NARI Today by Remodelinform

March 2014 | Vol 19 | No 2

NYC/LI Chapter | National Association of the Remodeling Industry

A Groundbreaking Remodeling Industry Event is Coming to Long Island!

Join us at the April Dinner Meeting

Professional Remodeler magazine proudly announces that its inaugural Leadership Tour event will be held April 16, 2014 in Long Island

Wednesday, April 16th CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUB

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Thursday, March 20th | March Dinner Meeting P L U S A S P E C I A L P R E S E N TAT I O N

The Affordable Care Act

What All Business Owners Need to Know About the New Health Care Law SPONSORED BY

FERGUSON NY METRO Visit us at nari-ny.org

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2/26/14 3:19 PM

President’s Message

KERRY O’BRIEN, PE

Give a man a fish… NYC/LI CHAPTER OFFICERS Chairperson of the Board John Hogan, Mid-State Lumber President Kerry O’Brien, PE T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating Vice President Joanne Bechhoff, UDCP G.B. Construction & Development Vice President Dan Vazquez Huttig Building Products Secretary Lauren Gardner, Wanerka Electric Treasurer Patrick Bentivegna, CR Benco Construction

Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will sit on his boat and drink beer all day. Well, I’m not sure if that is exactly how it goes, but I do know that there is more to fishing than putting bait on a hook and sitting around and drinking beer. If you want to be successful, there is a lot more to it. There is a lot to learn and a lot you need to know. It can take years, sometimes a lifetime, to become a great fisherman. Becoming a top remodeler also takes a lot of knowledge. The best have a passion for learning their craft and always striving for excellence. It takes years to develop the knowledge, contacts and resources necessary to do a top quality job. It requires technical skills, sales skills, marketing skills, accounting skills, bookkeeping skills, business skills and people skills. A remodeler needs to effectively work with, and coordinate between, different trades, homeowners, architects and designers. The best remodelers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, materials and techniques.

Legal Counsel Karl Silverberg, Silverberg, PC Historian Barry Goggin, MCR, CKBR Barry Goggin Construction Executive Director Regina Biondo Board of Directors Dawn Cameron, CRA Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Laurence Carolan, GCP, CR, UDCP House of Laurence Doug Dervin, CR, CLC Double D Contractors Rob Kirsic, CKBR Timeline Renovations, Inc. Sharon McGovern Nassau Suffolk Lumber

The most challenging and rewarding part of becoming a remodeling contractor can be learning to run a business. NARI has educational programs that can reduce the learning curve required to become a top remodeler. The Certified Remodeler (CR) program is like a “top remodeler in a box.” The program will enhance your understanding of technical knowledge of the various trades. It also dives into accounting, bookkeeping, and business practices. In short, all the skills required to be a top remodeler. This spring our local chapter of NARI will begin a new CR class. Let the NARI CR course ”teach you how to fish.” If you become really successful, then maybe you can drink beer on your boat all day. Kerry O’Brien, PE | President, NYC/LI Chapter of NARI T.F. O’Brien Cooling and Heating 1219 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 516-488-1800

April WEDNESDAY, 4/2 | EXCAVATION SAFETY EXPO | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Huntington Hilton

Dominick Mupo Chelsea Home Remodeling

WEDNESDAY, 4/2 | CONTRACTOR’S COUNCIL/GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | NARI Office

Tony Tiso, MCR, CKBR Jarro Building Ind.

THURSDAY, 4/3 | PRESIDENT’S BREAKFAST | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Happy Times Café, 535 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY.

Editor Troy Blewett, 4DMI NARI Today is published for NARI NYC LI, by 4th Dimension Media, Inc. 262-646-6325

THURSDAY, 4/3 | PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | NARI Office APRIL 4, 5 & 6 | LONG ISLAND SPRING HOME SHOW | Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum MONDAY, 4/7 | EDUCATION/COMMUNITY SERVICE/NYC INITIATIVE/PROGRAMMING 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | NARI Office WEDNESDAY, 4/16 | APRIL DINNER MEETING | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Tpke, Woodbury | Sponsored by: Professional Remodeler Note: The NARI office is located at 115 Broad Hollow Road Ste 100-C, Melville, NY.

March 2014

NARI TODAY 3

A Message from the Executive Director

REGINA BIONDO

Growth NARI’s fourth-quarter Remodeling Business Pulse (RBP) data of current and future remodeling business conditions continues to show growth and our members report the high overall rating on favorable business conditions. Many remodelers entered 2014 with jobs in the pipeline, which hasn’t happened in the past few years, although inquiries, requests for bids and conversion of bids are down in Q4. Yet, that backlog has given remodelers confidence that the overall business conditions will remain positive. Conversion of bids to jobs continues to be the weakest measure when compared to the same time last year.Yet, the projected strength of sales in three months had a significant increase both in our region and across the nation. NARI offers ongoing opportunities for you to invest in your professional growth: Each month we host EPA Certification courses at the NARI office to satisfy the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Final Rule (40 CFR 475) that requires that renovations be performed by certified firms using certified renovators. Renovation firms working in pre-1978 homes or child occupied facilities must successfully complete a Certified Renovator Course delivered by an EPA approved training firm. This 8-hour course meets all requirements of the EPA final rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule.You will learn lead safe work practices and how to work safely and effectively. Certification is valid for 5 years after course completion. Starting in March, we are offering the new education classes toward NARI Certification as a CR (Certified Remodeler); CKBR (Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler); CPM (Certified Project Manager) and CLC (Certified Lead Carpenter). NARI certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the remodeling industry and a commitment to professional conduct…and it rewards both you and your business for years to come. Finally, you won’t want to miss our dinner meeting on March 20th at Carlyle at the Palace where we will have a presentation and open discussion on the Affordable Care Act: how it will affect you as business owners; what are the benefits, rights and protections; what are the new rules for insurance companies; what are the new rules for tax credits and cost-sharing reduction subsidies; and anything else you may want to know about the new health care laws. Call the NARI office at 631-673-6274 for information on how to sign up for these certification classes or to make a dinner reservation.

Happy anniversary to me! As I complete my first year as Executive Director at NARI, I too have experienced growth, and so I leave you with a few insights: • Say yes to every opportunity. You will experience and learn things you never imagined. • Be willing to get outside of your comfort zone. Exchanging ideas with people whose thoughts, culture and experiences are different ultimately leads to a learning experience. • Everyone has something to offer, even the people you want to strangle in their sleep. Don’t form your opinion of anyone based on someone else’s. • Authority comes from sharing power, not holding it. • Lead by example. • Don’t complain about something without suggesting a solution. • Be bold and try to take knowledgeable risks. Be OK with failure. • Question conventional wisdom; don’t assume the “done” thing is the right thing. • Know why your organization exists. Try to never stray from that. And then set to work questioning everything else. Question in the service of understanding. • Principles mean something. Mission means something. Work from values. Standing for something always wins over being popular. Know that sometimes when you need to take a stand it will make others uncomfortable. Try to do this with grace. • Always say thank you. Thank you. Regina Biondo Executive Director, NYC/LI NARI 115 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 100-C, Melville, NY 11747 rbiondo@nari-ny.org | 631-673-6274

Our annual golf outing will be held July 14th at Port Jefferson Country Club.

NARI TODAY

March 2014

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Members News New Members

A hearty welcome to our newest members. We look forward to seeing you at future NARI events. Ben’s General Contracting Best Price Renovations LLC Bullfrog Remodeling FDF Contractors Huber Engineered Woods Island Pro Digital LI Emergency Power National Building and Roofing Supplies Inc. Palermo Flooring Inc. Platinum Designs Topline Gutters & Siding Inc. West Flooring & Design

Mark Your Calendar

March 20th is our monthly dinner meeting. Sponsored by Ferguson NY Metro, it’s being held at Carlyle at the Palace in Plainview, NY. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a special presentation: The Affordable Care Act—What All Business Owners Need to Know About the New Health Care Law. Tickets are $55 for members who pre-register; $65 for nonmembers and walk-in. Call 631-673-6274 for reservations.

Good Luck to our Regional Winners at the National CotY Awards!

Chrysalis Awards Deadline is March 28

Since 1993, The Chrysalis Awards have honored the finest remodeling projects in the nation that reflect the professional excellence of the residential and commercial remodeling industry.Visit http://chrysalisawards.com/entrydownload.html for more information or to enter a project.

Thank You Dinner Sponsors

Monthly sponsors for our March and April dinners are Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery and Professional Remodeler magazine, respectively. Ferguson is the largest wholesale distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies and pipe, valves and fittings in the U.S. The company is also a major distributor of HVAC/R equipment, waterworks and industrial products and services. They also supply an array of kitchen, bath, lighting, fireplaces and appliances. Ferguson NY Metro and its employees are committed to the success of your next project. Professional Remodeler magazine is a leading industry trade magazine that provides breaking news, trends and best practices for the remodeling industry. Each issue provides valuable information to help remodelers improve their craft and their business.

Benco Construction is proud to announce the

appointment of Bob Didier as VP Production. “We are excited to have Bob on board as a key member of our team,” says Pat Bentivegna, President of Benco Construction.

Join Us! Leading Markets Leading Professionals Leading Brands

Wednesday, April 16th Crest Hollow Country Club 8325 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury, NY 11797

You may also register by e-mail to tbeach@nari-ny.org or by phone, 631-673-6274 6

NARI TODAY

March 2014

A Groundbreaking Remodeling Industry Event is Coming to Long Island! Professional Remodeler magazine proudly announces that its inaugural Leadership Tour event will be held April 16, 2014 in Long Island

Speakers Patrick O’Toole

Mark Richardson, CR

2599 ROUTE 112 MEDFORD, NY 11763

WWW.TRIANGLEBP.COM

PH: 631-654-3500

2014 | NARI’s Annual Contractor Trade Show

Chief Deputy County Executive of Nassau County Rob Walker (3rd from left) helped kick-off the 2014 NARI NKBA Contractor Trade Show Front row from left to right: Harris Boshak Florence Corp Kerry O’Brien TF O’Brien Cooling & Heating Rob Walker Chief Deputy County Executive of Nassau County

Debbie Margolies Dellon Sales Brent Brake Dellon Sales Dan Vazquez Huttig Building Products Barry Goggin Barry Goggin Construction

Back Row from left to right: Ed Palace Newbridge Coverage John Hogan Mid-State Lumber Lynn Silverman Cosentino

Regina Biondo NARI Executive Director Laurence Carolan House of Laurence Pat Bentivegna Benco Construction Robert Kirsic TimeLine Renovations

March 2014

NARI TODAY 9

Members Benefits

NARI Provides Members with a Host of Benefits Being a NARI member has helped my business in many ways. First, NARI has many great educational programs and certifications specifically for the remodeling industry. As someone interested in green remodeling products and building practices, I was able to become a Green Certified Remodeler through one of these programs. The Green Certified Remodeler program taught me how to explain and sell the benefits of using green products and building practices. In addition, I recently took their Certified Remodeler Project Manager course. It taught me to manage my projects more efficiently, which allows me to do more projects at one time. I am looking forward to taking their CR program next. NARI has also provided me with a platform to showcase my work. In 2012, I entered two projects into the NARI CotY Awards, winning a Gold and Silver award. This recognition has been great for employee morale. We now treat every project as if we were entering the CotY Award program, no matter how big or small the project. We won Platinum and Silver awards this year. We also entered National and won a Regional award. Importantly, we tout these awards in our marketing and advertising material.

NARI TODAY

March 2014

NARI has also surrounded me with other remodelers who take pride in their work and follow the same Code of Ethics. I was welcomed with open arms at my first dinner meeting. Recently, I have been encouraged to apply to participate on the NARI Board of Directors. Supplier members also seem to go the extra mile for other NARI members. More than 95% of the materials I purchase are from suppliers who are NARI members. NARI members truly try to support other NARI members My experience with NARI has been great. I would recommend NARI to any remodeler who is looking to join a professional trade organization. Desmond Greaves DG Custom Built Homes & Remodeling 13 West Bay Shore Road Bay Shore, NY 11706 (631) 253-0728

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Legal

The Scaffold Law My name is Ben Jackson, I am a new NARI member and I am on the Government Affairs/Contractors Council of NYC/LI NARI. I have been a general contractor for over thirty years and we are based in Freeport. What is the scaffold law and how does it affect me? Let’s talk about the effects first. The scaffold law, otherwise known as labor law 240/241, is creating exponential increases in general liability rates. This law is also chasing insurance companies out of New York who are willing to write general liability. Not only is it difficult to get a policy written, most policies carry exclusions that you would need to be aware of. Under the scaffold law, if an employee of a subcontractor gets hurt, even if he is drunk, he can sue you directly as a GC beyond workman’s compensation. If you have what is called a third party exclusion on your liability policy, guess what? You’re not covered. The scaffold law is costing NY state $1.487 billion dollars every year and $785 million of that is from the private sector. It is estimated that reformation of this law would create 25% more construction jobs in the state. Although most of these jobs would be in commercial construction, the economic effect in NY would help every NARI member. The scaffold law was put into effect in 1885 when highrise construction was starting to boom. In 1885 there was no workman’s compensation or labor board or unions. The protections were a necessity. Since then, plenty of protections have evolved. The scaffold law basically states that if a worker has any “gravity related accident” the building owner and the general contractor are 100% liable. This absolute liability creates an opening for trial attorneys. Trial attorneys do not need to prove fault, only award amount. This is the only type of law suit where this is true. Six out of ten of the largest law suits in NY were due to the scaffold law.

Trial attorneys have a very powerful lobby in Albany. They have developed a load of propaganda about how the scaffold law makes jobs safe. The reality is that it makes jobs unsafe. Our lawmakers are comprised of mainly trial attorneys. This is a clear conflict of interest. Sheldon Silvers, the speaker of the house, is admittedly against reforming the law. He also receives a salary from Weitz & Luxenberg of $450,000 a year. This is clearly a conflict of interest and a disgrace. Cornell University recently released a study, which clearly states that the scaffold law is responsible for 677 additional injuries a year. It is proven to be less safe. Illinois was the last state to abolish the archaic law in 1995. Everyone agreed that abolishing the law brought in many more jobs and improved the economy of Illinois. I am not proposing to abolish the law. I propose that it just be reformed so that there is no more absolute liability. I think it is only fair that if an employee doesn’t follow safety instructions, or comes in drunk or stoned or just doesn’t care about safety, they should be held accountable for their actions as in every other type of suit and like every other state in the nation. I would like the support of every NARI Member so that we can ease the insurance burden on our industry, which has been called an epidemic and will only get much worse quickly. If anyone wants more info please feel free to contact me at 516-623-2945. Also see the video at www.longislandny.tv/video.php?id=204.

Ben Jackson Bens General Contracting Corp 19 Suffolk Street Freeport, NY 11520 516-623-2945

Mark Your Calendar! March Dinner

Thursday, March 20th at 6:00pm Carlyle at the Palace 1600 Round Swamp Road, Plainview

Plus a Special Presentation The Affordable Care Act:

What All Business Owners Need to Know About the New Health Care Law $55 Pre-registered Member Price $65 Non-Member Price & Walk-in Price To make your reservation, please call 631-673-6274 Sponsored by

FERGUSON NY METRO 12

NARI TODAY

March 2014

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March 2014

NARI TODAY 13

Members Benefits

A Supplier’s Story My name is Jessica DiBiasi and I am the owner of North Fork Energy, a distributor of fireplaces, stoves and heating products. NFE has been an active member of the NYC/LI NARI Chapter since 2012. I was introduced to NARI by my partner, Starlite Propane, who has been a member since 2009. Throughout our 7 years of membership, NARI has been a reliable resource for referrals, and has provided us with quality clients. The continued benefits of membership have helped my business grow immeasurably. In our industry, professional affiliations are incredibly important. NARI members are highly respected, especially within the remodeling industry. NARI holds its members to a higher standard; higher than any other professional groups to which I have belonged. NARI members are reliable, honest, hard-working professionals who take pride in their work and provide their customers with the quality they demand, along with the professionalism they deserve. That is why the NARI logo is so respected. I believe my affiliation has definitely given me an advantage over my competitors. My business is located in the North Fork region of Long Island. Although, we have a population of over 22,000, it can sometimes feel like we are “in the middle of nowhere,” and I find it hard to connect with contractors and homeowners in the NYC/ Long Island region. Having an ad in Remodeling Today has provided us with

www.nari-ny.org

NARI is a Not-For-Profit Association

the exposure we needed. NARI is everywhere. The perks of NARI are frequently overlooked and underused. Have you considered joining a committee? Two years ago I joined the Golf Committee. North Fork Energy now participates both as a sponsor and as volunteers. The day brings great exposure and an introduction to every member/ non-member that participates. Those introductions have started some great business relationships and have led to my role in the Membership Committee. Just recently, with the help of Dawn Cameron and the rest of the Membership Committee, NFE just successfully hosted its second Meet & Greet Networking Event. Thanks to the hard-working members of the committee, we saw many new contacts come right to our front door, in addition to prospective NARI members, whom I look forward working with in the future. I truly feel that NARI has been a big contributor to the growth of my business. This chapter provides us with educational seminars, updates on congressional laws, and a family who is committed to the future of the remodeling industry. Jessica DiBiasi North Fork Energy 28735 Main Rd, PO Box 953 Cutchogue, New York 11935 Phone: 631-734-8603 Fax: 631-734-8168 northforkfireplaces.com

Fall/Winter 2013

March 2014 | Vol 19 | No 2

Showcasing NARI NYC/LI’s Award-Winning Remodelers NYC/LI Chapter | National Association of the Remodeling Industry

A Groundbreaking Remodeling Industry Event is Coming to Long Island!

www.remodelinform.com

Join us at the April Dinner Meeting

Wednesday, April 16th CREST HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUB

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Thursday, March 20th | March Dinner Meeting Setting Your Expectations

P L U S A S P E C I A L P R E S E N TAT I O N

The Affordable Care Act

What All Business Owners Need to Know About the New Health Care Law

Modern Renovation Transforms Beautiful Colonial