BUILDING INSIGHT BIAW.COM

POTENTIAL WORKFORCE HIRING TEEN WORKERS

TAKING THE EXTRA STEPS REQUIRED TO HIRE A TEEN WORKER CAN PAY OFF IN THE LONG TERM

It’s no secret the home building industry faces a workforce shortage. With many teens and young adults now taking a second look into skilled trade careers as an alternate path rather than the traditional four-year college route, it is important to give them early exposure to our industry.

One option for BIAW members is to hire teens for summer or part time work. Teen workers can be given meaningful tasks—but it’s up to employers to follow the rules on teen workers set by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Like BIAW President Rick Hjelm mentioned in his article (see page 4) maybe, your summer-time teen worker will develop a liking to the industry and turn their part-time job into a lifelong career.

GET THE RULES

L&I has an entire section dedicated to hiring teen workers on their website. It covers all the basics—from required forms and publications to everything in between. (More detailed steps to take before hiring a teen are on page 4. )

Check out these additional resources—how to hire a teen at www.lni.wa.gov/WorkPlaceRights/TeenWorkers— and FAQs at www.lni.wa.gov/ipub/700-022-000.pdf.

PROHIBITED TASKS FOR MINORS

Washington state and federal laws spell out what type of jobs are prohibited for all minors under 18. The following are some construction and related industry tasks that are prohibited. THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST. Refer to WAC 296-125-030 for more details.

n n

n n n n n n n

n

n n n Roofing: all work on or around a roof Working at heights greater than 10 feet off the ground or floor level Driving, or working near, a forklift Wrecking and demolition Hoists and cranes Flagging and work on roadways Trenching or excavating Boilers or in engine rooms Power-driven woodworking or metal-forming machines Earth-moving machines or working in proximity to earth-moving machines Logging and sawmill work Manufacturing of brick, tile and similar products Jobs where exposures require the use of respiratory protection or hearing protection

EVP VIEWPOINT

HOUSING FORUM EVENT AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF ATTAINABLE HOUSING CHALLENGES // GREG LANE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT HOUSING FORUM JULY 8 While the results of progress were mixed this legislative session, it is true that the issue of housing affordability has risen to be a priority for both political parties. Momentum is building for real solutions and BIAW has plans to keep these issues at the forefront during the legislative interim. BIAW partnered with unlikely allies, including Futurewise and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, to pass both condo reform and urban density legislation. But much was left on the table and we must continue to educate and raise awareness on the issues facing our industry to shape legislation for the next session and beyond. At the recent 2019 Housing Summit, hosted by the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz told the crowd, “It is widely understood that a lack of inventory—particularly a dearth of new construction at affordable price points—is the primary cause of today’s housing challenges.” Governor Inslee echoed that message at the bill signing ceremony for HB 1923, legislation pushed jointly by BIAW and Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. Governor Inslee declared, “If you care about ending homelessness, build more houses.” The lack of housing that is attainable is the focus of a day-long the Housing Forum scheduled for July 8 in Bellevue. The Association of Washington Business has organized the forum, with partnership from BIAW, Association of Washington Cities, Washington State Association of Counties, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Topics to be addressed include permitting, land availability, regulation costs, and supply. For more information and registration, please visit www.AWB.org/1/?cid=611. As one of the leading industries in our state’s economy, home builders and remodelers have a unique viewpoint to share on this topic. From what consumers are looking for, to the cost of regulation on home construction, BIAW is dedicated over the coming months to share that story with lawmakers and regulators. R.O.I.I.® SELECT AND SUMMER EVENTS I am very much looking forward to getting back out around the state this summer to visit with local associations, especially as they prepare to deliver R.O.I.I.® Select refund checks and host member appreciation barbecues. R.O.I.I.® Select will return nearly $24 million dollars to member participants this year, It is widely understood that a lack of inventory—particularly which included a 43% first-year adjustment, a 41% second-year adjustment, and a 36% third-year adjustment. These returns consistently beat the other retro programs in our industry. In other words, if you a dearth of new construction at want to receive one of the highest retro refunds possible, you need to affordable price points—is the primary cause of today’s housing be enrolled in R.O.I.I.® Select at BIAW. R.O.I.I.® Select is proud of the refunds our member participants have earned over the last few years. These refunds are the result of challenges. our member participants’ commitment to reducing workplace injuries —NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz by implementing a safety culture within the workplace. Just another reason why R.O.I.I.® Select is still Washington’s largest and most successful retro program.

BIAW SUMMER BOARD MEETING | JUNE 19-21 | YAKIMA CONVENTION CENTER

BIAW held a very successful retreat in May with our strategic planning committee and are excited to have the final draft of the BIAW Strategic Plan presented for comment and approval at the board meeting. BIAW will also host a cornhole tournament and our annual Spike Party: A Night at the Movies—come dressed as your favorite movie character. Get all of the details at www.BIAW.com/Board_Meetings.

BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES BUILDERS GIVING BACK

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS TEAM UP

ANNUAL RAMPATHON

Each year, Master Builder Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) members and community volunteers head to homes throughout King and Snohomish counties to build wheelchair access ramps to individuals and families in need, for free. (l to r) The Anderson family, Kirk, Wren and Emmy, with members of Rampathon 2019 Team Downbuilt. Wren Anderson has a rare genetic disorder that requires her to use a wheelchair.

This year, MBAKS constructed 40 ramps as part of Rampathon 2019. Since 1993, MBAKS members have provided more than 500 ramps.

One of this year’s beneficiaries was 5-year-old Wren Anderson. Since birth, Wren has experienced an extremely rare genetic disorder resembling cerebral palsy. Among other symptoms, it causes muscle weakness, especially in the lower limbs. Wren gets around by crawling or using her wheelchair. As she grows and gets older, it’s difficult to lift her in and out of the house. MBAKS member Dowbuilt volunteered to construct her much-needed ramp. FOSTERING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

It is no secret the home building industry faces a labor shortage, particularly in specialized trades. In an effort to help bolster workforce development, the Kitsap Building Association (KBA) has created the Builder Grant Program which will provide internship opportunities to

young adults in the home building industry.

(l to r) KBA Executive Officer Russ Shiplet and Builder Grant program mentor Jerry Bird look on as KBA First Vice President Ellen Ross-Cardoso delivers a check to the Builder Grant Program’s first internship recipient Joseph Meyer.

Internship opportunities will focus on carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and coating, and the HVAC trades.

Selected recipients receive $1,000 ($500 initial, $250 at 3 months and $250 at 6 months) in grant funds to purchase tools, safety equipment and gear, as well as attend trade-related courses and earn certifications.

Interns will team up with a trades mentor, working full time over a six-month period in their designated field. The Builder Grant program focuses on workers in the 18-to-24 year-old range.

“KBA created this program to provide grant funds to individuals wanting to start a career in the home building trades,” said KBA Executive Officer Russ Shiplet.

“The core of the program is to recognize that we as an industry are really hurting for a skilled workforce. We’re kind of training our own, if you will,” Shiplet added.

The first beneficiary of the program is Joseph Meyer of North Kitsap. Meyer will be working in the electrical trade with KBA member Jerry Bird of Bird Electric, where he will be mentor to Meyer for a six-month period.

For more information on the program, visit KitsapBuilds.com.

Photo courtesy of Rick Wong Photography

Master Builders BA of King and Snohomish Counties members who recruited at least three new members qualified to attend the MBAKS Spring Spike Incentive Trip to Sana Cruz, CA. Above, recruiters and guests enjoy a fun-filled, but chilly day on a catamaran. Congratulations to BIAW and Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIACC) member David Millar, Millar Construction, for their award-winning entry into the Hazel Dell Parade of Bands last month. The co-branded Millar Construction and BIACC float was awarded with the parade’s highest honor—the Grand Marshal Award. Congratulations BIACC and Millar Construction!

The Building Industry Group, Building Industry of Association of Clark County’s political action committee, held their annual Auction for Political Action last month in Vancouver. The event raises funds that will be used to help get business-friendly and pro-housing candidates elected. to the legislature. Above (l to r): BIACC member Paul Willocks, Representative Brandon Vick and wife Darci, Senator Lynda Wilson, Sherry Hunzeker, and BIAW Treasurer Tracy Doriot take a quick time out for a photo.

The Central Washington Home Builders Association proudly sponsors the annual Dozer Day® Where Kids Drive! The event provides funding for children’s charities while putting kids in the driver’s seat of real dozers, excavators, cranes, fire engines, an ambulance, and much more. In addition to educating the public about all the Liberty Snodgrass, “dozer operator-in-training, ” gives the thumbs up signal with event career opportunities in volunteer Cheyanne Berkes during the the home building and annual Dozer Day® held at the Yakima Counconstruction industry, ty Fairgrounds. Dozer Day also offers police and fire department experiences.

Congratulations to BIAW and Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) member Hayden Waston, Chairman of Hayden Homes. Hayden Watson was awarded the 2019 HearthWatson was stone BUILDER Humanitarian Award for his lifetime awarded commitment to making communities better. the 2019 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award for his lifetime commitment to making the communities he builds—better.

Hayden’s charity, First Story, arranges 30-year, no interest, no down payment loans that offers lower monthly mortgage payments to help prospective hardworking families attain affordable homeownership.

Additionally, ten percent of his yearly profits are committed to charitable causes, which includes .125 percent of every Hayden home sold. Nearly half of Hayden’s 211 employees make a charitable contribution through a regular payroll deduction which is in turn matched in full by Hayden. His “Give As You Go” commitment has resulted in more than $18.5 million donated in charitable giving.