The Tidewater Builder - November 2009 Edition by Tidewater Builders Association

T h e Ti d e w a t e r

The official magazine of Tidewater Builders Association

View from the porch:

Homearama 2009 excites the sensesâ&#x20AC;Ś and home buyers

Golfing in the rain

November 2009

The Tidewater

Vol. 56, Number 8 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. OFFICERS: Pete A. Kotarides, president; William H. Halprin, vice president; James E. Jackson, associate vice president; Charles J. Miller II, treasurer; S.L. “Sam” Cohen, secretary; Jack Schoch, appointee, Steven E. Lawson, appointee; Edward R. Sadler, immediate past president 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 ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: G. Robert Aston Jr., J. Gregory Dodd, Thomas W. Dye, Scott M. Gandy, Brenda K. Reid, Samuel G. Scott, H. Mac Weaver II, 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

From the preview party and the award winners to the Taste of Chesapeake and Idea Marketplace, Homearama 2009 has something for everyone.

Features 14 First time home buyers Make your voice heard. NAHB has made it easy to show your support for the extension of the first time home buyer tax credit.

Managing editor.............................. Mary Prier, APR Editor ......................................................Sara Steil Advertising sales .................................... Kim Powers Leigh Ann Sirmans Production coordinator ....................... Stella Council

pages 6-12

16-17 Rainy day fun Despite the wind and rain, supporters of TBA’s Political Action Committee took to the course for some fall golfing.

Adviser ........................................... Sandra Amidon Graphic Artist ................................... Diane Trumbull Copyright: 2009; 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 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.

Departments 2

President’s Pen

Shades of Green

Headliners

Big Pic

Counsel’s Insights

Membership Update

Builder Services

Advertisers’ Index

Meet a Member

Shop Talk

Events Calendar

About the cover: Homearama 2009 took visitors back to Main Street America at Culpepper Landing with tree-lined streets and front porches, as seen from the porch of The Whitaker. NOVEMBER 2009

President’s Pen

Looking back on a challenging but rewarding year

s my term as TBA president comes to an end, I realize what an honor it was to represent the industry during these trying times. This could well go down as one of the most challenging years our industry has experienced. Those of us who survived it together will emerge stronger for it. We saw the national economy in a free fall the first quarter of the year, with one crisis after another in the financial markets. Even though the old-timers kept telling us things always get better eventually, there were days it was difficult to believe them. We’re not yet back to where we would like to be, but there’s no doubt we’re moving in the right direction. Hopefully, one day I’ll be one of the old-timers encouraging another generation of builders through the rough spots. This year, our leadership put a great amount of thought into how our association could best help our industry during these tough times. The banking crisis emerged as a major issue affecting builders and their potential buyers. We hosted several forums for bankers and builders to better understand how to work together in the current environment. We appreciate efforts our banker members made to help improve conditions when possible. TBA’s general counsel, Grig Scifres of Williams Mullen law firm, also offered advice on how to negotiate with lenders in group forums and in private confidential meetings. We also found ourselves still fighting regulations that add to the cost of new homes – even during this difficult economy. New state storm water regulations being considered make it impossible to build the affordable communities our leaders claim to want. We have also had to douse the effort to add expensive mandatory fire sprinklers to every new home built in Virginia. Locally, we continue to meet with officials to explain the impact of proffers and other fees on the cost of building new homes. We have also vigilantly worked to counter negative national headlines about the housing market, advocating for more focus on the positive aspects of what’s happening in Hampton Roads. We are pleased to see more balanced positive housing news and local news in the coverage of the economy. Of course, we’re pleased that there was increasingly more positive news to report as the selling season got under way. 2

NOVEMBER 2009

The Virginian Pilot’s Home section has allowed us column space, which we have used to reinforce the positive buying market, among other topics. One of our greatest accomplishments this year was the execution of an incredibly successful Homearama showcase of homes in the Chesapeake community of Culpepper Landing. Homearama has always been the industry’s “buy now” campaign — an effort to stimulate interest in all things housing. This year, it was important to show the local community that the housing industry is still alive and kicking. The feedback we received from guests was overwhelmingly positive, and builders and exhibitors reported getting more leads than ever. This event demonstrates more than any statistics or surveys that people in Hampton Roads are getting back to their normal lives, coming back out to see what the industry has to offer and how they can improve their living environments. Although it may have been a trying year, it was also a professionally and personally gratifying year for me, mostly because I got to experience the commitment and dedication of the members of our association up close and personal. I saw it in those who gave time and materials to update our association headquarters. I saw it in the joyous celebration at the Tidewater Multifamily Housing Council awards. In the generosity of builder Herb Watson and contributors to his Charity House at a time when the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters needed the support more than ever. In the compassion of builder Donna Belka who built a home for a young Wounded Warrior, and countless others who continue to support other causes when it might be easy to explain why they can’t. In the grit and determination of all of those who put on a Homearama that made us all proud. And last, but not least, in all of you who renewed your membership during a year when funds were in short supply. Each of you contributes to the strength of this association in your own unique way and it was an honor getting to know you. Hang in there,

Pete A. Kotarides

2009

Cornerstone Foundation Members Thank you to the following companies for their support of the shelter industry: Diamond

$10,000

Platinum $5,000

Virginia Natural Gas Dominion Virginia Power Fulton Bank/Fulton Mortgage TowneBank

The Ainslie Group SunTrust Real Estate Finance Group Bank of America Tidewater Home Funding Beach Ford Inc. The Virginian-Pilot Sykes, Bourdon, Ahern & Levy P.C. Hampton Roads Bankshares Williams Mullen William E. Wood & Assoc. Kotarides Builders Napolitano Homes Clark Whitehill Enterprises Inc. Area Builders of Tidewater Inc.

Wells Fargo Monarch Bank/Monarch Mortgage Superior Equipment Sales Inc. Cox Communications Columbia Gas of Virginia

Gold $2,500

Terry/Peterson Cos. Hearndon Construction Corp. Ashdon Builders Inc. L.R. Hill Custom Builders Inc. Miller Custom Homes Joey Corp. Greenbrier Lighting Associated Development Real Estate Information Network Inc. Gateway Bank & Trust Co. Reese Smith Construction iLevel by Weyerhaeuser The Closet Factory

NOVEMBER 2009

Headliners HBAV installation coming to Virginia Beach

The Home Builders Association of Virginia is heading to Virginia Beach for the installation of our 2010 state president, Michael Newsome of Clark Whitehill Enterprises Inc. Newsome is a TBA past president and current chairman of the TBA Scholarship Foundation. In lieu of a formal event, Newsome will celebrate his Newsome installation with a luncheon at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Thursday, Nov. 12. The installation luncheon will kick off with a gathering at 11:30 a.m., followed by a meal at 12:30 p.m. The installation ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m., immediately followed by a dessert reception. Tickets cost $40 per person. Make your reservations by contacting Kathy Harley at HBAV at (804) 643-2797, ext. 304 or kharley@hbav.com by Nov. 2.

The next Builder Breakfast Forum is set for 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, in the TBA boardroom. The event will feature Bob Boyd, president of BB&T. Boyd will be speaking on how builders can access capital and what the banks are predicting for the future. The forum is FREE to TBA builder members (principals only) and also features a fully catered breakfast. Please RSVP to Stacey Turner at 305-9042 or sturner@tbaonline.org.

TBA is cleaning house!

Be on the lookout for a Member Verification Form coming in the mail. TBA is reviewing and updating its records to make sure our membership database is up-to-date and we need your help. Please take a few minutes to verify the information we have for your company so that we can keep you informed on industry news and TBA events. If you have any questions about this process, please call Stacey Turner at 305-9042 or e-mail her at sturner@tbaonline.org.

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NOVEMBER 2009

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

A look back at Homearama 2009 Despite tighter belts from an economic downturn and six days of cold and rainy weather, Homearama 2009 at Culpepper Landing received an overwhelmingly positive response from visitors. With more than 61,000 guests during the two-week show, exhibitors and builders reported seeing more interested buyers than in the past. And that proved true, as six of the 12 showcase homes had sold before opening weekend. Other builders are in talks on contracts for some of the remaining homes and some are talking about building homes elsewhere from leads they got from their Homearama home. With a theme of “Make Yourself at Home,” Homearama visitors were welcomed to Culpepper Landing with Adirondack chairs overlooking a peaceful view of an adjacent lake.

The weather held out and the visitors came by the masses on the second weekend of the show.

TBA President Pete A. Kotarides took to the Man Cave with a Cox Communications news crew to highlight the fishing-themed man retreat. The themed garage was sponsored by Cox Communications and DIY Network and built by Vintage Homes.

Homearama developer Tim Culpepper gave weary visitors a ride back to their cars after touring the show.

Robert Bracero of Converge Life Inc. describes how this ROSIE surface interactive coffee table, which won Associates’ Choice for Best Special Product Feature, works to a group of students. More than 300 high school and college drafting/design students from Hampton Roads visited the showcase homes and spoke to the builders about the homes and careers in home building. NOVEMBER 2009

Homearama Preview Party

More than 800 guests kicked off Homearama 2009 at Culpepper Landing with proceeds benefitting The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.

Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff, left, and Culpepper Landing developer Tim Culpepper opened Homearama with old-fashioned sparklers.

Homearama Chairman and Charity House builder Herb Watson takes a moment with the house namesake, Sydney Lambert. Watson presented Sydney with a builder bear during the ceremony. 6

NOVEMBER 2009

Builder Bill Brice, right, and partner Les Ore, left, took home the Hampton Roads Realtors Association’s award for Most Livable House. Charlee Gowin, chairwoman of Hampton Roads Realtors Association, presented the award.

Take a look at the 2009 winners …. From left to right: Builders Chip Iuliano and Sam Cohen accept their award for Best in Show for Morningside Manor from Homearama Chairman Herb Watson and TBA President Pete A. Kotarides. By Mary Prier, APR

After competing with each other for Homearama awards for more than one decade, builders Sam Cohen of Joey Corp and Chip Iuliano of Area Builders of Tidewater joined forces by creating Next Level Group LLC and took home the Gold Award for Best in Show for Morningside Manor. The home is one of six out of the 12 showcase homes that were sold before the kick-off event. Between them, the two builders have more than 30 years of Homearama experience and at least that many showcase homes. Their second entry, The Crow’s Nest, took home the Bronze Award for Best in Show. Rookie Homearama Builder Scott Brooker of SGB Homes garnered the Silver Award for Best in Show, one of 10 that he racked up for his modular home entry, The Whitaker. His wife/real estate agent, Tonya, reports that they agreed they would be “thrilled” to take home one award, and were over the top when they ended up with 10.

Best Home in Show Gold – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Silver – SGB Homes for The Whitaker Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest TBA Past Presidents’ Favorite Home Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest Associates’ Choice for Best Special Product Feature Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor for its Rosie surface interactive coffee table Hampton Roads Realtors Association “Most Livable Home” WATAB Construction Corp. for The Elderberry The Virginian-Pilot Building Excellence Award Gold – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Silver – Stephen Alexander Homes for The Walnut Cottage Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor

Most Creative Gold – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Silver– Simpson Builders Inc. for The “Bright Idea” House Bronze – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House

Best Bath Gold – SGB Homes for The Whitaker Silver – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest Best Flex Space Gold –Vintage Homes for The Lindsay Silver – Vintage Homes for The Dover Bronze – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Best Interior Design Gold – SGB Homes for The Whitaker; design by Gayle Johnson of Inspired Spaces and Debra Puckette of JCPenney Custom Decorating Silver – Stephen Alexander Homes for The Walnut Cottage; design by Susan Cox of Goodwin Interiors Bronze – The Widener Corp. for The Elizabeth; design by Nancy Craig of Willis Furniture Best Kitchen Tie: Gold – Simpson Builders Inc. for The “Bright Idea” House Gold – The Widener Corp. for The Elizabeth Tie: Silver – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Silver – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Bronze – WATAB Construction Corp. for The Elderberry Most Efficient Floor Plan Gold – Stephen Alexander Homes for The Walnut Cottage Silver – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Bronze – The Walters Company Inc. for The EasyLiving Home

(Continued on page 8)

Best Craftsmanship Tie: Gold – Vintage Homes for The Dover Gold – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Silver – The Widener Corp. for The Elizabeth Bronze – SGB Homes for The Whitaker Best Home Furnishing Gold – SGB Homes for The Whitaker; furnishing by JC Penney Custom Decorating and Great Bridge Furniture Silver – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House; furnishings by Amish Originals, Curious Cargo and Lemon Cabana Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest; furnishings by Value City Furniture

John Reddecliff, left, and Mike Brunick, right, of Definitive Homes took home The Virginian-Pilot Excellence in Building Award from publisher Maurice Jones for The Thanksgiving House. NOVEMBER 2009

(continued from page 7) Best Closet, Laundry Room or Storage Tie: Gold – The Walters Company Inc. for The EasyLiving Home Gold – SGB Homes for The Whitaker Silver – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Bronze – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Best Master Suite Gold – The Widener Corp. for The Elizabeth Silver – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Best Pool Gold – Stephen Alexander Homes for The Walnut Cottage; pool by Aegean Pools Best Landscaping Gold – Renaissance Outdoor Contracting Inc. and Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest Silver – Renaissance Outdoor Contracting Inc. and SGB Homes for The Whitaker Bronze – R.W. Askew Nursery and Next Level Group LLC for The Morningside Manor Best Family Room Gold – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Silver – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest Tie: Bronze – Simpson Builders Inc. for The “Bright Idea” House Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor

Best Outdoor Living Area Gold – SGB Homes for The Whitaker Silver – Vintage Homes for The Lindsay Tie: Bronze – Simpson Builders Inc. for The “Bright Idea” House Bronze – Definitive Homes Inc. for The Thanksgiving House Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest Best Integration of Technology Gold – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor Silver – Simpson Builders Inc. for The “Bright Idea” House Tie: Bronze – Vintage Homes for The Dover Bronze – Stephen Alexander Homes for The Walnut Cottage Best Driveway Gold – Next Level Group LLC for Morningside Manor; driveway by Hunnicutt Hardscapes Inc. Silver – WATAB Construction Corp. for The Elderberry; driveway by Small Concrete and Masonry Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest; driveway by Renaissance Outdoor Contracting Inc. Best Curb Appeal Gold – Next Level Group LLC and R.W. Askew Nursery for Morningside Manor Silver – Next Level Group LLC and Renaissance Outdoor Contracting Inc. for The Crow’s Nest Bronze – SGB Homes and Renaissance Outdoor Contracting Inc. for The Whitaker

Matthew Thompson, a re-enactor from the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways History Foundation, called the Preview Party to order on his drums. Best Green Feature Gold – SGB Homes for The Whitaker for its geothermal closed-loop HVAC system Silver – Stephen Alexander Homes for The Walnut Cottage for blown-in cellulose insulation that mitigates air infiltration Bronze – Next Level Group LLC for The Crow’s Nest for its Navien tankless water heater EXHIBITOR AWARDS Best Indoor Exhibit – The Closet Factory Best Indoor Exhibit Honorable Mention The Tile Shop Best Outdoor Exhibit – Innovative Spas

Morningside Manor by Next Level Group LLC took home the Best in Show Award.

Eight-year-old singer Alana Springsteen opened up the Homearama Preview Party with the national anthem. Behind Alana are Gary McCollum, general manager of Cox Communications; Channing Pfeiffer, CEO of TBA, and TBA President Pete A. Kotarides. 8

NOVEMBER 2009

The Elderberry: A Christmas Tradition by WATAB Construction Corp. was awarded the Most Livable Home Award from the Hampton Roads Realtors Association.

Priced to sell Agents impressed with what Homearama offers home buyers By Sara Steil

By the time Homearama had opened to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 7, it had already seen about 800 real estate agents come through Culpepper Landing. Free to any real estate agent with a business card, Homearama offered area professionals a chance to beat the crowds and check out the custom showcase homes. With mimosas, courtesy of Cox Communications, and breakfast, courtesy of Farm Fresh Fresh Events Catering, the agents were ready to see what Culpepper Landing had to offer its future residents. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Not only were the homes a hit, but also the mid $300,000 to $500,000 price tag was attractive to the agents. We asked some of the real estate agents what they thought of this year’s Homearama and Culpepper Landing. Here’s what they said:

About 800 real estate agents flocked to Homearama at Culpepper Landing to see what was available to their customers on Realtors Day.

“I think it’s awesome. I’m very impressed. These are our top builders and we want them to succeed. And these homes are not only beautiful, but they are priced right.”

Lisa Burrow Re/Max Allegiance

“For so long, it was far and away out of the reach of the typical home buyers. Now, it’s come back down. It’s nice to see a home priced at $300,000 with so much Robert Waring III in it.” Prudential Towne Realty

“By far, this is the BEST Homearama that I have ever been to! It’s not only a great product, but it’s great prices! Everybody is loving it!”

“I’m glad that they suited it to the economy instead of limiting it with the higher price tags of previous years. It’s also a nice addition to the Deep Creek neighborhood.”

Joan Revell Rose & Womble Realty

Carol Spellman Long & Foster Realty

“You’ve got something that most people can hang their hats on, especially in this economy when people are looking to move up.” Bob Glass Coldwell Banker

“It’s encouraging that the average home buyer could purchase one of the homes and still be able to see what their upgrades Selena Cullipher Prudential Towne Realty could be.” NOVEMBER 2009

Going, going, gone Despite slow start, vendors secure quality leads from Homearama guests

By Sara Steil

“As of the first week, I booked 44 appointments. We’re doing really good … much better than last year.” Kathy Hacker, The Closet Factory

“We’ve got a lot of leads from the show. In fact, we’ve already closed on a few of the leads.”

Ryan Elgin, H2O to Go

“It looks like less leads, but more quality. I feel like this show has brought out more interested people than normal. And I will take quality over quantity any day.” Jake Harris, Case Handyman Services

NOVEMBER 2009

When visitors flock to Homearama, the first thing they see is not the 12 custom, showcased homes. It’s the idea marketplace through which they must first pass. Along the way, they are greeted with companies eager to help them with their latest home renovation project, search for a new home and more. So, we took a moment among the excitement to ask the vendors what they thought about this year’s Homearama turnout, as of the first week. Here’s what they had to say:

“It’s been good so far. We have really good placement and we have gotten some good leads.”

Jay Cordrington, Broadview Security

“This is the best show we’ve had in a while. We’ve had 22 appointments alone this week, which is really good.” Jordyn Argabright and Eunice Taylor, Paramount Builders Inc.

An evening for the senses Taste of Chesapeake serves up food for the soul at Homearama By Sara Steil

omfort food won over the critics while the sweet tooth wooed visitors at this year’s Taste of Chesapeake sponsored by Hampton Roads Magazine and Columbia Natural Gas on Oct. 5. Seven local establishments served up samples from their menus in competition for the coveted Critics’ Choice and People’s Choice awards in seven of the Homearama homes. At the end of the evening, Chef Dedra Blount of NYC (Now You’re Cookin’) Catering clinched the Critics’ Choice Award for her sweet potato and ham biscuits with cranberry salad. A contingent of local food writers, led by Hampton Roads Magazine’s food editor Patrick EvansHylton, determined the winner of this award. Dawn Eskins of Carolina Cupcakery took home the People’s Choice award for her array of breakfast, lunch and dinner cupcakes that spanned the gamut from French toast to peanut butter and jelly to spaghetti and meatballs. Homearama visitors determined the People’s Choice award winner. Evans-Hylton awarded the winners, after commending the other participants, which included chefs from Passion, Courthouse Café, 45 Degrees Martini Lounge, Chesapeake Conference Center and the Gourmet Bakery.

The kitchen was hopping as NYC (Now You’re Cookin’) Catering served some Southern comfort on a plate at The Elderberry: A Christmas Tradition.

Chef Dedra Blount of NYC (Now You’re Cookin’) Catering clinched the Critic’s Choice Award for her sweet potato and ham biscuits with cranberry salad. With Blount is Hampton Roads Magazine’s food editor Patrick Evans-Hylton, who helped to determine the winner.

Dawn Eskins of Carolina Cupcakery took home the People’s Choice award for her array of breakfast, lunch and dinner cupcakes.

Erin Widener Speckhart, builder of The Elizabeth, filled glasses with sweet tea while the folks from Courthouse Cafe served up shecrab soup and prime rib to Taste of Chesapeake guests. NOVEMBER 2009

NOVEMBER 2009

Homes sales surge when the price is right By Mary Prier, APR

“Better buy it while you can,” said Van Rose, president of Rose and Womble’s new homes division. Rose was referring to new homes in Hampton Roads when he made the statement at a media briefing a day before the official kick-off to Homearama 2009. Rose reported that 1,500 units of new home inventory are currently available in a market that typically sells 5,000 new homes a year. “With the lack of financing available to build new housing, there is going to be somewhat of a housing shortage for new home construction in 2010 and beyond.” He also reported a drop from 17,000 homes listed for sale last year to just more than 13,000 today. (The market he cites includes all of Hampton Roads and Williamsburg.) Most notable, said Rose, is the “sweet spot” of the new home market — homes priced between $250,000 and $450,000. Most of the 2009 Homearama homes are in this price range and half sold before the start of the show. He cited data prepared by Residential Databank, using numbers from Real Estate Information Network (multiple listing service). The data shows the absorption rate of current inventory in this price range is in the five to six months range— considered a healthy market, according to Rose. He also added, “For the first time in 2009, the entire resale market has found its sweet spot — about $50,000 less than new home construction.”

ATTACHED NEW CONSTRUCTION*

DETACHED NEW CONSTRUCTION* List price < $200,000

Van Rose, president of Rose and Womble’s new homes division, touted the brisk sales pace of new homes in the area and the six homes already sold in this year’s Homearama, at a media briefing with TBA President Pete A. Kotarides.

YTD Sales

No. on market

Months to absorb inventory

List price

YTD Sales

No. on market

Months to absorb inventory

7.3

<$200,000

184

1.6

200,000-249,999

124

5.5

200,000-249,999

148

3.3

250,000-299,999

178

101

4.9

250,000-299,999

151

3.2

300,000-349,999

179

102

4.9

300,000-349,999

7.4

350,000-399,999

176

4.4

350,000-399,999

13.8

400,000-449,999

6.4

400,000-449,999

15.6

* as of Sept. 20, 2009

Make plans to attend the 2010 International Builders Show January 19-22

Las Vegas

For more information or to register, go to www.buildersshow.com NOVEMBER 2009

Home buyer tax credit: time is running out By Mary Prier, APR

Even as builders and real estate agents tout the urgency created by the expiration of the first-time home buyer tax credit on Nov. 30, industry groups are lobbying hard to get an extension. The National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association are banding together to ask for an extension of the credit for another year and making it available to all buyers of a principle residence. All three trade groups sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner; Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and chair of the National Economic Council Lawrence Summers. The $8,000 federal income tax credit is widely believed to have significantly spurred home sales this year and is credited with continued stimulus into the normally slower fall months.

The NAHB is launching an all out effort to get members to advocate for this extension, arguing that it would: r Create more than 350,000 jobs r Increase home purchases by 383,000 r Increase housing starts by 82,000 r Generate $16.1 billion in wages and salaries r Generate $12.1 billion in business income r Yield tax revenues of $8.4 billion for the federal government r Yield $3.2 billion for state and local governments

A newspaper headline on a Homearama breakfast table announces, “Time is running out” for the $8,000 tax credit.

CALL TO ACTION

NAHB has made it easy to register your support for extending the tax credit. Simply visit www.capitolconnect.com/builderlink. When you register, the Web site will automatically identify your representatives in Congress and direct your message to them. You can send the pre-written message offered on the site or edit it to reflect your views. You may also call your members of Congress toll free at (866) 924-6242.

TBA endorses home warranty company Tidewater Builders Association has a new “Partners in Performance” relationship with Bonded Builders Warranty Group, which means enrollment by TBA builders supports the association, while providing their buyers with peace of mind. The company offers broader coverages than what have been available from TBA in the past. Thank you to the following members for your support of TBA through your enrollment: ABT Custom Homes L.L.C. Affordable Homes L.L.C. Ainslie Group, The Area Builders of Tidewater Inc. Associated Contracting Services Inc. Associated Development Management Corp. Beachtowne Realty Corp. Belmeade Associates, L.L.C. Bill Ore L.L.C. Breeden Co. Brighton Park Development, Inc. Carole-Ann Construction Co. Clark Whitehill Enterprises Inc. Clark Whitehill Homes L.L.C. Cohen Homes L.L.C. Corinth Homes Crestline Homes L.L.C. DeBord Custom Homes Inc. Definitive Homes DeFord Companies Inc. Dragas Companies, The

Executive Homes Corporation of Virginia Gallagher Associates Grifland Builders Corp. Hearndon Construction Corp. J. F. Jackson III General Contractor Kotarides Builders L.L.C. L & B Quarterpath L & M Contractors Inc. L. R. HIll Custom Homes Lawson Cos., The Logan American Homes, L.L.C. Look-out Assoc. Inc./Definitive Homes Michael Lee Companies Miller Custom Homes Murray Homes Inc. Nags Head Construction Newsome Luxury Homes Norfolk Building Corp P & A Construction Inc. Preserve Development Princess Anne Builders of Camden

Princess Anne Builders Inc. Property Endeavors L.L.C. dba SGB Homes Real Developments Construction L.L.C. Residential Concepts Ltd. Richardson Homes Inc. RML Corp. Runnymede Corp., The Sadler Building Corp. Sasser Construction L.L.C. Southmoor Development Inc. St Pauls Place Company L.L.C. TBA Building Trades Academy Terry/Peterson Residential Cos. The Old Beach Village Warner Construction Inc. Wendell Homes L.L.C. WH Builders Wingfield Inc., William T. WATAB Construction Corp.

For more information, contact: Joe Pushak at 1-800-749-0381, ext. 3825 or jpushak@bondedbuilders.com or Patty Letchworth at TBA at 757-305-9048 or pletchworth@tbaonline.org. 14

NOVEMBER 2009

A very cool contribution to TBA HVAC companies warm hearts and office spaces

A lesson in installation

Dean Thomasson, left, instructs students in the art of installing an air compressor outside the Building Trades Academy.

Jim Jackson, president and CEO of Superior Equipment Sales Inc., and Mike Healy, vice president and COO, represent the employees who own the company in presenting heating and cooling equipment to TBA. By Mary Prier, APR

uperior Equipment Sales Inc. has been serving contractors in Virginia and North Carolina since 1974. It’s also the first and largest supplier of Janitrol heating and air conditioning products in the state. The company also has a long tradition of supporting the industry through its contributions to Tidewater Builders Association. That tradition continues as the company provides for the comfort of the staff and members who use the TBA headquarters, Building Trades Academy and the building currently being rented by Calvary Revival Church. In an effort that began this summer and is expected to proceed over the course of the next year, Superior is donating 18 heating and cooling units to replace the aging and inefficient equipment currently operating in the 30-year-

old facilities. This donation follows other member contributions earlier this year that gave the buildings a long overdue facelift. “It’s an honor to support the builders who support us,” said Jim Jackson, president and CEO of the Chesapeake-based employee-owned company. “It’s akin to making an investment in the industry that supports us. In these economic times, it’s especially important, since a healthy building industry is good for everyone.” “This contribution represents a substantial investment in the future of TBA,” said TBA President Pete A. Kotarides. “Our association is only as strong as the support of our members, and this kind of commitment reinforces our ability to remain a vibrant force in advocating for those who make a living from the housing industry.”

When it came to installing TBA’s new heating and cooling equipment, Dean Thomasson of Thomasson Enterprises Heating and Cooling stepped up to help. This summer, Thomasson taught an intensive classroom course on heating and air conditioning for students in the Building Trades Academy, then took them outside for hands-on installation of an air handler and compressor. The lesson took place in extreme summer heat, making it all the more important that everyone could keep cool inside. The students, whose training was funded by The Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project Inc., STOP, used their training to acquire CFC certification in HVAC, a prerequisite for careers in facilities maintenance. When things cool down this winter, TBA will still hold warm feelings for both Thomasson and Superior Equipment Sales. NOVEMBER 2009

Swinging into action

TBA members brave the weather in support of PAC

Despite the wind, rain and cooler-than-normal temperatures, more than 100 TBA members took to the course in support of TBA’s Political Action Committee. By Sara Steil

espite a not-so-cheery reception from Mother Nature, the annual Political Action Committee golf tournament was a swinging success. Not only were participants helping to keep the industry strong in assisting in the mission of keeping housing affordable for all families, but they were also supporting TBA’s government advocacy efforts. More than 100 players turned out for the fall tournament, which was held at The Tournament Players Club in Virginia Beach on Sept. 10. Even the local wildlife joined the festivities when one overzealous egret kicked past TBA President Jeff Ainslie’s ball into the water, or at least that is what Ainslie claimed. Choice Builders Inc. won first flight, first place. From left, Frank Sutryk Jr., Frank Sutryk Sr., Brent Jaworski and Brian Sutryk.

Jennifer Cash and Natasha Gammon bear the wind and rain as the Numerica Mortgage hole sponsors. 16

NOVEMBER 2009

TBA Vice President Bill Halprin of S.L. Nusbaum doesn’t let a little rain ruin his fun. Instead, he puts the pedal to the metal for some rainy day fun as he splashes through a puddle between holes.

The winners are: FIRST FLIGHT: First place Choice Builders: Frank Sutyrk Sr., Frank Sutyrk, Jr., Brian Sutyrk and Brent Jaworski Second place Titan American: Louie Gehlhoff, Dan Osborne, John Connelly, Wayne McKenzie SECOND FLIGHT: First place James Hardie Siding Products: John Madson, John Buckley, Chuck Apperson and Terry Delmontier From left: Ed Brewer of Triangle Brick Co.; Dennis Graf of Graf Construction Co. Inc.; and Larry Sims of Riverside Brick, take a moment off course to smile for the camera.

Second place Dominion Virginia Power: Alan Bradshaw, Mike Doughtie, Jim Willis and Ryan Garland Closest to pin No. 3: Bill Lane Closet to pin No.17: Frank Sutryk Sr. Long drive ladies No. 9: Linda Boyce

A big thank you to our sponsor: SCOREBOARD SPONSOR Bonded Builders Warranty Group

Linda Boyce of the Gallagher Associates team putts her ball into the hole as her teammates look on.

Dominion Power teammates huddle together for the camera. They are, from left to right, Jim Willis, Alan Bradshaw, Ryan Garland and Mike Doughtie.

Associated Development was represented by the Olivieri family, from left, John, Michael, Chris and Richard Olivieri Sr. NOVEMBER 2009

Counsel ’s Insights

By C. Grigsby Scifres

Read the fine line before you sign

t’s commonplace for real estate financing documentation to contain provisions for late charges, default interest and prepayment premiums. In tough economic times, lenders and borrowers often end up facing off in court over the enforceability of such provisions. Whether in the context of a residential mortgage or a multimillion dollar residential or commercial real estate financing, the general principles governing enforceability are similar.

Late charges

In Virginia, and many other states, there is a statute that specifically provides for the imposition of a late charge if a payment required in a contract or

NOVEMBER 2009

promissory note is not timely made. Generally speaking, late charges may not be imposed in connection with the amount due after acceleration of the debt. The applicable Virginia statute allows a lender to impose a late charge for failure to make timely payment of any installment, whether periodic installment or single maturity, so long as the late charge does not exceed 5 percent of the payment and the charge is set forth in the contract. Pursuant to the statute, timely payment is deemed to mean payment by the due date or within a grace period of seven calendar days after the due date. Permissible late charges do not include

charges that are imposed on acceleration of the debt after default. Even in the absence of a statute, courts often refuse to allow the imposition of late charges after acceleration of a loan by either construing the language of the contract to be inapplicable in connection with acceleration or by concluding that application of a late charge on acceleration would be unenforceable as a penalty.

Default interest

So long as any usury law limitations are not exceeded, the requirement to pay higher interest after default traditionally has been enforced pursuant to freedom of contract principles (federal statutes and some state statutes limit the collection of default interest in the context of consumer mortgage transactions). Courts have accepted the proposition that allowing collection of default interest is fundamental to protecting the lender’s expectations. These provisions compensate for a wide range of losses and risks, including the need to increase loan loss reserves for the particular loan, which reduces the capital the lender has available to deploy for other income-producing opportunities, internal administrative costs in connection with administering a defaulted loan, costs of collection and potential loss of capital and regular contract interest income during the default period. Whether a “make whole,” “yield maintenance” or fixed-percentage formula, obligors have to overcome the ingrained deference to freedom of contract principles and convince the court that the default interest provision is so unfair as to be unconscionable and thus unenforceable. This is a fairly difficult burden to meet. Generally, a lender will win this dispute if the rate is substantively fair and not oppressive.

Some courts have analyzed this issue using a reasonableness standard and delve into whether the lender’s actual damages are difficult to determine and the interest rate is reasonably related to the anticipated or actual damages suffered by the lender by the default. Since it’s difficult to predict the nature or duration of a possible default or what market conditions might exist when the default occurs at the time the contract is signed, the courts tend to enforce default interest rates.

its own economic interest.

What’s the point?

When evaluating financing documents, address concerns about provisions providing for late charges, default interest or prepayment premiums before the documents are signed. If obligors attempt to challenge them after default or prepayment occurs, then it’s an uphill battle because of the deference given to freedom of contract

principles and the obvious difficulty a lender would have in predicting its actual damages at the time of signing the contracts. Similarly, lenders can enhance the enforceability of such provisions by careful drafting of such clauses. Scifres, a partner in Williams Mullen, is Tidewater Builders Association’s general counsel. For more information, contact Scifres at gscifres@williamsmullen.com or (757) 473-5370.

Prepayment premiums

In real estate term loans, outside of the residential mortgage context, the financing documents often contain a prepayment premium provision that prohibits prepayment for a certain period of time and then imposes a prepayment premium if prepayment occurs before maturity or an earlier date stated in the documents. Lenders use this structure to ensure that they obtain the benefit of the bargain they made when offering certain pricing and terms. Generally, if the loan goes into default and acceleration occurs followed by foreclosure, prepayment premiums are enforced as part of the amount owed under the promissory note. Prepayment premiums often are heavily negotiated and it’s difficult for obligors to circumvent the argument that the prepayment premium was specifically bargained for by the lender. Borrowers often challenge the applicability of the prepayment premiums on the basis that they are so excessive as to constitute a penalty because they bear no reasonable relation to the actual damages suffered by the lender as a result of prepayment. Generally, courts give considerable latitude to the enforceability of these types of provisions because they are entered into when the contract is signed and it’s difficult to foresee the exact time when prepayment may occur, market conditions at the time of prepayment and the actual impact on the lender. Moreover, in many instances the borrower has control of the timing of prepayment and is doing so to further NOVEMBER 2009

Advertorial

Mixed-use projects are picking up steam Current demand is keeping land-planning service busy By Esther Diehl Turner Land Planning Solutions

and Planning Solutions, LPS, is a multifaceted planning firm based in Suffolk that specializes in conceptual design, rezoning, preliminary and final engineering, project management, landscape and architectural design. Melissa Venable, the principal of LPS, graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in landscape architecture and planning and gained a formidable amount of experience working in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area before coming to Hampton Roads. The professionals at LPS form a team with more than 50 years of planning and engineering experience. As a result of today’s market, LPS has found itself working on a wide variety of projects, often reconfiguring previous iterations of land plans, as well as adjusting the product size and elevation to better fit the current demand. Over the past few months, LPS has observed a noticeable increase in sales, which seems to have a direct correlation to a project’s pricing and location. Unique projects with a mix of housing styles and commercial uses have continued to sell due to their variable products and pricing. Mixed-use projects like Culpepper Landing, the 2009 Homearama site, have continued to generate activity. LPS currently is working as a member of the Architectural Review Team for Culpepper Landing, as well as having designed the sales center, clubhouse, neighborhood entry fea20

NOVEMBER 2009

The thoughtful consideration of the current buyer’s needs, as well as the projected needs of future generations, leads LPS to create spaces that are not only attractive and impressionable but long lasting, too. ture, park play area and the private residential landscape and courtyard designs for the Vintage Homes sites. LPS also is revising the plan for the Mercantile District and creating attractive elevations for the commercial buildings that will blend with the existing homes and enhance the neighborhood. The design process for LPS is an exercise that considers many variables, not just a simple “make-it-fit” philosophy. The thoughtful consideration of the current buyer’s needs, as well as the projected needs of future generations, leads LPS to create spaces that are not only attractive and impressionable but long lasting, too. When considering a home purchase, the buyer takes a moment to ask himself, “Could I live here? Will my children be happy here? What about my grandchildren?” The team at LPS asks themselves these questions everyday and has heard some of their most successful clients do so as well. When response to current financial needs is combined with research and study for future demand, LPS has found creating places can be highly sought after.

Builder Services Success Story

A helping nudge keeps projects on schedule Ettel

Parties impacted VB Homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clients Advocate Chris Ettel, president of VB Homes Issue Ettel turned to Builder Services twice in the past month for two separate issues. First, Ettelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site plan for a single-family home was submitted and received comments. The plan was resubmitted. By week three, Ettel was still awaiting approval. The second issue revolved around having power lines moved for a new home under construction. Unfortunately, the time frame of the power company didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t coincide with the homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; schedule. Action taken In both cases, Ettel turned to Builder Services to help expedite the process. Builder Services was able to contact the proper people to move along the issues.

Change a life this holiday

Result Within a couple of days, Ettel had his plans approved for the single-family home and was able to move forward. In the case of the power lines, Builder Services was able to expedite their removal from 30 days to one week so he was able to stay on schedule. Comment â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very reassuring, especially now where everybody is a little on edge with the economy being the way it is, and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need this sort of thing to add to the frustration,â&#x20AC;? said Ettel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For TBA to have this resource to expedite things, well, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big help.â&#x20AC;? If you or your company has a building or development issue you would like help resolving or a question you need answered, please contact TBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Builder Services Specialist Patrice Kyle at 305-9015 or pkyle@tbaonline.org

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

By Mary Prier, APR

For a $4,000 contribution, you or your company can cover the cost of the training and job placement of a student in the TBA Building Trades Academy, a 501-C3 charitable organization. The students who find their way to the BTA are often those who need guidance and direction to turn their lives around. The training program offers them a path toward a stable career and a chance to care for their families. Traditional sources of federal funds are not as readily available as they have been in the past to support this program. As you think about your charitable contributions for tax purposes, consider giving to the Building Trades Academy. All contributions of any size are welcome. Send your tax-deductible check to TBA Building Trades Academy, 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320 For more information about the program, contact Tony Davis at 420-2566.

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

NOVEMBER 2009

Shop Talk

Meet a member Company name: Premier Appraisal Group Inc.

estate market downturn. We attribute this continued growth Business contact: to our excellent appraisal and Evan Richardson processing staffs, quality appraisal work and unmatched Location: 860 Greenbrier customer service. While we Circle, Suite 304, Chesapeake, VA 23320; phone, (757) 217- Richardson do pride ourselves on excellent turnaround and the ability 3660; fax, (757) 217-3661, or to do rush appraisals, we also e-mail erichardson@pagnorbelieve in taking the necessary time folk.com or www.pagrichmond.com to provide an accurate appraisal. AdDate joined TBA: September 2009 ditionally, we have trained staff in the Company profile: Premier Appraisal office throughout the day. Group Inc. is a real estate appraisal TBA involvement: Not only do we firm specializing in residential apbring years of new construction appraispraisal work. With offices in Richmond al experience, but we also look forward and Chesapeake, our coverage area to supporting your local marketing and spans from north of Richmond to the charity events. We are also very excited Carolina line, including the I-64 and about the many long-standing relaI-460 corridors. We have nine licensed tionships that we hope to build with appraisers and our company has conTBA’s builders and banking, mortgage tinued to grow despite the recent real and real estate partners.

Top brands. Low prices. Factory authorized service. Experienced people. What did we miss?

TBA member to be honored

Jacqueline and Frederick J. Napolitano Sr. were named the recipients of the Bishop’s Humanitarian Award 2010, given annually to a Hampton Roads individual or individuals who have distinguished themselves through service and charitable works. Napolitano has been involved in community and civic projects for more than 50 years, in addition to working on behalf of the home building industry as past president of TBA, the Home Builders Association of Virginia and the National Association of Home Builders. His wife, Jacqueline, also has participated on numerous boards and advisory councils. The award will be presented Feb. 27 at a gala hosted by Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel.

NAHB gets a new look

The National Association of Home Builders Web site has been redesigned to offer more industry insights, networking opportunities and information on what’s happening in the industry. The site is a great member benefit that shouldn’t be missed! While you’re there, check out the revised NAHB logo, as well. Visit www.nahb.org for more information.

VB Homes makes national listing

Ed DeVries and Tom Huxtable. Sales professionals at East Coast Appliance Builder Direct. Hopefully we didn’t miss a thing. Because we’ve done everything we can to serve architects, builders and contractors. We even have a separate showroom just for you. And we’re equipped to serve everything from custom homes to multi-family projects. When your next project is ready for appliances, call us. We won’t miss a thing. ! 3OUTH 7ITCHDUCK 2OAD s 6IRGINIA "EACH 6! s 22

NOVEMBER 2009

Remodeling Magazine recognized VB Homes as one of the “Remodeling 550.” The annual list of 550 contractors showcases the 550 biggest home improvement companies in the country. “Our place on the list is a source of pride for us and we look forward in the future to becoming a ‘regular’ on such an esteemed list of professional firms,” said Chris Ettel, president of VB Homes. To submit items for Shop Talk, e-mail the items to Sara Steil at ssteil@tbaonline.org or by fax to 420-5539.

3Ms teach a change in attitude

By Sara Steil

bout 300 people from area apartment communities spent the day at TMHC’s annual Management, Maintenance and Marketing conference on Sept. 17. Participants brushed up on their professional marketing techniques, as well as received tips and tricks from motivational speaker Dr. Adolph Brown III. True to form, Brown burst into song and dance throughout his presentation, which focused on ways to apply one’s positive energy from work to home and vice versa. “Live for excellence in everything that you do,” said Brown. “Go out of your way to make your tenants happy, even if it means giving them coffee in the morning, establishing a homework help group or a gardening group for your residents.”

A big thank you to the following exhibitors and sponsors whose support helped to make the 3Ms a success:

Dr. Adolph Brown can’t help but dance during his speeches. Sometimes, he even pulls audience members to dance with him, as seen here.

American Furniture Rentals Inc. Apartment Book Apartments.com Carousel Signs & Designs Inc. Central Wholesalers Inc. Causey Contracting Inc. First Atlantic Restoration Inc. Floorcrafters HD Supply Lexus Nexus ODU Off-Campus Housing Listing Service Sherwin Williams/Duron Superior Equipment Sales Inc. NOVEMBER 2009

Riding in style

BTA has a new ride, thanks to Hall Automotive By Mary Prier, APR

Thanks to Hall Automotive, the instructors and the students at Tidewater Builders Association’s Building Trades Academy now have more reliable transportation to get them to their job sites. Hall Automotive donated a van that will be used to transport up to 15 students to the “on-the-job” portion of their training. The 1996 passenger van wasn’t quite owned by “an old lady who never Instructor Franklin Cobb stands with a newly drove it,” but it had only 60,000 miles painted van donated by Hall Automotive to the on it, having previously served as a Building Trades Academy. shuttle for a local seniors program. Thanks to a new paint job from Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting, the van is ready for its new life, transporting those who are themselves on their way to a new life and a new career in the building trades. Now, if only someone would come forward with a closed trailer to haul the equipment … For more information on how you can help the Building Trades Academy, please see page 21 or contact Tony Davis at 305-9060 or tdavis@tbaonline.org.

NOVEMBER 2009

Shades of Green

By Allen Loree, GBC chairman

Today’s wind power isn’t what it used to be

Developing educated decisions and approaches to wind power will help communities take advantage of these opportunities while opening the doors to renewable energy for more people.

hen I say “windmill” or “wind power,” like me, your first thought and image is probably either an old-fashioned, Dutch-style windmill or a soaring behemoth with propellers the size of a bus. However, wind power technology has advanced considerably in the recent years, making small wind turbines quieter, more reliable and better able to blend in with surrounding aesthetics. The American Wind Energy Association, AWEA, reports that the U.S. market for small wind turbines grew 78 percent in 2008. The largest sector of this market is residential wind turbines. A 30 percent tax credit from the federal government for residential small wind energy systems will surely push those numbers higher.

Wind ordinances under construction

Meet the modern windmill

Today’s windmills have even changed their shape. Some models eliminate the traditional propellershaped blade design and instead feature a cylinder-like component that revolves similarly to a barbershop pole or corkscrew. Systems of this configuration are known as “vertical axis” turbines. The industry encompasses more than 200 different models and they can vary widely in appearance. The requirements for a viable wind system are simple: Zoning laws that enable the installation of wind powered systems, sufficient land or open space and wind.

Benefits of wind power

First, it’s sustainable and clean, meaning it produces zero carbon dioxide emissions. It’s also a renewable energy, meaning it does not deplete our

Some wind turbines have eliminated the traditional propeller-shaped blade design and opted for a cylinder-like component that revolves similarly to a barbershop pole or corkscrew, as seen here.

natural resources. Wind turbines generate electricity at costs comparable to the new coal and oil burning power plants. The cost efficiency for wind power will continue to improve as technology improves and fossil fuel costs continue to rise. However, homeowners who install residential wind power systems, much like their solar counterparts, have a long-term strategy for reducing energy consumption coupled with strong environmental concerns.

While all of these advances are great, wind ordinances are being developed around the country in response to the popular image of wind turbines without considering the full implication of what the industry has to offer. There is much more available now for a variety of site conditions; a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work. One critical thing for communities and zoning officials to consider is to make educated decisions on wind power. The incentives being developed by states, counties and cities around the country, supplemented by generous savings from the federal government have created a wealth of opportunities. Developing educated decisions and approaches to wind power will help communities take advantage of these opportunities while opening the doors to renewable energy for more people. Good zoning for alternative engery is important, achievable and good public policy. Allen Loree is the chairman of the Green Building Council, which meets on the first Thursday of every month in the TBA boardroom. The next meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Patrice Kyle at 305-9015 or pkyle@tbaonline.org. Jeremy Peang-Meth of Blue Sun Renewable Energy also contributed to this column. NOVEMBER 2009

Scholarship update

Young Designers changes competition criteria

Hand-drawn category eliminated from contest By Mary Hearring, TBA Scholarship Foundation Director

t the summer criteria luncheon review with area teachers and selection judges, it was decided that the hand-drawn portion of the annual drawing competition among local drafting and design students would be discontinued. Based upon last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low participation of hand-drawn entries, it was felt that more emphasis should be placed on CAD (computer-aided design) competition awards. The awards for 2010 will be: r First place - $2,000 (an increase of $500) r Second place - $1,500 (an increase of $500) r Third place - $1,000 (an increase of ($500) r First honorable mention - $750 (new) r Second honorable mention - $500 (new) The school awards will remain the same. They are $3,000 to the school with the greatest number of entries meeting the criteria; and $1,000 to the school with the second greatest number of entries meeting the criteria.

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Big thanks to TBA Dear Tidewater Builders Association, I would like to thank you immensely for the financial aid you are giving me. As I progress through college, I will use your gift to its fullest extent. You should not fear that your scholarship was given in vain. I do not plan to waste even a fraction of a cent of the money you are granting me for my education. You will not be disappointed. With deep appreciation, Nathan Ayersman 2009 recipient

Dear Mary Hearring and Rick Rogers, Thank you so much for talking time out of your busy schedules to come to Kellam High School on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, for the senior awards assembly and presenting my scholarship to me. Your generous appearance made that day a very special day for me. You, and Tidewater Builders Association, are so appreciated. Sincerely, Nilusha Jayasinghe 2009 recipient Thank you so much for the Young Designers Scholarship that I was awarded last year. It will be a great help toward my tuition costs at Penn State University.

Sincerely, TeAnna Johnson 2008 recipient 26

NOVEMBER 2009

Big Picture TBA President Pete A. Kotarides recognizes Dominion Virginia Power’s Pam Pekrun upon her resignation from the board of directors after seven years of active service. After serving for many years as the electric company’s liaison with builders and developers, Pam has taken on a new role as the design supervisor in the Chesapeake office, where she oversees engineering projects.

Homearama Charity House Builder Herb Watson, right, joined WVEC-TV’s Vanessa Coria, left, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters’ Karen Gershman, in a discussion of the TBA Charity House for the station’s Dialogue program, which aired at noon on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Homearama builder Chip Iuliano presents Beth Duke, senior vice president for community relations for The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, with a check for the 2007 Charity House that he built at Edinburgh.

NOVEMBER 2009

Welcome new members TBA Calendar ASSOCIATES Numerica Mortgage dba Your Mortgage People Mortgage/financial companies Reggie Register .............. (757) 340-7211 www.yourmortgagepeople.com

Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Building materials; engineered/lumber; lumber/millwork/trim Brian Lynch .................... (800) 999-5099 www.strongtie.com

BUILDERS

SealMaster Other services; paving Mike Decker ................... (757) 623-2880 www.sealmaster.net

Higgerson-Buchanan Inc. Builders/developers Larry Higgerson .............. (757) 545-4665 www.higgersonbuchanan.com

ServPro Environmental services/consultants/soil testing; moisture/mold/mildew control and other services Fire and water damage restoration Ross Miller ...................... (757) 625-1245

Paragon Construction of VA LLC Builders/developers; commercial builders; decks; interior trim; kitchens Darrell McLawhorn ......... (757) 842-6535

November 5 Green Building Council meeting 10 Remodelers Council meeting 12 HBAV Board of Directors meeting/ Installation of 2010 Officers/ Hall of Fame Induction, Virginia Beach 13 2010 Executive Committee planning session 16 TBA Executive Committee meeting TBA Board of Directors meeting 17 TMHC Associates meeting 18 TMHC Executive Committee meeting 19 Quarterly Builder Breakfast Developers Council meeting

December

Seventh Point Advertising/public relations Angie Eddy ..................... (757) 473-8152

Here to stay

3 Green Building Council meeting 4 Builders Ball, Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront 9 Remodelers Council meeting 17 Developers Council meeting

ASSOCIATES

ProBuild

A&W Contractors Inc.

S&S Real Estate Co.

Access Innovations Inc.

Seville Masonry Tidewater LLC

Apartment Gallery

Southeast Industries Inc. dba Re-Bath

Armstrong Cabinet Products

Steve Love Insurance Agency Inc.

BB&T of Virginia

SunTrust Bank

Central Wholesalers Inc.

Tom Conklin Seamless Gutters Inc.

Converge Life Inc.

Union Bank & Trust

Eagle Bay

Universal Pest & Termite Inc.

BIIA ...................................................... IBC

Eastern Window & Door Co.

Vector Security Inc.

Boxx Systems ........................................ 26

Engineering Services Inc.

Xteriors of Virginia Beach

Dominion Virginia Power ....................... 27

First Advantage Safe Rent Inc.

Advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Index

East Coast Appliance ............................ 22

Floor Coverings International

BUILDERS

Floorcrafters

Bullington Builders

Gary W. Wagner

Charles A. Schmitt Contractor Inc.

Greenwich Kitchen Center

Geronimo Construction Inc.

Hayden Frye & Associates Inc.

L.R. Hill Custom Builders Inc.

Land Planning Solutions ........................ 20

Hearth & Home Technologies dba Fireside Hearth & Home

The Ainslie Group

Miss Utility ............................................... 5

The Widener Corp.

ProSouce ............................................... 19

Laster Masonry

VB Homes

RSVP ..................................................... 26

Mechanical Service Co. Inc. Optech 28

NOVEMBER 2009

Ferguson Enterprises .......................... IFC Heardon Construction............................ 24 International Jet Charter ....................... 18

Sprint ..................................................... 21

Tidewater Builders Association 2117 Smith Avenue Chesapeake, VA 23320-2515

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