President's Message

Joseph Irons CAPS, CGP, CGR, CMG, GMR, BIAW Certified Builder

As days get longer and we start spending more time outdoors, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the new trends we’re seeing in home building and across our industry.

NW trends reflected nationally

As a member of the NAHB Design Committee, we encourage and promote new and effective design concepts and solutions, and the use of building design to improve housing. Based on what we see there, NAHB releases its annual top trends in homebuilding that we’re spotlighting during National New Homes Month.

As a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, I’ve been involved in a couple of different retro programs. What I like most about BIAW’s ROII program is that ROII’s claim representatives and staff are actively involved. They are supportive and successful in advocating for builders and helping our employees return to work safely. With ROII you do not have to be an expert with injuries and workers’ comp claims, the knowledgeable and experienced ROII staff guides you through the process with ease. If you’re not a retro member, I encourage you to learn more at ROII.com.

Many of these trends mirror what we’re seeing here in Washington: creative outdoor spaces, seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors, resort amenities like outdoor lounges, lots of pet-friendly options and more focus on function.

Meeting the needs of today’s home buyers

The Northwest home buyer today also places a high value on balancing their desire for environmentally-friendly homes against the need for a home they can afford.

Even before gas prices started increasing, Washington had one of the highest numbers of electric vehicles registered in the nation. With more and more home buyers driving electric vehicles, we are seeing more homeowners requesting home charging stations. As home builders and remodelers, we need to be prepared to adapt to these requests, even when they are not required.

At Irons Brothers Construction, my team and I stay ahead of the trends by attending BIAW’s continuing education courses and national conferences annually. With this training, we’re able to provide the latest options to our clients, in the most cost-effective way possible. That’s why it’s important to have builders like all of us advising policymakers on new building rules and regulations so, instead of mandates, we have options for our clients.

Safe workplace options benefit everyone

Speaking of options, you may notice that BIAW’s ROII program has staged a Building Insight “takeover” as they encourage companies to take advantage of their highly successful retro program. Another important and ongoing trend is an emphasis on safe and responsible workplaces.