2023 February Building Insight

EDITORIAL STAFF

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Janelle Guthrie

CONTENT SPECIALIST

Hannah Cassara

VISUAL DESIGNER

Lena Anderson

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Danielle Winski

BIAW MANAGMENT

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Greg Lane

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Al Audette

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Janelle Guthrie

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR

Josie Cummings

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Jan Himebaugh

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Stephen Hyer

ROII DIRECTOR

Jenn Kavanaugh

ASSOCIATION SERVICES DIRECTOR

Brenda Kwieciak

GENERAL COUNSEL

Jackson Maynard

CONTACT US

For editorial inquiries, contact Hannahc@biaw.com

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www.BIAW.com

Building Insight magazine is published on behalf of the Building Industry Association of Washington by Print Northwest.

FEATURED

February is National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, but BIAW and many local associations have made it their mission all year long. We highlight some of these initiatives aimed at addressing the urgent workforce needs of our industry.

BIAW recently contracted with Olympia Master Builders member South Sound Solar, Inc., of Olympia and installed solar panels to the roof of the Parkside Building.

Save the date for BIAW’s annual Capitol Hill visit

Associate member spotlight

Safety: A love language

These lawmakers are the ones to watch during this legislative session tackling affordability, homeownership and supply

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

ON THE COVER

Construction trades students at Pierce County Skills Center work on a framing project. The construction trades program covers both residential and commercial construction with an emphasis on job safety. The Master Builders Association of Pierce County Emerging Professionals Council recently held a tool drive benefiting the program. Read more on page 10.

As always, we want to hear from you! We invite everyone to take a quick survey about your thoughts on Building Insight. Happy reading!

President’s message

In February 1917, Congress passed the Smith-Hughes Act, representing the first major federal investment in secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) in the U.S. Now 106 years later, we celebrate February as CTE Month across the nation.

Here in Washington, BIAW supports CTE as a pathway for youth to learn valuable trades skills, so they’re prepared to help us build the homes our state desperately needs.

Developing our future workforce to build more homes

As president, I’ve made developing our future workforce a top priority once again for 2023. Right now, Washington needs roughly 270,000 new homes just to meet demand. With builders across Washington reaching retirement age, it’s way past time to recruit, train and support the next generation of builders who will come in behind us to continue our legacies.

Working with CTE programs around the state

As a member of the BIAW Workforce Development Task Force, I’m proud of the work Education and Workforce Development Director Al Audette and our task force members have done to build and strengthen relationships with CTE college instructors and counselors by sponsoring and attending their conferences and sharing resources.

Our local home builders work directly with trade schools in their communities as well. As you’ll learn in this issue, the Master Builders Association of Pierce County has developed a strong relationship with the Pierce County Skills Center, providing guest speakers, internships and financial support. In January, their Emerging Professionals group delivered hundreds of tools and more than $400 in cash to the Construction Trades Program there. You’ll also read this month about the Jefferson County Home Builders Association and its partnership with Quilcene-Brinnon High School’s CTE program.

The Central Washington Home Builders support their local trade school, Perry Technical Institute, with scholarships, professional opportunities and leadership as well. BIAW recently featured graduates of Perry Tech and the Kitsap Builder Grant program in a new video to recruit youth into the trades. Find the “Painting Pathways to the Trades” video on the BIAW YouTube channel!

Providing financial support to students and programs

Each year, BIAW and local associations across the state provide tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to students pursuing CTE and the programs that will train them. BIAW featured several scholarship winners during Careers in Construction Month in October. They also developed a new page on BIAW.com full of student resources including the application for BIAW’s scholarships as well as other scholarship opportunities at local associations.

Thank you for joining me in supporting the next generation!

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Executive Vice President’s message

The 2023 legislative session is well underway. Here’s the good news: Housing affordability is finally at the top of everyone’s list of priorities. But here’s the bad news: Many of the “solutions” being peddled will only worsen the problem.

Housing and homelessness

Gov. Jay Inslee has made addressing housing affordability and homeless two pillars in his 2023 legislative agenda. In fact, his 2023 budget proposal includes a referendum to fund $4 billion in housing construction to address homelessness over the next six years.

The state’s burgeoning population of people living in homelessness is a complex problem. And building government-subsidized housing is one small piece of the solution.

While it’s encouraging the Governor finally acknowledges our state is woefully behind in building new homes, it’s foolish to spend taxpayer money on government housing without also addressing the systemic failures in our planning, land use and permitting regulations.

Greg Lane Executive Vice President

Clearing barriers to homeownership

The state must clear barriers to allow builders to construct more new homes Washington families can afford. It’s the only effective way to create opportunities for middle- and lower-income families to purchase their first homes.

And we all know the benefits of home ownership far outweigh the burden of paying rent. Homeownership remains the number one pathway to generational wealth across all demographics. It also creates stability and community.

We need the Governor’s office to stop pushing new energy code requirements (which add roughly $25,000 to the price of a new home), to support reforms to the Growth Management Act to stop limiting the amount and location of new construction, and to fix the state’s average 6.5-month permit delay that adds $31,375 in holding costs.

Join us in supporting change

Your BIAW advocacy team is working with legislators to prioritize:

n Permit timeline reform

n State environmental policy act (SEPA) threshold exemptions

n State Building Code Council reform

n Impact fee deferral program reform

They’re also supporting bills that promote alternative pathways to graduation to help develop residential construction’s future workforce.

It’s not too late to help! First, text BIAW to 50457 to sign up for our text alerts. Next, be sure to visit our Legislative Action Center each week at BIAW.com/ legislative-action-center to learn which bills to sign in on to support or oppose. Finally, plan to join our BIAW Legislative Action Day on March 21 in Olympia!

It will take more than taxpayer money and government housing to solve the state’s long-term housing shortage. We need your help to show legislators the way.

Gary Questad measures up as BIAW’s new Certified Builder

by Danielle Winski Digital Communications Manager

Gary Questad ignited his passion for the building industry when he was in junior high, working as a laborer for a builder. Questad spent many years learning firsthand different trades in the industry, including carpentry, painting, concrete and more.

In 1992, he started a home foundation company which quickly evolved into a remodeling and custom homebuilding business. In 2004, he closed his custom home building business to move to Tri-Cities and join the New Tradition Homes team as a Project Manager for the new Tri-Cities division.

Now with New Tradition Homes for over 18 years, Questad holds the title of Regional Operations Manager over the Tri-Cities division. During this time, he has developed an eye for detail and an awareness that comes with decades of experience. His ability to see a finished product from the pages of an architect’s drawings is something that his clients put great confidence in. Education has been an ongoing element of his years in the industry, including receiving specialized training from industry experts. Beyond continuing his education, Questad is a member of New Tradition Homes’ in-house Building Science Team. Through ongoing research and dedication, their team builds homes and educates clients on healthier, more durable, and more efficient options.

BIAW is proud to designate Gary Questad as a Certified Builder. His dedication to improving the industry and his knowledge while building trust and confidence with his clients is the essence of a Certified Builder.

UPCOMING BIAW CLASSES

March 2023

Sign up at biaw.com/classes

Construction Contracts & Lien Law

March 1

- 4:30

DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared

March 1

DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared

March 2

DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared

March 7

Contract Subscription Service Class

March 9

Contract Subscription Service Class

March 10

Fall Protection Awareness/Ladder Safety

March 14

DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared

March 14

DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared

March 14

Certified Lead Renovator – Initial

March 15

Certified Lead Renovator – Refresher

March 15

-

- Kennewick

- Spokane

CESCL: Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead

March 15

CESCL: Recertification

March 17

CPR, AED and Basic First Aid Training

March 29

Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety

March 30

Kelly Fox builds up the industry and his community

by Danielle Winski Digital Communications Manager

Building communities is at the heart of what BIAW represents, and while our builder members are the backbone, our associate members are the glue that brings us all together. One associate member stands out in his efforts to build his local community and the industry—Kelly Fox with Frontier Building Supply.

As a Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA) member, Fox is heavily involved with SICBA and BIAW through different committees. He has served on SICBA’s Board of Directors and is a State Director representing his local association. Also serving on SICBA’s Membership Committee, Fox readily sponsors recruiting and afterhour events designed to attract new members.

Community centered

Even with a busy travel schedule, Fox dedicates his time at home to supporting his local community of Anacortes. Our future lies with today’s teens and young adults. To help build our future leaders, Fox regularly participates in programs with students and youth groups.

Building the future

Fox takes an active approach to building a solid industry that will continue to grow for years. He takes the time to reach out to elected officials to help bring some sense to the rapid cost increase of materials and how to reduce that burden on builders.

Beyond working with elected officials on material costs, he has an eye on the industry’s future. As more consumers and builders seek environmentally friendly options for their homes, Fox provides an array of green materials and products in his showrooms.

Fox is a model associate member with an eye on the future, the industry and his community. For these reasons, SICBA nominated Kelly Fox for the annual BIAW Associate Appreciation Award.

Recognizing outstanding contributions

Every year, each local association nominates one associate member who has made significant contributions to the industry and its community.

BIAW’s Associate Advisory Council (AAC) uses these nominations to recognize the members representing their local association, community and the building industry with an Associate Appreciation Award at BIAW’s Fall Board of Directors meeting each year.

ROII Safety Services

February: Celebrating our love for safety

by Bob White ROII Safety Services Director

February is the month many celebrate love. Some celebrate Valentine’s Day. Others celebrate their love of sports at Superbowl get-togethers.

It’s also a great time to bring the love to our safety meetings by sharing why safety is so important. It’s important to remember those who love us and count on us to do the right thing so we come home from work each day alive and with all our limbs still attached.

Safety is love

Sometimes I hear from people:

“I didn’t have time to put on my safety glasses. I was only going to run the grinder for a minute to cut the end off.”

Or:

“I didn’t feel like putting on my fall harness. The roof wasn’t really that high. I wasn’t going to be up there that long.”

When I hear comments like these, I like to ask:

“If you brought your son or daughter to work with you today, would you make them wear safety glasses while grinding? Or make them put on fall protection while they were on the roof with you?”

The answer I always get is, “Well, of course.”

Then I ask the question, “Why?”

Answer: “Because I love my kids and I wouldn’t want them to get hurt.”

I tell them, “Your kids also love you and count on you to come home each day in one piece so you can take them to that soccer game or baseball game or play together in the backyard.”

Remember why it matters

Too often, we don’t take a moment to consider the safety elements of each task or why we work safely. Many tasks in the trades have the potential for considerable risk and harm, but those risks can always be mitigated by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and taking a moment to consider the safety element.

Your February weekly safety meetings are a great time to remind employees why we work safely and to take a moment to consider how to do the job safely before you begin. Some employers encourage workers to bring a picture of their families or loved ones to work with them to remind them every day why we take a moment to consider the element of safety.

During the “Month of Love” and every month, remember: No task is too important to risk your safety. Your loved ones need you to be safe.

If you are an ROII participant and would like to receive my regular safety updates, including ideas for safety topics, contact me at (360) 352-7800 ext. 109 or bobw@biaw.com.

Not an ROII member? Learn more at roii.com.

Career and Technical Education: a year-round priority

by Hannah Cassara Content Specialist and Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

This is why BIAW and many local homebuilding associations across our state have made CTE workforce development a top priority all year to bring awareness to career opportunities and the dire labor shortage in CTErelated fields.

“We’re investing in tomorrow, next year and on to keep the construction trade viable,” said 2023 MBA Pierce President Chris Lockhart. “This tool drive is a great showing of community support.”

February has been proclaimed Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month all around the nation. CTE prepares the workforce needed across various industries and occupations, including residential construction, making it vital for students, businesses and communities.

BIAW encourages support for these programs across our state to ensure all learners have access to high-quality CTE programs in lucrative and in-demand career fields to bolster our workforce.

Master Builders Pierce Tools for Schools Drive

Throughout November and December, the Master Builders Association of Pierce County’s Emerging Professionals Council partnered with Contract Furnishings Mart in Tacoma to hold a “Tools for Schools” tool donation drive benefiting construction trades students at the Pierce County Skills Center. On Jan. 12, the group presented the students with 250 tools that students can use to fill their toolbelts upon graduation, as well as $460 in cash to benefit the program.

The Emerging Professionals Council, a networking group empowering young leaders and professionals in the housing industry, provides mentorship, leadership training and education opportunities tailored to the needs of emerging industry professionals. Serving high school juniors and seniors from school districts around Pierce County, the Pierce County Skills Center provides rigorous technical and professional experiences that prepare students for high-demand, high-wage jobs and post-secondary education. Learn more at bethelsd.org/pcsc.

Master Builders Association of Pierce County “Tools for Schools” tool drive donation day at Pierce County Skills Center.

MBAKS Student Chapters

As part of its Emerging Professionals program, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) became the first local homebuilding association in Washington state to establish National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapters, not just one but four.

NAHB Student Chapters is a program created to help local homebuilding associations partner with area schools to prepare a new generation for careers in homebuilding. MBAKS partnered with Edmonds College’s Construction Management program, Wood Technology Center at Seattle Central Community College, Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center in Everett and Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland.

The student chapters will allow participants to become student members of MBAKS, which provides complimentary access to events and networking opportunities with local building professionals, among other benefits. In addition, this program will bring awareness to field-based education and training opportunities and address the urgent need for qualified trade professionals in our industry.

Learn more about NAHB Student Chapters at nahb.com/studentchapters

JCHBA invests in their community

The Jefferson County Home Builders Association (JCHBA) is working to form a clear pathway for students and a future worker pipeline for residential construction by collaborating with local area schools and industry leaders to support teachers offering constructionbased curriculum and hands-on training programs.

Last year, JCHBA directed $5,000 in BIAW grant funds to the Community Boat Project in Port Hadlock to fund multiple construction internships for young people and an additional $5,000 in tool grants to Chimacum High School for their expanding shop classes. In 2023, JCHBA is actively supporting a grant for the Manufacturing Class at Port Townsend High School, as well as a separate grant for the new Agricultural Mechanics shop at Quilcene High School.

2.2 million

New skilled trades workers needed to meet current demand

1 million Units needed to fix our nation’s housing crisis

270,000 Units needed in Washington state alone

To see these programs in action, stop by the Home Show at Blue Heron School in Port Townsend on Saturday, March 4, where JCHBA will feature a Tiny Bunk Unit (TBU) built by the interns of the Community Boat Project for local housing providers.

The Community Boat Project offers threeto nine-month paid internships under its Shelter from the Storm Program. Individuals gain leadership skills and improve technical woodworking skills.

The Community Boat Project in Port Hadlock provides hands-on, meaningful learning experiences partnering teens with high-capacity adult mentors in unique programs that focus on real work, critical thinking and human-social skills. The program’s goal is to produce skilled and empathetic adults for our region.

* According to the Home Builders Institute’s most recent Construction Labor Market Report.

Frame Your Future awarded $1 million

Frame Your Future, a product of the Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA), helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace by supporting high school construction programs. FYF connects students with SHBA builder mentors, providing them with an industry-driven curriculum and hands-on building experience.

In October 2022, the Spokane County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved to award $1 million in funds to Frame Your Future from the Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.

“We’re thrilled to have the Commissioners’ support of our industry-driven solutions to the housing crisis and construction worker shortage,” said Brian Burrow, Frame Your Future’s director of workforce development. “These funds will boost our efforts to expose more students to the trades at a time when school districts are cutting shop programs from their budgets.”

In 2023, Frame Your Future will pilot a two-week boot camp and place participants with a builder for on-the-job training, reimbursing wages to the employer for a period of time. Learn more at frameyourfuture.org

CTE in the legislature

A bill supported by BIAW’s government affairs department, HB 1308, would expand graduation pathways for Washington high schoolers to include a performance-based pathway. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Monica Jurado Stonier (D-Vancouver). These new pathways would create a connection from skills in the classroom to skills that are applicable in the real world.

The bill “intends to create graduation pathways that allow students to demonstrate their readiness in performance-based ways, in addition to the existing test-based and course-based options, and in core subject areas that most strongly align with the student’s individualized goals for high school and beyond.” These pathways are especially

helpful for students who prefer hands-on learning experiences such as working in the trades.

BIAW supports this bill because it creates more opportunities for mastery-based learning, especially for schools that are unable to offer a CTE pathway. The bill also requires school districts to provide

use any time you have an opportunity to share your story. As we celebrate CTE Month, we invite you to use these tools whenever you’re invited to speak to a class or group of young people. Here are some ideas for your next presentation.

Do

a little research

Chat with the instructor or principal before your presentation to learn a little more about the students. Keep your audience in mind while you speak. Speaking to a group of construction trades students will be vastly different than speaking to an eighth-grade math class.

Share your story

Open your presentation by briefly introducing yourself, your company and how you got your start in residential construction.

Let them hear from other people in the Painting

Pathways video

BIAW worked with four young workers with four distinctly different pathways to show young people the benefits of working in residential construction and how to find their way.

Find it here: biaw.com/ workforce-development-forstudents-and-educators.

pathways offered to them at their high school. This means more students can learn about careers in the trades, helping us prepare the next generation of builders and remodelers.

BIAW tools help promote trades

Builders and remodelers are the best ones to tell our stories and encourage young people to join our industry. Still, when a builder or remodeler gets a chance to visit career day at a local school, it’s not easy to sift through all the information to develop a presentation that resonates.

BIAW’s Workforce Development Task Force, made up of builders and associates from across Washington, worked with BIAW staff to update the BIAW Workforce Development website with tools you can

Provide the

“Careers in Construction” wage data

Show students how much they can make on average in common residential construction careers. BIAW has a PowerPoint with the latest Washington wages. Either show it on a screen or download it and hand it out. Find it on the BIAW website here: biaw.com/ wp-content/uploads/2022/09/careersconstruction-powerpoint-6.pptx.

End with a call to action

Tell them where they can find more information about education, training and jobs in residential construction in your area. Check with your executive officer or call Education and Workforce Development Director Al Audette for more information.

Frame Your Future program/Photo by Doug Edmonson

NOW OPEN

2023 BIAW Scholarship & Grant Opportunities

Since its inception, BIAW has awarded over $670,000 in scholarships and grants. We provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the home building industry and grants to organizations with programs dedicated to educating tomorrow’s home builders.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Who Should Apply?

Washington state residents only Students who will be applying to any Washington state accredited community, vocational/technical college, or university Students who can demonstrate a need for additional funding to complete their programs in construction industry-related fields of study

GRANTS

Who Should Apply?

Organizations requesting funding for programs in a construction industry-related field of study, including but not limited to: construction career training, continuing education, apprenticeship programs, skills assessment programs.

DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2023

The selection committee plans to make its decision in early June. All applicants will be mailed notice of their final status shortly after decisions are made.

Apply here!

or find more information on Biaw.com

Encourage them to apply for scholarships

BIAW, NAHB, local associations and others offer scholarships to pursue trades education. Check them out here and encourage students to apply: biaw.com/scholarships-and-grants

Open to questions

Answer as many questions as you can but always feel free to refer them back to BIAW.

For more information about workforce development or to get involved with the BIAW Workforce Development task force, contact Education and Workforce Development Director Al Audette at (360) 352-7800 x 105 or ala@biaw.com

The road to college is not the answer for everyone. The BIAW Workforce Development Task Force partnered with BIAW’s communications team to create the Painting Pathways video highlighting how trades can pave the way to success, financial stability and lifelong skills.

BIAW headquarters goes solar

by Hannah Cassara Content Specialist

In early January, BIAW took advantage of its wellexposed roof to add nearly 180 solar panels to the top of its Parkside Building. The association expects the solar upgrade to replace 14 percent of the electricity used in the building with clean, renewable energy.

The initial cost of the project is roughly $170,000. However, in August 2022, Congress increased the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) from 26 percent to 30 percent, which will afford BIAW a $51,000 tax credit. Additionally, the estimated accelerated depreciation savings of the new system are around $26,000, bringing the project’s net cost to approximately $93,000. In total, the initial costs should be recovered in about 13 years.

Assuming a 5 percent utility escalation rate, the energy savings will start at about $5,000 per year, eventually growing to around $14,000 per year. If energy prices rise at a faster rate, BIAW will recoup costs sooner.

Support for energy choices

Aside from the energy savings, BIAW’s solar project also provides environmental benefits equivalent to planting 144,109 trees in a year.

“BIAW continues its work to create a thriving association that makes positive contributions to our industry and our community, supported by sound financial decisions,” said BIAW Managing Director of Operations Steve Hyer.

“Choosing to add solar to our energy mix is consistent with our public policy position to support energy choice,” Hyer said. “Like the builders we represent, we are choosing energy sources that make sense both in efficiency and from an economic perspective. All consumers deserve to have these choices to make.”

The panels selected for the project are the highestefficiency solar panel made in the U.S., offering up to 21.4 percent module efficiency. BIAW’s new system is guaranteed to generate 68,780 kWh annually.

Doing business with members

Because BIAW knows members do business with members, the association contracted with Olympia Master Builders (OMB) and BIAW member South Sound Solar, Inc., based in Olympia. South Sound Solar, Inc.’s founder and president, Kirk Haffner, also sits on OMB’s board as a builder director.

South Sound Solar, Inc., incorporated in 2008, specializing in commercial and residential solar engineering, design and installation.

The company has since installed thousands of systems, including those for Tenino High School, Centralia Community College, Olympia City Hall and Library, Thurston County Food Bank, Olympia Federal Savings, Batdorf and Bronson Coffee Roasters and many others.

To learn more about South Sound Solar, Inc., visit southsoundsolar.com.

Like the builders we represent, we are choosing energy sources that make sense both in efficiency and from an economic perspective. All consumers deserve to have these choices to make.

BIAW housing heroes

by Josie Cummings Legislative Director

Legislators from across the spectrum have highlighted housing as one of the top issues to tackle this legislative session. Already, they’ve introduced a host of housing bills tackling affordability, homeownership and supply.

Out of the 147 lawmakers here in Olympia, these lawmakers are the ones to watch as they will be sponsoring key legislation builders support to help reduce the cost of building homes for Washington families.

Senator Chris Gildon

A 23-year veteran U.S. Army officer with five overseas deployments and two bronze star medals, Gildon has earned a reputation as being a calm voice of reason in Olympia. A group of builders, cities, counties, the Department of Commerce and more worked together to develop a package of legislation to help with permit timelines and data collection. Gildon, a member of the Senate Housing Committee, is championing permit timeline reform legislation, which could help reduce the cost of new homes by thousands of dollars.

“My Senate Republican colleagues and I have been proposing sensible housing solutions for the past few years,” Gildon said. “This year, there finally seems to be a willingness from both parties to act on our state’s housing crisis. I remain an advocate for sensible solutions that increase our housing supply and reduce the cost of living for the people of Washington state.”

Representative Jessica Bateman

In a January press release, Bateman said, “Everyone deserves a home, yet the dream of home ownership is out of reach for too many families. The housing crisis is hurting all our families in every corner of the state.

The status quo is preventing us from addressing our housing shortage— which is why we’re proposing legislation to allow for middle housing statewide.”

A lifelong Washingtonian, Bateman is partnering with Rep. Andrew Barkis to sponsor HB 1110, middle housing legislation to upzone lots to four or six units to increase density. Bateman also prime-sponsored key impact fee deferral legislation, HB 1252, supported by BIAW. The legislation streamlines the process by getting rid of the existing lien process, eliminating the number of units that can have impact fees deferred and having the fees collected at the point of sale or at certificate of occupancy. We’re grateful for her leadership.

Representative Andrew Barkis

Year after year, Barkis tirelessly advocates for BIAW and housing issues. “Housing has been a passion and priority of mine since day one,” his website reads, “Our state continues to experience a housing crisis, including our response to the problem. Supply is down, rent is skyrocketing, homeownership is unattainable for many first-time homebuyers, and homelessness continues to grow. I consistently introduce good policies and work with my colleagues across the aisle to identify the root causes of our affordable housing problem. We need to offer real solutions that address the supply issue, cost increases and regulatory burdens to be successful.”

In addition to the missing middle legislation Barkis is co-sponsoring, he is taking the lead on permitting reform in the House with a bill that tackles permit timeline accountability and a balanced approach with new solutions to try to fix the permitting issues we have in our state so we can build more homes people can afford.

JESSICA BATEMAN D-22nd Legislative District, Olympia

CHRIS GILDON R-25th Legislative District, Puyallup

ANDREW BARKIS R-2nd Legislative District, Lacey/Yelm

Builder Legislative Action Day

All members are invited to grab a box lunch and head to the Capitol. Held during the BIAW Winter Board Meeting at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, don’t miss this chance to visit your legislator in person to discuss proposed legislation that impacts you and the residential construction industry.

BIAW will provide a chartered bus to transport members from the hotel to the hill.

n Tuesday, March 21

n $12 per person | 11:30 am - 3 pm

RSVP to your local association by March 6

Hammers & Highballs

BIAW’s Annual Legislative Reception

After a day on the hill, members will have the opportunity to meet with new legislators and established leadership. During this evening reception, take the chance to visit with lawmakers one-on-one and discuss policy decisions that impact you, your employees and your business.

n Tuesday, March 21

n 7 pm - 9:30 pm

Room Accommodations

BIAW Winter Board Meeting

March 20-22

Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW

Olympia, WA 98502

Scan the QR code to reserve with BIAW’s discounted group room rate of $120 per night for a King/2 Queen room, or call 1-800-206-9339 and mention you are with BIAW.

Room block held until March 5

How and why to use construction liens

by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

One of the best benefits of your local home building association membership is access to topnotch legal resources through BIAW. As inflation continues to hit our customers’ wallets, BIAW’s legal team advises its members to familiarize themselves with some tools to protect your businesses.

Always have a contract

BIAW’s Contract Subscription Service is a low-cost way to protect your business. Available exclusively for BIAW’s builder members, this service gives builders and remodelers access to more than two dozen contracts and addenda. These documents all come with instructions and training on how to use them to ensure you and your customers are clear on responsibilities and payment.

While ideally, the builder-customer relationship will be a smooth one, we always say, “Good contracts make good builders.” A solid contract allows you to hold people accountable in court if needed.

Learn more about BIAW’s Contract Subscription Service at Biaw.com/program/legal.

Consider a construction lien

While contracts are important, construction liens are another effective way to secure payment for the labor and/or materials you put into a person’s property.

In almost all cases, it is less expensive and timeconsuming than suing for breach of contract. When you file a lien, you have the right to require the County Sheriff to sell the property you put work into and collect the amount owing from the sale proceeds.

Because of this right to sell and collect, most lending institutions or prospective purchasers will avoid any property that has a lien filed against it. Who would want to invest in a piece of property if someone else has the right to sell and take some of the money first?

Thus, when you file a lien, you are in a much better position to secure payment. Of course, filing a lien does not guarantee payment, but it does prevent the owner from selling the property without paying the lien or posting a bond.

If you have not filed a lien (or do not meet the requirements to file a lien), but you have a contract with the owner for the work you performed, you can always proceed to court. Generally, a lien is a single piece of paper filed with the county recording office. However, Washington has some rules regarding who can file a lien and what the lien must contain.

For more information and resources on how to file liens, Biaw.com/how-to-file-a-lien

New Housing Research Center spotlights homebuilding issues

by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

Representing more than 2,500 builders in Washington, BIAW has direct knowledge of the costs and challenges facing the home building industry in our state.

The association has shared its knowledge with policymakers for years, but now we’ve made it available in one easy-to-reference location. Introducing BIAW’s Home Building Research Center.

New research updated regularly

BIAW’s Government Affairs team does more than advocate on behalf of the home building industry. The team also researches, develops reports and regularly updates policy information to help decision-makers better understand how and why home building gets so expensive.

Check out BIAW’s Housing Facts to learn at-a-glance:

n How the costs of zoning, prescriptive energy codes and permit delays drive up home prices

n How many homes we need to meet current demand

n How housing prices affect the average family in Washington

Over the last year, BIAW’s Policy and Research Manager Andrea Smith, MPA, has produced in-depth reports on all these issues, as well as how the rising cost of rent pushes people further and further away from the American dream of home ownership.

National data localized

At the national level, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has a team of economists providing in-depth research on a variety of topics. NAHB’s Eye on Housing blog shares housing data at the national level: eyeonhousing.org

Smith regularly localizes those reports to help state and local policymakers learn about this data at the city and county levels in Washington.

NAHB has also provided insights into the economic impact of home building in Washington.

You can find the following in the BIAW Research Center:

n Income, jobs and taxes generated

n Comparing costs to revenue for state and local governments

New research underway

Smith regularly receives requests for new research. Currently, she is breaking down the costs of building a new home from land development and permitting to labor, materials and code compliance.

If you have an idea for a new research project you’d like her to consider, please reach out at (360) 352-7800 x 114 or andreas@biaw.com.

Safety has its rewards

by Leah Jaber ROII Marketing Manager

Want to be rewarded for safety in your workplace?

Join the crowd—by joining the state’s largest, longestoperating construction Retro (Retrospective Rating) safety incentive program: ROII. It’s the workers’ comp safety program trusted by more Washington businesses. And the only Retro program that belongs to the BIAW. Safety and your success are why we’re here. Our goal is to eliminate injuries through improvements in workplace safety and preventative strategies. If an employee is injured, we’ll help you help them get better quicker with a successful return-to-work experience. Businesses that participate and share our goal can earn an average refund of 39% on workers’ comp premiums. ROII has returned over $500 million in refunds to participating companies since 1982.

Of course, businesses have different needs across our state. That’s why we offer 71,363 square miles of personal safety and prevention assistance. Our statewide field reps understand how things work—where you work.

So, no matter where you live and work in Washington state, our field reps will visit you face-to-face. Large or small, we have your back.

We know it’s tough enough to run a business, let alone understand the ins and outs of the Washington state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Our experts are committed to helping participants navigate L&I’s daunting workers’ comp system. It’s just one of our allinclusive services. We don’t believe in add-ons, surprise charges or “we outsource that.” Just experts—on the ground—ready to help. (Unlike some Retro programs that use additional fees to chip away at your bottom line— while adding to theirs.)

2023 ROII enrollment kick-off

With rewards like these, not every business can qualify. Participants must share a high bar for excellence and safety. And in turn, they get to reap the rewards.

To find out if ROII is a good fit for your company, contact ROII Enrollment Manager Jessica Bass at (360) 3527800, ext. 132, enroll@biaw.com, or complete the online inquiry form at Roii.com.

While ROII offers more services than you can shake a 2x4 at, here’s a peek into some of our participants’ favorites:

CLAIMS ASSISTANCE:

Our seasoned claim reps go straight to L&I on your behalf to get claims closed quicker. Rest assured; we’ll keep a pulse on your claim every step of the way.

SAFETY AND PREVENTION:

The best injury claim is the one that never happens. Because prevention is our top priority, we’re here to help you develop and implement effective safety strategies.

RISK MANAGEMENT:

Our job is to identify risk and assist you with implementing preventative measures to avoid claims from happening. 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 to help ensure better outcomes. Each claim is unique, as is our customized return-to-work strategy approach.

save

Get started today at ROII.com

Local Happenings

[1] Master Builders Association of Pierce County’s newly installed 2023 President Chris Lockhart and family during MBA Pierce’s 2022 President’s Gala and Awards Celebration presented by Parr Lumber. More than 200 people attended, raising over $25,000 for MBA Pierce’s scholarship fund.

[2] 2022 BIAW President Joseph Irons inducts 2023 Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA) President Darin Peters during the CWHBA Board Installation & BAR Awards Dinner presented by Les Schwab Tire Center at the Yakima Convention Center on Dec. 13.

[3] Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties held its 2022 Gala and Installation of Officers presented by Regence on Dec. 1 at the W Hotel Bellevue. Traci Tenhulzen was installed as the 2023 MBAKS President. She also won the Exceptional Service Award, MBAKS highestrecognition award.

[4] Olympia Master Builders (OMB) hosted its annual holiday party Dec. 9 at the Hotel Olympia. Stuart Drebick (left) of Adroit Contractors, Inc., won the 2022 OMB Norman A. Paulsen Hall of Fame Award.

[5a] The HBA of Tri-Cities held its second annual gingerbread house contest in December. First place in the kids’ category went to Maddie and Millie, daughters of Tristan Crandlemire of Sherwin-Williams, and their amazing greenhouse-themed entry.

[5b] The Tri-County Habitat for Humanity tropical entry took first place in the adult category, pictured with Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Coordinator Marrisa Robertson.

[7] In January,

hosted Jerry

(center left), Chief Executive Officer, and Jim

right), Executive Vice President and Chief Lobbyist of the National Association of Home Builders. Jerry and Jim attended the monthly Developer Builder Issues Council and Seattle Builders Council breakfasts, toured Conner Homes’ Brasswood housing development and Grow Seattle’s 9-unit 3-pack project, chatted with the Government Affairs team (pictured here), met with the Affordable Housing Council, Residential Builders Council and Housing Policy Committee, and had dinner with the MBAKS Board of Directors.

[8] The Kitsap Building Association (KBA) hosted its 2023 Installation and Awards Banquet Jan. 7 at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club. Over 150 people attended to celebrate the installation of KBA’s 2023 Executive Directors.

[9] The Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) celebrated its 75th Anniversary and Launch Party Jan. 12 at the Historic Flight Foundation in Spokane. During the celebration, SHBA installed its 2023 board of directors, recognized the 2022 award winners and took a look back on all they have accomplished over the last 75 years.

[6] 2023 BIAW President Gary Wray inducted President Curtis Banta as Banta’s wife looks on at the 2023 Skagit/Island Counties Building Association’s (SICBA) Christmas Party and Installation Banquet, which took place Dec. 13 at the Swinomish Yacht Club.

MBAKS

Howard

Tobin (center

BIAW WINTER BOARD MEETING

March 20-22

Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW

Olympia, WA 98502

Don’t Miss Events!

New Director Orientation

Monday | March 20 | 5 - 6 p | Ballroom

Congratulations, you’re a state director! Now what? Find out how to make the most of your time at board meetings, ask questions (and get answers!), meet your Senior Officers, BIAW staff and much more!

Builder Legislative Action Day

Capitol Hill Visit + Box Lunch

Tuesday | March 21 | 11:30a - 3p | $12 pp

Grab a box lunch and head to the chartered bus awaiting to take you to the Capitol. Visit your legislator to discuss proposed legislation that impacts you and the residential construction industry.

RSVP to your local association by March 6

Hammers & Highballs:

BIAW’s Annual Legislative Reception

Tuesday | March 21 | 7p | Ballroom

Here’s your chance to meet with new legislators and established leadership. Visit your lawmakers one-on-one and discuss policy decisions that impact you, your employees and your business.

Spike Awards

Wednesday | March 22 | 9a

Board of Directors Meeting

Join us as we celebrate BIAW’s 2022 top membership recruiters. We’ll also announce the Top Spike — BIAW’s #1 recruiter.

Builder Appreciation Awards

presented by the Associate Advisory Council

Wednesday | March 22 | 9a

Board of Directors Meeting

Help us honor those builder members nominated by their local association for their local, state and community contributions in 2022.