NBN Online for the week of March 22, 2010

Builders Rise to the Challenge of Corrosive Chinese Drywall

Participants in a March 11 NAHB webinar discussed some of the ways that builders can identify the presence of corrosive Chinese drywall in their homes and address the problem if they find it.

The speakers were from Marsh USA, Inc., a risk management company, and The NMAS Group, which were hired by NAHB to provide their expertise in responding to the unfolding crisis.

[MORE]

Lumber Prices Provided by Random Lengths

Survey: How Do You Gather Your Industry News and Information?

We at NAHB and Hanley Wood value your input and would like your help.

Please tell us how you gather your building industry news and information and which sources you value most by taking a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, the independent research firm known for its "Harris Poll."

The survey should take about 10 to 15 minutes of your time, and the information gathered will be completely confidential and enable us to better meet your needs.

To show our appreciation for your participation and assistance, for each completed survey Hanley Wood will make a donation of $5 to Habitat for Humanity, with a goal of donating at least $6,000.

To participate in the survey, click on the following link, https://surveys.pollg.com/wix/p0874281.aspx?q75=1001, or copy it into your browser.

Thank you for your time and contribution.

—  The editors at NAHB and Hanley Wood

Onerous Health Care Provision for Small Builders in Senate’s Hands

The House late Sunday evening voted 219 to 212 to approve Senate-passed health care bill H.R. 3590. The measure — which includes a provision by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) targeting small businesses in the construction industry — was expected to be signed into law shortly by President Obama.

However, immediately after passing the bill, the House approved an accompanying package of revisions (H.R 4872) by a similar 220 to 211 margin that effectively eliminates the Merkley provision. That package now goes to the Senate under special reconciliation rules that require only a simple majority to pass.

Lead-Paint Rule Could Blunt Home-Star Energy Retrofit Push

Remodeling members of NAHB have visited Capitol Hill and the White House in recent weeks in an effort to delay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of new Lead Safe Work Practices for contractors working on older homes.

The EPA only began certifying trainers for the regulation last July, and with the new rules set to go into effect in a matter of weeks — on April 22 — there are still only a small number around the country who are qualified to teach contractors and their subs what they need to do to comply.