The Digital Magazine of the Fairfield County HBRA DECEMBER 2016 UPCOMING IN THIS ISSUE HBRA Holiday Party p.8 Member News p.12 HBRA Job Bank p.14 New Members p.15 Associate Spotlight p.16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HBRA VIP CIRCLE 2016-17 OFFICERS President Sr. Vice-President Vice-President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Group Secretary/Treasurer Michael Church William Pitt Sotheby's Immediate Past President Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders 2016-17 DIRECTORS Peter Battaglio Max Bender Steve Berko Ken DeLeo John Hertz Brian Kurtz Rob Michaud Steven Roth Alex Shook Michael Wood LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll Jerry Effren Gary Fanali Peter Fusaro Maureen Hanley Andrew La Sala Jr. Michael Palumbo Nick Yanicelli HBRA Staff Gina Calabro Executive Officer Sarah Iannarone Executive Assistant Clare Michalak Marketing & Graphics Coordinator HBRA of Fairfield County 2228 Black Rock Turnpike Suite 307 Fairfield, CT 06825 203-335-7008 Hocon Gas Bender Supply Four Square Build & Design Doherty & DeLeo Hertz Construction Interstate Lumber The Michaud Group Elevator Service Company Pella Commercial Wood Builders gas JMC Resources The Greyrock Companies City Carting Preferred Builders United Bank Cannondale Building & Design ERI Building & Design Susquehanna Enterprises Thank you to the following VIP Associate Members for their support in 2016. Due to their generosity the Association greatly benefits - from developing new events and educational opportunities for the membership, to keeping our lights on! 2 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 3 SOSO Want to advertise? Contact the office for more information and rates. hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www. buildfairfieldcounty.com
CONTENTS: NOVEMBER 2016 LETTER FROM THE CEO UPCOMING EVENTS HBRA HOLIDAY COCKTAIL PARTY HBRA DIRECTORY Specializing In: p.6 p.7 p.8 p.9 HBRA LAUNCHING LUXURY HOME TOUR p.10 MEMBER NEWS OLSON WINS BBB AWARD BUY RAILINGS AT IBS IN ORLANDO p.12 p.12 CONNIE COOPER DESIGNS WINDOW p.13 STEPHANIE RAPP ROOM WITH A VIEW p.14 NEW FAIRFIELD HBRA JOB BANK NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT OSHA 10 HOUR CONSTRUCTION BUILDER NEWS REINSTATE HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT OSHA RELEASES SAFETY GUIDE BUILDERS: ACCESS TO LENDING EASES THE NEXT BIG THING: HEALTHY HOMES BUILDERS AND UNCERTAINTY FEDERAL JUDGE DELAYS OVERTIME RULE p.14 p.15 p.16 p.18 p.20 p.20 p.21 p.21 p.21 p.22 CELEBRATING NAHB’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY p.22 MEMBER BENEFITS p.24 ADVERTISING/SPONSOR PAGES VIP Circle Elevator Service Company Interstate Lumber CTC&G Fairfield County Bank Hocon Gas Ridgefield Supply DiMatteo East Haven Builder’s Supply United Bank Ring's End p.3 p.5 p.5 p.11 p.19 p.20 p.22 p.23 p.25 p.25 p.26 Residential Elevators | Commercial Elevators | Construction Hoists Limited Use Limited Application Elevators (LULA) Vertical Platform Lifts | Inclined Lifts | Stair Lifts Dumbwaiters | Material Lifts (Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors) And all other associated Vertical Transportation Equipment Serving: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern New York 203-757-5000 47 Water St. Torrington, CT 06790 www.ElevatorServiceCo.com CT Lic.# ELV. 400105 R1 - RI Lic. # 21 MA Lic.# EC-000093 Providing not one, but ALL Major Manufacturer’s Equipment 3 3 3 3 3 Beautiful Low maintenance Resist mold, mildew Limited Lifetime Warranty Fade and Stain Warranty BUILD YOUR DREAM DECK Locations in Greenwich, Stamford, Bethel, Newtown CT & Shrub Oak, NY Call Us at 1-888-499-8889 or visit InterstateLumber.com 4 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 5
HB RA Home Builders & Remodelers Assn. Fairfi eld County Dear HBRA Members, At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. It is with the support of the board of directors, committee members and membership at large,that we have had some of the most wonderful events and educational opportunities. Thank you to all that attended the Holiday Cocktail party on December 7th! Your kind donations of toys made the holiday brighter for children at the Open Door shelter in Norwalk. What a nice holiday surprise for Rich Greenawalt of Oxford Lumber, the winner of the $500 raffle! See pages 8 and 9 for pictures and details on the evening. Congratulations to Olson Development, L.L.C., for receiving the 2016 CT Business/Consumer Education Award from the Better Business Bureau for their consistent efforts to educate businesses and consumers on home construction and building practices. See page 12. Congratulations to Connie Cooper of Connie Cooper Designs and Stephanie Rapp of Stephanie Rapp Interiors on the magnificent displays they designed for the holiday season, See pages 13 and 14 for photos. The January OSHA class (January 19 & 20) sponsored by the DiMatteo Group and Ring’s End is already half full. Please see page 18 for details on registering before the class is sold out. We have quite a large group attending the International Building Show in Orlando. I will be helping out at the BuilderBooks Bookstore on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 2-3 pm - I hope to see many of you there. The 2017 Luxury Home Tour that will be held in April 2017 is starting to shape up with some of the most beautiful homes in lower Fairfield County! We are still accepting applications so please call the office with any questions. As always, if you have any questions, please call the office or e-mail us at hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com! Best, Upcoming Committee Meetings Membership Committee Meeting Wed December 21, 2016 12:00pm HBRA Office Gina Calabro gina@buildfairfieldcounty.com Because the goodwill of those we serve is the foundation of our success, it’s a real pleasure at this holiday time to say “thank you” as we wish you a year of happiness and prosperity. 6 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 Happy Holidays! from the HBRA Staff * The HBRA of Fairfield County Office is closed on December 26, 2016 and January 2, 2017* Associate Council Committee Meeting Wed January 10, 2017 4pm HBRA Office A Message from the Executive Officer January 10 - 12, 2017 International Builders Show Orlando Florida Click Here for Information January 19 - 20, 2017 OSHA10 Construction Ring's End Educational Facility Stamford, CT Click Here to Register February 1, 2017 General Membership Meeting Ed’s Garage Doors & Sunshine Floors Showrooms 136 Water Street Norwalk CT 06854, US Click Here to Register DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 7
HBRA Holiday Party T he HBRA Holiday party on December 7th was a rousing success. Close to 120 members and guests attended the event at O’Neill’s Irish Pub in South Norwalk. Food and drink was aplenty for the evening that was capped off with a $500 raffle winner – Rich Greenawalt of Oxford Lumber. Unwrapped toys to “Fill a Truck” were collected and were donated to the Open Door shelter in Norwalk CT. Special thanks to Chris Steiner of Steiner Inc., who graciously volunteered his truck to haul the huge number of toys received and thanks to all who contributed to this effort. Items included dolls, stuffed animals, Legos, and even a bike! We had previously hoped to donate the toys to Norwalk Hospital, but they were not able to accept all of the toys due to medical restrictions. The Open Door shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, addresses the causes and complexities of the homeless and working poor by providing shelter, food, clothing, and many other services to offer a path towards independence and success. They were very appreciative that our association was able to contribute to their mission with our toy donation for the holidays. Holiday Party Raffle Winner! l-r: Chris Steiner, Steiner, Inc.; Rich Greenawalt, Oxford Lumber; Gina Calabro, EO Reserve Your Space Now! Deadline: January 7, 2017 2017 HBRA MEMBERSHIP Directory & Resource Guide For additional photos please visit the HBRA Photo Gallery l-r: Greg Pastor, United Bank; Maureen Hanley, United Bank; Ken DeLeo, Doherty & DeLeo Development; Gina Calabro, EO; Peter Gaboriault, Bear Paw Builders DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY! Your placement of directory advertising not only promotes your business but helps the HBRA of Fairfield County with annual operating expenses! All members receive up to two (2) FREE category listings. Paid Ad space receives five (5) category listings. Call the HBRA Office at 203-335-7008 or email clare@fairfieldcounty.com for the Paid Advertising and FREE category listings form 2016 Member Directory & Resource Guide The HBRA Membership Directory & Resource Guide reaches hundreds of members and thousands of consumers each year through the printed and online flipbook directory. The directory will be distributed to various locations including banks and mortgage lenders, real estate offices, and at the Luxury Home Tour. ock Turnpike, Suite 307, Fairfi eld, CT 06825 203.335.7008 www.buildfairfi eldcounty.com 8 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 9
HBRA Launching Luxury Home Tour In April 2017 LUXURY HOME TOUR Cottagesgardens.Com | JanUarY 2016 T he Luxury Home Tour, presented by HBRA of Fairfield County, is an exciting opportunity for builders in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, and Westport to showcase their new homes to potential clients. Prospective buyers will be able to view the most magnificent, well-appointed homes that represent the vision and artistry of some of the most admired and innovative home builders in the lower Fairfield County area. The tours will be held on two separate weekends, April 21-23 and 28-30, and offer different sponsorship and advertising opportunities. No other promotional opportunity available in the Fairfield County Market has the ability to deliver hundreds of potential home buyers and future customers right to your doorstep. Two charities, one local and one national, will receive donations from ticket sales. The homes selected for the Luxury Home Tour will be marketed with over $40,000 in promotional advertising mediums including: • CTC&G: 1-page to 2-page spread of the tour homes. • Transit Marketing: Train platform advertising in Lower Fairfield CT & Westchester County, NY • Sunday Arts & Style – Hearst Newspapers • Full Page Color Ad in Guidebook: About the Tour Home, and the Builder • Mobile App: Home listing and map on iPhones and Androids. • Luxury Home Tour Website B: Three Pages dedicated to the Tour Home and the Builder • Dedicated invite e-blasts to CTC&G email list to attend the tour • CTC&G E-newsletter articles on the homes • Photo gallery on cottagesgardens.com The deadline has been extended to January to enter a home in the tour. For more information about the application, or on advertising and sponsorship opportunities, call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 or visit www.ctluxuryhometour.com. MEDIA SPONSOR KITCHENS Fresh Ideas for 10 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 11 connecticut cottages & gardens January 2016 cottagesgardens.com
MEMBER NEWS Small Business Wins Better Business Bureau State Consumer Award Olson Development, L.L.C., a custom home building company, has won the 2016 Better Business Bureau award for Business/Consumer Education for the state of Connecticut. This award recognizes Olson Development’s strong, consistent efforts to educate businesses and consumers on home construction and building practices. Olson Development attributes this recognition to the quality and effort we place on customer service, as well as providing education on the newest products used in our construction projects. All homeowners should receive information on how to care for their homes, and we like to provide that information in a timely manner throughout the changing seasons. We share our insights through social media, making it easily accessible for everyone. Find Olson Development on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Olson’s Blog, www.olsondevelopmentllc.com/blog. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) acknowledges companies that provide superior service as well as companies whose business practices maintain a high level of integrity and trust. Many Connecticut state wide businesses attended the ceremony that took place on November 10, 2016. About Olson Development, L.L.C. Olson Development has over 30 years of experience building custom homes in Fairfield County, CT. Mark Olson, owner, specializes in waterfront construction, both new and remodeled homes, and difficult building challenges. He and his team can guide you through the building process making the building experience enjoyable. Buy Railings will be at the International Builders Show in Orlando BuyRailings.com is the #1 best seller of decorative railings in the USA! BuyRailings is a division of Lido Designs, Inc. Established since 2002. We are a North American Manufacturer and distributor offering an endless variety of consumer and commercial top quality products such as tubing, components for architectural railings, safety railings, kitchen, bar railings, closet hardware, and much more! Visit Catherine Hartman, a fellow HBRA member at Booth S2582 Connie Cooper Designs Decorates Holiday Window for a Good Cause Farrow & Ball enlisted 14 designers, which included HBRA member Connie Cooper of Connie Cooper Designs, to outfit windows with the theme "Comfort and Cure" in each of its locations across the country in an effort to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS. Partnering with DIFFA, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, the windows were unveiled on December 1, which was World AIDS Day. "My goal was to create a display that would honor the medical professionals working so hard to find a cure for AIDS," says Cooper. "My space is imagined as the personal office of a doctor who travels the world helping those with AIDS. She is home for the holidays but still focused on her critical work. I was even able to find an antique doctor's bag that was filled with all sorts of vintage medical tools and apparatus from 1948." See Connie’s beautiful window display in person at Farrow & Ball, 396 Post Road East, Westport. Also visit Connie’s website at www.conniecooperdesigns.com 12 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 13
MEMBER NEWS NEW MEMBERS Stephanie Rapp Interiors ROOMS with a VIEW Since 1995, ROOMS with A VIEW (RWAV) is the premier design event in Fairfield County created by the Dean of American Design, Mr. Albert Hadley. Each year, 12 designers are invited to create 6’ x 8’ vignettes. These minirooms (8-foot ceilings and three walls) are staged in the library and great hall of the historic, stone, Gothic Revival style Southport Congregational Church in Southport, CT. The theme for 2016 was Comfort and Joy and HBRA member Stephanie Rapp, transformed her space into just that by designing an inviting space that also feels festive and fun with a cool, lounge ambience. Warm tones in orange and gold make the space feel cozy and welcoming while cool, silvery chairs and acrylic and marble accents bring a glam vibe. With a bar and comfy seating, it truly makes you want to curl up with a cool cocktail. Stephanie’s Room was wellreceived by those in attendance, and by the media . Announcing the Fairfield County HBRA Job Bank! HBRA members now have the opportunity to submit a job listing for available positions through the HBRA Job Bank, a free online service. The Job Bank lists vacant job positions within the homebuilding industry, as well as resumes of industry professionals who are seeking positions. Once a submission is approved, the job will be posted for 45 days, and will be listed in the monthly Building Connections Magazine. Non-members may submit a listing for $50. Job seekers may post their resumes at no charge. For more information contact the office or email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com. 14 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 The HBRA of Fairfield County is not an employment agency nor will the HBRA recommend or refer any person seeking employment. It is up to the Member to contact an applicant directly to make an employment decision. The charitable event raised funds for local charities and was covered by CTC&G, New England Home, At Home Magazine, Weston Forum, and Quintessence Blog. To learn more visit Stephanie’s website at www. stephanierappinteriors.com/ Welcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Michelle Hogue Hogue Interior Design Located in the heart of Westport, Connecticut, hogueID prides itself on offering purposeful yet personal interiors. With a reputation for listening to clients, working within a budget, and offering fresh design solutions, hogueID consistently delivers outstanding service on each new build, renovation or remodel. Designing award-winning spaces, hogueID, collaboratively works with an elite team of architects, artisans, craftsmen and builders with a shared goal of making the client's vision a reality. When the process is as important as the project, turn to hogueID. Bob Katchko Katchko & Sons Construction Services Inc. Katchko and Sons construction was formed in 1987 under the current founder and CEO Robert Katchko. Robert's definitive passion for excavation and drive for customer satisfaction has made Katchko and Sons Construction the company it is today. Our foremost concern is your needs- it is our priority that you as the customer are receiving the treatment that you deserve. We pride ourselves on completing each project with professionalism, integrity, and transparency so that you as a customer are pleased with our operations. Vicki Beltz Tile & Stone Techniques Tile & Stone Techniques is the tile-focused store operated by Fairfield County’s renowned marble & granite fabricator, Stone Techniques. We specialize in the latest designer tiles and materials. Visit our showrooms for a consultation or to browse our curated inventory. WELCOME TO OUR NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS Judy Doyle Wright Building Company Bobby Fahey Closet and Storage Concepts Raymond LaFlamme Wells Fargo Home Mortgage DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 15
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors has overseen a wide range of luxury interior projects for primary homes in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, as well as client’s vacation homes. Along with Stephanie’s creative vision and approachable personality, clients have come to appreciate her thoughtful planning and pragmatic approach as well. Carlo Vona Jr. Paramount Stone provides quality craftsmanship in design, fabrication, and installation of marble, granite and building stone in the Tri-state area. We have a custom design solution for all budgets. No matter how complex or simple the design, our highly trained staff will work with you to complete the project successfully. Visit our showroom and let us help guide you to the perfect creation. Michael P. Burdo Esq. Bansley | Anthony | Burdo, LLC is a mid-sized lawfirm based in Fairfield, Connecticut, providing advice and counseling on all matters related to the construction and development industry. Our firm is focused on Fairfield and New Haven Counties, but has a statewide footprint. Our principals have previous large firm experience in such matters. Cacace, Tusch, Santagata The law firm of Cacace, Tusch & Santagata is a full service general practice firm dedicated to providing its clients with quality legal work at reasonable fees. Using a team approach, our lawyers practice in a number of areas: real estate, family law, land use and zoning, litigation, employment, personal injury, estate planning and probate. Sharon McCormick Sharon McCormick is the only U.S. interior designer with expertise in design, accounting, finance, and psychology. This unique combination affords clients a skilled designer, well-versed in budgets, who leads clients to consensus in record time. Sharon McCormick Design specializes in new construction, renovations, additions, and interior decorating. 16 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 Candace Adams Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties' New Homes & Land Division gives developers, home builders and land owners the specialized services they need in a competitive and ever changing real estate market. DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 17 Matt Orsaia AMEC is a specialty contracting company that services both Connecticut and New York. AMEC focuses on commercial and residential projects where we can provide Demolition, Excavation, Dumpster, Specialty Contracting and Waste Recycling Services. Our Mission: To be dynamic & aggressive problem solvers offering collaborative, in-house services to save our clients time and money Jeffrey Vangele Jeffrey Vangele joined the Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Team in 2013. He has 17 years of experience in the residential mortgage industry. Before joining our staff, he was a branch manager for GFI Mortgage Bankers and prior to that he owned and successfully managed a mortgage brokerage company, First Connecticut Financial.
SEMINARS AND TRAINING Financing some of the top builders in Fairfield County. Register Online or call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 OSHA 10 Hour Construction Thursday, January 19 & Friday, January 20, 2016* 8:00am-2:00pm Breakfast/Registration starts at 7:30AM Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford, CT OSHA is coming to FINE you! Get ahead of them & learn what you need to know for your business and your employees. The OSHA 10hour construction training course is designed for anyone in the construction industry. Upon completion, participants will receive an OSHA construction safety and health 10-hour course completion card from the Department of Labor. OSHA 10 cards are good for 5 years. HBRA Members: $30.00 Non-Members: $60.00 *Must attend both dates in order to receive OSHA card-per federal regulation. Continental Breakfast & Lunch included both days. Payment must be received by January 13th to reserve your spot. Walk-ins will not be accepted at this course due to limited seating. Sponsored by: People you trust, service you expect, and products to fit your financial needs. • Construction Financing • Commercial Mortgages • Term Loans • Revolving Lines of Credit Virginia Turnbull Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending (203) 431-7465 Virginia.Turnbull@fairfieldcountybank.com For more information, contact one of our lenders today! Patrick McNamara Allison Knapp Senior Vice President, Team Leader-Southern Division, Commercial Lending (203) 319-7021 Allison.Knapp@fairfieldcountybank.com Construction Officer, Commercial Lending (203) 431-7542 Patrick.Mcnamara@fairfieldcountybank.com 877.431.7431 • www.fairfieldcountybank.com NMLS ID #516624 EQUAL HOUSING L E ND E R MEMBER FDIC 18 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 19
BUILDER NEWS OSHA Releases Safety Recommendation Guide For Construction By Emily Peiffer Dive Brief: House Votes to Reinstate Health Reimbursement Arrangements Labor, Safety and Health The House of Representatives today passed the 21st Century Cures Act, a comprehensive health care package that includes NAHB-supported legislation that would allow home building firms and other small businesses to provide Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) to help their employees pay for health insurance. HRAs allow small businesses to offer pre-tax dollars to insured employees to help pay premiums and/or other out-of-pocket costs associated with medical care and services. Most small companies do not have human resource departments or benefits specialists. HRAs offer these businesses a simpler, easier way to help their employees to obtain health coverage. “As a key driver of efforts to include HRAs in some type of yearend legislation, NAHB was thrilled to see it added to the 21st Century Cures Act,” said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady. Read More • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a new guide, “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs in Construction,” Thursday to offer employers additional resources that can help create a safe workplace. • OSHA said the new guidelines — which don’t change current legal requirements or add rules — will likely be most helpful to small and mid-sized contractors, who don’t always have access to training specialists and safety information. Read More Propane and Natural Gas Products! Connecticut’s largest family owned Propane company with over 350,000 gallons of storage, HOCON GAS has a reputation for delivering propane energy and industry expertise for more than 60 years! Pete “Propane Pete” Battaglio with over 33 years of experience Sr. Regional Sales Manager Hocon Gas, Inc. • 6 Armstrong Road Shelton, CT 06484 Office: 203.402.7800 • Fax: 203.944.0300 Cell: 203.343.2199 Email: pbattaglio@hocongas.com www.hocongas.com The Next Big Thing: Healthy Homes By Robyn Griggs Lawrence NORWALK 33 Rockland Rd. (203) 853-1500 WATERBURY 20 Railroad Hill St. (203) 754-7601 20 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 GUILFORD 736 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-2790 DANBURY 86 Payne Rd. (203) 744-4000 TORRINGTON 2407 Winsted Rd. (860) 626-0900 Copyright © Hocon • HOD#726-30 When Meritage Homes began to ask its average buyer, a 36-year-old mother of three, how it could create better value in 2009, the subject of health kept coming up. Moms were worried about kids with allergies and concerned about soaring child asthma rates. They’d read that environmental toxins could disrupt children’s hormone development and watched HGTV shows about people building houses that promote wellness. They said they had enough to think about without having to worry about mold, offgassing, and radon. Read More Builders: Access To Lending Eases By John McManus Lending once stood right up there with lots and labor as one of a workaday home builder’s triumvirate of pain and anguish points. Access to bank finance, particularly to buy or develop home sites, was tight as a drum the first couple of years of housing’s recovery. Now, though, according to builders’ responses to a quarterly National Association of Home Builders survey, that type of finance for acquisition, development, and construction got a tad easier to obtain in the past three months than in the prior three. NAHB economist Michael Neal writes: Easing on net over the third quarter took place on all forms of credit with standards on single-family construction recording the greatest net percentage of easing. As illustrated by Figure 1 below, a net of 17 percent of respondents reported that standards on loans for single-family construction had eased. Meanwhile, 10 percent of respondents on net said that land development loans had eased and 5 percent of builders on net reported eased credit standards on land acquisition loans. Read More Builders And Uncertainty By John McManus Certainty is a firm conviction something is the case. To speak to certainty’s qualities, we use terms like sureness, confidence, and the absence of doubt. For housing and its disproportionately important subsystem of home builders—especially since the Great Recession—not much is, or has been, or ever will be a sure thing, nor do its more experienced denizens put a heck of a lot of stock in expectations that things will go reliably one way or another. In other words, home builders— and the ecosystem of land sellers and developers, investors, lenders, trade partners, manufacturing and materials suppliers, real estate agents, and others connected to home builders—live with the opposite of certainty very nearly always. Read More DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 21
BUILDER NEWS Federal Judge Delays Overtime Rule In a victory for NAHB, a federal judge in Texas on Nov. 22 granted a preliminary injunction to delay implementation of the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule. The rule, which was scheduled to take effect Dec. 1, would double the minimum salary limit from $23,660 to $47,476. NAHB joined other business groups in filing a legal challenge to the overtime rule on Sept. 20. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In addition, 21 states have also filed suit challenging the rule and the two lawsuits have been consolidated. The parties have filed motions for a summary judgment. While the injunction is only temporary, the ruling by Judge Amos Mazzant sent a strong signal that he could likely side with NAHB and our business coalition. “The State Plaintiffs have shown a likelihood of success on the merits because the Final Rule exceeds the Department’s authority,” Mazzant wrote in his opinion. Working with House and Senate lawmakers and members of our business coalition, the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity, NAHB has been leading the effort to mitigate the effects of the overtime rule. Read More Celebrating NAHB’s 75th Anniversary Next year marks NAHB’s 75th anniversary, and preparations are underway for this year-long celebration, which will kick off during the NAHB 2017 International Builders’ Show®. To keep you up to date on anniversary-related news and events, NAHB will launch a dedicated, 75th anniversary webpage in January. The web- page will feature resources that local HBAs can use to highlight the impact of the home building industry and showcase the benefits of member- ship to prospective members. HBAs can opt to join in on the celebration by holding their own 75th anniversary-themed events. We’d like to hear from you about the positive contribution of your members in your community. • Did your HBA or company recently reach a significant milestone? • What impact did your HBA and its builders have on your community? Some of these achievements will be featured on NAHB’s 75th anniversary webpage to be shared with other members nationwide as well as the general public. You can send us a brief summary of those success stories by using this submission form. For more information, contact Camilo Cuba at 800-368-5242 x8437. 29 Prospect St., Ridgefield CT 203.438.2626 www.ridgefieldsupply.com • Mon-Fri. 7-5 Sat. 8-4 Closed Sundays Look no further for an insurance agent who can work with you to design an insurance portfolio just right for your business. If you engage in construction or remodeling of one or two family residences in CT then I want to talk to you. worryproof. timeproof. When you’re building a new home, time-tested Andersen® 400 Series windows and patio doors deliver the worry-free performance you want. With their durability, weathertight fit and overall quality craftsmanship, it’s easy to see why builders use Andersen windows and patio doors more than any other product on the market. Why choose anything else? Our construction insurance program includes: • General Liability • • • Property Business Auto Inland Marine • Workers Compensation • Umbrella • Builders Risk Kim Marie DiMatteo, CIC, MWCA I have been in the construction insurance business since 1992. I know the markets, the products, and what’s right for you. Call me today to schedule a convenient appointment. “ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2014 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. 79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | 203.924.5429 | www.dimatteogrp.com 22 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 23
member benefits How to Register: Visit www.mynpp.com, select Company, then Construction, then Residential. Select HB&RA - Home Builders and Remodelers Associations from the dropdown menu, complete the enrollment and START SAVING! Great Holiday Deals for Members! ANNOUNCING the arrival of our new 8-story BOOMTRUCK CONNECTICUT - East Haven - Manchester - Newtown NEW YORK - Millwood • Mold / Mildew Resistant Board • Fire Rated Board • ½” Light Weight Board • Exterior Sheathing • Metal Studs • Acoustical Ceiling Tile SANDY HOOK - 2 Turnberry Lane - 203-426-0030 GREAT RELATIONSHIPS COME WITH GREAT BENEFITS. MEET THE MOST POWERFUL BUSINESS PARTNERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. RAM® CHASSIS CAB. THE ULTIMATE HOME BUILDING TOOL. $500 BENEFITS EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND EMPLOYEES. UP$1,000 NAHB MEMBER ALLOWANCE + TO ON THE JOB & MOST NATIONAL AND LOCAL INCENTIVES = BIG VALUES 2 The best capabilities in the trade. Best-in-Class 37,500 lb GCWR1 Available Proven 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel Engine Standard 6.4L HEMI® Engine with MDS Fuel Saver Technology FCA US LLC IS A PROUD AFFINITY PROGRAM PROVIDER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS. VISIT NAHB.ORG/FCA TO GET STARTED 1 Based on 3–5 pickup-based conventional cab chassis over 10,000 GCWR. 2 Family members must reside in the same household as member. Not available on SRT models. On The Job (OTJ) incentives vary depending on model chosen. See dealer for NAHB allowance and OTJ incentive details and eligibility requirements. ©2016 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Inc. Kathryn A. Eren, VP, Cash Management Officer; Lisa Stuard, AVP Commercial Loan Administrator; Maureen Hanley-Bellitto, SVP, Commercial Team Leader; Gregory Pastor, Jr. VP, Commercial Banking Officer; Kim Karl, VP, Commercial Banking Officer; Deep community roots. Unrivaled market knowledge. Unmatched customer service. When a bank builds its commercial banking team around the values that truly make a difference in helping your business and community grow and prosper, that’s more than banking. That’s changing the way you bank. Talk to us today. Visit bankatunited.com/commercial 24 | HBRA of Fairfield County | DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 25
RingsEnd.com Lumber Building Materials Millwork Kitchens Hardware Paint Mouldings Design & Decor ´ Since 1902 we have been helping you REbuild, REfine,REinforce and REfresh homes. We offer the highest quality building materials, knowledgeable Sales Associates, and dedicated educational programs. Our job is to make your job a success. Count on Ring’s End. The new model in home REmodeling. DECEMBER 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 26
1 Publizr