March/April Tidewater Builder Magazine by Tidewater Builders Association

! " # $ !% & # ' ( ) # *

!"#$!%&'()*+!,*-*.)/$!%&!")0$1*2$3!45)+0$36!766%()*2)%/!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!8*3(#97:3)+!;<=<

makes its debut

Charity House gets a splash of color

Take the scenic route to Founders Pointe

BUILD THE COOLEST HOUSES WITH

SOLARBORD RADIANT BARRIER SHEATHING Send radiant heat back where it came from As temperatures and cooling costs soar, the new frontier in house construction is increasing energy efficiency. Solarbord uses heat-reflecting foil laminated to OSB to stop 97% of the sun’s radiant energy. That can mean attics are up to 30˚F cooler, which translates into cooler houses, lower energy costs and happier homeowners.

Make it the crowning achievement of every build Solarbord, SFI CoC certified, installs like any roof sheathing and gives builders an extra edge in these energy-conscious times. And because it’s made in the USA and backed by a 25-year warranty, you’ll have total confidence in its quality and durability.

RADIANT BARRIER SHEATHING

Build energy efficiency into every house – watch the video at SolarbordOSB.com to find out how.

!"#$!%&#'()#*

Vol. 57, Number 2 The mission of Tidewater Builders Association is to improve the climate for affordable housing; promote the growth and development of the shelter industry; promote excellence and professionalism among members through education and networking opportunities; and support and enhance the community through charitable projects. 2010 OFFICERS: William H. Halprin, president; Charles J. Miller II, vice president; James E. Jackson, associate vice president; S.L. “Sam” Cohen, treasurer; Jack Schoch, secretary, Steven E. Lawson, appointee; Dennis M. Graf, appointee; Pete A. Kotarides, immediate past president 2010 BUILDER DIRECTORS: Richard L. “Tuck” Bowie, Scott G. Brooker, Christopher J. Ettel, Dennis M. Graf, Pete O. Kotarides, Steven E. Lawson, Lucky C. Peterson, Stephen B. Quick IV 2010 ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: G. Robert Aston Jr., Robert M. Boyd, J. Gregory Dodd, Thomas W. Dye, Scott M. Gandy, Gary T. McCollum, Brenda K. Reid, Edward O. Yoder DIRECTORS EMERITI: Edward P. Brogan, William J. Fanney, Richard D. Guy, Doyle E. Hull, Frederick J. Napolitano, Richard E. Olivieri, John H. Peterson Jr., The Honorable Owen B. Pickett, Julian Rashkind, Stanley Waranch, Howard M. Weisberg, Wendell A. White CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:

Channing A. Pfeiffer

TBA President Bill Halprin made his television debut promoting the Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show on the noon news with anchor Kerri Furey on WAVYTV 10. For a complete roundup of the show, see pages 22-24.

Features 7-15 A historic Homearama

TBA’s first spring Homearama is less than one month away. We have all of the details you need to make the most of this showcase event.

Managing editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Prier, APR Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Steil Advertising sales . . . . . Kim Powers, Sharon Freeman

16 First in their class

Southern Living names custom builder Eric Sasser and his team at Sasser Construction LC Custom Builder Member of the Year.

Production coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . Stella Council Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Amidon Graphic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diane Trumbull Copyright: 2010; all rights reserved. No permission to reprint unless expressly given by Tidewater Builders Association. The Tidewater Builder is published for all TBA member firms through the $15 subscription price, which is included in the annual membership fee. Opinions expressed by contributing columnist are not necessarily those of this publication.

The Tidewater Builder is published bi-monthly, January through December, by Tidewater Builders Association, located at 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Editorial deadline is 5 p.m. on the 1st of the month preceding publication. Advertising deadline for copy and insertion order is p.m. on the 10th and for camera-ready ads, 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month preceding publication. All advertising is subject to current rates, copies of which can be obtained from the Special Events/Membership/Marketing Division, 420-2434. The magazine reserves the right to determine the suitability of any advertising or editorial copy, and all real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

17 Multifamily company builds scholarship funds

The Breeden Company honors a local educator by donating his rent toward the TMHC endowed scholarship with this year’s Scholarship Apartment.

Departments$ 2

President’s Pen

Big Pic

Headliners

Shop Talk

Counsel’s Insights

Membership Update

Builder Services

Advertisers’ Index

Remodelers Corner 36

Events Calendar

About the cover: East West Communities’ Founders Pointe provides residents and visitors with breathtaking views from its 844-foot observation pier complete with two decks, one halfway down the pier, and the other at the pier’s end. MARCH/APRIL 2010

+*#,%&#-).,$+#-

!"#$%&&%'(## )*#)'&+,%-

Half empty or half full? It depends on your outlook

recently had the opportunity to join area colleagues from the residential, commercial, industrial and retail real estate community to present the annual Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Review & Forecast at Old Dominion University, for the E.V. Williams Center for Real Estate and Economic Development. Although the word “forecast” was in the title, the crystal balls were not there this year. Burned by last year’s economy, this year’s speakers were cautious about making any predictions about the year ahead. It would be easy to be discouraged after watching the panelists present charts and graphs showing again and again how far the economic indicators had fallen in 2009. But, as Tuck Bowie of Terry Peterson Cos. noted afterward, “you can see the glass half full or you can see it half empty.”

The Residential Market

There was some good news for builders — but only if you’re building an affordable product. Van Rose, president of Rose & Womble Enterprises, presented the Residential Market for 2009. His graphs showed that new homes below $400,000 made up almost 75 percent of the market share for detached single family homes, while new homes below $300,000 made up over 75 percent of the market share for attached products. Thanks to lower prices and the first-time buyer tax credit, the existing home market saw an improvement in the number of closings reported for the first time in four years, up 6.5 percent over 2008. Unfortunately, foreclosures and short sales accounted for nearly 20 percent of all residential closings, up significantly from past years. More goods news, if your glass is half full, is that new home inventory is incredibly low, with only 1,289 new homes on the market — a 7.1 month supply at the current absorption rate, according to Van. In the price range that’s selling (less than $400,000), he reports there is only a five-month supply, which is approaching a seller’s market.

The Retail Market

The retail market review by David Machupa from Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield weighed in with some positive to balance the negative. Access to capital continues to challenge retailers and commercial landlords, he said, but he also noted that retail spending picked up in January and February and the tourism market is also expected to improve over last year. With consumer spending making up the largest component of the U.S. economy, those are good signs. David also noted that local retail space vacated in prime lo-

MARCH/APRIL 2010

cations were quickly occupied by other retailers. For example, Circuit City left but East Coast Appliance took its space, and HH Gregg entered the market with electronic products and appliances.

The Industrial Market

In the industrial market review from William Throne of Thalhimer, we learned the vacancy rate is at 12.95 percent, more than double what it was in 2007, when it was around 6 percent and close to a record high. If your glass is half full, you can focus on deals that we know are in the works, even if they take longer than usual. One deal that could make a huge difference is the potential purchase of the Ford plant and its conversion to a solar-panel factory. If that deal goes through, it will reduce the vacancy rate significantly, bring good jobs to the area, and bring that property back into the tax base.

The Multifamily Market

In my presentation on the multifamily market, I reported the local vacancy rate at 6.9 percent, unchanged from last year despite new units on the market. If you consider the national vacancy rate is at 8 percent, this market is weathering the economy relatively well, thanks in large part to our military personnel. Increasing employment, when it comes, will help to bring that rate down. After looking back on a bad year in 2009, it’s understandable to be wary and cautious about what’s ahead. We’re hopeful that conditions can only get better, but not quite confident yet that they won’t get worse after last year’s disappointments. One thing we’ve learned is we can no longer do business as usual. Those companies that can take advantage of opportunities in this new environment and adapt to new market conditions will find success. In a time of reduced revenues, reducing costs is a must. So is paying attention to details and providing superior service. Remember, there will be a time in the future when employment opportunities will return and consumers will start to buy. We need to make sure we’re still around when the charts at the Real Estate Market Review start pointing up. Here’s to a better 2010,

William H. Halprin

Thank you to the following companies for their support of the shelter industry:

Diamond $10,000

Platinum $5,000 I&/H&(&")!"':/"%)J"-

1,%%-)F"/H$)

A$+&(&$()I&/H&(&")>$D,/

G$("/52)8"(0=G$("/52)G$/'H"H,

F:%'$()8"(0=F:%'$()G$/'H"H,

K:#,/&$/)3O:&#+,(')K"%,-)4(56

9$D(,8"(0

.$P).$++:(&5"'&$(.$%:+E&")J"-)$C)I&/H&(&"

Gold $2,500 92,)7&(-%&,)J/$:#

!"#$%&'"($)*$+,-

8"(0)$C)7+,/&5"

.%"/0)12&',2&%%)3(',/#/&-,-)4(56 789).:-'$+)*$+,-);6;6.6

9&?,D"',/)*$+,)F:(?&(H 8,"52)F$/?)4(56 !"#$%&'(&)&*)+,&-./ K<0,-L)8$:/?$(L)72,/()M);,B<)>6.6 *"+#'$()@$"?-)8"(0-2"/,1&%%&"+-)G:%%,( 1&%%&"+)36)1$$?)M)7--$56 N$'"/&?,-)8:&%?,/-

9,//<=>,',/-$().$-6) *,"/(?$().$(-'/:5'&$().$/#6 ;6@6)*&%%).:-'$+)8:&%?,/-)4(56 7--$5&"',?)A,B,%$#+,(' @,"%)3-'"',)4(C$/+"'&$()!,'D$/0)4(56 &;,B,%)E<)1,<,/2",:-,/) 92,).%$-,')F"5'$/< !,D)7+,/&5"()G$/'H"H, MARCH/APRIL 2010

Become a green certified professional

Become a National Association of Home Builders Certified Green Professional in two courses. The courses will teach builders how to incorporate green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options. Green Building for Building Professionals, will be held on Thursday, April 29 and 30, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the TBA boardroom. Business Management for Building Professionals, will be held on Saturday, May 1, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the TBA boardroom. Both classes must be completed to qualify for the CGP certification. Register by April 15 by contacting Patrice Kyle at 305-9015 or pkyle@tbaonline.org.

Brush up on your law with Chip Dicks

John G. “Chip” Dicks III of FutureLaw LLC will present the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act/Fair Housing review from 8:30 a.m.4 p.m., Thursday, April 22, at the Chesapeake Conference Center. The seminar costs $80 for TMHC members and sponsors, and $100 for nonmembers and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Register by contacting Maggie Rickard at 3059053 or mrickard@tbaonline.org by April 16.

Dig With C.A.R.E. Keep Virginia Safe! Whether your project is big or small, one free and easy call gets the underground utility lines marked and helps avoid costly damages, fines and even personal injury. So, please call 811 and dig with C.A.R.E. 4

MARCH/APRIL 2010

Chase away Tax Day blues

/#(&0%-#*,

TBA will hold its first free Membership Mingle from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 15, behind TBA, 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake. Mix and mingle with fellow members with drinks, hamburgers and hot dogs, courtesy of the TBA Membership Committee. Members are encouraged to bring their own beverages, snacks to share, games and lawn chairs. Please register with Stacey Turner at 305-9042 or sturner@tbaonline.org by April 5. Membership Mingle is designed to give members an opportunity to gather in a no-cost setting. If interested in hosting one, please let us know.

“Go Green” opportunities at 2010 Builders Ball

Plans are under way for Tidewater Builders Association’s 2010 Builders Ball & Installation of Officers Friday, Dec. 3, at the Marriott Norfolk Waterside. With a theme that’s dear to incoming president Chuck Miller, winner of Green Builder magazine’s 2009 Green Home of the Year award, the event offers all levels of “green” sponsorships to companies interested in the exposure their participation will bring. To find out how you can “go green” at this year’s Builders Ball, contact Stacey Turner at 305-9042 or sturner@tbaonline.org.

Call Miss Utility at before you dig. Allow required time for marking. Respect the marks. Excavate carefully.

This message brought to you by the Virginia State Corporation Commission

163-023 Belfor Stay Calm-Fire

3/11/08

10:10 AM

Page 1

Stay Calm. With more than 50 full-service

BELFOR is the answer.

offices, world-class technology and proven leadership, BELFOR provides superior response and the the most most comprehensive array of services. Emergency Response / Reconstruction / Structural Dehumidification / Structural Cleaning & Decontamination Contents Restoration / Mold Remediation / Electronics

www.belforusa.com

Restoration / Magnetic Media & Data Recover y

+ + , % - % . */ 0110

Machinery Refurbishment / Consulting / Emergency Power

23 34 53 +5 6 777 506 5667

Document & Vital Records Recovery

MARCH/APRIL 2010

2010 Charity Golf Tournament Wednesday, May 5th Sewells Point Golf Course A''#A56&**)+#7$''#B*#(+*)#>6#.$Y*#/#4/%)#(A0#%6>#/#4/%)6(>0# to economically disadvantaged participants at TBA’s Building Trades Academy.

Style of play is Florida Best Ball. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and tee time is noon. :*;5*+4C*%>+#/%)#)$%%*5#7$''#B*#A56Y$)*)D#

Awards given for 1st and 2nd place teams. SPONSORSHIPS: Golf Cart – $1,500 Scoreboard – $500 Prize – Cash donation

Beverage – $750 Exclusive Hole – $500

Dinner – $500 Hole – $350

REGISTRATION

ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO TOURNAMENT (No rain date.) Company:______________________________Contact person:______________________________________ Phone:__________________Fax:___________________ Email:_____________________________________

PLAYERS $150/PLAYER

1. _______________________________________ Z. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 4. _______________________________________ *Individual players welcomed! We will gladly pair you with other participants. NO BLUE JEANS.

VALUE PACKAGE (VP) $25/PLAYER !"#$%&'()*+#,#-(''$./%0#,#1/)$*+#2$)0#,#345670#8#9#:/;<*#3$&=*>+?#$25 (ONLY 1 VP per player). Pay now and @6(5#A/&=/.*#7$''#B*#5*/)@#;65#A$&=?(A#/>#>6(5%/C*%>#5*.$+>5/>$6%D#!"#&/%#6%'@#B*#(+*)#;65#+&65$%.#A(5A6+*+D I#76(')#'$=*#EEEEEEEE#!/'(*#"/&=/.*F+G#;65#/#>6>/'#6;#HEEEEEEEEEEEEED

SPONSORSHIP Company Name:____________________________________________________________________________

#F#"#:#I#J#3##J#K#2#3#1#L#?#3#M#I#N##I#N##O#M2#3##O#I#1#1##P#K##"#:#I#J#3#K#Q##R#J##N#I#S#J#2#S#K#G

Type of Sponsorship:________________________________________________________________________ Payment HEEEEEEEEEEE#T#HEEEEEEEEEEE#T#HEEEEEEEEEEEEE#U#HEEEEEEEEEE ######!#"## #

N#"#R#J#N#R#:#N#M#I#"#########3#R#3#2#1

C4*&=#6%*V#! VISA ! MC !#W4*&=#XV#EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Exp. Date: _____________________ CRV:__________________ C/5)#J(CB*5VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Signature: ____________________________________________ 6

MARCH/APRIL 2010

Mail or fax this form with your W4/5.*#I%;6#65#W4*&=#A/@/B'*#>6V Building Trades Academy 2117 Smith Ave. W4*+/A*/=*0#!2#9ZZ9[ ATTN: Shannon Pfeiffer \/]V#F^_^G#`a_?a_ba Questions? Contact Shannon at c9[?9_aa#65#*C/$'#+A;*$;;*5d>B/6%'$%*D65.

####"#1#2#L#K#:#N# #

Celebrate life from the scenic route Spring Homearama makes its debut

Tidewater Builders Association’s first Spring Homearama will be held in Isle of Wight County’s Founders Pointe. The event will feature eight custom homes nestled among quiet lanes and cul-de-sacs with views of the surrounding Batten Bay and its marshes. TBA’s annual “buy now” campaign, designed to stimulate interest in hous ing in all price ranges, should help boost the traditional selling season this year. It’s also the first time in Homearama’s 29-year history that the showcase is being held in Isle of Wight County.

Homearama details:

May 8-23 Noon-9 p.m. Sunday -Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Join us for the industry preview

Tickets are on sale now for TBA’s first Spring Homearama Preview Party, which is business casual at Founders Pointe. The historic party will be held Friday, May 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the awards ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. with food and spirits to follow. Proceeds go to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia. Tickets cost $40 in advance and can be purchased at TBA, Boys and Girls Clubs, at www.tbaonline.org or by calling TBA at (757) 420-2434. After April 30, tickets will cost $50.

What’s happening in housing?

As a TBA member benefit, TBA is hosting a presentation by Brent Warren, manager of builder programs and services for Southern Living Magazine. A seminar has been set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 21, at the Founders Pointe Clubhouse featuring Warren, who is responsible for recruiting custom builder $',,.members for the Southern Living Custom Builder Program. He’ll take us through what’s happening in the economy and how that’s affecting buyers, as well as what home buyers are looking for in today’s homes. The cost is $10 each and includes brunch, plus one paid admission to Homearama. Seating is limited to the first 50 registrants and payment must be made in advance. Please RSVP by Friday, May 14, by contacting Stacey Turner at 305-9042 or sturner@tbaonline.org.

Ticket Information: $10 general admission Each TBA member firm will receive two free tickets in the mail, along with 20 tickets for purchase at the reduced rate of $6 each. Bulk rates are available to TBA members who purchase additional tickets. Discount coupons and more information at www.homearama.tv

Don’t miss dates: r r r r

May 10: Military Appreciation Day, military guests can take advantage of buy one, get one free admission with a valid military identification card. May 12: Realtors Day allows area realtors free admittance with an official name tag and ID card. Early birds enjoy a hearty breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m. May 15: Boys and Girls Fest, hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, will feature children’s activities from 1-3 p.m. May 17: A Taste of Isle of Wight, sponsored by Columbia Natural Gas and HR Magazine, invites guests to sample cuisine from Isle of Wight restaurants from 6–8 p.m. May 21 and 22: Housing Trends seminar, Brent Warren manager of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program, will present seminars on consumer preferences for new home designs at 2 p.m. Friday and at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday. May 24: Homearama Furniture Sale from noon-6 p.m., allows visitors to purchase furnishings and décor from the homes. MARCH/APRIL 2010

Spring back to life !"#/','#/0.%&

A short drive down Sugar Hill Road may

seem like any other in Isle of Wight County. But one mile in sits a community of custom homes nestled into quiet lanes and private cul-de-sacs tucked among an inviting marsh, creek and wooded landscape. And that’s just the beginning of life at East West Communities’ Founders Pointe, the site of Tidewater Builders Association’s first Spring 2010 Homearama from May 8-23. True to form, the development company that is known for building environmentally sensitive communities and resorts in two states is doing just that in Isle of Wight County.

Founders Pointe is centrally located between the Peninsula and Norfolk near historic Smithfield in Isle of Wight County, yet is nicely removed so residents can still enjoy the surrounding wildlife and Batten Bay. 8

MARCH/APRIL 2010

About Founders Pointe

“Founders Pointe was such a unique property,” said Branch Lawson, president of the Hampton Roads Division of East West Communities, which is developing Founders Pointe. “It is such a beautiful setting. We felt that it really called for a community with great architectural integrity, character and complementary lifestyle.” With quality custom homes from the mid-$400s to about $1 million, Founders Pointe overlooks the Batten Bay with creeks and tributaries flowing to the James River, boasting breathtaking views that invite outdoor activities. It is centrally located between the Peninsula and Norfolk near historic Smithfield in Isle of Wight County. “We had an opportunity early on with a large builder to sell the entire property but we just didn’t feel that it would be the appropriate thing for that property,” said Lawson. “As you tour around the site, it has a very beautiful view with a tranquil and unspoiled feel. We’ve hoped to build a community in that setting that would appreciate its natural assets.”

About the developer

In 1973, East West Communities purchased land near Richmond to build communities that combined a vacation lifestyle with everyday living. Its first two communities, Brandermill and Woodlake, received several awards, including “Best Planned Community in America” by Better Homes & Gardens magazine and the National Association of Home Builders, and “Best Planned Community in America” by the Urban Land Institute. Since then, East West has developed 35 communities in Richmond, Hampton Roads and in Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida.

A move to Hampton Roads

With the success of the Richmond communities, East West began developing in Hampton Roads in the mid-1980s with Smithfield’s Gatling Pointe, named “Community of the Year” three times by the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association. From there, East West developed The Riverfront, which hosted one of Tidewater Builders Association’s (TBA) most successful Homearamas in

2001 and received numerous accolades and awards, including the TBA Stanley Award for “Community of the Year” in 2003 and 2005. In 2008, The Riverfront was named as the first and only community in TBA’s Community Hall of Fame. Soon after, East West opened Eagle Harbor and then Founders Pointe in 2004, both in Isle of Wight County. Both also have received multiple “Community of the Year” awards from the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association.

Location, location, location

Nestled in a pastoral countryside, Founders Pointe offers a quiet retreat from everyday living, yet offers conveniences to neighboring cities. “It’s not just a great place to live and play,” said Lawson, “but the area is a great place to work. There are numerous employers within 15 minutes of Founders Pointe. For many people in the Hampton Roads market, it’s an excellent location given their employment circumstances. We’re one minute from Route 17. When you turn one way, you’re minutes from the Peninsula. If you turn the other way, you’re minutes from Northern Suffolk, Portsmouth, downtown Norfolk and points east of there.” Despite an economic downturn, Founders Pointe has managed to consistently sell homes, which Lawson also attributes to its affordability and area amenities. “The schools are excellent in Isle of Wight County,” said Lawson. “And the real estate tax rates are among the lowest in Hampton Roads.” According to Lawson, Founders Pointe attracts homeowners who are “looking for the custom-home experience and environment in a more reasonably priced section of the customhome market.”

The amenities

Despite the economic downtown, Founders Pointe has managed to consistently sell homes, which senior vice president and broker Mark Edwards (left) and president of the Hampton Roads division of East West Communities Branch Lawson pride themselves on.

With the nicely removed location, residents can enjoy breathtaking views from the nature trails or from the 844foot observation pier that has two decks, one halfway down the pier, and the other at the pier’s end. “There are also a significant amount of walking paths for a community of this size,” said Lawson. (continued on page 15) MARCH/APRIL 2010

Ready. Set. Paint!

Youngsters dedicate Homearama Charity House with a splash of color

Markel Harding, 11, Gary Thomas, 11, Barbara Toussant, 9, Armond Townsell, 11, and Dimetry Brown, 11, work on the Charity House mural inside of the garage on March 4. !"#/','#/0.%&

Inspiration comes in many forms, but it takes a little dedica-

tion and hard work to make a vision into a masterpiece. And that’s exactly what five children from Portsmouth’s Douglass Park Unit of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia did on a chilly March afternoon. Under the leadership of Neisha Bethly, a senior program director with the BGCSEVA, and with encouragement from Isle of Wight County officials, Tidewater Builders Association, East West Partners, Boys & Girls Clubs board members and Sasser Construction team, the children officially dedicated the Spring Homearama Charity House with a custom mural in the garage. The mural, which will be on display in the showcase home in Founders Pointe in Isle of Wight County from May 8-23, was designed by Bethly following an afternoon walk through the community. 10

MARCH/APRIL 2010

“I wanted something that represented the area,” said Bethly about her inspiration for the painting. “As I was walking down the pier, I saw the plaques that described the local wildlife and its habitat,” she said of the 844-foot observation pier near the Charity House. The finished product was a scene depicting the neighboring Batten Bay and its marshes, with a heron resting in the grasses. “I superimposed the dogwood and tulip with the marsh” to add a touch of spring to the mural, said Bethly. Putting their artistic touch on the mural were Boys & Girls Club members: Armond Townsell, Gary Thomas, Markel Harding, Dimetry Brown, all 11 years old, and Barbara Toussant, 9.

A labor of love

Portsmouth-based builder Eric Sasser and his team at Simply Custom by Sasser Construction, the semi-custom division of Sasser Construction, are building the Charity House.

Five children, ages 9-11, from Portsmouth’s Douglass Park Unit of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia painted this mural in the spring Homearama’s Charity House.

“Community involvement has been a hallmark of Sasser Construction since our beginnings and in these difficult economic times, it’s even more critical that we all do what we can, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to help those in need,” Sasser said. When the home is sold, proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs to help fund programs aimed at helping at-risk young people succeed in school and realize their life’s potential. “The charity of choice this year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, does such fine works and helps so many in our community, Sasser Construction is honored to build this year’s Charity House,” Sasser continued.

A place of hope

Now in its 91st year, the BGCSEVA has grown from the single club begun in 1919 in Norfolk to 10 club units throughout the region from Franklin to Exmore on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. BGCSEVA serves boys and girls of low- to moderateincome families, many of which are headed by single parents, and in some cases, by grandparents. In communities where

John Mack, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia

Eric Sasser, Charity House builder

Some of the contributors were present for the dedication.

A big thank you to the contributors whose donations of products and services help offset the construction costs of the Charity House: Andrews Roofing Batchelder & Collins Bay Cabinets Bay Sand Bennett’s Creek Nursery Bill Hallman Masonry Boykin Roofing Burton Lumber Coleman-Novak Inc. Dal Tile East Coast Appliance Inc. Eastern Window and Door 84 Lumber Ferguson Enterprises Inc. Fireside Hearth & Home Florida Tile Forrest Exterminating Inside Design

Installed Building Products LC dba Tidewater Insulators Kempsville Building Materials Landworks Unlimited Lansing Building Products Lumber Liquidators Miller’s Overhead Door Mosaic Tile Prier Communications R&R Painting LLC Ross Ellis Saunders Supply Shepard Electric Taylormade Tidewater Insulators Twilight Construction Winn Stone York Lighting * current as of press time

school dropout rates are high, BGCSEVA stands as a beacon of hope for young people in need of nurturing, understanding and guidance in meeting the demands of homework, socialization and building self-esteem. Trained professional staff also provide positive adult mentors and role models for the children.

Honorable Stan D. Clark, Branch Lawson, East West Communities IOW County Board of Supervisors

Bill Halprin, TBA President

MARCH/APRIL 2010

The Meadow Glen

The Country Tudor at Batten Bay

The Artist House

Built by Norman Miller of Norman Miller Builder Inc.

Built by Billy Birdsong of Birdsong Builders Inc.

3,500 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths

3,400 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 4 baths

House highlights: Circle top mahogany entry door; double rear porches; pet washing center; antique reproduction vanity and linen cabinet; Brazilian cherry floors; extensive interior trim package; recessed dome in master bath ceiling; home automation and sound system.

Affordable Elegance

The Armistead A Garden Home

Built by Ed Sadler of Sadler Building Corp. 2,960 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths

House highlights: Sliding bookcase that exposes a hidden workout room; butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantry; special beam ceiling with structural columns; vaulted family room with see-through stone fireplace; theater room; warming floor in master suite; multiple design ceilings; four-seasons porch.

The Berkshire Pointe The Smithfield House

Built by Mike Newhall of Newhall Construction

3,724 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths House highlights: Energy Star-certified House highlights: All brick cathedral home; screened porch off breakfast nook; ceilings; gourmet kitchen; media room with three-car attached garage with man cave; projection TV, surround sound and wet bar; three-piece outdoor living area with stone fireplace; custom kitchen crown molding and custom wainscoting in the dining with granite top and stone backsplash; hidden walk-in room; coffered ceiling in the master suite; front porch kitchen pantry; media room; double staircases; bedroom and rear-covered porch and a first-floor sitting room. and/or flex room downstairs. Renderings courtesy of Frank Betz

MARCH/APRIL 2010

The Music House

A Tribute to Ryan Farish

Built by Chip Iuliano of ABT Custom Homes 3,327 square feet, 4 or 5 bedrooms, 4 baths House highlights: Two-story covered front porch with beautiful views of the observation pier and the James River; Kid Cave over the garage with gaming areas; equipped with indoor and outdoor speakers, and ceiling and wall speakers; master closet; European-style shower with drying area.

The River Retreat Built by Bill Brice and Les Ore of Bill Ore Inc. 3,200 square feet, 5 bedrooms and 3 baths

Nature Watch at Olde Heritage Manor

Built by Russ Hohmann of Hohmann Custom Builder LLC 3,834 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths House highlights: Energy Star-certified, natural stone accents on front elevation; six 8-foot Tudor glass windows in foyer landing; third-floor finished game room; solar tubes in third-floor powder room; two-sided stone surround gas fireplace; Tudorstyle glass cabinetry in kitchen; fabulous river views.

The Charity House

To benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia Built by Eric Sasser of Simply Custom by Sasser Construction 3,300 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

House highlights: Hardiplank and stone exterior; wraparound front porch; covered patio; House highlights: Energy Star tray ceiling; stone fireplace; whole-house surround sound; and National Association of Home Builders Green-certified; rear patio entertainment area with built-in grill, TV and extensive ceiling details; pet and recycling center; sound system; custom hot/cold exterior water faucet; silverstone countertops; closed-loop geothermal HVAC two-zone HVAC system; and a first-floor master suite. system; and views of Ragged Island Creek. Renderings courtesy of Frank Betz MARCH/APRIL 2010

Theme homes highlight nature, music, art and history The Music House: A Tribute to Ryan Farish

The sounds in this Homearama home will be the music Ryan Farish, a local artist now on the national stage for his jazz, gospel and new age music. Though nominated for an Emmy and awarded a 2008 GMA Dove Award, Farish may best be known for his music on The Weather Channel’s “local on the 8’s.” His music gained popularity through the world of digital downloads and has been featured on more than 31 million views of YouTube. So it’s fitting the home also features the latest in electronics, with digital connections for a variety of music sources, a “kid cave” for electronic games, the new Apple i-Pad and an interactive coffee table to power up the components. Meet the Artist: Ryan Farish will meet guests Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 22 and 23, from 2-4 p.m.

The Armistead: The Garden House

The Armistead has something for both the lady and man of the house. Sadler Building Corp.’s Armistead will feature The Man Cave in the three-bay garage. The “man area” will provide refuge to the man of the house with a space designed solely to allow him to enjoy his TV time. Don’t forget to look for an abundance of flowers to dress up the patio and landscape. Ask the Expert: The Hampton Roads Nursery and Landscape Association can answer any landscape questions at the house Saturday, May 15, from 2-4 and 5-7 p.m. New Home Trends: Brent Warren, of Southern Living, will speak on new home trends Friday, May 21, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, May 22, at 2 and 5 p.m.

MARCH/APRIL 2010

Affordable Elegance: The Artist’s House

Highlighting the thriving artist population in Smithfield and Isle of Wight County, Birdsong Builders will feature a working artist’s studio and an exhibit of work by artists from The Smithfield Art Guild. Visitors will be able to see the masters work on their craft while touring the home, as well as ask them questions about their artwork.

The Berkshire Pointe: The Smithfield House

The Smithfield House will incorporate the four features of Smithfield tourism: Hospitality; history; hams and He-Art. Take a step back in time and journey through the town of Smithfield with historical images, newspapers and more. Then journey back to the present as The Smithfield house “hams” it up with hospitality. In the Smithfield House, visitors will learn how to incorporate antique and sentimental pieces into modern and contemporary homes.

Nature Watch at Old Heritage Manor

Nature Watch at Old Heritage Manor is a refuge for the habitat enthusiast and Founders Pointe’s wildlife alike. Surrounded by wetlands and located in an area abundant with native wildlife, Hohmann Builders decided to join the Founders Pointe Nature Watch Programs in getting the community certified as a wildlife habitat. As a result, the Nature Watch is incorporating environmental stewardship by turning the yard into wildlife refuge certified as a wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation and Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The nature theme will also carry over to the interior of Old Heritage Manor.

Founders Pointe boasts a $2 million resort-style community clubhouse with a 4,000-squarefoot pool with a 112-foot waterslide, playground, and outdoor grilling area.

Spring back

variety of distinctive architectural styles. “Fortunately, our builders are very much at the cutting (continued from page 9) edge of the green building industry,” said Lawson. “The green features are part of what they do and what they have been Founders Pointe also boasts a $2 million Residents’ doing for years. Not only do we expect it of them, but it is Club that features a coastal cottage-style clubhouse and a expected of them by their consumers and they expect it of 4,000-square-foot resort-style pool with a 112-foot waterslide. themselves.” In addition to providing spaces for social gatherings, family In fact, builder Russ Hohmann brought the first EarthCraftactivities and meetings, the clubhouse can be used for teen certified home in Isle of Wight events, yoga classes, birthday County to the community with parties and more. “It is such a beautiful setting. We felt that it really a two-story Frank Betz design. “The clubhouse and the called for a community with great architectural inThe home will not only be pool, again for a community 30 percent more efficient than of 300 homes, is extraordinary tegrity, character and complimentary lifestyle.” an identical home built to code, and people love it,” said Lawbut it will also provide better son. “It’s a great feature of the indoor air quality and reduce the home’s carbon footprint. community.” Adjacent to the clubhouse sits a sand volleyball court, picIn touch with nature nic area with an outdoor grill, playground and walking and Founders Pointe is also encouraging its residents to create a jogging trails. more nature-friendly community by working toward establish“We like to add amenities up front as opposed to the back ing the community as a certified National Wildlife Federation end,” said Lawson. “We want people making that important Community Wildlife Habitat. decision to live in our communities to see what it is that we The first step was taken in 2008, when the residents kicked are building and what we are providing for the community. It’s off the Founders Pointe Nature Watch Program with a Bluenot a watercolor picture on a glossy brochure. It’s something bird Trail Workshop. As a result, 17 bluebird homes were built that you can take real pictures of.” and installed along the community’s walking paths. A volunAdditionally, each neighborhood has or will have cul-deteer group maintains the homes and monitors and collects sacs islands, which according to Lawson, “are very attractive data, which is reported to the National Bluebird Society. and unexpected little exclamation points throughout the com“The bluebird house effort and the designation that the munity.” community is pushing for” is a great example, said Lawson, of Plans are for 319 homes in Founders Pointe, and 150 famithe residents’ efforts. lies have already chosen to live there. “We also have done things such as building the observa“We’ve got residents from all across the spectrum living here tion pier and posting along the way pictures of the animals, — from young families to empty nesters to retirees. The combirds and plants that people will see as they walk on the pier munity lends itself to programs and attractions and has facilities to give them a greater understanding and appreciation for that are attractive to all of the different age groups.” them.”

Going, going green

Currently, Founders Pointe hosts 10 custom home builders who provide an array of innovative home designs featuring a

For more information on Founders Pointe, contact East West Partners Senior Vice President/Broker Mark Edwards at medwards@eastwestr.com or visit www.founderspointe.com. MARCH/APRIL 2010

A picture-perfect honor

Sasser Construction named Custom Builder Member of the Year

ince the early 1990s, Eric Sasser and his team at Sasser Construction have been putting their mark on Hampton Roads’ homes. Their hard work has paid off, as the Southern Living Custom Builder Program named Sasser Construction, under the direction of president Eric Sasser, Custom Builder Member of the Year. The team will be featured in an upcoming issue of Southern Living magazine, the premier lifestyle and entertaining magazine of the South. Sasser Construction was invited to become a Southern Living Custom Home Builder in the early 1990s.

About the program

Nearly 100 builders comprise the Southern Living Custom Builder Program, an invitation-only network of members that are hand selected for their outstanding reputation, quality of design and construction, integrity and stability in the locations they represent. “We look for builders who can build a home using our quality partner products; a home that reflects a story you might see in the pages of Southern Living,” said Brent Warren, the Southern Living Builder programs and services manager. “Sasser’s Falkirk Ridge home is an excellent example of what we are looking for in this program; the epitome of Southern style and grace.”

The Southern Living showcase home in The Riverfront is open for touring at 3002 N. James Drive in The Riverfront, Friday through Monday, noon-4 p.m. (Standing from left) Ray Street, Kenn Sedlacko, Eric Sasser, Tina White, Sandra Figeac, Matt Hovey, Dave Tynch, Brennan O’Connor and (seated from left) Byron Black, Kelly Melton

Tour Sasser’s Southern Living home

In 2009, Sasser’s team built the Falkirk Ridge Southern Living Showcase Home in The Riverfront in Suffolk.

The Falkirk Ridge, which debuted in the May issue of Southern Living, has more than 5,000 square feet and features an abundance of outdoor and indoor entertaining space.

Members gear up for recruitment Do you want to meet members, make friends and really get involved in your association?

If the answer is yes, you’ll want to sign up now for one of the membership recruitment teams that are being formed in preparation for the “Big Drive” May 19-20. A busload of members traveled to Richmond April 7 for a national recruitment and marketing seminar and these folks — your potential team members — are well-trained and ready to help increase the association’s membership base. Working side-by-side with your team members, you’ll contact a variety of prospective members and share with them the ways that they, too, can benefit from belonging to TBA. TBA will kick off its drive Tuesday, May 18, with a short “briefing” in the late afternoon. Teams will be assigned times to return for two-hour sessions Wednesday or Thursday. By 5 p.m., Thursday, it will be time to relax and celebrate as the drive results are reported during a festive

MARCH/APRIL 2010

wrap-up party. Recruiters will be provided with all the tools they need, from an easy-to-explain benefits tip sheet to “join now” incentives to close the membership deal. To sign up for a membership team, contact Stacey Turner at 305-9042 or sturner@tbaonline.org. For both new members —and old — involvement in the drive is a great way to make new business contacts in a fun and informal setting.

Looking for some exposure?

Everyone likes a discount and when it comes to recruitment, it’s a great incentive for both prospective members and recruiters. If you’d like to be part of our Big Drive incentive program — and get your company’s name in front of hundreds of people — please let us know. We’re looking for onetime-only discounts on products and services — anything from termite inspections to fitness training sessions. Call or e-mail Stacey Turner, 305-9042 or sturner@tbaonline.org.

12"30(*,"%4$536-&()%3-

Giving the gift of education

!"#/','#/0.%&

For James “Jay” T. Allsbrook, being able to help a collegeeducator and offer a scholarship to a bright young student. bound student make his or her dream come We are proud to offer this educational opportrue is music to his ears. Thanks to The tunity to a deserving student in honor of Mr. Breeden Company, several area students will Allsbrook for his contribution to education.” be able to obtain a college education with less For Allsbrook, band director and chairman of a financial burden. of the Fine Arts Department for Bayside High The Breeden Company is donating the School, “being associated with such an award is gross proceeds from one year of Allsbrook’s a privilege unto itself,” he said. rent to the Tidewater Multifamily Housing Allsbrook, who comes from a musical family, Council Scholarship Apartment, which goes was selected after The Breeden Company called to the TBA Scholarship Foundation. The on the educators in their rental communities to $12,000 from the apartment will go toward enter a competition. the endowment of an annual TMHC schol“We (educators) all work very hard to make arship. the students the best they can become and we TMHC’s efforts to sponsor an endowed are always looking for ways to help them into the scholarship began in 2004 and have genernext phase of their lives’” Allsbrook said. !,..1.ated $67,492 toward that goal. “It’s a wonderful offer for The Breeden Com“We recognize that a quality education can result in a pany to take one apartment’s rent and donate it to the higher lifetime of opportunities,” said Ramon W. Breeden Jr., TBA education of a student,” Allsbrook continued. The Breeden family and The Breeden Company should be proud of the past president and founder and chairman of the board of The choice they have made to make college education a priority.” Breeden Company. “This program allowed us to honor an PLUMBING.

FIXTURES.

APPLIANCES.

LIGHTING.

PASSIONATE

PEOPLE!

At Ferguson, it’s true that our inventory is huge. Our distribution expertise is unrivaled. And our one-stop shopping is the height of convenience. But there’s one thing that building professionals have relied on for over 50 years – our people. Our associates make certain you can depend on Ferguson – where a willingness to go the extra mile is never in short supply.

Nobody expects more from us than we do

ferguson.com/builder

REFRIGERATION

COOKTOPS

VENTILATION

WALL OVENS

UNDERCOUNTER PRODUCTS

VIRGINIA BEACH:

4712 BAXTER ROAD

(757) 490-2381

MARCH/APRIL 2010

736-,#0 .,$8-,%9"),

!"#2*#3,%456"#/7%8,.5

Swimming lesson or how to lose CGL coverage

istakes big and small can create catastrophic problems and make a business vulnerable, sometimes resulting in protracted and expensive litigation. Under a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy, an insurer must pay the legal expenses of the insured in connection with a covered claim or lawsuit. Examples of such claims include bodily injury, property damage, personal injury or advertising injury (such as from slander). A recent case in the U.S. District Court in Richmond underscores the

importance of familiarity with the terms, conditions and, perhaps most importantly, the nuances of CGL coverage. Heed the circumstances described here to help avoid a fall into the same hot â&#x20AC;&#x153;water.â&#x20AC;?

In the water

With growing concern for the impact of an adjacent development on a three-acre recreational pond on their property, a Chesterfield couple requested that the neighboring developer install a turbidity curtain to protect the pond. The developer complied, but the effects of water runoff continued as the turbidity curtain had been improperly

Contact me on how you can save 22% off your monthly bill.

Jesse James BUSINESS AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE for

Tidewater Builders Association

757.572.5813 j e ss e. j ame s @ spr i nt . c om t "DU OPX MJNJUFE UJNF PGGFS

MARCH/APRIL 2010

installed and required repair. In a November 2007 letter, counsel for the couple memorialized a meeting with the developer to discuss specific remedial efforts demanded by the property owners. A second letter sent in December 2008 was a final effort to â&#x20AC;&#x153;attempt resolution short of litigation,â&#x20AC;? suggesting mediation but threatening suit. Unlike the previous correspondence, this letter sought compensation not reparation. The attorney also attached a draft complaint. The parties mediated their dispute over the next few months but failed to reach a resolution and a suit was filed against the developer for trespass, nuisance and negligence seeking more than $2 million in damages. At this point, the developer contacted Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. to file a claim under its CGL policy requesting the insurer to provide the builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense. Nationwide denied coverage on several grounds, including that the policyholder neglected to report a potential claim â&#x20AC;&#x153;as soon as practicableâ&#x20AC;? as required by the policy. Nationwide brought suit against the developer and landowners seeking a declaratory judgment directing that Nationwide had no obligation on the claim.

Swim at your own risk

The federal court ruled that Nationwide had no duty under the CGL policy to defend or indemnify its insured. Applying Virginia law, the court explained that the duty to notify an insurer arises when an incident occurred that was serious enough to cause a person of ordinary intelligence to believe it might be covered by the insurance policy. In cases such as automobile ac-

!" !"# $ % #!$&"#%'adj

cidents and fires, it’s simple to identify the exact date of an occurrence and thus when the duty to notify arises. Here, however, the events leading to the claim occurred over nearly six years. Notwithstanding the parties’ years of back and forth, the December letter and attached complaint clearly put the developer on notice of a potential claim and triggered the developer’s duty to notify Nationwide. Moreover, the court agreed that Nationwide was prejudiced by the three-month delay that followed receipt of the letter. The developer’s delay deprived Nationwide of an opportunity to participate in the mediation sessions before the filing in Chesterfield and pursue a possible settlement or at least make efforts to curb its potential liability, especially considering the amount of money at stake. In fact, the court asked why the developer would undertake mediation at all if not already aware of a possible claim.

()'!*"+"!,-+./,.!'01'"'2"+,.!3#"+'2#"!-' 4)'/-+5.67',*-'6--8/'01'"'2"+,.!3#"+'!09936.,:

Proudly celebrating a decade of service to the Hampton Roads community. ((;<'=8-6'>":'?0+,*@'A*-/"2-"&BCDCE'FGG$<GH; CI;'J*.9K#-'L*0"#/'M#58@'?-N20+,'?-N/ !"#$!%&!'"()*%#!+%",-!"&&./."*0 BCDCE'44F$HIHI

Lifeguard on duty

Regardless of its disposition on appeal, the lesson from this case is plain. CGL insurance is a major factor in managing the risk faced by builders, so it’s imperative to know to what extent coverage is provided and what steps must be taken to maintain it. As here, most insurance companies require their policyholders to report as soon as possible any matter that could lead to a liability claim. The safest course is to contact the insurer the moment a possible claim is identified rather than simply assume that coverage will be available if resolution is not reached through other measures. C. Grigsby Scifres, a partner in the Virginia Beach office of the law firm of Williams Mullen, is Tidewater Builders Association’s general counsel. Scifres specializes in finance, real estate and creditor’s rights matter. He can be reached at (757) 473-5370 or at gscifres@williamsmullen.com. MARCH/APRIL 2010

Local multifamily market fares better than most

he occupancy rate in Hampton Roads’ multifamily community remains one of the highest in the Southeast, even though it could not escape the negative effects of the recession. The overall vacancy rate for the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News market as of October 2009 was 6.9 percent, unchanged from a year prior and better than the national rate of 8 percent. Vacancy rates are expected to remain in the 7-8 percent range in 2010. Suffolk, Portsmouth and Hampton each experienced improvement in their vacancy rates while Norfolk, with a steady supply of new units coming online, experienced the largest increase in vacancy rates. Meanwhile, development activity remains moderate. As of October 2009,

there were about 1,700 units under construction and only 1,500 additional units proposed. As of October, the average rental rate was $882, ranging from a low of $795 in Portsmouth to high of $945 in Virginia Beach. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $785; for a two bedroom, $887; and for a three bedroom, $1,053. Average rental rates from existing inventory increased by only $2.75 in the last 12 months. Though slight, it was significantly better than most markets throughout the southeast, which have seen sharp decreases in rents. There were 450 conventional apartment communities with more than 50 units surveyed in the Hampton Roads region. Of the 90,000 apartment units

surveyed, the top 5 firms manage nearly one-third of these units:

Top 10 Management Companies: S.L. Nusbaum: Great Atlantic: Drucker and Falk: Lawson Companies: Breeden Management: WMCI: Perrel Management: Ripley-Heatwole: AIMCO: PRG Real Estate:

9.7% 8.5% 5.9% 5% 3.2% 2.6% 2.3% 2.3% 2.2% 2.1%

Source: The Norfolk-Virginia-Beach-Newport News Apartment Report, published by Real Data and reported in the 2010 Hampton / roads Real Estate Market Review for the Old Dominion University E.V. Williams Center for Real Estate and Economic Development

:&;#*)%,#*,.$8-&#<

Belfor ....................................................... 5 BIIA ...................................................... IBC Bonded Builders .................................... 21 Boxx Systems ........................................ 30 Dominion Virginia Power ....................... 25 Ferguson Enterprises ............................ 17 Hall Automotive ...................................... 34 L. R. Hill Custom Builders ...................... 32 International Jet Charter ....................... 20 John Hall Electric ................................... 31 Land Planning Solutions ........................ 26 Norbord ................................................ IFC Miss Utility ............................................... 4 ProSouce ............................................... 19 RSVP ..................................................... 34 Solar Lighting ......................................... 29 Spivey Rental ........................................ 24 Sprint ..................................................... 18 Superior Equipment .............................. BC Tidewater Home Funding ...................... 19 TowneBank ............................................ 33 William E. Wood .................................... 27 20

MARCH/APRIL 2010

The secret to homebuyer happiness?

Survey by J.D. Power states: “New home warranty is #1 in driving satisfaction with builders” Start using the TBA-endorsed warranty today. Contact Joe Pushak (800) 749-0381 ext. 3825 (703) 582-7727 cell jpushak@bondedbuilders.com Join these fine builders who support TBA by enrolling in Bonded Builders Warranty Group:

RSED

AT I O N

www.BondedBuilders.com

Protecting the American Dream

TE T I D E WA

AT I O N

10-year coverage on major structural defects creates happy customers.

Miller Custom Homes Murray Homes Inc. Nags Head Construction & Development Ocean Bay Homes, Inc. P & A Construction Inc. Platinum Homes, Inc. Preserve Development LLC Princess Anne Builders, Inc. Property Endeavors LLC Real Developments Residential Concepts, Ltd. Richardson Homes, Inc. RML III Corp Rosewell Homes, Inc. Royal Court, Inc. Sadler Building Corporation Sasser Construction L.C. Southmoor Development, Inc. Summit Construction Corp. TBA - Building Trades Academy Terry Peterson Residential The Ainslie Group The Breeden Co. Inc. The Old Beach Village Co., LLC The Runnymede Corporation The ST Paul’s Place Company LLC Virginia Vintage Builders, Inc. W H Builders, LLC Warner Construction Watab Construction Corp. Wendell Homes, LLC William T. Wingfield, Inc. WPL Ventures, Inc.

The prestigious J.D. Power and Associates recently reported that a new-home warranty is #1 in driving customer satisfaction with builders. In a buyer’s market like this one, customer service and satisfaction are key.

ABT Custom Homes LLC Affordable Homes, Inc. Affordable Homes, LLC-1 Allen Loree Homes, LLC Area Builders of Tidewater, Inc. Associated Contracting Services Inc. Associated Development Management Corp. Beachtowne Realty Corp. Belmeade Associates, LLC Billore, LLC Bribar Dam Neck Brighton Park Development, Inc. Brock Construction Inc. Carole-Anne Construction Co. Clark Whitehill Enterprises Clark Whitehill Homes LLC Cohen Homes, LLC Corinth Homes, LLC Crestline Homes, LLC DeBord Custom Homes, Inc. Definitive Homes DeFord Companies, Inc. Executive Homes Corp. of VA Gallagher Construction Corp. GBK Builders, Inc. George Newsome Luxury Homes LLC Great Bridge Builders Inc. Grifland Builders Corp. Hearndon Construction Corp. Jesse Franklin Jackson III Kotarides Builders, LLC L & B Quarterpath LLC L and M Contractors, Inc. L.R. Hill Custom Builders, Inc. Lawson Homes Logan American Builders, LLC Logan American Homes, LLC MCQ Builders LLC-1 Michael Lee Company

S I LD E R S A

MARCH/APRIL 2010

espite rain, winds, snow and ice, more than 13,000 visitors braved the weather to take in Tidewater Builders Association’s annual Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show from Feb 5-7 at the Virginia Beach Convention

Center. Sponsored by Belgard Hardscapes, the show featured lavish display gardens, a Canstruction competition; a green zone, a competition for Tidewater’s Top Pet hosted by the Virginia Beach SPCA, as well as HGTV expert Pat Simpson, antiques expert Dr. Lori, topiary expert Pearl Fryar, gardening guru Don Engebretson and a plethora of horticultural and gardening authorities. All of the shows brought a good crowd, including the Sunday finale — Virginia Beach SPCA’s top pet contest showcasing the hard luck stories of local pets and the compassionate owners caring for them.

1. Crowds worked their way through the exhibits for ideas on everything from increasing their curb appeal with landscaping to increasing their home’s energy efficiency. While ShamWow and the Vita Mixer had their place at the event, it was the Smart Living Steam Mop that appeared to be the hot item at this year’s event. 2. HGTV expert Pat Simpson gave a presentation to TBA members before the show opened to the general public. Simpson stressed the need to diversify in order to keep your business strong in tough times with TBA member Kerin Winbrough of Bay Disposal and potential member Horace Wood. 3. Renegade Gardener Don Engebretson had audiences laughing as he broke down the steps to creative container gardening. First rule of thumb, even numbers are bad and odd numbers are good when grouping pots for container gardens.

3 22

DECEMBER 2009

4 4. K&D Rounds Landscape Services took home the People’s Choice award for their “Wine-d Down” exhibit, which featured a pool, outdoor fireplace, firepit, outdoor kitchen, water feature and lavish landscaping. 5. Pearl Fryar took time away from his 3-acre garden in South Carolina to inspire some Hampton Roads residents on the art of topiary. 6. Jerry Whitehurst of Kitchen & Bath Ideas made sure that any woman visiting the show knew that her “Husband called. He said to buy anything you want.” 7. Even the furry showgoers needed a little down time during the show. Virginia Beach SPCA volunteers spent the weekend speaking to visitors about pet adoption of several dogs, cats and rabbits that made an appearance throughout the show.

(continued on page 24)

Thank you to our show sponsors:

DECEMBER 2009

(continued from page 23)

2 1

1. Antique expert Dr. Lori packed the house, and as usual, broke some

MARCH/APRIL 2010

hearts and made dreams come true for audience members. One such being Judy McQuitty, whose painting appraised for $75,000. It was an original winter landscape by Pennsylvania impressionist Walter E. Baum. 2. Jennifer Leone, right and a teacher at Western Branch High School, accepted $500 for her school’s drafting program courtesy of TBA’s Scholarship Foundation’s Young Designers Scholarship competition. Along with Leone are Jeff Brooks, center, and Maria Bowman, right, of Food Lion. Her students took home first place in the Canstruction competition for their “John Deere” tractor entry. 3. Virginia Beach SPCA’s Top Pet contest People’s Choice Award went to Jake the Dog, whose owner Andi Zarge of Virginia Beach adopted him from the SPCA where he now moonlights as a therapy dog.

=6%0&#*$1#*;%2#,$1622#,,$1)3*>

Membership worth more than dues The adage that knowledge is power holds true for Green Building Council member Jason Hawks of SENCON. Despite the tough economic climate, members like Hawks are reaffirming the value of their membership in TBA. “Anytime we have anything to say, I know that I can tell it to Patrice (in Builder Servic9'5:-#)';<5 es) and she can get the word spread among the membership,” said Hawks. Value of TBA membership for Hawks:

Professional development

TBA provided a letter of support to the National Association of Home Builders, backing SENCON’s nomination as NAHB Green Advocate of the Year. “TBA was nice enough to support us in that nomination and write that letter for us.”

Legislative issues:

TBA helped Hawks spread the word through membership of various political matters, such as SB1637, which extended

the $2,000 tax credit to make homes more energy efficient. “This bill, which expired on Dec. 31, 2009, was well supported by TBA and was recently extended to Dec. 31, 2010. It was even made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2010.”

Educational opportunities

As training manager for SENCON, Hawks uses his membership in TBA as a way to promote educational opportunities to home builders and subcontractors. “We organize and participate in a number of free educational events. For example, this week at the Green Building Council meeting Patrice helped us spread the word about an upcoming event in which we will be discussing the IECC 2009 Energy Code that is supposed to take effect in September. As a training provider, we believe education is crucial to encouraging change in the marketplace so that sustainable or green practices become the standard for our industry.”

If you or your company has a building or development issue you would like help resolving or a question you need answered, please contact TBA’s Builder Services Specialist Patrice Kyle at 305-9015 or pkyle@tbaonline.org.

MARCH/APRIL 2010

"#$%&'(&)*+

Mixed-use projects are picking up steam Current demand is keeping land-planning service busy the past few months, LPS has observed Land Planning Solutions, LPS, is a a noticeable increase in sales, which multifaceted planning firm based in seems to have a direct correlation to a Suffolk that specializes in conceptual project’s pricing and location. design, rezoning, preliminary Unique projects with a mix of and final engineering, project housing styles and commercial management, landscape and aruses have continued to sell due chitectural design. to their variable products and Melissa Venable, the principal pricing. of LPS, graduated from UniverCurrently, LPS is working sity of Maryland with a degree in with Harrison and Lear on the landscape architecture and plan- !"#=.&%55'## 2010 Parade of Homes. We ning and gained a formidable >.-'6&. are also working with Robinamount of experience working son Development Group on in the Washington, D.C., metthe next phases for Culpepper ropolitan area before coming Landing. We continue our to Hampton Roads to begin work with several clients in Eastern LPS. Venable’s experience, combined North Carolina and Hampton Roads with Jon Bengtson’s extensive experifinalizing site plans for multifamily ence in graphics, Jeff Huentelman and sites, mixed-use sites and more tradiRandy Randolph’s experience in civil tional neighborhoods. engineering and Eric Galvin’s landscape The design process for LPS is an architecture background, form a team exercise that considers many variables, with more than 50 years of planning not just a simple “make-it-fit” philosoexperience. phy. The thoughtful consideration of LPS’ versatility and experience have the current buyer’s needs, as well as the come from working with national projected needs of future generations, firms such as Centex, Pulte and Ryan leads LPS to create spaces that are not Homes, as well as with local, private only attractive and impressionable but developers and builders. Much of LPS’ long lasting, too. work is within Virginia and North CarWhen considering a home purchase, olina, although projects have taken the the buyer takes a moment to ask himfirm up and down the East Coast. LPS self, “Could I live here? Will my chilaims to create attractive livable and dren be happy here? What about my functional communities that are desirgrandchildren?” able not only to potential residents, but The team at LPS asks themselves to current neighbors and the surroundthese questions everyday and has heard ing community. some of their most successful clients As a result of today’s market, LPS do so as well. When response to curhas found itself working on a wide varirent financial needs is combined with ety of projects, often reconfiguring preresearch and study for future demand, vious iterations of land plans, as well as LPS has found creating places can be adjusting the product size and elevation highly sought after. to better fit the current demand. Over 26

MARCH/APRIL 2010

?#@3&#0#*,$73*-#*

!"#?:-#@'-1&.A## B.(:1.&.,5#2:C-7%&# 7D'%,('-

Learn the best-kept secret for selling remodeling jobs

recent Leading Indictor of Remodeling Activity report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University projected that remodeling activity will increase in the second quarter of 2010. While the uptick won’t be as great as the heydays of 2005-07, it will climb steadily throughout 2010. This may mean more homeowners will be looking to make more home improvements and cash in on the energy-efficiency tax credits before they expire. With homeowners being able to claim up to $1,500 in expanded energy-efficiency tax credits for remodeling their principal residence to reduce energy consumption, now is the time to make sure you know how to market your business. Available until the end of 2010, the revamped 25C Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit will help consumers save on their renovation costs and utility bills. Now is a great time to educate not only yourselves, but also the consumer about what is available and how much they can save. One way in which remodelers can capitalize on the credits is by offering homeowners energy-saving solutions, such as a home energy audit. These audits, which can cost as little as $500, are often an expense worth the investment, especially when homeowners opt for the efficiency upgrades based on the audit. Simple upgrades, such as reducing air leakage by adding insulation, and installing or upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system can not only save on energy costs this year, but also in the coming years. With the expanded federal tax credit refunding 30 percent of the product replacement cost, up to $1,500, more homeowners may be looking to upgrade. A taxpayer without liability can even carry the credit forward to the next tax year. The credit can be used not only for HVAC systems, insulation and water heaters, but also for windows, doors and insulation as long as the new products meet IRS qualifications. In some cases, installation costs may also be applied to claim the tax credit. With more efficient systems, homeowners will also be saving money with less fre2009 quent equipment replacement as well. A homeowner’s best source of energy

efficiency savings is you — the local professional. Being educated starts with knowing how to best apply the credit for homeowners. For example, directing them to National Association of Home Builders’ energy-savings simulation at http://energysim.toolbase.org can help determine the costs of upgrades and savings. Additionally, homeowners may be able to combine federal tax credits with local and regional incentives to maximize savings, such as being exempt from sales tax for certain energyefficient appliances. Information on rebates from utility companies and other government incentives is available at www.dsireusa.org. For customers looking to install renewable energy products, the 25D Wind, Solar, Geothermal and Fuel Cell Tax Credit provides greater incentives for installing geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. Though these products may cost more upfront, the credit is for 30 percent and doesn’t have a cap through 2016. New home builders can even cash in on the tax incentive by providing an itemized cost to the buyer for tax claims upon purchase of the home. For more information about the tax credit, visit www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit. Don Landle is vice president of production at Case Handyman and Remodeling and is serving as chairman of TBA’s Remodelers Council. The Remodelers Council meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the TBA boardroom. For more information, please call Maggie Rickard at 305-9053 or mrickard@tbaonline.org.

In 2009, we sold $370 million more in sales than our closest competition. We did it the “old-fashioned-hi-tech way”... At William E. Wood & Associates New Homes Division, we understand the value of providing superior “old-fashioned” customer service while recognizing the importance of offering our customers the latest “hi-tech” marketing products.

!"#$%&'"($)*+*(*&,

#*--*.'"#&&/01&'2,"#3&'"(

4546789679:7 ;<",/.="*/>#*--*.'"#&&/01&'

Contact Brenda Reid, Director of New Homes, if we can assist you in your New Home Community. MARCH/APRIL 2010

D'(5$&;-%%&$./&/,+#)&9-+!&%7/3-,#<

T-!/0,$/+&1"-#!/+%&2%%'3-,4'(5%&66+!

TBA Annual Picnic

Friday, June 11, 4‐8 p.m. Chesapeake City Park

Greenbrier Parkway A!"#$%&'(#)&*&+,-(&'+&%.-(/ U";&)2/)1"-)VW+X/)YY-,)+&&2%3)7;6&;6D)V8;/)3.H.&,%-').M.&5)$-"#;/./)%)68%&6.)5")&.5Z"-?);&)%)) 12&)%&,).=6;5;&H)%5#"/$8.-.D)["2)Z;33).&\"')#"258:Z%5.-;&H)1"",T)-.1-./8;&H)>.M.-%H./T).=6;5;&H) %65;M;5;./]6"&5./5/T)%&,)1%>23"2/).&5.-5%;&#.&5D

G+/,$&%7'(%'+%.-7&'77'+$"(-4/%&,+/&,8,-#,9#/: A1);&5.-./5.,T)6"&5%65)V.-./%)^"Z.33)%5)YK_:PK`J)"-)aYP:JK`P)"-)58"Z.33b5>%"&3;&.D"-HD

'''12$%'&/"*'BCDE'#;A(283'("#8"#F'G/2&'H%&&%)'G23'&;')%G2)?'3;0)'%A(<;3%%*' G"&/;0&'&/%'/%2?2#/%';>'(<288"8I'28?'()%(2)2&";8J +3/"T)%/?)%>"25)%)8"/$;5%3;5')/2;5.)-./.-M.,)1"-)'"2-).#$3"'../)%&,)/$.6;%3)H2./5/)5").&\"'D

Ticket Order Form !"#$%&'()********************************************** +,,-.//)012334()****************************************** !"&5%65)$.-/"&()***************************************** 78"&.()*********************************************** 9:#%;3()*********************************************** <%=()************************************************* ) 73.%/.)6"#$3.5.)5")$%')>')6-.,;5)6%-,(

!"#$%&'()"#%*+ ,-.'&/)0'123'-4''' ,-5'123'-6'&/)0'708%'.9 ,:9'708%'.. I72-68%/.)JKL)5;6?.5/)%&,)-.6.;M.)%),;/6"2&5) 5;6?.5)$-;6.)"1)NOP).%68Q)0R-,.-/)#2/5)>.)-.: 6.;M.,)>')C%')JST)&"),;/6"2&5/)"11.-.,)%15.-) 58;/),%5.D4 !;&2<'=';>'&"#$%&*';)?%)%?+'@@@@@@ !;&2<'2A;08&'%8#<;*%?+','@@@@@@

!8.6?)"&.()!)@AB+))))!)C!))))))!)+9)()******************** 9=$D)E%5.()*********************)!F@(****************** !%-,)G2#>.-(****************************************** B;H&%52-.()******************************************** 28

MARCH/APRIL 2010

12"<'&;+ !KL'M"#8"#N'-..O'PA"&/'LQ%J R/%*2(%2$%N'SL'-::-9T-5.5 U2V'&;'W-9T55:6

=%9$+%2 U.S. Congressman Randy Forbes, right, takes a moment from the Board of Directors meeting to talk with TBA President Bill Halprin. Forbes vowed to fight to keep the U.S. Navy carrier that leaders are considering moving to Florida from Hampton Roads. Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council members packed TBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boardroom for a seminar from Mally Dryden-Mason, a fair housing trainer with the Fair Housing Board of Virginia.

Sen. Frank Wagner, 7th district, (center) is one of many delegates and senators visited by TBA Political Action Committee members during a day on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hillâ&#x20AC;? to support the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative package for the 2010 General Assembly session. Pictured with Wagner are (from left) John Ainslie, TBA Builder Services Staff Vice President Claudia Cotton, TBA President Bill Halprin and John Napolitano. (Both Ainslie and Napolitano are TBA past presidents.)

50 .",& " 300. #0-% %3"."5*$ "/% 456//*/( %0 40.&5)*/( #0-% %3"."5*$ "/% 456//*/( 40-"3 -*()5*/( 0' 7*3(*/*" JT ZPVS 7&-69 4UBS %FBMFS "MM 7&-69 TLZMJHIUT BOE 4VO5VOOFMT BSF BWBJMBCMF BU UIF MPXFTU QSJDFT JO UIF BSFB 'BTU %FMJWFSZ .PTU QSPEVDUT JO TUPDL .PEFM )PNF 1SPHSBN BWBJMBCMF

XXX 7"EBZMJHIU DPN MARCH/APRIL 2010

EPA effluent limitation guidelines are the first in a wave of new regulations

Turbidity, a measure of water clarity, is someany people have heard that the times used as a surrogate to determine the extent Environmental Protection Agency of soil and sediment contained in runoff water. issued a final regulation (40 CFR In this case, the EPA intends to use turbidity 450) for effluent limitation guideas an indicator of how well erosion and sediment lines (ELGs) effective Feb. 1, 2010. control measures are working. The EPA doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little known that this regulation will specify when and how samples must be taken not directly affect Virginia until after July 2014. In the meantime, the EPA will consider this !"#2C,0%5#)%7<('-A## and leaves the development of methods up to the rule as it develops the total maximum daily load E.,,#F-G%,:-(.-0'&# states. However, guidance on implementing these effluent guidelines is anticipated to be issued by for the Chesapeake Bay and the new national /.,G%7.5#2:,+* the EPA in 2011. stormwater standards, both of which will affect Virginia. These ELGs will be incorporated into the next VirA shift in control ginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) General This ELG is a significant shift in policy from managing Permit for Discharges of Stormwater from Construction controls to managing the result of the controls. Activities (construction general permit). Virginia just issued Currently, a developer is in compliance with the VSMP a new VSMP construction general permit in July 2009 that construction general permit if all of the controls are in place will be effective until June 31, 2014. Therefore, these new EPA and have been properly maintained. This new policy will meaguidelines will not be effective until the current permit expires sure compliance by the clarity of the stormwater effluent. in 2014. However, the following question remains. How will the

Why the new guidelines?

These effluent guidelines are primarily a series of new management practices that are focused on reducing sediment and other pollutants in construction site stormwater discharges. For example, management practices will now be required for concrete washouts and dewatering activities, among others. However, the most notable requirement is that a turbidity effluent standard will be enforced on construction sites that disturb more than 10 acres at once. One of the goals of this regulation is to provide an incentive to limit the total disturbed area of a site to less than 10 acres at a time. This is generally thought to reduce sediment in stormwater. Developers will be required to sample stormwater at outfalls during construction and measure for turbidity. The average turbidity of any discharge for any day must not exceed 280 nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs).

280 NTU standard be achieved? Some believe that it will not be achievable without substantial additional costs in new technology, such as flocculants in stormwater ponds and significant additional erosion and sediment structural controls. Since Virginia will be one of the last states to implement these regulations, we can hope that we will be able to learn from other states and benefit from lessons learned and new technology developed to meet the 280 NTU standard. This regulation is final, but there is still an opportunity to influence the details of how this regulation will be implemented in Virginia. Unresolved issues include: monitoring methods, monitoring frequency, analytical methods, reporting and enforcement procedures. It will be important to stay involved in the resolution of these issues as Virginia drafts the next VSMP construction general permit in 2013. With all of these pending stormwater initiatives the landdisturbance community has a great deal of homework to do to influence this upcoming wave of stormwater regulation.

Curtis Hickman is a senior environmental scientist with Kerr Environmental Services. He specializes in managing Kerrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VSMP/SWPPP program, as well as stream and wetland assessment, perenniality determination, wetland delineation, ecological restoration and environmental permitting. He can be reached at (757) 963-2008 or hickman@kerrenv.com. 30

MARCH/APRIL 2010

strong.

- Complete electrical system designs, using the highest quality equipment - Reliable design-build projects for a wide variety of industrial, commercial and residential clients - Professional project management and advanced technology solutions

We are your strongest link. At John E. Hall Electrical Contractor, Inc., one of the largest electrical contractors in Southeast Virginia, we have the manpower and inventory to safely deliver the highest quality work, on time, every time. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple. Our highly trained staff offers you electrical solutions upon which you can rely.

Service. Craftsmanship. Commitment. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our promise. Contact us today for your next project.

ph 757.465.1658 | fx 757.465.2328 | www.JohnHallElectric.com johnhall@johnhallelectric.com | 3303 Airline Blvd., Suite 1A | Portsmouth,VA 23701

MARCH/APRIL 2010

Helen Dragas named First Citizen of Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach Jaycees will honor Helen Dragas, president and CEO of The Dragas Cos., as First Citizen of Virginia Beach for 2009 at a banquet on May 14 at the historic Cavalier Hotel at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The award is presented to a Virginia Beach citizen who exemplifies success, leadership, voluntary service, philanthropic spirit, or service to humanity. For more information or to check availablity of tickets, contact Jaycees’ Management Director Doug Harmon at sdhjaycee@gmail.com.

1"34$!(0A Rose & Womble Realty Co. agent takes the gold

Carol Daniels of Rose & Womble Realty Co.’s New Homes Division was named gold award winner for Marketing Director of the Year at the National Sales and Marketing Awards gala. The awards pay tribute to superior new-home sales and marketing achievements by individual sales and marketing professionals, home builders and associates, and sales and marketing councils. Daniels has been with Rose & Womble Marketing Services for 19 years.

TMHC contributes to relief efforts

Congratulations to Kim Curtis

Kim S. Curtis, president and CEO of Tidewater Home Funding LLC, was named one of Inside Business’ 2009 Women in Business Achievement Award recipients. Curtis was one of 20 women selected by the public for their business acumen.

Local interior merchandising firm wins national award

Interior design and merchandising firm House Details was named Interior Designer for the 2010 Best in American Living Award (BALA) for Sajo Farm at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. The BALA Awards are sponsored by Professional Builder magazine and NAHB Design Committee.

The TMHC Executive Committee recently contributed $1,000 to the Home of the Daughters of God Orphanage in Haiti, which provides for 70 girls. The orphanage is now uninhabitable. HBAV President Mike Newsome and Bob Flynn urge all HBAV members to make a contribution as well. If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to Resurrection Catholic Church, and mail it to HBAV, 707 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA, 23219. All contributions are tax deductible.

Money in your pocket Rebate program is easy to use

When times are good, most of us don’t bother with product rebate forms. In times like these, why leave money on the table? Especially when claiming it’s so easy and the return is so substantial. As a TBA builder or remodeler member, you’re eligible to join the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s Member Rebate Program. A number of local companies are using it and have received from $400 to $3,000 back — per quarter! What makes the rebate program so easy to use? r You register as a participant by visiting www.hbav.com and clicking on the HBAV Member Rebate Program logo. r Once you’re registered, you’ll receive e-mail reminders about when each quarter’s form is due and the dates the rebate checks are mailed. r The rebate claim forms are also on 32

MARCH/APRIL 2010

the HBAV Web site. The form is simple to use and is set up with a section for each participating manufacturer. You fill out a form for each home you complete OR fill out one form and attach a list of your completed homes. r No purchase receipts are necessary.

What manufacturers are participating in the program?

r Currently, 31 national manufacturers participate in the program. If you buy products from two of those, you are eligible to participate. And if your subcontractor is buying the product but you specify it, you can still claim it. So don’t leave money on the table. If you’re building a few homes this year and you use at least two of the participating manufacturers, it’s worth registering for the program. Rebate claim forms for homes completed the first quarter of 2010 are due May 21.

Fall Homearama heads back to East Beach !"#=',"#H,%.,A#IHB

With final plans for Spring Homearama well under way, another Homearama is shaping up for Oct. 2-17 in Norfolk’s East Beach community. In 2004, Tidewater Builders Association’s Homearama featured the neighborhood’s original 16 homes highlighting porches, bay-front greens, park-like open spaces, sidewalks and other elements of a traditional neighborhood development. Today, more than 250 families make it their home. With an on-site town architect, the community is distinctly known for its attention to architectural detail. To date, 11 veteran Homearama builders have signed on to construct 12 homes ranging from $450,000 to $700,000. The Crumley Group, Virginia Beach, will build the Charity House to benefit St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. Other builders planning to participate include Bill Ore LLC, Chesapeake; Charles A. Schmitt Contractors, Virginia Beach; Definitive Homes, Virginia Beach; J.F. Schoch Building Corp., Vir-

ginia Beach; L.R. Hill Custom Homes, Virginia Beach; Real Development, Norfolk; Richardson Homes, Norfolk; Seaside Homes, Norfolk; Simpson Builders, Norfolk. Mike Brunick of Definitive Homes

will serve as chairman for the show. East Beach is situated on 100 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk. Surrounded by water, the neighborhood is fashioned after classic southeastern seaboard coastal villages.

Get in your applications Do you know a high school senior in need of financial assistance? If so, high school seniors have until April 16 to apply for scholarship funds from Tidewater Builders Association’s Scholarship Foundation. Scholarship awards will be based on academic performance, community service and financial need. The four-year scholarships can be applied to any field of study. Applications are available from high school guidance counselors in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin and Southampton County schools, as well as the Eastern Shore of Virginia. They can also be downloaded from www.tbaonline.org or by calling Mary Hearring at 305-9018. MARCH/APRIL 2010

Top of their class

THE SAME FAMILIAR FACES AND GREAT SERVICE YOU ARE ACCUSTOMED TO

HAVE MOVED TO OUR NEW LOCATION.

(!,,Ă´#(%62/,%4Ă´7%34%2.Ă´"2!.#(Ă´!../5.#%3Ă´/52

#(%69Ă´#/--%2#)!,Ă´ $)6)3)/.Ă´4%!-

7E VEĂ´TRANSFERREDĂ´LOCATION Ă´Ă´"UTĂ´./4Ă´&!#%3ĂÓRĂ´15!,)49Ă´/&Ă´3%26)#% Ă´ -IKEĂ´(ILL Ă´(ALLĂ´#HEVROLETĂ´#OMMERCIALĂ´$IVISIONĂ´-ANAGER Ă´WHOMĂÝOUĂ´HAVEĂ´ KNOWNĂÁNDĂ´TRUSTEDĂ´FORĂÓVERĂ´ ĂÝEARSĂ´HASĂ´MOVEDĂ´TOĂÓURĂŃEWĂ´LOCATIONĂÍNĂ´Ă´ #HESAPEAKEĂÓNĂ´7ESTERNĂ´"RANCHĂ´"LVD Ă´-IKEĂÁNDĂ´HISĂ´TEAMĂÁREĂ´READYĂ´TOĂ´ ASSISTĂÝOUĂ´WITHĂÝOURĂ´#OMMERCIALĂÓRĂ´&LEETĂŃEEDS Ă´Ă´

*ENNIFERĂ´#ONARO

-IKEĂ´(ILL

#OMMERCIALĂ´&LEETĂ´-ANAGER

&LEETĂ´3ALESĂ´0ROFESSIONAL

-ARKĂ´3MELLEY #OMMERCIALĂ´3ALESĂ´ 0ROFESSIONAL

3KIPĂ´7EBB

&LEETĂ´3ALESĂ´0ROFESSIONALĂ´

isted below are the top 2009 Hampton Roads builders by number of closings recorded, according to Residential DataBank Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009 New Home Market Report. According to the report, 2009 was a year of rebuilding for the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market. While new home construction permits and closings declined, the percent of decline was slowing, according to the report. The average cost of new home construction was down 10.5 percent in Hampton Roads from 2008, but by the fourth quarter, it was seeing an upswing with the average cost of new home construction being down 8.4 percent from the fourth quarter 2008. On a positive note, the existing home market saw an improvement in closings due to the lower prices and first-time home buyer tax credit. Builders selling standing inventory also made progress in 2009, the report found. Overall, affordably priced housing is selling and the builders within that category are still thriving, according to the report.

BuilderÂ

"ENEFITS

ď&#x20AC; ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â %NTERPRISEĂ´RENTALĂ´ONĂ´SITEĂ´

ď&#x20AC; ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â Â GMÂ BusinessÂ ChoiceÂ 4OĂĆOMMERCIALĂĆUSTOMERSĂ´)NCLUDE Ă´#HOOSEĂ´FROMĂ´FOURĂ´ Â Â . OĂ´STRINGS Ă´FREEĂÓILĂ´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; GREATĂÓPTIONSĂ´WHENĂÝOUĂ´ CHANGESĂÁNDĂ´LIFETIMEĂ´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; Ă´/N SITEĂ´DEMOĂÓFĂ´VEHICLE PURCHASEĂÓRĂ´LEASEĂÁĂŃEWĂ´ INSPECTIONS Ă´FREEĂ´TOWINGĂ´ VEHICLEĂ´FORĂ´DAY TO DAYĂÚSEĂ´ Â Â ( EADĂÓFĂ´LINEĂ´PRIVILEGESĂ´TOĂ´Ă´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; FORĂÝOURĂ´BUSINESS Ă´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â Â #REDITĂ´TERMSĂÁVAILABLEĂ´THRUĂ´ MINIMIZEĂ´DOWNTIME INTERSTATEĂ´BILLING Â Â ď&#x192;&#x2039; '-!#Ă´&INANCIALĂ´3ERVICESĂ´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â ExpeditedÂ partsÂ delivery kNDĂÁĂ´VARIETYĂÓFĂ´kNANCINGĂ´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â Â 3PECIALĂ´6EHICLEĂ´-ANUFAC ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â ExtendedÂ serviceÂ hoursÂ ANDĂ´LEASINGĂ´PROGRAMSĂ´FORĂ´ TURERSĂ´ 36-S Ă´!CCESSĂ´THEĂ´ BUSINESSĂ´VEHICLES #OMMERCIALĂ´4RUCKĂ´"ODYĂ´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â Â PickupÂ andÂ deliveryÂ Â !PPLICATIONĂ´'UIDEĂÁNDĂ´ serviceÂ availableÂ kNDĂ´36-S Ă´ ď&#x192;&#x2039; Â Â !3%ĂÁNDĂ´'-ĂĆERTIkEDĂ´ TECHSĂ´ Ă´Ă´

0LEASEĂĆONTACTĂÚSĂ´TODAYĂÁTĂ´ ĂÓRĂ´ VISITĂÓURĂ´WEBSITEĂÁTĂ´HALLlEET COM

ClosingsÂ recorded

1Â Q5/./+#2++6&$/>*+#

9ZZ

2Â W4*+/A*/=*#M6C*+#

,_c

Z# :@/%#M6C*+###############################,ZZ 4Â M*/5%)6%#W6%+>5(&>$6%#W65AD#

5Â \5/%&$+&(+#W6D#I%&D#

6Â 3*55@e"*>*5+6%#:*+$)*%>$/'#

7Â J/A6'$>/%6#K%>*5A5$+*+#I%&D#

b# -Wf#P($')*5+#8#Q*Y*'6A*5+#I%&D# _b 9Â W*%>*]#M6C*+#

7EĂ´HAVEĂ´BEENĂÁCTIVEĂ´MEMBERSĂÓFĂ´THEĂ´4"!Ă´FORĂ´THEĂ´LASTĂ´ ĂÝEARS Ă´ !NYĂ´4"!Ă´MEMBERĂÍSĂÉNTITLEDĂ´TOĂÁNĂÁDDITIONALĂ´ ĂÓFFĂÁĂ´#HEVYĂ´PURCHASEĂ´FROMĂÚS HALL CHEVROLET WESTERN BRANCH COMMERCIAL DIVISION | 3412 Western Branch Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23321 | www.hallfleet.com

MARCH/APRIL 2010

,[# M*/'>4#K#W6CC(%$>@## Â EnterprisesÂ Inc. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Source:Â ResidentialÂ DataBankÂ Inc.Â

_, c,Â

Welcome new members ASSOCIATES Becker Enterprises Concrete; excavating/clearing/grading; hardscapes/pavers; irrigation; landscaping/sodding; lighting; paving; pools; sand/ gravel/crushed stone William Becker ................ (757) 560-6300 Creative Touch Interiors Appliances; cabinets; carpeting; counter tops; flooring; marble (cultured and imported), stone, granite; tile; window treatments Carol Stevens ................. (757) 229-1056 www.ctihome.com Energy Efficient Solutions Inc. Air quality; energy conservation systems/ products; HVAC/mechanical subcontractors; Insulation; moisture/mold/mildew control Chuck Worley ................. (757) 595-4433 www.callenergyefficient.com

Handyman Plus Inc. Remodeling/restoration/building repair; Loren Linker ................... (757) 631-2722 HomeTeam Pest Defense Exterminating; other services; pest control Nate Baker ..................... (804) 276-9797 www.pestdefense.com Norfolk Air Heating & Cooling Inc. HVAC/mechanical subcontractors Robert Rhodes ............... (757) 963-8365 www.norfolkair-hvac.com Shenandoah Shutters LLC Window treatments Donna Sepko ................. (804) 355-9300 www.shenandoahshutters.com

Virginia Home Performance Air quality; energy conservation systems/ products; engineering/planning; environmental services/consultants/soil testing; HVAC/mechanical suppliers; home inspectors; Insulation; moisture/mold/ mildew control; other services Raymond Walsh ............. (757) 309-4786 www.virginiahomeperformance.com

BUILDERS Boyd & Associates L.L.C., L.A. Builders/developers Tony Boyd ...................... (757) 817-3823 Design Four Inc. Architect/building designers; architect/ commercial; architect/residential; builders/developers; designer/building; designer/interior Gregory M. Frech ........... (757) 498-9800 www.coastalarchitect.com

Here to stay ASSOCIATES 84 Lumber Co. A&B Floors Advantage Heating & Cooling AES Consulting Engineers Affordable Closest Systmes Inc. Affordable Custom Decks AFLAC Allied Door & Glass Always Clean Services Amurcon Realty Assurance Ltd. Atlantic Railing Inc. Atlantic Shores Automatic Leasing Services Inc. Barnes, Brock, Cornwell & Heilman Batchelder & Collins Inc. Beach Windows Beskin & Associates Inc. Branche Industries Brooks Electric Budget Blinds of Chesapeake Burton Lumber Corp. Capital Concrete Inc. Casa Decks Closet Factory, The Coastal Door Installations Co. College Square Apartments Columbia Gas of Virginia Community Bank Continental Realty Services Dernis International Dominion Virginia Power Dr. Dan’s Landscaping & Architectural Design

Dreamscape Designers East Coast Appliance Inc. Elecronic Systems Family Housing Program Naval Support Activity First Atlantic Restoration Inc. Fulton Bank N.A. - Southern Division Gemaire Distributors General Electric Co. Gifford Management Group Inc. Gildersleeve Griggs Lumber H&P Electric Co. Hampton Roads Bankshares Hampton Roads Magazine Harris Judah Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate iLevel by Weyerhaeuser Interior Trim Technology Irby’s Home Specialists Jack’s Towing Jayhawk Exteriors JES Construction Inc. Kaufman & Canoles Land Planning Solutions Massey Design and Associates MetLife Home Loans Mid-Atlantic Leasing Corp. Miller’s Overhead Door Inc. MSA P.C. NDI, LLC: Basgier & Associates Division New American Mortgage Noland Plumbing Showroom Nusbaum Insurance Agency ODU Off-Campus Housing

Pella Windows& Doors Production Painting ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings Quality Plumbing & Mechanical Roto-Rooter Services Company Royal Mace Apartments Saunders & Matthews PLLC Sentorian Investigations & Executive Protection Sherwin Williams/Duron Smith & Keene Inc. Solar Lighting of Virginia Starling Guttering & Associates of Southside Inc. Sykes, Bourdon, Ahern & Levy, P.C. Tallen Concrete TCS Materials (division of Florida Rock Industries) Tidewater Community College/ Workforce Development Tidewater Floors Tidewater Home Funding Tile Essentials Titan America Troutman Sanders LLP United Property Associates United Turf USI Insurance Services Inc. Virginia Natural Gas WBR Insurance Weather Makers Inc. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Wells Fargo Real Estate Group Window World of Tidewater Young’s Flooring

(continued on page 36)

MARCH/APRIL 2010

Historic oak becomes community landmark

Developers strive to save black oak at Sajo Farms !"#/','#/0.%&

t’s hard not to notice the 90-foot-tall black oak with a 120-foot crown that has made its home at the entrance to The Neighborhoods of Sajo Farms in Virginia Beach. It commands a presence that can only come with age. Rightfully so — it’s estimated to be between 80 and 100 years old. It has also been identified as Virginia’s sixth largest black oak on record in 2009 on Virginia Tech’s “Champion Tree” listing and it has been nominated for the Remarkable Trees of Virginia Program, which documents Virginia’s largest, oldest and most historic trees. Sajo Farm land development managers noticed the tree when the site was being surveyed in 2007.

Civil engineers redesigned the road layout, utilities and sewer and water lines to preserve the tree. A lightening rod was also installed atop the oak and its roots were separated from those of nearby trees.

Here to stay (continued from page 35)

BUILDERS

Associated Contracting Services Inc. Beachtowne Realty Corp. Bishard Development Corp. Breeden Co. Bush Construction Caruana Constuction Clark Whitehill Enterprises Inc. Classic Design Builders (Bay Beach Builders) Crace-Johnson Construction Corp. Crumley Group Inc. Designs of Distinction Ltd. Dominion Building Group Drucker & Falk LLC Eagle Construction of VA, LLC East Beach Co. LLC Fred Napolitano II Co. Frye Properties Inc. Gee’s Group Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads Inc. HAV Inc. Hearndon Construction Corp. Johns Contractor Inc., Leo F. Larrymore Organization Lincoln Military Housing Marsha Lynn Building Corp./ Royal Court Inc. McLeskey & Associates LLC MER Contracting Inc. Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders Inc. 36

MARCH/APRIL 2010

“At the time, we didn’t know it was one of the largest black oaks in Virginia, we just knew it was one gorgeous tree,” said Tuck Bowie, president of The Terry Peterson Cos., which joined forces with Napolitano Homes for the development. Landscape architect and certified arborist Kim Edwards was called in to preserve the tree. Along with the oak, Edwards identified and tagged several additional trees for preservation at the development. “I think the attitude of developers is shifting. Preservation was once considered a cost item,” said Edwards. “Now, we’re becoming more conscious of the benefits.” Now the oak has become a landmark of the community.

TBA Calendar Miller Custom Homes Mullins & Co. General Contractors Paragon Construction Corp. Quality Building Reese Smith Construction LLC Russell Realty Associates S.B. Ballard Construction Co. S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. Shore Ventures Stephen Alexander Homes Towne Development Corp. Turner & Son Inc, Randy Tyler & Associates Ltd, R.W. Vico Construction Corp. Vintage Homes LLC W.H. Leitner & Son Inc. Welden-Field of Virginia Wel-Vant Construction Co. William T. Wingfield Inc.

We’re socially conscious !"#"$%&'()*+"*,-)./% $)%0)++)1%2#%)*

April 14 Remodelers Council meeting 15 Developers Council meeting Membership Mingle 22 VRLTA/Fair Housing, Chesapeake Conference Center 295/1 CGP class, TBA

May 5 TBA Charity Golf Tournament 6 Green Building Council meeting 7 Spring Homearama Gala Charity Preview, Founders Pointe 823 Spring Homearama, Founders Pointe 10 TBA Board of Directors/Cornerstone Foundation Reception, Steinhilber’s 12 Remodelers Council meeting 1920 DIRECTDrive Membership Campaign 20 Developers Council meeting 27 Quarterly Builder Breakfast

June 2 Scholarship Awards, Town Point Club 3 Green Building Council meeting 9 Remodelers Council meeting 11 TBA Annual Picnic

Commercial Buildings

General Liability

Commercial Auto

Inland Marine

Workers’ Compensation

Multifamily Buildings

Expanded coverages to meet your changing needs. BIIA provides great coverage at a great price. ✓ Building Industry Insurance Association, Inc. (BIIA) offers members General Liability and Workers Compensation for competitive rates. ✓ Coming soon – commercial auto and property insurance. ✓ BIIA offers flexible payment options, allowing you to track payments with your work flow on a monthly basis. Owned & endorsed by TBA

✓ Price, coverage, and service… what more can you ask for? Call your agent for a quote.

Building Industry Insurance Association, Inc.

www.biiaonline.com

757-420-3022

Great Things Come In Small erPackages Janitrol’s 80% AFUE gas furnaces are getting smaller but still packing the same punch. At an incredible 33 3/8-inches tall, you will have maximum installation flexibility on a superior gas furnace. Package this new feature with the best warranty in the industry and you’ll agree that the value Janitrol offers is getting bigger and bigger.

inches It’s 33 3/8

SMALL!

Wholesale Distributed by:

For a Janitrol dealer near you or learn more about the products we carry,

Call Toll Free: 8003253709