.” While paperwork is one of the least favorite aspects associated with his work, Hamilton calls it a critical part of the business and essential to knowing exactly where the business stands. Part of his advice to new builders is to “do what’s right for the customer whether or not it costs you money. It always pays off in the long run to go the extra mile.” Hamilton finds that his customers are much more Internet savvy than they were even five years ago. Buyers come to him today with more knowledge and more questions than ever before as they embark on building a new home. Hamilton, who is Vice Chairman of the Ashe County Planning Board, said builders in his area are seeing the slowdown that has already affected other parts of the state. He said that housing starts in 2008 are off almost 50 percent from the previous year in Ashe County. However, he believes the region’s attraction is strong and will maintain its popularity as a new home or vacation home choice. “We’re hoping that buyers will see mountain property as a better deal and a safe haven for their money,” he said. On the career side of building, Hamilton recommends the North Carolina Builder Institute, NCHBA’s educational arm, as a great resource for builders interested in expanding their knowledge. He also advocates to both new and longtime members the importance of attending their local home builders association meetings. “We’re competitors and friends, and it makes us all better,” he said. (Julie Connell, President of Connell Communications, is a free-lance writer from Denver, N.C.) March 2009

build-pac Contributors

NCHBA Calendar

Schedule of Events

2009 NCHBA BUILD-PAC Major Contributors (as of Feb. 5, 2009)

March 3–5 N.C. Builder Institute, Raleigh, N.C.

March 21–25 NAHB Executive Board/Legislative   Conference, Washington, D.C.

April 17 NCHBECF Inc. “Builder Classic” Scholarship   Golf Tournament,   Whispering Pines, N.C.

May 19 NAHB National   Membership Day

May 26–31 NAHB Spring   Board Meeting,   Washington, D.C.

June 9-10 NCHBA Legislative   Conference & 2nd   Quarter Board Meeting, Raleigh, N.C.

July N.C. Executive Officers Council Seminar,  Hickory, N.C.

July 14-19 NAHB Summer Executive Board Meeting,   Colorado Springs, Colo.

Aug. 11-15 NAHB Executive Officers Council Seminar, Louisville, Ky.

Sept. 16-19 21st Century Building Expo & Conference, STARS Awards Gala   and NCHBA 3rd Quarter Board Meeting, Charlotte, N.C.

Sept. 30-Oct. 4 NAHB Fall Board Meeting, Chicago, Il.

Oct. 22-23 NCHBA Executive Planning Retreat, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Nov. 6-8 NAHB Conference on Membership, New Orleans, La.

Nov. 6-8 Custom Builder Symposium, San Diego, Calif.

TBD N.C. Executive Officers Council   Leadership Conference

Nov. 9-11 NAHB State/Local Governmental Affairs   Conference, Portland, Ore.

Dec. 8-9 NCHBA 4th Quarter Board Meeting &   Installation, Raleigh, N.C.

March 2009

Thank you to the contributors

who have taken a jump start in 2009 and already contributed to BUILD-PAC! We appreciate each and ever dollar during these trying times and are proud that you have made BUILD-PAC a priority. Larry Airey Lake Norman HBA Dent Allison Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA James Anderson Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Kevin Annas Caldwell County HBA Milton Askew Craven-Pamlico HBA AP Baker Vance-Granville HBA Leonard Barrington Carteret County HBA Vickie Barrington Carteret County HBA Chris Bass Vance-Granville HBA Dante Berini Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Michael Best Carteret County HBA Bill Boulia Carteret County HBA Randy Bowman Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA Kevin Breedlove Vance-Granville HBA Jeff Brittain Western Piedmont HBA Jeff Buchanan Carteret County HBA Markey Burroughs Carteret County HBA Eddie Cameron Carteret County HBA Mike Carpenter NCHBA Vincent Clifton Craven-Pamlico HBA Beth Collier Johnston County HBA James Collins Alamance-Caswell HBA Fred Craig Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA Jesse Creech Carteret County HBA David Deal Western Piedmont HBA

Ralph Doggett Alamance-Caswell HBA Tony Dunnell Craven-Pamlico HBA James Edwards Vance-Granville HBA Rick Edwards Vance-Granville HBA Eddie Ellington Vance-Granville HBA Jamie Falkner Vance-Granville HBA Alan Faulkner Vance-Granville HBA Fallis Finch Vance-Granville HBA Debbie Fox Moore County HBA Allison Franklin Alamance-Caswell HBA Harold Frazier Vance-Granville HBA Opie Frazier Vance-Granville HBA Lyle Gardner Raleigh-Wake County HBA Mike Gerber Raleigh-Wake County HBA Bennie Goodwin Vance-Granville HBA Jerry Gragg Western Piedmont HBA Eddie Guthrie Carteret County HBA David Hadley Alamance-Caswell HBA Sam Hagedon Outer Banks HBA Kara Hart Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Todd Haubrich Onslow County HBA Jim Henderson Carteret County HBA Gary Hill Greensboro BA Tim Horne Carteret County HBA Todd Humphreys Carteret County HBA Joseph Johnson Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA

Chris Jones Carteret County HBA Elizabeth Jordan Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA Gerald Kamp Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA Phil Kaylor Craven-Pamlico HBA Zac Koenig Jackson County HBA Bob Lee Craven-Pamlico HBA Melinda Libby Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Rick Lingerfelt Western Piedmont HBA Robert Lloyd Vance-Granville HBA Marc Lowdermilk Western Piedmont HBA Patrick Mann Carteret County HBA Horace Marshburn Vance-Granville HBA Lisa Martin NCHBA Thomas Miller Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA Charles Mullen Rocky Mount HBA Dick Nicholson Western Piedmont HBA Wallace Peiffer Vance-Granville HBA Kathy Pierce Vance-Granville HBA Jed Pittard Vance-Granville HBA Bill Pope Craven-Pamlico HBA Darrell Pulliam High Country HBA G.F. Rice Wilson HBA Missy Robbins Vance-Granville HBA Stuart Robinson Western Piedmont HBA Linda Rollins Hickory-Catawba Valley HBA

Donna Russell Craven-Pamlico HBA David Scott High Country HBA Rick Shields Lake Norman HBA Patrick Smelik Carteret County HBA Karen Stainback Vance-Granville HBA Lounell Stallings Vance-Granville HBA Stoney Story Western Piedmont HBA Gayla Strickland Vance-Granville HBA Joe Tarascio Carteret County HBA Keith Taylor Western Piedmont HBA Nick Tennyson Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA David Thereault Craven-Pamlico HBA Mark Todd Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Glen Van Nosdall Carteret County HBA Evan Vaness Western Piedmont HBA Simon Vincent Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Jeff Wadman Wilmington-Cape Fear HBA Britney Wallace Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Richard White Craven-Pamlico HBA Carl Wilburn Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Bonn Williams Vance-Granville HBA Julia Woods Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties HBA Jon Zbonack Vance-Granville HBA

We can make a tremendous impact

in our state government if every member contributes just $10 per year. Every dollar raised for BUILD-PAC goes directly to supporting pro-housing candidates who work hard to protect our interests and businesses, which is especially important in the current economic climate. Remember every little bit counts! If you would like to contribute or need more information, please contact Erin Jones at NCHBA at (919) 676-9090 or by e-mail at ejones@nchba.org.

North Carolina Builder   23

Product Roundup:

Windows and doors High-styling windows lower energy bills A perfect fit for energy-conscious homeowners who enjoy a lowmaintenance lifestyle, Simonton’s ProFinish Brickmould 600s were among the windows of choice for the Antiquity subdivision in Cornelius. Constructed by the Cunnane Group out of Charlotte, the community is a nationally recognized smart-growth development featuring a vibrant, walkable community with planned commercial and retail areas. The Energy Star-qualified windows come standard with a low-e/argon glass package featuring a 7/8-inch insulating glass unit. They can be outfitted in optional PVC grids in Colonial, Prairie and Perimeter styles to resemble divided-light windows. With the exception of the geometric styles, the windows can be ordered with a factory-installed flat casing trim s The first streets of the Antiquity to simulate traditional wood trim. subdivision in Cornelius include The windows come with an attractive a variety of brightly-colored lowlifetime warranty to the original owner, maintenance homes with energy- which is transferable once, making it into efficient Simonton ProFinish a 20-year warranty. Glass in the windows Brickmould 600 windows. is prorated in the warranty: the first 20 Historic American architecture years fully replaceable at 100 percent, 21 provides a comfortable feel to this to 50 years replaceable at 75 percent and smart-growth community, while after 51 years replaceable at 50 percent. low-maintenance products foster For more information, call (800) 746an easy-care lifestyle. 6686 or visit www.simonton.com.

One less thing to replace A new door stop introduced at the 2009 International Builders’ Show may make those pesky rubber bumpers — a common choking hazard for children and pets — a thing of the past. Perfect Products’ innovative design of the DoorSaver2 enables a door’s motion to be absorbed into the hinge, effectively eliminating the need for bumpers found on other base- and hingemount doorstops. The new doorstop simply replaces one hinge pin on any residential or commercial door, interior or exterior. It never touches the door, wall casing or baseboard. For more information, visit www.doorsaver.com   or call (877) 366-7728. 24   North Carolina Builder

No. 10 in the side pocket Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces,Weather Shield Windows & Doors’ pocket door system is available in an easy-tooperate manual version or a convenient motorized s Opened or configuration. The system readily stores doors from closed, Weather two- to 10-panels wide into a wall cavity. Shields’ new pocket Doors can be configured in lineal, bi-parting door system is or 90-degree applications in heights ranging from dramatic and 6-foot 8-inches to 10 feet. flexible. A patented interlocking mechanism couples panels together, allowing the entire door system to open and close by pulling the lead panel. Stainless-steel rollers glide easily along rails recessed into the threshold and in the header and out of the way of passers-by.The motorized option opens and closes the door by a press of a button on a handheld remote or a wall-mounted touch screen. A battery back-up system and a manual override enable operation during power outages. The pocket door system is available in a choice of exterior colors, decorative options and various wood species that makes it possible to match the pocket door system with other interior wood work. For more information, call (800) 477-6808 or visit weathershield.com.

Clearing the air With indoor air quality a growing priority for many homeowners, JELD-WEN is among the first window and door manufacturers to offer all of its interior molded door skins — that’s the outer surface of a door which covers the frame and core — with no-added formaldehyde, including resin types such as phenol formaldehyde.These door skins meet the most stringent formaldehyde requirements in the nation. NAF products are especially important for customers who are sensitive to formaldehyde such as children and people with asthma. Available nationwide, they are designed to meet sustainable building requirements and comply with green building standards. JELD-WEN wood-composite garage door skins also are available as NAF products and offer other environmental advantages as well.The energyefficient doors are made with 80 percent preconsumer recycled content. The full-molded interior doors contain 60 percent recycled materials. Doors completely free of any added formaldehyde are available in many areas by selecting particular components.Visit jeld-wen.com or call (800) 877-9482 for more information. March 2009

Rocky Mount construction training partnership meets a housing need By Kep Paylor NCHBA Vocational-Technical Training Director

he North Carolina Home Builders Association, in partnership with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the city of Rocky Mount, recently completed two consecutive 10-week construction classes that trained local residents in construction and home renovation. United Community Ministries provided a dilapidated duplex renovation project in a lowincome neighborhood in Rocky Mount that now is a home for a formerly homeless citizen. The Opportunities Industrialization Center of Rocky Mount helped with classroom space, recruitment and job prep. The classes, each ending with six graduates, were taught by local contractor Billy Earp. The students were in school for five days each week and started out in basic construction math, safety and tool use. The tools used during the renovation project were diverse and challenging. The instructional team stressed to each class the importance of being on time and team work. It helps to have a good construction lab when teaching residential renovation principles, and the duplex provided by the United Community Ministries (UCM) fit the bill perfectly. UCM provides shelter and support services for men, women and children. Without question, the property on Branch Street was in rough shape and uninhabitable when the class first saw it. Students work to renovate a dilapidated home in Rocky The initial step was interior Mount during a 10-week construction training class. demolition. Students went on to tackle a number of tasks that included insulation, framing, interior trim, sheetrock, painting, cabinets and laying carpet. Classes also observed and interacted with the related trades of electrical wiring, HVAC and plumbing during the construction process. During the on-site training phase, local participants were given a valuable opportunity to express good will in their community. “The students did real good,” says Billy Earp, “and I know four of the graduates from our most recent class are working full-time construction jobs.” Besides giving unemployed residents marketable skills, another goal of the construction training partnership is to assist in the area of affordable housing. That goal was achieved through the construction process and the identification of a person who was once homeless to move into the home. That individual had transitioned through all phases of the UCM program, including employment.The final transitional piece, which is often very difficult, was permanent and affordable housing.The rebuilding of the property on Branch Street met the need. “The (construction training partnership) was a blessing to us. United Community Ministries did not have the resources to remodel that home,” said UCM Executive Director Chris Battle. “The construction trade program does more than just teach people a trade,” said Vanessa McCleary, manager of the city’s community development department. “It helps to revitalize our community by rehabbing abandoned housing, providing affordable homes for families, helping nonprofits and showing what can happen when organizations work together.” March 2009

Associate wins survey drawing

ongratulations to Dee Berkowitz of Statesville, winner of the 2008 North Carolina Builder readers’ survey drawing for a $75 restaurant gift certificate. Berkowitz is a sales representative with Ready Mixed Concrete Co. “I truly value (the) magazine for news on our associations in the region and for updates on legislation impacting our industry,” said Berkowitz. “Thank you for keeping our members informed and up-to-date on topics that are vital to our business.” In a survey conducted at the 2008 21st Century Building Expo & Conference, as well as on the NCHBA Web site and in the magazine,100 percent of those who responded to the survey read North Carolina Builder, with 45 percent reading it cover-to-cover and 55 percent reading selected articles. All respondents like the magazine’s mix of feature articles and association news. The Knowledge Builder column from Builders Mutual Insurance Co. was voted favorite section by 70 percent of respondents, with professional development features and NCHBA News following closely behind. Advertising also proved popular with those surveyed, with 95 percent finding it useful in their day-to-day activities and 46 percent saying that they have made a purchasing decision based on advertising they saw in the magazine. North Carolina Builder is mailed to the 18,500 members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association. It goes directly to the decision-makers in each member firm. In fact, 78 percent of the magazine’s readers report that they share their copy with others. The magazine thanks everyone who took time to take the survey. Your opinions matter and they help the association build a better magazine for you. North Carolina Builder   25

Change a life. Nominate a student.

NCHBECF awards scholarships each year based on a combination of need and merit to four-year college students entering their junior or senior year and technical school students entering their second year who have declared their major in a construction-related field.

Here’s who is eligible . . .

NCHBA green seminar a success

An eligible student must: • Be nominated by a NCHBA   member firm; • Be an immediate family member,   related by blood (i.e. children, stepchildren or grandchildren) of an NCHBA member. Students related by marriage (i.e. son-in-law, daughter-inlaw, etc.) are not eligible. • Be a full-time student, taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. (Immediate family members of any current trustee of the NCHB Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc. are not eligible.)

esponding to the interest and opportunities for builders and associates with the growing demand for “green homes,” the North Carolina Home Builders Association Associates Committee sponsored an introductory Green Building Seminar at NCHBA’s fourth quarter meeting this past December. Two leading experts – Dan McFarland of Southern Energy Management and Steve Monroe, AB, CGP – gave presentations to a standing-room only crowd. McFarland provided an overview of the current market and existing “green” programs, focusing on the key theme that a green home is a systematic approach to improving energy and water efficiency, improving indoor air quality, minimizing site impact and maximizing resource efficiency and sustainability. Monroe discussed the art and science of selling to green builders, with information for associates on how they can craft a sales strategy to best promote green products in an increasingly competitive environment. Both men are instructors for the North Carolina Builder Institute, which just completed its winter session in early March. (The complete three-hour workshop, including overcoming objections and taking a product green, is available through Steve Monroe at steve@ sell2builders.com, (336) 454-0749 or by visiting www.sell2builders.com.)

the time to nominate them for a North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc. scholarship. Now, more than ever, students are in need of financial aid to attend college . . . and the industry is in need of skilled workers to build homes for North Carolina’s citizens.

Here’s what the foundation does . . .

Here’s what you can do . . . For a nomination form or an application packet, visit www.nchba.com or call the NCHBA office at (800) 662-7129. Your nomination must be received at the NCHBA office by Friday, April 30.

What about students who have received previous NCHBECF scholarships?

26   North Carolina Builder

Green council launches Web network he Green Building Council has started a green building listserv where council members and active participants can share ideas, news and events on green building and sustainability issues that are happening all across the state. Postings can pertain to legislative or public policy agenda items from across North Carolina. The group can share ideas on how to market their companies and increase brand awareness, and share verification information and feedback from different associations. In general, the listserv will be a place to post information that others can benefit from or items that need action taken from our NCHBA leadership. The group, called nchbagreen, is on Yahoo and the address is http://finance.groups.yahoo. com/group/nchbagreen/. If you have trouble joining, send Erin Jones an e-mail at ejones@ nchba.org and she will send you an invitation to join.

If you know a college or technical student who needs financial aid, now is

For more information, call NCHBA at (800) 662-7129 or visit www.nchba.com

The Green Scene

The initial awards are for one year, but scholarship winners may submit a renewal application and be considered for renewal if they make satisfactory progress in their studies. A renewal application is available online at www.nchba.com.

March 2009

NCHBA News Asheville builders battle for Charity

he Asheville Home Builders Association recently held its Annual Battle of the Builders Competition to raise donations for a community charity. This year, the competition was a three-week food drive with the proceeds to benefit MANNA FoodBank, a local nonprofit that provides food for the hungry in the community. Fifteen builders participated, each pledging to raise at least 50 cans or $50 for the cause. At the Annual Christmas Gala, AHBA announced the total donations and crowned the winner of the competition as Mr. HBA. Winner Stuart Ray of JS Ray & Associates, with 1,291 donations, was adorned with the coveted “Pink Hart Hat” that has been signed by the previous Mr. HBA. In total,AHBA raised 4,726 items and $2,751 in monetary donations, which translates into more than two tons of food and the potential to provide more than 8,000 meals.

Kitty Schaller, Executive Director of MANNA Food Bank; Stuart Ray, Battle of the Builders winner, and Donna Pierce, Special Gifts Coordinator, celebrate the HBA’s successful food drive.

Outer Banks HBA collects goods for food pantry

uter Banks Home Builders Association members gathered almost three tons of food from shoppers at all four Food Lion stores between Southern Shores and the Outer Banks Mall and at both local groceries in Manteo in their Sixth Annual Food Pantry Drive. While 85 OBHBA members were involved in staffing the stores, packing the trucks, delivering the goods to the food pantry storage locations, and making individual contributions to the cause, the bulk of the donations of food and money came from the outstanding generosity of Outer Banks residents out shopping before the holidays. At a time of widespread local unemployment

March 2009

Builders journey to Washington

hearty group of builders from the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County boarded buses at 5:45 a.m., Jan. 14, to head to Washington, D.C., to voice their concerns over the current housing crisis and promote the National Association of Home Builders’ Fix Housing First campaign. In meetings with Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan and Representatives Brad Miller, Bob Etheridge and David Price, the home builders explained how falling home values are at the core of the current economic crisis. Recognizing the need to bring real people, real faces and real stories to Washington, the group shared their personal stories of how their businesses are being affected. Richard Gaylord, HBA of Raleigh-Wake County President, told the legislators: “Something must happen soon to get folks confident enough to buy. Cash flow for many builders is dwindling as some banks are calling performing loans. We are looking to you to make the right decisions and make them quick.”

and economic challenge, most shoppers still found a way to purchase at least one extra item off the list handed out by OBHBA members at the grocery store entrances.The OBHBA office will remain a drop-off point for food pantry donations throughout the year. Beach Food Pantry spokesman Gerry Lesko noted, “The Outer Banks Home Builders Association blitz was a tremendous success.Your folks always collect among the highest amount in a one-day drive. Everyone came together to make this happen – your folks, of course, and the patrons of the stores, and we also have a great appreciation for your association, the store managers and the people of Dare County.” Lesko also expressed a special thanks to Boy Scouts and OBHBA member leaders of troops # 116 and #117, who helped unload the trucks at the storage facility at the end of the day. Almost $600 in cash was also collected from store patrons during the drive, and with the $2,595 donated by OBHBA Parade of Homes ticket proceeds, an additional $3,200 will be divided between the pantries in Kill Devil Hills, Manteo and on Hatteras Island.

Lexington Station receives second national award

exington Station, a systems-built condominium and retail site in uptown Asheville, has won the 2009 National Association of Home Builders Building Systems Councils’ Excellence in Design award, achieving its second national design win during 2008. The project was developed by Steve Moberg of Flannery Fork Construction, who teamed with R-Anell Multi-Family & Commercial.

Each year, the NAHB Building Systems Councils honors industry leaders through its Excellence in Marketing and Home Design awards program. The awards honor those excelling in building with systems in the categories of exceptional home design and marketing materials. Lexington Station already captured a national design win earlier this year from the National Modular Housing Council. Lexington Station,completed in phases during March 2006 through August 2007, has a design that integrates 70 residential condominiums, 25,000 square feet of commercial office and retail space on the first level, a restaurant and 100 underground parking spaces across three keycardsecured multifloor buildings. R-Anell constructed the modular multifamily condominiums at its manufacturing facility near Charlotte and delivered them to the Asheville project. Moberg said that since Lexington Station was completed, two other area projects have followed the lead by using modular construction.

History repeats ...

ast month North Carolina Builder ran an article featuring Bill and Sue Reaves of the Moore County Home Builders Association. An alert reader in Greensboro notified us that Bill and Sue aren’t the first husband/wife team to both be president of a local association. That honor goes to Carolyn and Don Lewis of Greensboro. Carolyn was president of the Greensboro BA in 1982, and Don followed in 1991. The couple owned and operated Lewis Builders in Greensboro until they retired recently. (See NCHBA NEWS on page 28) North Carolina Builder   27

NCHBA News (continued from page 27)

Local HBAs welcome 2009 leaders

orth Carolina Home Builders Association’s confederation of 66 local home builders associations and chapters installed their 2009 presidents in ceremonies across the state late last year and early this year. Following is a list of who’s serving on the local level:

28   North Carolina Builder

Jeremy Strickland, Robeson County Johnny Johnston, Rockingham County Ed Griffin, Rocky Mount Cecil Barker, Roxboro-Person County Mike Gilbert, Rutherford County Chad Vriesema, Salisbury-Rowan County Hugh Carr, Sampson County Robbie Brafford, Sanford John McNeill, Scotland County Denny Tucker, Surry County Tim Robinson, Transylvania County Todd Laney, Union County Dudley B.Williams III, VanceGranville County Stoney Story, Western Piedmont Mike Gurley, Wayne County Charles Johnson, Wilkes County Jeffrey M. Stokley Sr., Wilmington-Cape Fear David West, Wilson Rick Tozier, Winston-Salem

s NCHBA President Frank Wiesner (center) joins newly installed officers with the Asheville HBA. t Wilson HBA officers take the oath of office from NCHBA President Frank Wiesner (far left).

s NCHBA President Frank Wiesner (far left) installs the High Country HBA’s 2009 leaders. Duke Geraghty (right) takes the oath of office as 2009 President of the Outer Banks HBA. t The Alamance Caswell HBA’s 2009 leadership gathers for a group photo at the Christmas gala.

James Hunter, Alamance-Caswell Counties Jeffrey Smith, Albemarle/Stanly Jerrold Davis, Alleghany County D. Michael Reese, Appalachian Warren Shepherd, Ashe County Clinton Snider, Asheboro-Randolph County Thomas McClain, Asheville Eric Coffey, Brunswick County Stephen Hartsell, Cabarrus County Jason Murphy, Caldwell County Bill Boulia, Carteret County Michael Hinshaw, Charlotte Matthew Smart, Cleveland County John Thompson III, Columbus County Gilbert Stroud, Craven-Pamlico Counties Marc Cauble, Davidson County Wayne Frye, Davie County Bo Root, Durham, Orange, Chatham Counties Brady Rufenacht, Fayetteville Doug Bailey, Franklin County Bob Rouse, Gaston County Stephen Batts, Greensboro Nelson Adams, Greenville-Pitt County Craig Byrd, Harnett County J. Alan Best, Haywood County Sam Creech, Hendersonville Rob Howard, Hickory-Catawba County Terry Taylor, High Country Larry Jones, High Point Ginger Dowdle, Iredell County Brandy Sullivan, Jackson County Terry Parker, Johnston County Ty Gay, Kinston Chris Ebel, Lake Norman Terry Smith, Lincoln County Reggie Holland, Macon County Eric French, Martin County Ray Burnette, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey Counties Sue Reaves, Moore County Ken Corbo, Northeastern Dan Quinn, Onslow County Duke Geraghty, Outer Banks Richard Gaylord, Raleigh-Wake County Dwayne Miller, Richmond County Joey Elias, Roanoke Valley Vernon Kee, Roanoke-Chowan County

March 2009

It’s It’sConfusing ConfusingOut OutThere There That’s Why More than 250 NCNC to to Partner with Southern Energy Management That’s That’s Why Why More More than than 250 250 NC Builders Builders Have Have Chosen Chosen Partner with Southern Southern Energy Energy Management Management toto Create Cost-Effective Energy Star and Green Homes to Create Create aa Cost-Effective a Cost-Effective Path Path to to Building Building Energy Star and and Green Green Homes Homes

NC Builders Can Benefit from Building Green NC NC Builders Builders Can Can Benefit Benefit from Building Green Dan McFarland, director builder services for Southern Energy Management bybyDan by Dan McFarland, McFarland, director director ofof builder of builder services services for for Southern Energy Management

Even in the the midst of the the difficult decisions builders are are facing in today's tough economy, it's to day ininthe Even Even in in the midst midst of of the difficult decisions builders facing in today's tough tough economy, economy, it's hard hard it's hard to go go toaago day a day the in the home building industry without having conversation or aa trade publication article about green building. It's home home building building industry industry without without having having aa conversation a conversation or reading reading or reading trade a trade publication publication article article about about green green building. building. It's It's safesafe to say say green hashas evolved from fad to aatotrend trend that will be us the long term -- so does this mean safe to to say green green has evolved evolved from from aa fad a fad to a trend thatthat willwill be with with be with us for for us for the the longlong term term so-what what so what doesdoes thisthis mean mean forfor builders in the the Southeast? for builders builders in in the Southeast? Southeast?

IBC

Quite simply, means thethe builders whowho educate themselves and find cost-effective ways to green building Quite Quite simply, simply, itit means it means the builders builders who educate educate themselves themselves andand findfind cost-effective cost-effective ways ways to integrate integrate to integrate green green building building today are going to be the ones benefiting from green building both today and tomorrow. today today are are going going to be to the be the onesones benefiting benefiting from from green green building building - both - both today today andand tomorrow. tomorrow. Some builders, including many of our our clients, are are already building green to aa competitive advantage, or because they beSome Some builders, builders, including including many many of of our clients, clients, are already already building building green green to gain gain to gain competitive a competitive advantage, advantage, or for for or some for some some because because theythey be- believe it'sit's thethe right thing to do. do. Whatever thethe motivation is -- isone one thing to lose sight of consumers really want. lieve lieve it's the right right thing thing to to do. Whatever Whatever the motivation motivation is - one thing thing to not not to not loselose sight sight of is isofwhat what is what consumers consumers really really want. want.

Southern Energy Management

InaIn arecent recent McGraw-Hill Construction study, thethe three strongest reasons behind the purchase of green home were lower operational In a recent McGraw-Hill McGraw-Hill Construction Construction study, study, the three three strongest strongest reasons reasons behind behind the the purchase purchase of aaof green a green home home were were lower lower operational operational costs, environmental concerns and occupant health. All three were nearly equal in importance overall, but interestingly, health of costs, costs, environmental environmental concerns concerns andand occupant occupant health. health. All All three three were were nearly nearly equal equal in importance in importance overall, overall, butbut interestingly, interestingly, health health ofhome home of home occupants is the most important factor in the South compared to other regions of the country. occupants occupants is the is the most most important important factor factor in the in the South South compared compared to other to other regions regions of the of the country. country.

New - Still to come

Aspotential potential buyers expect more from their homes, certified green home that meets these new demands will become tomorrow's As As potential buyers buyers expect expect more more from from their their homes, homes, aa certified a certified green green home home thatthat meets meets these these newnew demands demands willwill become become tomorrow's tomorrow's “good housekeeping seal of approval.” This will benefit many builders who get on board early, but unfortunately could leave others “good “good housekeeping housekeeping sealseal of approval.” of approval.” ThisThis willwill benefit benefit many many builders builders whowho get get on board on board early, early, butbut unfortunately unfortunately could could leave leave others others behind. behind. behind. AsaAs athree-time three-time National Energy StarStar Partner of the the Year andand advisor to than 250 builders across North Carolina, we As a three-time National National Energy Energy Star Partner Partner of of the Year Year and advisor advisor to more more to more thanthan 250250 builders builders across across North North Carolina, Carolina, we get we getto get tosit sit to sit across the table from some of the smartest folks in the new home industry. The most successful builders today are already thinking across across the the table table from from some some of the of the smartest smartest folks folks in the in the newnew home home industry. industry. TheThe most most successful successful builders builders today today are are already already thinking thinking about andand creating roadmaps forfor how to meet meet growing demand for for green homes, realizing that this isis not aa trend, it's of about about and creating creating roadmaps roadmaps for how how to to meet growing growing demand demand for green green homes, homes, realizing realizing thatthat thisthis not is not trend, a trend, it's the it's the way the wayway ofthe the of the future. Sowhen when thethe economy starts looking up and andand the the other typetype of green (we're talking money) starts flowing aa little more abunfuture. future. So So when the economy economy starts starts looking looking up up the other other type of green of green (we're (we're talking talking money) money) starts starts flowing flowing little a little more more abunabundantly, these areare thethe builders who willwill be positioned positioned to benefit benefit most from the economic, environmental, and marketing advantages of dantly, dantly, these these are the builders builders who who will be be positioned to to benefit most most from from the the economic, economic, environmental, environmental, andand marketing marketing advantages advantages of of green building. green green building. building. ToTo create your own path, we we invite every builder andand developer across the state to us one of upcoming workshops in To create create your your own own path, path, we invite invite every every builder builder and developer developer across across the the statestate to join join to join us for for us for oneone of our our of our upcoming upcoming workshops workshops in in Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte. You can find more information and RSVP on our website at www.southern-energy.com, or email Raleigh, Raleigh, Greensboro Greensboro andand Charlotte. Charlotte. YouYou cancan findfind more more information information andand RSVP RSVP on our on our website website at www.southern-energy.com, at www.southern-energy.com, or email or email Michael@southern-energy.com to get started today. Michael@southern-energy.com Michael@southern-energy.com to get to get started started today. today.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS UPCOMING UPCOMINGWORKSHOPS WORKSHOPSACROSS ACROSS ACROSSNC NC NC Build Energy Star forfor Less Build Build Energy Energy Star Star for Less Less March 12 in Greensboro March March 12 12 in Greensboro in Greensboro May 21 in Raleigh May May 21 21 in Raleigh in Raleigh

The Path toto Green Building The The Path Path to Green Green Building Building April 13 in Greensboro April April 13 13 in Greensboro in Greensboro April 23 in Raleigh April April 23 23 in Raleigh in Raleigh

In March, we’re kicking off a 3-part March, In March, we’re kicking kicking off a off 3-part a developers 3-part series of In workshops towe’re help builders and series series of workshops of workshops to help to help builders builders and and developers create a cost-effective path to Energy Star anddevelopers green building. create create a cost-effective a cost-effective path path to Energy to Energy Star Star and and green building. building. These are a few of the workshops already planned green in Raleigh These These are are a few a few of the of the workshops workshops already already planned planned insoon. Raleigh in Raleigh and Greensboro, and we’ll be announcing others andand Greensboro, Greensboro, andand we’llwe’ll be announcing be announcing others others soon. soon. For more information and to RSVP for these and other ForFor more more information information and and toevents RSVP to RSVP for for these these andand other other workshops, visit our calendar at workshops, workshops, visit visit ourour events events calendar calendar at at www.southern-energy.com www.southern-energy.com www.southern-energy.com

Meeting Growing Demand for Solar Meeting Meeting Growing Growing Demand Demand forfor Solar Solar March 25 in Raleigh March March 25Greensboro 25 in Raleigh in Raleigh May 12 in May May 12 12 in Greensboro in Greensboro

March 2009

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March 2009