Building Insight February 2020

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building insight

Table of contents

WHO WE ARE The Building Industry Association of Washington is the state’s largest trade association representing thousands of companies in the home building industry.

BIAW is dedicated to ensuring and enhancing the vitality of the building industry for the benefit of its members and the housing needs of citizens.

BIAW STAFF Executive Vice President Greg Lane Government Affairs Director Jan Himebaugh General Counsel Jackson Maynard Administrative Services Director Jan Rohila R.O.I.I.® Select Co-Directors Jenn Kavanaugh and Michael Couthran Communications and Public Relations Director Jennifer Spall

BUILDING INSIGHT EDITORIAL STAFF Communications and Public Relations Director Jennifer Spall Communications Manager Leah Jaber Writer and Editor Bailee Wicks Layout and Design Brenda Kwieciak

Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA) Membership Services Director, South Central, Emily Jameson (l), CWHBA Executive Officer Chelsea Snodgrass (r), and BIAW Membership Director Karen Hall strike a pose on the showroom floor of the International Builders Show.

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Bridging the skilled trades labor gap

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Reward your business in 2020

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Session kicks off

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Regulations impacting builders

Developing the industry’s future workforce

R.O.I.I.® Select enrollment is now open

BIAW’s 2020 legislative priorities

To submit editorial or advertise contact communications@biaw.com.

Adverse rules move forward

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President’s message I always considered Mr. Rogers, host of the educational children’s television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, to be a safe time-filler for my children when I needed to finish a task, but never thought of him as a philosopher. His quote, however, seems insightful as it bears reflection as we begin this new decade.

Give back to your industry Do you have enough time? Jobs? Income? Wisdom? More importantly, are you utilizing your time, money, business, and intellectual assets you currently have to the maximum potential?

Over the years, I repeatedly hear from people that they don’t have any extra time to volunteer. Volunteering can take many forms and as much time and energy as you choose. In our industry, volunteering is essential. As a member of your local home builders association (HBA), you are also a member of BIAW, as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Your participation at all three levels is important.

Sherry Schwab President

“It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.”

—Fred Rogers

Giving back to the industry that supports your livelihood and security of your family is an easy and natural thing to do. Most members’ first experience at volunteering begins at their HBA. Attending a meeting or helping out on a community outreach project—­the list of possibilities are endless—help build a stronger industry and a better community in which to work and live.

At the state level, plan to attend BIAW’s winter board meeting Feb. 24-26 at Hotel RL in Olympia. Hill Day, a visit to the Capitol, is scheduled for Feb. 25. This is an incredible opportunity to introduce yourself as a voter and speak with your legislators who represent you.

It is also the perfect opportunity to extend an invitation to BIAW’s 70th anniversary celebration later that evening at 7p.m.

And, speaking of BIAW’s 70th anniversary, on Feb. 18, 1950, BIAW became an official charter of NAHB. In 1950, the average cost of a new home was $7,400. My parents’ house probably cost a lot less than that since my father built it himself on nights and weekends.

I remember seeing the work lights strung in the rafters. The house I grew up in doesn’t compare in size to the average home built nowadays, but it also doesn’t compare to the $513,941 price tag, the average cost of home in Washington, either.

Many things have changed over the course of 70 years, however, “speaking with your feet” is still important in politics. Please accept my invitation to attend BIAW’s winter board meeting and spend time networking with your peers. BIAW has a full agenda planned with something of interest to everyone.

Come celebrate BIAW and support the home building industry.

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Workforce Development

Bridging the skilled trades labor gap

by Bailee Wicks Writer and Editor

Last June, the BIAW board of directors approved the BIAW Strategic Plan, a roadmap for BIAW to follow for the next five to seven years. Based on input from BIAW members, creating a workforce development program was a high priority to help combat the lack of available skilled labor in the home building industry.

February is National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. CTE programs prepare students for high demand careers with a depth of learning that builds real-world skills. Each course is part of a comprehensive program of study so that students graduate ready for a job, certification, or technical school.

BIAW has been working in conjunction with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) to help fulfill that need. HBI works in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders, preparing students with the skills they need for successful careers in the home building industry. HBI’s educational materials are designed to be relevant in today’s rapidly changing environment, bringing increased professionalism, competency, and effectiveness to those entering the residential building workforce.

In 2018, HBI received a $50 million grant from the Home Depot Foundation to help train 20,000 new skilled workers over the next 10 years and increase the number of workers trained through the HBI curriculum to help address the home building industry’s skilled labor shortage.

BIAW is proud to announce its local association, the

Olympia Master Builders, has partnered with HBI to bring the HBI curriculum to Tumwater High School.

BIAW will continue working on its strategic planning goals to help develop technical and skilled trades training partnerships between our local associations, school districts, and HBI in training tomorrow’s workforce.

BIAW’s workforce development task force meeting is scheduled to meet Feb. 25 during the winter board meeting in Olympia. Member representatives from each of our local associations will continue the discussion of workforce development issues and solutions.

If you have any questions about BIAW’s workforce development program or HBI curriculum, contact BIAW Workforce Development Manager Al Audette at (360) 352-7800, ext. 105 or ala@biaw.com. february 2020

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Executive Vice President’s message The 2020 legislative session is now in full swing. Led by BIAW Government Affairs Director Jan Himebaugh, BIAW’s advocacy team is working hard on behalf of our members. This year, BIAW’s priority issues focus on reducing the cost and streamlining the permitting process, measurable housing metrics, flexibility in short plats, reducing SEPA and GMA redundancy, and clarifying Limited Areas of More Intense Rural Development. (Please see pages 10-11 for more details.)

Unfortunately, we have seen many anti-housing measures resurface.

Our team strives to educate lawmakers about the negative impact those bad ideas will have on housing affordability in our state.

Members’ testimony makes a difference

Greg Lane

Executive Vice President

Please be sure to check your inbox for BIAW’s weekly Hammer & Nail email with legislative updates. During session, these updates keep you abreast of the status of BIAW-priority bills and our efforts in support of the home building industry. Most importantly, when you do receive an email or social alert on specific legislation, please take immediate action and contact your legislators. We wouldn’t ask you if we didn’t think it was imperative to make contact.

Speaking of making your voice heard, last month’s issue of Building Insight provided tips on how to contact your lawmaker. Your legislators do want to hear from you and your comments have significant influence.

We witnessed that firsthand during the very first week of session.

Several members took time out of their busy schedule to come to the Capitol to testify. Lawmakers heard our opposition to SB 5565/HB 1395, the direct contractor liability bill, and how it would impact general contractors—making them liable for all benefits, contributions, and payroll for employees of subcontractors on their projects.

Thank you to the following members for your outstanding job testifying at that hearing: n Aaron Marvin, BIA of Clark County n John Irwin and David Danton, Olympia Master Builders n Judson Willis, Tram Bowen and 2019 BIAW President Rick Hjelm, MBA of Pierce County

On the cover (l to r): BIAW members arrive at the Capitol to testify in opposition to SB 5565/HB 1395, the direct contractor liability bill. Aaron Marvin, John Erwin, Tram Bowen, David Danton, Judson Willis, and Rick Hjelm.

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In addition, BIAW owes a thank you to Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association member Jay Roberts for his testimony on the proposed Hydraulic Permit Approval (HPA) rule. This new rule would allow the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to deny HPA permits for residential bulkheads, even if the bulkhead is compliant with their local shoreline master program and increase the maximum penalty from $100 to $10,000. Roberts was outstanding; WDFW is already discussing making changes because of his testimony.

Finally, please plan to attend BIAW’s Hill Day visit to the Capitol Feb. 25. This event is an excellent opportunity to visit with your lawmakers and discuss legislation that impacts our industry. Later that evening join us for BIAW’s 70th anniversary celebration.

Safety Services

L&I implements new OSHA rules

by Bob White

R.O.I.I.® Select Safety Services Director

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) made changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping and reporting rules on Jan. 1, 2020. Below are some of the new rule highlights. For a complete list, visit WAC 296-27-03103.

For more information on these new rules or if you have any questions, contact R.O.I.I.® Select Safety Services Director Bob White at (360) 352-7800, ext.

109 or bobw@biaw.com.

OSHA 300 Recordkeeping Reporting | New Rule Highlights | WAC 296-27-03103

Note: BIAW members are held to Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) standards which includes DOSH rules and regulations.

What does the new DOSH rule do?

Requires certain employers (depending on size and industry type) to annually submit electronic injury and illness records to federal OSHA that they are already required to keep under the recordkeeping regulations.

Who must submit information electronically to OSHA under the new rule?

Establishments with 250 or more employees that are already required to keep OSHA Form 300 logs must electronically submit to OSHA information from the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A).

Establishments with 20-249 employees and in certain high-risk industries must electronically submit to OSHA information from the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A). Only those establishments that meet BOTH criteria must electronically submit their records annually.

Establishments with fewer than 20 employees at all times during the year (or who are normally exempt by size or industry) will only need to electronically submit records to Federal OSHA “Upon written

notification” from Federal OSHA. This group must follow the instructions in the written notification.

Does the rule require employers to start keeping new records or change how they keep records?

No. The new requirement does not add to or change an employer’s obligation to complete, retain, and certify injury and illness records. It only requires certain employers to electronically submit some of the information from these records to OSHA. How do I determine my correct employee count?

Each individual employed in the establishment at any time during the calendar year counts as one employee, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers.

When do I have to submit data electronically to OSHA? Employers must submit information from OSHA Forms 300A by March 2, 2020.

Do I still need to post my OSHA 300A summary from February 1st to April 30th as usual?

Yes. february 2020

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®

R.O.I.I. Select Enrollment is Now Open

Reward your business in 2020

by Jenn Kavanuagh and Michael Couthran R.O.I.I.® Select Interim Co-Directors

If you still haven’t looked into BIAW’s R.O.I.I.® Select retrospective rating (retro) program, now is the time! Your commitment to safety and your employees’ well-being could be earning you refunds on the industrial insurance premiums you pay to the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). In fact, R.O.I.I ® Select participants’ average refund is 36% of their annual premium.

of experts are committed to helping our participants navigate L&I’s daunting workers’ comp system and providing tools and knowledge to maximize your potential refund and improve your bottom line.

Safety has its rewards

Safety has its rewards—don’t miss out on yours! If you’re interested in learning more about how you can start reaping the rewards, contact us at (360) 352-7800 or enroll@biaw.com.

Retro is a safety incentive program with a simple goal: eliminate injuries through improvements in workplace safety and preventive strategies. If an employee is injured, help them get better quicker with a successful return to work experience. Do this, and you can earn a refund. The R.O.I.I.® Select team

CLAIMS ASSISTANCE Our experienced claim representatives go straight to the source on your behalf. We help L&I make faster decisions so claims close quicker. We keep a pulse on your claim at every juncture until it closes, giving you peace of mind.

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In addition to top tier refunds, R.O.I.I.® Select participants receive claims assistance, safety services, risk management, and return to work assistance at no additional cost.

If you’d like to find out if R.O.I.I.® Select is a good fit for your company, complete the online inquiry at ROIISelect.com.

SAFETY SERVICES The best injury claim is the one that never happens — even a small accident can cost an employer big. This is why we are dedicated to helping you develop and implement effective safety programs and strategies. Prevention is our number one priority.

What makes us better? Our people.

The R.O.I.I.® Select team of experts are committed to helping participants navigate L&I’s daunting workers’ comp system.

TRANSPARENCY Once you’re in the program, our claims staff provides you with all the information you need, whenever you need it, so you can get back to work.

AFFORDABILITY Your annual fee is 1.5% of total premiums owed to L&I, or $150, whichever is greater.

PERFORMANCE Our strict enrollment criteria and innovative approach to workers’ comp ensures maximum group performance.

NO SURPRISE FEES Our program fee is 10% of the group’s overall refund from L&I, and an additional 10% divided between BIAWaffiliated local associations. These fees support continuing education, government affairs, and the building industry as a whole.

COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION We are committed to safety, prevention, and controlling costs. The best claim is no claim at all. However, if a claim does happen, we provide support and share ways to prevent future claims from happening.

R.O.I.I.® Select Group Refunds

R.O.I.I.® Select has returned over $500 million in refunds to participating members since 1982.

15%

2015

34%

2014

36%

40% 25%

2013

Competitors’ Averages

31%

42%

Competitors’ Averages

36%

25%

0

37%

Competitors’ Averages

35%

Competitors’ Averages

REFUND PERCENTAGE

45%

2012

COMPLETED PLAN YEARS

RISK MANAGEMENT Our job is to identify risk and assist you with implementing preventive measures to avoid claims from happening in the first place. If a claim does occur, we offer strategies to help control the severity and cost of the injury.

RETURN-TO-WORK Our goal is to keep an injured worker engaged in the recovery process and connected with their employer. No claim is ever alike, and it is our ability to be creative with return-to-work strategies that sets us apart.

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Government Affairs

Session kicks off

by Jan Himebaugh Government Affairs Director

The 60-day legislative session kicked off Jan. 13 and brought with it more bills that will impact builders across the state. BIAW’s advocacy team continues to fight in all areas of the legislative arena for our members. Here is what we are already seeing: Permit timeline accountability We don’t have predictability in the permit process.

Permit process timelines are getting longer, more complicated, and duplicative. This creates a lack of accountability for local governments to meet certain measures, and a lack of urgency to make processes better.

Our state can do better when it comes to permit timelines. SB 6461 and 6470: n Sets timelines for permit application review that local governments must meet n Requires approval when timelines are not met n Clarifies what time is counted and not counted n Bans a local government from compelling an applicant to sign a timeline waiver Metrics for attainable housing standards It’s time to bring additional emphasis and clarity to the housing element requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA). Currently, local governments are required to plan for housing. Most jurisdictions are not adequately planning for every housing type identified in GMA. HB 2687 adds real housing metrics to GMA by updating the requirements for countywide planning policies. Not every city can provide every housing type in sufficient proportions to meet the needs of the community, however, unless there are policies, there is no way to know if a jurisdiction is meeting 10

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their overall goals.

This bill clarifies what is required; strengthens the housing element requirements to ensure cities and counties plan for each housing type appropriately. In short, this would emphasize the need to not only plan for population, but also for specific housing types.

Flexibility for LAMIRDs Limited Areas of More Intense Rural Development (LAMIRDs) are allowed under GMA, however there are significant limitations that have created a onesize-fits-all approach to planning. Life is different in Snohomish county than it is in Stevens county.

LAMIRDs could be a valuable tool to help rural communities experience economic growth, but they are instead “economic sinkholes.”

The Ruckelshaus Center’s Roadmap Project noted the LAMIRDs were too overly restrictive to be useful. In order to address these “economic sinkholes,” Washington needs to provide some flexibility around mandating LAMIRDs into the future. HB 2672 provides flexibility about how boundaries are set, provides more discretion to local government in making decisions around LAMIRDs, and clarifies that new uses are allowed.

Reduce redundancy for housing Washington must streamline and integrate the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and GMA. HB 2673 and SB 6463 would streamline SEPA and comp planning: A project that complies with the underlying comp plan would be categorically exempt—this is how it should work.

Doing so eliminates costly SEPA paperwork, studies, and appeals, and would quicken the housing production pace.

Meet your lobbyists BIAW’s incredible team of lobbyists, Jan Himebaugh, Steve Gano, Tom Kwieciak, and Bill Stauffacher have been working for BIAW since 2011. Committed, seasoned, and experienced, they are second to none when it comes to advocating on behalf of members across the state and our industry.

Jan Himebaugh is the Government Affairs Director for BIAW. She previously worked for the Washington Lodging Association and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ campaign.

Steve Gano, Gano and Associates, has been lobbying in Washington state since 1984. He was previously with the Washington Forest Protection Association as government affairs director. Gano’s ability to respect opposing viewpoints and work toward solutions has gained him respect throughout the lobbying community.

Tom Kwieciak was a former director for BIAW’s retro and health insurance programs. Kwieicak has 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge in workers’ comp, labor, and healthcare issues.

Kwieciak is a graduate of Purdue University and after college was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.

Bill Stauffacher began his career in Olympia as a student lobbyist for Washington State University.

Prior to establishing Stauffacher Communications, Stauffacher worked for the Democratic House Majority and ran several high-profile swing-district campaigns.

february 2020

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Certified Builder Q&A

Building industry offers something for everyone

by Bailee Wicks Writer and Editor

BIAW sat down with Elizabeth Gomez, a recently approved BIAW Certified Builder, to get her perspective as a woman working in the building industry as well as her outlook on the future of the industry.

Name: Elizabeth Gomez Company: Bridge City Contracting, Vancouver Local Association: Building Industry Association of Clark County How long have you worked in the building industry?

I have been involved in the building industry going on six years now. Previously, I held a variety of positions in building industry-related fields including project management, real estate, and finance.

What is your favorite element of BIAW’s Certified Builder program?

My favorite element of the Certified Builder program is that I am in great company with my peers, colleagues, and industry-leading professionals. It is an honor to be grouped among the best of Washington’s building industry professionals. Additionally, the program provides me with incredible professional development opportunities.

Valuable marketing assets and resources allow my company to establish instant credibility with potential clients and fellow industry professionals.

What are some challenges you face as a women working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

Building requires a multifaceted skill set, but most importantly, we create. I structured the framework of my company to be a culture that is diverse, collaborative, 12

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and encouraging. I believe that no matter your gender or diversity within a team it can strengthen the team’s ability to problem-solve and generate creative solutions.

Working in construction is challenging, but you are always problem-solving and solution generating. It keeps me on my toes. There is never a dull moment. I am continually learning new things and stretching myself. The world of construction is so varied and offers such a wide selection of careers that there is something for everyone.

What types of changes do you foresee happening in the residential construction industry in the future?

Since starting my business in 2014, I noticed the building industry has undergone several changes to facilitate women in construction roles. The number of job sites engaging women-owned firms has significantly increased.

Women are emerging from trade schools and apprenticeship programs in higher numbers than ever before. Community outreach and job opportunities for women in skilled labor and specialty trades have grown and become more common. The construction industry’s culture is shifting.

Meet our newest Certified Builders Elizabeth Gomez

Bridge City Contracting, Vancouver

Washington native, Elizabeth Gomez, grew up in the Minnehaha neighborhood of Vancouver. Her love of building began as a young girl collaborating on woodworking projects with her grandfather in his workshop. Many of her fondest childhood memories were spent shadowing her grandfather on home renovation projects learning tool use, manual skills, and design basics. It was these experiences that ignited a passion for construction and design in Elizabeth.

In 2014, Elizabeth and her husband launched Bridge City Contracting. As a construction professional, Elizabeth is an expert project manager. She lives her core values creating lasting relationships with her clients and industry peers.

A member of the Building Industry Association of Clark County, Gomez is currently chair of its Remodelers Council and chair for its 2019 Remodeled Homes Tour.

Bridge City Contracting has been featured in both local and national publications and is the recipient of BIACC’s 2018 Remodeled Homes Tour Award for Best Kitchen.

Dominic Moceri

Moceri Construction, Inc., Bellingham

Building Industry Association of Whatcom County member Dominic Moceri has been involved in the construction industry his entire life. Moceri’s affinity with home building began when he was young and started working for his parent’s construction company after school and during summer.

After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Sustainable Building, Moceri became a partner at Moceri Construction Inc., where he currently works alongside his brother and father.

Moceri Construction specializes in custom-built homes and remodels that focus on using sustainable building materials that are durable, high-quality products. Moceri believes the heart of constructing a sustainable home is taking a whole-house approach and creating something that will be long-lasting and functional.

Moceri’s building specialty is combining tried-and-true building techniques with emerging products, technologies, and science. february 2020

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Legislative Update

Regulations impacting builders

by Jennifer Spall

Communications and Public Relations Director

Hydraulic permit approval

The fallout from HB 1579, the Hydraulic Permit Approval (HPA) bill passed last session, has already begun. BIAW has filed a lawsuit to try to prevent the bill from taking effect, but that hasn’t stopped the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) from starting to put forward rules based on the new law.

HB 1579 did two things that affect BIAW members: Firstly, it allowed the DFW to deny HPA permits for residential bulkheads, even if the bulkhead is compliant with their local shoreline master program, and secondly, it increased the maximum penalty amount from $100 to $10,000 per day.

In the rulemaking process, DFW had to allow for public comment at a meeting of its leadership. BIAW member Jay Roberts, owner of Cascade Custom Homes and Design, Inc. and BIAW Associate General Counsel Hannah Marcley attended the public comment meeting on Jan. 17 to tell DFW about the harm the new rules would do to builders.

While Marcley addressed fundamental legal issues with the legislation, Roberts discussed the proposed rule’s impact on his business.

“Obviously being on an island, a lot of what I build is along the water and with this bill, part of the challenges we have are with prospective clients who do not understand these rules and rely on builders to 14

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explain these rules to them. And as the rules stand as they are written now, they are very vague, for me to have to explain these rules to somebody, it would be almost impossible,” stated Roberts.

In a bright spot on the otherwise gloomy hearing, DFW did state that the fine would not be issued on a per-day basis. Previously, they had insisted it had the right to issue a $10,000 per violation per day penalty. We will keep you posted on any developments with this rule.

If you have any questions, please contact BIAW Associate General Counsel Hannah Marcley by email at (360) 352-7800, ext. 118 or hannahm@biaw.com.

Mileage tax moves forward

Late last year, the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) adopted recommendations on how Washington can move away from our 49.4 cents per gallon state gas tax and toward a 2.4 cents per mile road usage charge system.

Using data collected from the Washington Road Usage Charge (RUC) Pilot Project, WSTC acknowledged several concerns with the transition

including privacy protections and restriction of RUC revenues to highway-related expenditures.

Users in the pilot program had the option of reporting their miles driven with one of four systems: GPS, non-GPS, smartphone, or self-reporting by submitting photos of their odometers. Critics noted that in some of these options, possible traffic violations were also logged, raising concerns that the system could be expanded to traffic law enforcement in the future.

Other critics were stringently opposed to any limitations on the use of RUC funds for highwayrelated only. Climate Solutions, Front and Centered, Futurewise, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy in Washington, Transportation Choices Coalition, Washington Environmental Council/Washington Conservation Voters submitted a joint letter asking that revenues not be restricted to highway-related use as, “While our roadways are inadequately maintained, our transit systems also lack sufficient investment.”

The City of Seattle Department of Transportation went even further, asking the WSTC to “…include congestion factors in its pricing model, such

as charging more to use roadways during peak commute periods” as well as “…data collected through the program should be made available to local and regional governments for analytical purposes so that they can make more informed traffic and safety engineering decisions.”

The WSTC has recommended a slow and gradual approach to introduce RUC in Washington, including a start-up phase to help inform a transition plan before there is broad future adoption. They propose a start-up phase to include vehicles that pay little or no gas tax: plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles, which currently pay flat annual fees regardless of miles driven.

If implemented, a RUC, also called a mileage tax, would require drivers to pay a tax on every mile they drive, rather than on every gallon of gas they purchase at the pump. This recommendation will now move forward to the Legislature and governor for review.

BIAW will continue to monitor the RUC movement and keep our members updated.

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Legal Team

In a dispute, try mediation

by Jackson Maynard General Counsel

Sometimes the hardest thing to do in a business dispute is also the smartest: sit down and work it out. The problem is that by the time parties are in court, there can be a lot of frustration, anger, and broken trust that can get in the way of resolving the matter. The fact that both sides are paying lawyers to advocate and fight for their position can sometimes also be a factor in keeping a settlement from happening.

However, by continuing to devote resources to a fight, there may not be enough left over at the end of the battle to have made it all worthwhile.

Litigants may find that after paying court fees, attorney fees, discovery, and lost time from work in attending a trial for an uncertain result that the costs far exceed the benefit gained from the legal process.

That’s why Washington state, like most other jurisdictions, encourage mediation as a way to avoid the time and cost of litigation and trial. Mediation is simply a negotiation conducted by a neutral third party with specialized training.

It is generally considered to be a faster and cheaper alternative to a lawsuit and enables parties to focus on the key issues in the case. Usually voluntary, mediation can also be required by courts especially in small claims. Unlike the court, where a judge

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imposes a decision, disputing parties and their mediator decide who participates as well as how, when, and where mediation takes place.

The mediator helps both parties find common ground. They help set expectations and can offer creative solutions, along with assisting in drafting a final settlement. If a resolution is reached, mediation agreements may be oral or written, with most agreements considered enforceable contracts.

If courtordered, the agreement will become part of the judgment.

If an agreement cannot be reached, parties are free to pursue claims in other forums.

A final benefit of the mediation process is that a special privilege is recognized in law that makes all communications in the mediation confidential.

This means that parties and the mediators are able to have frank discussions about the strengths and weakness of their positions without having to worry about their statements being disclosed in court.

If you are involved in a contract dispute on a project, consider using mediation as a tool to get the problem resolved and back to work.

If you have questions, please contact BIAW General Counsel Jackson Maynard at (360) 352-7800, ext.

108 or jacksonm@biaw.com.

Health Insurance Program

Let technology help you stay healthy

by Bailee Wicks Writer and Editor

As we enter a new decade, it is incredible to think about the changes we’ve seen in the last 10 years, and nowhere is that more evident than in the realm of technology. In 2020, we have all become connected to the world through the use of a smart phone in our pocket, a computer on our desk, or a watch on our wrist. These devices can listen and complete a task with just the sound of your voice. As this technology advances, there are more and more ways for you to easily track your health care and take advantage of your health insurance plan to its fullest extent.

One of the most popular ways to leverage technology is the use of a wearable fitness tracker. These devices range in complexity from a simple pedometer that counts the number of steps each day to a smart watch that can track your daily activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate. Monitoring your health and daily activity using technology can help you stay more productive and alert you to the early warning signs of potential health risks.

In addition to tracking your daily activity, technology also allows you to visit your doctor using telemedicine for the treatment of common health conditions. Telemedicine allows you to communicate with a doctor via video conference, using your smart device. You can receive a diagnosis without ever having to leave the comfort of your house, all without any additional cost.

If you’re not taking advantage of these great benefits, find out how you can. Contact BIAW’s Health Insurance program consultants at (425) 641-8093 or visit them online at BIAWHealthTrust.com to receive more information or for a free, no-obligation quote. february 2020

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05 04 03

HAPPENINGS [1] Executive Vice President Greg Lane (far left) reads the oath of office to the 2020 leadership of the San Juan Building Association.

[2] BIAW President Sherry Schwab with 2020 Spokane HBA Hall of Fame inductee Jim Norman (r) and fellow SHBA HOF member Arne Weinman.

[3] HBA of Tri-Cities 2020 President Gary Questad takes the oath of office from BIAW President Sherry Schwab.

[4] 2019 BIAW President Rick Hjelm with Kitsap Building Association 2019 Remodeler of the Year and Life Director Wayne Keffer.

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[5] 2020 Kitsap Building Association President Ellen Ross-Cardoso receives the president’s pin from presenter Judy Eagleson.

[6] Senator Holy (wearing tie) meets with a contingency of concrete pumpers after testifying in support of SB 6317, a BIAW-backed bill that would stop double taxation on concrete pumping.

[7] BIAW members gather for a quick photo during the International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

[8] MBA of Pierce County Government Affairs Director Jesse Gamble makes comments during the work session of the Housing Stability and Affordablilty Committee.

07 06

08 09

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[9] MBA of King and Snohomish Counties member Juli Bacon celebrates with BIAW Treasurer Joseph Irons. Irons’ company, Irons Brothers Construction, Inc., was honored as NAHB’s 2019 Remodeler Safety Program of the Year (for companies less than 50 employees).

[10] Spokane HBA member Nick Scheel is a finalist for NAHB Young Professional Award Region E and winner of NAHB’s Remodelers Council “One to Watch” award for remodeler under

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the age of 40.

[11] Olympia Master Builders member David Danton (l) and John Irwin (c), MBA of Pierce County member Judson Willis, [12] BIA of Clark County member Aaron Marvin, and [13] MBA of Pierce County member and 2019 BIAW President Rick Hjelm testify against SB 5565/HB 1395, the BIAW-opposed direct contractor liability bill.

february 2020

19

Building Industry Association of Washington 111 21st Avenue SW | Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 352-7800 | BIAW.com |

PLAN TO ATTEND

HILL DAY TUES. FEB. 25

OPEN TO ALL BIAW MEMBERS

LUNCH & BRIEFING.........11:30am BUS TO CAPITOL...............12:15pm VISIT WITH LEGISLATORS BUS TO HOTEL RL............... 2:30pm