The Digest | Jan-Mar 2022

Digest T H E

JANUARY–MARCH 2022

The Biggest Night of the Year INTRODUCING

2022 Board of Directors

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

BUSINESS TIPS

2021 Award Recipients

Building a Safety Program

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Contents JAN UA RY – M ARC H

2 0 2 2

29 49 HOUSING FIRST

IN THE INDUSTRY

4

From the President

15 Advocacy in Action

5

2022 Board of Directors

James Julkowski kicks off the year as president of your association

Meet the leadership teams of Housing First Minnesota and its Foundation

8

Elite Sponsors

9

First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway

Thank you to our industry partners

Helping grow homeownership opportunities in Minnesota

UP NEXT

10 Events

See what’s coming up next for industry events

12 Need to Know

A review of 2021 and looking forward in 2022

39

20 Industry Data

Single-family permits reach decade high in 2021

BUSINESS TIPS

25 Q+A: Ask the Building Inspector Inspector Peter Kulczyk answers your questions

28 Maximize Your Marketing

Exclusive adversting options for Housing First Minnesota members

33 Safety That Sticks

Steps to build and implement a compliant safety program for your team

A quick look at what’s going on at your association JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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Digest T H E

Board of Directors EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT JAMES JULKOWSKI, Julkowski, Inc. VICE PRESIDENT JOHN QUINLIVAN, Gordon James TREASURER ART PRATT, Pratt Homes ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT SUNNY BOWMAN, Dakota County Lumber Company SECRETARY DALE LOEFFLER, Marvin IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT TODD POLIFKA, Custom One Homes PAST ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT RYAN RUTZICK, All, Inc. BOARD + COMMITTEE CHAIRS ADVOCACY CHAIR TONY WIENER, Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc. AMBASSADOR CHAIR KRISTIN REINITZ, Admit One Home Systems ARTISAN HOME TOUR CHAIR JOHN KRAEMER, John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR

JAMIE THARP, Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC

PARADE OF HOMES CHAIR SARAH DULONG, Ron Clark Construction PAST PRESIDENTS’ ADVISORY COUNCIL CHRIS CONTRERAS, M/I Homes REMODELERS CHAIR SAMANTHA GROSE, Oak & Arrow Homes SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR KIRK VAN SLOOTEN, Streeter Custom Builder MEMBER AT-LARGE TIM FOHR, Lennar MEMBER AT-LARGE PETER MARTIN, Pella Windows & Doors

ON THE COVER: JASON DERUSHA OF WCCO EMCEES HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA’S BIG NIGHT EVENT

Staff EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID SIEGEL FINANCE & OPER ATIONS VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE JANICE MEYER FINANCE DIRECTOR TAMMI HALL

BUILDING FUTURES

38 Driven to Make an Impact See what’s happening with your association’s charitable arm

MEMBERSHIP + EVENTS VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS NICOLE COON MEMBERSHIP MANAGER CHRISTOPHER HAGNESS MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS COORDINATOR KIM CARTER EDUCATION & SPECIAL EVENTS

MEMBERS O N LY

41 Member Spotlight: Award Winners

See the 2021 award recipients from the BIG Night

51 In the Media 54 Photo Galleries

Clay Shoot BIG Night State of the Industry

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & SPECIAL EVENTS TOM GAVARAS EDUCATION & SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR MARY BETH BLOM ADVOCACY VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVOCACY JAMES VAGLE DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL AFFAIRS MARK FOSTER DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & REGULATORY AFFAIRS NICK ERICKSON COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR KATIE ELFSTROM COMMUNICATIONS & RESEARCH COORDINATOR KRISTEN OBER ADVOCACY COORDINATOR KATE WIGLEY CREATIVE SERVICES VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & CREATIVE DAWNITA PARMELY EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER LAURA BURT ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR LAURIE SPARTZ

60 Member News & New Members

CREATIVE SERVICES & TECH COORDINATOR CASEY SCOZZARI

62 Member Benefits

FOUNDATION MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER ERIN MILBURN

63 A Constant Evolution

INDEPENDENT CONTR ACTORS

Executive Director David Siegel digs into what lies ahead for Housing First Minnesota

DIGITAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER EMILY DOHENY FOUNDATION FOUNDATION EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR MELISSA ANDRISANI

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP SALES KORI MEEWES & BRAD MEEWES, and more by Kori DESIGN HANNAH SWAN, Good Creative Co., LLC

C O N TAC T U S

2960 Centre Pointe Drive, Roseville, MN 55113 • 651-697-1954 • HousingFirstMN.org The Digest magazine is an official publication of Housing First Minnesota. The Digest is published and distributed four times per year to members of Housing First Minnesota and others associated with the housing industry. Neither the advertisers, nor Housing First Minnesota, will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. For advertising rates, resource files or address change information, contact Housing First Minnesota. Suggestions, ideas and letters are welcome.

If circumstances require, Housing First Minnesota reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of The Digest issues published on an annual basis.

2

The Digest

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A high-performance home by Julkowski, Inc. under construction in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Strengthening Our Collective Voice In my first column as president of our association, I want to express what an honor it is to represent such a great industry in Minnesota, to work with this talented group of board members and staff, and to have the chance to make a difference for so many current and prospective homeowners in our state.

It’s surprising even to me how many different aspects of construction I’ve become involved in through my company, Julkowski, Inc. We do remodeling, mostly in the Twin Cities, and that side of the business continues to grow. We are also involved in renovating commercial spaces such as hotels throughout Greater Minnesota. And we do land development and construction for senior housing projects that we own around the state, both south and north of the Twin Cities.

For those of you who build or remodel outside of our state’s major cities, I’m sure you’ll agree that the environment for construction of any type is very different in the rural parts of the state. City officials, building officials, and regulators seem to be much more welcoming.

Regrettably, in our larger cities, where the

4

The Digest

need to construct market-rate affordable homes is so pressing, the regulatory environment is depressing.

No matter where you live in Minnesota, you should have the opportunity for homeownership, and research shows that some 90% of our state’s residents want to own a home. The American dream of homeownership is alive in Minnesota.

The problem is that the marketplace is currently not allowed to function openly.

Housing First Minnesota is working hard to change that. It’s not easy. We’re battling systems that have been in place for many decades. We’re fighting issues of control, and far too many cities want to hold onto control to the detriment of a healthy housing market.

The broad answer is to let the marketplace work. Housing First Minnesota is relentless in pursuit of a better marketplace. Because it will work. We’re spearheading an effort with concerned legislators of both parties to bring real reform and reimagination to our state’s housing regulatory

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

framework. We honestly believe that the future of our state depends on a healthy housing market. After all, what’s more vital and critical to a household than their home?

We can best do this work when we join together and speak with a powerful voice.

We have the greatest success when membership is strong. Whether you are a builder, remodeler, or trade partner, the decision to be a member and be involved isn’t really just about more business. Join and get engaged to support a healthy housing market in our state. That will lift us all to greater heights in the year ahead.

I couldn’t be more excited to serve this association. We do really good work.

In a future column, I’ll share with you some innovations such as our First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway, our upcoming House Party music festival honoring homeownership, and our reimagined Northern Design Build Experience.

Thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to provide leadership.

JAMES JULKOWSKI 2022 HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA PRESIDENT

2022 LEADERSHIP

2022 HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

Board of Directors THANK YOU to our association’s elected volunteer leaders for their dedication to advancing homeownership for all Minnesotans.

PRESIDENT*

VICE PRESIDENT*

TREASURER*

James Julkowski

John Quinlivan

Art Pratt

Julkowski, Inc.

Gordon James

ADVOCACY CHAIR

Ryan Rutzick

Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc.

All, Inc.

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT*

Sunny Bowman

Pratt Homes

PAST ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT*

Tony Wiener

* Denotes executive board

SECRETARY*

Dale Loeffler Marvin

Dakota County Lumber Company

AMBASSADOR CHAIR

ARTISAN HOME TOUR CHAIR

LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR

Kristin Reinitz

John Kraemer

Jamie Tharp

Admit One Home Systems

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC

PAST PRESIDENTS’ ADVISORY COUNCIL

REMODELERS CHAIR

SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Sarah Dulong

Chris Contreras

Samantha Grose

Kirk Van Slooten

Lennar

M/I Homes

Todd Polifka

Custom One Homes

PARADE OF HOMES CHAIR Ron Clark Construction

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT*

Oak & Arrow Homes

Streeter Custom Builder

Tim Fohr

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Peter Martin

Pella Windows & Doors

2 0 2 2 I N I T I AT I V E S

1. Launch the Parade of Homes House Party Music Festival The Parade of Homes House Party brings our community together for a music and ideas festival in celebration of homeownership and the positive impact owning a home has on our community.

2. Launch the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway Research shows that nearly 110,000 Minnesota families are less than $10,000 away from becoming homeowners. To help these hardworking Minnesotans buy their very first home, Housing First Minnesota will be offering the opportunity to win down payment assistance.

3. Grow Membership The value Housing First Minnesota brings to the residential construction marketplace is undeniable. From our nation-leading advocacy and home tours to the work of our Foundation and our industry events and education, we are the glue that bonds the industry together. We need to share this message with more of those businesses in our industry and welcome them into membership.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

The Digest

5

2022 LEADERSHIP

2022 HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

Board of Directors THANK YOU to our Foundation’s volunteer leaders for their dedication to building futures through housing.

* Denotes executive board

PRESIDENT*

VICE PRESIDENT*

TREASURER*

SECRETARY*

Kate Hamilton

Jim Fuschetto

Meg Jaeger

Jeremy Larson

Custom One Homes

Lyman Lumber Co.

MEMBER AT-LARGE*

Gary Kirt

Mega Remodel

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Hampton Companies, LLC

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT*

MEMBER AT-LARGE*

Paul Roecker

Gotcha Covered North Suburbs

Lyman Roofing & Siding

MEMBER AT-LARGE

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Bob Bennett

Sunny Bowman

Todd Polifka

Custom One Homes

Dakota County Lumber Company

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Ricky Cheath

Movement Mortgage

MEMBER AT-LARGE

MEMBER AT-LARGE

MEMBER AT-LARGE

MEMBER AT-LARGE

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Amy Hendel

Tim Liester

Steve Dobin

Ken Oetjen

Rachel Julkowski

Hendel Homes

Old National Bank

Lyman Lumber Co.

Kathy Raph

Julkowski, Inc.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Sam Wick

FocalPoint Flooring, Cabinets & Design

2 0 2 2 I N I T I AT I V E S

1. Brand Awareness Continue to extend the brand awareness of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, with a particular focus beyond the construction industry.

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The Digest

2. Moonshot Construct four single-family, transitional houses along with four accessory dwelling units for veterans experiencing homeless.

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

3. Service Provider Outreach Continue to seek partnerships with nonprofit service providers who share our goal of a future without homelessness.

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We are all proud of the role we play in building community in Minnesota—in providing safe, durable homes at a price families can afford in communities they love. Homes and the families that live in them are at the heart of every community across our state.

Our Elite Partners go one step further. They not only embrace the cause of the industry, but they also provide tremendous resources that help activate that purpose and make it a reality. Their support of our industry association grows our capacity to create great events that connect our members with each other and with consumers.

They help us advance the interests of our industry to elected leaders, regulators, policymakers, and the media. Whether it’s marketing, advocacy, connections, education, Green Path, or recruiting youth into our industry, our Elite Partners play a vital role.

As you consider the products and services you need to be successful in 2022, please remember the deep engagement of our Elite Partners and provide them the opportunity to meet with you and show you how they can help your business grow this year and in coming years.

Housing First Minnesota thanks our Elite Partners for their commitment. Many have been in these elite ranks for more than a decade and that kind of loyalty is rare. So, with the greatest of appreciation, we honor our Elite Partners and encourage the industry to seek out their products and services in the year ahead.

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JAMES JULKOWSKI

DAVID SIEGEL

2022 PRESIDENT, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

F I R ST - T I M E H O M E B U Y E R

$10K

Giveaway

How can I help?

Each commitment of $11,500 will result in a down payment of $10,000 to a first-time homebuyer.

What will my company receive?

Owning a home provides stability and brings better emotional and physical health, strong community engagement, and better educational outcomes. There is no greater creator of generational wealth than homeownership.

Beyond the innate satisfaction of knowing that you just helped a family purchase their very first home, you will receive significant recognition for your efforts:

Homeownership is all of it, but it is not attainable for everyone.

For so many Minnesotans, the prospect of owning a home is tantalizingly close and within their means, but day-to-day expenses prevent them from saving enough to secure that initial down payment. Their dream of homeownership is just out of reach.

Research shows that nearly 110,000 Minnesota families are less than $10,000 away from becoming homeowners.

To help these hard-working Minnesotans buy their very first home, Housing First Minnesota is launching the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway, and we are seeking your support.

You can make a difference in the lives of these everyday Minnesotans by contributing one or more down payments.

Your generosity can ensure their housing security and give them the foundation they need to soar.

We have a vision at Housing First Minnesota that all who wish to own a home in our state should have the opportunity to do so. We’re committed to providing the opportunity for homeownership for everyone, everywhere in our state. We ask you to join the movement to grow homeownership opportunities.

•

Coverage in the Housing Industry News newspaper, mailed six times per year to all mayors, chambers of commerce, legislators, and licensed contractors in Minnesota

•

Coverage in the quarterly Digest magazine, mailed to all members of Housing First Minnesota

•

Coverage in the Parade of Homes guidebook, published each spring and fall and distributed to more than 160,000 home-interested consumers

•

Coverage on the Parade of Homes website, with more than 200,000 annual visitors

•

Recognition at the annual Parade of Homes House Party — a music and ideas festival coming summer 2022

To join us, contact: Janice Meyer at 651-697-7566 or Janice@HousingFirstMN.org

Down payment contributions are deductible as ordinary and necessary business expense.

The down payment drawing will be proctored by a nationally recognized accounting firm.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

The Digest

9

UP NEXT

Events UPCOMING

FIND THE ENTIRE 2022 EVENT CALENDAR & REGISTRATION DETAILS AT

HOUSINGFIRSTMN.ORG/EVENTS

Contractor University Earn your continuing education credits at Contractor University featuring 30 online/on-demand courses available all year, plus live webinar courses available through March 2022 on select dates. Contractor U has the largest variety of online courses for Minnesota contractors—course topics include building and energy codes, legal, business management, and more!

REGISTER AT

ContractorU.com

Live online courses available now-March 2022 On-demand courses available all year

KickStart Join us for our KickStart + Happy Hour, an event built to help you make the most out of your membership and network with other industry peers. Meet the Housing First Minnesota membership team, and get your questions answered. Members old and new are welcome to attend.

REGISTER AT

HousingFirstMN.org/ Events

February 8 & April 12, 2022

Housing Day at the Capitol Housing Day at the Capitol serves as a way for you to get involved and share with legislators the key issues the housing industry faces every day. It is more important than ever that we explain the roadblocks that stand in the way of building new housing in our state with legislators.

Homeownership is threatened in Minnesota. Help us change that.

REGISTER AT

HousingDayMN.org

March 7, 2022

Spring Parade of Homes There is no better opportunity for members to showcase new homes to qualified homebuyers than our Parade of Homes tour. Hundreds of new homes across the Twin Cities are open Thurs.-Sun. from noon-6 p.m.

PLAN YOUR TOUR AT

ParadeofHomes.org

March 12–April 10, 2022

Spring Remodelers Showcase Remodelers often tell us they get 50% or more of their annual leads by participating in the Remodelers Showcase. See remodeled homes open across the Twin Cities for three days from noon-6 p.m.

PLAN YOUR TOUR AT

ParadeofHomes.org

April 8–10, 2022

Housing First Minnesota Foundation Gala Join us for a night of generosity as the industry comes together to support our Foundation’s work building and remodeling transitional housing for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness. Inspirational stories, dinner, drinks, dancing, and live and silent auctions will make the night exceptional. Be the difference—make an impact.

May 20, 2022

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The Digest

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

DETAILS AT

FoundationGala.org

Building in Energy Efficiency with Sign up for the CenterPoint Energy High Efficiency Homes program ™

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Rebate amounts: Percent of gas savings above baseline

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$1,000

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$2,000

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40% gas savings and above**

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Rebates subject to change.

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Need to Know Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway We are excited to launch the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway to help more Minnesotans achieve their dream of homeownership by directly helping buyers with that critical down payment.

There is a growing group of Minnesotans who find the dream of affordable homeownership just out of reach.

In fact, nearly 110,000 Minnesotans find themselves less than $10,000 short of owning their own home.

We have a vision at Housing First Minnesota that all who wish to own a home in our state should have the opportunity to do so. We’re committed to providing the opportunity for homeownership for everyone, everywhere in our state. We ask you to join the movement to grow homeownership opportunities.

How can I help?

You can make a difference in the lives of these everyday Minnesotans by contributing one or more down payments. Each commitment of $11,500 will result in a down payment of $10,000 to a first-time homebuyer.

TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT

Janice Meyer Janice@HousingFirstMN.org

Spring Award Deadlines Your hard work deserves recognition!

Enter the Housing First Minnesota awards program that recognizes excellence in several areas—from quality and value of construction to business ethics. Enter so we can celebrate the fine work you do!

Spring Reggie Entry: Closed Spring Trillium Opens: February 4, 2022 Spring Trillium Entry Due: March 11, 2022 Spring Reggie Photos Due: Separate Reggie photos are no longer needed! To streamline the entry process, the Reggie Award will now use the home images submitted for your Parade of Homes entry. Submit up to three images for the home’s online listing (even if the single-photo layout option is selected for the printed guidebook).

Photos will be downloaded for the Reggie Award on April 1, 2022.

DETAILS AT

HousingFirstMN.org/Awards

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The Digest

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

UP NEXT

Online Contractor University Classes Earn your continuing education credits through Contractor University’s online courses. With more than 30 courses available, you’ll find specialized classes that provide useful and practical knowledge to apply to your business.

ONLINE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND AT

SPONSORED BY

ContractorU.com

Designated Green Path Builder Become an industry leader with the Designated Green Path Builder program. Enjoy recognition in both building industry and consumer marketing including the Parade of Homes guidebook and website, and gain access to exclusive Designated Green Path Builder program benefits.

SPONSORED BY

DETAILS AT

MNGreenPath.org

Become an Advertiser or Sponsor Our sponsorship opportunities enhance your ability to communicate your products and services to other members and engaged consumers.

Your participation as a sponsor is a great win-win opportunity: you gain exposure to your key markets and Housing First Minnesota can continue offering high-quality programs to members, outreach to the community, and advocacy to create a healthy market.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR DETAILS

Kori Meewes Kori@HousingFirstMN.org Brad Meewes Brad@HousingFirstMN.org

Everything Home Minnesota Is your membership directory information accurate? Make sure your company information is right at the fingertips of members and homeowners in Everything Home Minnesota.

Our annual membership directory has been expanded to include category features, member company listings, and classified listings.

MANAGE YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING AT

HousingFirstMN.org ADVERTISING QUESTIONS? CONTACT

Kori Meewes Kori@HousingFirstMN.org Brad Meewes Brad@HousingFirstMN.org JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

The Digest

13

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

The legislative session in 2021 brought affordability and housing supply issues to the forefront in a new and powerful way. The Minnesota Senate’s bipartisan advancement of zoning and permitting modernization was a high point in the ongoing discussion on how to fix Minnesota’s housing supply problem. On the affordability front, the annual pushes for new impact fees were met with a sharp and sustained skepticism from legislators, resulting in the stoppage of new transportation impact fees and park fee expansion for housing developments.

In the regulatory space, the electrical code was challenged and the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule continued its long trip through the rulemaking process. Housing First Minnesota’s work to ensure that these rules are balanced to account for costs and implementation has improved them immensely. Beyond this, our work to engage other organizations in these regulatory discussions has been critically important. Rounding out this work is the technical work surrounding the building permit issues that have emerged over the past few years. Concerns about overpriced permit and plan review processes by local governments has garnered the attention of regulators who are attempting find a better balance.

2021 Success, Looking Ahead in 2022 In an industry as large and impactful as housing, there is never a shortage of pressing industry issues. In this regard, 2021 was right on schedule with a host of supply, regulatory, and legal issues. I’m pleased to report that Housing First Minnesota successfully protected our industry by limiting cost drivers that unnecessarily drive home prices for your customers, homeowners across our region. We also found great success in advancing the unifying message of growing homeownership opportunities for all Minnesotans. This is reflected in the media’s coverage of housing issues as well as the growing conversation about the importance of homeownership in our state.

Rounding out the year has been the initiation of legal challenges to the permit surpluses reported by the cities of Corcoran and Dayton. On the affordability front, the Commission on Housing Affordability has met several times to advance the discussion. A comprehensive zoning modernization initiative is taking shape and will likely be the centerpiece of the 2022 housing discussion.

By design, the legislative and regulatory process is slow and deliberate, but there is no mistaking the shift and quickening pace in the housing discussion in St. Paul.

The membership and work of Housing First Minnesota are at the leading edge of this discussion. As we look forward in 2022, we are thankful for the industry volunteers who drive and support our professional staff in this critical work on behalf of the members of our industry.

Onward,

JAMES VAGLE VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVOCACY, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

The Digest

15

Follow @HFMNAdvocacy for frequent legislative updates.

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The Digest

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

ADVOCACY IN ACTION So-Long Air Gap More than three years ago, Housing First Minnesota called on the Minnesota Plumbing Board to eliminate the dishwasher air gap mandate for residential dishwashers.

In December 2021, after a lengthy rulemaking process, the air gap mandate disappeared in the new Minnesota Plumbing code. In lieu of the air gap, the old looped method has been reinstated as an option.

Development Rules In October 2021, developer members from Housing First Minnesota met with staff from the Environmental Quality Board to outline concerns over increased environmental review study requirements. These studies, which can cost up to $50,000 per project, cannot be used to approve or deny a project, raising questions about the need for these studies.

Aside from the MPCA waste diversion program, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continues its work on taking local control of the EPA’s RRP Rule.

In October 2021, Housing First Minnesota called on MDH to halt work on the proposal after MDH admitted this proposal will increase remodeling costs without increasing safety. MDH then released a new version of the rule, its third of the year, on Nov. 16, 2021.

The latest version of the rule includes new items never seen before that bring questions about end-of-business operations into question. As written, a remodeler would need to find a “records custodian” to maintain records for up to five years.

Housing First Minnesota’s RRP Rule advocacy efforts directly led to a stakeholder meeting in September 2021, the first such meeting in more than four years.

The proposal also opens a back door for local governments to mandate climate change offsets in the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.

Advocacy Efforts Lead to DLI Technical Review

Housing First Minnesota had previously offered to organize such a meeting in Q1 of the year. It wasn’t until comments from Housing First Minnesota opposing the expansion of these reviews that the agency decided to meet with developers.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Building Code Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is meeting to review. Nick Erickson, director of research and regulatory affairs for Housing First Minnesota, is one of the TAG appointees.

Remodeler and Renovator Advocacy Housing First Minnesota continues to lead on keeping remodeling safe and affordable.

A proposal from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) could pave the way for local governments to mandate renovations and create and follow a project-specific reuse plan that avoids traditional demolition.

The TAG agenda includes a review of the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act, a five-year energy code payback requirement and a square footage-based building permit fee structure for new homes.

This TAG was formed in direct response to Housing First Minnesota’s advocacy efforts over the past several legislative sessions. The TAG concluded its work in December and will issue a report to the state’s Construction Code Advisory Council in January 2022.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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17

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E Legislative Commission on Housing Affordability Gets to Work In 2019, the legislature created a first-ofits-kind legislative bipartisan, bicameral commission on housing affordability in hopes of addressing the many facets of housing policy. While the urgency of the pandemic put meetings on hold for over a year, the commission has reconvened four times in the past few months and plans to continue meeting before the 2022 legislative session begins on January 31.

modernization with the goal of advancing recommendations to the legislature in the 2022 session. We haven’t built enough homes for nearly 15 years, and our problems are driven primarily by the vanished starter home in our state. A housing market cannot function properly without the steady supply of new and existing starter homes.”

In October 2021, legislators heard from a slate of speakers to sift through the data and asked for possible solutions. Testifiers from the Minneapolis Association of REALTORS® (MAR), Zillow, the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, and Zonda all gave presentations on the current Minnesota housing market.

While introducing his bill, Elkins said, “My legislative assistant bought a home in Minneapolis: 1,500 square feet, one parking space, and vinyl siding on 1/9th of an acre lot for $305,000. Why shouldn’t it be legal to build a new home like this, today, in a developing community?”

Throughout the conversation, the need for zoning and permitting reform was mentioned as one of the top-tier solutions to supply woes. David Arbit, an economist for MAR, highlighted how the lack of supply is causing double-digit price growth across the metro for two straight years, calling the inventory shortage a game of musical chairs. Arbit said that some homebuyers would otherwise be willing to sell, but they want to have a place to sit when the music stops.

“I appear before you today with a message of urgency,” said David Siegel, executive director of Housing First Minnesota, during the two-hour hearing. “We must act with purpose on comprehensive housing policy

Libby Starling with the Minneapolis Federal Reserve highlighted the need for a holistic approach to bring more desperately needed inventory to the market. Starling’s solutions included changes to zoning, modular

Each session has had a different theme so far. In September 2021, the commission focused on the housing affordability bill from Rep. Steve Elkins (DFL-Bloomington).

housing, reviewing the state building code, changes to property taxes, expediting permitting and approvals, and reducing fees.

Finally, Danielle Leach with Zonda focused on new home construction and the substantial cost increases over the past decade. She discussed the lack of developed lots as well as the local mandates that add to the costs of a home such as luxury exterior mandates like stone exteriors and architectural designs.

For its November 2021 meeting, testifiers from Greater Minnesota came forward to describe the housing pains they are feeling.

David Dunn, housing director of the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, shared how the lack of new homes being built in Rochester is having a profound impact on the opportunities for homeownership in the region.

Additionally, he cited how starter home values are “soaring,” pricing families out.

Rep. Shane Mekeland (R–Clear Lake) agreed, emphasizing the need to build more modest single-family homes throughout the state.

In response to the testimony presented throughout the meeting, Sen. Rich Draheim (R–Madison Lake) stated, “The free market is there, and they want to build. The best thing we can do is get out of the way and let them build.”

The free market is there, and they want to build. The best thing we can do is get out of the way and let them build.”

SEN. RICH DRAHEIM R–MADISON L AKE

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

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Single-Family Permits YTD in the Twin Cities JAN.-NOV. 2021

2021 Marks the Highest Number of Single-Family Permits Pulled in Over a Decade Despite all the headwinds facing the homebuilding industry, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, permitting delays, and overall development roadblocks, builders still managed to have the strongest year for single-family home construction since 2005. Through November 2021, Twin Cities builders pulled 6,757 permits for single-family homes for the year, a nearly 20% increase over 2020 and 2019, according to the Keystone Report.

New home prices also hit a new high in 2021. According to Zonda, the median closing price for a new single-family home in the Twin Cities jumped to $449,900 by the end of 2021, a 7% increase over 2020. The median closing price for an existing single-family home jumped to $327,365 in November, a 10% increase over last November.

Median New SingleFamily Home Price in the Twin Cities

Median Existing Single-Family Home Price in the Twin Cities

$449,900

$327,365

+7% OVER 202O SOURCE: ZONDA

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SOURCE: ZONDA

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

2021

6,757 2020

5,668 2019

5,726 2018

5,383 2017

5,481 2016

4,804 2015

4,179 SOURCE: KEYSTONE REPORT

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Q+A

Ask the

Building Inspector

Have questions you’d like to ask an expert?

We’ll feature a Q+A with various experts and topics each issue. Send your questions to ASK@ HOUSINGFIRSTMN.ORG

with Peter Kulczyk

Q.

As a builder, we are often approached by product manufacturers who want us to use their latest and greatest products, such as new house wraps, foundation anchors, plastic decking, and other components that are intended for residential projects. Do we have any assurance that the local building inspector will approve the use of these products?

The answer depends on what information is provided to the building inspector for the plan review.

The language in the code is prescriptive in nature as it addresses specific limitations and requirements related to life/safety, structural integrity, weatherresistance, and other considerations, but the code language is not intended to prevent the use of alternative materials, design, and methods of construction, provided that it is approved by the local building inspector (Minnesota Rule, MR1300.0110, Subpart 13).

Your inquiry refers to house wraps (aka house sheathing paper), whereas the

code refers to the use of one layer of No. 15 asphalt felt (Type I) or other approved water-resistive barrier (International Residential Code, Section R703.2). If a house wrap is proposed in a project, the permit applicant (typically the builder) should provide available project data that may include the manufacturer’s installation instructions, third-party test data, or a product evaluation report written by an approved agency (evaluation report numbers are generally stamped on the product).

This process is very common with house wraps, foundation anchors, and many other components. In response to your inquiry regarding plastic (composite) decking, the code now requires compliance with ASTM D 7032 (International Residential Code, Section R507.2.2), and this information should be made available for the designer, builder, and building inspector as needed.

Q. Many new home designs contain roof girders and multiple-engineered wood beams intended to carry significant roof loads and floor loads.

Who is responsible for

determining what is needed for the end support?

Generally speaking, the designer is responsible for this determination and ultimately the builder or permit holder.

The building code addresses uniform loads for floors, walls, and roofs that are based on repetitive-member conventional framing techniques (three or more studs, joists, or rafters in the same plane) that includes the effects of wind, snow, soil, and earthquakes (International Residential Code, Section R301.1). Span tables in the code also address girder spans and header spans of multiple member solid-sawn lumber and required end support for four common species of wood. The tables in the code are based on the lumber species and grade of the wood (International Residential Code, Section R502.1). This is often referred to as both conventional framing and prescriptive design because of these known values.

With that said, the code does not address span tables or bearing requirements for engineered beams (such as laminated veneer lumber, also referred to as LVL lumber; and other composite wood beams), and this also includes engineered floor trusses

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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25

Q+A

(wood I-joists, open-web floor trusses, engineered joists) and engineered roof trusses. Engineered products are often designed and created using machinerated lumber, layers of wood and/or wood fibers (with random or oriented direction), gusset plates, combinations of engineered and solid-sawn lumber bonded together, and multiple other possibilities. This is often referred to as performance-based design or engineered design. The ability of these components to carry a load can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

When a new house plan includes an engineered wood floor system or roof system, it is the responsibility of the designer, and eventually the builder, to ensure that the house plan contains sufficient details to construct it in the field. For example, roof truss specifications and floor truss specifications should be on site during construction and available for the framing inspection.

One of the biggest challenges for many designers and builders is in determining what type of support is required at the bearing locations (whether at the ends of the girder or at the mid-spans).

Most truss specifications will indicate the actual design load, often referred to as the reaction load, at the bearing locations. The truss manufacturer will not typically indicate the actual type of end support needed, whether it is a built-up column of studs, engineered column, or steel post/column.

This falls back to the designer who will need to take that reaction load along with other structural information and determine exactly what will be needed to carry that load, both in compression and laterally within the wall if applicable.

This determination needs to be on the design drawings/house plans.

It is not the responsibility of the framer to figure it out on site. This information will also be required by the building inspector during the plan review and possibly again at the framing inspection of the house. Putting a note on the plan that says “design by others” or “solid blocking under beam ends” will not fly for most building inspectors.

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The Digest

When a bearing point of a girder takes place at an exterior or interior stud bearing wall the designer also needs to consider the height of the studs, how they are laterally braced (such as nailed to a wood structural panel or horizontal blocking), and the ability of the top plate to resist the crushing effect of the load (it might actually require a bearing plate for extreme loading situations).

Q. During the delivery of our framing materials for a new house, one of the roof trusses was damaged. We decided to scab a two-byfour to each side of the damaged truss and install it so we could get the roofing material installed before the snow comes down.

What is the best procedure to handle this situation with a damaged roof truss?

Damage to an engineered roof or floor truss is unfortunate, but not uncommon.

Sometimes they may be damaged during the delivery as they are slid off the truck on site or even while lifting the trusses into place. A roof truss is an engineered system with specifically placed framing members (usually machine-rated lumber) and gussets designed to typically clear-span greater distances than solid-sawn lumber joists and rafters. Trusses are generally designed by either computer programs or design professionals competent in that industry.

Any alteration to an engineered truss will require the written approval of a registered design professional who will typically provide a truss correction sheet, and approval from the building inspector on site who will determine if the truss correction was made in accordance with the correction sheet provided (International Residential Code, Section R802.10.4).

A word of caution about truss corrections: The design professional may specify a particular grade of lumber for the correction, maybe even a wood structural panel gusset with a

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

very particular glue and nail pattern, or maybe even some type of throughbolting for built-up damaged trusses.

The correction on site needs to be as specified by the design professional with no substitution of materials (such as staples for nails or skipping the glue for more nails).

Q. We understand that the code requires a 36-inch guardrail for a deck when the walking surface of the deck exceeds 30 inches above the adjacent ground and that the openings in the guardrail need to be less than 4 inches. If the surface of a deck is less than 30 inches above the ground, can we build a guardrail of a lesser height and larger openings that would serve as a visual reminder to the homeowner where the edge of the deck is located? For example, if we constructed a guardrail that was 24 inches high with openings larger than 4 inches?

Yes. A guardrail 24 inches high with openings greater than 4 inches would be permitted if the adjacent grade (ground) was less than 30 inches.

The charging language in the code (International Residential Code, Section R312) only requires a “guard” when this deck example is “located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below.” In the code sections addressing “Height” and “Opening Limitation,” the code only applies to “Required Guards.” If you do not have a required guard then you have no height or opening limitations. In other words, the guardrail can be whatever height you choose and have whatever size of openings you choose.

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The Digest

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

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BUSINESS TIPS

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30

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

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GET MANAGEMENT ON BOARD

SAFETY THAT STICKS

A strong safety program starts at the top with a management team that is committed to minimizing risk on jobsites.

In ensuring they’re on board, you avoid the disconnect and undermining that can happen when what’s written in a safety program doesn’t align with what’s happening in the field.

SIX STEPS TO BUILD AND IMPLEMENT A SOLID, COMPLIANT SAFETY PROGRAM THAT PROTECTS YOUR WORKERS IN THE FIELD.

Denise Hansen, the safety director for builder John Kraemer & Sons, Inc., remembers her first inspection of a jobsite nearly 10 years ago, when she pulled up to a house and there was a worker on the roof without fall prevention equipment. “I called my employer and said, ‘Are you serious about your safety program?’ He said, ‘Yes.’”

by Taylor Hugo

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor recorded 11 fatal work injuries in the construction industry in Minnesota, a decrease from 14 in 2018.

While zero deaths is always the goal, the number of fatalities represent a small percentage of the 144,575 construction workers in the state that year, demonstrating the effectiveness of workplace safety programs.

Since 1991, many employers in Minnesota—including those in the construction industry—have been required by the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) to develop and use a formal safety and health program, also known as A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) program. This requirement is in place to help mitigate some of the biggest risks on jobsites, like falls, electrocution, and caught-in and struck-by hazards.

Preventing deaths and serious injuries is the number-one reason to have a safety program, but additional benefits make the cost of creating and implementing one more than worth it: Employers can save money on workers’ compensation insurance premiums, increase morale among jobsite crews, minimize penalties for noncompliance, and improve employee recruitment and retention—crucial with today’s reality of labor shortages.

Whether you’re starting your safety program from scratch or your policies need an overhaul, these steps can help you build a solid, compliant plan that will protect your men and women in the field.

That was all Hansen needed to hear.

Knowing she had 100% backing from her employer, she pulled every one of the roofers down and told them to leave the jobsite until they had the proper equipment.

“Management really has to understand the value of safety and the importance of it,” says Lana Steck, a senior safety specialist for The Builders Group, a workers’ compensation insurance company. “I’ll ask them something along the lines of, ‘Is safety a priority to you or is safety a value?’

They hesitate to answer that. Priorities can change, but values don’t really change. I try to reiterate that safety needs to be a core value at the company, and that starts with management leadership.”

UNDERSTAND STATE REQUIREMENTS Every state is different, but in Minnesota, to be compliant with MNOSHA AWAIR standards, a safety program must state: 1.

how managers, supervisors, and employees are responsible for implementing the program, and how continued participation of management will be established, measured, and maintained;

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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33

BUSINESS TIPS

2.

the methods used to identify, analyze, and control new or existing hazards, conditions, and operations;

3.

how the program will be communicated to all affected employees so they are informed of work-related hazards and controls;

4.

how workplace accidents will be investigated and corrective action implemented; and

5.

how safe work practices and rules will be enforced.

IDENTIFY HAZARDS THAT APPLY TO YOUR COMPANY Once you understand the basic requirements of AWAIR, the next step is to drill down into the hazards specific to your company to build a customized safety program. If you specialize in roofing, for example, fall prevention will be a crucial part of your program. Electricians, however, will focus more heavily on electrocution, fires, and explosions, while a carpenter needs protection against machine hazards and carcinogen-filled wood dust.

“If we don’t know the hazards, we won’t know what controls to put in place to increase worker safety,” says Steck, who works with her clients to build customized safety programs. “Sometimes companies will purchase a cookie-cutter safety program online. When they do that, it gives them policies and programs on every construction topic you can think of.

It’s much better if the safety program is tailored to the company.”

At John Kraemer & Sons—which has been a recipient of the Minnesota Safety Council’s Governor’s Workplace Safety Award every year since 2013— that advocate is Hansen. To ensure compliance, she does a walk-through of each jobsite once a week, after which she’ll go over her findings with the job supervisor.

When an injury or a near-miss does take place—and, let’s face it, accidents are still bound to happen—use it as a training opportunity for the entire crew, not to place blame but to share what was learned from the incident to prevent a recurrence.

For an added layer of accountability, Hansen suggests requesting a jobsite visit through OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program. These no-cost visits help employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs— without penalties or citations.

When it comes to safety programs, rewarding compliance is just as important as calling out room for improvement.

Steck recalls the story of a construction worker who fell off the side of a building.

His fall equipment caught him, and his team was able to rescue him—uninjured.

The company stopped work for the day and ordered food for everyone to celebrate.

KEEP UP ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING

FOLLOW THROUGH WITH ENFORCEMENT

Even when a safety program is established, it is never truly finished.

Steck recommends revisiting it at least annually to evaluate if any policies or procedures need to be updated to reflect new standards or field equipment.

Creating a safety program may seem like a daunting undertaking, but the real challenge is making sure jobsite workers stick to the policies you’ve outlined. In addition to a supportive management team, Steck advises entrusting at least one individual with the responsibility of championing the safety program out in the field.

Additionally, continuing education keeps safety top-of-mind. On a weekly basis, Hansen travels to each jobsite and leads a five- to 10-minute discussion on a specific safety topic before the crew breaks for lunch, and occasionally orders in food for longer training sessions. She also invites equipment manufacturers to conduct demonstrations on jobsites.

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

REWARD COMPLIANCE

“That was such a cool way to show employees, ‘This is why we’re always telling you to make sure you’ve got your fall protection, your safety glasses, your hard hat,’” she says. “It takes two seconds for something to happen, and then you potentially would regret that for the rest of your life.”

In any safety program, the key to making it resonate with the jobsite crew is appealing to their personal lives. Approach from the perspective of: “I’m assuming you have a family to go home to, maybe you have a pet, an aunt and uncle,” says Steck.

“Try to relate to them on why safety is important. When you can get the majority of employees to buy into safety and share the same values about safety, that’s a huge success for me.”

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Access to the Designated Green Path Builder digital marketing kit including a digital badge logo, email signature graphic, social media graphics, and a sample press release

•

One registration to the annual Green Path Building Conference

DESIGNATED GREEN PATH BUILDER QUALIFICATIONS: •

Commitment to energy testing a minimum of 75% of your single-family homes

•

Minimum of one employee attending the annual Green Path Building Conference

•

Housing First Minnesota member in good standing

•

Designation fee (through December 2022): $249

To register your business as a Designated Green Path Builder, visit MNGreenPath.org.

GR EEN PATH IS SPONSORE D B Y

Adriatic Construction, LLC Amba Property Development, LLC Berger Built Construction Co., Inc. Brandl Anderson Homes, Inc. Christian Builders & Remodelers City Homes, LLC Country Joe Homes Custom One Homes D.R. Horton, Inc. - Minnesota David Weekley Homes Dingman Custom Homes Donnay Homes, Inc. Fieldstone Family Homes, Inc. Fitzke Construction, LLC Gonyea Custom Homes Gordon James Gorham Communities, LLC Gorham Custom Homes, LLC GreenHalo Builds Hagstrom Builder, Inc. Hanson Builders, Inc. JMS Custom Homes, LLC KEY LAND HOMES Kootenia Homes Lang Builders, Inc. LDK Builders, Inc. Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc. McDonald Construction Michael Lee Homes NIH Homes, LLC OneTenTen Homes, LLC Ovation Homes, LLC Paltrin, LLC Parent Builders, Inc. Radiant Design Build Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. Ron Clark Construction RT Urban Homes, Inc. Sharkey Design Build, LLC Style & Structure, LLC Sustainable 9 Design + Build TC Homes, Inc. Zawadski Homes, Inc. Ziegler Custom Homes, Inc. AS OF DEC EM BER 2 02 1

We specialize in:

THE MINNESOTA MULCH LOG

• Rough Cut Mowing • Silt Fence Installation • Hydro Seeding • Seed and Mulch • Tree and Safety Fence • Inlet Protection • Erosion Blanket

It is a 10” geotextile fabric sewn together and filled with recycled wood product. It’s reusable and can be easily moved to another location. The Minnesota Mulch Log is a very effective perimeter control device and is more aesthetically pleasing providing a great alternative to silt fence.

• Reusable • Low Maintenance • Ditch Checks • Cost Effective

Exceptional Service. Always.

763-262-SILT (7458)

• Inlet Protection • Perimeter Control • Easy to Install • Self Anchoring

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EROSIONWORKS.NET

America’s Leading Supplier of Exterior Building Products Every day, ABC Supply associates from over 800 locations nationwide dedicate themselves to making your job easier. It starts with 24/7 access to pricing and order placement with ABC Connect and ends with accurate deliveries, complete and on time, every time.

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS • TOOLS • GUTTER • ACCESSORIES • AND MORE JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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BUILDING FUTURES

Driven to make an

IMPACT During November’s month of giving—a combination of Homelessness Awareness Month and Give to the Max Day—the Housing First Minnesota Foundation ran a digital and TV campaign on KSTP to broaden awareness of the Foundation’s community work to a new audience and help end homelessness in Minnesota.

The Foundation was featured on Twin Cities Live, Minnesota Live, took over the KSTP’s website for a day, produced several videos, and ran a digital marketing campaign to increase reach and frequency. One of our strategic goals is to build awareness of our foundation in industries outside of construction. With our digital marketing effort, we have extended to new audiences.

It is no secret: donations help us build more housing in our quest to end homelessness. We are filled with gratitude and admiration to our members and donors for every donation they made. With these donations, we will continue to build and remodel beautiful transitional homes that help people to reclaim their lives and find stability and success.

Thank you to those that made an IMPACT for the Housing First Minnesota Foundation in 2021!

Make an IMPACT and donate today!

HousingFirstMNFoundation.org

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2022 Moonshot We are gearing up for our biggest investment of community builds in one year. Four Housing for Heroes homes accompanied by four ADUs will be built—delivering impactful results and 20 more beds.

Building Space to Wipeout Veteran Homelessness An empty lot nestled between two homes on Humboldt Avenue in North Minneapolis will soon be a home for veterans that need a boost to restart their lives and transition out of homelessness. What makes the Humboldt Avenue location extra special is not only is our Housing First Minnesota Foundation building a four-bedroom home, but we are also building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Not everyone prefers to have roommates, so it will be a positive solution for veterans in need of a more independent living solution.

With your support, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation will continue its work to build tangible housing solutions for individuals and families in need of a safe place to call home. Our supporters have the satisfaction of knowing that their donation builds real brick-and-mortar housing solutions for veterans who are without a home.

And we’re not stopping there. We have an additional lot in North Minneapolis that will be made into veteran transitional housing. Construction on this second home that is located on Irving Avenue will begin soon. This vacant lot will be home to another beautiful four-bedroom home. Together, we are adding nine new bedrooms for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.

On any given night, there are over 275 Minnesota veterans who are without a home. These are our sixth and seventh Housing for Heroes community builds with build partner Lennar for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.

One transitional house can serve 640 people over 50 years.

Be Part of the Solution We are looking for build partners on our future build projects.

Interested? Contact Erin Milburn at Erin@HousingFirstMN.org.

ADU for our Housing for Heroes build on Humboldt Avenue.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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Roofing Siding

Windows The Fine Tools Gutter Art of Accessories Serving Creating Exceptional Exteriors.

the Professional Contractor

ABC Supply isRoofing the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the United StatesSiding and one of the largest distributors of siding, windows, and select exterior and interior products. Founded in 1982, ABC Windows currently has more than 760 locations nationwide. Specializing Gutters in select product lines and categories, ABC offers the professional contractor competitive Metal pricing, superior service, and the highest quality building materials available.

License #BC751852

Check us out online at abcsupply.com or visit us in:

Replace. Repair. Restore.

Serving the Professional Contractor

For your complimentary consultation, connect with us: 763-297-5611 www.allstartoday.com

St Paul - Minneapolis - Coon Rapids - Savage - Maple Plain - Roseville - St Cloud - Rochester - Oronoco - Mankato ABC Supply is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the

United States and one of the largest distributors of siding, windows, and select exterior and interior products. Founded in 1982, ABC currently has more than 760 locations nationwide. Specializing in select product lines and categories, ABC offers the professional contractor competitive pricing, superior service, and the highest quality building materials available.

Trust Mike Hoppe, Josh Dalki and Larry Larson with your Construction Insurance.

Check us out online at abcsupply.com or visit us in:

St Paul - Minneapolis - Coon Rapids - Savage - Maple Plain - Roseville - St Cloud - Rochester - Oronoco - Mankato

Lower your insurance costs while better protecting your assets.

Contact Mike, Josh or Larry today or scan the QR code to learn more about special programs for association members.

mhoppe@corporatefour.com jdalki@corporatefour.com llarson@corporatefour.com www.corporatefour.com | 952.893.9218

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

APRIL–JUNE 2021 | HOUSING FIRST M

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Award Winners

Dakota County Lumber Company

Congratulations to our 2021 award winners!

These awards recognize excellence in several areas, from quality and value of construction to business ethics.

Dakota County Lumber Company is committed to getting their customers what they need, when they need it, and delivering to maximize efficiency on the job site. Their customers see them as the ultimate trade partner and appreciate the team’s transparency— especially throughout these past two years. They are in business to lift others up: their contractors, their employees, and their community.

During the pandemic, they jumped

at the opportunity to use their resources to help deliver food to families in need in the community.

Dakota County Lumber is also an integral part of the association, participating on the board and on multiple committees. And, they go above and beyond in their support of the Foundation, sponsoring events, fundraising for build projects, and spreading awareness of the Foundation’s work.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes is a team of experienced, hardworking, and conscientious people who enjoy sharing their craft and collaborating. For more than 40 years, their team has had the privilege of entering a client’s vision of their dream home and making it a reality.

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes is a part of multiple Housing First Minnesota committees and has proudly supported the

Gary Kraemer

GreenHalo Builds

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

Foundation by donating supplies to help with build projects. The company also regularly enter Dream Homes and the Artisan Home Tour—and knock it out of the park when promoting these entries.

They are deeply involved in their community and the industry, and they believe the quality of their homes is rooted in their relationships with their homeowners and trade partners.

Todd Polifka Custom One Homes

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Alma Homes, LLC

Curtis Christensen Lee Lyn Construction, LLC

Alma Homes transforms homes to create a design tailored for each client. They believe a home should reflect their clients’ style, family, and the way they live. They have four core values that they hold above everything else: highquality craftsmanship, cuttingedge design, efficient timelines,

Senator Rich Draheim

and fully understanding their clients’ wants and needs.

They are committed to the industry and giving back to the community, supporting Habitat for Humanity and uplifting the Foundation by getting involved at the annual Gala and through entries in the Artisan Home Tour.

Representative Duane Quam

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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Reggie winners are selected by judging teams of builders and remodelers who visit homes within each category and judge based on excellence in design, construction quality, and value.

$400,000 TO $449,999

Price Custom Homes #82 | Blaine | Builds 50+ Homes/Year Trillium Partners: Ferguson Enterprises; Schwieters Companies, Inc.

Trillium Awards are presented to all entered participating associates in a Reggie-winning home.

$450,000 TO $499,999

Johnson Reiland Builders & Remodelers, Inc. #262 | Dundas | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year Trillium Partners: Marvin; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Southern Lights; The Energy Network WW

$550,000 TO $599,999

Benzinger Homes #119 | St. Michael | Builds 50+ Homes/Year Trillium Partners: FocalPoint Flooring, Cabinets & Design; Pella Windows & Doors; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Schwieters Companies, Inc.

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

$600,000 TO $699,999

Johnson Reiland Builders & Remodelers, Inc.

$800,000 TO $899,999

#257 | Elko New Market | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year

Stonegate Builders

Trillium Partners: All, Inc.; Marvin; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Southern Lights;The Energy Network WW

Trillium Partners: All, Inc.; Contract Interiors, Inc.; Fireside Hearth & Home

$700,000 TO $799,999

KEY LAND HOMES #239 | Lakeville | Builds 50+ Homes/Year Trillium Partners: All, Inc.; Metro Air; Southern Lights

#5 | Woodbury | Builds 50+ Homes/Year

$900,000 TO $999,999

Country Joe Homes #253 | Lakeville | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year Trillium Partners: Andersen Windows; Ferguson Enterprises; FocalPoint Flooring, Cabinets & Design; Southern Lights

$900,000 TO $999,999

Charles Cudd Co., LLC $800,000 TO $899,999

Norton Homes, LLC #202 | Eden Prairie | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year

#176 | Waconia | Builds 50+ Homes/Year Trillium Partners: Fireside Hearth & Home; LDM Electric; Pella Windows & Doors; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Shaughnessy Flooring; Southern Lights; Warners’ Stellian Appliance

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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$1 MILLION UP TO $1.2 MILLION

$1.5 MILLION UP TO $2 MILLION

#10 | Woodbury | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year

#70 | Shoreview | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year

Trillium Partners: All, Inc.; Andersen Windows; Contract Interiors, Inc.; Fireside Hearth & Home; Muska Lighting; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Schwieters Companies, Inc.

Trillium Partners: Andersen Windows; Ferguson Enterprises; Innovative Surfaces, Inc.; Muska Lighting; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Schwieters Companies, Inc.; Warners’ Stellian Appliance

Kootenia Homes

$1.2 MILLION UP TO $1.5 MILLION

Style & Structure, LLC

$2 MILLION AND ABOVE

#43 | Stillwater | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year

Custom One Homes

Trillium Partners: Action Overhead Garage Door, LLC; All, Inc.; Ambiance at Home; C&J Stoneworks, Inc.; Contract Interiors, Inc.; Engstrom Wood Products; Ferguson Enterprises; Fireside Hearth & Home; Home Media Innovations, Inc.; Pella Windows & Doors; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Schwieters Companies, Inc.

#1 | Woodbury | Builds 1-49 Homes/Year Trillium Partners: All, Inc.; Andersen Windows; C&J Stoneworks, Inc.; Contract Interiors, Inc.; David Charlez Designs; Home Media Innovations, Inc.; Manomin Resawn Timbers; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Southern Lights

$1.2 MILLION UP TO $1.5 MILLION

$2 MILLION AND ABOVE

#147 | Maple Grove | Builds 50+ Homes/Year

#203 | Edina | Builds 50+ Homes/Year

Trillium Partners: Contract Interiors, Inc.; Ferguson Enterprises; LDM Electric; Pella Windows & Doors; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Schwieters Companies, Inc.

Trillium Partners: Fireside Hearth & Home; LDM Electric; Marvin; Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.; Shaughnessy Flooring; Southern Lights; Warners’ Stellian Appliance

Hanson Builders, Inc.

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Zawadski Homes, Inc.

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

Charles Cudd Co., LLC

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

The Remodeler of Merit Awards (ROMAs) recognize our remodeler members for quality and value in remodeling projects that range from baths, kitchens, and additions to whole-house remodels.

Entries are judged on creativity in meeting the unique challenges of remodeling, and in successfully meeting the needs, desires, and budgets of their clients.

ADDITION: UNDER $300,000

Ben Quie and Sons St. Paul Trillium Partner: Ferguson Enterprises

ADDITION: $300,000 AND OVER

Trillium Awards are presented to all entered participating associates in a ROMA-winning home.

MA Peterson Designbuild, Inc. St. Louis Park Trillium Partners: Fireside Hearth & Home; Trademark Wood Products, LLC

BATHROOM: UNDER $60,000

McDonald Remodeling, Inc. Hudson

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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BATHROOM: $60,000 AND OVER

INTERIOR: $200,000 AND OVER

Inver Grove Heights

North Oaks

Trillium Partner: Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.

Trillium Partners: Lampert Lumber; Shaughnessy Flooring

DETAILED COMPONENT

KITCHEN: UNDER $65,000

Stillwater

Eagan

Trillium Partner: Ferguson Enterprises

Trillium Partner: Lampert Lumber

INTERIOR: UNDER $200,000

KITCHEN: $65,000 UP TO $115,000

Minneapolis

Minnetonka

Trillium Partner: Ferguson Enterprises

Trillium Partners: Lampert Lumber; Warners’ Stellian Appliance

McDonald Remodeling, Inc.

Ispiri, LLC

OA Design + Build

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Alma Homes, LLC

Great Northern Builders, LLC

New Spaces

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

OUTDOOR LIVING KITCHEN: $115,000 AND OVER

Ispiri, LLC

Boyer Building Corp.

Shorewood

Stillwater

Trillium Partners: Arrow Building Center; Lampert Lumber; Tabor Group Landscape

LOWER LEVEL: UNDER $125,000

SECONDARY STRUCTURE

Wayzata

Edina

Trillium Partners: All, Inc.; Distinctive Drywall & Painting

Trillium Partner: All, Inc.

LOWER LEVEL: $125,000 AND OVER

WHOLE HOUSE: UNDER $400,000

Shorewood

Stillwater

Trillium Partners: Lampert Lumber; Warners’ Stellian Appliance

Trillium Partner: Innovative Surfaces, Inc.

Michels Homes

Boyer Building Corp.

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Ispiri, LLC

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WHOLE HOUSE: $400,000 UP TO $800,000

WHOLE HOUSE: $800,000 AND OVER

Gordon James Woodland

OA Design + Build

Trillium Partners: Ferguson Enterprises; Fireside Hearth & Home; Manomin Resawn Timbers; Pella Windows & Doors

Trillium Partner: All, Inc.

Minneapolis

The Bennie Award recognizes excellence in neighborhood design and construction.

Judging criteria used to determine the winner includes aesthetic appeal, land plan, retention of natural features, amenities, neighborhood structures as well as street layout.

Ron Clark Construction Legacy Oaks | Minnetonka

Save the date

Housing First Minnesota Foundation Gala May 20, 2022 | Hollywood Lights | Omni Viking Lakes Hotel

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SEEN + HEARD

Media in the

From the BIG Night to the Clay Shoot to the latest industry data–check out some of the places Housing First Minnesota and its members have been mentioned on social and in the press this past quarter.

@HOUSINGFIRSTMN

Clay Shoot Members took their shot on the range.

@derushaj

@ispiri.designbuild

@denalicustomhomes

BIG NIGHT Members celebrated the industry and award recipients showcased their trophies at this year’s BIG Night at Mystic Lake Center.

@almahomes @admitonehomesystems

Key Land Homes earns Reggie Award for Lakeville home

Housing First Minnesota honors Draheim as 2021 Legislator of the Year

Housing Data Permit data released by Housing First Minnesota is featured in the Star Tribune.

Home building permits in Twin Cities down for second month, but still high @shannonquinnhorsager

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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51

SEEN + HEARD

Digest feature Spotted in the most recent issue of the Digest!

Giving Back Quartersawn teamed up with Hearts & Hammers to provide exterior home improvement services.

@quartersawndesignbuild

@greatnorthernbuilders

Housing for Everyone The Housing First Minnesota Foundation teamed up with KSTP-TV to help provide housing for everyone through our November fundraiser.

FOX 9: Remodelers Showcase features 1980s Bloomington home renovation

Fall 2021 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase: Sneak peek of 3 homes KTSP Twin Cities Live

Go inside HGTV’s Heather and Brad Fox’s Palm Springs-inspired Edina home

Remodelers Showcase Remodeled homes from our fall tour were feature across featured across print, broadcast, and social.

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@foxhomesmn

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

KTSP Minnesota Live

Built on a Solid Foundation of Doing the

Right Thing bellbankmortgage.com

29676

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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SEEN + HEARD

Clay Shoot The annual Clay Shoot is a highlight for many members, and this year was no exception!

Members enjoyed an afternoon on the range taking their shot, building connections, and enjoying the great outdoors.

October 7, 2021

“THE BIG SHOT” PRESENTING SPONSOR

STAFFED AMMO SPONSOR

SKILLED CONTEST STATION SPONSORS

BEER SPONSOR

54

SAFETY SPONSOR

STATION SPONSOR

REGISTRATION SPONSOR

Arrow Building Center

Pella Windows and Doors

The Digest

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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SEEN + HEARD

BIG Night The BIG Night returned to Mystic Lake Center this year as we celebrated our incredible industry! WCCO’s Jason DeRusha was back as emcee for our biggest night of the year. From the award-winning projects to the culinary stations to the dance party, it was a night to remember!

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

THE BIG SPONSORS

RED CARPET SPONSOR

WINNERS’ CIRCLE SPONSOR

EMCEE SPONSOR

VALET SPONSOR Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co,

DRINK TICKET SPONSOR Arrow Building Center

GOLD SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

Centerpoint Energy

AISLE SPONSOR MJ’s Contract Appliance, Inc.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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SEEN + HEARD

BIG Night (continued)

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State of the Industry We launched into a new year by inducting our new board and hearing from nationally acclaimed economist and speaker Elliot Eisenberg at the State of the Industry breakfast. Members came together to discover what’s on the horizon for the housing industry and what trends, challenges, and opportunities await us in 2022.

December 14, 2021

“THE BIG SHOT” PRESENTING SPONSOR

FORECAST SPONSORS

COFFEE SPONSOR

In-Focus Systems

ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Lyman Lumber Co./Automated Building Comp.-Millwork Division

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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&

Member News Announcements

New members SEPTEMBER—NOVEMBER 2021 Alliance Builders Efim Shukalovich

betterbuildmyhouse.com | 651-278-2510

Audrey Friedman - Edina Realty Audrey Friedman

612-720-9262

Built to Last Custom Closets

Welcome to Member News, the place to learn about what’s happening in the lives of Housing First Minnesota members. We feature awards, marriages, condolences, promotions, and all sorts of other milestones.

Alana Wynne

builttolastcc.com | 651-797-9212

CAMBRIA Mortgage Owen Riess

952-486-6131

Christian Brothers Cabinets Nancy Dolter

HAVE NEWS?

christianbroscabinets.com | 507-451-8160

SEND YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS TO LAURA@HOUSINGFIRSTMN.ORG

Circa Lighting Lynn Dale

circalighting.com | 612-255-3330

Coldwell Banker Realty - Ann Roeder Ann Roeder

AnnRoeder.com | 612-308-8818

Congratulations Welcome, Viviana!

Best wishes to Blake and Lindsey Swanson of Swanson Homes who welcomed Viviana Josefina to the world in October. Congratulations to their family on their newest addition!

Contractors Connection Co. Greg Feda

contractorsconnectionco.com | 612-876-7655

Edward Jones Sean McCullough Sean McCullough

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/seanmccullough | 612-412-1949

Innovative Control Systems Samantha Ziegler

icsminn.com | 763-432-6076

Laguan Remodeling Services, LLC Wilmer Vazquez

612-366-9395

Mission Contracting, LLC Emma White

Condolences

mission-contracting.com | 952-999-2281

Osfar Construction Thomas Osfar

Remembering Tim Larson

763-489-0257

Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Tim Larson, who passed away on Nov. 5 surrounded by his loving family. Tim was the proud managing partner of Scandia Custom Cabinets.

He loved his work, the people he worked with, and the people he served. Of all that he built, he loved building relationships most of all—especially on the golf course.

Tim will always be remembered for his infectious smile, his entertaining stories and the fun and laughter he brought for everyone. He will be deeply missed.

Qtcommercial.com | 763-535-5831

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Quality Trusted Commercial Roofing Michael Hornung

RE/MAX Results Brenda Tushaus

results.net | 952-829-2900

Refined Homes Tricia Wiitanen

refined-homes.com | 651-699-2489

Satoree Flooring Sarah Woxland

satoreekb.com | 612-823-0022

Stafford Home Service Kris Thompson

Staffordhomeservice.com | 952-927-7194

SEEN + HEARD

Awards Members Awarded 2021 CotYs from NARI-MN Congratulations to all our member companies that took home CotY awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Minnesota.

Residential Exterior $50,000 to $100,000

Great Northern Builders, LLC Gold Award Residential Interior Element $30,000 and Over

MA Peterson Designbuild, Inc. Silver Award Residential Historical Renovation/ Restoration $250,000 and Over

Holly Home Renovations, LLC Gold Award Residential Detached Structure

Great Northern Builders, LLC Gold Award John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. Silver Award Basement Under $100,000

Great Northern Builders, LLC Gold Award Basement $100,000 to $250,000

Lake Country Builders, Ltd. Silver Award Basement $100,000 to $250,000

Bob Michels Construction, Inc. Gold Award Residential Addition Under $100,000

Boyer Building Corp.

Gold Award

Plekkenpol Builders, Inc. Silver Award Residential Interior $100,000 to $250,000

Boyer Building Corp.

Gold Award New Spaces Silver Award

Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000

VUJOVICH Design Build, Inc. Gold Award

Residential Interior Over $500,000

Gordon James Gold Award Murphy Bros. Design | Build | Remodel Silver Award Entire House $250,000 to $500,000

MN Fine Homes and Remodeling, Inc. Gold Award Holly Home Renovations, LLC Silver Award Entire House $500,001 to $750,000

MN Fine Homes and Remodeling, Inc. Gold Award Entire House Over $1,000,000

John Kraemer and Sons, Inc. Gold Award Residential Bath $50,001 to $75,000

Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000

Bob Michels Construction, Inc. Gold Award AMEK, Inc. Silver Award Residential Addition Over $250,000

APEX Construction Management, LLC Silver Award Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000

Yardscapes, Inc. Gold Award Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living Over $250,000

Yardscapes, Inc. Silver Award

Holly Home Renovations, LLC Gold Award McDonald Remodeling, Inc. Silver Award

Residential Bath $75,001 to $100,000

McDonald Remodeling, Inc. Gold Award

Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000

Know someone who would make a great member?

Send them our way!

Housing First Minnesota is the leading voice for builders, remodelers, and all in the housing industry who are dedicated to building safe, durable homes at a price Minnesotans can afford. Our current members are our greatest advocates. With more members, our association will have an even greater voice and presence in the community.

Do you know of any housing industry business partners who are missing out on the value and benefits Housing First Minnesota Membership brings you? We would love to connect and go over how we can help their business!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Gold Award

Residential Kitchen $100,001 to $150,000

AMEK, Inc. Gold Award Plekkenpol Builders, Inc. Silver Award

Residential Kitchen Over $150,000

Residential Interior Under $100,000

McDonald Remodeling, Inc. Gold Award

McDonald Remodeling, Inc. Gold Award Bob Michels Construction, Inc. Silver Award

Your Building Industry Association

Current or potential members can contact our membership manager,

new member Recruiters Stan Altmark

Sarah Dulong

Joe Larose

Jason Myrlie

CityLine Homes, Inc.

Ron Clark Construction & Design

North Risk Partners

J Carsten Remodeling

Christopher Hagness 715-340-5610 Christopher@HousingFirstMN.org

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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Target Your Customers Our world-class marketing opportunities allow your business to reach the audience that makes most sense to you, whether it’s consumers or industry members.

Connect With Peers As a Housing First Minnesota member, you’re part of something great. With nearly 1,000 member firms, you’ll be in the company of virtually every residential builder and professional remodeler in the region, alongside our exceptional associate members.

Protect Your Industry

Helping you succeed is our calling.

Whether that’s through direct money-saving

We are there to partner with council members, mayors, legislators, regulators, and policymakers. We strive to keep homebuilding and remodeling affordable so Minnesotans can continue to achieve the American dream of homeownership.

benefits, powerful advocacy helping our industry thrive, nation-leading marketing to help your business grow, or networking and connections that create trust and facilitate business, we bring the industry together.

Member Discounts Housing First Minnesota has brought together an array of members-only benefits that positively impact your bottom line. Check them all out online at housingfirstmn.org/ MemberBenefits.

HousingFirstMN.org Tool Kit Need help navigating all the benefits and resources of your membership?

Contact the membership team today: 651-697-1954 | Membership@HousingFirstMN.org

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Housing First Minnesota has put together a suite of products and services to elevate your business, valued at over $5,000. Housing First Minnesota is the stop for industry updates and resources for effective marketing campaigns.

MEMBERS O N LY

A Constant Evolution I’ve been in countless conversations and meetings over the past many months in which the discussion has turned to getting back to normal. I’ve even contributed to those thoughts. But as I think about 2022 and the year ahead, I realize I have no interest in going back. In fact, I don’t think there really is a “normal.” There is simply reality and the opportunities and challenges that lie before us.

For me, it is much more exciting to think about the future and what lies ahead for Housing First Minnesota and our industry. This is going to be a very exciting year for our association, and more broadly, for residential construction in Minnesota. It is a pivotal year, and if there is one thing we have all learned to do well, it’s pivot.

Our marketplace is evolving constantly, and Housing First Minnesota is changing too. The art is in keeping traditions alive while adjusting, adapting, and advancing new initiatives. For us at your association, this means continuing to produce the nation’s leading home tours— the Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tour. It means once again holding an energetic BIG Night to celebrate this amazing industry. It means producing our quarterly Digest, our six-times-a-year Housing Industry News, our weekly Voice e-newsletter, and our powerful events to connect such as the Golf Open and Clay Shoot. It means that we never stop advocating for our industry and fighting for the ability to produce homes our marketplace so desperately needs.

But it also means powerful innovation. This year, we are launching the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway. This down payment assistance program will help those families on the cusp of homeownership buy their very first home. If you want to help us launch this program with financial support, please let me know.

We already have commitments for five down payments!

We are also launching the Parade of Homes House Party music festival, which will dramatically elevate the important value of homeownership, while introducing the next generation to the Parade of Homes and providing a terrific opportunity for our industry to further connect. We believe this two-day summer jam will become an iconic event in our state—bringing Minnesotans together to tell the story of homeownership through music. This is an event you will not want to miss.

At the Capitol, we’re working with key legislators on the most comprehensive and substantial housing legislation in decades. This legislation is a game-changer. It will give

homebuyers and their builders the flexibility they need to return starter homes to our marketplace and bring our housing ecosystem into balance.

Each of these initiatives is strengthened by a strong membership. This, too, is a major push for our association in 2022. We’re calling it “The Year of Membership,” and we’re in pursuit of any residential builder, remodeler, and supplier to share with them the tremendous value in membership. I’m an association guy. I think everyone in an industry should be a member. It just makes sense to me—if you’re in this industry, you should support the institution that makes your life better and that makes it possible for the industry to succeed. So, help us tell that story of membership and refer those you know who aren’t yet on the bandwagon.

We’re looking forward, not backward, and we can see a beautiful sunrise ahead. Let’s go!

DAVID SIEGEL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

The Digest

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MEMBER OF

Contact Kori Meewes Kori@HousingFirstMN.org | 612.801.9874 Brad Meewes Brad@HousingFirstMN.org | 651.269.2399

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The Digest

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HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JANUARY–MARCH 2022

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