Nation's Building News Online: August 8, 2005Print All Articles Text Version |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Standard Nears for Air Conditioners, Heat PumpsThe department made its decision last year, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rejected efforts of the Bush Administration to lower the new standard to a SEER 12. With the support of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), NAHB challenged the SEER 13 standard when it was first proposed by DOE at the start of 2001. NAHB soundly objected to the higher SEER requirement at a public hearing, testifying that in most parts of the country, especially the northern states, the energy savings from the higher standard would never pay for the higher cost of the product, thus creating an undue burden on working families striving to afford to buy a home. NAHB’s efforts to overturn the proposed standard included additional meetings and letters to DOE arguing that entry-level home buyers would derive no value from the equipment upgrades if they could not afford their cost. NAHB demonstrated that the efficiency increases could only be considered cost-effective in very specific parts of the country with certain climatic conditions. The association said that 75% of the consumers purchasing a 13 SEER would never realize sufficient cost savings in energy consumption over the life of the product to offset its higher price. Major equipment manufacturers decided last March to retool the industry rather than mount another challenge to the DOE regulation, effectively bringing NAHB’s fight against the SEER 13 requirement to an end. To read DOE’s analysis of the new efficiency standards, click here. For more information, e-mail John Loyer at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8303. Floor Plans: Gothic Renovation Goes Modern
Developers:
Architect:
When Alban Towners first opened in 1929, it was the largest rental apartment-hotel in Washington, D.C. And it was striking. Its Gothic-revival arches and buttresses echoed the Washington National Cathedral across the street. It was a popular and frequent destination for the nation’s out-of-town glitterati — among them, Frank Sinatra and Bette Davis, who stayed in its hotel suites for the 1961 inauguration of John F. Kennedy. But over time, deterioration, a growing city and a lack of nearby parking greatly diminished the historic property’s stature. A Transformation ― Plus Developers Archstone-Smith and Encore Development conducted an extensive preservation effort that has transformed the long-vacant apartment building and returned it to its former prominence. Today, Alban Towers is one of Washington’s most highly-desired addresses.
The renovation included a major rehabilitation of the apartment tower and the addition of 15 luxury duplex villas, which provide a transition from the tower to the surrounding neighborhood of single-family detached homes. A below-grade parking garage was also part of the renovation. It serves both the tower and the new fee-simple duplex homes. The Upscale Villas — A Look Back, With Modern Convenience Reminiscent of Washington homes built in the early 20th century, the duplexes present a classic urban look and individuality. The homes range from 3,200-4,700 square feet and include features such as private elevators and upscale interior finishes.
Alban Towers has won an NAHB Pillars of the Industry award and a Freddie Mac honor for its historic renovation.
The 226 apartment units include one-, two-, three-bedroom and efficiency units with private balconies and magnificent views overlooking either the Washington National Cathedral or nearby Glover Archibald Park.
Rents for the one-bedroom dwellings start at $1,595. Rents for the two- and three-bedroom units start at $2,310 and $3,506, respectively. Alban Towers has won both the NAHB Pillars of the Industry Award for best repositioning or rehabilitation of an apartment asset and the Freddie Mac honor of best multifamily community of the year.
Subscribe Your Employees — You Could Win a Digital CameraSign up three or more of your employees for Nation's Building News and you automatically will be entered in a contest to win a Sony digital camera. There have been four winners already — the most recent winner is Robert Poole, of Poole's Plumbing, Inc. in Raleigh, N.C. — and you could be next. To subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News and be entered in the "Make Your Business Click" contest, visit our contest subscription page by clicking here. Subscribe your employees and they will begin receiving timely, valuable industry and business news at their desktops beginning with the very next issue. News that can help increase your company's profitability and efficiency. And all it takes is a few mintues of your time. Nation's Building News is NAHB's free, online newspaper. Inside, you'll find the latest lumber prices, industry news, builders' tips, lumber prices, problem-solving floor plans and more. For more information or to sign up your employees, click here.
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 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Log In" button to get started. Once you log in, personalize the site to reflect your interests. Simply go to the My NAHB>My Profile page and click the “Edit Content Preferences” link. To learn more about how you can customize My NAHB — including how to customize the links that appear on the Home page ― visit the How to Use www.nahb.org section. Staten Island Downzoning Bid Violates Fair Housing ActStaten Island has been growing faster than New York City itself over the last 15 years. In response to that growth, some Staten Island officials have sought to downzone certain areas. But downzoning makes it increasingly difficult for builders to provide housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income families, including many minority families. R. Randy Lee, a builder-developer from Staten Island and board chairman of the Building Industry Association of New York City (BIA), led the industry effort in opposition to the downzoning proposals, which would have an unfair impact on New York’s minorities and would disproportionately reduce the availability of affordable housing for them, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. “Regardless of their intent," said Lee, " these downzonings are a violation of the Fair Housing Act because they interfere with the efforts of those who seek to provide housing that is affordable to minority families.” Lee said he views the Fair Housing Act as a viable tool in preventing improper zoning changes that have a disproportionate impact on minorities across the nation. Councilman Andrew J. Lanza proposed the downzoning to prevent higher-density development in seven different sections of southern Staten Island. Currently, 68% of the residents of Staten Island are white, 14% Hispanic and 10% black. However, nearly 90% of the residents of three of the southernmost communities included in the proposed downzoning are white. The city planning commission planned to certify one of the seven proposals for rezoning this summer. The downzoning in Prince’s Bay would result in a reduction of overall density by increasing lot sizes and restricting development of new homes to single-family units, eliminating two-family residences where the second unit could be used for rental income. Councilman Lanza has withdrawn his proposal. Withdrawal of the proposal is an important step in preventing violations of the Fair Housing Act, Lee said. “This downzoning of Prince’s Bay will bring an increase in house prices and reduce rental units, pushing them beyond the means of more low- and moderate-income families. Because minority families are more likely to have low or moderate incomes, the net effect is that minority families are excluded from places where downzoning is applied,” Lee said. Building industry experts conducted an analysis of the impact of the zoning changes and additional proposals that were pending to determine whether they would have a disproportionate impact on the ability of minorities to access housing. It was determined that the proposed downzoning would reduce the number of white-occupied homes by 49.4%, black-occupied homes by 88% and Hispanic-occupied homes by 71%. Such significant reductions in housing opportunities for minorities to purchase or rent homes in the southern portion of Staten Island establishes that the proposed downzoning violates the Fair Housing Act. Although the intent of the downzoning was apparently to control the pace and quality of construction on the island, the proposals were not the least discriminatory means of achieving this goal, which is what made them unlawful. Lee said “that even good-intentioned acts can lead to bad results, which is the case here.” Previous recommendations by the Staten Island Growth Management Task Force resulted in large density reductions on Staten Island, and Lee said that these provided adequate safeguards against overcrowding. “Ideally, Staten Island will offer a range of house types and prices to meet the needs of families across the economic spectrum,” Lee said. “Builders and developers want to work with local government to design and build attractive neighborhoods that offer a strong sense of community. And a great neighborhood does not have to be an exclusive neighborhood,” he said. New Rules Could Cut Cheap Loans to High-Risk Borrowers
States Move to Protect Property
For N.J. Family, Ruling May Doom Beach Cottage
Rising Prices for Steel, Gas Drive Up Costs of Construction in New Orleans
Pulte Steps Up Construction of Del Webb Retirement Communities
Chevy Chase Plans Pause in Building to Save Off March of the Mansions
Big Houses the Rage in Utah
Vila Focuses on House in Punta Gorda
Builders Battle Anti-Housing Moves Around the Country
Representing a positive trend, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently signed H.B. 6570, legislation that seeks to guide new residential development according to smart growth principles by encouraging mixed-use development near existing transportation infrastructure. These areas are being designated as “priority funding districts” for the receipt of financial support from the state. The ambitious bill brought together disparate interest groups, including the Home Builders Association of Connecticut and the Sierra Club. “There’s a small but probably growing section of the market that wants that kind of development, and they should be served,” said Bill Ethier, executive vice president of the builders association. More sobering news for the housing industry includes the following:
30-Year Mortgage Rates Crawl Upward for Fifth WeekIn survey results released last Thursday, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.82%, up from 5.77% at the end of the previous week. However, long-term rates remained below their year-earlier average of 5.99%. “Long-term mortgage rates will more than likely rise over the next few months, albeit modestly compared to shorter-term rates,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “As the Federal Reserve increases its targeted overnight-lending rate, home-equity loans will become more costly,” Nothaft said. “This is because many home-equity loans are tied to the prime rate, which generally follows every Fed Rate hike.” The prime interest rate was 6.25% last week but is expected to rise to 6.5% this Tuesday as the Fed bumps up the federal funds rate by another quarter of a percentage point. “Home owners wanting to tap into recent gains in home values have turned to a refinancing option, whereby they can extract a portion of the home equity they built over the years,” Nothaft said. “Just in the second quarter of 2005, approximately 74% of refinancing was comprised of home owners taking out a new loan balance of 5% or more, most of which had an interest rate below today’s prime rate.” Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 5.3% last week, up from a 5.27% average the week before. One-year ARMs averaged 4.47%, just barely up from 4.46%.
Don’t Miss NAHB’s Fall Construction Forecast Conference See what's on the horizon for the housing industry at the semi-annual gathering of the country's premier economists and finance experts. Get the latest forecasts on housing starts, project budgets and other economic bellwethers at the Fall Construction Forecast Conference on Oct. 19 at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C. Visit www.nahb.org/conference for more information.
Want to Know Your State’s 2006 Forecasts? HousingEconomics Online, the online publication from the NAHB Economics Group, is your single source for market analysis, forecasts, housing statistics and more. In-depth analysis and detailed Excel tables and overviews are available for all the state forecasts. To learn more or subscribe to HousingEconomics Online, visit www.housingeconomics.com. Builders’ Tip: How to Easily Expand Circular Holes
Because hole saws rely on a pilot bit to guide them, it’s pretty tough to enlarge an existing hole. There’s no wood for the pilot bit to bite. But there are ways to get around the problem.
The plug won’t fall off because the twist of the pilot bit tries to screw its way further into the plug. By the time it does, the larger saw has established its own kerf. ― Don Reinhard, via e-mail Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
To request a reprint of this feature, e-mail Mary Lou von der Lancken at Fine Homebuilding.
BuilderBooks.com is your source for training and education products for the building industry. The official bookstore for NAHB, BuilderBooks.com offers award-winning publications, software, brochures and more available in both English and Spanish. To view these publications online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
Subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News Online. It’s free, easy and NAHB members who sign up three or more employees will be entered into the "Make Your Business Click" contest to win a digital camera. To learn more or sign up your employees, click here. Custom Builders to Gather at New Orleans SymposiumCustom home builders, remodelers, architects, developers and other industry professionals can build their knowledge at the 2005 Custom Home Builders Symposium in New Orleans so they can better deliver what their custom home clients demand. Featuring industry-specific education and networking opportunities, the symposium will be held Nov. 11-13 at the Sheraton New Orleans. The theme this year is “Build Your Passion.” “As custom home builders, the more education we get, the better we are at exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Mary Schroder, of Miller Homes in Brookfield, Wis., and chair of this year’s symposium. Fifteen educational sessions will include these topics:
Attendees also can attend several advanced, two-day educational sessions, a roundtable discussion with industry veterans to swap business tips and best practices, and two home tours. Andersen Home Tour ― Nov. 11 The tour features New Orleans’ distinctive architecture with an up-close and personal look at premiere custom homes and historical restoration projects. Sights, Sounds and Story Tour — Nov. 12 This year’s tour is truly lagniappe — that’s Cajun for “a little something extra.” The tour includes a visit to an antebellum home in the Crescent City’s Garden District and a stop at Old Algiers Point for sizzling blues, Cajun and zydeco music followed by a second music stop outside the French Quarter to hear more jazz. Register before Aug. 31 and save $50. Go to www.nahb.org/custom to register online or for more information, or call 800-368-5242 x8338. NAHB Has More Than 170 Resources to Help You Run Your Business More Profitably Go to NAHB's Business Management Tools Web pages (available to members only) 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, visit www.nahb.org/BoB on the Members Only side of the NAHB Web site. New BuilderBooks Products Available at Custom Builders Symposium Stop by the BuilderBooks Bookstore at the Custom Builders Symposium for books you need to build your business, great savings and giveaways. BuilderBooks.com Reward participants, show your Rewards card to receive an additional 5% off your purchase. Uncoupling of Hydraulic Excavator Buckets a Hazard
An Aug. 26 bulletin from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises employers who use hydraulic excavators with quick coupling devices of the potential for injury and death from the unintentional release of a bucket or other attachment from the coupler. The OSHA advisory follows a fatal accident in Madison, Wis. caused by the unexpected release of an excavator bucket from a quick coupling device on a hydraulic excavator at a site where a contractor was installing water mains and laterals. While an employee was entering a freshly dug lateral to install a pipe, the excavator operator changed buckets using a quick coupler on the excavator. When the excavator was swung to continue digging on the main line, the bucket became detached from the coupler and rolled or slid into the lateral excavation, striking and killing the employee. The investigation of the incident found that a locking pin had not been manually installed on the coupler to prevent the accidental release of the bucket. A review of OSHA’s database found 14 additional incidents that were similar within the last six years, eight of which resulted in employee fatalities. OSHA noted that these accidents appear to still be occurring despite efforts by manufacturers to retrofit existing quick couplers, design new and improved coupler systems and develop safe procedures for using them. Employees can be protected from the release of attachments by:
For more information, e-mail George Middleton at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8590. First-Ever Job Site Safety Video for Home Builders Available at BuilderBooks “Jobsite Safety Video,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides an overview of the key safety issues residential builders and workers need to focus on to reduce accidents and injuries. Based on the “NAHB-OSHA Jobsite Safety Handbook” this DVD is intended to be used as part of an essential residential construction safety-training program and includes two 20-minute videos. To view or purchase this DVD online, click here, or call 800-223-2665. Cost of Workplace Injuries Soars to $49.6 BillionThe good news from the latest results in the annual survey, which were released toward the end of last year, is that the ranking of the top causes of those injuries remained largely unchanged, providing employers and their safety managers with a clear roadmap for preventing the most expensive injuries. The top five job-related injuries in 2002, according to Liberty Mutual, were:
“The top causes of injuries identified by the index may not make the front page,” he said, “but they’re probably driving your costs.” By implementing a plan, Leamon said that one of Liberty Mutual’s workers compensation clients had been able to cut serious repetitive motion claims by 58% in two years. “And those plans that have the greatest impact share five key steps,” he said. “Identify the injuries that drive your workers compensation costs, using the index as a starting point. Prioritize the ones you want to address. Set clear targets for reducing each injury. Put in place the tactics and training that will prevent these injuries. And regularly track performance and update the plan.” Suggested by Liberty Mutual, the following are among the good starting points for evaluating and preventing the top five causes of workplace injuries:
First-Ever Job Site Safety Video for Home Builders Available at BuilderBooks “Jobsite Safety Video,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides an overview of the key safety issues residential builders and workers need to focus on to reduce accidents and injuries. Based on the “NAHB-OSHA Jobsite Safety Handbook” this DVD is intended to be used as part of an essential residential construction safety-training program and includes two 20-minute videos. To view or purchase this DVD online, click here, or call 800-223-2665. Education Calendar
Whether you’re new to the industry, hope to make your next career move or want to improve your company’s bottom line, The NAHB University of Housing can assist you in your education pursuits. Visit www.nahb.org/education for a comprehensive listing of courses throughout the country. Be sure to visit often in order to view the most up-to-date information in your area.
Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and Earn a Chance to Win Digital Camera Subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News Online. It’s free, easy and NAHB members who sign up three or more employees will be entered into the "Make Your Business Click" contest to win a digital camera. To learn more or sign up your employees, click here.
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 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Log In" button to get started. Once you log in, personalize the site to reflect your interests. Simply go to the My NAHB>My Profile page and click the “Edit Content Preferences” link. To learn more about how you can customize My NAHB — including how to customize the links that appear on the Home page ― visit the How to Use www.nahb.org section. Tech Package Shows How to Improve HVAC SystemsThe third in a series of quarterly technical sets of information developed by the NAHB Research Center, “HVAC Package for New Construction — Forced Air System,” provides guidance to:
Designed to encourage a systems approach to technology integration in construction, PATH’s Tech Sets are geared to helping home builders take the guess work out of choosing cost-effective technologies that can improve the quality of their homes and provide them with a distinct advantage in the marketplace. Tech Set 1 and Tech Set 2 provide information on resource-efficient plumbing and improving the durability of the building envelope, respectively. Easy Energy Upgrades Can Save Fistfuls of DollarsOn the list of quick energy efficiency upgrades:
Endangered Species Delisting Proposed for Pygmy Owl“This is unprecedented. In the 32-year history of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a court ruling that a species population is insignificant has never prompted a delisting proposal from the government,” said NAHB President Dave Wilson. “The government is heading down the right path with its delisting proposal,” Wilson said. “It should be devoting its scarce resources on wildlife that qualifies for protection under the ESA and that has a meaningful chance of recovery.” NAHB led a coalition of plaintiffs in a suit challenging the validity of the listing and the designation in 2001 of critical habitat for the bird, which can be found in abundant numbers to the south in Mexico. NAHB questioned whether the population in Arizona was discrete and significant to the survival of the species, two legal requirements for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The nation’s home builders also contended that an initial designation of 1.2 million acres as critical habitat was excessive and would damage the home building industry and the local economy. The service itself estimated that the designation would add $7,000-$12,000 to the price of a home, which NAHB calculated could take a $500 million toll on local economic activity over 10 years. The decisive factor behind the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling and service’s decision to delist was the finding that the listing did not prove the significance of Arizona’s distinct population of owls for the survival of the entire subspecies. Following the government’s announcement, the public now has a 60-day opportunity to comment on the proposal to remove the Arizona owl population from the Endangered Species List. NAHB will be submitting comments, but continuing litigation over the issue is expected. For more information, e-mail Duane Desiderio at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8146. Ask the Lawyer: About Arbitration ClausesQ. I’m considering adding a clause to my construction contracts that would make any and all disputes with my customers throughout construction and the warranty period subject to binding arbitration. What do I need to be aware of? A. Binding arbitration is a mechanism to resolve disputes between a builder and home owner that arise during or after construction and that cannot be resolved through negotiations. Builders have turned to binding arbitration — also known as a pre-dispute arbitration agreement ― as a less expensive and less publicized alternative to litigation or hearing a case in court. Through binding arbitration, the parties involved submit their case to a neutral third person or a panel of individuals known as arbitrators for a final resolution. Typically, an arbitrator’s decision is final and neither party can appeal the decision except in the case of improprieties or fraud on the part of the arbitrator. Arbitrators generally are professionals and may be more likely than a jury composed of laymen to understand the technical aspects of a construction controversy. Arbitration also may provide a speedier resolution than litigation. Arbitration Is Recognized in All 50 States Arbitration is a recognized method of dispute resolution in all 50 states. If a contract has a valid arbitration clause, one party may compel the other into an arbitration proceeding. The same is true for situations involving interstate commerce (building a home using materials shipped across state lines, for example). In those situations the arbitration clause is subject to the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). Arbitration Clauses Should Be Specific, Prominently Located Since arbitration requires the waiver of the right to a jury trial, courts have refused to enforce vaguely worded or ambiguous arbitration. Also, because many courts take the position that an arbitration clause must be entered into “knowingly,” they have stricken clauses that have been written in fine print or displayed in less prominent locations on contracts, such as the backs of contract pages. In fact, some states require a larger type size, specific locations within a contract or even an additional signature or initialing in order to make a mandatory arbitration agreement valid. Finally, some arbitration clauses have been found to be invalid because they have been unreasonably favorable to the builder. Some Do’s and Don’ts To help minimize the chances that your clause will be attacked:
Your local attorney should be consulted for the appropriate language, type size, location and endorsement requirements for your jurisdiction. If you have questions for Ask the Lawyer, click here. There is no guarantee that your question will be answered in this format, so if you have a particular legal concern that requires immediate attention, contact the NAHB Legal Research Service at 800-368-5242 x8491. "Ask the Lawyer" is a service of the NAHB Legal Action Committee and NAHB Building Products Issues Committee. The information provided is intended to familiarize you with the law in this area. It is not intended to be an exhaustive presentation of legal information on this particular subject, and in no way constitutes an opinion of law. Your own attorney must review this information to determine how it may apply to your particular situation. Software Correctly Sizes HVAC for Concrete HomesJohn Gajda Oversized systems may adequately heat or cool the house during the most extreme conditions that occur only briefly during a typical year. But most of the time an oversized HVAC system will use more energy than a properly-sized system. An oversized system also has a shortened “on time,” which can lead to wide temperature swings and reduced thermal comfort. More importantly, air conditioning systems with short "on times" do not remove enough moisture from the indoor environment, which can result in mold growth and damage to building materials. Thanks to Portland Cement Association (PCA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there is now software available to correctly size heating and cooling equipment for single-family concrete homes with insulated concrete walls. The software is intuitive and was designed to be easily used by residential contractors and HVAC installers. The software is applicable to the majority of homes being constructed today. All types of insulated concrete walls are considered, including: insulating concrete form (ICF), removable-form, precast concrete, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and concrete masonry (CMU). For comparison, the software will also provide results for wood-frame walls. The information required by the software includes the overall dimensions of the house, the wall areas, windows (area, type and orientation), house orientation and geographical location. The software also accounts for foundation type (basements, crawlspaces and slabs), roof construction (cathedral or attic) and other typical construction details. The current software contains information for almost 250 locations across the United States and Canada, and an upcoming enhancement will add locations in Canada and Mexico. The enhancement will also incorporate new features, such as the ability to use metric units. The software has been on the market for more than a year, and more than 500 copies have been sold. For more information on the software, click here. John Gajda is a licensed professional engineer with CTLGroup in Skokie, Ill. He has managed several Portland Cement Association (PCA)-sponsored practical research projects on insulated concrete walls, including studies on sustainability, concrete consolidation use, HVAC sizing, moisture susceptibility and cold-weather construction. CTLGroup is a structural/architectural engineering and materials consulting firm that is an independent subsidiary of PCA. In conjunction with PCA, CTLGroup has developed much of current knowledge related to the thermal performance of all types of insulated concrete walls. ‘HVAC Sizing Software for Concrete Homes’ Available at BuilderBooks.com “HVAC Sizing Software for Concrete Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides an alternative means of estimating heating and cooling system capacities for single-family concrete homes. The software calculates the system capacities based on the house dimensions, construction materials, location and thermostat set point. To view or purchase this publication set online, click here, or call 800-223-2665. SHOWCASE Comes to the Big Easy in November Join NAHB’s Building Systems Councils for the 20th anniversary of SHOWCASE, the ultimate NAHB resource for the systems-built housing industry, from Nov. 6-9 in New Orleans. For presidents, CEOs and other decision makers from the nation’s leading concrete, log, modular and panelized home building companies, SHOWCASE features education sessions, networking, exhibits and more. Visit www.nahb.org/SHOWCASE to register or for more information. Cement Scarfs Up Dangerous Roadside PollutantsThe cement-based product has a special chemical composition that enables it to absorb pollutants from car fumes, factories, household heating and city life in general. Italian manufacturer Italcementi claims that the surface holds promise for major cities struggling with smog, which causes a range of ailments — some fatal. Experts say that tests suggest the cement can reduce the amount of dangerous pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, in surrounding areas by a third or more. The Alto Adige Geology Department has covered a section of highway near the town of Ortisei to assess the effectiveness of the new product. "On July 16 we started with analysis of the air without the new asphalt," said Renza Espen, of the geology department. The new ecological surface was laid on July 25 and monitoring for pollution levels began on July 27. The cement, made with a special compound called TX Millennium, absorbs harmful pollutants and transforms them into non-toxic gases, which it then releases. Nitrogen dioxide and sodium dioxide, for example, are turned into calcium nitrate and sodium nitrate — gases that occur naturally and that are completely harmless in small doses. Other car exhaust fumes get transformed into carbon dioxide. Source: Aggregate Research Industries, based on a release from the Italian news agency, ANSA. SHOWCASE Comes to the Big Easy Join NAHB’s Building Systems Councils for the 20th anniversary of SHOWCASE, the ultimate NAHB resource for the systems-built housing industry, from Nov. 6-9 in New Orleans. For presidents, CEOs and other decision makers from the nation’s leading concrete, log, modular and panelized home building companies, SHOWCASE features education sessions, networking, exhibits and more. Visit www.nahb.org/SHOWCASE to register or for more information. Project CRAFT Grads Advance in the Granite BusinessAttending the Workforce Innovations Conference, from left, employer Jeremy Werthan of Werthan Concrete, Project CRAFT graduate Steven McClerkin and Dennis Torbett of HBI.
The presentations were part of the national Workforce Innovations Conference, which was hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor. HBI, the workforce development arm of NAHB, was a conference sponsor. Reassuring employers who may not trust the reliability of hiring youths with criminal records, Werthan said that his two employees from Project CRAFT — Steven McClerkin, who accompanied him on the panel, and Corey Johnson — had been with his company for nearly a year and more than a year, respectively, and “both came with a work ethic and the basic skills we could build on.” There is a more than 90% annual turnover rate among workers in the granite business, he noted. Project Return, Inc., which provides re-entry services under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Serious and Violent Re-Entry Initiative for the Tennessee Bridges program, referred McClerkin to Project CRAFT last year. Convicted of a felony drug charge and sentenced to eight years in prison, McClerkin’s only previous work experience in construction had been limited to two days at a lumberyard. Responding favorably to Project CRAFT’s unique community-based construction training, he completed HBI’s PreApprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) last July and then started with Werthan Granite in a maintenance job earning $10 an hour. McClerkin called Werthan “the best boss I ever had.” He is now a member of the installation team and looking to move up to cutter. The award-winning program provides adjudicated youths with valuable trade skills and teaches them the importance of community involvement and good citizenship. To ensure that graduates make a smooth transition into the workplace, HBI staff members closely follow their progress in starting jobs for a full year. Werthan described his two HBI graduates as “among the most trustworthy in my company,” and he said that one of them had even chided and turned in another employee who was caught stealing. McLerkin and Johnson occasionally return to Project CRAFT to tell students about their lives and careers since graduating, how they have successfully turned the corner and never looked back. Funded by the Department of Labor’s Reintegration of Youthful Offenders Program, Project CRAFT/Nashville provides training and job placement to local youths at the Davidson County Drug Court, the country’s only residential drug court, as well as through a community-based effort. In budget reports for FY 2006, Project CRAFT was recognized by the appropriation committees of the House and Senate, which commended the program for its role in preparing young people for careers in the residential construction industry. For more information on Project CRAFT/Nashville, e-mail Dennis Torbett at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8908. Prize-Winning Dogs Set High Standard for ReliabilityCandice and Chiper, her reliable pet. JELD-WEN, the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — the Supplier 100 of NAHB. Chiper escorts 21-year-old Candice Hernandez to classes, warning her when she is about to have a seizure so that she can lie down or find a place to rest. Chiper also stands guard if paramedics are required to assist Candice and has even been known to open push-button hospital doors. As a teen, Hernandez says she worried about simple activities like going to school, performing in the local choir or going to the prom. Now, “Chiper has made my life fun again, and I trust her with my life. She goes with me everywhere, even on dates with my boyfriend." Chiper will walk down the aisle with Hernandez when she marries her boyfriend on Nov. 12. Chiper’s grand prize, a one-of-a-kind, two-story playhouse, features pet-sized durable, low-maintenance JELD-WEN® Premium Vinyl Collection windows and JELD-WEN® AlternaPlus® exterior wood composite doors, knows as the “No-Dent Doors.”
Lilly was partially paralyzed after being run over and left without medical attention. Two years later she lives at the shelter of the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport as a community goodwill ambassador, running about in her custom-made mini-wheelchair. “Children who use wheelchairs are particularly delighted to see Lilly’s big, grand smile as she scoots up to give them a friendly lick,” said Eric Aschaffenburg, chairman of the Gulfport society’s building committee. “We can always rely on Lilly to raise everyone’s spirits.” This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page. NAHB-Produced Shows on HGTV & DIY — This Week"I Want That!" on HGTV
"Dream Builders" on HGTV
"Rock Solid" on DIY
"Assembly Required" on DIY
The production group includes award winning journalists, writers and photographers with experience in broadcast, documentary and corporate television.
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 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Log In" button to get started. Once you log in, personalize the site to reflect your interests. Simply go to the My NAHB>My Profile page and click the “Edit Content Preferences” link. To learn more about how you can customize My NAHB — including how to customize the links that appear on the Home page ― visit the How to Use www.nahb.org section. Centex Homes Announces 24 Scholarship WinnersCentex Homes and the National Housing Endowment, the philanthropic arm of NAHB, recently announced the 24 winners of the 2005-2006 Build Your Future Scholarship. The scholarship program assists students learning to be managers in the building industry nationwide. This year’s winners are:
Since the Centex scholarship program was founded in 1999, 67 students, including this year’s recipients, have been awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships. For more information and other industry-related scholarship opportunities, visit the National Housing Endowment Web site at www.nationalhousingendowment.org. Maryland Association Sends Tools for Tsunami Relief
MNCBIA Board Chairman Tony Crane, of Crane Homes, packed his bags and went to Thailand to help. After his wife, Cindy, spent 10 days volunteering with Smiles on Wings in the hard-hit fishing village of Khao Lak in the Phang Nga province, Crane was inspired to volunteer with her and their two children as well. He turned to the Home Builders Care Foundation of MNCBIA for support. The foundation’s goal was to raise enough money to purchase at least a dozen full sets of tools — including circular and reciprocating saws, drills, generators, hand tools and fasteners — that would be left with the locals so they could rebuild their village. If more money was raised, the foundation also would buy fishing supplies so the villagers could return to their livelihoods. The foundation donated $2,000 to the "tool fund" and by June, association members had raided another $3,900 ― enough for the needed tools and fishing supplies. In mid-July, the Crane family left for Thailand on their relief mission to deliver the tools. MNCBIA Members Also Donate to Tsunami Shelter Fund In addition to supporting the Crane family effort, MNCBIA members also donated $5,000 to the NAHB Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund. The donation came from a reserve the association maintains for disaster relief. In 2002, the association used the fund to help provide relief to several communities in Southern Maryland that were struck by tornadoes. NAHB and the National Housing Endowment have established the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund to raise desperately needed funds to build permanent shelter for the victims of the tsunami disaster in South Asia last year. The fund currently has raised more than $360,000. NAHB has designated Habitat for Humanity® International and Shelter for Life International to be the recipients of the fund. Through NAHB donations, Habitat for Humanity will create a Disaster Response Technical Center in one of the affected countries it is serving. Shelter For Life will build a “Home Builders Care Village” of starter homes in Sri Lanka with NAHB funds. Please Help Please help by making a tax deductible donation to the Home Builders Care/National Housing Endowment-Tsunami Shelter Fund. Please direct your donation check to: National Housing Endowment
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. Henry Bachara, NAHB/FHBA Life Director, Dies at 81Henry Bachara, a Florida Home Builders Association life director and Hall of Fame member and NAHB life director, died on July 28. He was 81. Throughout his career, the Jacksonville builder/developer and founder of Bachara Builders was an advocate for the construction industry and an active leader at the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NFBA), the FHBA and NAHB. He built more than 2,000 middle- to high-end homes. In 1968, he became a charter member of the Zoning and Building Codes Adjustment Board under a newly-formed consolidated city/county government in Jacksonville. In 1971, he was appointed to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, where he ultimately served for 17 consecutive years. He served his local association in many capacities, including as president in 1968. A member since 1958, he helped transform the little-known Greater Jacksonville Home Builders Association into the NFBA, now one of the largest and strongest in the country. He was named the association’s builder of the year in 1978. At the state level, Bachara was named to the FHBA Housing Hall of Fame in 1993. “Henry Bachara will have a lasting influence on the housing industry,” said Arnold Tritt, the MFBA executive officer. “No one will ever surpass his years of service on the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, and no one can replace the mentoring he provided to many area builders.” As a member of NAHB, Bachara was a life Spike. He served on numerous committees, including the Credentials Committee and National Executive Committee and chaired the NAHB Licensing Task Force and NAHB Small Volume Custom Home Committee. Bachara also was a member of the Jacksonville Mayor’s Housing Task Force, the Florida Building Codes Industry Advisory Committee and the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agency, where he was president from 1985-1986. He and his wife, Donna, had four children. NAHB Fall Board Meeting in Reno Sept. 7-11
The following schedule of events is a partial listing provided as a notice for the upcoming NAHB Fall Board of Directors Meeting, which will be held in Reno, Nev. on Sept. 7–11, 2005. Meetings will be held at the Hilton Reno Resort and Casino. The fall board program will identify the exact time and place of each scheduled meeting. Wednesday, September 7
Committees, Subcommittees and Councils Meetings
Friday, September 9
Save on Dell™ Computer ProductsDell, the world's leading computer systems company, offers discounts to NAHB members on an array of products designed to meet the technology needs of your company. Discounts are available on:
Contact the Dell Association Sales Representative at 888-577-3355, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (CT) and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (CT). Other Member Advantage Discounts For the most up-to-date details on the Member Advantage discount program and all of the participating companies, go to www.nahb.org/ma.
Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News — and Earn a Chance to Win Digital Camera Subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News Online. It’s free, easy and NAHB members who sign up three or more employees will be entered into the "Make Your Business Click" contest to win a digital camera. To learn more or sign up your employees, click here.
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 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Log In" button to get started. Once you log in, personalize the site to reflect your interests. Simply go to the My NAHB>My Profile page and click the “Edit Content Preferences” link. To learn more about how you can customize My NAHB — including how to customize the links that appear on the Home page ― visit the How to Use www.nahb.org section. Save More With BuilderBooks.com RewardsBuilderBooks.com is offering it's first-ever Rewards program to provide privileges, savings and rewards to its loyal customers. Launched at the 2005 International Builders’ Show, the program is available for a $9.95 annual fee.
Join the Rewards program today and save on the very books and services that build your business. Click here to start saving.
Subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News Online. It’s free, easy and NAHB members who sign up three or more employees will be entered into the "Make Your Business Click" contest to win a digital camera. To learn more or sign up your employees, click here.
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 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Log In" button to get started. Once you log in, personalize the site to reflect your interests. Simply go to the My NAHB>My Profile page and click the “Edit Content Preferences” link. To learn more about how you can customize My NAHB — including how to customize the links that appear on the Home page ― visit the How to Use www.nahb.org section. Calendar of Events
To view more meetings and events information on the NAHB Web site, click here.
Subscribe your employees to Nation’s Building News Online. It’s free, easy and NAHB members who sign up three or more employees will be entered into the "Make Your Business Click" contest to win a digital camera. To learn more or sign up your employees, click here.
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 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Log In" button to get started. Once you log in, personalize the site to reflect your interests. Simply go to the My NAHB>My Profile page and click the “Edit Content Preferences” link. To learn more about how you can customize My NAHB — including how to customize the links that appear on the Home page ― visit the How to Use www.nahb.org section. |