׉?ׁB!בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://xeV21f9O_KgX8nSxqjA6JxKtoW-4qk7xKAJcQNv36c0`׉ 7cassandra://Lxwac-Fh0d-vf9G0DxhffdAu5JxjQHqejaL9qab-8Bw͋+`s׉ 7cassandra://3cXQe-K1v_w6yJ21OU6N9Kx8gblJxuhNOt9N79Fv5rM5`׉ 7cassandra://aym0x74ORcRgAJT-QNFOTiZ1erVI2usFdruXq__dvzE͠][3W "|ט(u׈׈E[3W "}׉ETHE E-MAGAZINE OF THE HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY MAY 2018 Features May General Membership Meeting Member Mixer Annual Meeting & Awards Golf Outing UPCOMING MAY 30, Breakfast with Students JUNE 6, 2018 Annual Meeting JULY 23, 2018 HBRA Golf Classic SEPT 5, Clambake at the Beach ׉ 7cassandra://3cXQe-K1v_w6yJ21OU6N9Kx8gblJxuhNOt9N79Fv5rM5`[3W "~[3W "}(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://5qeq3hQIwKcMrhDqrVkQJt4KgsXbWnW0pAIrttG5KuU`iq׉ 7cassandra://XFQwq37-4I81BRUNYYSaTT5UZTnY1MVwKchnFTkGn6wā`׉ 7cassandra://ECr4D2gsNbYtCxvXlKsHPxYUBrioOykH-WvTLzKal70B`׉ 7cassandra://H86PoJd_goAb_A48oDe5DGj5-GoJkWENEeLLRkBZ8j8d͠ [3W "נ[3W "/9׉H https://www.acadiainsurance.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W "BX"9׉HDmailto:hbra%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=Newsletter%20FeedbackGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "GM"9׉H#http://www.buildfairfieldcounty.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "!)XO9׉H!https://www.facebook.com/hbraffc/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W ")XU9׉H"https://www.instagram.com/hbraffc/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W "-XQ9׉Hhttps://twitter.com/HBRAFFCGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "`-XQ9׉Hahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/home-builders-&-remodelers-association-of-fairfield-county-inc./Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W "H*9׉HGhttps://buildfairfieldcounty.com/advertising-sponsorship-opportunities/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W "9׉HMmailto:hbra%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=PR%3A%20Building%20ConnectionsGׁ ׁ r׉EdBuilding Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry. Editorial Staff Find Us On Social Media Jackie Bertolone Executive Officer Sarah Iannarone Membership & Events Coordinator Clare Michalak Marketing & Graphics Coordinator hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com Subscribe Advertise Sign up here to subscribe to have Building Connections Magazine delivered to your inbox every month Advertise your business to a list of over +1200 recipients! Click HERE for more information and opportunities Got News? Exciting news to share? Send your press release or article to hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be featured in the next issue ׉ 7cassandra://ECr4D2gsNbYtCxvXlKsHPxYUBrioOykH-WvTLzKal70B`[3W "׉EConnecticut 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. [3W "[3W "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://5hFL0MUwFipGc7TGSIVKasaZ9NdWc_SSnHPUWZUAaXM``iq׉ 7cassandra://znXSO-HVchj-49OMFmB-KJ_Bbu0vZm7uPnUMwFK5MgoͿC`׉ 7cassandra://kVQuQfAnVx8UJ86Y40OVWSWV55o_uRspuMF0EIn1JN0@`׉ 7cassandra://pRMP4OFW7_2uk5wJKMldcqCJoiBjvxXHuD597y2D0IY^͠ [3W "נ[3W "b̎9׉Hhttp://www.bankunited.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "̓c9׉Hhttp://hocongas.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "&g9׉Hhttp://www.ridgefieldsupply.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "Hwg9׉Hhttp://www.interstatelumber.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "^s+̝9׉Hhttp://www.acadiainsurance.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "́59׉Hhttp://www.dimatteogrp.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3W "gL9׉Hhttp://marlinelectricllc.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W ".@9׉H!http://www.elevatorserviceco.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3W "a̻S9׉HMESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dear Members, The HBRA has a few big events coming in as we head into the summer months. Next week on May 30th, we are holding a second breakfast at JM Wright Technical High School, sponsored by Ridgefield Supply Company. This is a great opportunity for anyone in the trades to speak with and possibly hire students who are looking to start their career in our industry. JM Wright offers students the ability to work for outside employers during their junior and senior year. With the skilled labor shortage remaining a huge issue for our industry, this is a chance to start training the next generation. Register here. Our Annual Meeting & Awards will take place on June 6th at the Italian Center of Stamford. At this years dinner we will install the new board of Directors including our new President, as well as 13 awards to deserving members of our association. Make sure you RSVP by tomorrow May 25th. You don’t want to miss this wonderful event! Register here. The HBRA Annual Golf Classic presented by Ring’s End is on July 23rd at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull. Sponsorships and 18 hole foursomes are going quickly. Please note we also have a 9 hole opportunity for the not-so-serious golfers. We are also seeking fun raffle prizes so please contact us if you want to be a raffle sponsor! Register here. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon. As always, if you have any questions or input I can be reached at jackie@buildfairfieldcounty.com or 203-335-7008. All the best, Jackie L. Bertolone Executive Officer MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7 [3W "[3W "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://qylTa9vxlF4dydqG7kclSG2PTxJIj2vLYUCOmqQJo3Y`iq׉ 7cassandra://I-SjW206r6WiMsxHYnPZVSxrDueeYpMwIL8KC8t4YAo`׉ 7cassandra://bDSxDyZxoIiEwHSGL-ox04Bs2trnxcx0ckvjhKLdJ8IO`׉ 7cassandra://CLArbi7Ae1B-duBMRdYb6hxr1ZZ01Vd7-_GYaWX_YXY,͠ [3W "׉EHBRA EVENTS ARCHITECT NIGHT AND GMM AT CLARKE DISTRIBUTORS Thank you to all the members & guests who joined us for our May General Membership Meeting on May 2nd. We had a sold out crowd of builders, associates and architects. To begin the evening, we teamed up with AIA and Huber Engineered woods in order to present a new CEU Course entitled HEW 505 Code Compliant Exterior Systems for Wood Framed Building Envelopes. We had a full house for the class and architects were invited to stay afterwards for the GMM. Thank you to Clarke Distributors for a night of delicious food and great networking opportunities. We had a sold out crowd for the night with 150 attendees. 8 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://bDSxDyZxoIiEwHSGL-ox04Bs2trnxcx0ckvjhKLdJ8IO`[3W "׉E&MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9 [3W "[3W "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://yvW2kqXV2h8k8H2F5dd2uZzjfwCotJ7vTwg0onXtFbc`iq׉ 7cassandra://WJLJXxvJuUD56agm4yYBYIBKA_2fbTWV68hcBwko_1EX`׉ 7cassandra://MZs5Xe4AZ3MuxPIOIWhEfmOGA2i73bQZ93YDMS1kH_kTE`׉ 7cassandra://2UzvQpxdcUGVT54SQSE7zGAXz6Mb2-zjQK0GYu37Z5A}͠ [3X "׉EHBRA EVENTS MEMBER MIXER AT TWO ROADS BREWING COMPANY Thank you to everyone who came to our first Member Mixer at Two Roads Brewery. We had over 30 new businesses braved the rainy weather and 95 traffic to learn what an HBRA membership is all about. Dedicated HBRA members showed up as well to enjoy local craft beer and speak with prospective new members. Our sponsors helped make this a great event. Thank you to the imperial sponsor: Huber Engineered Woods, our catering sponsor: Eastern Metal Works, the Top Hop Sponsor: Closet & Storage Concepts and our Keg Above the Rest Sponsors: Hertz Construction and Home Run Homes. We had members come to the microphone to speak about how an HBRA membership has helped their business development and also discussed was the many benefits that come with an HBRA membership. The HBRA Membership Committee did an excellent job putting together a fun new event! Thank you Karen, Justin, Amber, Alex, Rocky, Rich, Lisa & Angela. 10 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://MZs5Xe4AZ3MuxPIOIWhEfmOGA2i73bQZ93YDMS1kH_kTE`[3X "׉EATHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11 [3X "[3X "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://EJh-kmCqhdFVZ2YCDQFQfQSngPQ8_uCDZpRYGGxwnXM`iq׉ 7cassandra://wuZExzxC9ZJ2nZtuRwLVlRYJ5Emwbx2Y1AlFvW-yvXI`׉ 7cassandra://V0vsILMyWbnSA-_1pPwqbBOndtcJMikY4FItmduvmeIJ`׉ 7cassandra://KkhSTwrR85207Apqwp7WO36s8xK71donrkNoli_gMOM{1͠ [3X "נ[3X "59׉Hhttp://www.toofer.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3[ # \܁~9ׁHhttp://TOOFER.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EHBRA EVENTS NAHB VISIT WITH VP MIKE PENCE We are lucky to have Greg Ugalde, a Connecticut Builder and member of Central CT HBRA, serving as the 1st Vice President of the NAHB Board. Today, he and past CT HBRA President, Norton Wheeler, and Chairman of the NAHB Board, Randy Noel, among others, met with Vice President Pence to discuss issues of importance: lumber tariffs, labor and land use regulations. Nort reported that the Vice President is very appreciative of our industry and understands the impact building has on our nation’s economy. The lumber tariff and rewrite of NAFTA is going to take some time but it is a priority for this administration. They also heard from White House staff on workforce development as well as the continued success of the administration to roll back overreaching regulations. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed the Dodd Frank Regulatory Relief Act, which does not repeal the act but it does loosen the regulations on community banks which should help builders gain project funding the old fashioned way, through our community banks. We are hopeful this should help builders gain project funding the old fashioned way, through our community banks. It’s critical we remain in contact with our legislators at the local, state and federal level to ensure the voice of our industry is heard. PWB COUNCIL MEETING The Professional Women In Building Council (PWB) met on Thursday May 17th for their monthly meeting. Tarra DelChiaro from Accurate Lock and Hardware led an in depth presentation on branding and how to rebrand your company from start to finish using Jung’s 12 archetypes. Following the presentation there was a Q&A and networking. Thank you to Karen Bradbury of Closet and Storage Concepts for hosting the meeting and giving us a tour of the facilities. If you’re interested in joining the PWB, please contact the HBRA office. 12 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://V0vsILMyWbnSA-_1pPwqbBOndtcJMikY4FItmduvmeIJ`[3X "׉ERBecause you need the solution before the problem. Your business is one that deserves to be protected, and our job is to minimize risk. Tooher-Ferraris’ Home Builders Specialty Program has been supporting and protecting the reputations of builders and contractors for over 85 years. From general contractor construction liability and workers compensation, to commercial automobile insurance, subcontractor risk transfer, and OSHA compliance assistance, our high-touch service is delivered with honesty, integrity, and dependability. TOOFER.COM 43 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 1.800.899.0093 [3X "[3X "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://3JB-RlS975RwvVStTUO0WFwnd0tZZgyyQGEGGSVNvts`iq׉ 7cassandra://V0sM8Bp8xN3-PkBFl8p0j_47XIXsgBNf_MVxrOJK-sg`׉ 7cassandra://w_AUDdKW9sHxUxWrtfxVAPsXZNnHQ0eHNPx9YAJZDFo@`׉ 7cassandra://t74PIsREDwjMfdg8eI_pSR1c0y4_w4VRYcFESTFUCiQ}m͠ [3X "נ[3X "99׉H&http://www.buildfairfieldcounty.com%20Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "7̅OK9׉Hhttp://www.ctvalleyhomes.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "fρ9׉Hhttp://ghentrealty.com/homeGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "7<9׉Hhttps://www.smarthome.com/?utm_source=google_ppc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand+l_DE1+84b5&SK=adw-br-smarthome&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI29qkqcWe2wIVUFuGCh1-4QIIEAAYASAAEgJoW_D_BwEGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "9K9׉Hhttp://www.fordhammarble.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "qi̝̍9׉Hhttps://www.hocongas.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "y ̅29׉Hhttps://www.parksite.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "*ÁE*9׉Hbhttps://buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents/#!event/2018/6/6/2018-annual-meeting-awards-dinnerGׁ ׁ r׉E NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Jason Bernier Connecticut Valley Homes We believe that beautiful homes begin with customers who want to love the home in which they live … customers who don’t want to settle for a pre-owned house that doesn’t fit their needs or taste. Our philosophy for well over 30 years has been to “build a well designed, quality constructed house that is a joy to live in” ... A house that our customers are proud to call Home. Founded by Catherine Taylor in 1981, Connecticut Valley Homes builds custom designed modular homes for customers who either already own their building lot or plan to start looking for one Robert Ghent Ghent Realty Advisors I bring a wealth of knowledge, training, education & experience to every real estate transaction. We use the latest technology to conduct due diligence on properties that may be of interest. In a typical transaction we will review zoning regulations, historical listing data, land record indices, and court files to abstract data and information that may be useful in evaluating a purchase or sale. It all starts with an initial consultation to determine your goals and objectives Steve Miller Turnkey Development Solutions SPB BUILDERS, LLC Scott P. Bancroft SPB Builders, LLC Welcome to our Newest Affiliates! Lisa OMara Smarthome Theater Systems Mara Skowronek Parksite Lisa Belvedere Fordham Marble Dave Bennette Hocon Gas gas 14 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://w_AUDdKW9sHxUxWrtfxVAPsXZNnHQ0eHNPx9YAJZDFo@`[3X "׉EHave you RSVP’d yet? Please send in your RSVP card by May 25th. You can also visit here to reserve your tickets. MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15 [3X "[3X "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://xiVjnTw_WeSFtMcifKl4OwWF16lhF62amB-mwue5u7kIv`iq׉ 7cassandra://I4c95Owe5iOpQqDbLydvFkHTph9XhONnPSWvDpAhfYY`׉ 7cassandra://lpMbm-rlBvio_KyjJlkve4liIjFwS24sYdAn-VS_A3YD`׉ 7cassandra://icTu6hYUW5F_pyE2qWFp7z_2Az4Zvz7s19azv0zqYtkOP͠ [3X "נ[3X "9׉Hhttps://ridgefieldsupply.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "܁ 9׉Hhttps://www.cga.ct.gov/#panel2Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X " 9׉Hhttp://www.ctcapitolreport.com/Gׁ ׁ r׉E/29 Prospect Street Ridgefield, CT, 06877 203.438.2626 www.ridgefieldsupply.com Mon – Fri 7am – 5pm Sat 8am – 4pm Sun CLOSED Thinking outside of the box… just got easier with Kolbe Windows & Doors Visit our stunning Kolbe Windows & Doors Showroom in the newly renovated Ridgefield Train Station! ׉ 7cassandra://lpMbm-rlBvio_KyjJlkve4liIjFwS24sYdAn-VS_A3YD`[3X "׉E!LEGISLATIVE ALERT Great news! hartford, CT RESOURCES The proposed mandate to include fire sprinklers in townhomes was unanimously rejected on Tuesday morning. The Regulations Review Committee adopted new codes without this extra burden on home builders. Thanks to the lobbying efforts of our CT HBRA CEO, Bill Ethier, and the countless members statewide who made phone calls, sent emails and showed up in person, we were successful in defeating this costly mandate which was expected to add $10,000 to the cost of a new townhome. With this rejection, the Codes & Standards Committee will need to remove the Sprinkler Mandate and resubmit the Building Code to the Regulations Review Committee. The new code is slated to take effect between July 1st and October 1st. More details to come. If you don’t know who your State Representative or State Senator are, please click below. FIND MY LEGISLATOR For the best resource to keep you up to date on news from the State Capitol, visit CT Capitol Report. CT CAPITOL REPORT MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17 [3X "[3X "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://EcE0-2PqNH3OEPbOWx4LWC7B6vUCnBacIhAt3e7fRpQ`iq׉ 7cassandra://iBXqwP_50Kw-4KhdOKiSzJlCyZvChrbP-_PZy1EphN8 w`׉ 7cassandra://-8T3xxPSOClovyQupZdFpFdiV7EtXkgL4feO4DvIWocY`׉ 7cassandra://exj_1O0aRsgkWtB-CANQrdOKzrONczT6cJZRQs2SV34 q#̀͠ [3X "נ[3X "9ȁ*9׉Hhttp://www.edsgaragedoors.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "/9׉Hhttps://www.countytv.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "=X9׉Hfhttps://www.constructiondive.com/news/push-toward-college-degrees-limits-skilled-trade-workers/522515/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3X "Q9׉H_https://www.constructiondive.com/news/the-10-biggest-contractor-fines-under-trumps-osha/522845/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3[ # 8"9ׁHhttp://www.countytv.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E BUILDER NEWS Push Toward College Degrees Limits Skilled Trade Workers ADespite softening financial returns on a typical college education, merican high school graduates are continually being swayed to pursue four-year degrees in favor of training that could grant them work in some highly-paid, skilled construction trades, according to The Hechinger Report. Construction training may offer a better chance of success than four-year degrees, the report found. Seventy-percent of construction companies nationwide are having trouble finding qualified workers, according to the Associated General Contractors of America — meaning skilled jobs are available. Yet 30% of students at public universities and 20% at private colleges still haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree six years after high school graduation, according to stats from the National Student Clearinghouse. In addition, tuition and certification fees for career training programs are typically significantly less than the cost of college, which usually leaves students with hefty loans to repay after graduation California, Iowa, Michigan and Washington are just a handful of states sinking more money into career and vocational education budgets in an effort to increase the supply of skilled workers that local businesses need. Read More 10 Biggest Contractor Fines Under Trump’s OSHA So Far adminiDuring the Obama stration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration press releases that accompanied safety violation citations and notices of proposed fines were often of the “shaming” variety, according to Edwin G. Foulke Jr., former assistant secretary of labor for OSHA under President George W. Bush. He said the approach seemed to be a strategy to force construction contractors or companies in other industries to retroactively take a look at their safety programs and tighten them up before an OSHA inspector made his or her way into their workplaces. Read More 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 ® 18 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://-8T3xxPSOClovyQupZdFpFdiV7EtXkgL4feO4DvIWocY`[3X "׉ExBUILD WITH US County Has All Your Appliance & Smart Home Needs APPLIANCES AUDIO SMART HOME & NETWORKING HDTVS...and more BEST SERVICE AT THE GUARANTEED BEST PRICE In-Store And Online STORE HOURS: MON & THURS: 9AM-9PM 2770 Summer Street • Stamford, CT 06905 • 203-327-2630 TUES, WED, FRI & SAT: 9AM-6PM SUN: 11AM-5PM www.countytv.com MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19 [3X "Á[3X "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ax7MdF7EubDJA5tscYTzU0cHdKxyT7Z9pdAvEaZFEQMq-`iq׉ 7cassandra://FGIIAwVl_vtL4OFCxkGGe56rVpcDN53NyNbA6vXVnI4ۯ`׉ 7cassandra://asfPL34m3hkcwu2QuKpMVJ1dTjpYfxOWRsmoui6VNl48`׉ 7cassandra://6erKbs7huqnHFSceaBRq2cb0LbVDZWL03t9VGTdmzgI8n͠ [3X "Ǔנ[3X "āZX9׉Hxhttps://www.nahb.org/en/news-and-publications/press-releases/2018/05/nahb-commends-confirmation-of-brian-montgomery.aspxGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "Ł=X9׉Hthttps://www.nahb.org/en/news-and-publications/press-releases/2018/05/rising-incomes-boost-housing-affordability.aspxGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "Ɓ8X9׉HWhttp://eyeonhousing.org/2018/05/single-family-home-size-increases-at-the-start-of-2018/Gׁ ׁ r׉E 1NAHB NEWS Rising Incomes Boost Housing Affordability in First Quarter of 2018 raStrong wage growth more than offset an increase in mortgage interest tes to boost nationwide housing affordability in the first quarter of 2018, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released today. In all, 61.6 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of January and end of March were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $71,900. This is up from the 59.6 percent of homes sold that were affordable to median-income earners in the fourth quarter. “Continued job growth, rising wages and strong consumer confidence are fueling housing demand. In turn, this should lead to more buyers entering the housing market in the coming months,” said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, a custom home builder from LaPlace, La. “However, builders continue to face headwinds that could impact affordability, including chronic labor and lot shortages, rising prices for building materials and excessive regulations.” “At the national level, median family income rose an impressive 5.7 percent to $71,900 in 2018 from $68,000 last year, and this wage growth helped to boost housing affordability,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “A growing economy, along with tight inventories and increasing household formations, will lift housing production in the year ahead. But we also expect mortgage rates to continue to rise, and this will place downward pressure on affordability.” Read More HELOC Win Retains $760 Million in Remodeling Incentives hEver since the inception of the U.S. income tax in 1913, home owners ave been able to deduct interest paid on home equity loans (HELOCs). The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 limited the mortgage interest and HELOC deductions to interest paid on $1,000,000 and $100,000 of debt, respectively. Then came the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). The TCJA included the first major changes to these interest deductions in 30 years. Although the headline housing change was the $750,000 cap placed on the mortgage interest deduction (MID), the law also eliminated the deduction for interest paid on HELOCs—a potentially significant cut to the remodeling industry. After combing through prior law and regulatory guidance regarding HELOC debt, NAHB came to the conclusion that interest paid on home equity loan debt remains deductible under the new law. Read More 20 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 NAHB Commends Confirmation of Brian Montgomery as FHA Commissioner 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 the Senate confirmation of Brian Montgomery to run the Federal Housing Administration (FHA): “NAHB applauds the Senate confirmation of Brian Montgomery as the new FHA commissioner. Having served in this same position under presidents from both sides of the political aisle, he has a firm grasp of the issues and challenges confronting home buyers, renters and home builders. NAHB looks forward to working with the new FHA commissioner to ease regulatory burdens that are harming housing affordability and to make homeownership and rental housing more accessible for hardworking American families.” Read More ׉ 7cassandra://asfPL34m3hkcwu2QuKpMVJ1dTjpYfxOWRsmoui6VNl48`[3X "׉E,Single-Family Home Size Increases at the Start of 2018 inCounter to the recent prevailing trend, new single-family home size two years due to an incremental move to additional entry-level home construction. According to first quarter 2018 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis, median singlefamily square floor area increased to 2,436 square feet. Average (mean) square footage for new single-family homes increased to 2,641 square feet. On a less volatile one-year moving average, the recent trend of declines in new home size can be see on the graph above, although current readings remain elevated. Since cycle lows (and on a one-year moving average basis), the average size of new single-family homes is 10% higher at 2,602 square feet, while the median size is 14% higher at 2,392 square feet. Read More creased at start of 2018. New home size had been falling over the last Send us your press releases, events, or other member news to be showcased in the newsletter. MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21 [3X "Ɂ[3X "ȁ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://vGYrxSQM4_uGmkY5H9JNl4l54UalT4Ofvnf9BUCbcUM`iq׉ 7cassandra://8MUso88C69D1Lg-imdRGl1fND2EFW9lSsIvCDFyB7Cc`׉ 7cassandra://vvWx221EZ_rQ8ZHpfK61IwexjixodDWFUmPiveUhBZUEH`׉ 7cassandra://IudASVpCSlfjdAHAFfGtNE8miPpho2Llp0kRTqqoD2k͠ [3Y "Ζנ[3X "ʁe19׉HDmailto:hbra%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=Ask%20Sandler%20CoachGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "ˁԁ̼9׉HDmailto:hbra%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=Ask%20Sandler%20CoachGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "́9]9׉H'https://www.bankatunited.com/CommercialGׁ ׁ rנ[3X "́<dQ9׉Hvhttp://www.builderonline.com/money/mortgage-finance/younger-households-more-likely-to-take-auto-loans-than-mortgages_cGׁ ׁ rנ[3[ # ف̼9ׁHhttp://buildfairfieldcounty.comׁ ׁ Јנ[3[ #9ׁHmailto:joez@murphybrothers.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ENAHB NEWS NAHB Now Accepting Applications for the 2019 Best of 55+ Housing Awards Competition T he National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 55+ Housing Industry Council is now accepting applications for the 2019 Best of 55+ Housing Awards. All builders, developers, architects, marketers and designers of 55+ housing are invited to enter this prestigious awards competition. The Best of 55+ Housing Awards honor the people, companies, projects and programs that set the bar for innovative marketing, industry-leading design and construction, and community lifestyle features that appeal to all life stages. “The Best of 55+ Housing Awards are the sector’s most influential national awards,” said Chuck Ellison, chairman of NAHB’s 55+ Housing Industry Council and vice-president-Land of Miller & Smith in Mclean, Va. “The awards not only recognize the country’s top builders and developers in the 55+ housing sector, but also highlight the newest and most innovative housing trends for mature buyers and renters.” All applications must be submitted online by Aug. 24, 2018. For more information, or to access the application platform, please visit www.nahb. org/55plusawards. Complete details, including eligibility requirements, categories and deadlines, can also be found there. Both NAHB members and non-members are eligible to enter. Read More 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 22 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://vvWx221EZ_rQ8ZHpfK61IwexjixodDWFUmPiveUhBZUEH`[3Y "׉E nDEAR SANDLER COACH Dear Sandler Coach, HBRA JOB BANK JOB TITLE: LABORER Hours: Full Time Start Date: ASAP Job Description: Looking for a hardworking individual to work on construction site in Southport. Site cleanup, maintenance and other tasks. 40 hours per week, full time. Salary:$15.00/hour Contact: Love Where You Live Homes, LLC Brian Butts 203-994-5264 JOB TITLES: Project Managers, Carpenters & Skilled Laborers Murphy Brothers Contracting wants to hire: 1.(2) Project Managers with (10) years minimum experience 2.(2) Carpenters with (7) years minimum experience 3.(3) Skilled Laborers with (2) years minimum experience He or She must have the following qualities: •Likes Getting Things Done Right •Has Good People Skills •Likes to Gather Facts •Has Good Communication Skills •Has Strong Listening Skills •Can Estimate Work We are offering you the Opportunity to: •Have Personal Growth Match Effort •Have Secure Employment •Receive Recognition for Accomplishment •Have Opportunity For Individual Accomplishments •Work With People Who Support Your Efforts •Full-Time Positions Available Contact Murphy Brothers Contracting: 914-777-5777 for an appointment, ask for Joe Zito. Or send resumes to joez@murphybrothers.com I’m sick of chasing prospects, I send emails, I leave messages but they never get back to me. What am I doing wrong? - Chris B, New Fairfield Hi Chris, First I feel your pain, I think everyone that sells anything can echo that frustration. Lots to unpack here but we can start with what exactly are you saying in your emails or messages? We tend to hear sales people use phrases like “I’m just checking in” or “I’m interested in learning more about your business” or even “I have a great offer I want to discuss with you” All these statements are very much on the salesperson side, as in it’s about them not the prospect. Don’t “just check in” have a real reason to reach out, maybe it’s an article you came across that reminded you of them or something you had previously discussed. For prospecting make sure you are talking about an issue in their world and how your product or service can possible help that go away as opposed to how great it is or how long your company has been around for. Bottom line in sales is generally people care about themselves, if you solve their personal pain then they will listen to you, if you are just another typical salesperson with the same story as everyone else then there is no reason to call you back. One more thing and this may not be easy to hear but not everyone is going to be a good candidate for you. Some people are just not qualified. Make sure you have more than enough prospects so that if one is not returning your calls its not as impactful. Sales is not easy but practice makes perfect and perfect.. makes.. money! Happy Selling! - John Fazio 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 MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23 [3Y "Ё[3Y "ρ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://U_0Ie9Pd9SSrUZAe2L0FRJuqehc3x7UhnuhJi2a6oZA4`iq׉ 7cassandra://si01l1DZ0KPNKlf9cgxYg6duRSK9fUpAui-BK2SRjPs`׉ 7cassandra://Yicsqn9Kw2IT-bqfBsSpOm4t_d9Hh6HeBkeYiH-XwYYMp`׉ 7cassandra://RcgLjgf5WyDbB_WhIJ864oWSqkfOA3Gq-etF01ZlT4o@͠ [3Y "Ԕנ[3Y "с9b9׉H"http://www.fairfieldcountybank.comGׁ ׁ rנ[3Y "ҁx&9׉HVmailto:clare%40buildfairfieldcounty.com?subject=SIGN%20ME%20UP%20for%20the%20SPOTLIGHTGׁ ׁ rנ[3Y "ӁS]=9׉Hhttps://buildfairfieldcounty.com/wp-admin/admin.php?page=sf_admin_page#!event/admin/2018/7/23/2018-fairfield-county-hbra-golf-classicGׁ ׁ rנ[3\ #' Rn9ׁH$mailto:hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E ]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 | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://Yicsqn9Kw2IT-bqfBsSpOm4t_d9Hh6HeBkeYiH-XwYYMp`[3Y "׉EHBRA GOLF CLASSIC JULY 23, 2018 | TASHUA KNOLLS 18 Hole – 12:00 Shotgun Start 9-Hole – 2:30 PM Shotgun Start Presented by Ring’s End Not an avid golfer? The 9-Hole Tournament is for you. “The Glen” 9-Hole Tournament (Limited to 36 golfers) $500/foursome or $125/golfer includes late lunch, golf and dinner. 1:30pm Registration Begins & Driving Range Open 2:30pm - Shotgun Start 5:30pm - Cocktails, Dinner, Raffle and Awards REGISTER TODAY MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25 We are looking for raffle prizes! Do you have game tickets, merchandise, an experience, or a fun item to donate? Please call the office at 203-335-7008 or email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com [3Y "ց[3Y "Ձ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://tsCum23LzA55NXWuXrH2nisuniBPZe6nylX-gm1jFV0(`iq׉ 7cassandra://bhsjWnAbCSomP2OyKXjRhrajC-LpKeGvHD92HGMcXew`׉ 7cassandra://yhF5hk3ZUnzjFNT6F9h2DJBEC-fVJ4fJQHJ9X-hfFacZ]`׉ 7cassandra://5Zm1PmbhI1u8ruUtT7QAHH2hJIV8qs1hCm2oRjkai5o>$͠ [3Z "ڔנ[3Y "ׁ9W9׉Hhttp://www.hocongas.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3Y "؁5Q9׉H http://www.interstatelumber.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3Y "فɁ[9׉H`https://buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents/#!event/2018/5/30/breakfast-with-trades-studentsGׁ ׁ rנ[3\ #( |Ձ̋9ׁHhttp://interstatelumber.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E=TRAINING & SEMINARS Thank you to Ring’s End for hosting our second OSHA class of the year. Also thank you to DiMatteo group for sponsoring a delicious lunch. Check your mailbox for the most recent educational offerings. We have a variety of opportunities coming up this fall! 26 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://yhF5hk3ZUnzjFNT6F9h2DJBEC-fVJ4fJQHJ9X-hfFacZ]`[3Z "׉ELREGISTER HERE 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 MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27 7 1/4" 5 3/4" [3Z "܁[3Z "ہ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ftGV1_TPCmDIm_988lm4QUZUpxLrY2m3aq4fDZsHzW0`iq׉ 7cassandra://KFcZ0hES7fpCY25lD98qbwEG1TO5tQ4awRyI0w3p39Q`׉ 7cassandra://ZA-zHaTPoq0HgSRumRPTxU6RpazQXln6KW9fuz7a5-IKP`׉ 7cassandra://M2Cxa0QmKWvYGuthPCeupWcGghEkkyaMz3FNPSweA34o,͠ [3Z "ߔנ[3Z "݁9p9׉Hhttps://marlinelectricllc.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3Z "ށ599׉Hhttps://www.dimatteogrp.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3\ #& 9ׁH!mailto:rstgermain@dimatteogrp.comׁ ׁ Јנ[3\ #% m9ׁHmailto:jmurphy@dimatteogrp.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ECLASSIFIEDS The HBRA members classified sections is where members can post requests, offers, services, and a variety of other materials for HBRA members. DEVELOPMENT/BUILD OPPORTUNITY FOR SALE BY HBRA BUILDER MEMBER • Offered at an unbelievable price of $15K per unit--$ 450,000 • Fantastic opportunity to build a 30 unit ‘’free standing’’ common interest community in the best area of Waterbury, CT • 12 acre fully approved in 3 phases, including all engineering and schematic architectural plans • Sewar and water at site • Close proximity to Rt. 8—( 5 min drive ) • Target market $ 225,000 Please contact Ralph Corbo at ralph@corbogroup. com or by cell 203-509-5118. 28 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 ׉ 7cassandra://ZA-zHaTPoq0HgSRumRPTxU6RpazQXln6KW9fuz7a5-IKP`[3Z "׉E͠ [3[ "נ[3[ "9m]9׉H!http://www.elevatorserviceco.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3[ "5F9׉H http://www.cottages-gardens.com/Gׁ ׁ rנ[3[ "9̄9׉H)https://www.hbarebates.com/claimform.htmlGׁ ׁ rנ[3\ #$jC9ׁHhttp://cottagesgardens.comׁ ׁ Јנ[3\ ## tC9ׁHhttp://cottagesgardens.comׁ ׁ Јנ[3\ #"<9ׁHhttp://cottagesgardens.comׁ ׁ Јנ[3\ #! +T9ׁHhttp://COTTAGESGARDENS.COMׁ ׁ Јנ[3\ #  Pρ_9ׁHhttp://COTTAGESGARDENS.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉E%Member Rebate Program WE ARE NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN MOTION As the elevator and lift industry experts, Elevator Service Company is dedicated to finding the prefect product for your application. We offer the most reliable and efficient lift solutions in the industry. Our products come in every finish and option imaginable, so you can add your personal touch. 32 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2018 203-757-5000 www.ElevatorServiceCo.com CT Lic.# ELV. 400105 R1 ~ RI Lic. # 21 MA Lic.# EC-000093 Providing not one, but all Major Manufacturers Equipment ׉ 7cassandra://f5iamyJYlSQLht5cjjYaiwnXPhLsUSVSayua3k3wFocB`[3[ "׉ECOTTAGESGARDENS.COM | FEBRUARY 2018 Color Play MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33 New York Cottages and Gardens CENTRAL COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | OCTOBER 2017 NORTH SHORE RED HOOK TRIBECA UPPER PARK SOUTH ED HOOK TRIBECA UPPER EAST SIDE URBAN Hamptons Coes and Garden otges and ARTISTS & COLLECTORS hamptons cottages & gardens july 1, 2017 cottagesgardens.com new york cottages & gardens october 2017 cottagesgardens.com connecticut cottages & gardens february 2018 cottagesgardens.com [3[ "[3[ "(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://vvp2DLc39p6QPRM9dXzyJ2-Oolio7jCJ5cejIYFeHwU`׉ 7cassandra://Z0a9zFNybJAv3XC4McC8umHcXAb0Rud12gF89o6d_ccb*`s׉ 7cassandra://pynM2FOsFUCVXx6wMglv_toqw5JTfph0xyWt5074JeE$S`׉ 7cassandra://SvXSLcg01ZnmJttBYAc3fFsYWLdO5LvjakIGR2gkPXI ͠][3[ "נ[3[ #J 9ׁHhttp://RingsEnd.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ESRE love YOUR HOME RingsEnd.com 800 390 1000 MAY 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 34 ׉ 7cassandra://pynM2FOsFUCVXx6wMglv_toqw5JTfph0xyWt5074JeE$S`[3[ "׈E[3[ "[3[ "(,May 2018 Building Connections[3?{a?