The E-Magazine of the HBRA of Fairfield County FEBRUARY 2018 Features February GMM Winter Trade Showcase HBRA Home Tour Member News Builder News UPCOMING MARCH 7, 2018 - Legislative Night MARCH 16, 2018 - Trades Breakfast APRIL 4, 2018 - GMM at Aitoro APRIL 18, 2018 - Negotiation Seminar
Connecticut Home Builders & Remodelers Program AN INSURANCE PROGRAM CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR YOUR BUSINESS Acadia Insurance is proud to be the endorsed property and casualty insurance carrier for the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut. As a leading provider of insurance for contractors throughout New England, Acadia Insurance understands the insurance and service needs of contractors from small to large. With a local office in Rocky Hill, Acadia Insurance has professionals that handle underwriting, claim, loss control and premium audit for its Connecticut customers. Acadia is working with a select number of its Independent Agents in offering this program to Connecticut’s Home Builders and Remodelers. The Right Policy for Your Business Acadia Insurance offers qualifying contractors a full array of necessary coverages including property, general liability, workers’ compensation, business automobile and umbrella. In addition, we can provide builders’ risk coverage, installation floater and equipment coverage. ✓ We have designed special coverage options just for home builders: Liability Coverage Enhancements: • Waiver of subrogation clause • Limited pollution coverage • Extended property damage coverage Property Coverage Enhancements: • Coverage for newly acquired property • Coverage for property while in-transit • Debris removal coverage ✓ Acadia Insurance can craft the coverage you need to operate your business. For a full listing of coverages and how they apply to an individual home builder, please see an Acadia Insurance agent who is equipped to analyze your current insurance program and provide you with recommendations.
HBRA VIP CIRCLE 2017-18 OFFICERS President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Sr. Vice-President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Group Secretary John Hertz Hertz Construction Immediate Past President Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders 2017-18 DIRECTORS Peter Battaglio Hocon Gas Max Bender Bender Supply Steve Berko Four Square Build & Design Michael Church William Pitt Sotheby’s Ken DeLeo Doherty & DeLeo Brian Kurtz Interstate Lumber Rob Michaud The Michaud Group Steven Roth Elevator Service Company Alex Shook Pella Commercial Michael Wood Wood Builders Joanne Carroll JMC Resources Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies Gary Fanali City Carting LIFE DIRECTORS Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders Maureen Hanley United Bank Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design Thank you to the following VIP Associate Members for their support in 2018. Due to their generosity the Association greatly benefits - from developing new events and educational opportunities for the membership, to keeping our lights on! gas MEDIA SPONSOR
IN THIS ISSUE • Message from the Executive Officer • Upcoming Events • February General Membership Meeting • Winter Trade Showcase 9 February GMM 10 Winter Tradeshow 12 Legislative Alert • Legislative Alert • Legislative Night • New Members • HBRA Receives HOBI for Exclusive Home Tour • Members Only NAHB Tax Webinar • Safety Training Toolkits • Buy Your Tickets to the Home Show • CRMCA offers Free Design Center Tools • Robotic Accessory Could Hit Market Within Year • NAHB Commends Trump Infrastructure Plan • Job Bank • Dear Sandler Coach • Training & Seminars • Member Benefits p.8 p.7 p.8 p.10 p.12 p.12 p.16 p.18 p.19 p.19 p.20 p.21 p.21 p.22 • HELOCS Deductible for Capital Improvements p.22 • NAHB Chairman on IRS Announcement p.22 p.23 p.23 p.26 p.26 Advertisers: Acadia Ridgefield Supply DiMatteo Group Interstate Lumber Elevator Service Company County TV & Appliance Fairfield County Bank Marlin Electric Hocon Gas CTC&G United Bank Tooher Ferraris Ed’s Garage Doors Ring’s End p. 2 p. 5 p.15 p. 17 p. 19 p. 21 p. 24 p. 25 p. 26 p. 27 p. 28 p. 29 p. 30 p. 31 Editorial Staff Jackie Bertolone Executive Officer Sarah Iannarone Membership & Events Coordinator Clare Michalak Marketing & Graphics Coordinator 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.
SHOWN: A-SERIES FRENCHWOOD® HINGED PATIO DOORS. SEE YOUR DEALER FOR COASTAL OPTIONS IN YOUR AREA.* Recognized by J.D. Power for “Outstanding Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Patio Doors.”* BEAUTY. PERFORMANCE. CRAFTSMANSHIP. The best DOORS overlook NOTHING. Every Andersen® patio door features proven durability, protection from harsh elements and a style that’s both breathtaking and refreshingly all your own. LEARN MORE AT BEAUTYOFBETTER.COM. *See your local code offi cial for code requirements in your area. **Andersen received the second highest numerical score among 16 companies in the J.D. Power 2017 Windows & Patio Doors Satisfaction Study, based on 1,904 total responses, measuring the experiences and perceptions of customers who purchased windows and/or patio doors in the previous 12 months, surveyed February — March 2017. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. . “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. MS1801_0052 29 Prospect Street Ridgefi eld, CT 06877 203.438.2626 ridgefi eldsupply.com M–F 7AM – 5PM, Sat. 8 AM – 4 PM, Sun. – Closed
MESSAGE FROM THE EO Dear HBRA Members, I hope that you will take a few moments out of your busy schedule to read through the Building Connections Magazine. The HBRA of Fairfield County has several upcoming events and opportunities we encourage you to take advantage of as a member of this association. There are important legislative updates, information on trainings and events, rebates and member rewards you may not be aware of, and housing news on a national and local scale. We also have a new classified sections where members can post requests, offerings, and other industry related information. I’d like to make particular mention of the upcoming Trades Breakfast at J.M. Wright Technical School. Skilled labor and subcontractor shortages have become a widespread and growing challenge for builders nationwide. In a study conducted by NAHB in late 2017, 3 out of 4 builders cited a shortage of framers and carpenters. This breakfast is a unique opportunity to connect with the students in our industry soon entering the workforce. Also, please make sure you register for legislative night coming up on March 7th. Visit our website or contact us for more information. Best, Jackie Bertolone HBRA Executive Officer 6 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
MARK YOUR CALENDARS UPCOMING EVENTS March 14, 2018 GMM & Legislative Night The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd Darien CT 06820 Click Here to register 1 March 16, 2018 Trades Breakfast JM Wright Technical High School 120 Bridge St, Stamford, CT 06905 Click Here to register April 4, 2018 GMM -Aitoro Appliance Aitoro Appliance Showroom 401 Westport Ave. Norwalk, CT 06851 Click Here to register UPCOMING MEETINGS Exclusive Home Tour- March 1 Associates Council - March 13 PWB - March 15 Golf Committee - March 15 Membership Committee - March 21 FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7
HBRA EVENTS February General Membership Meeting espite the unfortunate winter weather, it didn’t stop HBRA members from attending a fun networking event hosted by Ed’s Garage Doors and Sunshine Floors in Norwalk. Members and guests were able to tour both showrooms, network with builders and associates, and watch a short presentation by HBRA EO, Jackie Bertolone, about upcoming events including the Exclusive Home Tour and the March Legislative Night. Special thanks to our hosts, Rich Cunningham, RT., and their staff for hosting the evening and for sponsoring the raffle prizes including a work site Keurig, a garage door opener, and an Amazon echo. Congratulations to Ross Clark of Clark Construction of Ridgefield, Inc. who was the lucky winning name picked for the $250 membership raffle prize. Make sure to register for next month’s March Legislative Night and General Membership Meeting at The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien. 8 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9
HBRA EVENTS 2018 Winter Trade Showcase he 3rd Annual Winter Trade Showcase took place on February 20, 2018 at Dolce Norwalk. Associates from the HBRA set up nearly 30 displays throughout the room to prepare for builder guests. Each HBRA builder was invited to attend a free night of food, drink, networking, and raffle prizes. Thank you to DiMatteo Group, Deane, TD Bank, Gault, and Connecticut Appliance and Fireplace Distributors for providing an assortment of raffle prizes. Also, thank you to our Diamond Sponsor, DiMatteo Group, our Gold sponsors County TV & Appliance and Torrco, and to our 3 silver sponsors Bender, Brothers that Just Do Gutters, and Leigh Overland Architects, the Overland Design Group. Our Event Sponsors: Companies in Attendance • DiMatteo Group • TORRCO • County TV & Appliance • Bender • Brothers that Just Do Gutters • Leigh Overland Architect • BA Staging & Interiors • BDX • Buy Railings • Clarke • Connecticut Appliance & Fireplace Distributors (CAFD) • C&G Media Group • Daigle & Travers Insurance Agency • Deane Inc. • Elevator Service Company • Fairfield County Bank Insurance Services • Front Row Kitchens, Inc. • Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies • Hocon Gas, Inc. • Huber Engineered Woods • Key Insurance and Benefits Services • LTW Design LLC • Ring’s End • Smarthome & Theater Systems • Staging Sells • TD Bank • Tile America 10 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11
LEGISLATIVE ALERT HARTFORD, CT CT LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS 2018 The Connecticut General Assembly legislative session began on February 7th and ends on May 9th. This is an election year and a particularly good time to pay attention and make our voices heard! New taxes are on the horizon, and legislators need to hear from you. March 7th is our annual Legislative Night. From 6-7p.m. we will host network with your legislators that represent Fairfield County. More than a dozen legislators have confirmed attendance. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to spread our message to Hartford. Then on April 3, we join other HBRAs in Connecticut for Industry Day at the Capitol. State Budget: The State of CT faces $3 billion in deficits over the next two years. Proposals to close the state budget gap include new taxes. Governor Malloy’s new budget would raise another $235 million in new taxes, including raising the RE conveyance tax from 0.75% to 0.85% and 1.25% to 1.4%. BILLS WE SUPPORT: Property Tax Relief for Homes Under Construction: Home builders are hit with higher assessments on homes they are constructing but not yet sold, and receive these higher property tax bills when nobody is living in these homes. This is a perverse disincentive to builders to start home construction. This bill would trigger the higher assessments and tax bills only when the earliest of these events occur: 1) a C.O. is issued, 2) a deed transfer to a buyer occurs, or 3) the home is first used as a residence. Add Clarity and More Housing Emphasis to Zoning Enabling Statute (HB 5045): A proposal from the Fair Housing Workgroup (on which the HBRA had a seat), which is technical in nature and simply restructures the zoning enabling act so that it’s much easier to read. Housing Impact Analysis: Also, from the Fair Housing Workgroup, and applicable to all new state and local regulations and utility requirements that impact the cost of producing new housing. Borrowed from existing law that requires state agencies to consider impacts on small business when adopting regulations, the bill requires state agencies, local land use regulators and utilities to conduct a housing impact analysis so that they think more about the adverse impacts they might have on the cost of housing construction. BILLS WE OPPOSE: Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning: This proposal from DOH and the Fair Housing Workgroup would impose an inclusionary zoning (IZ) overlay to most zoning commissions in the state, with exemptions for distressed municipalities and some others. It requires that every multifamily housing project of 10 or more units (in the covered towns and cities) set aside 12% of the units for affordable income levels. This severely disrupts the private marketplace. While well-intentioned to promote more affordable housing construction, which Connecticut needs, the state also needs more market rate housing. We cannot afford to lose market-rate multifamily units. 12 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
SAVE THE DATES APPLICATIONS ARE HERE! BUILDERS, if you have new construction homes, it’s time to apply to the annual HBRA Exclusive Home Tour Click HERE to view the application! Please call the office at 203-335-7008 or email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com with any questions. Tour Dates: June 23 -24, 2018 VIP Kick Off: June 22, 2018 www.exclusivehometourct.com | @hbrahometour | 203-335-7008
Please join us for our March General Membership Meeting! Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Bost Road, Darien March 14th, 2018 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Member Rate: $65 Non-Member Rate: $95 Seated dinner and cash bar Program: 6:00-7:00 p.m. Network with your Legislator 7:00-9:00 p.m. Dinner with 3 guest speakers Tired of state budgets in constant deficit and taxes and regulations hurting your business? Do not miss the opportunity to show our representatives in Hartford we are a robust association with members who care about our state and pay attention to what they are voting on. Also listen to our guest speakers talk about advocacy efforts in Connecticut and Washington, DC. REGISTER HERE Speakers Brian Flaherty, SVP of Public Policy for CBIA, the state’s leading business organization. In leading CBIA’s public policy division, Flaherty is responsible for the association’s government affairs, grassroots, research, and communications operations. He will discuss the state of the state and how we can move the state forward together. Larry Cafero, the former House Minority Leader, will speak about why advocacy is so important and how you can be effective in speaking with legislators. He spent 23-years as a legislator in Hartford, 8 of those years as Leader of the House Republican Caucus, where he made common sense and fiscal responsibility hallmarks of their legislative agenda. He currently serves as Executive Director and legal counsel for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of CT. Bill Ethier, the CEO for the state HBRA will briefly discuss the state budget, proposed taxes and major issues facing our industry at the State Capitol during this legislative session. 14 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
TRADES BREAKFAST J.M Wright Technical High School 120 Bridge St (In Scalzi Park) Stamford, CT 06905 March 16th, 2018 8:00AM Register at www.buildfairfieldcounty.com. $10 per person for all HBRA members in the trades: (architects, builders, designers, HVAC, etc.) Sponsored By: 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. Skilled labor shortages remain a top issue for builders. Meet the students who will soon enter the workforce and tour the newly renovated JM Wright facility. REGISTER HERE 79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | 203.924.5429 | www.dimatteogrp.com FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15
NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Bruce Dominick Accordant Company At Accordant, we know software! We also know the construction and real estate industries we serve – inside and out. But that’s just the start. Our job is to understand your business and help pave the way to your success. From choosing the right solution to process refinement through implementation, we help your company create harmony between your people, your technology and your business. With these critical components working in tandem, you will see immediate improvements in your business and how you work with your customers. Tim Calascione Big Guy Garage Doors In 2015, Tim “Big Guy” Calascione decided to take his extensive knowledge of the garage door industry and launch his own garage door company, Big Guy Garage Doors. Tim believes in treating customers right with quality work, quality products and reasonable pricing! We are locally owned and operated. You can always count on us to deliver prompt, courteous and professional service every time you call. If your garage door or garage door opener is malfunctioning, call Big Guy Garage Doors!! Whether you need repair work or a garage door replacement, we’ll complete your job quickly and professionally. On time and on budget. We look forward to meeting you! Richard Muhlfeld John E. Muhlfeld, Inc New Field Builders is a residential Contracting and Construction Management company located in lower Fairfield County of Connecticut. Established in 1976, we have been serving the greater community building fine Homes, Additions, and Alterations. We take great pride in our attention to fine details and quality workmanship. New Field Builders also is involved in Kitchen and Bath remodeling, Tile and Marble installation, and Interior Trim and Cabinetry. As a contracting company, we work directly with the Architect and homeowner to create the ultimate finished product. Arthur Anderson M&T Bank For more than 160 years, M&T has helped people and businesses manage their money and make sound financial decisions, so they can live better today and realize their goals for tomorrow. Whether you’re buying a home, building a business, or broadening your career, find out how we’re making a difference, every day, in communities throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. 16 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
Welcome our newest affiliate members Terry Scarborough Deane, Inc. Stephen Bradley Ridgefield Supply Company Christina Handshy Ridgefield Supply Company 13/16" 3/4" ILINE 1902 ILINE 1901S ILINE 1903 ILINE 1903S The ILINE Collection is a comprehensive moulding program that offers a fresh pallet of new and vibrant profiles that will be an enhancement to any interior space. These profiles are divided into categories based upon their specific application. To ensure that the proper mouldings are specified in the project, simply write the corresponding ILINE moulding number in your specifications, or architectural plans. View and download profiles at interstatelumber.com FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17 7 1/4" 5 3/4"
MEMBER NEWS HBRA of Fairfield County Receives HOBI Award for Exclusive Home Tour T he Home Builders and Remodelers of Fairfield County has been recognized with a HOBI Award - “Best Promotion Event for a Spec Home” for its 1st Annual Home Tour. The April 2017 event drew hundreds of visitors to four new luxury homes built by HBRA members in Darien and Greenwich and priced at $2.2 million to $6.7 million. The Home Tour Committee—made up of interior designers, architects, builders, and home staging experts - promoted the event, the participating builders and their homes, in transit posters, CTC&G Magazine, social media and more. The results were impressive . . .Three out of the four homes sold within three weeks of the tour dates, and ticket proceeds, totaling $5,000, were presented to two charities – the Fairfield County Community Foundation and PSC Partners Seeking A Cure. There is so much good that came out of the 2017 home tour. Besides meeting amazing people, we received a lot of great publicity. - Ken DeLeo, Doherty & DeLeo Development. Read More HBRA NOW OFFERS TEXT ALERTS TO MEMBERS No time to check your email? Too busy on the jobsite? Sign up to receive the latest news and updates from the HBRA right to your cellphone. You can register for meetings, see the latest events, and receive text alerts about important legislative changes. Texting and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to sign up 18 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
Members-Only Webinar: Tax Reform and Your Bottom Line M onday, March 5, 2018 at 1 p.m. (ET) The landmark tax reform legislation, which took effect Jan. 1, created significant changes in the tax code that will affect the housing industry and our small business members. To help you understand how these changes could impact your business, NAHB is providing a members-only webinar on March 5 at 1 p.m. ET. The webinar will feature NAHB tax experts and outside tax counsel who will focus on the specific changes that will most directly impact small businesses, including the 20-percent pass-through deduction, limitations on the business interest deduction and new depreciation guidelines. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar. If you are not able to join the webinar, a replay will be posted on nahb.org. NAHB remained actively engaged throughout the tax reform debate and fought hard to ensure that our industry’s priorities were addressed. As the implementation of the law begins, we will continue to work on behalf of our members and keep you updated as more information becomes available. Read More WE ARE NEW TECHNOLOGIES Safety Training Toolkit N AHB has a variety of resources on maintaining worksite safety. The materials contained here will help builders and trade contractors train their workers and comply with OSHA regulations. Read More IN MOTION As the elevator and lift industry experts, Elevator Service Company is dedicated to finding the prefect product for your application. We offer the most reliable and efficient lift solutions in the industry. Our products come in every finish and option imaginable, so you can add your personal touch. 203-757-5000 www.ElevatorServiceCo.com CT Lic.# ELV. 400105 R1 ~ RI Lic. # 21 MA Lic.# EC-000093 Providing not one, but all Major Manufacturers Equipment FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19
MEMBER NEWS CLASSIFIEDS 71st Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show CThe 71st Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show is onnecticut Convention Center March 2nd through 4th, and we want you to be there. As Connecticut’s largest and longest running Home and Remodeling Show, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut offers residents of Connecticut and western Massachusetts a one-stop shopping experience in home products and services. You will be able to find a wide variety of home improvement, building, and remodeling exhibits from featuring local and national vendors featuring thousands of ideas for your home and yard. Because this is the show that is produced locally by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut, you have the confidence knowing that this home show represents many of our members and the people we do business with everyday. The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut and the Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show… quality, integrity and professionalism. 2018 marks the 71st year the Home Builders & Remodelers Association has produced the best resource for homeowners to discover the latest products and services for their homes. Make sure to join us this year, as we highlight and showcase the latest products and design trends for the home. The Design Cafe, where you can learn about the latest trends, tools and techniques to enhance your home, features seminars all weekend. Be sure to join us on Friday, March 2, as we celebrate with our Happy Hour, sponsored by James Hardie. Everyone attending the show will receive a complimentary adult beverage and two free tickets to return to the show anytime during the weekend. Stop by after work with your co-workers and return during the weekend! For more information on the 71st Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show, Read More The HBRA members classified sections is where members can post requests, offers, services, and a variety of other materials for HBRA members. REQUEST GENTLY USED CABINETRY A member is looking for gently used cabinetry, potentially from one of the remodeling or builder members. Please contact Maureen Hanley at mhanley@bankatunited.com or (203) 974-6260 MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS HBRA Members can post their latest news, requests, and listings here: REQUEST: GENTLY USED CABINETRY Please contact Trades TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD PLEASE EMAIL HBRA@BUILDFAIRFIELDCOUNTY.COM OR CALL THE OFFICE AT 203-335-7008 LOTS FOR SALE - STONEWALL LANE SNELLMAN CONSTRUCTION • (2) one-acre parcels for sale in desired Westport neighborhood off of Hermit Lane. • Part of a 4 lot subdivision with 2 completed and occupied homes • Each parcel is zoned for pool and pool house. • Front lot asking price; $800,000 • Rear lot asking price; $850,000 Contact: John Snellman Sr. at (203) 943-9354 20 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
BUILDER NEWS Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association Offers Free Design Center Tool T he Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association announces that FREE concrete project design and technical assistance is available with just a click through the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Build With Strength Concrete Design Center. The Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) announces that FREE concrete project design and technical assistance is available with just a click through the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) Build With Strength Concrete Design Center. The NRMCA’s Concrete Design Center can assist you in choosing the right concrete solution for a wide variety of projects, from multi-family residential/mixed use to industrial and health care facilities. Connecticut Concrete Promotion Council ‘s Executive Director Dominic Di Cenzo comments,” The Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association has an arsenal of tools to assist Connecticut construction specifiers and those involved with the design and engineering of multi-story buildings, commercial office buildings and infrastructure. The Design Center is a free tool that allows architects and engineers to submit projects to verify various project specifications such as structural design, noise reduction, fire resistance and sustainability. Read More Time-Saving Robotic Accessory Could Hit Market Within The Year T he Autoset accessory is just the latest construction industry robotics play with the potential to increase productivity in the field. For example, in October, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that a collaboration between the CEO of a Pennsylvania construction company and a robotics researcher had resulted in a robotic arm that can tie bridge deck rebar. The Tybot can be used with just one supervising worker, and is able to perform work in half the time that it typically takes human crews. Read More THE SMART CHOICE For Making Your Dream Kitchen A Reality SMART HOME CONTROL THERMADOR SUBZERO / WOLF GE MONOGRAM ...and more BEST SERVICE AT THE GUARANTEED BEST PRICE In-Store And Online 2770 Summer Street • Stamford, CT 06905 203-327-2630 STORE HOURS: MON & THURS: 9AM-9PM | TUES, WED, FRI & SAT: 9AM-6PM | SUN: 11AM-5PM www.countytv.com FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21
NAHB NEWS NAHB Commends Trump Infrastructure Plan T he National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today commended President Trump’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan to rebuild and revitalize the nation’s aging transportation network. “This package includes a number of provisions that are designed to spur economic and job growth that will also boost the housing sector,” said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, a custom home builder from LaPlace, La. “Specifically, it will streamline the regulatory and permitting process to get new projects off the ground, place an emphasis on vocational training and delegate authority back to state and local governments.” The plan expedites environmental reviews by giving the Army Corps of Engineers primary authority to make jurisdictional determinations under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and removing the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to veto a CWA Section 404 permit. Improvements to the CWA Section 404 permit program are particularly important to home builders who rely on them to authorize impacts to wetlands and streams as a result of residential developments, utility lines and linear transportation projects, among other activities. The proposal also contains a number of initiatives to help to alleviate the severe labor shortage in the residential construction industry. It would expand Pell Grants and alter the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education program to increase funding to high schools “to promote strategies such as apprenticeship, work-based learning and dual-enrollment.” “A robust transportation system that enables people to live near where they work will benefit housing and the economy,” said Noel. “We urge Congress to support the president’s infrastructure initiative.” Read More HELOCS Deductible for Capital Improvements, IRS Says I n a victory for NAHB remodelers, the IRS today issued a letter clarifying changes to home equity loans and lines of credit to confirm that households may take a tax deduction when these loans are used for home improvements. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted Dec. 22, suspends from 2018 until 2026 the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit, unless they are used to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan, the letter said. “This is a major victory for remodelers and for home owners who want to invest in their homes,” said NAHB chairman Randy Noel. “NAHB has been pushing hard for this outcome since December, when act was signed into law. We will continue to work with Congress and the administration as they hammer out the details of the new tax law.” Read More 22 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018 Statement from NAHB Chairman Randy Noel on IRS Announcement Clarifying Tax Deduction for HELOCs R andy Noel, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from LaPlace, La., issued the following statement regarding today’s IRS announcement clarifying tax deductions taken on home equity loans or home equity lines of credit : The National Association of Home Builders applauds today’s announcement by the IRS clarifying that households can take a tax deduction on a home equity loan or home equity line of credit if the loan is used for home improvements. This is a major victory for remodelers and for home owners who want to invest in their homes. NAHB has been pushing hard for this outcome since December, when The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law. We will continue to work with Congress and the Administration as they hammer out the details of the new tax law. Read More
DEAR SANDLER COACH HBRA JOB BANK The HBRA JOB BANK is a FREE service for HBRA Members. If you would like to have a job posted, please use the Job Posting form to submit the information. The fee for Non-members is $50. Please contact the HBRA office at 203-335-7008 or email us for more information, FREE Resume Posting (Open to the public) E-mail your resume in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Subject line: JOB BANK. Do not include your resume as body copy in an e-mail. Include a short paragraph summary of your skills or what type of job you are seeking. 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 and make employment decisions. Dear Sandler Coach, I’ve heard of the Up Front Contract but can you expand on what that is? - Mike B from Brookfield Hi Mike, Absolutely! The Up Front Contract is a tool we use in sales but things like UFC’s happen to us all the time. It’s basically letting your prospect (or anyone for that matter) know up front what is going to happen. Think of this as the Doctor telling you what will happen in surgery, although you may even be unconscious you are a little bit more at ease knowing what’s going to occur. In a sales meeting you would cover things like how much time you have, what the other persons agenda is, what your agenda is and then what the outcome could possibly be (good or bad). Just like other professions there are some bad apples in sales. It’s why a lot of times we are looked at as just a “Typical Sales Person” and not the Trusted Advisors we actually are. What the up front contract does is put your cards out on the table first thing and shows why you are there and what you are looking to accomplish. More importantly though it allows your prospect to make sure they cover what is on their mind and in the end have permission to say No if it’s not a good fit. In sales our mission is to gather information to qualify or disqualify a prospect. Using an Up Front Contract can really set the tone for the entire meeting and get out any major issues early on. Keep those questions coming! - John John J. Fazio, Jr. John’s clients include the single entrepreneur all the way up to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of sales, leadership, management and customer service. Have a training question for John? Send your questions to hbra@ buildfairfieldcounty.com FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23
FREE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT The HBRA of Fairfield County is offering a VALUEADDED membership opportunity to promote your business in our digital monthly magazine Building Connections! Interstate+Lakeland Lumber Corp. Since 1922 Interstate + Lakeland Lumber has been dedicated to servicing the needs of the area’s finest builders throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. Committed to providing the highest quality of service and materials in the area with competitive pricing, Interstate + Lakeland Lumber has established itself as one of the leaders in product knowledge and representation. From framing lumber, both dimensional and engineered, to windows, siding, and trim, Interstate + Lakeland Lumber can supply the full array of building materials to suit any type of project. We are most proud of our molding program with over 300 molding profiles in stock that make up the IL Greenwich Collection. Interstate + Lakeland Lumber just recently launched 40 additional profiles to make up their new “ILINE Collection”. With our 100,000 sq ft millwork manufacturing and distribution center located in Bethel CT, we are leading the industry on the custom mill work side of the business for both interior and exterior production. Interstate + Lakeland Lumber is proud to be one of Brian Kurtz the few and remaining successful family owned and operated businesses that has entered into its fourth 26 HBRA of Fairfield County | JUNE 2017 generation with the addition of Brian. This rich and vibrant tradition continues to grow as the company enters its 96th year in business. Brian joined the company in 2008 eager to continue its great success, and has played key role in helping chart the future course of Interstate + Lakeland Lumber. As an outside salesman for the past five years he has managed to grow existing customer relationships as well as develop new ones with some of the top builders in the area. He brings passion and enthusiasm every day to his work and is constantly looking for ways to improve customer satisfaction. Over the next five years Brian plans to continue his growth in all aspects of the company and focus on bringing in the next generation of dedicated IL employees to help Interstate flourish. Please stop into Interstate + Lakeland Lumber’s award winning Window and Door showroom in Greenwich CT, or any one of the 5 locations to speak with our knowledgeable and friendly staff that represent the Interstate and Lakeland Lumber family. We look forward to supplying your next job.” Interstate+Lakeland Lumber Corp. 184 South Water Street Greenwich CT 06830 www.interstatelumber.com The Monthly Spotlight includes: • 1 FREE Full Page in the Building Connections Magazine • Space for company contact information and logos, linked to your website • Opportunity to display homes for sale, listing information, and notable homes • Opportunity to display awards and recognitions • See Pages 24 and 26 for examples. CONTACT clare@buildfairfieldcounty.com to reserve your space today! 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 877.431.7431 • www.fairfieldcountybank.com NMLS ID #516624 EQUAL HOUSING L E ND E R MEMBER FDIC 24 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
EDUCATION SURVEY Do you have a new idea for a seminar? Do you want to take a class that the HBRA doesn’t offer? Let us know! Contact hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com express your interest in a new class or to give us a recommendation. FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25
TRAINING & SEMINARS Thursday, MAY 10 & Friday, MAY 11, 2018 8:00am-2:00pm Registration starts at 7:30AM Ring’s End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street Stratford, CT HBRA Members: $35.00 Non-Members: $75.00 (Fees include registration, continental breakfast, lunch, and OSHA card) Sponsored by: REGISTER HERE 26 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 Color Play FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27 New York Cottages and Gardens CENTRAL COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | OCTOBER 2017 NORTH SHORE RED HOOK TRIBECA UPPER PARK SOUTH ED HOOK TRIBECA UPPER EAST SIDE URBAN Hamptons Coes and Garden otges and ARTISTS & COLLECTORS hamptons cottages & gardens july 1, 2017 cottagesgardens.com new york cottages & gardens october 2017 cottagesgardens.com connecticut cottages & gardens february 2018 cottagesgardens.com
MEMBER BENEFITS Verizon 22% OFF monthly access fees and more NPP offers members exclusive savings on a variety of Verizon Wireless services for business. Plus, you can also share Verizon discounts with your employees. Sign up today so your business can start saving with the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. NPP members receive • 22% OFF monthly access fees for eligible members* • 25% discount on select accessories • Special promotions on equipment • *Corporate liable lines only. $34.99 or higher, 5–line minimum, 2 corporate lines required. • *Industry eligibility requirements apply. MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. 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 grow and prosper, that’s more than banking. That’s changing the way you bank. Talk to us today. Visit bankatunited.com/commercial From left to right: Lisa Stuard, Mark Hubina, Maureen Hanley, Gregory Pastor, Kim Karl and Kathryn Eren. Proud to support the HBRA. 866.959.BANK (2265) | bankatunited.com NMLS# 430007 | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender 28 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
Dental Plans Up to 60% OFF dental procedures Sign up for considerable savings on a wide range of dental work, even if you already have dental insurance. If your insurance doesn’t cover a procedure or your coverage has lagged, :DentalPlans is a great way to save on crucial dental work. Because you are an NPP member, you can save on :DentalPlans annual membership along with three free months. :DentalPlans offers even more savings on dental care. NPP members receive • 15% OFF annual dental plan • Three months FREE • 10% to 60% OFF dental procedures FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29
MEMBER BENEFITS General Motors Compliments of GM As one of the major automotive manufacturers of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), we’re pleased to extend this private offer up to $250/$500/$1000* toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles to association members. Just visit your local Chevrolet, Buick or GMC dealer, choose an eligible vehicle and present your NAHB Proof of Membership form. Then stack this offer with additional current incentives from the National Fleet Purchase Program** and Business Choice***. • Private offer of up to $1,000 towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle (excluded vehicles include Chevrolet Bolt EV, Corvette, Sonic, Spark, Spark EV, SS, Trax, Volt; Buick Lacrosse, Regal, Verano, Cascada; all Cadillac models) • Available through Jan. 2, 2019 BEAUTY. ELEGANCE. STRENGTH. Our Aluminum Doors Will Surprise You. Ed’s Garage Doors offers a broad selection of aluminum doors that are the perfect complement to your home. Visit our showroom to see many exclusive aluminum doors on display, and talk with a design expert about our countless in-stock and custom options. Showroom Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Evenings: By appointment Sunday: Closed 136 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 203-847-1284 edsgaragedoors.com ® 30 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018
FEBRUARY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31
RE love YOUR HOME RingsEnd.com 32 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2018 800 390 1000
1 Publizr