North Carolina Builder by Association Publishing Inc.

The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association Vol. 39, No. 1, January/February 2009

Wiesner takes the reins NCBI offers full class schedule for March Meet NCHBA’s new leaders January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   47

The most impressionable art is behind the wall

The

It’s a stroke of genius the way Icynene® seals your home and protects you from expensive energy loss. Icynene insulation, thanks to its soft spray foam application, effectively minimizes most impressionable art isis behind thewall wall air leakage by sealing gaps and The most impressionableenergy-robbing art behind the seams through which air can get in and out. It’s a stroke of genius the way Icynene® seals Saving today’s energy-conscious homeowners your home and protects you from expensive up to 50% on their energy bills makes a energy loss. Icynene insulation, thanksIcynene to its soft highly attractive investment. Unlike minimizes conventional spray foam application, effectively insulation, Icynene as by an sealing air barrier toand energy-robbing air works leakage gaps deliver energy canout. outseams significant through which air savings can get that in and weigh the cost of the installation. And that’s just one today’s of the many benefits you’ll come to Saving energy-conscious homeowners admire about up to 50% onit.their energy bills makes Icynene a highly attractive investment. Unlike conventional insulation, Icynene works as an air barrier to deliver significant energy savings that can outweigh the cost of the installation. And that’s just one of theDealer, many equipped benefits to you’ll come to Carolina Foam Solutions is a trained Icynene Licensed answer it. all your questions. Call admire us today about at 704.400.6488 or visit our website at www.carolinafoamsolutions.com

Carolina Foam Solutions is a trained Icynene Licensed Dealer, equipped to answer all your questions. Call us today at 704.400.6488 or visit our website at www.carolinafoamsolutions.com January/February 2009

There are Times when building a home ThaT you need an experT. puTTing a fire inside your home on purpose is one of Them. The fireplace is the focal point of the home in the eyes of every potential buyer. If there was ever a time to use an expert, this is it. If your current supplier isn’t a “Perfect 10” on the Hearth Expert Index, you need to be working with Fireside Hearth & Home to be sure the fireplace in your homes are profitable, safe, and appealing.

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fireside.com January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   1

Nearly 75 percent of PSNC Energy customers feel that homes with natural gas and electricity are superior to electric-only homes.* So go ahead – give them natural gas! *PSNC Energy Brand Health Study, February 2007

Homes sell better with Natural Gas Homeowners know: there’s no substitute for natural gas water

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value and reliability of natural gas water heating.

models, and are more durable.

Call your PSNC Energy builder representative today at 1-877-867-7627 or visit psncenergy.com/builder. 2   North Carolina Builder

January/February 2009

Features

V ol . 39, N o . 1, J anuary /F ebruary 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

NCHBA welcomes its new president

Frank Wiesner, who took office as the state association’s 2009 President last month, wants to help members survive the economic downturn.

2008 in review

Lisa Martin Director of Government Affairs

mcarpenter@nchba.org

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

jhayes@nchba.org

Kathryn Atkinson Director of Membership Services katkinson@nchba.org

Ray Rhodes led NCHBA during a year of ups and downs, as the housing industry slowed and the association emerged victorious from one of the most challenging anti-business legislative sessions ever.

Deborah Alford Director of Exhibitions and Education

Taking the leadership reins

Tracie Garrett Director of Exhibitor Services

tgarrett@nchba.org

Kep Paylor Vocational Education

kpaylor@nchba.org

Dedicated members from across the state were installed as NCHBA officers and directors at last month’s quarterly meeting. Here’s an introduction to each of them.

NCBI offers business-building ideas

The next session of the North Carolina Builder Institute is just around the corner March 3-5. Check out all the pertinent info and sign up soon!

Helping boomers age in place

For both builders and remodelers, incorporating details that help homeowners stay in their homes as they age will become increasingly important in the coming years.

Elevator sales are on the rise

In this issue’s product roundup, you’ll find that elevators are increasingly being installed in homes of all sizes and price ranges.

Contents 4. President’s Message 6. Capitol Insider 7. NCHBA Calendar 8. Code Corner 17. Build-Pac Contributors 20. A Step Ahead 21. Spike Member Update 21. Spike of the Month 29. Knowledge Builder 41. The Green Scene 43. NCHBA News On the cover: Frank Wiesner succeeds Ray Rhodes as President of the North Carolina Home Builders Association. (Photo by Michelle Anysz.)

January/February 2009

Linda Hall Controller

dalford@nchba.org

lhall@nchba.org

Erin Jones Manager of Political Operations

ejones@nchba.org

Heather Crews Director of Communications and Managing Editor

hcrews@nchba.org

Wendy Spaziani Assistant Education Coordinator wspaziani@nchba.org 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   3

2009 NCHBA Leadership 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

4   North Carolina Builder

President’s Message by Frank Wiesner, 2009 NCHBA President

Together we can succeed

elcome to 2009! I could never express the words that would completely convey the depth of the honor that you — the members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association — have given me by electing me your 2009 President. As we continue to work our way through the most challenging housing market that our country, our state and our industry have ever faced, I am encouraged and draw my endurance from the strength of character that our members all across North Carolina are exhibiting. It has been said that a man or woman rises to his or her fullest potential in the face of adversity. I can say firsthand that I have witnessed this principle in local HBAs across North Carolina in the past year as I have traveled the state. Over the past few months, as I prepared to become your president, I took Wiesner inventory of our association, and I am pleased to report that I discovered an association that is strong, stable and poised to seize opportunities that cross our path. I would summarize the past, present and future of our Over the past few association in this way: The STRENGTH of our association is our powerful history months, as I prepared to and proud tradition of excellence exhibited by the men and become your president, women who came before us and cut the path that we today are using to grow our investment in the housing industry here in I took inventory of our North Carolina; association, and I am The STABILITY of our association is the absolute pleased to report that I commitment that our members and NCHBA staff exhibit in staunchly defending the core affordability of housing across our discovered an association great state; and that is strong, stable Our future is brightly lit with OPPORTUNITY because and poised to seize we, the current leadership of NCHBA, have been given the gift of success that we will protect and work to ensure that those opportunities that cross who follow in our footsteps will also find a favorable climate our path. in which to work hard and succeed as they strive to impact the communities in which they live. We must also accept the responsibility to care for and keep the torch of opportunity lit and burning brightly for the future generations of builders and associates who follow us. I look forward to facing the many challenges that the coming year has in store for us, and I promise you that we will celebrate many victories this year. I need every one of you as builders, associates and affiliate members to stay together and stay strong in each of our local associations, because the victories will not come easy, but we will, together, be up to the task at hand. We are, and will continue to be, the strongest and among the most admired and respected state HBAs in the country. These are accolades that carry with them great responsibilities and require a focus and humility that causes others to want to follow us on our mission. Failure has never been an option for us and together we will continue to carry the flame of leadership in the housing industry for all to see and find their way home. In closing, I want to take this opportunity to thank Ray Rhodes for his distinguished leadership and deep passion for our association this past year, and most importantly, for his friendship and support to me personally over the past several years. Our NCHBA leadership spends a good chunk of time together and we become family to one another. Ray has become and will continue to be the big brother my parents did not give me. I am grateful to Ray, and the many presidents who preceded him, for creating the wonderful NCHBA culture that we enjoy and that you have placed in my care for this year. I submit that I am up to this challenge and pledge that I will not abuse or forsake our association or your trust in me in any way. I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming year.

Frank

January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   5

Capitol Insider by Lisa Martin, NCHBA Director of Government Affairs

The most important legislation you’ve never heard of

orth Carolina is one of the few states to prohibit collective bargaining of state and local government employees and holds the distinction of being the least unionized of the 50 states. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates North Carolina’s union membership at 3.9 percent, even lower than our neighboring states of Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. While North Carolina’s ban on collective Martin bargaining applies only to public sector employees, the ban is an indication of our state’s distaste toward organized labor. Nationally, union membership has been declining. In 2007, only 7.5 percent of private sector employees were union members. Between 1999 and 2006, there were 9.5 million jobs created in the United States, while during that same period, unions lost more than 1 million members. The reasons are numerous; however, one reason could be that workers do not see any benefit from the 1 percent to 2 percent of their wages handed over as mandatory union dues. A 2002 study by the Bureau of National Affairs found that, after adjusting for cost-ofliving, private sector workers in the 10 leastunionized states earned $1,600 more annually than workers in the 10 most heavily unionized states. Additionally, between 1992 and 2002, the less unionized states generated twice as many nonfarm jobs — with better benefits — than more unionized states (www.forbes.com). In 2007, organized labor was desperate to reverse the downward trend of membership and filed legislation in Congress to do just that. Early in 2007, H.R. 800, with a misleading title of “Employee Free Choice Act” (also known as Card Check), was filed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The primary objective of this bill was to make it easier for unions to organize. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 241 to 185. All of the Democratic members of Congress from North Carolina voted “For” H.R. 800, while all of the Republican members of Congress from North Carolina voted against it.When the Senate version of the “Employee Free Choice Act” (aka Card Check) reached the U.S. Senate, passage was held off via a marginally successful vote of

6   North Carolina Builder

51-48 on a motion to “Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to Consider H.R. 800.” Cloture is the only procedure by which the U.S. Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill, and thereby overcome a filibuster. A vote to invoke cloture requires a 3/5 majority of the Senate, or 60 votes. By failing to invoke cloture, the “Employee Free Choice (or Card Check) Act” was essentially (and thankfully) delayed to death.

Instant replay While the “Employee Free Choice Act” did not pass in the 110th Congress, it will be a priority in the next Congress. A September 2008 article from “The Hill,” a Capitol Hill newspaper, quotes an internal memo from Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign that notes Obama was a cosponsor of the “Employee Free Choice Act” (aka Card Check Act).The Obama memo says “as president, [Obama] will sign it into law, because workers who want to unionize should be able to.” With clear Democratic majorities in both the House of Representatives and Senate in the 111th Congress, Card Check passage, while not guaranteed, is well on its way. Card Check legislation would be bad for business in North Carolina. The following explains why.

Guaranteed union organizing Under current law, if union organizers collect signatures from at least 30 percent of the employees in a bargaining unit, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) organizes and oversees an election to decide whether to certify the union. Under this process, workers hear all sides of the argument to unionize and then make up their mind with a secret ballot vote. If legislation such as H.R. 800 were enacted, secret ballot elections would be eliminated. Card Check would establish a process where, upon signature of 50 percent of a company’s employees, the employer would be required to begin union negotiation. Instead of a federally certified secret ballot election, the union would be certified by mere collection of a majority of signed authorization cards. Further, employee decisions on unionization would be made in front of union organizers, which greatly increases the opportunity for coercion. According to the National Federation

of Independent Business (NFIB), it would be easy for union leaders to intimidate employees into signing something they don’t really understand. By their very nature, card checks also leave employees vulnerable to harassment, misinformation and union pressure. Card checks strip workers of the right to choose, freely and anonymously.

Binding arbitration A secondary purpose of Card Check legislation is to amend collective bargaining laws to allow the union, after 90 days of negotiations (whether or not there is an impasse and whether or not the employer bargains in good faith), to request binding federal government arbitrators to set contract terms. The result is that arbitrators with little knowledge of the business would be setting wage, benefit and work terms under which both employees and employers would function. Only a business owner knows exactly what they can and cannot afford to pay their workers in order to remain profitable and stay in business.A federal arbitrator who has never run the business could order wages and benefits to be paid that would drive a company out of business.

Anti-employer sanctions Card Check legislation would increase penalties for employers, but not for unions, who violate union organizing laws. These penalties include civil penalties of $20,000 per violation.

Card Check impact on North Carolina businesses North Carolina is generally viewed as a great place to do business. One of the reasons businesses want to be in North Carolina is the low unionization rate and laws guaranteeing the Right-to-Work without joining a union. Of the 46 sponsors of the 2007 U.S. Senate version of Card Check, the only southern sponsor was Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Florida). Generally, the senators who were the biggest proponents of Card Check in 2007 were from states such as New York, Ohio and Illinois that have lost jobs to North Carolina. Senators from these states see Card Check as a way to level the playing field and bring jobs back to their states. While Card Check does not repeal or pre-empt North Carolina’s Right-To-Work January/February 2009

Law, the Card Check method of unionizing a workplace does undermine this long-standing law. Employees could be pressured to sign a card to unionize a workplace or face being isolated at work. In May 2008, NAHB unanimously approved Resolution #3, which urged Congress and the administration to oppose any effort to replace the current secret ballot process with a less private unionization vote or “card check” system. It is expected that NAHB will oppose Card Check legislation in the 111th Congress and will make this issue a priority at Legislative Day in March 2009. NCHBA’s Government Affairs staff is participating in a coalition of North Carolina businesses and trade associations that will oppose measures that weaken North Carolina’s laws and tradition as a Right-to-Work state. If you have any questions regarding Card Check or Right-to-Work issues, please contact Lisa Martin (lmartin@nchba.org) or Jessi Hayes (jhayes@nchba.org ).

Scholarship time! Applications are now being accepted If you know a college or technical student who needs financial aid, now is the time to nominate them for a North Carolina Home Builder Educational & Charitable Foundation Inc. scholarship. The foundation 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. To be eligible for the scholarship, a 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-in-law, 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. 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. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 30. For a nomination form or an application packet, visit www.nchba.com or call the NCHBA office at (800) 662-7129. January/February 2009

NCHBA Calendar

Schedule of Events

Jan. 1–Oct. 31, 2009

July 14-19

NCHBA Membership Drive

NAHB Summer Executive Board Meeting Colorado Springs, Colo.

Jan. 20–23 NAHB International Builders’ Show, Las Vegas, Nev.

Aug. 11-15

Jan. 20

Sept. 16-19

North Carolina Reception at the IBS, Las Vegas, Nev.

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

Feb. 2–6 Regional Meetings, Statewide

Feb. 17–18 NCHBA 1st Quarter Board Meeting, Pinehurst, N.C.

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, 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.

NAHB Executive Officers Council Seminar Louisville, Ky.

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.

No 2009 Winter Meeting NAHB Winter Executive Board Meeting

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

North Carolina Builder   7

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 Wake County Commons Building, 4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610. 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 November issue of North Carolina Builder)

Highlights on changes between the 2006 and 2009 North Carolina Residential Code SECTION R312 – GUARDS R312.1 Guards. Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 30 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be equipped with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below. North Carolina change – Changed the 34-inch minimum guard height to 30 inches on open side of stairs with a total rise of 30 inches above the floor or grade. Added porch and deck guard requirements if a deck or porch is enclosed with insect screening.

SECTION 313 – SMOKE ALARMS R313.2.1 Alterations, repairs and additions.When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a building permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings; the smoke alarms shall be interconnected and hard wired. North Carolina change – Added the “building” permit designation. 8   North Carolina Builder

SECTION R317 – DWELLING UNIT SEPARATION R317.2.1 Continuity. The fire-resistance rated wall or assembly separating townhouses shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab. The fire-resistance rating shall extend the full length of the wall or assembly, including wall extensions through and separating enclosed accessory structures. IRC change – Added new language on townhouse separation that requires that wall extensions for attached accessory structures be rated walls or assemblies.

SECTION R319 – PROTECTION AGAINST DECAY 319.1 Location required. …. 2. All wood framing members exterior sills and plates that rest on concrete or masonry exterior foundation walls and are less than 8 inches (203 mm) from the exposed ground. 8. All portions of a porch, screen porch or deck from the bottom of the header down, including posts, guardrails, pickets, steps and floor structure. North Carolina change – In Note 2 the last portion of the sentence was removed and Note 8 was added. R319.1.5 Exposed glue-laminated timbers. The portions of glue-laminated timbers that form the structural supports of a building or other structure are exposed to weather and not properly protected by a roof, eave or

similar covering shall be pressure treated with pressure treated with preservative, or be manufactured from naturally durable or preservative-treated lumber. IRC change – The specific requirement for gluelaminated members not protected by the structure to be pressure treated, naturally durable wood or preservative treated wood was added. 319.3 Fasteners. Fasteners for pressure preservative and fire-retardant-treated wood shall be in accordance with Table R319.3 of hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper. The coating weights for zinc-coated fasteners shall be in accordance with ASTM A 153. IRC change -- Added coating weights for zinccoated fasteners in the last sentence must be in accordance with ASTM A 153.

SECTION R320 – PROTECTION AGAINST SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES R320.4 Barriers. Approved physical barriers, such as metal or plastic sheeting or collars specifically designed for termite protection, shall be installed in a manner to prevent termites from entering the structure. Shields placed on top of an exterior foundation wall are permitted to be used only if in combination with another method of protection. IRC change – This section was added to address termite shields. Note that termite shields but cannot be the only method of protection. 320.5.4 Slab-on-grade (structural). All slabs which distribute the wall loads to the foundation shall be insulated as specified in Section R320.5. Foam plastic shall be installed along the vertical edge and underneath grade as specified in Appendix O, Figure O-3. North Carolina change – Added reference to Figure O-3 in Appendix O.

SECTION R323 – ELEVATORS AND PLATFORM LIFTS R323.1 Elevators. Where provided, passenger elevators, limited-use/limitedapplication elevators or private residence elevators shall comply with ASME A17.1. R323.2 Platform lifts. Where provided, January/February 2009

platform lifts shall comply with ASME A18.1. R323.4 Certification. The installer shall certify that the following conditions have been met. 1.The elevator or platform list has been installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. 2.The elevator meets the requirements of ASME A17.1, Part 5. 3. The platform lift meets the requirements of the N.C. Electrical Code. Before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the permit holder shall provide the Code Enforcement Official a letter of certification from the installer, evidencing compliance with the above conditions. Any maintenance requirements required by the manufacturer shall be clearly stated and affixed to the component. When an elevator or platform lift or its components has been serviced, the service provider shall certify that the elevator continues to meet the above conditions. IRC change – New Section. Added compliance requirement ASME A17.1. Also a new N.C. amendment was added that requires a certification letter be provided to the CEO by the installer and maintenance instructions be provided and affixed to the component.

Marketing and Public Relations Media Relations Copywriting Proofreading Internal and External Communications

January/February 2009

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Frank Wiesner NCHBA’s 2009 President is up for the challenge

W By Valerie Myers

ith a new year upon them and uncertainty ahead, North Carolina Home Builders Association members can find comfort in the knowledge that their new president is someone who is deeply rooted in the building industry and is keenly focused on the success of member firms all across the state. Many would say that home building is in Frank Wiesner’s blood. Wiesner, the owner of Olde South Homes in Raleigh, was fortunate in that he discovered early on a true passion for what he would ultimately make his career. At a young age, Wiesner worked at his family’s lumber company, which was founded by his grandfather, who was himself a home builder in the 1930s and 1940s. It was there, growing up in the Baltimore, Md., suburb of Glen Burnie, that Wiesner was exposed to different aspects of the building industry. As an adult, he continued to work his way up in the field, moving from a laborer to holding positions as a site manager and project manager at home sites. In 1994, in search of more opportunity in the building industry, Wiesner moved with his wife, Laura, and their two children to North Carolina. Four years later he co-founded Olde South Homes. Categorized by Wiesner as somewhere between a custom home company and a production home building firm, Olde South Homes has typically built about 120 homes a year for the past several years. “We are a production building company that offers homeowners the personal attention of a custom builder and the flexibility of modifying home floor plans,” says Wiesner. Soon after starting the company, at the suggestion of his sales and marketing representative, Wiesner joined the local HBA of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties (HBADOC). 10   North Carolina Builder

NCHBA’s 2009 President, Frank Wiesner, enjoys traveling, reading, watching college sports and spending time with his wife, Laura, and children, Carl and Amanda.

“Honestly, I agreed to join half-heartedly,” admits Wiesner, “but it has turned out to be a very good decision for me.” Very good indeed. Wiesner served on the board of HBADOC for five years and was the association’s president in 2005. He was also named Builder of the Year by the association in 2004 and 2006 and was honored as NCHBA Distinguished Builder for 2008 at the STARS Awards. A licensed Realtor, Wiesner has also

served the Triangle Sales & Marketing Council as a member of the executive committee for the past four years. Olde South Homes is a seven-time recipient of the Triangle Sales & Marketing Council’s MAME Building Company of the Year Award. And Wiesner was recently awarded the William C. Bass Leadership Award by the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation, which January/February 2009

Frank Wiesner sees his No. 1 priority as NCHBA President to be helping members survive the economic downturn. honors industry leaders for working to keep housing affordable for working North Carolinians. (Please see the accompanying article for more about this award.) “Through the (builders) association I have developed a high level of respect for individuals in the industry,” says Wiesner. “I love the camaraderie among me and my friends, who are also my competitors.” And, in the interest of all the members within the 66 local associations statewide, Wiesner has been seriously considering the tasks that lay before him as the 2009 NCHBA President. With the theme for the coming year as “Inspiring Strength, Stability and Opportunity in Challenging Times,” the new president sees his No. 1 priority being “to help the association members survive the current economic and industry downturn.” Wiesner recognizes that the strength of NCHBA lies in its advocacy for home builders and affordable housing through legislative, regulatory and judiciary means. And the stability will be found in the energy to meet the needs of the association’s membership in times of economic uncertainty. Opportunity through educational programs for members will remain a key focus for the association through its North Carolina Builder Institute (NCBI). The NCBI serves as the educational arm of the association and oversees all of its educational programs. In addition, opportunities to promote increased diversity within the association through new business relationships are also objectives of Wiesner’s. “The Hispanic and African American workforce has been a key component of our industry,” says Wiesner. “We need to identify ways in which our association can more closely reflect our job sites.” Wiesner recognizes that he and the association are facing a challenging year ahead and he has thoughtfully chosen to see it as an opportunity, rather than a burden. “At a time when someone else might be thinking, ‘why does this have to be the year I become president,’ I feel like it’s an opportunity for me to put my leadership skills and practical abilities to use to benefit our state’s entire family of association members and to help them through this tough period.” January/February 2009

Work with Habitat earns Wiesner leadership award North Carolina Home Builders Association President Frank Wiesner of Olde South Homes was awarded the William C. Bass Leadership Award late last year by the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®. The award, which is part of the group’s Housing Opportunity Foundation Homes4NC Affordable Housing Achievement Awards program, honors housing industry leaders for working to keep housing affordable for working North Carolinians. Wiesner’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity led to his being selected as the 2008 award recipient. Leading the 2008 Habitat for Humanity Builder Blitz in Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties, Wiesner organized hundreds of contributors and thousands of volunteers to complete 10 homes, spread across three counties, in five days and at no cost to Habitat. The Durham affiliate was the only group in the nation to finish all its homes at no cost. Wiesner has served on the board of directors for the Durham Habitat for Humanity affiliate since 2006, and he currently serves on the 2010 Habitat for Humanity Builder Blitz National Steering Committee. Also receiving Homes4NC Affordable Housing Achievement Awards are:

Project of the Year Award: Builders of Hope Raleigh Public Policy Award: Guilford County Homeownership Center Greensboro Brokerage Award: Partners for Homeownership Winston-Salem Finance Award: Bank of America Charlotte Education Award: Greensboro Housing Coalition, Greensboro

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12   North Carolina Builder

January/February 2009

Ray Rhodes led from the heart

By Mike Carpenter, NCHBA Executive Vice President

n his final President’s Message column in the December issue of North Carolina Builder, 2008 NCHBA President Ray Rhodes wrote: “In all of my previous monthly letters, I’ve tried to remain positive even when it wasn’t easy. I’ve tried to instill hope when it seemed there was none. I tried to write my letters as if we were sitting on a porch talking face to face. Those of you who know me know that I like to joke and have a good time. I, like many of you, have gone through tough times in life, but I always feel it’s best to Carpenter remain positive and laugh as much as possible.” These thoughts perfectly describe Ray’s leadership style, which was on full display during his tenure. His humble approach and obvious humor made those around him very comfortable and eager to support his goals and objectives. However, underneath Ray’s easy-going, funloving style is a very serious side. Ray worked very hard during 2008 to lead this association as storm clouds gathered in the distance. He led from the heart. Ray grew up in a rural part of Harnett County surrounded by a loving family.There he developed his strong work ethic and ambition for success. He left the farm to attend college in Tennessee and soon thereafter began working for a local builder. Ultimately, he established his own construction company in Chattanooga and focused on commercial construction and remodeling. He did a lot of work for the Club Corporation of America that took him across the country. After more than a decade of travel, he sold his business and returned to North Carolina -- clearly his heart led him back home. He soon established a new business, became

January/February 2009

2008 President Ray Rhodes, joined by his wife, Bernice, enjoys his hand-rolled cigar and mojito at the Cuban-themed NAHB Fundraiser.

a North Carolina licensed general contractor in 1988, and joined the Sanford HBA. He and his wife, Bernice, his sons, Matthew and Ryan, and his daughter, Anne Marie, are all involved in M&R Associates, which builds both residential and commercial projects. M&R is the very definition of a “family business.” Ray’s involvement with the Sanford HBA was soon recognized by his fellow members. He was elected to serve two terms as their local president which, in turn, introduced him to NCHBA. Thereafter, Ray served two terms as NCHBA Region III Vice President before he joined the NCHBA leadership ladder. It is now abundantly clear that 2008 was a very successful year for NCHBA, and Ray would be the first person to share the credit for that success with his leadership team. Frank, Lyle, Rick and Paul brought enthusiasm and vigor to the senior officer component of that team. To his great credit, Ray relied on their advice and counsel and that of his very capable NCHBA Executive Committee and his committee chairs. It was through the efforts of the regional vice presidents that Ray enjoyed his first success of 2008. The NCHBA regional meetings -- held the week of Jan. 14-18 -- were among the best attended and most productive regional meetings ever held. Some 277 of our members attended the regional meetings from 44 of our local HBAs. These 44 locals represented 78 percent of our statewide

membership.Two of the regions (VIII and X) had 100 percent of their locals represented. At least half of the time at each meeting was set aside to address local and regional issues of interest that had been communicated beforehand. NCHBA staff members, with expertise on those topics, were sent to those regional meetings. Ray’s yearly theme,“A Passion for Progress,” was in evidence at the NCBI winter session held at the McKimmon center in Raleigh in late January.A new record was set in registrants for the 22 courses offered. This success continued with a new record enrollment in the NCBI courses held in Charlotte at the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference in September. Prominent among Ray’s 2008 goals was an effort to increase our statewide membership numbers (i.e., “20K for Ray”). While the magic threshold of 20K was not reached, in May, following the very successful statewide membership contest, NCHBA crossed the 19K threshold for the first time in its history. In fact, we overtook Florida as the largest state association following that contest. The worsening economy has eroded those numbers somewhat in the months that have followed, but it appears that the yearly membership total will still remain well above the 18,000 member (See RHODES on page 14) North Carolina Builder   13

Rhodes

($2,500). As well, some 66 members contributed in 2008 to the Presidents’ Circle ($1,000). In 2008, BUILD-PAC contributed $114,000 largely to candidates for local office from local reserve requests initiated by our local associations. In this important election year, BUILD-PAC contributed a total of $295,150 to candidates during this cycle for races for the N.C. General Assembly, for statewide candidates, and to political party PACs. Finally, during this cycle, we raised in excess of $118,000 for NAHB BUILDPAC and contributed to 10 federal candidates in North Carolina. NCHBA hosted a very successful “Cuban-themed” NAHB BUILDPAC fundraiser in July in Raleigh that netted more than $24,000.

(continued from page 13) threshold. And, in so doing, we still remain No. 1. This is a remarkable achievement for Jerry Cowan, Ray’s 2008 Membership Chairman, and the local associations across the state. Ray’s other goals were accomplished. Great excitement surrounded the establishment of NCHBA’s Green Building Council and that excitement has continued to build. Ray’s increased focus on vocational education is paying dividends as is evident from the tremendous increase in attendance at NCHBA’s Voc Ed Committee. Ray’s emphasis on diversity led to the establishment of new and vibrant relationships with the North Carolina Minority Contractors Association (through the excellent work of Jim Graves) and the North Carolina Hispanic Contractors Association (through the excellent work of BMIC).All the while NCHBA continued its focus on promoting participation, education, and professionalism. Under Ray’s leadership, NCHBA enjoyed continued success in its ongoing fight against county imposition of the “home tax.” With the victories in November in the counties of Tyrrell and Polk, our record is now 23 electoral victories and no losses in 21 counties (we’ve had to defeat referenda in Gates and Tyrrell twice). Together with our great partner, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, we recognize that this is a battle we cannot afford to lose in any county in this state. The generosity of the NCHBA Issues Mobilization Fund Committee, chaired by Ray, has proved critical to meeting this challenge. The foregoing are but a few of the highlights of the many significant accomplishments of Ray’s tenure, others of which are noted below:

Associate Members This council continued its very popular quarterly newsletter and its “Thank You Letter” campaign to the employers of active associates to assist them in understanding the vital role that associates play in the success of NCHBA. Rick Shields was presented a well-deserved award at the 2008 NAHB Spring Board Meeting in Washington for his remarkable efforts in raising money for the NAHB BUILD-PAC associates’ giving campaign. The council continued to promote the new NCBI Accredited Associate (AA) and national Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) designations. It distributed the new Associate Member brochure promoting the advantages of associate membership. The NCHBA Distinguished Associate Member of the Year was awarded to Rick Shields at the STARS Awards Banquet in 14   North Carolina Builder

Ray Rhodes announces the winner of the $10,000 drawing at the 2008 21CBEC.

September. Many thanks to Council Chair Pam Pekrun for another very successful year!

Building Codes Very ably led by Ken Corbo, the NCHBA Building Codes Committee enjoyed a very productive and successful year. The committee was represented in every meeting of the North Carolina Building Code Council and the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board. The committee reviewed all proposed changes in the 2009 Residential Code and Commentary and recommended revisions. In addition, the committee continued its fine work in providing an on-going training program for our members so they will be able to utilize the most recent code interpretations and revisions in their building practices. Likewise,Robert Privott continued to provide very effective representation of our industry to the North Carolina Building Code Council and its Ad Hoc Residential Committee as well as to the NAHB Building Codes Committee where he serves as a voting member. NCHBA members Dan Tingen, David Smith, Steve Knight and Barry Maness continued to make significant contributions to our industry as members of the North Carolina Building Code Council. Dan, in particular, deserves our industry’s praise for his continued tireless efforts in chairing the council.

BUILD-PAC Elizabeth Cubler enthusiastically led BUILDPAC to one of its most successful years ever.Total membership contributions for 2008 exceeded $217,000. Some 21 local HBAs surpassed their local fundraising goals, led by the success of the Raleigh-Wake County HBA’s total of more than $68,000.Ten members joined the Knights of the Round Table ($4,000) in 2008, while another nine members signed up for the Capitol Club

21st Century Building Expo & Conference Our sixth edition of the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference (21CBEC) was again held at the Charlotte Convention Center and Westin Hotel in September. This edition proved to be among the most successful shows ever. Continued efforts to increase attendance were again demonstrated, even in a difficult economy, when almost 4,800 attendees were scanned at the top of the escalators leading to the show floor. With 349 exhibits on display, attendees were treated to the latest and best in goods and services available to the residential construction industry. The three-day educational conference seated 473 students in 51 NCBI, NAHB and general session courses. The star-spangled STARS awards banquet was another rousing success. The coveted Builder of the Year Award was won by Frank Wiesner of Raleigh and Durham. The golf tournament and Spike Party were also well attended and enjoyed by all. The High Production Builders Breakfast sponsored by Countrywide Home Loans, was again held with great fanfare at the Westin Hotel. Noted national consultants Tim Sullivan and Sam Chandan and Countrywide Builder Division President Jack Haynes gave timely presentations on the state of the economy to more than 60 top executives of major building companies in the Carolinas. NCHBA also held its Third Quarter Board and Executive Committee meetings immediately following the conclusion of this year’s Expo. Plan to be with us for the seventh edition of the 21CBEC in Charlotte, Sept. 16-18, 2009.

Events This committee, capably chaired by Nicole Goolsby, worked to promote better communication with the membership and that effort, in turn, produced excellent participation at all of our events in 2008. As noted above, the January/February 2009

attendance at the 21CBEC was among the best ever. More than 200 members attended our annual Legislative Reception held in conjunction with our Second Quarter meeting in Raleigh. The Builder Classic Golf Tournament, held again in Whispering Pines, added a fun twist to the meal event preceding the tournament at the lovely home of Pete Mace. A “BBQ cookoff ” competition between Robert Privott and Larry Airey produced a lot of fun and good fellowship and helped attract some 29 teams to the tournament field. The Builder Classic raised $11,300 for the NCHBA Educational & Charitable Foundation’s scholarship fund thanks to Builders Mutual being the event’s prime sponsor! In order to increase attendance at our quarterly meetings, the Events Committee continued to award a prize for the Regional Vice President that produced the largest number of first-time attendees from his or her region.The committee also continued the very successful New Member Orientation and Ambassador Program.

Other notable achievements included the effective exclusion of most residential construction from the 2007 budget special provision requiring all vehicular surface areas to contain 20 percent pervious pavement and the successful opposition to DWQ’s General Certification #3402 that would have arbitrarily reduced the threshold for stream impacts from 150 to 40 feet.

Legislative During the 2008 short session, this committee chaired by Warren Smith was ever vigilant. Of the 1,333 bills introduced into this session, NCHBA actively monitored

316 (or 24 percent of the total) as well as the hundreds of bills from the previous year of the session that were still eligible. While we and the Realtors passed a bill through the Senate to repeal the authority of counties to hold “home tax” referenda and another bill to clarify the authority of local governments to prevent the adoption of illegal “adequate public facilities” ordinances and fees, the Speaker of the House prevented these bills from being taken up. Despite those setbacks, NCHBA enjoyed an otherwise outstanding session. NCHBA was able to enact legislation: (See RHODES on page 16)

Green Building Council As noted earlier, NCHBA in 2008 established a statewide Green Building Council.The council held its inaugural meeting in June of 2008 under the gavel of council chairperson Michelle Myers. It is evident by the attendance at that meeting, and subsequent ones at both the Third and Fourth Quarter meetings, that there is great interest in this topic among our membership. The council is working closely with existing local HBA green building councils and is investigating a “brand” for our green building programs. The council began, and will continue, a discussion regarding NAHB Green affiliation.

Land Development Under the active leadership of Rusty Ammons, this committee continued to pursue a very broad agenda. It caused the presentation of oral and written testimony on several proposed initiatives of the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) including the Ecosystem Enhancement Program fee increase, the Coastal Stormwater Program rule changes, the Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy, the Oceanfront Development Setback proposal, and trout water classifications. The committee also actively monitored the various stakeholder groups that NCHBA participated in during the year. The committee led NCHBA’s successful opposition to HB 1756, the so-called “Safe Slope Bill,” in this year’s session of the General Assembly and its successful efforts to enact SB 1967, the legislative re-write of the onerous coastal stormwater rules. January/February 2009

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Rhodes (continued from page 15) • raising from a misdemeanor to a felony acts of vandalism to real property in damages of more than $50,000; • securing a record continuing appropriation for the Housing Trust Fund; • disapproving the EMC’s infamous coastal stormwater rule and replacing it with more reasonable alternatives; • placing a moratorium on further EMC stormwater rulemaking for up to five years; • effectively excluding residential construction from the pervious pavement requirements; • providing private sector wetland mitigation banks; • providing for special assessments by counties to be pledged by repayment of revenue bonds issued for infrastructure needs; and • requiring the North Carolina Building Code Council to re-examine its adoption of three additions to State Electrical Code to determine if they are necessary and cost-effective. On the defensive side of the battles, NCHBA was successful, among other things, in: • stopping 24 impact fee and land-transfer tax bills; • halting the imposition of new restrictions on development on slopes of greater than 25 percent; • exempting general contractors from the new irrigation contractors licensing law; • stopping proposals that would have increased Workers’ Comp insurance costs; • removing a provision that would have significantly disrupted the development approval process in counties; • preserving the three-year statute of limitations and the six-year statute of repose for real estate litigation from unintended consequences in an effort to correct a court decision affecting litigation against public bodies; and • fighting off attempts to place limitations on development in drought management legislation.

Membership As noted earlier, this committee, under the leadership of Jerry Cowan, led NCHBA past the 19,000 member mark only to drop back by year’s end to the 18,300 mark. However, during 2008 NCHBA surpassed Florida as the largest state association in the federation and that distinction remains so at year’s end. A very successful Spike Party was held at the 21CBEC. NCHBA again had 100 percent participation 16   North Carolina Builder

from all of its locals in the NAHB “Commit to Call” National Membership Day and received an award from NAHB in recognition of that feat. The committee continued the popular “SPIKE of the Month” feature in North Carolina Builder, and the “Value of Membership” DVD that was developed in 2006 continues to get wide circulation around the state. The committee continued the President’s Cup award that, in 2008, was given to NCHBA Executive Committee member Warren Smith who garnered the most SPIKE credits during the year. Jerry and the NCHBA staff continued to support membership events at the local, state and national levels in 2008.

Public Relations The committee, ably led by Kathy Harrington, re-evaluated the purposes, goals and objectives of this committee and laid the foundation for the bylaws provision, adopted at the Fourth Quarter meeting, which created the new NCHBA Communications Committee. This new committee effectively merges the responsibilities of the Public Relations Committee and the Events Committee into a dynamic new committee which is poised to begin its work in 2009. In fact, the two committees met at the Fourth Quarter meeting to jointly begin planning the agenda for the new committee. In addition, during the year, the committee continued to increase awareness of NCHBA activities through the use of various e-newsletters (e.g., NCHBA Monday Briefing, NCHBA Today, NCHBA Legislative Report) and North Carolina Builder. The committee welcomed new NCHBA Director of Communications Heather Crews in the fall.

Regulatory Affairs & Workforce Housing Under the able leadership of Patrick Mann, this committee was very active and effective. The committee was involved in the successful NCHBA legislative program noted above. In addition, the regulatory issues summarized above, in connection with the NCHBA Land Development Committee, were also a focus of this committee. In addition, at the committee’s direction, staff attended and participated in regular meetings of the General Assembly’s House Subcommittee on Rail Corridor Construction, the Joint Study Commission on the Potential Impact of Major Hurricanes on the NC Insurance Industry, and the Joint Study Commission on Housing. The committee also continued to monitor the work of the EMC, the CRC, the Sediment Control Commission, the Health Services

Commission and various other stakeholder and advisory committees.

Vocational Education This committee, chaired by Marty Jo Wilson, again sought entries, judged and awarded its popular NCHBA “Construction Trades Teacher of the Year” award to Don Ramsey of Durham County. Mr. Ramsey was honored with a plaque and check in the amount of $500 during December’s Presidential Installation Dinner. The committee also continued it longstanding involvement with the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Apprentice Contest at the North Carolina State Fair with Ray and Buddy Hughes serving as judges. Kep Paylor continued the job training partnerships with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the cities of Rocky Mount, Burlington and Raleigh.

Insurance NCHBA is proud to exclusively endorse the excellent product line offered to our membership by Builders Mutual Insurance Company (BMIC). In North Carolina, association membership is a precondition for the purchase or retention of BMIC insurance products. NCHBA appreciates the tremendous support that BMIC provides for all of NCHBA’s programs and events from the 21CBEC to the Builder Classic Golf Tournament. NCHBA would like to thank BMIC’s senior management and its Board of Directors for their commitment to the association and to the residential construction industry in North Carolina. Of particular interest to our members is the announcement made at the Fourth Quarter Board meeting by BMIC Chairman of the Board, Rick Judson, that BMIC would be returning a dividend of $3 million dollars to qualified policyholders in early 2009.

Heart By any measure, Ray’s year has been one of the best in the history of NCHBA. It will be long remembered as one of great accomplishment and of unprecedented success. Ray entitled his final column “The ride of a lifetime” and I have heard him repeat that statement to describe his year on several occasions. It has been my high honor to serve with Ray during 2008. He has a wonderful and supportive partner in Bernice who has traveled many miles with Ray across this big state in support of NCHBA. He has a great family that has supported him and held his business together for the years Ray has devoted to NCHBA while on our leadership ladder. Ray has worked hard for all of you and he is most deserving of your praise.At his core, he led from the heart. January/February 2009

BUILD-PAC year-end report

nder the outstanding leadership of Chairman Elizabeth Cubler and with the assistance of local BUILD-PAC Trustees, Presidents and Executive Officers, NCHBA BUILD-PAC once again has reached its fundraising goal. As of Dec. 12, NCHBA BUILD-PAC has raised $217,242.26, surpassing our goal of $182,840.00. Congratulations are in order for the 21 local associations that have met or exceeded their 2008 local BUILD-PAC fundraising goals: Thanks to the generous Appalachian donations of members across Alamance-Caswell the state, BUILD-PAC was able Ashe County to contribute $282,150 to proAsheville business candidates for the North Brunswick County Carolina General Assembly and Cleveland County Council of State during the 2008 Columbus County Primary and General Elections. Craven-Pamlico In addition, local associations Fayetteville were able to use monies from Gaston County their BUILD-PAC reserves to Haywood County contribute $114,920 to candidates Iredell County for local races (i.e. county Jackson County commissioner) during the same Lincoln County election period. McDowell County As we gear up for a new Onslow County legislative session of the General Raleigh/Wake County Assembly, it is important to Sanford remember how essential political Scotland County action is for our industry. When Wilkes County members contribute to BUILDWinston-Salem PAC, every dollar raised goes toward helping pro-business candidates get elected. It is imperative that our elected officials understand the contributions housing makes to the economy of North Carolina so that they can protect our interests. For more information on BUILD-PAC-supported candidates or how to contribute, please contact Jessi Hayes at jhayes@ nchba.org. January/February 2009

BUILD-PAC: Your support makes it possible By Elizabeth Cubler, 2008 BUILD-PAC Chair want to take this opportunity to thank all the builders, associates, affiliate members, staff, EOs and trustees who have helped BUILD-PAC grow. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your generous support. I am pleased to report that BUILD-PAC contributions for 2008 have exceeded our goals, and your commitment will go a long way in helping to build a strong and healthy association. Cubler Our main focus in 2008 was to increase participation through education and communication. To help educate members, the BUILD-PAC Board of Trustees developed a tool kit for Regional Vice Presidents to help deliver a presentation about BUILD-PAC when visiting local associations. A monthly e-newsletter also was produced to highlight issues related to BUILD-PAC and political effectiveness. We increased the base of participation through face-to-face contact with our members, and local goals were revised to reflect a $10 per member total to help make the goals more attainable. As contributors, you understand BUILDPAC is crucial to our success in the political arena. It provides our industry with a strong and collective voice on issues affecting our business interests. The housing industry creates and maintains thousands of jobs generating millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state. It is the engine that drives the economy. BUILD-PAC is our financial tool for supporting pro-housing candidates. A lot of money is required to ensure the success of re-electing and keeping these candidates in office. Without BUILD-PAC, environmentalists, “no growth” groups and other radical advocates would dominate and destroy our way of life. Thank you for supporting your industry through BUILD-PAC. If you haven’t yet contributed, please consider supporting your industry and your company by giving to BUILD-PAC. Our government works best and our future is most secure when we make the time to participate in the political process. Thanks again for your financial support and more importantly for communicating to each other the importance of protecting the American Dream of Home Ownership!

Always,

Elizabeth North Carolina Builder   17

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18   North Carolina Builder

NCHBA’s annual Expo set for Sept. 16-18

ark your calendars now for the seventh annual 21st Century Building Expo & Conference (21CBEC) presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Association. The industry’s premier home building show in the southeast is scheduled for Sept. 1618 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The home building industry is facing tough challenges in today’s economy, so those in the industry don’t want to miss this Are you interested in chance to learn how to “Meet Current Challenges with a New exhibiting at the 2009 Approach.” “The opportunities to move your business in the right 21CBEC? Select your direction are endless at the 21st Century Building Expo & booth space now! For more Conference,” said Deborah Alford, Director of the 21st Century information, contact Tracie Building Expo & Conference. “We offer educational seminars, expert speakers from across the nation, networking opportunities Garrett at (800) 662-7129 and a large exhibit hall filled with the latest products and services or tgarrett@nchba.org. important to the building industry.” Centrally located in the Southeast, the 21CBEC has consistently drawn huge crowds from across the region, and this year promises to be no different. More than 350 exhibits are expected to be on the Expo floor and 50-plus educational seminars will be offered. For more information, visit www.21buildingexpo.com.

Plan now to shine brightly at the 2009 STARS Awards Gala held during the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. Look for further details highlighting the competition entries, gala sponsorship opportunities and more in upcoming issues of North Carolina Builder or contact Kathryn Atkinson at (800) 662-7129 or katkinson@nchba.org.

January/February 2009

“ 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

January/February 2009

$10,000 Grand Prize

Golf Tournament

STARS Awards Gala North Carolina Builder   19

A Step Ahead

Recession survival guide for businesses By Patrick Astre

ne would think there wouldn’t be a need for recession planning. We should see them coming. The constant sine wave of business cycles makes recessions as inevitable as surging booms. Of course, if you put 10 economists in one room, we’ll get 11 opinions, so the exact timing of recessions is darn near impossible to predict. Still, like hurricanes, recessions come along once in a while, and occasionally one will wreak havoc on the shoreline. One of the great business models that can teach how to weather recessions is seasonal retailers. For instance, there’s a small business around the corner that sells swimming pools and backyard leisure items in the summer.Yet, when seasons change their business needs, you can bet the farm its display changes to snow blowers, wood stoves and chainsaws in September, and Christmas trees in December. Recessions come as regularly as seasons, just not as often. Businesses and consumers alike should be prepared for them just as they prepare for winter. So here’s a guide for businesses to handle recessions and the inevitable boom that follows.

The basics When you get right down to it, handling recessions, or any kind of business slowdown, consists of three things: • Cutting expenses as much as possible without affecting sales and income. • Maintaining sales and income as much as possible in the current environment. • Having and properly using an emergency fund to help weather the storm. Recognizing the basics and actually implementing a plan can be two different things. Here’s how to start: Understand the financial ebb and flow of your business. You should be using a computerized accounting system. QuickBooks is the premier system right now. If you have an accountant, he or she is probably using it. (If you’re using an old paper system and doing your own bookkeeping, your first task is to change immediately. Buy the software and take a course in using it.They are available online, as well as in various classroom settings). Your primary tools are found in the company 20   North Carolina Builder

financials, sales and customers sections.You will use three primary QuickBooks’ tools: 1. Profit & Loss Statements (P&L). The program will allow you to see all your expenses and income — categorized — and tell you if you’ve made a profit or suffered a loss during that time period. Run the P&L as far back as you can, five or 10 years if possible. Do it for each quarter and annually.You’ll be able to tell what period of time is most profitable, when expenses rise, what the expenses are, when income increases and in what categories. 2. Sales and representatives. If you have a sales force, the sales section of QuickBooks shows sales details by individual reps.This will tell you who’s doing the best job and who needs improvement. 3. Customers and invoices. The Customers & Receivables section of QuickBooks will show you open invoices and accounts receivables aging details. Now you will know how long it takes you to get paid and how many outstanding invoices there are for each period.This is crucial since the amount of time it takes you to collect has a direct impact on your cash flow. Once you have this information at your fingertips, you’re ready to begin recessionproofing your business.

Cut expenses Actually, a wise businessman should be doing this all the time. The trick is not to be like the butcher who backed into his meat grinder and got a little behind in his work. Trim only the fat, and beware of cutting things that bring in revenue. The first step is to scrutinize the expenses part of your P&L statement.Take steps to reduce obvious expenses that can be lowered. Energy costs through efficient windows or insulation, superfluous purchases, eliminating inventory or services that aren’t profitable — that’s the obvious. The rest is more difficult, especially in these areas: • Advertising: Be very careful to differentiate between crucial advertising that brings in business and that which doesn’t. Ask

customers how they heard of you. Offer coupons that must be brought in so you know the source of the customer. Record the answers and use it to manage your advertising budget. • Sales representatives. Use your sales records to rank your reps and assign territories. Know ahead who needs to improve their performance. Help them increase their achievements if you can, but cut them if you must. In a recession, the survival of your business may be at stake. • Employees. This is another tough row to hoe. Laying off people is the kind of thing that makes you wish you hadn’t gone into business. Examine closely the functions of each employee. In a recession, you may be forced to retain only key employees. Be ready, have the decisions made ahead of time and hope the day never happens. Prepare yourself to carry it out if the time comes. Watch your cash flow in good times. Business is good, money pours in, why get crazy, right? So collections are behind and expenses are too high, profits are still good, so why bother? The preceding words are the main reasons why businesses fail during recessions. There are many dangers of financial complacency, and when economic slowdowns occur, the business is blindsided. Collections are abominably slow, expenses are high and it’s a scramble to get rid of bad habits developed during economic booms. Pretty soon the “Going Out of Business” sign appears on the door. Straighten it all out during the good times, just when you think you don’t need to — because you really, really do need to.

Set up an emergency fund This is crucial. If you do nothing else, at least do this. Start putting 10 percent of gross in a ready, liquid fund tied to your business. Use a good steady bond fund like Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax Free Municipal Fund or ING Direct. Make believe this is another expense, and it is — it’s an expense that might save your business some day. Keep going until you have at least six months worth of your business’ gross income. In addition, have a ready source of credit in case a deep (See A STEP AHEAD on page 39) January/February 2009

Spike Member Update

Spike of the Month Name: Angela Kalamaras Company: MKT Real Estate Group of Coldwell Banker Triad, Realtors Position: Associate Broker Kalamaras How long in business: Seven years Spike credits: 26.50 HBA: Winston-Salem HBA involvement: Chair of Spike Club and Spring Festival Co-Chair Marital status: Married to George Children: Three children (Andrea, Andrew and Eric) and four grandchildren (Jake, Greyson, Kate and Kenzie) Favorite food: Any food is my favorite food Favorite movies: Gone with the Wind and/ or The Godfather…shows my Gemini personality Favorite magazine: HBA Newsletter, of course Ideal vacation: Any place where the sun shines Last book read: The Imperial Rockefeller Hobbies: Reading and enjoying my family First job: Carhop at a drive-in – I was fabulous on my skates If you had 15 minutes in front of the NCHBA membership, what would you say about membership recruitment/ retention? I would remind the association that the organization was formed to exchange ideas and information about their profession and industry. It creates a sounding board for builders to share common problems and solutions. It’s an organization that works together toward common goals regarding the community, legislation and philanthropy. Nothing has changed over the years.The association remains to hold true to those beliefs and practices.

SPIKE credits as of October 2008

Highest year-to-date current credits Spike Name

Credits

Cumulative Credits HBA

Alma Jacobs 192.00 868.00 HBA of Charlotte Warren Smith 128.00 351.75 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Tasha Soto 130.00 228.50 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Jerry Cowan 110.50 695.00 Greensboro BA Van Vreeland 92.25 988.25 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Rusty Tanner 82.00 305.00 Union County HBA Kathy Simpson 70.00 887.50 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Frank Wiesner 60.25 434.25 HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties Kenny Murphy 56.75 118.50 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Jay Harwood 56.50 1,155.50 HBA of Albemarle & Stanly County

Highest year-to-date total new credits Spike Name

Credits

Cumulative Credits HBA

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

161.00 114.00 69.00 48.00 39.50 38.00 37.50 36.00 35.50 34.00

868.00 HBA of Charlotte 228.50 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County 695.00 Greensboro BA 351.75 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County 45.00 Alleghany County Chapter 108.50 Union County HBA 64.00 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County 36.00 HBA of Charlotte 175.00 Asheville HBA 47.50 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County

Highest year-to-date retention credits Spike Name

Credits

Cumulative Credits HBA

Warren Smith 83.50 351.75 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Rusty Tanner 78.00 305.00 Union County HBA Van Vreeland 64.75 988.25 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County William Reaves 47.50 2,189.00 Moore County HBA Kathy Simpson 46.50 887.50 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County Jay Harwood 45.50 1,155.50 HBA of Albemarle & Stanly County Frank Wiesner 41.75 434.25 HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties Jerry Cowan 41.50 695.00 Greensboro BA Duke Geraghty 37.00 387.00 Outer Banks HBA Mike Houseman 37.00 299.25 HBA of Raleigh-Wake County

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!

January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   21

As 2008 comes to an end, members gather to celebrate successes, welcome new leaders

he North Carolina Home Builders Association celebrated the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 at its 4th Quarter Meeting and Installation Banquet, Dec. 10-11 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham. The two-day event included committee meetings throughout the day on Wednesday, the Installation Banquet on Wednesday evening, and it wrapped up with the Board of Directors meeting Thursday morning. The Wednesday evening festivities began with an elegant dinner, followed by the presentation of awards to the 2008 Sponsor Club Members. Following the awards presentation, Joe Robson, Chairman-elect of the National Association of Home Builders, stepped to the podium to swear in the 2009 officers and other association leaders, including the 2009 NCHBA President, Frank Wiesner. The evening concluded with dancing to the lively sounds of Jim Quick and the Coastline Band.

s Laura Wiesner pins her husband, Frank, with the official NCHBA President’s pin. t

Officers of the 2009 North Carolina Professional Women in Building Council are sworn in during the banquet. From left are President Tammie Smoot, Mary Ann Brafford, Emilee Collins, Nicole Goolsby and Dava Brown. s

Builders Mutual Insurance Co. announces during the Board of Directors Meeting that it is distributing $3 million in dividends to eligible workers’ compensation policyholders. Seen here from left are 2008 President Ray Rhodes, 2009 President-elect Lyle Gardner, 2009 President Frank Wiesner, Builders Mutual Insurance Assistant Vice President of Business Development Brad Moock, Builders Mutual Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer Mike Gerber, and NAHB Executive Committee Representative Rick Judson, who also serves as Chairman of the BMIC Board of Directors. t First-time attendees of the quarterly meeting gather for a welcome reception along with NCHBA officers.

22   North Carolina Builder

January/February 2009

Meet the 2009 leaders of the North Carolina Home Builders Association President

Frank Wiesner

Outgoing President Ray Rhodes is all smiles as his wife, Bernice, pins the Past President’s pin on his lapel.

s 2009 Executive Officers Council leaders are sworn in during the banquet. They include (from left) Natalie Woodbury, Bunny Boyd and Tim Minton. t Joe Robson, Chairman-elect of the National Association of Home Builders, formally installs Frank Wiesner to the office of 2009 President of the North Carolina Home Builders Association.

Olde South Homes Inc. 3921 Sunset Ridge Road, Suite 201 Raleigh, NC 27607 Phone: (919) 420-7400, Fax: (919) 420-7405 E-mail: cfw@oldesouthhomes.com

rank Wiesner was born and raised in the Baltimore, Md., area, where his grandfather was a builder for many years before opening a lumber yard and home center in 1946. Wiesner and his family moved to the Raleigh area in 1996 where he co-founded Olde South Homes Inc. Wiesner has been a member of both the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County and the HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties since 1997. Olde South Homes is a seven-time recipient of the Triangle Sales and Marketing Council’s MAME Award for Building Company of the Year. Wiesner was awarded the HBADOC’s Builder of the Year in 2004 and 2006, and was honored at the 2008 NCHBA STARS Awards Gala as the Distinguished Builder of the Year in North Carolina. He has served both of his local HBAs on various committees and councils, and served on the HBADOC’s board of directors for five years, including a stint as President in 2005. Wiesner served the NCHBA as Region III Vice President prior to being elected to the First Vice President position in 2007, PresidentElect in 2008, and currently is proudly serving as 2009 President. Wiesner has actively supported his HBAs through membership recruitment and as a major BUILD-PAC contributor over many years. He also supports various charitable organizations with his time and resources, including serving Habitat for Humanity in Durham as a board member since 2006 and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) as a member of the HFHI National Builder Blitz Steering Committee. Wiesner also enjoys traveling, reading, watching college sports and spending time with Laura, his wife of 25 years, and his children — Carl, a 20-year-old junior at North Carolina State University and his daughter, Amanda, a 17-year-old senior at Holly Springs High School.

President-Elect

Lyle Gardner Spectrum Homes 7706 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: (919) 848-2041, Fax: (919) 848-0455 E-mail: lyledgardner@aol.com

yle Gardner serves as president of Spectrum Homes, a singlefamily home building company, and Evergreen Construction Cos., a multifamily home building company. He has been serving the home builders association for more than 35 years in positions of local and state director, local president, local BUILD-PAC trustee (See 2009 LEADERS on page 24) January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   23

2009 Leaders (continued from page 23)

and chairman, NCHBA BUILD-PAC trustee, NCHBA Legislative Committee Chairman and Region III Vice President. Gardner holds a bachelor of science degree from North Carolina State University and a MBA from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of Grace Community Church in Raleigh and is an active participant with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. He also serves as a chairman of CASA (Community Alternative for Supportive Abodes) in Wake County. CASA is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing for people with mental and developmental disabilities. For fun, Gardner and his wife, Rhonda, enjoy bike riding, snow skiing and fishing.

First Vice President

Bill Daleure

Crosland Inc. 227 W. Trade St., Suite 900 Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 561-5318 E-mail: bdaleure@crosland.com

ill Daleure manages the day-to-day operations of Crosland’s Land Development division. Previously, he founded Daleure & Associates, a residential real estate consulting firm. A graduate of Purdue University, Daleure is skilled in financial planning, land acquisition, contract negotiation, product designing, marketing research, builder and customer relations, and land development activity. Daleure is a member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and served as Past President of the Home Builders Association of Charlotte. He is also active in Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, Charlotte Loaves & Fishes and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Executive Vice President

Mike Carpenter NCHBA P.O. Box 99090 Raleigh, NC 27624 Phone: (919) 676-9090 E-mail: mcarpenter@nchba.org

ike Carpenter assumed the Executive Vice President position with NCHBA on Jan.1, 2000. He has been a member of the NCHBA staff since 1989, as Director of Governmental Affairs and General Counsel. Prior to his affiliation with the association, he held posts with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and worked for United States Sen. Sam Ervin and Sen. B. Everette Jordan. Carpenter has been consistently ranked as one of North Carolina’s most influential lobbyists by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. He and his wife, Julia, have two children: Jennifer, a senior at UNCChapel Hill, and James, a freshman at Appalachian State University. A native of Haywood County, Carpenter enjoys returning to the mountains to fly fish for trout whenever he can find the time to do so.

Immediate Past President and NAHB Executive Committee State Representative

Ray Rhodes

M & R Associates 3487 Cameron Drive Sanford, NC 27332 Phone: (919) 776-0129, Fax: (919) 774-8739 E-mail: rayrhodes1@alltel.net

Secretary/Treasurer

Rick Shields

Countrywide Home Loans 9115 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 500 Charlotte, NC 28269 Phone: (704) 494-2745, Fax: (704) 921-0144 E-mail: rick_shields@countrywide.com

ick Shields has been an active member of NCHBA since the 1970s and is currently involved in the Charlotte and Lake Norman HBAs. At this time he is serving as the NCHBA Secretary/Treasurer, Trustee on the National Sales & Marketing Council, State Chairman for NAHB Associates BUILD-PAC, a SPIKE and an active state and national BUILD-PAC supporter. A builderfocused mortgage lender for more than 30 years, Shields has consistently been recognized as a leader in builder loan production. For the past 12 years, he has served as First Vice President and Regional Builder Manager for Countrywide Home Loans. A graduate of The Citadel, Shields and his wife, Jane, have two daughters and four grandchildren. His entire family lives in the Lake Norman area and are avid water bugs. He enjoys boating, fishing and golf, but most of all playing with his grandchildren.

24   North Carolina Builder

hodes proudly served as NCHBA President in 2008, after serving as First Vice President in 2006 and President-Elect in 2007. Over the past few years, he has also served as Vice President and President of the Sanford HBA and then served for two years as Region III Vice President for the NCHBA. Rhodes attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga,Tenn., and then started his own construction business. His primary focus was commercial construction and remodeling. After living in Chattanooga for 11 years, he sold his business and moved back home to North Carolina. Upon his return, Rhodes started a new business and became a licensed North Carolina General Contractor in 1988 and has been building commercial and residential since then. Rhodes handed over the reins of his company to his children — Ryan, Matthew and Anne Marie — last year and he is very proud to see their enthusiasm for the building industry. They, too, are getting involved with their local HBA. When he isn’t busy mentoring his children or managing his commercial rental projects, Rhodes enjoys boating, fishing and golfing with his wife, friends and family.

January/February 2009

NAHB Executive Committee

Rick Judson

Evergreen Home Builders 1005 N. Church St. Charlotte, NC 28206 Phone: (704) 342-3774, Fax: (704) 332-0709 E-mail: rick@evggroup.net

ick Judson has been a member of the Home Builders Association of Charlotte and NCHBA for more than 30 years. During that time he has served on practically every committee. In Charlotte he served as a Senior Officer, Chairman of Home-A-Rama and President of the SPIKE Club. He currently has more than 150 SPIKE credits. On a state level, Judson was NCHBA President in 2004 and was instrumental in establishing and promoting the concept of the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. As an active Regional Vice President, he pushed for what is now utilized as the “regional meetings” across the state. Nationally, Judson currently serves as Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee and as Chairman of the Housing Task Force Group. He is also a member of the Budget and Investment Committee. In 2009, he will serve a second year as the NVP for our region (North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.). He has been twice appointed as a Presidential Appointee by the NAHB President. Judson earned a business degree while attending East Carolina University on an athletic scholarship, and then attended Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania and the School of Industrial Management at Clemson University. He is presently the managing partner for the Evergreen Group in Charlotte, a real estate development firm. He and his wife, Cathy, have four grown children.

Vice President, Region I

Patrick Mann

lenn Morrison is president and owner of Morrison Homes Inc. in Greenville. He began his career by completing his residential carpentry degree from Pitt Community College in 1992, and then obtaining his general contractors license in 1996. Morrison is very active in his local HBA and has represented the PittGreenville HBA on a state level, as well. His involvement has included serving as President of the Pitt-Greenville HBA in 2004, Parade of Homes Chairman in 2001-2003 and Builder Member of theYear in 2001. Morrison also holds the NCBI Accredited Master Builder certification. In his spare time, Morrison enjoys fishing and riding his Harley Davidson.

Vice President, Region III

Barry Tutor

Bonded Builders Home Warranty 8525 Walter Myatt Road Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Phone: (919) 552-1367, Fax: (919) 557-2817 E-mail: btutor@bondedbuilders.com

arry Tutor is the Sales and Marketing Director for Bonded Builders Warranty, covering the greater Raleigh area and central North Carolina. Tutor is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in business administration. He is an associate member of five local associations: Raleigh-Wake; Durham, Orange & Chatham; Johnston; Moore; and Outer Banks. He serves on the Raleigh-Wake HBA Board as an Alternate State Director and is active on the state Associates and Communications committees. He also holds the Accredited Associate designation through the North Carolina Builder Institute. A native of Fuquay-Varina, Tutor is married to Connie Jones Tutor and they have two daughters, Kelly and Kristi. His hobbies include horses, photography and jet-skiing.

Action Services Construction Inc. 104 Taylor Lane Morehead City, NC 28557 Phone: (252) 726-1099 E-mail: act2serv@ec.rr.com

atrick Mann is a licensed general contractor specializing in remodeling. His firm, Action Services Construction Inc., has served the Crystal Coast in residential and commercial construction for more than 25 years. Mann has twice been named Carteret County Builder of the Year. He has served as a Director and Building Chairman for the Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity. Mann has been an active Director for NCHBA, having served as the Chair for the Vocational Education, Building Codes and Regulatory Affairs committees.

Vice President, Region II

Glenn Morrison Morrison Homes P.O. Box 2426 Greenville, NC 27836 Phone: (252) 321-1813, Fax: (252) 321-5598 E-mail: glenn@morrisonhomesnc.com

January/February 2009

Vice President, Region IV

Ralph Doggett Doggett Realty & Construction Inc. P.O. Box 2259 Burlington, NC 27216 Phone/Fax: (336) 570-9142 E-mail: doggettrealty@aol.com

alph Doggett serves as president of Doggett Realty & Construction Inc. and as owner of Doggett Investments in Burlington. He has served as local, state and national director, local treasurer for five years, local BUILD-PAC trustee for 12 years, state BUILD-PAC chairman in 1996 and 2002, and was named Builder of theYear in 1995 and 1999. Doggett has also served as NCHBA Region IV Vice President for six years. Doggett is a graduate of Alamance Community College and studied through the University of Wisconsin. He is active as a Realtor and builder, and has been a member of the Board of Regents at Liberty University for 17 years. He has served two years on the Guilford Community College Advisory Board. In addition, Doggett has been General Superintendent of Sunday School at Baptist Temple Church for 30 years. He and his wife, Anna, enjoy traveling when time permits. (See 2009 LEADERS on page 26) North Carolina Builder   25

2009 Leaders (continued from page 25)

Vice President, Region V

Jackie Trinchitella Gore Built Homes 5135 Morganton Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 Phone: (910) 864-4073, Fax: (910) 864-1694 E-mail: Jackie@gorebuilthomes.com

ackie Trinchitella, a native Californian, followed her husband’s military career around the country and the world for 20 years and finally, in 1990, set down permanent roots in Fayetteville, N.C. Working for Gore Builders/Developers on and off during what she calls her “military days,” she finally settled in, and 10 years later cofounded a new building business called Gore Built Homes Inc. Trinchitella has been a member of the Fayetteville HBA and NCHBA as a builder member for six years, but has been an active participant of the Fayetteville HBA for more than 20 years. During that time she has served on practically every committee within the association. In 2006, she served her local HBA as President and remains an active board member to this day. In 2008,Trinchitella was awarded the Life Spike Designation.

Vice President, Region VI

Brian Robinett

2005, HBAWS named him Builder of the Year. His company has been selected as one of the Big 50 Remodeling companies, as well as National Remodeler of the Month, Regional Contractor of the Year and North Carolina Remodeler of the Year. It also has been listed in the Top 500 Contractors in America for several years. Anderson has a civil engineering degree from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Vice President, Region VIII

Darrel D. Hamilton Darrel Hamilton Builder 480 Greenview Drive Jefferson, NC 28640 Phone: 336-982-4845, Fax: 336-982-4846 E-mail: hamiltonbldr@skybest.com

arrel Hamilton has served the Ashe County HBA as President in 2005 and 2006, and as the 2007 BUILD-PAC Chairman. He is the President of Darrel Hamilton Builder in Ashe County, which specializes in building unique mountain homes in Ashe County. Hamilton began his business building homes in Georgia with his wife, Donna, who continues to run the business along with him today. Currently he is serving as the Vice Chairman of the Ashe County Planning Board and is a member of Jefferson’s Rotary Club. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his two sons, Jon and Travis, watching racing sports, motorcycling, riding ATVs and traveling.

LKN Properties L.L.C. 7862 Sarah Drive Denver, NC 28037 Phone: (704) 201-9172, Fax: (704) 664-0290 E-mail: br@lknproperties.com

rian Robinett is owner of Denver, N.C.-based LKN Properties and LKN Builders. His service to the Lake Norman Home Builders Association includes Vice President in 2005, Treasurer in 2005 and President in 2006-2007. In 2006, he was elected Builder Member of the Year by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association. At the state level, Robinett has remained active in governmental affairs as a member of President’s Circle for BUILD-PAC, as well as serving on the Legislative Committee (2003-2007). He spends much of his free time with the apple of his eye, his daughter, Sydney.

Vice President, Region VII

Vice President, Region IX

Kevin Annas

Providence Home Builders P.O. Box 750 Granite Falls, NC 28630 Phone: (828) 396-8878, Fax: (828) 313-0309 E-mail: Kevin@providencehomebuilders.com

evin Annas, president and founder of Providence Home Builders, is a licensed general contractor in the Carolinas for building and highway excavation. Annas recently was elected Regional Vice President of NCHBA and has held the positions of President and Vice President of the HBA of Caldwell County. He also is a certified green professional by NAHB and holds the Accredited Builder designation from NCBI.

Erik Anderson,

Vice President, Region X

CGR, CGB, GMB, CAPS

Zac Koenig

Anderson-Moore Builders Inc. 8030 North Point Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Phone: (336) 759-7343 E-mail: erik@andersonmoore.com

rik Anderson is Vice President of Anderson-Moore Builders Inc. in Winston-Salem. As President of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem (HBAWS), he was instrumental in creating and implementing a mandatory continuing education requirement for all builder members. Anderson has held numerous positions in the local association. In

26   North Carolina Builder

Koenig Homebuilders P.O. Box 1897 Highlands, NC 28741 Phone: (828) 526-4953, Fax: (828) 526-8433 E-mail: zkoenig@koenighomebuilders.com

ac Koenig is President and General Manager of Koenig Homebuilders, which specializes in timber-frame construction and is known for creating elegant mountain-influenced homes. The company builds around five homes a year with an average construction price just over $1 million. January/February 2009

Koenig’s active service to the Jackson County Home Builders Association includes serving on the board of directors for five years, and serving as 2007 President, as well as being a BUILD-PAC trustee. He was elected as Builder Member of the Year in 2005. In February 2005 he achieved his Accredited Builder designation and in August 2006 he achieved his Accredited Master Builder designation. He also is presently serving as a member of the Jackson County Planning Board. Koenig and his wife, Jama, live in the mountains of North Carolina, where they are members of Cashiers Baptist Church. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and playing golf.

Board and on various committees throughout the past few years, including his current position as Vice President of Associates. Howard is a life-long member of Bell’s Baptist Church, where he married his wife, Jan. They have three children — Jonathan, Jill and Kelly — and four grandchildren. Howard enjoys many activities involving water, whether it’s Lake Jordan or spending time on North Carolina’s coast. Other passions include Duke University Athletics, automobiles and traveling.

Presidential Appointee

Mike Gerber

Builders Mutual Insurance Co. P.O. Box 150005 Raleigh, NC 27624 Phone: (919) 845-1979, ext. 342 E-mail: mgerber@bmico.com

Presidential Appointee

Elizabeth Cubler BC Custom Builders Ltd. P.O. Box 3160 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 Phone: (252) 255-0094, Fax: (252) 255-0111 E-mail: ecubler@bccustombuilders.com

lizabeth Cubler is a principal of BC Custom Builders Ltd. located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She has more than 16 years of professional experience in business management, customer service, project management, marketing, communication and problem-solving. She holds an unlimited building license, earned the Accredited Master Builder Designation issued through the North Carolina Builder Institute and is a Certified Green Professional through NAHB. Cubler served as President of the Outer Banks Home Builders Association in 2007 and 2008, is a member of the NAHB Remodelers Council, and serves on committees within OBHBA such as membership, education and legislative. She served as the Chair of NCHBA BUILD-PAC in 2008, which she strongly advocates, and is an active participant on committees such as building codes, land development and legislative for NCHBA. Cubler and her husband, Karl, reside in Southern Shores with their two sons, Blake and David, and their four dogs. She enjoys traveling, hanging with friends and is a fanatic about ice hockey — especially the Canes!

s a member of the Builders Mutual team for 11 years, Gerber is responsible for overseeing the company’s marketing, sales, training, underwriting and risk management functions. During his tenure with BMIC, he has participated in a wide variety of activities at the local and state HBA levels, including the public relations and membership committees, and has been a presidential appointee to the Executive Committee for the previous three years. Gerber also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County. As the company’s primary liaison to NCHBA, Gerber and his staff consistently support the association through their sponsorships, participation and dedication. He and his wife, Janine, have two children (Sarah, 16, and Erin, 12) and live in North Raleigh.

Chair, Associate Members Committee President, Women’s Council

Tammie Smoot

Move 214 Lighthouse Way Cary, NC 27511 Phone: (704) 507-4411, Fax: (480) 556-4506 E-mail: tammiesmoot@nc.rr.com

Presidential Appointee

Larry Howard

Pro-Build 4227 Sulres Court, Suite 100 Durham, NC 27703 Phone: (919) 687-4675, Fax: (919) 682-1005 E-mail: larry.howard@probuild.com

arry Howard was born in Apex and spent the first 25 years of his life in Chatham County on the edge of his grandfather’s tobacco farm. His first public job with J.A. Jones Construction Co. provided an entrance into the building industry. Shortly thereafter, Howard transitioned to a contractor sales position for Lowe’s in Durham. At that point, he began attending Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties’ meetings and various functions.The HBA provided an excellent opportunity to further develop his passion for both the industry and community. After several years with Lowe’s, Howard opened and managed the company’s second “Big Box” store and remained in that capacity until 1996. After leaving Lowe’s, he joined The Contractor Yard, now known as ProBuild, working in outside sales. His return to contractor sales reinvigorated his involvement with the HBA and he has served on the

January/February 2009

ammie Smoot brings more than 10 years of proven Internet marketing experience and 15 years of practical building industry knowledge to the Carolinas as a professional marketing consultant for Move. As an Internet marketing specialist, Smoot utilizes her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry’s inner workings to help builders, developers, Realtors and builder marketing companies focus on finding and implementing solutions to achieve their marketing goals. Her expertise also extends to the demanding intricacies of Web site development, tracking and internet media plans. An accomplished public speaker and sales trainer, Smoot has applied her in-depth industry knowledge in training sales personnel, educating marketing groups and entertaining builder groups. Actively involved in the National Association of Home Builders, she is currently appointed to the NAHB Education Committee and the International Builders’ Show Educational Seminar Selection Committee, elected as the NAHB Women’s Council Region B Trustee, and sits on the National Sales and Marketing Council. Smoot holds a North Carolina Real Estate Brokers license and is a Member of the Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM). (See 2009 LEADERS on page 28) North Carolina Builder   27

Resolve to get involved! There is strength in numbers and the best way to help make your association – and your business – stronger is to become involved. Make NCHBA involvement one of your 2009 resolutions and mark your calendar for the North Carolina Home Builders Association’s First Quarter Meeting Feb. 17-18 at Pinehurst Resort. At the meeting, you’ll find informative sessions and time to share valuable information with your home building colleagues. The first day, Feb. 17, will be filled with meetings and capped off with a “Get Acquainted” reception. Then on Feb. 18, board members will gather for an early breakfast, followed by the NCHBA Board of Directors meeting. To register for the First Quarter Meeting, call NCHBA at (800) 662-7129 or visit www.nchba.com. Deadline for room reservations is Jan. 26, 2009. Room rates are $134 for a single; $77 per person for a double. Call NCHBA for a hotel reservation form or call the hotel directly at (800) 487-4653. Be sure to mention you are with NCHBA.

28   North Carolina Builder

2009 Leaders (continued from page 27)

President, EO/ES Council

Bunny Boyd

HBA of Iredell County P.O. Box 7167 Statesville, NC 28687 Phone: (704) 881-0535, Fax: (704) 883-0626 E-mail: ichba@adelphia.net

unny Boyd has been the Executive Officer of Iredell County HBA since 2002. She is also half owner of Boyd Electrical Seminars, teaching continuing education in five states, and Boyd’s Back Yard Catering, whose motto is “family owned and operated.” Boyd has been inspired by NAHB 2006 President David Pressly for his commitment to service and also by Lou Ann Earnhardt, a builder member and great friend. She was President of the North Carolina Professional Women’s Council in 2007, after serving as secretary and vice president. Boyd was alsoTreasurer/ Secretary of the North Carolina Executive Officers Council in 2007 and served as Area Trustee for Professional Women in Building. Boyd serves on the Board of Directors for Iredell County Habitat for Humanity. She is a graduate of Mitchell Community College and in 2006 received the Duke University Non-Profit Management certificate. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, entertaining family and friends, riding her horse (Smokey Joe), and reading. She is married to Richard Boyd, her best friend.

January/February 2009

Knowledge Builder Tips from your industry experts at Builders Mutual

It’s time to take a look at your tools and equipment

he moment you open your refrigerator and see fuzzy green leftovers and smell spoiled milk, you know they’ve got to go. Is it as obvious when your tools and equipment need to be discarded? This time of year brings colder weather and business might have cooled down with it. There’s no better time than now to do a full review of your tools and equipment. So, head to your trailer or storage unit and see what you can keep and what needs to be replaced. These tips will help you get started.

Ladders: love ‘em, then leave ‘em To extend the lifespan of both fiberglass and aluminum ladders, protect them from the elements when you store them. When your fiberglass ladder fades from a bright orange to pink, it has been overexposed to the sun. Time to replace it.Aluminum ladders don’t rust, which makes it harder to detect excessive weathering. This past year, a North Carolina construction worker died when the support locking mechanism of his extension ladder failed. It was excessively worn, and a thorough pre-inspection could have prevented the ladder collapse and saved his life. So, inspect all ladders for broken or damaged components. Review everything from the support brackets to the side rails and rungs to the feet. Contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options. Typically, with the exception of replacing the feet, damaged components mean the same thing: time to toss it. Every component has a job to do, and when one fails, the whole ladder fails. For example, the top half of an extension ladder is not designed to be used stand-alone. When another North Carolina construction worker leaned the top half of an extension ladder up against the house, he was lucky to walk away with a mere broken wrist. Without feet and with makeshift bracing, it slipped out from under him.

other debris -- but only when they’re intact. Did you know that just like your canned soup or lunch meat, manufacturers place an expiration date on hard hats? Check your manufacturer’s recommendations, but typically a hard hat’s shelf-life is three years and only one year for the webbing of the inner harness. Have your’s expired? If so, replace them.

No-fail fall protection kits Pull those fall protection kits out of their containers. The bags or buckets in which they originally were purchased are the proper storage containers for them. Inspect each part to make sure it is in good working order. The harness, rope and shockabsorbent lanyard should be free of wear and fraying. Be sure no physical burns from welding

or even cigarettes damaged them. Are the metal components, like the carabiner and the locking snap hook, rust-free? If your fall protection fails any of those tests, it’s time to buy a new one. Quick quiz. True or False? If a fall protection kit has ever broken someone’s fall, it can be reused. False. It won’t function properly the second time, so replace it.

Extending an extension cord’s life Watch for the top three ways an extension cord can quickly become your worst enemy. First, identify cracked, frayed or worn cords. Often, you can cut off the undamaged portion and affix a replacement plug; otherwise, simply buy a new cord. Second, check the duty rating to ensure the cord is designed for hard or extra hard usage. Third, look for missing ground pins. Always remember, remove the power source before inspecting or repairing extension cords!

High-performing power tools Similarly, take a look at your power tools’ cords, and inspect them for the same hazards. Then, check for cracks in the housing (their plastic casing). For saws, sharpen or replace the blades every six months or sooner if you notice dulled teeth. An inadequately sharpened saw blade may jump and lead to finger amputation if not adequately sharpened. All tools and equipment need to be cleaned regularly, according to the manufacturers’ instructions, but typically a dry brush does the trick, so keep one in your tool box. Ideally, you should inspect your tools and equipment before each and every use, but let’s face it, sometimes you just jump in and get the job done. So, take the time now to take a look at your tools and equipment. It may only take a moment, but it may very well save your life.

The ABCs of PPE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will only protect you if you take care to keep it in good condition. Excessively scratched safety glasses impair vision. So, if you find a pair with scratches or cracks, toss them and buy a new pair. Their design deflects ricocheting nails and

January/February 2009

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.

North Carolina Builder   29

Enroll today for NCBI program March 3-5 THE PROGRAM — With fast-pace changes taking place in the building industry today, the North Carolina Builder Institute (NCBI) has developed professional level courses designed to give you an edge over your competition. NCBI is striving to provide you with an opportunity to achieve professional growth, share knowledge and insight with building professionals, earn a professional designation in the housing market, and develop a valuable peer network. FACULTY INSTRUCTORS — Faculty instructors have been carefully selected to develop courses in support of a top-notch educational program. Faculty will consistently update course materials and topics will change periodically to address current trends in the industry. REGISTRATION FEES — Course fees for NCHBA members are $85 per 4 hours and $170 per 8 hours. See registration form for non-member fees. Registration fees will be refunded if canceled in writing no later than 10 days prior to the class. Transfers to future NCBI sessions are NOT allowed. The deadline for pre-registration is Friday, February 27 — after this date you must register on site. DESIGNATIONS AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS — All initial course work must be completed in one of the North Carolina Builder Institute approved classes. Accredited Builder (AB): From the ground up, this certification program offers a comprehensive overview of key areas in the home building industry. All subject areas have been designed to appeal to a broad range of individuals with varying backgrounds and levels of formal education and will cover all major areas necessary for success. Topics will be updated periodically so that current trends can be addressed. Requirements: 72 hours of course work in the 100 and/or 200 level curriculum. Accredited Master Builder (AMB): Expert information designed exclusively for the experienced builder. Master courses will take you beyond the basics and into advanced instruction on negotiation, quality construction, diversification and much more. Requirements: Earn AB designation, and then complete additional 40 hours of course work in the 300 level courses. Accredited Associate (AA): This designation offers associate members valuable knowledge about the home building industry. Associates can take advantage of this great networking opportunity to build relationships with potential clients while developing knowledge of new industry trends and techniques. Requirements: 48 hours of course work in the 100 and/or 200 level courses. Accredited Master Associate (AMA): In response to overwhelming demand for further training on the master level, NCBI developed the courses not only relevant to the experienced builder, but for the advanced associate as well. Requirements: Earn AA designation, and then complete additional 40 hours of course work in the 300 level courses. Accredited Residential Superintendent (ARS): This designation is designed for the field superintendent or other site personnel looking to excel in his or her current position. With topics geared toward your specific needs, this program will give you the tools needed to be a success in the home building industry. Requirements: 24 mandatory hours and 24 elective hours in the 100 and/or 200 level curriculum. Mandatory hours are: PM101 Managing Time, PM201 Completing Your Projects on Time, DS102 Blue Print Reading, PM103 Quality Control Techniques, PM203 Maximizing Your Profits and PM204 Fall Protection. To maintain these designations, eight hours of course work must be completed each year. Initial certification is valid for one year ending Dec. 31 of the year following certification. Recertification is based on proof of completion of eight hours of continuing education on a topic related to the home building industry. Contact NCHBA for a recertification form. Hours for recertification can be acquired at your local, state or national meetings, community college or other outside source. SCHOOL LOCATION — Classes will be held at the Jane S. McKimmon Conference Center, North Carolina State University Campus, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27606. DIRECTIONS — Traveling east on I-40 from the airport, take Exit #295, Gorman St. Turn left onto Gorman Street. Go approximately 1 mile. McKimmon Center is on the right past Avent Ferry Rd., before Western Blvd. Traveling west on I-40, take Gorman Street Exit #295.Turn right onto Gorman Street. Go approximately 1 mile. McKimmon Center is on the right past Avent Ferry Rd., before Western Blvd. PARKING — Parking in the front lots of the McKimmon Center is free and usually plentiful.There are three smaller parking lots on each side of the Center that are reserved for University employees.Visitors are asked to park in designated visitor parking spaces to avoid ticketing. CONTACT INFORMATION — For additional information contact Deborah Alford at (919) 676-9090, 1-800-662-7129, fax (919) 676-0402, dalford@nchba.org or check out the class schedule on our Web site at www.nchba.com.

30   North Carolina Builder

January/February 2009

Course Schedule Business Management Track

BM104—Construction Contracts & Preventative Law—This course is designed to assist contractors in enjoying successful projects by avoiding conflicts and legal disputes through the use of comprehensive contracts. Participants will receive valuable information with respect to the essential elements of a contract and the essential provisions that should be addressed in construction contracts to avoid disputes. The potential rights, remedies and liability of owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers will be examined, as well as alternatives for dispute resolution. Instructor: Anne Slagle Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 4—8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BM105—Enterprise Risk Management for Contractors—Is your bottom line at risk? Having a handle on your business’ controllable risks can often mean the difference between profit and loss. Will you leave it to chance or are you ready to take action? Enterprise Risk Management is the process of defining, identifying, analyzing and planning for the risks associated with your company’s operations. This course is designed for business owners and managers to provide useful risk management tools necessary in today’s business environment. Upon completion of this course, you will able to construct and implement a risk management program specific to your company. Instructor: Ron Adams Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 5—1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. BM301—Charting Your Path to Success—Learn how to plan your strategy for company direction and growth over the next 10 years. Instructor: Greg Isenhour Designations: AMA, AMB March 4—1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. BM304—Estate & Retirement Planning—This course will help you begin to make the retirement preparations that will meet your needs, based on answering two questions: How much money will you need, and where will that money come from? You will also be educated about your estate planning options and shown some powerful, proven strategies you can use to make sure your heirs receive the estate you intend. Instructor: Spencer Combos Designation(s): AMA, AMB March 4—8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

January/February 2009

Building Technology Track

BT103—Best Practices—The primary focus of this class is to help builders identify ways to affordably “green” their homes while getting the biggest bang for their buck. The course will give builders the knowledge to build truly high performance homes that are sustainable, durable, safe, healthy, energy efficient and comfortable to live in. Instructor: Dan McFarland Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 4—8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BT201—An Introduction to Green Building— Designed to help NCHBA members interested in “going green.” This course will provide an overview of the NAHB Green Building Guidelines and the National Green Building Standard. Learn how site development, energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, sustainable or recycled products, and indoor air quality are increasingly incorporated into the everyday process of green home building. The NAHB web-based green home scoring tool that allows builders to design, build and measure green features will be demonstrated. Instructor: Steve Monroe Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 3—8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. BT202—Green Building Components—This session takes you inside and outside the house to demonstrate techniques to ensure energy and resource efficiency, better water conservation, improved indoor air quality and environmentally sensitive site design. This session will analyze the house as a system and the results of building green and healthy, as well as identify the components to a high performance home. This informative seminar provides cost effective construction techniques and sorts out the facts from fiction with regards to green building. Instructor: Dan McFarland Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 3—1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

North Carolina Builder   31

Course Schedule Continued Computer Technology Track

CA203—Computer Workshop (Hands-On)—This hands-on class is for the builder or associate who wants to understand more about MS Office and how to manage, save and e-mail files and folders, attachments, documents and photographs. We will expand into uploading photographs to Web sites and editing Word documents and basic Excel spreadsheets. Instructor: Cathy Foushee Judson Designation(s): AA, AB, ARS March 3—8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Customer Service Track

CS102—Selling Service Excellence—Topics include: the sales office, first impressions, "mental scrapbook," adjusting expectations, using models, sales documents, Saturday Supers and orientation. Instructor: Wallace West Designation(s): AB, AA, ARS March 3—8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CS202—Building Quality In: A Foundation for Builders & Remodelers—Topics include: quality gurus, quality foundation, zero defects, reducing variation, cost of quality and designing quality in. Instructor: Wallace West Designation(s): AB, AA, ARS March 3—1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Leadership Track

LD302—Ethics and Principles: Liabilities or Assets?—Everyday in many ways we all have tough choices to make. When you’re between a rock and a hard place does each one really matter as long as we accomplish our ultimate goal? Have you ever caught yourself saying, “It’s okay. Everybody does it.”? Or, “hey, whatever works!”? Participants in this seminar will explore ethics and principles as they relate to decision-making and develop strategies for responding to the challenges of today. Instructor: Greg Isenhour Designation(s): AMA, AMB March 5—8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LD303—It’s All About Me!—Using personality indicators and survey material, participants will learn their personality types and delve into the background of their actions. Through better understanding of all personality types, participants will gain insight into ways of improving relationships with both business and personal associates. Instructor: Greg Isenhour Designation(s): AMA, AMB March 3—8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

32   North Carolina Builder

Marketing Track

MK102—Advertising New Construction—Selling new construction is different from selling existing houses, and so the way we advertise them is different. In this course we will take a detailed look at strategies for advertising new construction. We will explore some advertising in the market and look at what works, what doesn't and why. Instructor: Steve Monroe Designation(s): AB, AA, ARS March 5—8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

MK201—Making the Sale—Salesmanship has changed dramatically over the past decade. The old sales tricks don’t work anymore. Today’s buyers are more informed and better educated than ever before. This seminar will explore issues important to today’s home buyers and give the participants solid ground for making the sale. Instructor: Steve Monroe Designation(s): AB, AA, ARS March 5—1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Project Management Track

PM102—Take-off to Higher Profits—This course will focus on the “nitty-gritty” techniques for accurate and efficient quantity material and labor take-offs. Instructor: Tim Fitzgerald Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 5—8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. PM104 – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Safety Course Part 1—Since 2000, more than 2 million people in the construction industry have been trained by OSHA’s 10- and 30-hour outreach programs. Step up your safety strategy by learning how to write and maintain an effective safety program your employees will adopt; understand the relationship between insurance premiums and jobsite safety; use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and hazard communication to properly handle hazardous substances; anticipate what to expect from an OSHA inspection, including your rights; and comply with OSHA standards for hand tools, electrical, personal protective equipment and excavations, thereby avoiding fines. (To receive a course completion card from OSHA, you must also complete PM204 within 90 days.) Instructor: Sean Purcell Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 4—8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. January/February 2009

Course Schedule Continued PM202—What Does It Really Cost?—This course will look at different types of estimating and producing systematic, consistent estimates for higher profitability. Instructor: Tim Fitzgerald Designation(s): AB, AA, ARS March 5—1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

PM204—Fall Protection Part 2—Of all jobsite injuries and fatalities, more than half result from the same type of accident—falls. So why don’t contractors pay more attention to fall hazards and the safety programs that can prevent injury or death? Often, they don’t realize they are at risk. By attending, you will learn to recognize and reduce fall hazards; connect fall protection with productivity and profitability; effectively use guardrails and harnesses; establish safety procedures for ladder and scaffold use; comply with OSHA standards to avoid costly fines; and protect yourself against third party litigation. (To receive a course completion card from OSHA, you must also complete PM104 within 90 days.) Instructor: Sean Purcell Designations: AA, AB, ARS March 5—8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

NCBI Faculty Ron Adams is Regional Manager of Risk Management for Builders Mutual Insurance Company. Adams' technical training and hands-on support increases contractors' jobsite safety knowledge. His coaching helps them proactively create risk management strategies, which improve their bottomlines. Prior to joining Builders Mutual, Adams held senior positions in risk management and product development with major U.S insurance companies and developed loss control programs for the construction and healthcare industries throughout his 20 plus year career. By developing risk management programs designed specifically for each client, he implements specialized techniques that identify and control risks for overall organizational effectiveness. Spencer Combos has served the construction industry for more than six years, helping his clients become more profitable by focusing on financial discipline, saving money and planning for retirement. Spencer is a registered representative for HD Vest Investments, a non-bank subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Co., and is also licensed in North Carolina in life and health insurance. Spencer is the vice-president of Accounting Etc. Inc., in Cary, N.C., with his business partner and wife, Debbie Combos. Together they serve general contractors and developers in all aspects of accounting, financial software, tax preparation and planning. Tim Fitzgerald has served the construction industry for more than 25 years as a master project scheduler, claims consultant, expert witness and project manager. Having worked as a scheduler for projects as large as $450M, and as a claims consultant on matters of scheduling, productivity, efficiency and damages, Fitzgerald is able to bring to his presentations practical aspects of scheduling, as well as first-hand knowledge of the many traps and pitfalls embedded in the scheduling process. Fitzgerald is the president of Fitzgerald & Associates, L.L.C., in Raleigh, N.C., serving owners, designers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and developers in matters ranging from claims, claims avoidance, scheduling and expert witness testimony. His expertise includes commercial, industrial and residential projects for private, state, federal and quasi-public (airports) projects. Greg Isenhour is a second generation builder with more than 20 years experience in the building industry. As a general contractor he owns Isenhour Enterprises Inc. In 1998, he established GUTS Inc., a business development and enrichment company that provides innovative educational and consulting services for small to medium-sized construction companies. Isenhour is a well-known national speaker within the home building industry.

January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   33

NCBI Faculty Cathy Foushee Judson is President of BPI, Construction IT Group with offices in Raleigh and Charlotte. Judson has more than 20 years experience in construction technology and has automated and consulted with hundreds of builders, developers, sub-contractors and remodelers offering services ranging from software selection, implementation, office procedure enhancements, and monitoring technology processes for the owner, staff and field personnel. From high-end technology to plug-and-play solutions, Judson has a proven track record of helping construction companies of all sizes and goals select and maintain technology solutions that fit the technology needs of today and tomorrow. Dan McFarland is the Director of Builder Services at Southern Energy Management (SEM) and oversees SEM’s Residential Building Science group. He draws upon his professional experience of over 25 years in the applied residential building science field where he has developed and implemented numerous projects in the residential market involving high performance new home programs, energy efficient multi-family buildings initiatives, training programs for the building industry, and residential building diagnostics. SEM, a leading provider sustainable building services in North Carolina with offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, provides green building consulting and verification services and renewable energy solutions to residential and commercial markets. Steve Monroe is a bestselling author, speaker and coach for individuals and companies wanting to strengthen their relationships with builders and within the building industry. Monroe brings 30 years of sales and marketing success to his seminars. His presentations use techniques, tactics and strategies that come in a fast-paced, interactive format, allowing attendees to have a positive and lasting learning experience.

Sean Purcell is Regional Manager of Risk Management for Builders Mutual Insurance Co., the dominant provider of insurance for builders in the southeast. Purcell is passionate about providing safe workplaces in the construction industry. He designs classes to help contractors reduce injuries, lower insurance rates, prevent OSHA violations, and avoid lawsuits. Purcell brings over nine years of expertise to the classroom and can easily translate knowledge and expertise into loss reduction, thereby maximizing builder profitability.

Anne Slagle Runheim was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2001, following her graduation from the Wake Forest University School of Law. After practicing construction litigation in Raleigh for several years, Ms. Slagle Runheim joined Pharr & Boynton, PLLC as an Associate Attorney. She has also been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and handles general commercial litigation, construction law, real estate litigation, professional liability and products liability. Ms. Slagle Runheim is a Certified Superior Court Mediator. She enjoys serving as a speaker and North Carolina Builder Institute instructor for numerous State and Local Home Builder Association educational conferences and events. Wallace West is a native of Wilmington, N.C., and a graduate of the University of North Carolina. As a N.C. Licensed General Contractor, he was a builder and developer in the Research Triangle Area of North Carolina for 12 years. During the 1990s, West served the housing industry as Regional Director for the National Association of Home Builders, Executive Director of the Home Builders Association of Mid-Florida and President of the Triangle Community Coalition. West is a principle in Coastal Carolina Streetscapes, LLC.

34   North Carolina Builder

January/February 2009

DEADLINE FOR PRE-REGISTRATION IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009 (After this date – register on-site)

NCBI REGISTRATION FORM – SPRING SESSION 2009 1.

Fill in the correct information. TYPE OR PRINT.

First Name:______________________ Last Name: ____________________ ____________________________________ Company Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________City: ____________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________ Telephone #: ________________ Fax #: ________________ E-mail Address:____________________________________ Local HBA: ____________________________________________________ Local #: ______________________________ 2. Please check (9) appropriate boxes. Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Thursday, March 5, 2009

8-Hour Courses: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

□

CA203 – Computer Workshop (Handson); AA, AB, ARS

□

LD303—It’s All About Me!; AMA, AMB 4-Hour Courses: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

□

BT201—An Introduction to Green Building; AA, AB; ARS

□

CS102—Selling Service Excellence; AA, AB, ARS

□

BT103—Best Practices; AA, AB, ARS

□

BM104—Construction Contracts & Preventative Law; AA, AB, ARS

□

BT202—Green Building Components; AA, AB, ARS

□

CS202—Building Quality In: A Foundation for Quality Builders and Remodelers; AA, AB, ARS

PM104—OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Safety Course Part 1; AA, AB, ARS

BM304 – Estate and Retirement Planning; AMA, AMB

□

MK102—Advertising New Construction, AA, AB, ARS

□

PM102—Take-off to Higher Profits; AA, AB, ARS

□

PM204—Fall Protection Part 2; AA, AB, ARS 4-Hour Courses: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

4-Hour Courses: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

□

LD302—Ethics and Principles: Liabilities or Assets; AMA, AMB 4-Hour Courses: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4-Hour Courses: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

4-Hour Courses: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

□

BM 301—Charting Your Path to Success; AMA, AMB

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BM105—Enterprise Rick Mgmt. for Contractors; AA, AB, ARS

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MK201—Make the Sale; AA, AB, ARS

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PM202—What Does It Really Cost?; AA, AB, ARS

REGISTRATION FEES: (INCLUDES COURSE MATERIALS AND BEVERAGE BREAKS) NCHBA Members:

$85 per 4-hour course $170 per 8-hour course

Non-Members:

$100 per 4-hour course $200 per 8-hour course

CANCELLATIONS: To receive a full refund, cancellations must be received in writing no later than 10 days prior to class. Transfers to future NCBI classes are NOT allowed.

MAIL TO: NCHBA, P.O. Box 99090, Raleigh, NC 27624 - or - FAX TO: (919) 676-0402.

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Amount enclosed $_________________________________________ (make checks payable to NCHBA) Select one (9): � Visa � MasterCard � American Express Card Number: _________________________________________________________

Expiration Date: _________________

Card issued to: _________________________________________ Signature: ________________________________________ ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— FOR NCHBA USE ONLY Date Received: __________________ Check#/Credit Card: _______________________ Amount Received: _____________________________ Paid By: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   35

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With a little planning (and some sugar coating)

Builders can help boomers age in place

uring his 25 years in the construction and remodeling business, Bill Owens, CGR, CAPS, has accumulated a lot of experience. One particular remodeling project, however, stands out from all the rest. One of Owens’ clients (who happened to be a family friend) suffered some traumatic injuries, followed Baby boomers tend by vision loss that to be healthier led to a fall. “The poor guy injured his and wealthier spine and ended up than previous a paraplegic,” Owens generations of says. All of a sudden, the home he’d lived similar age, and in for years — a expect their homes typical colonial in a to reflect their nice neighborhood active, independent — became hostile territory. “Lots and upscale of stairs, narrow lifestyles. doorways, inaccessible rooms, bathroom hazards — everything looks different from a wheelchair,” Owens says. Owens Construction, based in Powell, Ohio, designed an addition to the home that would eliminate such obstacles. “The house was in

an architectural review part of town,” Owens says, but he was able to call on longstanding relationships with city officials to expedite the approval process while he fast-tracked it on his end. After a short stay in a rehabilitation facility, his client was able to spend his remaining days in the comfort of his own home. “That was a tough time emotionally,” says Owens, “but it opened my eyes to the importance of the aging-in-place movement.” In fact, Owens helped develop and now teaches Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) classes, and strongly recommends education, especially in a down market. “The National Association of Home Builders offers endless resources,” he says. “Take advantage of being part of a nationwide organization that’s at the apex of the industry.” When it comes to marketing aging-inplace solutions, “Sometimes you have to call it something else — especially for the baby boomers who still don’t see the need.” Talk about great, open design options and they’re much more receptive, an approach Owens calls “repackaging the cod-liver oil.” Fortunately, aging-in-place design incorporates a lot of features from another increasingly popular concept, Universal Design.

Useful features for now and later Basic aging-in-place features include: • A master bedroom and bath on the first floor. • A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang. • Lever-style door handles. • No change in levels on the main floor. • Bright lighting in all areas, especially stairways. • A low-maintenance exterior. • Nonslip flooring at the main entryway. • An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area. • Handrails at all steps.

In addition to basic features, here are a few examples of techniques used by CAPS-trained professionals: • • • •

Lighting from multiple directions — reduces glare and shadows. Light sockets with more than one bulb — redundancy in case one bulb burns out. Stacking closets for a future elevator shaft. Contrasting colors for depth perception — use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps. • Convenience shelf at an entry way to place grocery bags. January/February 2009

Demand is growing Aging in place means living in one’s home independently regardless of age or ability. According to AARP’s landmark study “Fixing to Stay,” Americans prefer to remain in their homes as they mature rather than seek assisted living and other arrangements. More than 80 percent of all Americans age 55 or older currently own their homes, which will make aging in place the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling market.

Here are some additional facts and figures: • 89 percent of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP). • 75 percent of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging-in-place work (NAHB). • 60 percent of remodelers already perform aging-in-place work (NAHB). • More than half of all 55+ households rate their current home a nine or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey). • The aging population is the No. 2 issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years, only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).

Cater to mature demands Baby boomers tend to be healthier and wealthier than previous generations of similar age, and expect their homes to reflect their active, independent and upscale lifestyles. There is a significant shift from the “institutional” look to beautifully crafted designs that match their homes and tastes. Remodelers should pay special attention to avoid a “one-solution-fits-all” attitude and work closely with their clients to find the right products and designs.This may mean training to improve customer service and allocating more time to discuss the project with homeowners prior to the start of production. NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, developed the CAPS program — the only national educational designation designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002 more than 1,600 have completed CAPS, making it the fastest-growing education program at NAHB.

North Carolina Builder   37

Product Roundup:

Elevator sales are up even in these down times By Stacey Enesey Klemenc

Liftavator

Nationwide Lifts

38   North Carolina Builder

aby boomers comprise a generation that has been prepared its whole life. So it should be no surprise that as more and more of them build their dream homes, they are including features that will help make their golden years glide. And elevators definitely make the list. “The need for an elevator may not be immediate but they want to be sure they’re prepared,” says Roger Grear, president of Liftavator in New Bern, about many of his clients who purchase residential elevators. “We often hear people who are facing retirement say this is the last house they are going to build.They want to be able to age in place.” Kerie Lord, sales manager of Nationwide As more baby Lifts in Cary, agrees. “Elevators are not just for boomers set their the elderly,” she says. “Most of our clients are 50-, sights on homes 60-years-old and they can clearly take the stairs. they can live in for But they see the value in an elevator. They can decades, builders are save time and energy now and will already have adding features such the option in place when they can’t take the stairs as elevators to help anymore.They also find it handy when they have them achieve this goal. to lug stuff or tote groceries upstairs. It’s becoming (Photos courtesy of a modern convenience instead of a luxury.” Liftavator, top, and According to Grear, the demand for elevators Nationwide Lifts, has doubled over the past five years. In fact, he bottom.) says,“Business is growing at 50 percent a year even in this tough market.” Today’s residential elevators cost anywhere from $17,000 to $20,000 installed, but the price can go much higher if customers want chrome, raised panels, tile floors, glass etchings, exotic wood or windows to personalize their rides. Accessorizing aside, Grear notes, there are two main types of residential elevators: electric and hydraulic. Electric elevators, which tend to be a little less expensive than hydraulic, are solely contained within the shaft. Hydraulic models need a little room adjacent to the shaft to house their equipment. Lord says her company recently started selling a cutting-edge model called Freedom Green which uses a traction system to raise and lower the cab. Rather than a hydraulic pump and cylinder, its design features a small motor, which uses up to 50 percent less energy than conventional home elevators. “It’s the only green elevator on the market. With its chain-driven system, it’s made more like a commercial elevator,” Lord explains. “We’ll be seeing more and more of this type soon.” With the building slowdown, both Lord’s and Grear’s family-run companies are doing a fair share of retrofitting business rather than new home installations. But the new homes getting elevators aren’t just the million dollar variety. “We’re installing units in homes from $200,000 to $300,000 on up,” Lord says. January/February 2009

Builders also are prepping for the future. Many are stacking closets in new homes to create a hoist way for an elevator when the homeowner is ready to install one. “It’s a lot harder to put an elevator into an existing home without this setup,” Lord says, but it can be done. Grear says his company provides builders with drawings and conducts site visits at no charge to specify where power lines, plumbing and wall reinforcements should go when building these elevator shafts for future use. “This way homeowners are fully prepared when they decide to put in an elevator. With proper planning, they shouldn’t have to have a general contractor there when we come back out to do our work.” Right now, Grear says, he’s working on a project in Beaufort that will have 49 threestory townhomes with garages on the first floor, bedrooms on the second and the living space on the third. With the price of land escalating, building upward is becoming more mainstream — which is a boost for elevator businesses. “An elevator is not an appliance,” Grear stresses. “It should last the life of a home. When you’re looking for an elevator, it’s important to buy quality.” (Stacey Enesey Klemenc is a free-lance writer living in Virginia Beach,Va.)

A Step Ahead (continued from page 20) When he was asked why he does this, he replied, “Because it feels good when I stop.” It will feel good when you get this done, and you’ll sail through the next recession with a smile. (Patrick Astre, founder of Astre Planning Inc., is an author, speaker and a recognized tax and financial expert specializing on the economic issues of longevity. For more information, visit www. ProsperousBoomer.com.)

recession comes along and you need more cash. Be a miser with your expenses and a hog with your savings. Put it away until it hurts. It’ll pull your bacon out of the fire in a recession. There you have it, folks — a basic, commonsense guide to recession-proofing your business. In reality, doing this will improve every aspect of the business and boost your bottom line. It’s just like the guy who painfully banged his head against a wall.

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January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   39

40   North Carolina Builder

January/February 2009

The Green Scene North Carolina ranks second in number of green homes

ccording to Don Carr, National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Program Director, there have been 55 houses nationally certified as NAHB Green. North Carolina is second in the nation for number of homes certified to the new national standard with six NAHB Green-certified homes and there are 25 more in the pipeline. All six of North Carolina’s homes are in the Cape Fear region and have been built by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association members.“In spite of current market conditions the green sector still has great momentum. The future of home building is green, and if you

don’t get ahead of it now, you’ll be left behind” said Jeff Stokley, (2008) President of the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association. Christian Cardamone, founder of Wilmington’s Greenbuilt Homes, adds “I am confident that it will become mainstream practice and rest assured it is all for the greater good of our business practice and product. There is enough for everyone and when the tide comes in, all the ships will rise.” Cardamone created Greenbuilt Homes to create high-performance, efficient and most of all environmentally friendly homes. Cardamone’s company boasts the first “in-town” green home on Macumber Street in Wilmington. The Cape Fear region is staying ahead of the

Why is green building here to stay? By Dan McFarland

t’s difficult to go a day in the home building industry without hearing or seeing something about green building. That’s because, as consumer and builder research suggests, green building has evolved from a fad to a permanent trend that will be with us for the long term. But some obvious questions that don’t get asked very often are: Why? Why is green building here to stay? What problem does it solve? What basic needs does a green home meet that typical code homes are currently not addressing? To answer that question, let’s look back over the past 20-30 years and the homes we have built from a consumer’s perspective. Long gone are the days when homes were built strictly with minimally processed materials such as wood siding and nothing but dimensional lumber as our framing material, when 15 pounds of felt was the only underlayment material (and it was really 15 pounds) and homeowners understood the need for ongoing maintenance. As consumer demands and lifestyles changed so did the materials and systems we used for building a house. Now, a wall assembly may consist of an engineered siding material installed over a synthetic building underlayment on top of a sheathing material that may or may not contain any wood product. This has been progress and it has brought many great benefits. It has also brought a few problems. If we look back over the past few decades, the new home building industry, like every other industry that has been around a while, has had a few failures. Many of these have been highlighted in the public via class action suits and mainstream media coverage for high-profile cases. Others are limited to warranty claims, customer complaints and dissatisfaction spread by word-of-mouth. The failures can fall into four categories: Durability of the building or its components, health and safety, comfort and energy use. Or, in more common terms, these failures can be quickly illustrated by simply saying: hardboard siding, mold, hot bonus rooms and high utility bills. You get the picture. Home buyers are seeking assurances that those things won’t happen to their new home. In a recent McGraw-Hill Construction study, the three strongest reasons behind the purchase of a green home were lower operational costs, environmental concerns and occupant health. Nationwide, all three were nearly equal in importance when looking at the most critical reasons for buying a green home. But in the South, the health concern of home occupants ranked as the most important factor, representing a consumer need that North Carolina builders can fully address through green building. As potential buyers demand more from their homes, a certified green home may be tomorrow’s “Good Housekeeping seal of approval.” As in the past, builders who are able to change along with consumer needs and meet changing expectations will be in a better position for sustained success. (Dan McFarland is the director of builder services with Southern Energy Management, a North Carolinabased energy efficiency and solar power company serving the Southeast. He has more than 25 years of experience in energy efficiency for residential housing.) January/February 2009

curve, evidenced by the number of green homes currently under construction by local builders. Craig Stevens of Steven’s Fine Homes feels that it is crucial to provide new home buyers homes that are “NAHB Green” and “Energy Star” certified. “The benefit to the environment, along with the increased efficiency of the home leads to better stewardship and value savings on energy costs over the life of the home.” Stevens currently has over 20 NAHB Green-certified homes under construction throughout his nine communities and every home from this point forward will be NAHB Green and Energy Star certified. To keep local industry on top of the latest trends in green building, the WCFHBA has and will continue to offer educational opportunities that focus on green topics. “The green building courses we (WCFHBA) have offered have filled so quickly we are considering offering them again in 2009, and the growth of the Green Building Council, which has both a residential and a commercial component, has caused us to seek larger venues for our Council meetings,” notes Stokley.“Green building is where it’s at and both our local residential and commercial industry has responded resoundingly to the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building.” (Reprinted with permission from the Nov. 19, 2008, edition of The Leland Tribune, www. lelandtribune.com.)

EPA recognizes water-efficient home

he Environmental Protection Agency recognized Vanguard Homes’ “Sensibly Green” Concept Home as the first home in the country to be WaterSense labeled during a special ceremony in late November. The home is located in Chapel Hill’s Briar Chapel, developed by Newland Communities. Vanguard Homes and its sister company, Anderson Homes, have been chosen as one of only seven builders in the country to participate in the WaterSense New Homes Pilot Program, according to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, who was on hand to speak at the ceremony. Vanguard Homes’ WaterSense-labeled new homes will be at least 20 percent more water efficient than homes currently being built under traditional standards, saving homeowners more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. These homes are designed to use significantly less water inside and out, through efficient plumbing fixtures, hot water delivery, appliances, landscape design and irrigation systems. “This kind of WaterSense label is a milestone (See GREEN SCENE on page 42) North Carolina Builder   41

Green Scene (continued from page 41)

water resources as well as money for the homeowners, also lessen the stress on water and wastewater infrastructure systems across the country. For more information about the WaterSense New Home Pilot Program, visit www.epa.gov/ watersense.

Fenestration industry commits to recycling

s Vanguard Homes’ Sensibly Green Concept Home is the first in the country to earn the WaterSense label. t EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson explains the program during a ceremony in November.

for us as a builder and leader in the industry, and we strive to achieve that kind of excellence every day,” said Kip Guyon, President of Vanguard Homes. “It is so important to maximize home site integrity, while minimizing environmental impact.” Vanguard Homes’ WaterSense-labeled new home conserves water by using WaterSenselabeled dual flush toilets, bathroom faucet aerators and low-flow high-efficiency shower heads. In addition, Energy Star-rated clothes washers, dishwashers, a whole house filtration system and a hot water circulation pump work in harmony to save water. An Energy Star Partner of the Year in the Carolinas in 2006 and 2007, Vanguard Homes also received the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award in 2008. In addition, the Sensibly Green Concept Home in Briar Chapel achieved gold-level certification from the Green Home Builders of the Triangle and the NAHB Green Building Program. The EPA created WaterSense in 2006 to help Americans save water for future generations. WaterSense-labeled new homes, while saving 42   North Carolina Builder

he North American window and door industry has entered a new phase in its commitment to environmental sustainability through recycling, according to Avoiding the Landfill: The Recycling of Vinyl Windows and Doors, a recently released paper by the Vinyl Material Council (VMC) of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). The VMC initiated a feasibility study to evaluate strategies for making post-consumer vinyl recycling activities viable on a broad scale, and established a task group to outline the challenges of creating an industry-wide vinyl window and door recycling program.The VMC determined that, for an industry-wide window and door program to be successful, it would have to include windows and doors of all varying materials, not just vinyl windows and doors. Market research cited within the publication indicate that vinyl windows now account for 60 percent of all conventional residential windows sold in the United States, and vinyl patio doors hold a 41 percent market share. Avoiding the Landfill notes that vinyl is a particularly attractive recycling target because it can be melted and reformed repeatedly, enabling nearly 100 percent of all industrial waste generated in the production of vinyl to be recycled via closed-loop recycling. Also noted is the high percentage of post-industrial vinyl – 80 percent -- that is being reclaimed and recycled. AAMA’s VMC reports that for a recycling program in North America to be both sustainable and economically feasible, there would have to be a sufficient number of collection centers spread across the continent, along with a logistics network to support the transportation of materials to recyclers. North America’s significant vinyl recycling infrastructure has more than 70 vinyl recycling operations and 80 manufacturers, whose products include recycled vinyl. The paper contends that the continent is well positioned for a post-consumer vinyl recycling program that would include window and door units. Avoiding the Landfill: The Recycling of Vinyl Windows and

Doors is available for download, at no cost, via the Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability section of the AAMA Vinyl Material Council’s Web page at www.aamanet.org.

Carolina Country Builders win Green Building Award

he Triangle Business Journal named Carolina Country Builders the winner of its 2008 Green Building Award for a Green Residential Remodeling Project. The 2008 Green Awards honor those in the Triangle who have successfully incorporated environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses and their communities. Carolina Country Builders, a Chatham County-based design/build company founded in 1985, was given the award for its work on the Knight-Baldwin residence, a residential addition/renovation project recently completed in Chapel Hill. The project was designed by Alicia Ravetto, Architect PA of Carrboro, and Paul Konove, Designer/Builder of Carolina Country Builders. The Knight-Baldwin project turned a 15-year-old, 1,800-square-foot inefficient home into a 3,000-plus-square-foot energy-efficient home with a passive solar design and a 6KW solar electric system. The work included a twostory addition with an upstairs bedroom and work space, and a family/meeting room, laundry, bathroom, entry and a two-car garage on the first floor. It also included a full renovation of the existing home to improve the indoor air quality while also improving the home’s energy efficiency. Green features of the home included energy conservation measures, a sealed crawl space, Energy Star appliances, passive solar design, solar electric, solar hot water, decorative concrete floors and countertops, dual-flush toilets and prefinished cork and bamboo flooring. Many items removed from the home were donated to Habitat for Humanity or reused in the project. t This home by Carolina Country Builders won the company a Green Building Award.

January/February 2009

NCHBA News Wilmington HBA wins NAHB award

ongratulations to the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association Sales and Marketing Council for receiving the National Association of Home Builders’ First Place Membership Award given by the Sales and Marketing Council. The award recognizes the WCFHBA SMC for recruiting the most new members (18) for HBA Group Size 2 (50-99 members) during the National Membership Day competition earlier this year.

Lexington Station was built using elements of R-Anell’s “Build It Green” construction program. R-Anell, an Energy Star partner, has modeled its “Build It Green” program to incorporate many of the requirements of the North Carolina Healthy Built Home Program, the NAHB Green Building Standards and the U.S. Green Building Council. R-Anell’s manufacturing facility has been independently audited against a set of 232 criteria of conventional and credible green construction methodologies.

Magazine features Asheville builder

ean Sullivan and his custom home building company, Living Stone Construction, were featured recently in the Western North Carolina edition of Builder/Architect magazine. The article, which included a cover photograph of Sullivan and his team, focused on the Black Mountainbased company’s custom-building process and highlighted such homes as the Green residence in The Settings, which won a STARS Award for Outstanding Achievement in the North Carolina Home Builders Association’s 2008 STARS Awards Competition. Sullivan Sullivan served as the 2008 President of the Asheville Home Builders Association. He recently earned his Accredited Builder designation.

CMH Flooring announces acquisition

MH Flooring Products Inc., headquartered in Wadesboro, N.C., has acquired Space Flooring, headquartered in Smyrna, Ga. Space Flooring will continue to operate as an independent entity with Kent Goodman remaining as President of that firm. “This is a wonderful fit. Space will definitely benefit from this affiliation with CMH.The owners of CMH are a great group of business s Lexington Station in Asheville, N.C., won an excellence in design award for professionals and our combined staffs have decades of experience that will R-Anell Homes from the NAHB Building Systems Councils. benefit both established and new customers,” Kent Goodman stated. Hoy Lanning, CEO of CMH, commented, “Our companies R-Anell division wins design award -Anell Multi-Family and Commercial, a division of R-Anell Homes, complement each other. . . While many products are currently offered has won the 2009 National Association of Home Builders Building by both companies, there are products that will remain exclusives to the Systems Councils’ Excellence in Design award for its Lexington Station respected Space and CMH organizations, such as Congoleum.” Both CMH Flooring Products and Space Flooring have established project, achieving its second design national win during 2008. Each year, the NAHB Building Systems Councils honors industry solid reputations in the flooring industry. The companies have a combined leaders through its Excellence in Marketing and Home Design awards history of 58 years. They are recognized as one of the nation’s leading program. The awards honor those excelling in building with systems distributors of premier residential and commercial flooring products. in the categories of exceptional home design and marketing materials. Their customers include national chains, large and small independent flooring retailers, installation base companies, commercial flooring Applicants include manufacturers, builders and associate members. Lexington Station, located in popular downtown Asheville, N.C., was contractors and the architectural and design community. In 2007, sales completed in phases during March 2006 through August 2007. The for both firms totaled $175 million. developer, Steve Moberg of Flannery Fork Construction, teamed R-Anell with Glazer Architecture, one of the region’s premier architectural firms. First Woods golf course is unveiled o a crowd of more than 1,000 people,Tiger Woods, Chairman of Tiger The design integrates 70 residential condominiums, 25,000 square feet Woods Design, and Jim Anthony, Founder and CEO of The Cliffs of commercial office and retail space on the first level, a restaurant and 100 underground parking spaces across three keycard-secured multifloor Communities, unveiled The Cliffs at High Carolina this past November, featuring Tiger Woods Design’s first golf course in America. buildings. The debut of the course’s design, held on site at The Cliffs at High “This second national win for Lexington Station’s design is a great achievement for R-Anell’s multifamily and commercial business segment,” Carolina near Asheville, N.C., followed a celebration of the inaugural said R-Anell’s President, Dennis Jones.“This segment has grown across the release of home sites available for purchase within the community — the Southeast and this type of mixed-use design is ideal for urban locations that culmination of a reservation-based sale process with buyers hailing from want to attract young professionals and families to be downtown dwellers.” across the country. (See NCHBA NEWS on page 44) Like other multifamily and commercial projects built during 2007,

January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   43

New MCHBA President has a unique tie to the job

High Point welcomes 2009 officers s 2009 NCHBA President Frank Wiesner traveled to the High Point Builders Association to help install the new officers and directors for 2009. Pictured are (back row, from left) Scott Beane, Larry Jones, Andy Richardson, Jim Simpson, Michael Hague Sr., Dave Clark, Ned Eldridge and Bill Bishop; and (front row from left) Wiesner, Michael Fox, Jamie Harrelson, Cindy Hines and Kim Hanner.

NCHBA News (continued from page 43)

The new year rings in new leadership

ome builders associations around the state welcomed new officers and board members during ceremonies late last year. Those same ceremonies were also an opportunity to recognize member achievements and to present year-end awards. You’ll find photos from some of those celebrations on this page. As the year gets under way, North Carolina Association of Home Builders leaders will fan out across the state to meet local members and hear their concerns during the annual Regional Meetings Feb. 2-6.

he Moore County Home Builders Association made a bit of history in December when it installed its 2009 President, Sue Reaves. Sue is the second person from the Reaves family to serve as MCHBA President — her husband, Bill, held the post twice before, in 1989 and 1999. This occasion marks the first time that both husband and wife have served as President of a local association in North Carolina. Sue is excited to take over the position of MCHBA President, where she and Bill have been members since 1982. “We’re looking forward to s Bill and Sue Reaves became the first couple to both serve as president of a local HBA when keeping the good momentum Sue was installed as 2009 President for Moore going that we got this year,” she County HBA. Bill served in 1989 and 1999. said. “One thing I’ll emphasize is doing business with other members, especially during these times. My biggest goals this year will be learning how to better serve our membership and learning how to deal with governmental affairs in our county.” It seems fitting that Bill and Sue become the first husband and wife to both serve as president. They’ve always done things together, in business and in the community. They own Bill Reaves Construction Co. in the Sandhills, which they founded in 1978. During Bill’s tenure as president in 1989, Sue helped found the MCHBA Women’s Council. Together, they also designed the “Fire Safety House” in Moore County, which travels to schools and special events to educate people on fire safety.

Wilson HBA presents scholarships t

Rick Proctor, Wilson County HBA President, presents one of two annual scholarships to Ronnie Boykin, a Wilson Community College student in the Heating and Mechanical Curriculum. The other student, Stephen Cullipher, could not be present. One scholarship is named after the late Luther Jones and the other scholarship is named in honor of the late Thomas Lyndon. (Photo courtesy of Sonja Hayes, The Wilson Daily Times.)

Fayetteville honors members of the year s The Home Builders Association of Fayetteville recognizes the recipients of several annual awards at its Nov. 11 Awards and Installation Meeting. From left are: Dave Evans of Keller Williams Realty, Associate Rookie of the Year; Wendy Harris of Team Harris Real Estate, Associate of the Year; George Armstrong of Armstrong Family Builders, Builder of the Year; Wesley Faulk of Highland Homes of Fayetteville, Builder Rookie of the Year; Debbie Godwin of BB&T Home Mortgage, Associate of the Year; and Henry Spell of Prestige Homes, President’s Choice.

Frank Wiesner (center), 2009 President of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, was on hand Nov. 20 to congratulate Jeff Stokely (right) of Stokely Development on his installation as the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association’s 2009 President. Joining them at the installation ceremony is WCFHBA Past President Pete Bourne of Waterways Homes.

44   North Carolina Builder

Parade winner honored Frank Wiesner, NCHBA 2009 President, congratulates Wayne Skinner of B.W. Skinner Construction on a first-place finish in the Wilson County HBA Parade of Homes, Speculative Category II and Category IV. (Photo courtesy of Sonja Hayes, The Wilson Daily Times.)

WCFHBA installs 2009 president

January/February 2009

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January/February 2009

North Carolina Builder   45

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