APRIL 2009 The official magazine of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County
Inside
Neighborhood
Builder
This Issue
The official magazine of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County
April 2009, Vol. 33, No. 4
Features The mission of the Home Builders Association of RaleighWake County is to advocate, educate and promote the building industry.
Committee Spotlight: Get the professional edge
OFFICERS: Richard Gaylord, president; Warren Smith, first vice president; Wes Carroll, second vice president; Shelley Mitchiner, vice president-associates; A.J. Critelli, secretary/ treasurer; Zach Schabot, TSMC representative/chair; Tom Anhut, appointee to the Executive Committee; and Mark Massengill immediate past president. HBA DIRECTORS: Rusty Ammons, Sharon Andrews, Douglas Ball, Dave Baron, Rick Barrett, Jay Beaman, Chip Bishop, Rex Bost, Tom Brantley, Eddie Casanave, Michael Dean Chadwick, Debbie Combos, Mark Davis, Dene Dawson, Mike Debnam, Jim Derrickson, Steve Eastman, Jeff Fike, Don Fraley, Lyle Gardner, Jack Gallagher, Mike Gerber, Tom Gipson, Harold Glazer, Mike Golder, Brooks Gulledge, Trish Hanchette, Rick Harris, Johnny Hayes, Bruce Herbert, Wayne Holt, Mike Houseman, John Houston, Mike Hunter, Van Isley, Sheri Jackson, Phil Jawny, Vanessa Jenkins, Stuart Jones, Mike Jordan, Steve Leach, Jack Lichtner, Jenny Martin, Blake Massengill, Greg Messer, John Miller, Kenny Murphy, Rebecca Newsome, Gaye Orr, Ryan Perry, Kevin Poythress, Avon Privette, Mike Reiser, Jon Rufty, Steve Schlageter, John Schlichenmaier, Bob Schultz, Dave Servoss, Cindy Sheldon, Geoff Shiley, Kathy Simpson, Jule Smith, Ray Sparrow, Terry Stephens, Richard Stockett, Marty Tart, Woody Teague, Connie Tench, Cliff Thomas, Dan Tingen, Barry Tutor, C.B. Tyson, Rich Van Tassel, Van Vreeland, Scott Warren, Rob Weintraub, Mason Williams, Larry Witek, Wayne Witt, Dale Wooten, Lance Youngquist. HBA STAFF Tim Minton, Executive Vice President Lin Barrow, Vice President of Finance Suzanne Harris, Vice President of Governmental Affairs Andy Ladner, Vice President of Marketing and Councils Judy Richardson, Vice President, Education & Parade of Homes Lara Papi Wilson, Director of Membership Angela Thompson, Financial Coordinator Leigh Ann Teague, Director of Public Relations Neighborhood Builder is published monthly for the members of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, 5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 115, Raleigh, NC 27606; (919) 233-2033; www.hbawake.com. Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heidi Ketler, APR hketler@verizon.net Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cammi Mosiman cammi@picodesign.net Advertising Sales Executive . . . . . . . . . Jenny Johnson jenny.jmj@cox.net (888) 364-5269 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Association Publishing Inc. www.associationpublishinginc.com Sandra Amidon and Joyce Hearn, APR (757) 420-2434 Copyright 2009; all rights reserved. No material in this publication may be reproduced for further publication without the express consent of the association and the publisher. Acceptance of advertising in Neighborhood Builder does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted, and not necessarily those of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County. Mention of specific products or services in editorial content does not imply endorsement by Neighborhood Builder or the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County. The mailing list used by Neighborhood Builder is compiled according to membership records. Address corrections should be directed to HBA of Raleigh-Wake County. Nonmember subscriptions are available from the publisher for $24 per year.
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The 2009 Education Committee has embarked on a three-year mission to create a program around national designations, making it easier for members to get the professional edge.
Members enjoy fun icebreakers Clearly, networking was fun and effortless for all those who packed the Carolina Ale House and filled it with conversation and laughter during Get in Gear Night.
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The 1970s: Times are a changin’ Home building in the region was rockin’ and rollin’ with the growth of subdivisions and a record number of new houses. But industry leaders sensing economic turmoil ahead started strengthening their collective voices.
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Roundup: Pest and mold control The latest technology doesn’t give termites and mold a chance. Products target the source of the problem, which is usually moisture, and quickly put an end to the destruction.
About the cover:
Departments 2 Green Building 5 President’s Pen
Remodelers Standpoint Wake Watch Permits
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Calendar of Events
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Is a national designation in your future? The HBA Educational Committee is on a mission to encourage advanced designations for members. National designations specific to builders and remodelers, associate members, and sales and marketing professionals are available to give those who pursue them the competitive edge.
APRIL 2009 1
President’s Pen
Energy-efficiency tax credits are welcome By Richard Gaylord 2009 President, Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County
R “This is an excellent time for homeowners to take advantage of these tax benefits to make positive changes in their home that will not only benefit them immediately, but over the long term as well.” – Eric Borsting, Chair, NAHB green building subcommittee
ecent stimulus legislation signed by President Obama should give remodeling a boost. Homeowners looking to save money on heating and cooling costs with energy-efficient improvements to their home can also benefit from a newly expanded federal tax credit. In the recent stimulus package, previous energy-efficiency credits were not only renewed, but were significantly improved. Before, homeowners were able to recoup 10 percent of the cost of each approved energy upgrade with a lifetime cap of $500. The new credit has tripled those amounts to 30 percent, or $1,500. According to Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy bills. By incorporating Energy Star appliances and other energy-efficient components to a home, they estimate a homeowner can save about onethird on his or her energy bill. The expanded taxcredit money available to homeowners on top of these savings is icing on the cake! “This is an excellent time for homeowners to take advantage of these tax benefits to make positive changes in their home that will not only benefit them immediately, but over the long term as well,” said Eric Borsting, a California home builder and chair of the National Association of Home Builders green building subcommittee.
What is included in the stimulus package for energy efficiency? Tax credits are available in 2009 and 2010 at 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500 (for existing homes only):
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Windows and doors
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Insulation
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Roofs (metal and asphalt)
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HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning)
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Water heaters (non-solar)
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Biomass stoves
Tax credits are available at 30 percent of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes and new construction) for: •
Geothermal heat pumps
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Solar panels
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Solar water heaters
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Small wind energy systems
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Fuel cells
Details on qualifying improvements are available on the Energy Star Web site at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.
How does a homeowner claim the credits? Homeowners can claim the 25C and 25D credits on IRS Form 5695 when they prepare their income tax returns. These records should be retained: •
Name and address of the manufacturer;
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Identification of the component;
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Make, model or other appropriate identifiers;
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Statement that the component meets the 25C standards;
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Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied;
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Additional information for storm windows, if applicable; and
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Manufacturer’s certification – a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying the product or component qualifies for the tax credit
For more information, visit the homeowners section on NAHB’s National Green Building NB Program Web site at www.nahbgreen.org. ■
Richard Gaylord
2009 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County
Committee Spotlight
FOUNDATION CLUB
Designation focus to give members competitive edge By Gaye Burwell Orr, MIRM
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ASSOCIATION PARTNERS ($25,000 AND ABOVE)
One of the many benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of RaleighWake County is education. Over the years, we have offered various courses, from sales and management programs to Lunch n’ Learns and other seminars on timely topics. We have wanted to offer a full schedule of courses, but we have been challenged by available classroom space. Thankfully, our new HBA office has multiple classrooms, so problem solved! With that in mind, the HBA Education Committee has begun work on a very ambitious three-year plan. The major goal is to offer courses that will allow each segment of our membership – whether associate, builder, remodeler or sales and marketing professional – to achieve National Association of Home Builders designations in a year’s time. The programs we are working on for builders and remodelers include: • • • •
Thank you 2009 Foundation Club sponsors!
Your contribution as a member of Foundation Club supports an array of events and educational programs that make membership in the HBA such a valuable and rewarding experience. To renew your commitment to the Foundation Club in 2009 or to join this distinguished group of sponsors, contact Tim Minton at (919) 233-2033.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) Certified Graduate Remodeler Certified Green Professional (CGP)
The Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) is for associate members. The Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP), Master CSP and Member of the Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM) national designations are for sales and marketing professionals. The education to achieve these prestigious designations is invaluable and will set you apart from others in your business. A designation tells your customer that you are committed to your business and strive to stay informed.
CORPORATE SPONSORS ($10,000)
DIAMOND SPONSORS ($5,000)
GOLD SPONSORS ($3,000) AB Stone Boutique iLevel by Weyerhaeuser Louisiana Pacific Building Products
Overhead Door Company of the Capital City Pro-Build
Professional Builders Supply Triangle New Home Guide Withers and Ravenel
SILVER SPONSORS ($2,000) A.J. Young Architectural Illustrations and Graphics
BB&T
Camelot Illustrations Graphic Rendering & Design
BRONZE SPONSORS ($1,000) America Home Key Bank of America Bonded Builders Home Warranty Cecil Holcomb Demolition
CPI Security Rick Frye — New York Life RBC Bank R.E.A.L. Elevator Solutions Inc. Southern Community Bank
Standard Pacific Homes TruOptions: Business Consultants L.L.C. Yellow Dot Heating and Air Conditioning
FRIENDS SPONSORS ($500) Alpine Exteriors Inc.
Peak Steel Regions Bank
Stonehenge Masonry Inc.
PATRON SPONSORS ($250)
Beyond certification programs Designations are a large part of our plan, but we also will offer seminars to help you in Continued on page 4
Beaman Building Co. Boxley, Bolton, Garber and Haywood L.L.P.
Comfort Master Duron/Sherwin-Williams Paint Neuse Tile Service
Olde Heritage Builders Preferred Flooring Tart Realty Inc.
APRIL 3
Members get into ‘Gear Night’
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More than 200 HBA members and guests attended the Get in Gear Night at Carolina Ale House Feb. 10. Special thanks to the event sponsor Apex First Development! The evening featured lots of ice breakers to help members meet new faces. Some of the nametag icebreakers asked: • My favorite sports movie quote is...? • If I were a team mascot, I would be…? • Who is the next athlete who should be featured on the Wheaties cereal box? In addition, members from the Associates and Membership committees circulated during the event as mystery guests. Their role was to ask members for help in figuring out whose nametag was on their back. The names were of famous sports figures – real or a NB fictional character from a movie. ■
From left, Darrell Patterson of Overhead Door Company of the Capital City, Jay Beaman of Beaman Building and Realty Inc., and Alvaro Casella of SunTrust Mortgage enjoy the get-together.
Jim Swingle (left) and Spencer Combos, both members of the Associates Committee, welcome guests as they enter the event.
Kelly Talbot (left) of Coldwell Banker HPW Builder Services, a member of the HBA Cook Off Committee, and Jodi Sauerbier of New Homes & Ideas, chair of the HBA Golf Committee, catch up on news during the event.
The nametag icebreaker responses give Rick Frye of New York Life Insurance Co. and Linda Dickert a good laugh.
Committee Spotlight your day-to-day business. Some of these may include webinars and telebroadcasts through the University of Housing. A few of the subjects we are considering are social networking (Facebook, Linkedin, etc.), Blackberry 101 and green building. We are always open to suggestions so let us know what you would like to learn more about. Education has always been important to our association and we are excited to take this
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to the next level. Be watching for more information on our educational programming throughNB out the year. ■ Gaye Burwell Orr, vice president of Coldwell Banker Advantage New Homes, is the HBARWC Education chair and holds the Member of the Institute of Residential Marketing designation. She can be reached at gborr@advantagenewhomes.com.
Green Building
Fourth annual Green Home Tour Whopping 35 entries spread out for great public exposure! By Leigh Scott Green Building Programs Director
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Triangle residents interested in green building will have plenty to see during the 4th annual Green Home Tour May 1-3 and May 8-10. To date, 35 entries are spread across six counties: eight in Wake County, 10 in Chatham, nine in Durham, six in Orange, and one each in Granville and Alamance. With that kind of geographic distribution, residents in all parts of the Triangle should have at least one or two entries within a reasonable driving distance. As before, homes range widely in size and price, and the tour offers several affordable and
entry-level homes, in addition to a number of luxury custom projects.
Community-based events This year’s event features many special components, including two community-based kickoff events, where green-minded people gather. “We think we can generate more interest in the tour by having the kickoff events conveniently located at stores that are known for their organic and sustainable offerings,” says Darcia Black, 2009 Green Home Tour chair. One of the events will be hosted in the Raleigh Whole Foods store parking lot the evening of Thursday, April 23. Not Dead Yet will be the featured entertainment. The ensemble is led by Bob Hartford, a green developer whose current new home project is the Bingham Ridge development in Chatham County. Fourth annual Green Home Tour books will be distributed in reusable Whole Foods bags. Another kickoff event will be hosted at the Carrboro Century Center the morning of May 1,
the first day of the tour. The program will include informative speakers and displays, designed to attract Saturday-morning shoppers leaving Weaver Street Market across the street. A home built by Sun River Builders Signature Homes at The Streets at Southpoint – near The Cheesecake Factory and Southpoint Cinemas – is an exciting new component this year. The shopping center will bring thousands of people to the doorway of one of the Green Home Tour entries! Tour information will be available online by late March or early April at www.greenhomebuildersofthetriangle.com, and tour books will be available in selected local outlets during the week before the tour. NB Come see what it means to be green! ■ Leigh Scott is director of Green Building Programs. She can be reached at (919) 493-8899 or leigh@hbadoc.com. Green Builders of the Triangle membership applications are available at www.greenhomebuildersofthetriangle.com.
Energy Star home rating is designed to boost sales By Mark Tabert and Gary Andrews
This is the first in a series of articles from Progress Energy that will provide insight on building new homes to Energy Star standards.
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Progress Energy’s Home Advantage program aims to assist builders through incentives and education to minimize the costs of achieving Energy Star certification. Incentives start at $400 for builders and developers of homes and most residential types who meet or exceed United States Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star standards. One requirement is a high-efficiency HVAC equipment of 14 SEER or higher. Using modeling tools and onsite tests, mainly blower-door and duct-leakage tests, the Home Energy Rating System rater measures the home’s energy performance and assigns a score based on the HERS Index. The HERS Index is a scoring system. A
home built to current code (2006 International Energy Conservation Code) specification scores 100 (American Standard New Home), while a net zero-energy home scores 0. Such a building has zero net-energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. Each 1-point decrease in a new home’s HERS Index score results in a 1 percent reduction in energy use compared to a code-built home. Thus, a home with a score of 85 is 15 percent more energy efficient than a code-built home. All homes must score 85 or less on the HERS Index to achieve Energy Star certification. To achieve Energy Star certification, a home must be inspected and certified by a Home Energy Rating System rater. The cost of certification ranges from $400 to $800, depending on a variety of factors such as location and travel required, size of home, and volume of homes certified. Builders who have committed to achieving Energy Star ratings are able to reduce the Continued on page 11
APRIL 5
Memory Lane
HBA takes off
By Heidi Ketler
Special thanks to past HBA Presidents Dan Austin (1965), Edd Roberts (1970), Ray Sparrow (1975) and Jud Ammons (1979) for contributing time and materials from their personal historical archives for this story.
Advancing industry’s good name
With wife Judy Roberts by his side, Edd K. Roberts (right) accepts the Builder of the Year award in 1972 from John Crosland, who was then president of the North Carolina Home Builders Association. As president of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County in 1970, Edd Roberts worked to advance the public image of home builders. “I wanted the home builders association to be recognized for its accomplishments, its growing influence in the political world and its community projects, like scholarship funds.” The president of Homes by Edd K. Roberts recalls building his first and only house in 1963. In 1971, his company, then called Colonial Building Co., built 102 homes, ranging in price from $32,000 to $71,000. The highend home was built on the North Ridge golf course.
Legacy of Edward W. Lloyd – 1974 Past HBA President Dan Austin (1965), holds the plaque certifying the National Association of Home Builders membership of his father-in-law, the late Edward Lloyd. Lloyd entered the home building industry after retiring from a 38-year career with DuPont. So extraordinary were his leadership skills that he quickly rose in the home building ranks to become president of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County in 1974, when he was in his early 70s. Lloyd went on to become a widely respected national director.
years. “I got involved that way, mostly because of the (HBA’s) political action committee. We needed to get our voice
Julian Ray Sparrow – 1975 Ray Sparrow has been a high-powered steward of the home building industry. His involvement as president of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County in 1975 and of the North Carolina Home Builders Association in 1978 led to political aspirations and two terms in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1983 to 1987. “It all started from being a local president,” says Sparrow, who has been operating Sparrow Construction for 40-some
across the state to get things done in the legislature” for the home building industry. The HBA’s political involvement had been ongoing since its formative years in the 1960s. Its Build-PAC was officially formed in 1975. “We were always working on the mortgage industry. We met with the heads of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and the
Timeline of Past Presidents
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Neighborhood Builder
Sparrow
Wilson
Ward
1970
1971
1972
Collins
1973
FHA. We tried to get legislation to help get mortgage rates lower. We helped modify building codes.”
Start of bigger things Sparrow marvels at the size and political might of HBA of Raleigh and Wake County today. “It was funny. We had a one-room office and Ms. (Christine) Bunn came in as executive secretary the year I was president.” “We’ve come a long way from the oneroom office,” says Sparrow. “The one thing I think about is how big the organization has become. They don’t realize that (in the early years), to pay rent, we used to take up a collection at meetings.” A year or so after Sparrow's term as president, the association moved to another office with two rooms. Then “a couple years later,” his company helped build the office on Highway 54. The association was there until 2008, when it moved into a multimillion-dollar building it shares with the North Carolina Home Builders Association and Builders Mutual Insurance Corp. “As I remember, we had nearly 100 members. In fact, I added a lot of members
as president,” says Sparrow. “Back then, we had the Parade of Homes, but only had 10 to 15 houses. I put two houses in there when I first got started because we were trying to get at least 10,” Sparrow recalls. “Things have changed a lot since then. Now, there are a little over 400 homes” in the Parade.
Inflation fears mount “By far the biggest question mark in 1978 is the mortgage money outlook,” wrote Ammons in a News and Observer editorial. He went on to report of ominous economic
Justus “Jud” M. Ammons – 1978 Justus “Jud” M. Ammons presided as Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County in 1978, a year of growing economic angst. A News and Observer headline early in 1978 declared: “Wake County Home Building Sets Record with 2,700 SingleFamily Units.” The area’s growth in 1977 was 35 percent more than in 1976 and 93 percent more than in 1975. But Jimmy Carter had been in the White House a year. Building costs were on the rise. The price of materials would increase 15½ percent between March 1977 and March 1978. And home building permit fees also went up.
Changing building climate The home building industry was a lot better off in the 1970s than it is today,” says Fred B. Johnson, who was president of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County in the bicentennial year of 1976. “We were in a pretty good financial situation back then. It was later in the early 1980s that things got depressed.” Ray Sparrow, who was HBA president in 1975, continues operating Sparrow Construction. “I haven’t built any houses in two years,” says Sparrow. “There’s a little (commercial) work out there, but it’s very competitive. About 50 or 60 businesses are bidding on the same jobs. Whoever gets it is going to lose money. That’s the way it goes.” “The building business is tough, regardless. But it’s nice to see the things I’ve built. Over the years, I’ve built over 1,000 houses and I don’t know how many commercial buildings,” says Sparrow.
HOW unveiling is media event In 1978, a national representative introduces the unveiling of a local homeowners warranty program during a press conference. He is flanked by then North Carolina Attorney General Rufus Edmisten (left) and North Carolina Home Builders Association President Ray Sparrow.
signs – that bear repeating, especially in light of the nation’s current economic woes. Back then, the Federal Reserve Board was tightening the money supply. The consumer debt was rising and credit demands to support government deficits were deepContinued on page 9
Lloyd
Sparrow
Johnson
Thomson
Ammons
Strickland
1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 APRIL 2009 7
Product Roundup
Pest and mold control
Keep ’em in check Mold-free for five years Bathroom and kitchen mold may have met their match. Polyseamseal Ever Bright silicone sealant from Henkel Corp. is designed with a triple-action protection system to defend the cured silicone sealant against mold for five years after application. The system prevents mold from adhering to the sealant, resists the spread of mold and inhibits mold growth on the cured seal. Its 100-percent-waterproof formula prevents and eliminates mold from the inside out. The product is only available in white. For more information, visit www.polyseamseal.com.
Make those ants say uncle
YellaWood columns are pressure-treated with an environmentally approved preservative to protect against rot and termites. ProRoc moisture- and mold-resistant gypsum board with M2Tech from CertainTeed has low-water absorption properties, an enhanced zone of protection against mold, and numerous fire-rated designs for safety and performance.
If you have a problem with Argentine, carpenter, ghost and other pest ant species, Syngenta Professional Products’ addition to its contribute to credits in green building design All of ProRoc’s face and back paper contain Optigard line may be the bait you’re seeking. projects, CertainTeed has added a moistureboth pre- and post-consumer waste, with a Optigard Ant Gel Bait is formulated to control and mold-resistant gypsum board to its offerrecycled content of nearly 100 percent. ants in both newly constructed homes and ings, ProRoc with M2Tech. For more information, visit the company existing inventory. ProRoc gypsum board is a high-strength, Web site at www.certainteed.com. The new low-odor gel – which is clear and uniformly flat wallboard designed for use on non-staining – targets the entire colony, not Porch columns make strong statement interior walls and ceilings. It’s lightweight, easy just the workers. It controls a broad spectrum Great Southern Wood Preserving Inc. to cut and install over steel or wood framing of ants that ingest the bait and transfer it to the recently introduced YellaWood columns. and may be finished and painted using convenothers though regurgitation. It maintains its Engineered for structural integrity with a beautional gypsum board techniques. The M2Tech gel integrity at higher-than-normal tiful appearance, they are made of hightemperatures, so it doesn’t “run.” The M2Tech platform helps ProRoc resist density lumber with small knots and Additionally, it’s formulated to last, so bonded with a waterproof adhesive. Using moisture and protects against mold growth the first wood-preservative process to as it ages, ants will continue to be attracted to the bait and feed on it. with a water-resistant core and a moisture- receive Scientific Certification Systems as The bait, which is packaged in an Environmentally Preferable Product, and mold-resistant paper facing. ready-to-use 30-gram syringes, is they are pressure treated with micronized applied by pest management profescopper for protection from rot, fungal sionals. The small tubes feature replaceable platform helps ProRoc resist moisture and prodecay and termite attack. The columns have a caps to ensure less mess and wasted product. It tects against mold growth with a water-resisthigher strength rating than other glulam wood will not contaminate other control methods ant core and a moisture- and mold-resistant columns. Their hollow cores make them lighter and can be used as part of an integrated pest paper facing. and less likely to split, crack or twist than solid management program. For fire-rated assemblies, ProRoc is availtimbers. They also provide a hidden place for For more information, visit www.secureable in Type X, which is designed for applicaelectrical wiring. For more information, visit choice.us or call (866) 796-4368. tions requiring extended fire ratings, as well as www.greatsouthernwood.com. enhanced moisture and mold resistance. The Mold-fighting gets a big debut M2Tech offering achieves a score of 10 for mold Gypsum board resists A leading global fungicide producer, resistance per ASTM D 3273, the highest possimoisture and mold Syngenta, and National Gypsum have teamed ble score for this test. In addition, ProRoc wallAs part of its focus on products that can up to incorporate Sporgard brand mold protecboard meets ASTM C 1396 criteria. be used to enhance building sustainability and 8 Neighborhood Builder
Remodelers Standpoint
Council encourages professionalism and camaraderie By Harold Glazer 2009 Chair, Remodelers Council
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The Home Builders Association of RaleighWake County – especially the Remodelers Council – is one of the most unique groups of people I have ever had the privilege to work with. Just the other day I was in need of a new drywall contractor. (After 20 some years, mine had called it quits.) Not really knowing who was good, etc., I sent out an e-mail to members of our council. It was a small note asking for suggestions. Within one day I had more than 20 responses with multiple recommendations.
tion into National Gypsum’s Gold Bond XP family of gypsum board products. Syngenta developed Sporgard, a combination of mold inhibitors, to be used for mold protection in a variety of building materials, including paints, coatings, insulation and engineered woods. The new gypsum board, the first product on the market with Sporgard, debuted at the NextGen show home during the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. XP Gypsum Board panels consist of a fireresistant, mold- and moisture-resistant gypsum core encased in heavy moisture/mold/ mildewresistant, 10 percent recycled purple paper on the face and backsides. When tested by an independent lab per ASTM D 3273, the panels achieved a score of 10, the best possible score for this test. The board was designed to provide extra protection against mold and mildew compared to standard gypsum board products. The face paper is folded around the long edges to reinforce and protect the core, and the ends are square-cut and finished smooth. Long edges of the panels are tapered. Tapered edges allow joints to be treated in the normal manner. XP Gypsum Board is Greenguard Children & Schools Certified for indoor air quality. For more information, visit www.nationalNB gypsum.com or call (704) 365-7300. ■
When one thinks about it..., these are competitors who are willing to help. These are people who I bid against to get work, yet are willing to assist another member and friend. I know of no other industry where competitors are so willing to assist another colleague. It says volumes about our council and the professionalism that abounds.
years with people in our industry. I strongly encourage all to attend, whether you have an entry, participated as an associate or just want to have a great evening of fun. Functions, like the STAR Awards banquet, foster continued friendships and relationships that last for lifetimes.
Welcome! Look to the STARs Our industry’s professionalism also will shine during the STAR (Showcasing Triangle Achievements in Remodeling) Awards banquet Thursday, May 7 at the new Renaissance Hotel at North Hills. This is a great opportunity for both remodelers and associates to see and recognize the work of fellow council members. It is also an opportunity to sit back and enjoy the friendships that have been made over the
Anniversary
Welcome new members! Wade Adair – Plumbing Express Fred Crouch III – Crouch Contracting Inc. Russ Secrest, Jr. – Secrest Builders L.L.C. Steve Wade – Matthews & Wade Building NB Co. Inc. ■ Contact Harold Glazer of H. Glazer Builder Inc. at (919) 571-7798 or hglazer@nc.rr.com. Visit www.wakeremodelers.com regularly to stay informed. • • • •
Continued from page 7
ening. “This all seems to point toward tighter mortgage money conditions and the possibility of slightly higher interest rates in 1978,” Ammons wrote. The home building industry reasoned that freezing profits would help fight inflation. So a year-long campaign to encourage voluntary compliance was born and the HBA of Raleigh and Wake County board of directors followed the lead of the National Association of Home Builders and voted its support in July of that year. In an interview with a News and Observer reporter, Ammons explained that a house costing $47,000 to build in 1977 might have sold for $50,000, bringing the builder a 6 percent profit of $3,000. The same house in 1978 might be built for 9 percent more – $51,230 – but the builder was being asked to sell it for $54,230, earning the same $3,000 profit.
Bright spots on stormy horizon Despite troubling economic news in 1978, more than 20 new subdivisions were under way in Cary and north Raleigh alone. Development was taking off along Six Forks Road in the Bayleaf area of Highway 50. That year, HBA membership was comprised of more than 90 builder and 160 associate members. It was estimated that about 95 percent of the builders in Raleigh and Wake County were members of the association. POH went on as planned in September 1978, with 23 homes ranging in price from $46,750 to $130,000. And the HBA advertised that “Buying a New Home Gives You a Hedge Against Inflation.” A newspaper advertorial reported homes nationwide were appreciating about 9 percent a year. 1978 also was the year the HBA unveiled its local homeowners warranty program with great fanfare. Called HOW, for short, it continues to this day. ■ NB APRIL 2009 9
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10 Neighborhood Builder
Energy Star
Continued from page 5
cost of getting HERS certified and even see scores dramatically below 85. This results in measurable savings that will help sell the home in this increasingly energy-sensitive economy. Energy Star-certified homes provide customers with at least 15 percent greater efficiency than standard homes. To reward them, Progress Energy gives homeowners a 5 percent discount on their monthly bill for the life of the home! For more information about Home Advantage, turn to the Progress Energy advertisement on the inside back cover of this issue of Neighborhood Builder or visit www.progressenergy.com/carolinasha. To learn more about the Energy Star NB for New Homes program, visit www.energystar.gov. ■ Mark Tabert and Gary Andrews are Home Advantage Program managers. They can be reached at mark.tabert@pgnmail.com or gary.andrews@pgnmail.com, respectively. Or call (800) 327-8704.
Custom Limestone at Affordable Prices
Strength in Numbers Please welcome these new members into the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County with a call or personal introduction. Visit www.hbawake.com for company contact information. Thanks to the sponsors (name in parenthesis), because there is strength in numbers. (Lee McGregor)
Builders Charleston Homes — Scott Huffman (Warren Smith) Genesis Homes — Kevin Flaherty (Brent Kappler)
Patterson Custom Builders L.L.C. — Tony Patterson (Florica Hafiz) W. Chase Homes Inc. — Craig McLamb (Cindy Sheldon)
Associates Andrews Contractors L.L.C. — Larry Andrews (Van Vreeland) Avila Custom Trim L.L.C. — Enrique Avila (Nohemy Zapata) Broker/Realtor Group Inc. — Eunice Robertson (Van Vreeland) Carolina Custom Drywall — Tammy Collins (Thurwood Parrish) Choice Pool & Spa — Robert Lawler Four Seasons Holdings — Richard Jackson (Ed Dunnavant) Hedrick, Gardner, Kincheloe and Garafalo — Thomas Buckley (Brent Kappler)
Carolina Custom Limestone DBA- E.K.S. Wall Systems
Serving the Triangle for Over 15 years
Contact: Mike Heiner • Phone: 919-369-4811 • Fax: 919-846-0422
(Paul Latz)
Coldwell Banker HP&W Builder Services — Kori Beard (Debbie
(John Hayes)
Fireplaces • Exterior Window Surrounds • Range Hoods Columns • Balustrade Systems
BioFoam of North Carolina L.L.C. — David Kandel (Dave Schnepp) Blue Haven Pools & Spas — Brian Friel (Curtis Brock) BRFS Construction L.L.C. — Barry Felner (Richard Stockett) Closet Factory — Michael Pail
Lowe’s Home Improvement — Michelle Lovell (John Hayes) Pino Custom Granite — Giuseppe Craparotta (Van Vreeland) Plumbing Express — Wade Adair
Houston)
Design Surfaces of North Carolina L.L.C. — Albert Dubher (Ken Fiorini) Design Surfaces of North Carolina L.L.C. — Jeff Troch (Ken Fiorini) Fonville Morisey & Barefoot — Tracey Lower (Kurt Burger) Interior Design Society, Triangle NC Chapter — Doris Raymond (Paul Latz)
J.F. Builders & Associates Inc. — Stew Miller (Jeff Fike) KB Home — James West (Patricia Hanchette)
Pelnik Insurance & Financial Services — Brenda Atwood (Jerry Cowan) Progressive Foam Technologies Inc. — Greg Duplin (John Hayes) Pulte Home Corp. — Mary Toler (Elizabeth Wicker)
Tim Ellis Hardwood Floors Inc. — Tim Ellis (John Miller) Triangle Flooring L.L.C. — Donnie Register (Jeff Fike)
Rugworks Floorcoverings — Matt Gibbons (Andy Metcalf) Rugworks Floorcoverings — Jody Wimberly (Andy Metcalf) Standard Pacific Co. — Pam McIntosh
Affiliates
Toll Brothers Inc. — Shaun Smith
1st American Builders — Melyssa Kemp (Geoff Shiley) 1st Choice Cabinetry — Paul Latz
York Simpson Underwood — Susan Loyd (Warren Smith)
(Van Vreeland)
(Keith Wood) (Marisa Leigh-Laba)
Be proactive Garage doors will be in the spotlight in the June issue of Neighborhood Builder. Contact Linda Dickert at 919-815-3252 to advertise and reach hundreds of builders doing business in The Triangle.
Neighborhood
Builder
APRIL 2009 11
2009
2009 Total
2 63 8 8 48 13 27 17 12 3 -4 2 --
January Total
Jan.
New Commercial/ Industrial
Apex Cary Fuquay-Varina Garner Raleigh Wake Forest Wake County Holly Springs Morrisville Knightdale Rolesville Wendell Zebulon Angier
Below is the most current report from the Wake County Assessor’s Office (www.co.wake.nc.us).
Residential additions/ remodeling
Jurisdiction
New residential
Permit Report
Wake Watch
4 77 7 6 125 20 74 10 15 2 2 1 4 --
2 1 1 -11 2 -2 1 -1 ----
8 141 16 14 184 35 101 29 28 5 3 5 6 --
8 141 16 14 184 35 101 29 28 5 3 5 6 --
January Totals
207
347
21
575
--
2009 Totals
207
347
21
--
575
Calendar of Events April Main Events 3-5 6
Southern Ideal Home Show Parade of Homes Early Bird Deadline 7 HBA Scholarship Night, Wake Tech Community College 10 HBA Office closed 14-15 OSHA-10, 11:30 a.m. 15 TSMC Breakfast (Million Dollar Circle), 8:15 a.m., Brier Creek Country Club Remodelers Council Networking Night, 4 p.m. 17 MAME Awards Gala, Embassy Suites in Cary 20 HBA Spring Charity Golf Tournament 25-26 4th annual Green Home Tour 27 Parade of Homes Regular Deadline HBA Board of Directors, 3 p.m. 29-30 IRM-I
May 2-3 5 6 7
4th annual Green Home Tour Lunch n’ Learn: Lead-Based Paint Removal Governmental Affairs Committee, 3 p.m. MAME Committee, 8:30 a.m.
12 Neighborhood Builder
Green Home Builders of the Triangle, 11 a.m. STAR Awards, Raleigh Renaissance Hotel at North Hills 8 HBA Chili Cook-off, Lake Montague 13 TSMC Executive Committee, 9 a.m. HBA Executive Committee, 3 p.m. 14-15 IRM-IV 14 Remodelers Council Executive Committee, 3 p.m. 18 Parade of Homes Late Deadline HBA Board of Directors, 3 p.m. 19 Lunch n’ Learn: Aging in Place Concepts for Builders 20 TSMC Breakfast, 8:15 a.m., Brier Creek Country Club 21 HBA Education Committee, 9 a.m. POH Executive Committee, 11 a.m. POH Committee, noon Green Renovations and Additions 22 Business Management for Building Professionals 25 HBA office closed 28 TSMC Special Events Committee, 9 a.m. All meetings and events are conducted at the HBA, unless otherwise indicated. To register, call (919) 233-2033.
Rehab code for windows is “pretty cool” By Don Boelter Wake County Inspections, Development Plans, Permits Division
A
An issue has arisen with regard to the use of the North Carolina Rehabilitation Code when installing replacement windows. The rehab code states in Section 1.5, g., 1. “Exception: Windows may be replaced with windows like those existing without meeting the size requirements of the building code.” This is a very handy verse, if you are remodeling an existing house. From an architectural standpoint, it’s pretty cool. Let’s say you have a house built in 1908 and the only window in one of the bedrooms is an 8inch octagon and somehow it was broken or rotted or for whatever reason needs to be replaced. You would be permitted to replace it with one of the same dimension and type. If the house you are remodeling was built in 1985 and has a window in a sleeping room that has a clear opening of 16 inches and is 432 square inches in area, you would be allowed to install a new window of the same type and size even though that would be far short of current code. The problem occurs when the replacement window reduces the size of the original. Many times an original window met the minimum requirements of its time with nothing to spare. In this case, the replacement window cannot be of the type that reduces the dimensions required by the code. Even though you may be replacing a double hung with another double hung, you cannot reduce the size below minimum.
Inspection procedure change Wake County will require that plans be in the permit box at the time of electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in inspections. Previously the plans weren’t required until the framing inspection. This change allows the inspector to distinguish between finished and unfinished NB areas. ■ Don Boelter is the Wake County building inspections supervisor. He can be reached at (919) 856-6080 or by e-mail at dboelter@co.wake.nc.us.