Print-All Page: March 21, 2005

In at least one Atlanta community, fire officials have acquiesced to the growing popularity of narrowing local streets so that pedestrians don’t have to worry about cars tearing through their neighborhood, Pam Sessions, president of Hedgewood Properties in Atlanta, told NAHB’s Green Building Conference, which was held in that city last week.

Streets in Vickery, Hedgewood’s 214-acre master planned community in Forsyth County north of the city, are only 9-1/2 feet wide leading up to the houses themselves and 19 feet wide for two-way traffic.

Fire chiefs have argued for years and years in favor of needlessly wide streets to accommodate fire engines, but Sessions said that her development’s system of alternate roads and mountable curbs ensures that emergency vehicles aren’t hindered. Officials may not be overjoyed by narrow streets, she said, but they are starting to accept them because they are clearly something that the home-buying public favors.

Following in the footsteps of traditional town planner Andres Duany, Vickery has put the emphasis on creating a sense of place, said Sessions, in a mixed-use community that follows the rules of classical architecture, showcases authentic materials and quality craftsmanship and achieves harmony with the natural environment.

More than a third of Vickery is being set aside as green space or parks, Sessions said, and tree preservation is an integral part of the community’s design. Retaining walls have been used to save some trees on individual lots and the home builder conducts a tree rescue operation that allows trees to be transplanted. Aside from opportunities to develop parks and interconnected walkways, trees impart “a more established look for the neighborhood,” she said, although, regrettably, “some jurisdictions don’t allow trees to be put on the streets.”

While smaller lots are one of the trade-offs for living in communities like Vickery, privacy is not something people are willing to give up. Vickery residents have private gardens and outside rooms, and the landscaping minimizes sod and uses native plants to reduce maintenance and conserve water.

Water conservation, along with traffic woes, is one of the top concerns shaping Atlanta’s future, Sessions said. The city is relying upon the Chattahoochee River for 98% of its water supply and is already consuming water at an unsustainable rate.

To reduce its contribution to the local landfill, Hedgewood grinds organic and construction waste on site, Sessions said, and the materials are used for erosion control and mulch. The cost is neutral and tipping fees aren’t high enough in the area to produce any savings.

Since discovering the benefits of integrated design and whole system thinking in home building, Sessions says that her company builds nothing but green homes. “I couldn’t see asking our home buyers, ‘do you want a better home or not,’” so top-quality is all that is being offered.

Hedgewood is a leading participant in EarthCraft House, a voluntary, environmentally friendly building program of the Greater Altanta Home Builders Association that was created with the Southface Energy Institute. As part of receiving that certification, Sessions said that blower door pressure and duct leak tests are performed on every home she builds, providing her buyers with an additional measure of quality assurance.

Like other green building proponents, Sessions builds tight homes with correct ventilation systems and pursues other techniques as well to ensure that living in them is more energy-efficient, healthier and more comfortable. Contributing to marketing efforts was one resident who contacted the builder to report that moving into a new green-built home had resulted in a dramatic improvement in the health of her young asthmatic daughter.

“The market really is leading to sustainable practices if you track the trends of where people are going,” said Sessions, but initial efforts to get the zoning to build Vickery were “very challenging,” taking nine months, a relatively lengthy period for the Atlanta area.

“We met with group after group” in order to overcome public opposition to Vickery, she said. Sessions asked the community to allow her to build just one home to show what was being planned and that opportunity has opened up new opportunities everywhere.

Apparently, those initial efforts were fairly convincing. A staunch Vickery opponent “just bought a house in the neighborhood,” she said.

Floor Plans for Sloping Terrain, Maximum Exposure

Reflecting a Sense of Need and Place: This 5,250-square-foot residence draws its energy from its surrounding views and from how the sun interacts with the spaces within.

Bowing to individual home owner needs, the single-family residence can be realized in various scales with interchangeable interior spaces and custom preferences to suit the client and blend with the site’s topography.

Heavily Grounded: A concrete foundation provides a sturdy base — both visually and structurally — for the gardens and cantilevered living spaces above while allowing for clerestories to bring southern light into the main entry and living spaces below. The solid base also provides an appropriate transition from the sloping site to the upper levels while serving as a retaining wall for the outdoor entertainment spaces above that could include an in-ground lap pool, pavilion and garden.

Privacy Bathed in Sunlight: The public living areas on the first floor are positioned to take full advantage of seasonal and daytime sunlight. Generous windows capture key views while providing appropriate privacy. Plus, the cantilevered nook (here, shown off of the main living space) features fully operable glass at its outside end and serves as a modern interpretation of the window seat. This alcove can be located off the living or bedroom spaces.

Morning Sun for Early (and Not-So-Early) Risers: The top floor owners’ suite has full access to a south-facing balcony, while a large, vertical, east-facing window brings in the morning sun. The stair tower acts as a light-well for all levels and connects to the southern exposure hallway, providing access and distributing southern light into all the rooms and through semi-transparent walls.

Features & Specs

Scaleable to Match Client Needs
Can Be Realized in Various Scales
Width: Expandable
Depth: Expandable
Total Square Footage: 5,250 square feet (as shown)
Interchangeable Interior Spaces
Cantilevered Nook Can Be Located Off Living or Bedroom Spaces
Designed for Sloping Terrain
Orientation: Primarily Southern and Eastern Exposures
Poured-in-Place Foundation (Also Serves as Slope Retention)
Southern-Oriented Hallways Admit Southern Light
Semi-Transparent Walls Let Light Filter Through to Interior Spaces
Stair Tower Serves as Light-Well for All Levels
Upper Level Cladding Is Metal Shingles/Siding

— John Brooks, Lone Star Custom Homes (www.johnbrooks.com)
— Christopher Short, CA. Studio, architect (www.ca-studio.com)

NAHB Scores Success in Early Round of Code Hearings

In the first round of hearings to determine what amendments will be made to the 2006 editions of the International Code Council (ICC) building codes — including the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) — NAHB defeated scores of costly, unjustified proposals that would have eroded housing affordability.

At hearings that were held in Cincinnati on Feb. 22 through March 4, NAHB successfully testified on several hundred of the more than 2,200 proposed amendments that were acted upon.

Among the most onerous of those defeated on the single-family front were proposals requiring: sprinklers in all new single-family homes, 7/11 stair geometry, a significant increase in insulation and energy conservation, hail-resistant shingles in all new construction for much of the country, engineer-designed floor systems, and engineering and a full sprinkler system for all homes over 7,000 square feet.

Among the most onerous on the multifamily side, NAHB defeated proposals to eliminate important design allowances for the installation of sprinklers, require sprinklers in attic spaces, significantly decrease height and area limitations, and to greatly expand annual inspection requirements.

The approval of these and the many other proposals defeated by NAHB would have increased the cost of new construction considerably. Sprinklers alone would have added $3,000-$4,000 to the cost of an average 2,300-square-foot single-family home.

NAHB’s positions on proposed code requirements are determined by careful analysis of existing data on home safety, costs, natural hazards and more. Proposed requirements are also evaluated to determine if they are practical and would produce any significant cost benefits or improvements.

In preparation for the cyclical code hearings, NAHB codes and standards staff evaluated the impact of every proposal. A team of 20-30 builders from NAHB’s Construction, Codes and Standards Committee and subcommittees was then brought in to work with staff over several days to determine NAHB’s position on each.

NAHB’s success rate in ICC approval of proposals supported by the association and disapproval of those that are opposed has been running in the 75%-90% range, and many of the proposals on which NAHB has failed have been less significant in terms of their overall impact on the industry.

For more information on the results of the recent hearings, e-mail Diane Webb at NAHB or call her at 800-368-5242 x8290.

‘Common Code Violations and How to Fix Them’ Available at BuilderBooks.com

“Common Code Violations and How to Fix Them,” available through BuilderBooks.com, points out common code violations and the corresponding construction standards you need to correct them. This resource covers all aspects of conventional residential construction: framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and architectural. To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

Inside Nation’s Building News: More News You Can Use

Inside this week’s edition of Nation’s Building News, find news you can use about all aspects of the housing industry — economic, technological and legislative news; information about how to manage your business and more. Plus, check out the latest builders' tip from Fine Homebuilding, as well as the latest advice from resident Builder’s Engineer, Tim Garrison.

NAHB Is Your Business Partner

If you were one of the record 105,000 housing professionals who attended this year’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando, then you saw for yourself that nobody puts on a show like NAHB. From the largest assembly anywhere of cutting-edge building products and services to presentations by expert speakers on the issues that are shaping our industry, in four super-charged days NAHB’s annual exposition provides the resources and the ideas that can keep your business ahead of the competition.

NAHB is the best business partner you could have, not just at the start of the year but all year long. I am committed to providing our members with the tools they need to score success in an industry that is always fraught with challenges. We are fired up about prospects for housing in 2005 and we are ready to deliver. In the coming year, we’re going to continue to focus on what NAHB does best, and we’re going to do it better than ever.

One of our top priorities is improving the business environment in which we all operate. This means eliminating the regulatory barriers that frustrate our efforts to supply the housing that is sorely needed in our growing communities. And it means empowering our members with educational opportunities so that they will have the wide range of abilities needed to prosper in the home building business — to assess your marketplace, provide your prospective customers with what they want, run an effective operation, navigate the approval process, turn neighbors into supporters of your housing plans and much, much more.

We’re going to be more proactive in moving forward our legislative agenda in the 109th Congress. We’re going to tackle issues head-on. One of the top issues emerging in the Senate will be reforms for the housing industry’s government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Following the recommendations of a specially appointed NAHB task force on this issue, our board of directors has just approved major policy on oversight reform, and we’re ready to lead the debate.

Another goal we will continue to pursue with full determination is increasing the supply of affordable workforce housing for teachers, police officers, fire fighters and other essential employees who have been priced out of living in the communities they serve. We brought this issue to national attention last year and identified resources and approaches that will begin to address the problem. We will pursue those initiatives this year, and we will also continue our support for proposals by the Bush Administration to create a homeownership tax credit and a zero-downpayment FHA mortgage to boost homeownership opportunities in this country.

In our commitment to make NAHB your true business partner, we will also be increasing our efforts this year on retaining current members and acquiring new ones. Membership is the lifeblood of this association. Our grassroots membership is the source of our strength, and in 2005 we plan to make the members of our federation even stronger through the expansion of NAHB’s educational programs and networking opportunities, including the 20 Clubs.

Finally, I want to let you know about the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund. With an initial donation of $250,000 designated by the NAHB Board of Directors in Orlando, the fund will be directed to rebuilding efforts that provide temporary and permanent shelter for survivors. I have asked Bob Mitchell, a past president of NAHB, to lead this effort. We will be working with U.S. charitable organizations to demonstrate our concern, and I urge you to join in this effort through a tax-deductible donation. For more information in this issue of Nation's Building News on how you can do your part to address the shelter needs of nations devastated by the tsunami, click here .

You can ask the President of the United States, leaders in the Congress, the chairman of the Federal Reserve or the top economists in the country, and they will all tell you that housing has been the driving force supporting our economy for the past several years. And you can ask the parents of your childrens’ friends at school, members of your church congregation, people standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, and they will tell you that there are few things more important for their families than housing. That is an awesome responsibility for a single industry, but one in which we can all take great professional pride.

I promise you that NAHB will continue to be your voice — the voice of housing in America. I look forward to serving you and our entire membership.

House Bill Addresses ESA Habitat Designation Problems

Introduced last week by Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), the “Critical Habitat Enhancement Act of 2005,” H.R. 1299, is designed to ensure the protection of endangered species while accommodating the needs of the communities and states where they are found.

The bipartisan bill has received a favorable reception from the nation’s home builders.

“We believe that this legislation offers a real solution to the current crisis over critical habitat,” said NAHB President David Wilson. “The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has fallen far short of its goals, recovering only 1% of the country’s 1,300 protected species. It needs to be updated in order to protect, conserve and recover America’s species, while balancing the needs of the communities in which we live and work.”

In addition to Cardoza, Wilson added that NAHB looks forward to working with other members of the House Resources Committee to move this legislation forward, including its chairman, Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), a long-time proponent of ESA reform.

Under current law, when a species is listed under the ESA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service is required to designate the critical habitat that is essential for its conservation. The FWS has conceded that under current rules it has had to expend significant resources on this effort with little or no conservation benefits for the listed species. At the same time, landowners are required to comply with regulations that often ban or delay projects or impose severe mitigation constraints.

Several provisions in the bill are designed to correct these shortcomings. The legislation would:

“Rep. Cardoza’s bipartisan reform bill would improve the ESA and protect our nation’s wildlife in a way that is cost-effective. It would help ensure that common-sense conservation policies and programs — and not litigation — will drive the critical habitat designation process,” said Wilson. “We encourage the Senate to introduce and pass similar legislation.”

To read this legislation, click here and enter H.R. 1299 in the box at the upper left.

For more information, e-mail Michael Strauss, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.

House Committee Passes Association Health Plan Bill

The nation’s home builders applauded passage of the “Small Business Health Fairness Act” (H.R. 525) by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on March 16, noting that the association health plan legislation would help alleviate the rising number of the uninsured and the high cost of health care.

“Skyrocketing health care costs over the past decade have driven many small businesses out of the health insurance market entirely, forcing them to abandon coverage for their employees,” said NAHB President David Wilson. “H.R. 525 provides the right remedy. It would decrease administrative costs and allow small business owners to negotiate better rates with insurers, enabling them to purchase quality health care at a lower cost for their families and employees.”

Championed by Reps. John Boehner (R-Ohio), Sam Johnson (R-Texas), Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) and Albert Wynn (D-Md.), the legislation would help small businesses access greater health insurance options and lower premiums.

“Association health plans would provide a shot in the arm for small businesses seeking to obtain stable and affordable health coverage for their employees. We urge the full House to promptly consider this measure and for the Senate to act on similar legislation (S. 406) that is now pending,” said Wilson.

To read the legislation, click here and enter the bill number in the box at the upper left.

For more information, e-mail Michael Strauss at NAHB or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.

Energy Bill Would Provide Tax Credits to Builders

Receiving an endorsement from NAHB, legislation introduced by Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.) on March 10 — H.R. 1212, “The Save America’s Valuable Energy Resources Act of 2005” — would encourage builders to develop innovative energy savings techniques and provide powerful incentives for millions of consumers to enact conservation measures boosting residential energy efficiency.

“The home energy efficiency tax credits in H.R. 1212 would promote energy conservation in new and existing homes, reduce the nation’s energy dependence and advance the use of market-driven energy-efficient technologies in the housing market,” said NAHB President David Wilson.

While Rep. Weller’s legislation is a stand-alone bill that deals exclusively with home energy efficiency tax credits, the House next month is expected to consider a much larger energy package that includes similar home energy efficiency provisions. The Senate is also in the process of drafting an energy bill.

NAHB will work to ensure that any energy tax package that moves forward in Congress includes the home energy efficiency tax credits.

To view the legislatioin, click here and type H.R. 1212 in the box in the upper left hand corner.

For further information, e-mail Allen Segal at NAHB or call him at 800-368-5242 x8570.

Builders to Carry Storm Water, ESA Concerns to Capitol Hill

Members of the building industry who are concerned about the legislative process and its impact on the health of their business and the nation’s housing industry will want to attend the 2005 Legislative Conference on April 13 at the start of NAHB’s spring board meeting in Washington, D.C.

The annual NAHB conference provides an ideal opportunity for association members to share their concerns on housing-related issues with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

This year’s lobbying event will focus on two environmental priorities for home builders — the federal storm water program and the Endangered Species Act. Both issues are of wide concern to builders and have major repercussions for housing affordability around the country.

The Environmental Protection Agency's aggressive enforcement activities focus too much on paperwork requirements and too little on environmental impacts, while compliance costs can spin out of control. In addition, builders often must comply with state and local storm water regulations that duplicate EPA's mission.

Many NAHB members report that storm water regulation is adding $1,500-$5,000 to the cost of a lot, eroding the affordability of housing for the nation’s working households. Data from the U.S. Census suggests that each $1,000 increase in the cost of a home prices 300,000 families out of the marketplace.

On the Endangered Species Act, NAHB is urging the Congress to adopt a balanced critical habitat reform measure and to ensure that the data behind listing decisions actually serves to further the protection of species. Approximately 76% of all listed species can be found on privately-owned lands; one-third of them can only be found on private property.

NAHB is supporting the efforts of Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), who introduced a critical habitat reform bill — H.R. 1299 — that would require a cost-benefit analysis of the economic impacts on a community before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes a critical habitat designation.

The Cardoza plan, identical to a measure the California lawmaker submitted in the 108th Congress, would promote species recovery, reduce litigation and provide incentives for private landowners to enact voluntary conservation.

House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R.-Calif.) and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.) have made passage of Endangered Species Act reforms a priority for this Congress.

Also at the top of the agenda during the one-day lobbying blitz next month will be the issue of providing effective regulatory reform of the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks — while preserving their housing mission. Participants will also be asked to garner cosponsorship of legislation creating a homeownership tax credit.

More than 700 builders are expected to participate in this year’s visits to Capitol Hill, meeting with their representatives and senators as advocates and educators for the housing industry.

Talking points and further details on this year's legislative priorities are available to NAHB members at www.nahb.org/legcon.

For more information or to register for the NAHB Legislative Conference, call 800-368-5242 x8470; or e-mail Jessica Boyce at NAHB.

'Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers' Available at BuilderBooks.com

Housing Starts Peaked Again in February

The appeal of homeownership drove single-family housing starts to a new all-time record last month and buoyed the construction of multifamily condominiums.

Total housing starts increased 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.195 million units, their highest level in 21 years and 15.8% above a year earlier, the U.S. Commerce Department reported on March 16.

“Builders are reporting that there is still plenty of traffic in their sales offices,” said NAHB President Dave Wilson. “Mortgage rates, employment, household income and other favorable market conditions continue to drive demand.”

“Homeownership continues to plow ahead,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders. “Builders are reacting to strong demand in the single-family home and condominium markets, both of which continue to cry out for supply. Stronger job prospects also are fueling the rental market.”

The rate of single-family home construction reached a second consecutive monthly record of 1.775 million units in February, which was 0.3% above January’s pace and 16.7% higher than last February.

Multifamily housing starts increased 1.7% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 420,000 units last month, 12.3% higher than a year earlier.

“It’s perfectly clear that housing will remain an important component of GDP for the first quarter of the year. There’s no question that the housing market is still an engine of economic growth,” Seiders said. “However, we do expect housing to plateau as the year progresses, other components of the economy pick up more steam and the interest rate structure moves up further.”

Regionally, starts were up 20.4% in the Midwest and 19.1% in the Northeast, both of which were battered by winter storms in January. Housing production climbed 0.7% in the West and declined 8.1% in the South following an 18% surge the month before.

Issuance of total building permits decreased 2.7% from January’s robust pace to a seasonably adjusted annual rate of 2.074 million units.

See what's on the horizon for the housing industry at NAHB's Spring Construction Forecast Conference on May 5 in Washington, D.C. Get the latest forecasts on housing starts, projected budgets and other economic bellwethers and developments in the housing industry from some of the country's premier economists and finance experts. To register or for more information, click here.

NAHB’s Economic Group has produced a new, comprehensive Web-based publication, “HousingEconomics Online,” which provides subscribers with expert, in-depth analysis of economic and housing market trends as well as the latest housing and economic data.

“HousingEconomics Online” is updated regularly and combines scientific research with practical applications in order to provide housing-oriented insights for builders, manufacturers and housing finance professionals and assist in their business planning.

Available at two levels — Pro and Executive, subscribers can choose the level that best meets their needs. To learn more or subscribe to “HousingEconomics Online,” visit www.housingeconomics.com.

March Finds No Loss in Builder Confidence

A modest increase in home mortgage rates over the past month hasn’t dampened builder confidence in the strength of the market for new single-family homes, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), which was released on March 15. The index remained unchanged this month from an upwardly revised level of 69 in February.

“Robust buyer demand continues to sustain the new-home market, with no sign of letting up in the near future,” said NAHB President Dave Wilson. “Many builders are solidly optimistic about their prospects in coming months.”

“Builders have good reason for confidence even as interest rates gravitate upward,” agreed NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders. “Demand for new homes still exceeds supply in many markets, while financing conditions remain quite favorable and jobs and incomes are on the rise.”

The average interest rate on long-term mortgages rose about 25 basis points between the February and March HMI survey periods.

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for nearly 20 years, the index asks builders for their assessments of current single-family sales, prospects for sales in the next six-months and the traffic of prospective buyers. Any number over 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.

HMI readings this month for both current and future sales remained unchanged from revised February levels of 76 and 79, respectively, while the component of the index gauging buyer traffic edged up by a single point to 51.

“The fact that the HMI has remained at such a high level and within the same two-point range throughout the past six months is a reflection of the ongoing stability and strength of the nation’s housing market,” said Seiders.

On a regional basis, the index rose six points to 74 in the Northeast and four points to 83 in the West. The South recorded a one-point decline to 73, and the Midwest, where the job market remains relatively weak, declined two points to 53.

The Cost of Unproductive Employees

The latest in a continuing series about preventing fraud from affecting your business.

When you trade money for an asset, you own tangible property. You can touch it and feel it ― and you’d certainly know if it disappeared.

Many business owners think of the cost of employees in terms of their hourly cost (e.g., Pat’s rate is $17 per hour, plus some payroll taxes). But, let’s see what Pat really costs his employer for each hour he is available to work.

Start by calculating the number of hours an employee is potentially available to work. We’ll start with 2,080 hours (52 weeks per year x 40 hours per week). But then we need to subtract the following non-working periods for the year:

This comes to a total of 24 days or 192 hours, leaving us with 1,888 available working hours.

We then subtract about two hours from each remaining work week (47) for miscellaneous administrative meetings, timekeeping, shop time and so forth (breaks are charged to jobs).

This reduces the available production time by another 94 hours, so now Pat is actually available for approximately 1,794 hours.

Pat’s $17-per-hour compensation comes to $35,360 per year. In addition, Pat’s employer has additional costs that are “attached” to this employee’s job:

This totals just over $17,000 in additional costs and brings Pat’s annual cost to $52,389.

So, Pat’s real cost to his employer is $29.21 per production hour ($52,389/1,794 hours). That’s 72% more than Pat’s hourly rate.

Pat is truly a costly and valuable asset whose time should be carefully guarded.

For your employees, that’s definitely the case. They are trading their time for your money.

So, if their time equals your money, you need to safeguard that time as carefully as you would safeguard your new vehicle, a state-of-the-art computer or the money in your wallet.

And, you must begin to think of the theft or waste of time as the theft or waste of money. Then you must present your revised view of time to your employees. To help with that mental transition, let’s look at the following examples in terms of cold, hard cash coming out of your pocket.

Several years ago I hired a start-up landscaper to help landscape my new home. He was starting his business as an adjunct to another company he owned and wanted to see if the landscaping business would work out for him.

My new home had large windows with a view of the backyard. I worked from home on several occasions when the work was to have taken place. Because my car was in the garage, the crew didn’t know I was there. What I saw from my windows was not pretty.

The owner arrived with four workers, showed them the site and gave them instructions. He then left to get additional equipment and supervise another job.

About 15 minutes later, I saw that the work had slowed noticeably. Within another 10 minutes or so, two of the four workers had stopped working completely and were engaged in an earnest conversation while leaning on their shovels and rakes.

Shortly after that, worker #3 decided to join in while worker #4 continued to work diligently in the hot sun. Eventually worker #4 stopped working and joined the group.

I continued to look out the window periodically and saw that the most productive activity involved worker #2 tossing a rock from one hand to the other. There were also “group meditations” during which all four workers stared intently for prolonged periods at one of the holes previously dug in the ground.

When I shared this with the owner of the fledgling landscaping business, he wasn’t totally surprised — after all, work had been progressing quite slowly.

My landscaping eventually was finished, but unfortunately, so was his start-up business.

Less dramatic examples of time theft surround us constantly. Employees who would never even think of stealing work tools, or who would be aghast at the thought of taking a $20 bill out of a cash drawer, think nothing of routinely “carrying off” multiples of those amounts in the way they mismanage their time.

Using Pat as an example, let’s see what happens when we quantify some of those time drains on an employer’s bank balance. You can imagine how these liabilities cost a company even more by raising stress levels and reducing employee morale and client satisfaction.

If your employees engage in any of the above time and money drains, you are not receiving an honest day’s work in return for your valuable time, trust and hard-earned money.

Run some time and money loss calculations of your own the next time you encounter one of theses situations. Be sure to include the cost of all parties involved. Compute the daily, weekly, monthly and annual projections.

You may want to share the results of your calculations with your employees. They’ll probably be quite surprised when you show them what they are costing you in wasted time and squandered assets. They’ll probably realize that you are very aware of the cost of their time, and that you are closely watching how they handle the “time funds” that you have entrusted to them.

In the next articles, we will discuss what you can do to stop or prevent employees from wasting time on your dime.

Diane C.O. Gilson, CPA, CIA, is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and MasterBuilder ProAdvisor, author, trainer and construction accounting coach, as well as a frequent speaker at The International Builders’ Show and The Remodeling Show. Her firm, Info Plus Accounting PC/CPA, offers bookkeeping and support services to help construction companies do more accurate and timely job costing and run better management reports. Contact Gilson via e-mail, or call her at 734-544-7620.

Gilson is writing a book to help residential construction business owners protect their companies from fraud, and your experiences could help someone avoid a similar nightmare. She is seeking volunteers to share anonymous, candid stories of what they experienced and learned. If you would like to share your story, e-mail Gilson.

NAHB Has More Than 170 Resources to Help You Run Your Business More Profitably

Go to NAHB's Business Management Tools Web pages for instant access to more than 170 timesaving, moneymaking and cost-cutting business resources to help you run your business more profitably. Get guidance on accounting and financial management, business strategy, computers and information technology, customer service, human resources and more.

Resources are added weekly, so bookmark www.nahb.org/biztools to go directly to these vital business management resources.

Local and state home builders associations can link directly to www.nahb.org/biztools from their Web site and give their members instant access to these resources. It will make your HBA's Web site the place to go for the information and guidance that members need to succeed.

NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source is your monthly electronic guide to the hot issues and emerging trends in home building business management. You’ll find practical advice, tricks of the trade and sound business guidance — all delivered monthly, straight to your desktop, in a quick and easy-to-read format. Business of Building e/Source is available free to NAHB members and their employees. To subscribe, click here on the members only side of www.nahb.org.

Protect Yourself and Your Staff From Burnout

But you don't need a dictionary definition to know what burnout is. You're gainfully employed. You own a company or are pulling down a salary. You put a lot into your work and oftentimes the symptoms of burnout are the cost of caring about the quality of that work.

Another thing the dictionary definition doesn't explain is that the symptoms of burnout can be quite disabling. Even painful. And that about one-in-three of us, maybe more, suffer from burnout of one form or another. Not only is that painful, it can be expensive.

Consumers, in general, have more options today, more demands on their time and are more sophisticated than ever before in history. Consequently, they have higher expectations than at any time in history. And guess what? Those high expectations are often projected in ways that can bring you to your knees.

The bottom line is: burnout is pervasive and enormously destructive in the workplace.

Besides the costs to the back end of your businesses, which can include absenteeism, decreased productivity, turnover and direct medical and insurance fees, consider the cost of poor customer service. Ughh!

So, how do you know if you are suffering from burnout? Here is a listing of the warning signs published by experts:

Research shows that the road to burnout is actually quite complex. It's generally not a single factor, such as a heavy workload, that will push an employee to the breaking point. No, it’s a more colorful combination of factors such as little control, too many constraints or even other burnt out people.

Typically, people at the highest risk of burnout include those who can be described as hard-working, highly-driven overachievers. Burnout is also prevalent among those whose jobs deal with others' expectations. That should cover us all.

Stop it before it starts, of course. Experts advise us to set internal and external boundaries in order to protect ourselves.

External boundaries help you know when to say “no.” They are like the guardian angels of the weekend. They keep us from obsessing about our work or going into the office during off time. They make sure we take a lunch. They separate our work and private lives.

Our internal boundaries are like our personal trainers. They get us to the gym on time, make sure we eat right and send us to bed early.

At the risk of sounding like a health reporter, here are other methods for controlling stress as defined by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Being gainfully employed doesn't have to be a surefire way to have a heart attack. There are things you can do to help protect your staff from burnout and help them to feel more confident and appreciated.

If you've done your job right, you have employees you can trust to do their jobs right. Give them some leeway. They are going to have to make decisions. You can't plan for everything. Don't second guess them. This is tough work. If you make it tougher you may end up doing it yourself.

If you're considering making changes to your policies, make certain that every employee knows them and follows them closely. Otherwise, people will work against each other. You can't just say, "This is the flavor of the week," and expect your staff to feel empowered. You have to ingrain in your corporate culture that it is truly the responsibility of each employee to be able to do these things and in return they are supported by their employer.

Training your staff will not only help to make your business practices better, it will also send the message that you care about their professional development. There is a direct correlation between the brands that are known for good service and the training programs they take advantage of.

The bottom line is that burnout is an easy disease to catch, but it can be avoided and dealt with. Being in control of one's own choices is a big deal, so take control and give control everywhere you can.

Take advantage of the word “no,” and come out from under the paperwork on your desk. Regain your perspective and find a better balance in your life.

What Builders Should Know About Customer Satisfaction

Sonkin, an expert on customer satisfaction studies, will discuss “The Mystique of Creating the Satisfied Customer” and how customer satisfaction relates to the active adult market.

As a preview of her address, NAHB’s Seniors Housing Council asked Sonkin what builders need to know about customer satisfaction in the over-50 market.

NAHB: J.D. Power is known for its customer satisfaction surveys. How can a customer satisfaction survey help a builder be more successful and create satisfied customers?

Sonkin: Customer satisfaction can impact your business on many levels, including referrals, pricing leverage, repeat business, loyalty, increased market share, stock prices, sales and employee satisfaction. By understanding what motivates and satisfies your consumers, you can determine what, if any, changes you need to implement to better meet their needs ― and increase your business.

NAHB: What are some of the common myths that builders have about customer satisfaction, especially relating to mature consumers (55-plus)?

Sonkin: One common myth among builders is that active adult consumers have higher expectations and are harder to satisfy. Because many builders believe this myth, they spend much more time than they should focusing on dissatisfied customers — trying to move them to the satisfied side.

Builders shouldn’t get caught up focusing only on the unhappy customers. (Those are the ones who tend to do a lot of screaming.) As a builder, you should focus on the middle consumers, too — the consumers who are somewhat satisfied ― and determine what you can do to make them extremely satisfied.

Don’t ignore the very unhappy customers, but don’t base your entire customer satisfaction program on satisfying them either.

NAHB: J.D. Power recently conducted the J.D. Power Home Builder Survey. What key finding can you glean from it for those of us in the active adult industry?

Sonkin: Amenities, location and design are important in gaining active adult consumers and driving them to a particular builder. But once they have bought your product, they measure satisfaction the same way other consumers do. The drivers of customer satisfaction during construction and after they have moved in are no different for active adult consumers than they are for other new home buyers.

NAHB: What are some of the biggest mistakes builders make when dealing with their active adult and older consumers?

Sonkin: One of the biggest mistakes among builders in this market is that they make assumptions about their active adult consumers’ preferences, motivations and satisfaction. This is a relatively new market segment for many builders and many builders might not yet understand their consumers. So don’t assume. Determine and understand.

NAHB: How can a builder develop a customer service initiative that works?

Sonkin: Builders should address expectations from the customer’s point of view. This is a key element to satisfying customers, obtaining referrals and building your long-term brand.

Paula Sonkin has more than 25 years of experience with both the supplier and client sides of marketing research. Prior to joining J.D. Power and Associates, she was manager of consumer market research at The Disney Channel, served as a marketing research consultant for McKesson Water Products, Inc. and Asher/Gould Advertising, and managed the market research and sensory evaluation departments for Lawry’s Foods Inc.

Do you want to learn more about the fastest-growing segment of the housing market? Attend Building for Boomers & Beyond: Seniors Housing Symposium 2005 on May 16-18 in the Washington, D.C. area. The seniors housing symposium is the premier educational and networking event for industry professionals who serve the burgeoning 50+ market. For more information, click here.

To learn more about seniors housing, join the NAHB Seniors Housing Council. The council provides information, education, networking and recognition opportunities for its members and represents NAHB on seniors housing issues. For more details, e-mail Jeff Jenkins or call him at 800-368-5242 x8292.

“The House that Service Built,” available through BuilderBooks.com, presents the steps and concepts you need to establish an effective service-oriented culture. From staff to vendors and trade contractors, make customer satisfaction a priority in order for your company to retain loyalty and increase referrals. To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665

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Index Finds Multifamily Market Gaining Strength

Demand for rental apartment homes continued to gain momentum and there were no signs of the nation’s condominium market cooling off in the fourth quarter of 2004, according to the latest Multifamily Market Index (MMI), which was released last week by NAHB.

“The improving job market is driving a rebound in apartment rentals,” said NAHB President David Wilson. “At the same time, attractive interest rates and strong price appreciation rates continue to spur condo sales.”

“These numbers indicate that a healthier multifamily housing market is emerging, one in which demand more clearly aligns with supply,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders. “The positive outlook for the economy in general, and for job growth in particular, means that the news for multifamily housing should continue to be good.”

The MMI is based on a quarterly, nationwide survey of multifamily builders and property owners who are asked a series of questions about current market conditions as well as their expectations for the next six months. The index tracks assessments of both demand and supply, and any number over 50 generally indicates more positive than negative responses.

Continuing a third-quarter trend, all classes of rental apartments showed gains on the demand side in the final three months of last year, with the biggest increase in mid-range-rent Class B apartments; they jumped eight points from a year earlier to 50.8 on the index.

Demand for luxury units in 2004’s closing quarter was five points higher on the index than the closing quarter of 2003, and low-rent communities posted a seven-point gain over the 12-month period.

Survey respondents expected the trend in rising demand to continue over the next six months.

The index tracking the number of apartments available for rent continued a downward trend, registering a 13.2-point drop from 69.6 in the final quarter of 2003 to 56.4 in the fourth quarter of 2004. During that same period, the index tracking the volume of calls from prospective renters rose nearly four points to 50.0, up from 45.9.

The current average vacancy rate for rental apartments was 7.8%, down from 8.5% in the previous quarter.

On the supply side, market-rate apartments showed the biggest gain, rising more than four points to 49.3 for fourth quarter of 2004.

Builders participating in the MMI survey said they expect to see even greater gains over the next six months.

Condos continued to be the strongest category on the index; although the 57.1 fourth-quarter reading was down from 59.5 a year earlier.

Attend the NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference, the premier industry event for the multifamily industry, on April 3-6 in Miami, Fla. Pillars sessions were developed by multifamily executives for multifamily executives. To register or for more information, click here.

‘Move vs. Improve?’ – Help Your Customers Decide

By Bill Asdal, Asdal Builders, LLC
We all have had customers who struggle with how to shape a remodeling or building project. The design is in question. The budget is a mystery. The selections are overwhelming.

Sometimes the remodeling project is so overwhelming, the customer begins to think that maybe the best course is to move or buy new.

This is a very normal dilemma fraught with complex questions. The key is to help get the customer to the solution he needs by dissecting the decision process itself.

“Move vs. Improve” actually is a classic question that can be broken into the two parameters of any decision-making.

Some weighting of the criteria will help hone the decision to each individual’s proposed answer.

In fact, my wife and I struggled with this question a few years back after we had bought a scenic farm plot in the next town and began planning a new home for our growing family.

As we discussed what we should include in the house, I could feel some hesitancy in the discussions. Being an analytical sort, and having surpassed the limited value of simply making lists, I made a matrix of the criteria we would use to make the decision.

The rows represented the various options available. The columns were the weighted criteria to score the options. The chart looked like this:

The chart enabled us to weight our highest negotiated criteria ― location — the highest. The other criteria were all entered and scored accordingly. All provided input and perspective toward the decision. We decided not to move and, instead, improved.

We have had a number of clients go through this decision-making process and then run to a different zip code when the opportunity arose.

Since I have had the matrix copyrighted, I ask that you reference the tool and my company as you help steer your customers toward their best decision.

Unwinding such a vaporous decision process into a handy tool will allow you contractor to bring additional value to your client before the first nail goes into the site.

Bill Asdal is president of Asdal Builders LLC, of Chester, N.J. Asdal Builders has been providing quality building and remodeling services since 1973. For more information, e-mail or call his company at 908-879-4427, or visit the Asdal Builders Web site at www.asdalbuilders.com.

"How to Find a Professional Remodeler," available at BuilderBooks.com, promotes the professionalism of your remodeling business by offering valuable advice to your customers on the process of selecting a remodeler. The brochure guides consumers from the dream to the reality of having their homes remodeled by skilled and trained professionals. Sections include what to look for in a professional remodeler, what questions to ask and signs of a professional remodeler. To view or puchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665 to order.

BuilderBooks.com offers a variety of other publications about remodeling. To view or puchase these publications online, click here, or call 800-223-2665 to order.

The NAHB University of Housing offers CAPS, CGR, CGB and a variety of other professional designation programs and business management courses that set builders and remodelers apart from the competition. To learn more about NAHB’s designation programs, visit www.nahb.org/designations. For a complete list of all current education offerings, click here.

The Remodelor™ of the Month (this link is accessible to Remodelors™ Council members only) award program is underway. Don't miss your opportunity to be named the Remodelor™ of the Month.

The program groups local councils from different states into designated months. There will be two “wild card” months that will allow the council’s members-at-large to participate in the program. A winner will be chosen each month and that winner will then be automatically included in the nominations for the Remodelor™ of the Year award.

This is a great opportunity for local councils and members to get involved and submit their “best of the best” members to compete with other councils. The national Remodelors™ Council will send out press releases and highlight each winner in ReNews, the Remodelors™ Council e-newsletter.

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Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

Builders’ Tip: Coping With Mini-Grinders

My mini-grinders see a lot of action onsite, and nothing beats them for coping moldings.

Instead of using the backing pad, I put a pair of sanding disks back-to-back so I can cope the whole profile of a molding without turning over the grinder. I can cut to the left or right and the dust keeps heading away from me.

Between the stiffness of the doubled-up disks and the centrifugal force, the disks stay flat while cutting.

Another use for the top disk is removing extra material from the bottoms of casings so that flooring will slide under.

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Education Calendar

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and Earn a Chance to Win Digital Camera

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

Log in today to register for educational seminars, meetings and networking events; find important economic and housing data; and learn the latest developments in NAHB’s efforts to promote housing. It’s all available to you 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Member Log In" button to get started.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.

Awards Focus on Leading Edge of Green Building

Leading-edge green building development projects and advocates were among the winners of the 2005 National Green Building Awards, which were presented last week in Atlanta during NAHB’s seventh annual National Green Building Conference.

“Green building is a way of life for these award winners,” said Ray Tonjes, chairman of NAHB’s Green Building Subcommittee and a home builder from Austin, Texas. “Their commitment to green building isn’t just good for the environment, it is also a model for other builders, architects and programs to follow.”

Non-Profit Provides Affordable Homes in Metro Atlanta

Cobb Housing Inc. (CHI) was one of six recent winners of NAHB’s Innovations in Workforce Housing Award in recognition of its efforts to address the demand for housing that is affordable to working families in Cobb County, Ga., long a hot spot in the fast-growing metro-Atlanta market.

The non-profit group was recognized for its Mitchell Chase subdivision, a 31-home development that is making housing affordable to teachers, police officers and other public servants who might otherwise be priced out of Cobb County’s increasingly expensive housing market.

Joining CHI as stakeholders in the project were the Cobb County Chapter of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Cobb County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through its HOME program. Many professionals in the building trades also contributed time to the effort.

“We saw a need to help working families in Cobb County attain homeownership,” said Bobby Lunceford, an Atlanta-area builder who serves on the board of CHI. “Our desire was to help these families develop wealth and financial security that come from homeownership.”

Lunceford, who is also president of Bob Lunceford Properties Inc., accepted the award on behalf of CHI in January during the International Builders' Show in Orlando.

Cobb County provided funds for the acquisition of a 9.5-acre parcel of land. Most of the single-family homes will be sold to county employees and other public-sector workers. The goal is to produce housing that is affordable to families making less than 80% of the area median income.

“We want to sell these houses at close to or even under market rate,” Lunceford said. “We’ll reduce costs to home buyers with downpayment assistance and grants.”

More than 50 private companies and public-sector agencies have contributed to the effort to make Mitchell Chase a reality, Lunceford said.

“I’m proud of the way Bobby Lunceford and the Atlanta-area home builders rolled up their sleeves and found a way to make a difference,” said Bobby Rayburn, immediate past president of NAHB. “Developing workforce housing isn’t easy. Dedication and a spirit of cooperation sometimes make all the difference.”

For more information about workforce housing and these awards, including eligibility requirements, click here; or e-mail Kym Kilbourne at NAHB or call her at 800-368-5242 x8447.

Concrete Home Building Council Cements Two New Relationships

Joining six other associations for the concrete industry, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) have become members of NAHB’s Concrete Home Building Council (CHBC).

“These two associations represent the diversity and importance of cement-based products in residential construction,” said Michael H. Weber, president of the CHBC. “From sidewalks and driveways to roof tiles and siding, home building has depended upon concrete. More cement-based products are being used in residential construction than ever before and the Concrete Home Building Council’s mission is strengthened as we build more relationships.”

In addition to the traditional uses of concrete, Weber noted that over 16% of all single-family detached, above-grade walls incorporate a concrete wall system.

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute represents the segmental concrete pavement industry and focuses on educating contractors nationwide. The Tile Roofing Institute was formed to serve the interests of the nation’s concrete and clay tile industry.

Speakers, Presentations Sought on Systems-Built Housing

NAHB’s Building Systems Councils (BSC) is looking for speakers and educational seminars for SHOWCASE, which will be held Nov. 6-9 at the Sheraton New Orleans.

The BSC is an umbrella organization that represents the manufacturers, builders and vendors of the concrete, log, modular and panelized home building industry. For information about the show and the request for proposals, click here.

Although the BSC is especially interested in presentations on specific topics, all proposals will be considered by the SHOWCASE planning committee. The BSC is also seeking keynote speakers for the conference.

For more information about the BSC, the building systems industry, or SHOWCASE, click here or call 800-368-5242 x8676.

RCA Series Makes the Grade

In a collaborative effort that started more than four years ago, Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of NAHB, and educational publisher Thomson Delmar Learning continue to raise the bar in trades training through first-of-their-kind educational materials focused directly on the residential construction industry.

RCA Series textbooks and multi-media resources are geared for vocational and workforce development programs in high schools and post-secondary educational institutions such as community colleges.

As more and more home builders associations and members present the materials to their local schools to reinforce the industry’s commitment to promoting skilled labor in the trades, the RCA Series continues to receive a favorable response from educators:

In addition to quality instructional materials — including textbooks, videos, CD-ROMs and on-line resources — HBI provides industry credentialing for training and education programs that use the materials and skills standards and has compiled a national registry of students who have completed units of instruction.

National Testing, a newly released feature of the RCA Series, consists of a set of practice tests and final exams for each craft-skill area. Practice tests track student knowledge of the material as well as provide instructors with important information for curriculum planning. Final exams provide a measure for evaluation at the conclusion of each trade-based training program.

The unprecedented strength of the nation's home building industry continues to fuel the need for qualified trades people. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the construction industry needs 200,000 new workers each year to keep up with consumer demand and attrition. The RCA Series is one way in which the industry is attempting to address this shortage by increasing the professionalism of its workforce through national standards of excellence and quality teaching resources.

For more information on the RCA Series, e-mail Joseph Krinock at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8928.

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and Earn a Chance to Win Digital Camera

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.

Best Reliable Pet Story to Win Fancy Pet Playhouse

Window and door manufacturer JELD-WEN is seeking nominations for the nation’s most faithful, reliable pets in a new contest that was launched on March. 11.

The JELD-WEN “Most Reliable Pet Contest” is collecting stories about pets that make their owners’ lives richer, safer and more comfortable each and every day, or about pets that have come into animal shelters after some traumatic event or loss that tests their strength, stamina and reliability.

The manufacturer, whose theme is “RELIABILITY for real life,” is recognizing the nation’s most reliable pets to demonstrate that home, family and pets of all kinds are the fabric and substance of America.

The grand prize for consumers entering the contest is a pet playhouse valued at $5,000 and featuring a number of amenities, including pet-size JELD-WEN windows and doors. The prize for the best story from an animal shelter or humane society will be $5,000 in cash. Other prizes and gift certificates may also be awarded.

Pet owners, handlers, animal shelter employees or others who know first-hand about a remarkable, reliable pet, should submit a written, authentic and verifiable story of 100-200 words that illustrates the pet’s reliability. Police and fire dogs and horses are not eligible.

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and Earn a Chance to Win Digital Camera

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.

Need a Building? Just Add Water

As an emergency shelter alternative to tents, which provide poor protection, and prefabricated buildings that are expensive to transport, two engineers working on their master’s degrees at the Royal College of Art in London have come up with a “building in a bag.” Erecting the “Concrete Canvas” structure entails adding water to a sack of cement-impregnated fabric and inflating it with air. The volume of the sack controls the water-to-cement ratio, eliminating the need for water measurement. The Nissen hut-shaped shelter is dry and ready to use in about 12 hours. The inventors said they thought of the approach after hearing about inflatable structures that are built around broken gas pipes to carry out repairs. “This gave us the idea of making a giant concrete eggshell for a shelter, using inflation to optimize the structure for a compressive load,” said co-inventor Peter Brewin. “Eggs are entirely compressive structures with enormous strength for a very thin wall.” A bag weighing about 500 pounds inflates into a structure with 172 square feet and would cost about $7,700. Full-scale production of the shelter is being planned. (www.wired.com)
Wired News (3/15/05); Rowan Hooper

Hometown Democracy Initiative on Development Axed by High Court, 4-3

A “Hometown Democracy” growth control measure in Florida that would have required voter approval for changes to the development plans of cities and counties won’t go before the electorate next year. The state’s Supreme Court has found that the summary of the measure that would have appeared on the ballot “misstates the substance of the amendment.” At the time of the ruling, organizers had collected only about 60,000 of the half-million verified signatures necessary to put the amendment on the ballot. Supporters of the amendment could rewrite their proposal and start over. (www.sun-sentinel.com)
Sun-Sentinel (3/17/05); Jackie Hallifax, Associated Press

‘Green’ Dwelling Not Just a Dream

With the goal of demonstrating that “going green is doable,” the recent purchaser of a $356,000, 90-year-old bungalow in the Roland Park section of Baltimore has installed a recycled wood pellet stove for heating that cost $3,500 but only needs about $100-$300 worth of pellets for an entire winter. EcoStar tiles that help radiate solar heat to warm the home’s southern side cost about $17,000, and a gray water system and composting toilet cost another $15,000. In the meantime, the state of Maryland is promoting sustainable architecture in the Baltimore area through public-private partnerships and tax policies. Ground has been broken on an environmentally friendly 102-unit seniors apartment complex in Woodstock featuring solar-heated water, energy-efficient heating and cooling, drought-resistant landscaping, a comprehensive recycling program and recycled building materials. Also, the Maryland Energy Administration is working with the Department of Natural Resources and TerraLogos to develop a green template for renovating low-income rowhouses in Baltimore. The Green Building Initiative, a non-profit education project providing support for NAHB’s green building programs, has identified Baltimore as one of its 2005 target markets, according to Richard Dooley, an environmental analyst and land use planner at the NAHB Research Center. (www.baltimoresun.com)
Baltimore Sun (3/13/05); Margo Stack

Luxe Logs; They Look Rustic Enough, But These Rough-Hewn Cabins Pamper the Outdoorsy Elite

In its winter newsletter mailed to 2.2 million customers, Orvis, the Vermont-based outdoor gear and accessories retailer, has teamed up with Rocky Mountain Log Homes to offer a line of log homes, which can be seen at www.orvisloghomes.com. “The models are all different,” says project manager Jon Sellers. “It’s an open, relaxing type of house so the family can all get together. And it’s very outdoorsy, with big patios and screened porches to lure everybody outside.” The six models range from the Battenkill with 1,539 square feet and a $551,490 turnkey price to the Rogue, with 3,944 square feet and a $1.15 million price tag. “It’s a booming industry,” says Eric Fulton of NAHB’s Log Homes Council. About 400 U.S. manufacturers are building roughly 25,000 log homes a year. So far, Orvis has sold two of its homes. (www.philly.com)
Philadelphia Inquirer (3/18/05); Art Carey

Basements Are Back

There is a growing trend in fixed-up basements, or “upscale downstairs,” according to NAHB researcher Gopal Ahluwalia. In middle Tennessee, “People are finishing out their basements to a much higher level than in the past,” says David Crane, president of Crane Builders. “Before, it was, ‘Can you make this room so we can use it for a pool table or ping-pong table?’ Now they are creating elaborate rooms with wet bars, media centers and guest suites. A lot of family life has moved to the basement area.” New building technologies are helping to keep these lower levels dry and builders are finding ways to let in as much natural light as possible. “Even in the stairway leading down to the basement, we look for opportunity to get natural light to the stairs,” says Danny Lane, of Southern Land Co. “Usually the back yard is at the lower level and we try to incorporate that outdoor feeling inside with big doors and windows.” And ceilings are being lifted to nine feet or higher in Crane’s homes. Only about 25% of Southern Land home owners finish their basement at the time of construction, and Crane says most of his company’s basement remodeling is for the second or third owner of the home. (www.tennessean.com)
Tennessean (3/13/05); Joanne Mamenta

Trust Would Aid Housing Developers

Katherine Miller, the head of the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, has proposed setting up a housing trust fund that would provide gap financing for affordable housing developers in smaller communities. “This would be where the banks are not inclined to loan,” Miller said. “Mainly, it would help defray the risks of affordable housing development and lower costs by having a below-market interest rate.” Bills have been introduced in the state’s House and Senate to establish a trust fund, which she hopes would be funded at about $20 million. Another legislative proposal would establish 50% state tax credits for donations to affordable housing by individuals or businesses. Smaller communities that don’t have access to production builders who can lower their building costs through high volume “have trouble attracting people who will do 10-20 homes for affordable housing,” she said. “There’s not enough incentive.” New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has set a goal of increasing the state’s homeownership rate, currently 70.3%, to 75% in 10 years, and Miller said she would like to see it at 80%. (www.abqtrib.com)
Albuquerque Tribune (3/17/05); Nancy Salem

Owens Corning Fiber Glass Certified as Industry’s Highest Level of Recycled Content

At the NAHB Green Building Conference in Atlanta, Owens Corning announced that its line of fiber glass insulation products has been certified by Scientific Certification Systems to contain an average of 35% recycled content, an increase of 5% over its prior certification. The certification applies to the manufacturer’s signature PINK fiber glass insulation and its commercial fiberglass products. Owens Corning enhanced its manufacturing process to utilize more waste glass from additional sources. Owens-Corning is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — the Supplier 100 of NAHB.(www.azom.com)
Azom.com (3/16/05)

Introduction to Lighting Automation for the Home

According to NAHB and a CEA State of the Builder Technology Market Study, about 7.4% of the new homes scheduled for construction last year featured automated lighting controls, up from 1.1% in 2003. Lifestyle is a primary selling point for consumers. “With automated lighting control, a home owner can activate exterior and interior entryway lighting from the safety of a car using a remote control,” said Mark Cerasuolo, director of brand development for Leviton Manufacturing Company. “He or she can go away on vacation and schedule some lighting to automatically turn on and off to make the home appear to be occupied. During an emergency, lighting can automatically activate to light a path out of the house. It can be programmed for child comfort based on children’s schedules.” Of the homes with automated lighting, 30% of the systems are tied into the security system and 8% into the home theatre system. Automated lighting control is especially useful for larger rooms with multiple light fixtures and types, but it can be desirable in homes that are as small as 2,000 square feet. (www.aboutlightingcontrols.org)
Lighting Controls Association (February 2005), Craig DiLouie

Tax Credit/Bond Projects Exempt From California Prevailing-Wage Laws

As the result of a ruling last month by the California Department of Industrial Relations on a senior affordable housing project in San Marcos, affordable projects in the state using low income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds but no other subsidy do not have to pay the prevailing wage to construction crews. The difference can amount to as much as 30% of the entire construction contract and as much as 20% of the entire project cost, according to an attorney involved in the senior housing case. However, the matter could be headed for the courts, and if the ruling were overturned, developers would have to pay prevailing wages retroactively. On March 4, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee released a memo stating that applications for credits must still factor in the payment of prevailing wages when computing project costs. (www.affordablehousingfinance.com)
Affordable Housing Finance (March 7, 2005); Cynthia Bartlett Hunter

The Home Front: The Hotel Spa Goes Home

Many owners of high-end homes are returning from vacation with pictures and plans of hotel spas they would like to recreate in their own home. Business revenue in resort and day spas reached $11.2 billion in 2003, more than doubling from $5 billion in 1999, according to the International Spa Association. During that same period, the average size of a new home increased 5% and spending on bathroom renovations doubled to $7.5 billion, according to NAHB. One home owner who was inspired by his travels to Europe to put in a big spa with Roman style columns and slate floors found that once the waterfall, steam shower and sauna were finished, at a cost of $60,000, his plumbing didn’t provide enough pressure. Upgrading his water pump and holding tank so that his waterfall will be more than a “faucet in the middle of the wall” will cost another $1,000. Traditionally, home buyers recover most of the expense of their copycat spa bathroom renovations. (www.wsj.com)
wall street journal (3/11/05); Conor Dougherty

Real Estate’s Foreign Affair

A weak dollar is making it possible for many Europeans to own a second home in such locations as Florida, New York, Chicago and Colorado ski resorts. The euro has risen more than 50% against the dollar in the last three years. Although there are no statistics on foreign purchases of residential real estate in the U.S., the majority of pre-sales for the first two phases of a six-phase luxury condominium hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., have been to buyers from the U.K, Ireland and Europe. Sales have been 71% international; in the past, 20% international has been more typical. Pam Gilhooly and her sister Valerie King, from Edinburgh, Scotland, recently bought a four-bedroom home in Orlando for $214,000 that they say would have cost close to $1 million back home. In addition to a weak dollar, cheap airfares are also helping to fuel purchases from overseas. (www.realestatejournal.com)
Wall Street Journal Online (3/14/05); Ray A. Smith and Ryan Chittum

Endangered Toad Costs May Hop Up

California’s real estate industry could end up paying about $937 million of the $1 billion cost of protecting the endangered arroyo toad, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service had originally proposed establishing nearly 500,000 acres as critical habitat for the toad, but has reduced its latest proposal to less than 100,000 acres from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County. About half of the land is privately owned. Excluded from the new proposal include areas that have been found to be too dry for tadpoles, private lands covered by conservation agreements and the Army’s Fort Hunter Liggett in Monterey County, which has been excluded under national security provisions of the Endangered Species Act. The government’s cost analysis includes purchasing land for toad habitat, delays in getting development projects through environmental regulations and altering construction projects to minimize harm to the nocturnal toads. (www.dailynews.com)
Los Angeles Daily News (3/12/05); Jim Skeen

Arnold’s Housing Fix

Although the details are still being worked out, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to back a package of bills to change parts of the California Environmental Quality Act and related issues to spur badly needed housing construction. Discussions so far emphasize having cities and counties do more planning for housing upfront and limit the attacks that can be waged on individual projects that meet those plans. With 500,000 new residents expected in the state each year, planners, city officials, environmentalists and builders concur that something must be done to better accommodate growth. “This is the first time since I’ve been in the state that you have a governor, executive leadership, saying, I want to deal with these processes. That’s a real breakthrough,” said Mark A. Pisano, executive director of the Southern California Association of Governments. He said that a better way of planning is needed; in its State of the Region report his agency gives Southern California near-failing grades in transportation, housing and other quality-of-life issues. (www.dailynews.com)
Los Angeles Daily News (3/12/05); Lisa Mascaro

Seeing Green in Brownfields

Old industrial brownfield sites are attracting major residential developers to Philadelphia and some of its older suburbs, including K. Hovnanian, Pulte and Westrum. Granor Price is currently developing 18 acres of the Schuylkill riverfront in Royersford that is the former site of the Anchor Glass Co. “The factories will never come back,” says borough manager Bob Umstead, a lifelong resident who remembers when they were in operation. “The empty land isn’t doing us any good, but 300 units of housing certainly will.” Enacted in 1995, Pennsylvania’s brownfields law has flexible cleanup standards and offers a release of future liability to the owner of a brownfield site once one of those remediation standards has been met. Since April, the EPA has accepted the state’s liability release actions as its own. A developer typically can be building on a brownfield site in a year or so once the remedial plan is in place and has been approved. By comparison, the approval process for developing what little empty land remains available can take four years in Pennsylvania and five in New Jersey. (www.philly.com)
Philadelphia Inquirer (3/13/05); Alan J. Heavens

Darn You, Ted Nugent

Three teenagers are sitting in a ’65 Mustang on a side street outside the Cow Palace in San Francisco waiting for a Ted Nugent rock concert.

KURT: We’re busted, dudes. It’s the cops. What about all this Lucky Lager?….

…. Three hours later the same teenagers are again sitting in the ’65 Mustang. Terrible Ted has just rammed ear-bleeding guitar through 50,000 idiotic teenagers’ flesh-torn eardrums.

TIM: OH YEAH, I LIKED THAT PART TOO! AND WHAT ABOUT WHEN TED GOT HIS GUITAR FEEDING BACK, THEN LEFT IT IN FRONT OF THE AMPLIFIERS FOR 10 SOLID MINUTES! MAN, THAT GUY IS A STUD!

The above account is true, more or less. And today, 30 years later, my ears are still ringing, no joke. I get to listen to them every night, serenading me to sleep: “eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…..”

My kids think it’s darned funny, when Cindy and I are trying to communicate. “… What was that, hon? Take out the trash?”

We both have bad hearing, thanks to too much loud music and occupational noise. I was a construction worker and ranch hand for years, not to mention gun enthusiast. At one time, I also played a pretty mean electric guitar — which always sounded better cranked up (my amp goes to 11).

Here’s the problem with our ears. They have no defense mechanism. Eyes have eyelids. Skin can sense pain and move away. Mouths can close. Our nose has a built-in filtration system. Ears simply stay open and take it. And if we don’t have the sense to protect them with artificial means, “eh?.. what was that?…”

Another interesting thing about ears: when the volume is loud, they actually hear better if protected. Ears are finely-tuned acoustical devises intricately designed for very low volume. They evolved to assist us in hunting and avoiding being hunted — tasks much better accomplished with the ability to hear a twig snap a hundred yards away. In the early days of humans, there were no loud noises to worry about. In today’s raucous society we subject our ears to abuse they were never designed for. Loud noises cause our eardrums to distort, just like cheap speakers being over-driven. We hear loud noises better if they’re cut back a few dozen decibels, say through the use of hearing protection.

So nowadays I wear earplugs for nearly everything: hammering, sawing, operating equipment, mowing the lawn, everything. And I’m teaching my kids to do the same. Some day they’ll probably want to go to a rock show; who knows, maybe even Ted Nugent. I just hope they take a good set of earplugs with them.

Tim Garrison of ConstructionCalc.com, is a professional engineer, author and software producer for the building industry. Send e-mail to buildersengineer@constructioncalc.com. Tim reads every one.

Simulation Program Wows North Carolina Students

To say that 7th and 8th graders are a tough crowd may be an understatement. Luckily, Joyce Vukela-Mayer, a custom builder from Sherrills Ford, N.C. knew her audience and came prepared.

For a Career Day program at Mill Creek Middle School, Vukela-Mayer wowed a crowd of more than 75 students with a presentation of NAHB’s education simulation program, “Building Homes of Our Own.” Students assembled in a computer lab for three different sessions and were able to get some hands-on time with the program, testing their skill at selecting a lot, choosing a floor plan and dealing with meddlesome neighbors and a touchy town council meeting.

Vukela-Mayer rewarded the student with the highest score at the conclusion of each of her three presentations with a CD-ROM to use at home.

“Everyone was really impressed with the program,” said Vukela-Mayer, president of JVM Homes, Inc. and a member of the Lake Norman Home Builders Association. “It’s easy to use, fun and really captured the attention of the class.”

The presentation was such a success that one teacher remarked that it was the best Career Day she’d been involved with. The cutting-edge program definitely reached students, who learned about the industry, career opportunities and the importance of financial responsibility. The students were so enthralled that 30 of them the next day asked their teachers how they could continue using the program.

And one of the middle school science teachers decided to build an entire program around the game.

“Building Homes of Our Own” uses simulation technology to teach middle and high school students about home building, while delivering key lessons in math, science, social studies and language arts. Developed in 2002 by NAHB with partners Freddie Mac and the National Housing Endowment, more than 32,000 CD-ROMs have been delivered to educators nationwide, reaching an estimated audience of nearly 2.5 million students, teachers and parents.

At the 2005 International Builders’ Show in January, NAHB announced a donation from the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, which will support the development of a new, network version of the program that will be released next month. The new version will give teachers more flexibility in saving their work and make it easier for them to use the program in computer labs and classrooms.

The program is free to members of state and local home builders associations and classroom educators from www.HomesOfOurOwn.org.

If you are interested in designing an outreach program with your local schools or need multiple CD-ROMs, e-mail Kym Kilbourne at NAHB or call her at 800-368-5242 x8447.

Bobby Rayburn Receives Commitment to the Industry Award

Home Buyers Warranty Corporation (2-10 HBW®) has honored NAHB Immediate Past President Bobby Rayburn with the 2-10 HBW Commitment to the Industry Award for his significant contribution to the success of the building industry.

“For more than three decades Bobby Rayburn has exemplified commitment and strength in the building industry,” said 2-10 HBW CEO Em Fluhr. “His dedication, loyalty and hard work are tremendous assets to the forward momentum of the industry and we are proud of our enduring relationship with him as an industry partner.”

Among his many achievements, Home Buyers Warranty recognized Rayburn’s efforts on behalf of affordably priced housing and his leadership at NAHB, the Home Builders Association of Greater Hattiesburg, the HBA of Mississippi and the HBA of Jackson. Rayburn was the co-author of the HUD publication, “Affordable Housing Development,” and he is the co-founder of the HBA of Misssippi’s Student Chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi. In his 33 years as a home builder in Mississippi he has constructed more than 3,300 homes.

Home Buyers Warranty Corporation is one of the nation’s leading risk management companies for the home building industry, and it is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — the Supplier 100 of NAHB.

In its more than 25 years, 2-10 HBW has covered more than 1.25 million new homes valued at almost $200 billion through more than 15,000 builders nationwide.

For more information about the 2-10 HBW warranty program, click here or call 800-488-8844.

NAHB Spring Board Meeting Set for April 11-17

OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE OF
THE NATIONAL ASSOSCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following schedule of events is a partial listing provided as a notice for the upcoming NAHB Board of Directors Meeting and Legislative Conference at the Spring Board Meeting in Washington , D.C. , April 11–17, 2005. Meetings will be held at the National Housing Center and the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The Spring Board program will identify the exact time and place of each scheduled meeting.

Monday, April 11
Senior Officers Meeting
National Vice Presidents

Tuesday, April 12
National Vice Presidents
Executive Board
State Representatives

Wednesday, April 13
Legislative Conference
— Briefing, Hill Visits, Feedback Session, Grassroots Reception

Thursday, April 14
National Vice Presidents
Committee Meetings

Friday, April 15
Committee Meetings

Saturday, April 16
Area Caucuses 1-15
Joint Executive Board, Budget and Resolutions Committee
NAHB Board of Directors

Sunday, April 17
NAHB Board of Directors

Robson Seeks Office of NAHB Vice President and Secretary

Bobby Rayburn, NAHB 2005 Nominations Committee chairman, has announced that Joe Robson of Broken Arrow, Okla., has been certified by the Nominations Committee to seek the office of NAHB Vice President and Secretary for the year 2006.

I’m a home builder and proud of it. For the last 21 years, I’ve developed land, built homes and worked on commercial and industrial projects. Along the way, I’ve fought growth boundaries, downzoning, impact fees, lack of insurance, anti-growth city councils, assaults on private property rights, lack of infrastructure and overzealous regulators.

I have been active in both the Tulsa and Oklahoma home builders associations and served as president of both. My varied background — from builder to banker to timber farmer to community volunteer — gives me a broad perspective to represent the many segments of the NAHB family. Since being elected to the NAHB Board in 1990, I have worked to protect and enhance our industry through the political process on a local, state and national level. We have a strong association, but it has not reached its full potential.

Let’s stir the pot, shake things up, harness the energy of 225,000 members and take NAHB to new heights.

Get GM Discount on More Than 80 Vehicles

GM has begun offering preferred GM Supplier discount pricing to NAHB members on more than 80 General Motors vehicles — including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Saturn, HUMMER (except H1) and Saab passenger cars, light duty trucks, vans and SUVs — as part of NAHB’s Member Advantage discount program.

The GM Supplier pricing program is available to members who purchase or lease 2004, 2005 or 2006 model-year vehicles.

For the most up-to-date details on the Member Advantage discount program and all of the participating companies, go to http://memberadvantage.nahb.org. Or visit www.nahb.org to explore the full range of benefits associated with membership in your local, state and national home builders associations.

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and Earn a Chance to Win Digital Camera

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.

Mark Your Calendars for the Sunbelt Builders Show

Start planning for the 2005 Sunbelt Builders Show, the building industry’s premier Southwestern event. The Sunbelt Builders Show will take place Wednesday, Oct. 12-15 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The show will feature more than 300 exhibitors and more than 40 educational seminars — all specifically tailored to meet the needs of the Southwestern market.

This year marks the Sunbelt Builders Show's fifth year and the second year it is being produced by NAHB.

After show hours, the Gaylord resort is home to the largest value shopping and entertainment complex in the Southwest as well as many wineries and tasting rooms.

For more information or to get on the Sunbelt Builders Show mailing list for the latest show news, visit www.SunbeltBuildersShow.com.

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and a Chance to Win Digital Camera

Help Tsunami Survivors Rebuild Their Homes

Many NAHB members already have responded to the devastating earthquake and tsunami disaster in South Asia by generously giving to numerous relief agencies that are providing vital emergency assistance to the survivors. As the relief effort continues and moves from the acute, emergency phase into recovery, the home building industry is rallying to address the longer term need for temporary and permanent shelter in the tsunami-affected nations.

Over the years, NAHB and its members have united to help those in need, demonstrating time and again that Home Builders Care, a philosophy as well as a call to action that is emblematic of the industry's commitment to community service and charitable causes.

In response to what will be an overwhelming need for permanent shelter, NAHB and the National Housing Endowment have established the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund to raise desperately needed funds.

With an initial donation of $250,000, designated by the NAHB Board of Directors at the International Builders’ Show, the fund will be directed to rebuilding efforts that provide temporary and permanent shelter for survivors.

Please help by making a tax deductible donation to the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund. Money raised by the National Housing Endowment will be granted to one or more U.S. charitable relief organizations working to help tsunami survivors obtain temporary and permanent shelter.

Checks should be made payable to the National Housing Endowment and, in the memo section, please note the Tsunami Shelter Fund.

The NAHB Senior Officers have selected Past President Bob Mitchell to oversee and guide this fundraising effort.

For more information, contact Troy Patterson at the National Housing Endowment at 800-368-5242 x8483 or Kym Kilbourne in NAHB Public Affairs, x8447.

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation's Building News

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.

Calendar of Events

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and a Chance to Win Digital Camera

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.

Nation's Building News Online: March 21, 2005

Green-Built Community Turning the Tide in Atlanta

Floor Plans for Sloping Terrain, Maximum Exposure

NAHB Scores Success in Early Round of Code Hearings

Inside Nation’s Building News: More News You Can Use

NAHB Is Your Business Partner

House Bill Addresses ESA Habitat Designation Problems

House Committee Passes Association Health Plan Bill

Energy Bill Would Provide Tax Credits to Builders

Builders to Carry Storm Water, ESA Concerns to Capitol Hill

Housing Starts Peaked Again in February

March Finds No Loss in Builder Confidence

The Cost of Unproductive Employees

Protect Yourself and Your Staff From Burnout

What Builders Should Know About Customer Satisfaction

Index Finds Multifamily Market Gaining Strength

‘Move vs. Improve?’ – Help Your Customers Decide

Builders’ Tip: Coping With Mini-Grinders

Education Calendar

Awards Focus on Leading Edge of Green Building

Non-Profit Provides Affordable Homes in Metro Atlanta

Concrete Home Building Council Cements Two New Relationships

Speakers, Presentations Sought on Systems-Built Housing

RCA Series Makes the Grade

Best Reliable Pet Story to Win Fancy Pet Playhouse

Need a Building? Just Add Water

Hometown Democracy Initiative on Development Axed by High Court, 4-3

‘Green’ Dwelling Not Just a Dream

Luxe Logs; They Look Rustic Enough, But These Rough-Hewn Cabins Pamper the Outdoorsy Elite

Basements Are Back

Trust Would Aid Housing Developers

Owens Corning Fiber Glass Certified as Industry’s Highest Level of Recycled Content

Introduction to Lighting Automation for the Home

Tax Credit/Bond Projects Exempt From California Prevailing-Wage Laws

The Home Front: The Hotel Spa Goes Home

Real Estate’s Foreign Affair

Endangered Toad Costs May Hop Up

Arnold’s Housing Fix

Seeing Green in Brownfields

Darn You, Ted Nugent

Simulation Program Wows North Carolina Students

Bobby Rayburn Receives Commitment to the Industry Award

NAHB Spring Board Meeting Set for April 11-17

Robson Seeks Office of NAHB Vice President and Secretary

Get GM Discount on More Than 80 Vehicles

Mark Your Calendars for the Sunbelt Builders Show

Help Tsunami Survivors Rebuild Their Homes

Subscribe Your Employees to Nation's Building News

Calendar of Events