BuildingConnections The Digital Magazine of the Fairfield County HBRA Sept 2016 September clambake Upcoming Events
HBRA VIP CIRCLE 2016 ANNUAL SPONSORS 2016 Annual Sponsors Elite Diamond Platinum gas Gold Thank you to the folllowing 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!
HBRA Board of Directors 2016-17 Officers BuildingConnections The Digital Magazine of the Fairfield County HBRA President Sr. Vice-President Vice-President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders Kim DiMatteo The DiMatteo Group Secretary/ Treasurer Michael Church William Pitt Sotheby’s Immediate Past President Peter Battaglio Max Bender Steve Berko Ken DeLeo John Hertz Brian Kurtz Rob Michaud Steven Roth Alex Shook Michael Wood Joanne Carroll Jerry Effren Gary Fanali Peter Fusaro Maureen Hanley Andrew La Sala Jr. Michael Palumbo Nick Yanicelli Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders 2016-17 Directors Hocon Gas Bender Supply Four Square Build & Design Doherty & DeLeo Hertz Construction Interstate Lumber The Michaud Group Elevator Service Company Pella Commercial Wood Builders Life Directors JMC Resources The Greyrock Companies City Carting Preferred Builders United Bank Cannondale Building & Design ERI Building & Design Susquehanna Enterprises HBRA Staff Gina Calabro Executive Officer Deanna Hiller Executive Assistant HBRA of Fairfield County 2228 Black Rock Turnpike Suite 307 Fairfield, CT 06825 203-335-7008 hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www. buildfairfieldcounty.com Want to advertise? Contact the office for more information and rates. Page: 6-7 New Members 8-12 COVER STORY: 2016 Clambake 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 23 Inside this issue... Event: Yankee vs. Red Sox Game Event: NAHB Area 1 Caucus NEW CT Building Codes - October 1st Resolution for A Better Connecticut - GA Committee 17 Member News: Murphy Brothers Contracting hit 100,000 photo saves on Houzz.com NEWS: Economists Forecast Continued Growth September is Associate Appreciation Month! 6 Home-Building Technologies of the Future 22 Member News: County TV & Appliance: at 65, More Successful than Ever NEWS: The Dotted Line: How to negotiate the construction bidding process and avoid a ‘real nightmare’ 25-26 HBRA Training How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever OSHA 10 Hour Construction Regular Features Page: 4 5 27-29 13 15 16 18 18 20 21 22 23 24 Back Cover Executive Officers Message Upcoming Events Member Benefits Sponsors/Advertisers Please visit our Sponsors Interstate+Lakeland Lumber CT C&G Hocon Gas East Haven Builders Supply The DiMatteo Group Fairfield Family Physicians Ridgefield Supply Elevator Service Company United Bank Fairfield County Bank Ring’s End September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 3
HB RA Home Builders & Remodelers Assn. Fairfi eld County Dear HBRA Members, Mark down another stellar event for 2016 - the General Membership Meeting Clambake/BBQ! It was a beautiful evening on the Fairfield beach. The food was great and the networking tremendous. Special thanks to Jon Small of Marlin Electric and Yuriy Maklyan of Gold Coast Property Maintenance for once again hosting this phenomenal event. If you didn’t make this one this year be sure to sign up early next year as this is fast becoming a sold out event! The next BIG EVENT is the Yankee vs. Red Sox Game and pre-game dinner on Arthur Avenue on September 29th. One bus sold out at the end of July so we added ANOTHER ONE! This event is sponsored by City Carting, United Bank and William Pitt Sotheby’s. Tickets are limited so get them quick -- it is going to be a FANtastic time! The October General Membership Meeting will be held at Giovanni’s in Darien on October 5th sponsored by United Bank. Peter Gioia from the CT Business and Industry Association (CBIA) will be the evening speaker. The topic - CT Economic Forecast. Seminars and Training are starting up again September: September 20th - Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever, at the Ring’s End Educational Facility from 8:00am to 10:00am. The next OSHA 10 class will be October 27 & 28. Membership is growing! As of this issue we are now at 385 members and averaging 110 members at our networking events. If you haven’t been to a HBRA event lately, it’s time to register! 2016 has been a great year so far-- wait until you see what we have in store for 2017! Be sure to check out the member benefits pages. Our members have been saving thousands of dollars on these programs - you should too! As always, if you have any questions, please call the office or email us at hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com! Best, A Message from the Executive Officer Gina Calabro gina@buildfairfieldcounty.com “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” --Theodore Roosevelt 4 | HBRA of Fairfield County | September 2016
September 20, 2016 October 21, 2016 Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever 7:30am-10:00am Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford FREE to Members / $40 - Non-members Click Here to Register September 29, 2016 Yankee Game/Pre-Game Dinner on Arthur Avenue Tickets- $180/pp Bus Leaves 3:30 – Westport Commuter Lot – Exit 18 off I95 Register by Friday, Sept. 15, 2016 Click Here to Register October 5, 2016 General Membership Meeting CT Economic Forecast with Peter Goia at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd, Darien 6:00pm - 9:00pm $50 - Members $100/ Non- Members Click Here to Register NAHB Area 1 Caucus 11:00 am-4:15pm Ashworth by the Sea 295 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach, NH $40 - Members RSVP by October 14th to eric@hbracentralct.com October 27 & 28, 2016 OSHA 10 Hour Construction 7:45am-2:00pm Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford $30 - Members / $60 - Non-members Click Here to Register November 2, 2016 General Membership Meeting Closet & Storage Concepts 356 Ely Ave, Norwalk 6:00pm - 9:00pm $20 - Members $40/ Non- Members Click Here to Register November 16, 2016 2016 HOBI Awards Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville Details to Follow September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County |5
Welcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Fairfield County Bank Insurance Services A comprehensive array of commercial insurance products to help you manage your exposures to loss, including: • Workers’ Compensation • General Liability • Property • Business Owners Policy • Marine • Business Automobile • Business Interruption • Umbrella Liability • Professional Liability • Directors and Officers Liability • Employment Practices Liability • Environmental Liability • Bonds • Builder’s Risks Members: Scott Cronin John Czel Fairfield Family Physicians, LLC CT House Calls We provide top-quality medical care to our patients in a convenient location, at a price that’s affordable to everyone. Anything requiring more comprehensive care than can be handled by our providers can be referred to one of our specialty consultants. This list is continually growing as we find and partner with the finest doctors in your area. In 2015, House Calls & Virtual Visits began making house calls with a mission to personalize and improve health care in Connecticut. We provide the highest quality care to our cherished patients where and when it is convenient for them, and we bring it at an affordable price. Member: Dr. Lee Forest Miller Constructors Miller Constructors supplies and installs interior trim, millwork and custom cabinetry and guarantees that we will finish the job On Time with Quality. Member: Steve Miller We can take care of all the logistics so the GC or homeowner can focus on the rest of the job. 6 | HBRA of Fairfield County | September 2016
Welcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Kling Brothers Builders, LLC We have completed numerous residential and commercial projects including: custom built homes, custom additions and alterations, kitchen and bath remodeling.Kling Brothers also offers both residential and commercial property management services, as well as a Small Jobs and Repair Division. All our projects demonstrate a focus on attention to detail, high quality workmanship and a strong work ethic. Member:Keith Kling Stellar Homes, LLC At Stellar homes we take pride in each and every home we build. Our houses are built with the finest materials and architectural design. We pride ourselves on the exceptional details throughout each home, with beautiful custom finishes. Let us redefine how you see luxury. Member: David Cacace MLR Properties,LLC Family owned and operated, we perform all levels of building and remodeling. We offer start-to-finish solutions for every project. We also offer full design services. We specialize in new home construction, interior or exterior home renovations, including bathroom and kitchen remodeling, home additions, garages and more! Member: Megan Robertson We guarantee high-quality construction for each and every project. September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 7
September Membership Meeting September 7th marked another FABULOUS Clambake/BBQ sponsored by Jon Small of Marlin Electric and Yuriy Maklyan of Gold Coast Property Maintenance. It was a spectacular evening at the Jackie Durrell Pavilion on the Fairfield beach where over 100 members and guests attended the sold out event that included a Raw Bar of clams, mussels, and shrimp, a lobster /clam bake, and hamburgers all catered by Tilden Seafood. The BIG winner of the evening was Rebecca St. Germain who won the $1,250 Membership Raffle! Rebecca’s name was pulled from the current 380 member names for the monthly Membership Raffle. This month’s raffle installment was sponsored by Pella Commercial. The October Membership Meeting Raffle will restart at $250 and is sponsored by Cecy Gillen Designs, LLC. Remember, the only way to win the raffle is to be at the meeting! Downloadable photos can be found on the Photo/Video Gallery on HBRA Website at www.buildfairfieldcounty.com. l-r: Alex Shook, Pella Commercial, Gina Calabro, HBRA-FC Executive Officer, Rebecca St. Germain, DiMatteo Group, Chris Steiner, Steiner, Inc., HBRA President 8 | HBRA of Fairfield County | September 2016 clambake
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Join us for the Sponsored by: Yankees vs. Red Sox Game Pre-game Dinner at Pasquale’s Rigoletto on Arthur Avenue September 29, 2016 TICKETS AVAILABLE Tickets- $180/pp Transportation to & from Arthur Avenue and Yankee Stadium Field Level Seats in Section 133 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 September 2016| HBRA of Fairfield County | 13
OCTOBER 21, 2016 AREA 1 CAUCUS Join Builders, Remodelers, Associates and EO’s & Staff to learn, share and network October 21, 2016 11:30 am - 4:30 pm $40 per person Location Ashworth by the Sea 295 Ocean Boulevard Hampton Beach, NH Call 603-926-6762 for room reservations 9:00 – 11:30 EO and Staff training with Shari Pash 11:00 – 11:30 Registration 11:30 – 12:15 Lunch 12:15 – 1:05 Will Nash, BDX 1:15 – 2:00 Dr. Mary Burke, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston 2:15 – 3:05 Christie Morgan, BDX 3:15 – 4:30 Area 1 Business, Federal Legislative Update, NAHB Senior Officer Update • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF YOUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE As the interactive online experience becomes more prevalent in other industries new home shoppers are increasing their appetite for a more immersive online experience. Do you know if you are meeting the expectations of today's shoppers? This session will showcase how other industries are using technology to transform the entire customer experience and demonstrate how we can apply these lessons to the home building industry. Presented by Will Nash, BDX • HOME BUYER INSIGHTS... UNDERSTANDING TODAY’S HOME BUYERS What if you could get inside the minds of today’s home buyers to better understand what motivates them, what inspires them, and what leads them to take action? Hear about the latest home buyer research and how it will impact your approach and messaging. Presented by Christie Morgan, BDX • NEW ENGLAND ECONOMIC UPDATE Federal Reserve Bank of Boston economist to deliver an in-depth presentation on New England regional economic conditions and related housing market trends. • NAHB GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE Update on federal issues that affect home builders, remodelers and home building industry suppliers. • NAHB SENIOR OFFICER UPDATE NAHB Chairman, Ed Brady update on NAHB Federation Issues. • AREA 1 BUSINESS State updates, Issues roundtable and the nomination and election of 2017/2018 Area 1 National Area Chair SPECIAL SESSIONS FOR EO’s AND STAFF • Recruitment & Retention for a strong membership foundation • Engaging the Disengaged member Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Phone: RSVP BY OCTOBER 14 , 2016 Amount of: Billing Address for Credit Card: City: State: Signature: Contact Company: Email Address: To reserve a room please call 603-926-6762 reference NAHB Group Thursday night ($129), Friday night ($159). Rooms released on 9/30/16. Check Enclosed (checks made out to: NAHB Area 1) Charge My: Master Card VISA American Express Cardholder Name (Print): Card Number: - - - 14| HBRA of Fairfield County |September 2016 Contact Eric Person 860-563-4212 eric@hbracentralct.com Register online at: www.hbracentralct.com/events Return form with payment to the HBRA of Central Connecticut, Inc., 2189 Silas Deane Hwy., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Phone: 860-563-4212. You may also fax to 860-563-3709 or email to eric@hbracentralct.com SORRY! No cancellations unless received more than 48 hours prior to event. No-shows will be billed. Exp. Date: ____ /_____ CVV Zip:
If They Build It… A t ctc&g, we spend our days in the most beautiful homes in Connecticut and celebrate the architects and designers who make them dazzle. We are always mindful, however, of the incredible job done by the builders in our state, and Editorial Director D.J. Carey and I have often discussed how to give them the recognition that they deserve. ■ Now we have the answer! ■ CTC&G is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of the CT HOBI Awards—the largest and most successful builder awards program in the country. “The HOBI Awards is Connecticut’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in home construction, home technology, sales and marketing, home financing and community service,” said HOBI Awards producer Joanne Carroll, “and the 23rd annual awards presentations will take place on Wednesday, November 16, when more than 750 housing-industry professionals will gather at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.” ■ D.J. Carey added: “Often it is the craftsmanship of the builder that makes the houses we feature stunning, so I am thrilled to highlight their work in our January 2017 issue.” ■ Stay tuned and be sure to check out cottagesgardens.com/2016hobi for coverage of the awards. ■ See you there! Marianne Howatson CEO/Publication Director mhowatson@cottagesgardens.com Award-winning work from the 2015 HOBI Awards includes an entry stairway by Alpha Building & Construction; a kitchen by Blansfield Builders; and an exterior by Brindisi & Yaroscak. September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 15 PHOTOGRAPH BY DOREEN BIRDSELL
NEW CT Building Codes Intended Effective Date October 1 The Department of Administrative Services, Office of the State Building Inspector, in conjunction with the Codes & Standards Committee, is announcing its intent to adopt a new building code to be titled the 2016 Connecticut State Building Code. This code will adopt the 2012 ICC family of code. The 2016 Connecticut State Building Code will adopt the following national model codes, as amended in the 2016 Connecticut State Building Code: • 2012 International Code Council (ICC) International Building Code • 2012 International Code Council (ICC) International Residential Code • 2012 International Code Council (ICC) International Existing Buildings Code • 2012 International Code Council (ICC) International Mechanical Code • 2012 International Code Council (ICC) International Plumbing Code • 2012 International Code Council (ICC) International Energy Conservation Code • 2014 National fire Protection Association 70 - National Electrical Code • 2009 International Code Council / ANSI A117.1 - Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities The Connecticut amendments to these model codes can be found here: 2016 CT State Building Code The model codes can be viewed here: ICC Free eCode Viewer NFPA Free Viewer or purchased at: Connecticut Building Officials Association, Inc. c/o Peter Zvingilas Telephone: (860) 376-3867 Email: pzvingilas@windhamct.com The intended effective date for this code is October 1, 2016. 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 NORWALK 33 Rockland Rd. (203) 853-1500 WATERBURY 20 Railroad Hill St. (203) 754-7601 16| HBRA of Fairfield County |September 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
Resolution for A Better Connecticut The HBRA is gearing up to create a new advocacy agenda for the 2017 legislative session. Our first step is to constitute a new 2016-2017 Government Affairs Committee and WE NEED YOU! We ask all GA members to make two commitments: • Please attend as many of our Government Affairs meetings as possible (usually 6 or 7 per year) so everyone gains the benefit of your expertise and experience; and • Please reply via email to Bill Ethier, HBRA - CT EO, throughout the next year, especially during the legislative session, when questions about our industry are presented and must be answered. This latter request is most helpful to Bill as representative (lobbyist) of our industry at the Capitol and before State of CT agencies. Connecticut has come to a cross-road. We either continue on the path that we’ve been on – taxes, fee and regulatory policies that have failed to produce robust economic, job and wage growth – or we turn onto a new path to a better future for all. We commend the efficiency efforts of state government, but more dramatic change than learning government’s processes is required. Programs such as the Small Business Express Program are encouraging, but more significant messages that CT is truly supportive of businesses must be sent now. Therefore, the HBRA of CT hereby resolves the following: • To support efforts TO REIGN IN STATE SPENDING and restructure state government to focus on only critical services – to create sustainable state spending and tax policies that provide predictability and certainty to businesses and the state’s citizens. • To support efforts to REFORM AND PRIORITIZE STATE AND LOCAL REGULATORY SYSTEMS – to permit businesses of all types to flourish; to grow jobs and wages; to allow us to build homes and communities without undue interference and with only reasonable regulations and codes. • TO MAKE CONNECTICUT A TOP 20 STATE FOR BUSINESS – in every category and by every measure such that there would be no doubt CT is a magnet for businesses and people of all ages to work and live here. We urge all policy makers and legislators at the state and local level to embrace this resolution for a better Connecticut future. Please consider joining us and please forward this message to any other members you think would like to become more involved in our advocacy work and serve on the HBRA Fairfield County GA Committee. Contact: Nick Yanicelli, HBRA Fairfield, GA Chairman at 203.966.6524(o), 203.223.3701(m) or nyanicelli@outlook.com Murphy Brothers Contracting hit 100,000 photo saves on Houzz.com Houzz.com announced that Murphy Brothers Contracting hit 100,000 photo saves on Houzz.com. The Houzz community has saved our project photos to their ideabooks 100,000 or more times. With a network of over one million home professionals and 35 million monthly unique users, Houzz is a vital platform for interior designers, architects, contractors, and homeowners. Located in Mamaroneck, NY, Murphy Brothers Contracting is known throughout the greater Westchester + Hudson Valley + southern Fairfield region for building and renovating beautifully September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 17 designed custom homes as well as private clubs. Murphy Brothers Contracting is an award-winning construction company with a strong presence on Houzz.com, and a recipient of a 2016 Best Of Design on Houzz®. Since 1979, Murphy Brothers Contracting continues to build a Tradition of Quality.
Economists Forecast Continued Growth NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker and Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu predicted continued growth for the construction industry in 2017 during a joint economic forecast on Aug. 15. “Our forecast shows singlefamily production expanding by more than 10% in 2016, and the robust multifamily sector leveling off,” said Dietz. “Historically low mortgage interest rates and favorable demographics should keep the housing market moving forward at a gradual pace, but residential construction growth will be constrained by shortages of labor and lots and rising regulatory costs.” “Revenue at architecture firms continues to grow, so prospects for the construction industry remain solid over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Baker. “Given current demo- graphic trends, the single-family residential and the institutional building sectors have the greatest potential for further expansion.” “Non-residential construction spending growth will continue into the next year with an estimated increase in the range of 3-4%,” said Basu. “Growth will continue to be led by privately financed projects, with commercial construction continuing to lead the way.” Obama Signs Housing Bill Into Law President Obama on July 29 signed into law a bill that includes key NAHBsupported bipartisan fixes to HUD programs. The new law covers provisions of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Rural Housing Service Single Family Guaranteed Loan Program and FHA rules regarding existing condominium projects. For more about the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 , contact Jessica Hall at 800-368-5242 x8253. Read more ANNOUNCING the arrival of our new 8-story BOOMTRUCK CONNECTICUT - East Haven - Manchester - Newtown SANDY HOOK - 2 Turnberry Lane - 203-426-0030 NEW YORK - Millwood • Mold / Mildew Resistant Board • Fire Rated Board • ½” Light Weight Board • Exterior Sheathing • Metal Studs • Acoustical Ceiling Tile 18| HBRA of Fairfield County |September 2016
September is Associate Appreciation Month! The Associate Spotlight on Monday mornings is an opportunity to “shine a light” on our members that support the building industry with products, services and trades. The HBRA Fairfield Associate Council is at the forefront of developing events and opportunities to promote the Associate member and assist our growing builder membership. l-r: Birgit Anich, Sharon McCormick, Gina Calabro, Steven Roth We would like to thank the Associate Council (shown here at the September meeting hosted by Leigh Overland on his boat) for all of their all wonderful ideas and their commitment to the HBRA. l-r: Leigh Overland, Deanna Hiller, Sheri Sorrentino-Snellman, Propane Pete Battaglio, Don Lindars, Read Smith 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. 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. 79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | 203.924.5429 | www.dimatteogrp.com September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 19
Better Care at a Better Price! Current times have brought many changes to the world of medicine, unfortunately few have been for the good of the patients! Dr. Lee Forest is Board Certified in Family Medicine and has recently changed his office to a Direct Primary Care model of practice to take the focus of medicine back to where it belongs, giving the decision making power back to the patient’s and those who care for them. Dr. Lee Forest At Fairfield Family Physicians it’s all about YOU and your family’s care. Dr. Forest and his caring staff provide top quality medical care at the absolute best prices anywhere. Pay as you go pricing is available or become a member for $49 monthly and $20 per visit. For this price you get: • ALL of your visits to the office • Physical Exams with an EKG • FREE Laboratory Testing (for the most common blood tests needed) • Expedited referrals to specialists with the absolute best prices! (up to 90% savings) • Super discounted medicines (up to 80% savings) • Same day appointments • Longer visit time (30-40 minutes per visit, not 7-8 minutes like other offices) We do the leg work for you and find you the best prices on ALL of your medical needs including: Coverage for Hospital Admission, Specialists, CAT Scans, MRI's, Stress Tests, Colonoscopies, etc. Kids are ½ price on a Family Plan. Employers can cost-split with employees ($25/month each). And, we do House Calls and Telemedicine Visits for the convenience of our patient’s needs!! Contact Us for More Information Fairfield Family Physicians 2184 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 (203)378-9002 www.drLeeforest.com Falamos Português / Hablamos Español 20 | HBRA of Fairfield County |September 2016 House Calls and Virtual Visits 36 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203)259-1911 www.cthousecalls. com
29 Prospect St., Ridgefield CT 203.438.2626 www.ridgefieldsupply.com • Mon-Fri. 7-5 Sat. 8-4 Closed Sundays 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? “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. 6 Home-Building Technologies of the Future By Drew Vass Residential construction isn’t always quick to adopt new technologies. That said, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone these days— executive to laborer—who isn’t using a smartphone to augment some aspect of their job. Meanwhile, more than 20% of builders say they’re experimenting with drones, while others report they’re using 3D printers. And even those technologies seem minuscule when compared with robots that can lay 1,000 bricks per hour or install steel studs, sheetrock, or tile. Technology is taking over the home building industry at a rate that would seem preposterous to someone 20 years ago. According to author and construction lawyer Barry LePatner, builders better get used to it if they’re going to meet the demand September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 21 for 100 billion additional square feet of living space by 2030. Second to drones, 3D laser scanners were the most widely used emerging technology among builders in 2015; they can capture details of a structure down to 2 millimeters worth of accuracy. Commercial contractors already use drone-mounted scanners to measure stock piles, and experts say those uses will multiply as the technology becomes more affordable. Collected data, along with CAD files, will become the basis from which a host of technologies function autonomously. Once paired with drones and autonomous vehicles, future jobsites could be “self-driving” and manned not by skilled laborers, but by IT professionals. Read More
County TV & Appliance: at 65, More Successful than Ever It’s been a family affair ever since Stamford, CT-based County TV & Appliance opened its doors in 1951. Heading into its fourth generation of family management County TV celebrated its 65th anniversary on September 13th at the recently remodeled store. After the original owner, Jack Cohn, founded County TV & Appliance, his son, Lester, joined him in the business 13 years later, strengthening the company’s focus on major appliances, electronics and televisions. Twelve years after that, Vincent Vetrini came aboard and rose to the position of general manager. He, combined with Lester, made County TV a household name that was repeatedly recognized by This Week In Consumer Electronics (TWICE) magazine as one of the 50 major appliance powerhouses in the country. The company was eventually transferred to Vincent Vetrini, whose son, Elio, is now the fourth-generation leader of County TV which has added the following descriptive to its logo: Your Smart Home Store. l-r: Phil DeTerlizzi, Elio Vetrini, Gabriela Vetrini, Gina Calabro, Vinny Vetrini Congratulations on 65 years!! Specializing In: 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 22| HBRA of Fairfield County |September 2016
MEET THE MOST POWERFUL BUSINESS PARTNERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 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 The Dotted Line: How to negotiate the construction bidding process and avoid a ‘real nightmare’ The process of preparing and submitting a bid can be exciting, nerve-wracking, tedious, a learning experience or all of the above. Contractors could be vying for the project that will allow them to make their mark on the construction industry or simply enable them to make payroll for the next few months. And it’s something almost all contractors, sooner or later, will have to do. Despite the seemingly basic nature of bidding, the process can be complicated for projects of all sizes. How can contractors ensure they’re going through the process as efficiently as possible? Where contractors can find jobs But first things first. Exactly where do contractors find jobs to bid? For established construction companies, it is not uncommon for much of their work to be negotiated with long-time customers or with owners who have become familiar with their work via wordof-mouth. The other side of that coin is looking through public notices online at FedBizOpps.gov and in newspapers, which is one of the places where government-funded work is usually advertised for open bid opportunities. Private projects also appear in free online listings or in paid publications, like those available from Dodge Data & Analytics and CMD Building Reports. “The type of work we do is specialized and not usually found in the open bid market,” said Aaron Liles, director of construction at C1S Group, a design and general contracting firm based in Dallas, TX. He said 85% to 90% of the company’s work is repeat business that they negotiate directly with the client or a project where a handful of contractors are selected to bid. Similarly, Bill Weber, principal of Boston-area subcontractor Gaston Electrical, said his company’s primary source of new work comes from existing clients. “We are constantly in touch with our customers to make sure we are aware of future projects and consistently offer our preconstruction and budgeting services to increase our chances of being successful on those bids,” he said. The company also utilizes a dedicated marketing staff, which Weber said adds to Gaston’s customer base. READ MORE September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 23
Financing some of the top builders in Fairfield County. 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 24 | HBRA of Fairfield County |September 2016
Seminars and Training Register Online or call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 Breakfast Series Your Next Home Will be Built Out of Styrofoam! How to Attain Healthy, Sustainable Homes and Change the Home Building Experience Forever Tuesday, September 20, 2016 7:30am-10:00am Rings End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street, Stratford, CT Join us for a discussion from an architect’s perspective on where the future of building is headed. Today’s structures have a disregard for human health and something needs to change. We need healthy homes and buildings that promotes good air quality, comfort, and overall body nourishment. Not only do we need healthier homes and buildings, we need sustainability. We need a structure that will not harm our environment and last for centuries, not years to come. Is there something that exists that can do both? ICF, or insulated concrete structures, can do just that! HBRA Members: FREE Non-Members: $40.00 Sponsored by: September 2016| HBRA of Fairfield County | 25
Seminars and Training Register Online or call the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 OSHA 10 Hour Construction Thursday, October 27 & Friday, October 28, 2016* 7:45am-2:00pm 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 October 24th to reserve your spot. Walk-ins will not be accepted at this course due to limited seating. Sponsored by: 26 | HBRA of Fairfield County | September 2016
Member Benefits Member Rebate Program A Free Member Benefit of your State and Local HBA Builders & Remodelers Earn Money for Products You’re Already Buying! The Member Rebate Program is a free member benefit available to all active Builder and Remodeler members. With 50+ industry leading manufacturers in the program, members are rewarded for their loyalty, the same as a “Top 5” Builder. It Takes Only 3 Easy Steps to Participate 1) Register Tells us where to send your check 2) Submit a Rebate Claim Claim using our Excel, Online, or Paper Claim Form 3) Receive a Rebate Check After a brief verification process by the manufacturers, lump-sum rebate checks are sent Call us Toll Free: 866-849-8400 Visit your State Website: www.HBACTrebates.com September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 27 Associate Members Introducing the new Associate Member Directory Associate Members who supply or install any of the 50+ Manufacturer brands can register for this free member benefit. All Associate Member Directory listings are hyperlinked to their business website. The goal is to reinforce the phrase: “It’s good business to do business with an Associate Member” by showing the Builder and Remodeler members where they can shop to negate their annual dues. Participating Manufacturers
Member Benefits NPP members have access to savings on over 150,000 items from Best Buy for Business. Did you know that this also includes IT help from Geek Squad Office Support? With Geek Squad Office unlimited 24/7 support, you can eliminate downtime and keep your business running smoothly. 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! Starting at $24.99 per user, per month, Geek Squad coverage includes: 24/7 IT SUPPORT • Online • On site (with Advanced Plan) WORKSTATION SUPPORT • Computer setup • Software application and OS installation and support • Computer tune-ups, diagnostics and repair • Data backups and transfers NETWORK INTEGRATION • Add devices to a network • Firewall support • VPN support leader in the industry, SKECHERS’ heritage can be traced back to its first utility boot in 1992. Now you can receive exclusive pricing on select Work and Corporate Casual styles through the SKECHERS Direct online store. NPP is pleased to partner with SKECHERS Direct to offer a 30% discount on footwear. An award-winning 28| HBRA of Fairfield County | September 2016 Over 375 styles to choose from • OSHA Compliant Work styles including: Steel Toe, Composite Toe, Electrical Hazard (EH Safe) and Slip Resistant • Free shipping and free returns • Offer available year-round
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! You've invested a lot into the technology that you use everyday; now it's time to protect it. Our newest partner, tech21, has made its mission to create the most intelligent impact protection on the planet. Each and every one of tech 21's phone, laptop and tablet cases is the result of their passion for protection. You’ll notice the difference every time you pick up your phone or tablet. MEMBER OFFER 25% off device protection from tech21 Save an additional 10% on Expedia rate hotel bookings over and above Expedia's already low prices. Receive an automatic 15% discount on personalized, affordable legal protection from LegalZoom. 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! September 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 29
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.
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