2023 June Building Insight

EDITORIAL STAFF

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Janelle Guthrie

CONTENT SPECIALIST

Hannah Cassara

VISUAL DESIGNER

Lena Anderson

BIAW MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Greg Lane

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Al Audette

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR

Josie Cummings

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Janelle Guthrie

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Jan Himebaugh

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Stephen Hyer

9 New codes delayed by 120 days

How recent court rulings, lawsuits, errors and inconsistencies drove the State Building Code Council to this decision.

18 ROII check season

ROII is rewarding safety by returning over $20 million to well-deserving companies that have chosen to make safety a priority.

Jenn Kavanaugh

ROII DIRECTOR ASSOCIATION SERVICES DIRECTOR

Brenda Kwieciak

GENERAL COUNSEL

CONTACT US

For editorial inquiries, contact Hannahc@biaw.com

Interested in advertising in Building Insight? Contact communications@biaw.com

www.BIAW.com

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

ROII Director Jenn Kavanaugh and Dereck Nelson of DH Construction & Associates, LLC, smile for a picture at the Central Washington Home Builders Association’s Golf Classic in Yakima. Read more on page 18.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Jackson Maynard @BuildingIndustryAssocWA

President’s message

Homes start here. Whether we’re general contractors building homes from the foundation up or one of the more than 20 subcontractors generally required to build a new home, builders know our work matters to the thousands of families across Washington eager to own a home. Sadly, for many across our state, that opportunity is growing further and further out of reach.

Homeownership continues to be out of reach for too many

homes, to reduce permit delays and to block decisions that would have added thousands to the cost of new homes. You can read more about the return on investment for this work on page 14.

Partnering with Habitat for Humanity provides new pathways

We know that homeownership is the number one source of generational wealth and an important way to help families break the cycle of poverty.

Gary Wray President

The National Association of Home Builders’ 2023 “Priced Out” report examined the cost of new homes and found 73% of the 132.5 million households in the US were priced out of buying a new median-priced home at the national average. Homes in Washington average $635,131—more than $200,000 higher than the national average of $425,786. At that price 81% of Washington is priced out of buying a median-priced new home.

Then when public policy decisions add even more costs, you can imagine the result. More households get priced out.

BIAW’s newest report looks at the median cost of all homes in Washington, new and existing supply. We’ll update this report regularly to provide people with the latest information. You can read more about the Washington Housing Affordability Index on Biaw.com and on page 12 of this issue.

The bottom line is: Even when you factor in existing housing stock, the median price for ALL homes in Washington remains out of reach for 76% of the households in our state at $430,000. The average household earns $64,079, and the income required to qualify for a loan for a median-priced home is $119,714.

Building more homes more people can afford

That’s why our advocacy efforts are so important. This session, we worked to free up more space to build more

That’s why I’m particularly proud of the work our partners at Habitat for Humanity do to help even more people access the benefits of homeownership. They joined us in our legislative efforts to increase middle housing to provide more opportunities for homeownership and also made sure roughly $40 million in Housing Trust Fund dollars were dedicated to affordable homeownership in Washington.

There are many myths about Habitat for Humanity. No, Jimmy Carter did not start Habitat for Humanity. And no, Habitat does not just give homes away. Instead, they help people break free of the chains of renting by paying part of the mortgage for a Habitat home. That way, the family builds equity so they can eventually leverage that into their next home.

As chair of Habitat for Humanity of Island County, I’m proud of our work to provide affordable homeownership to more than 70 local families. Right now, we have 13 more lots under construction.

Across Washington, the bond between builders and their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates is strong. Whether Habitat joins the local HBA as a member or not, members and staff support their work by donating time, talent and materials. As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, this is a great way to help more families have a chance at the American dream of homeownership.

Executive Vice President’s message

Each member of our association derives value from their 3-1 membership (local HBA, BIAW and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)) differently. Perhaps you participate in one of the signature programs we offer, like ROII or health insurance. Or maybe you most appreciate the chance to network with industry colleagues at your local association. Or possibly you’ve taken advantage of the savings offered through the affinity programs from NAHB.

However, most members would agree that our association’s advocacy efforts, through government and legal affairs at the local, state and national levels, to protect your ability to build affordable homes for Washington families are the foundation of your membership.

While we welcome the decision to delay these costly and confusing new codes, the battle for energy choice and common-sense codes is far from over. Washington is out of step with the rest of the nation when it comes to these farreaching codes. BIAW will continue to fight for the rights of homeowners and our members.

2023 Housing Affordability Index

Our External Affairs team works hard year-round to help policymakers better understand the effects of their decisions on the state’s housing crisis. One way we do this is through the Housing Affordability Index (HAI) report, which builds on the annual NAHB “Priced Out” report.

Greg Lane Executive Vice President

State Building Code Council votes to delay new codes

The most recent example of BIAW’s vigorous advocacy efforts is the federal lawsuit filed by a broad coalition of plaintiffs on May 22 seeking to halt or delay provisions of the state’s new energy code, which includes, effectively, a ban on natural gas in residential construction. Just two days later, on May 24, the State Building Code Council (SBCC) voted to delay the implementation of the new codes by 120 days and reconsider the new rules. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, is similar to the challenge a group in California won blocking restrictions to natural gas infrastructure enacted by the City of Berkeley. The California case resulted in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that federal law preempts the City of Berkeley’s ban on installing natural gas piping in new construction. The federal suit argues that the rationale for overturning Berkeley’s natural gas ban also applies to Washington’s energy code.

The national report found that only 27% of the 132.5 million households in the US could afford a new median-priced home. Here in Washington state, only about 19% of households can afford a new home.

Our newest report looks at the median cost of ALL homes in Washington, new and existing. Even when you factor in existing housing stock, only about 24% of families can afford a median-priced home in our state. You can read more about this report on page 12. While BIAW had a successful legislative session this year, there is still much more work to be done. We will continue to fight on your behalf, defending affordable housing options for all of Washington, and delivering value for your membership.

Better Builders’ founder sets remodeling bar high as BIAW’s newest Certified Builder

by Hannah Cassara Content Specialist

Founder of Seattle’s Better Builders and BIAW’s newest Certified Builder, Bill Babb, aims to provide clients with exceptional experiences based on honesty and integrity.

Babb’s journey in construction began at age 15, working summers for a remodeling contractor in his Iowa hometown. After earning a degree in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University, he worked in commercial construction before finding his passion in residential building and remodeling.

UPCOMING CLASSES

Register at biaw.com/classes

Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety*

July 13

1 pm - 5 pm

NPBA - Sequim

* Free for ROII participants

CESCL (Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead)

July 18 - 19

8 am - 5 pm

Online

DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared*

July 20

1 pm - 3 pm

HBATC - Kennewick

* Free for ROII participants

CESCL (Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead) Recertification

July 21

8 am - 5 pm

Online

Having spent over 16 years as a production manager for DreamCraft Homes, overseeing thousands of houses and remodeling projects, Babb ventured out to establish Better Builders. His mission is to ensure clients have an easy, transparent and stress-free journey.

Babb’s focus extends beyond efficiency, prioritizing respectful and trustworthy client relationships.

“We pride ourselves on delivering projects on time and on budget,” Babb said. “More importantly, we treat our clients the way we want to be treated.”

Outside of his work, Babb enjoys spending quality time with friends and family doing outdoor activities like sailing, camping, fly fishing, hiking, surfing and skiing.

Better Builders manages new construction and residential remodeling projects throughout Seattle and the Greater Puget Sound Area. Learn more at BetterBuilders.com

If you are interested in being among the best builders in Washington and earning the designation of Certified Builder, visit BIAWCertifiedBuilder.com

Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety*

July 26

1 pm - 5 pm

SHBA - Spokane

* Free for ROII participants

Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety*

August 9

1 pm - 5 pm

BIACC - Vancouver

* Free for ROII participants

CESCL (Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead)

August 15 - 16

8 am - 5 pm

Online

Mike Thomas and Lakeside Industries: Paving the way for industry growth

by Hannah Cassara

“Joining and supporting NPBA just makes sense,” Thomas said. “The connections and relationships we make with other members are extremely valuable.”

Mike Thomas began his career at asphalt paving company Lakeside Industries 27 years ago as a scale person in one of the company’s gravel pits. Since then, he has worked up to his current role as project manager, making significant impacts on his local community along the way.

Thomas and his company have both been heavily involved with the North Peninsula Builders Association (NPBA) over the years. Lakeside Industries has been a member since 1994 and sponsors multiple events each year. Thomas has sat on the NPBA board for the past eight years, and this year he was appointed vice president. He has also been the NPBA Golf Tournament Committee chair for many years and is an active recruiter for the association.

Building connections and relationships

Recognizing the value of being a part of a community of professionals in the building industry, Thomas has built strong relationships with both builder and associate members over the decades.

Now a resident of Sequim but born and raised in Port Angeles, Thomas’ commitment to the community extends beyond his professional responsibilities. He actively engages with organizations that focus on youth in the area, volunteering at the local BMX track and participating in multi-event races for children. Additionally, he serves as a youth group leader and has organized trips for teens during spring break to volunteer at an orphanage in Mexico. Dedication

deserves recognition

NPBA proudly nominated Thomas for BIAW’s Associate Appreciation Awards last year for all his hard work and generous contributions. These annual awards honor outstanding associate members who have significantly contributed to their local home builders association, community and BIAW.

“Mike always has a positive, helpful attitude and is willing to help the association however he can,” said NPBA Executive Officer Amber Dewey. Working in the building industry has proven highly fulfilling for Thomas. Being able to provide a quality, longlasting product for homeowners is something he looks forward to every day.

“It’s very satisfying when you pull up to a new home, and one of the first things you notice is the brand new asphalt driveway that Lakeside Industries just placed,” Thomas said.

Lakeside Industries is a full-service asphalt paving contractor with 16 asphalt plants located throughout Western Washington and Portland. A family-owned business founded in 1952, it aims to provide quality products while serving the community as industry leaders. Learn more about all they offer at lakesideindustries.com

State Building Code Council votes to delay new codes

How recent court rulings, lawsuits, errors and inconsistencies drove this decision

by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

Washington builders have a little more time before they need to comply with the state’s new building codes.

At a special meeting of the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) on May 24, council members voted to delay the implementation of the state’s building codes by 120 days to late October.

The SBCC also voted to start rulemaking to modify commercial and residential energy codes to reduce the risk of preemption under the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).

The moves come after a broad group of plaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit on May 22 seeking to halt or delay provisions of the state’s new energy code. The state’s new energy code has faced broad opposition on many fronts.

“The decision to delay these costly and confusing new codes and return to rulemaking is welcome, but the battle for energy choice and common-sense codes is far from over,” said BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane. “Washington is out of step with the rest of the nation when it comes to these far-reaching codes. We’ll continue to fight for the rights of homeowners and the builders who build homes for them.”

How the court’s decision on the City of Berkeley ban affects Washington

The coalition of individuals, labor and business industries, and trade associations filed a federal suit in the US

District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, requesting an injunction to block or delay the new codes previously scheduled to go into effect on after July 1, 2023.

The lawsuit is similar to the challenge a group in California won, blocking restrictions to natural gas infrastructure enacted by the City of Berkeley.

In California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled federal law preempts the City of Berkeley’s ban on installing natural gas piping in new construction.

In its decision, the Court ruled the EPCA expressly preempts state and local regulations concerning the energy use of many natural gas appliances, including those used in household and restaurant kitchens.

The Court further noted federal law preempts building codes that regulate natural gas use by covered products. By preventing such appliances from using natural gas, the Berkeley building code violated the Act. The federal lawsuit just filed argues that the Ninth Circuit’s rationale in the Berkeley case also applies to Washington’s energy code. This lawsuit isn’t the only challenge to the new codes. Scan the QR code to the left to read more on Biaw.com

February 28 2023

December 2022 SBCC approves new residential codes BIAW and others file state challenge Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejects City of Berkeley’s natural gas ban

April 17 2023

April 20 2023

BIAW and coalition request SBCC delay codes

May 19 2023

BIAW urges three cities with natural gas bans to pause due to Ninth Circuit decision

May 22 2023

May 24 2023

Coalition files federal lawsuit after Ninth Circuit decision SBCC delays code implementation 120 days

For all 2021 Membership Monopoly Players

Don’t leave membership renewal to CHANCE

engagement to raellev@biaw.com to receive bonus chips. Earn one bonus chip for each renewal encouragement to your recruits.

Chips can be redeemed for gift cards to the BIAW Swag Shop. Winners will be notified of their chip totals by Nov. 30, 2023.

BIAW will send you a list of your Membership Monopoly recruits and their current membership status in June. You can also view your recruited members at NAHB.org and click the “Spike Referrals” tab in your profile.

For Local Associations

For every percentage of 2021 Membership Monopoly recruits renewed by Oct. 31, local associations will earn 4 chips.

Membership

Retention Royale

Chips can be cashed in for travel reimbursements to NAHB or BIAW events such as IBS 2024, NAHB’s AMC, and any other NAHB leadership meeting as well as any of the three BIAW state board meetings.

Help new members and recruiters get involved by giving them active and unassigned 2021 Membership Monopoly recruits to send renewal engagement messages.

Not a 2021 Membership Monopoly Player?

New members are most likely to cancel their HBA membership in the first 1-2 years after they’ve joined. Help members that joined in 2021 BEAT THE ODDS by focusing on retention efforts and win chips!

How to Participate

or all 2021 Membership Monopoly Players:

If you are a member of King-Sno, Whatcom, Kitsap, Central, San Juan, or North Peninsula and joined after October 2021 or didn’t participate in the Membership Monopoly, you can still qualify to win bonus chips by encouraging 2021 Membership Monopoly recruits to renew if they are not assigned to a Spike. To obtain unassigned recruits, contact your local association. Each introduction and renewal engagement will earn you 4 chips. Your local association will determine how many recruits will be given for each request. Bonus chips will be earned based on the same criteria as the 2021 Players listed above.

Competition runs from July 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2023.

For example, if you recruited 10 members during the 2021 Membership Monopoly and 8 are still members, you earn 80 chips for the 80% retention rate. To earn all 100 chips, you need your dropped recruits to rejoin the association before Oct. 31.

Don't leave membership renewal to CHANCE

For Members

Through October 31, assigned Spikes will automatically win one chip for every percentage of 2021 Membership Monopoly recruits retained.

Win bonus chips for engaging with an active member to renew. Engagement messages may come through a phone call, written letter, email, or text message. Provide proof of your

Find rules, instructions and marketing materials at: BIAW.com/retention-royale

Or contact raellev@biaw.com or (360) 352-7800 ext. 137.

w members are most likely to cancel their HBA mbership in the first 1-2 years after they've joined. members that joined in 2021 BEAT THE ODDS by

NAHB Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference gives members exclusive

Nearly 60 BIAW members from across Washington traveled to Washington, DC, for the NAHB Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference the week of June 6.

BIAW members broke into groups and visited with almost all of Washington’s Congressional delegation, discussing hot issues like:

Workforce development

Seeking investments in workforce development programs that build pipelines for new residential construction workers.

Transformer shortage/supply chain issues

Requesting help stabilizing the transformer manufacturing industry supply chain by ensuring that materials are delivered timely and halting any new efficiency standard updates until the supply chain can be reformed.

Energy

Preserving the state’s dams, encouraging the use of efficient utilities regardless of the fuel source and more.

Interest rates

Continuing to reduce interest rates and ensuring lending standards allow small to medium-sized builders to continue to finance their projects and build homes people can afford.

Later that day, BIAW members enjoyed a special tour of the Capitol, including the US Speaker’s Office, with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Fox News’ Guy Benson joined the group at dinner and took senior BIAW leaders on an exclusive tour.

All in all, more than 700 builders, remodelers and associates from across the industry came to the Capitol for the

Spring Meeting, calling on Congress to take action to make housing and homeownership a national priority.

BIAW members meet with Chair of Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, to discuss critical issues facing homebuilders in our state and nation.

BIAW releases new Housing Affordability Index

by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

Even when you factor in existing housing stock, median-priced homes in Washington remain out of reach for 76% of the households in our state at $430,000.

The average household earns $64,079, and the income required to qualify for a loan is $119,714.

Statewide results vary Affordability varies depending on your location, with more households able to afford homes in Eastern Washington counties like Columbia, Ferry, Lincoln and Pend Oreille.

We’ll update this report regularly to provide people with the latest information. You can read more about the Washington Housing Affordability Index and view details on your county online.

View Reports

To help policymakers better understand the effects of their decisions on the state’s housing crisis, BIAW created the Washington Housing Affordability Index (HAI).

The report builds on the annual National Association of Home Builders’ 2023 “Priced Out” report.

The 2023 Priced Out report examined the cost of new homes and found only 27% of the 132.5 million households in the US could afford a new median-priced home at the national average. Homes in Washington average $635,131—more than $200,000 higher than the national average of $425,786—and only about 19% of households can afford that.

Housing Affordability Index provides more holistic approach

BIAW’s newest report looks at the median cost of all homes in Washington, new and existing supply.

The least affordable counties include Island, San Juan, Kittitas, Kitsap, Jefferson, Skamania, Wahkiakum and Whatcom. In these areas, median incomes simply don’t keep pace with median home prices.

What can be done?

While BIAW and the housing industry enjoyed a fruitful legislative session with permit reform, SEPA modifications and support for greater density and middle housing, there’s more to be done.

Two recommendations include:

1. Expanding down payment assistance to households over 80% of the state’s average median income.

2. Continued work to reform the state’s Growth Management Act, review the state’s Building Codes to limit them to health and safety, and provide more certainty to builders at the state and local levels.

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

Washington Housing Affordability Index

National Association of Home Builders’ 2023 “Priced Out” report

How BIAW’s advocacy protects your bottom line

by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

As Washington’s largest trade association, BIAW champions the rights of our members and fights for affordable homeownership at all levels of government. Working together, we give a voice to thousands of builders, remodelers, skilled-trades professionals and their associates who help Washington families enjoy the American dream of owning a home. Here’s how our work in 2023 affects your bottom line.

Significant permit reform

BIAW successfully passed legislation exempting most interior remodels from time-consuming site plan reviews and significantly reformed the local permitting requirements to speed permitting, promote best practices and add new accountability measures.

Economic impact: The average permit delay of 6.5 months adds more than $31,000 to the price of a new home in Washington.

Flexible zoning (middle housing and ADUs)

n Middle housing legislation supported by BIAW allows property owners more flexibility on their own land. It requires local governments to recognize zero-lot-line sub-division, which ensures new housing built under this law can and will be ownership units.

n BIAW also passed legislation expanding housing options by easing barriers to constructing and using accessory dwelling units.

Economic impact: Statewide, zoning accounts for an average of $72,524 of the cost of a newly constructed home.

Reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles

n BIAW successfully eliminated a costly and timeconsuming two-step process under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA). Now SEPA review occurs up front at the planning level, eliminating uncertainty so members can build the homes our state needs.

n Arbitrary design review boards also came to an end this session, so jurisdictions will have clear design standards for construction.

n BIAW killed a bill increasing project timelines and costs by creating a new level of mitigation and requiring net ecological gain for public and public/ private partnership projects.

n We also axed a measure creating statewide tree ordinances within Urban Growth Areas (UGA), actively restricting density and limiting housing options.

Economic impacts: Hidden costs like these add an average of 23.8% to the final price of new singlefamily homes and 40% to the final cost of multi-family structures.

Expanding access to condominiums as a homeownership option

n BIAW supported changes to allow two-story condominium developments with 12 units or less to be built under the residential code, creating more ownership opportunities for Washington families.

n New legislation giving builders a “right-to-cure” potential defects in new condominiums before litigation creates more certainty for builders and reduces insurance costs.

Economic impacts: In some areas of the state, the first measure is estimated to reduce the cost of a condominium by up to $150,000, clearing significant barriers for many first-time homeowners.

Painting pathways to the trades

As part of its workforce development work, BIAW joined forces with trades educators across the state to support new performance-based pathways to graduation for students and ensure students and parents are aware of these options.

Economic impacts: The Home Builders Institute (HBI) estimates that the nation needs 740,000 new construction workers annually to meet demand. In Washington, taxpayers receive $9 for every $1 spent on trades education.

Preserving energy choice

BIAW and others blocked a bill eliminating natural gas in Puget Sound Energy’s service area by 2050.

Economic impacts: Prohibiting natural gas for new housing increases the cost of new construction by between $6,200 to $13,100 per unit. The annual operating costs of natural gas are one-third of the cost of electricity.

Avoiding unnecessary taxes

BIAW helped thwart a bill increasing the property tax thresholds at the local level from a 1% cap to a 3% cap. BIAW, realtors and others also stopped a statewide and local increase on real estate excise tax (REET).

Economic impacts: If passed, these tax increases could have tripled Washington’s property tax burden, and Washington’s REET would have become the highest in the country.

Reining in labor costs

Thanks to BIAW’s intervention, legislators rejected a new wage replacement program separate from the Employment Security Department and others. The legislature also rejected a costly and burdensome personnel records bill.

Economic impacts: These bills would have increased unemployment insurance premiums and added new legal uncertainty for employers.

Regulatory, legal and building codes wins

All year round, we represent you in state agency rulemaking and before the State Building Code Council (SBCC), providing your perspectives to decision-makers and keeping you informed of new rules and regulations.

Bringing common sense to the building codes

In a win for the industry, residential home builder representative on the SBCC, Daimon Doyle, was able to negotiate an air leakage rate of 4 CFM instead of the proposed 3 ACH (the current rate is 5 CFM). In addition, we also advocated to remove requirements that air handlers and water heaters be installed within the conditioned space.

The model Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code mandates use of fire sprinklers and adequate water supply but thanks to BIAW advocacy, these costly provisions won’t be required statewide.

Finally, BIAW’s legal and codes staff worked together administratively and in the courts to secure a 120-day delay in implementation of the state’s new building codes.

Economic impact: These changes could save homeowners thousands of dollars in added costs to build a home.

Cooling down heat rules

BIAW submitted written comments and in-person testimony to address some of the concerns of the construction industry regarding the new proposed rules. BIAW offered suggestions to help minimize the negative impacts this new rule could have on contractors and their employees—especially those in eastern Washington where heat above 80 degrees is commonplace throughout much of the year.

Economic impact: Arbitrary heat rules would slow progress on building new homes during peak construction months, contributing to the state’s housing shortage and driving up costs.

Wildfire smoke

BIAW participated heavily in the rulemaking process, offering comments and suggestions that would help mitigate the impacts on small businesses trying to create affordable housing, including the use of language similar to California’s wildfire smoke rules. Some of BIAW’s comments and suggestions were implemented in the final rule.

Economic impact: Consistency in rule making helps control costs and saves time, especially for builders who build new homes in multiple states.

Aging-In-Place: The future of homebuilding and modifications

The future of home building is rapidly evolving. Aaron Murphy, Aging-InPlace (AIP) expert and founder of ForeverHome located in Poulsbo, stresses the need for homebuilders to adapt to these changing circumstances, considering the potential lifespan of homes and the diverse needs of future generations.

The proof is in the data

Our country’s Baby Boomer generation, which started turning 65 in 2011, will continue to do so at approximately 10,000 per day until 2030. More than 1.3 million people in Washington are ages 65 and over right now.

A recent study by the Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 88% of adults ages 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. And when compared with institutional care, AIP has also been shown to have health and emotional benefits.

Designing homes that can accommodate the evolving requirements of individuals and families over extended periods is more important than ever.

Preparing your business

This demographic shift, driven by the aging population and advances in medical and technological fields, makes reevaluating home design and construction practices critical, Murphy asserts. He stresses the need to adapt to these changing circumstances, considering the potential lifespan of homes and the diverse needs of future generations.

“The AIP market is an unprecedented opportunity staring you right in the face,” Murphy said. “Every builder should be looking at the idea of creating forever homes that are equitable, inclusive and visitable for all.”

Building homes that offer the flexibility for a family’s life to change and evolve without requiring a relocation from their existing home and keeping a close eye on what is selling in your community will keep your business at the forefront of the industry, Murphy says. Experts in designing and building inclusive AIP solutions, ForeverHome’s mission is to create business owners who empower their clients to “live where they love and thrive where they live.”

Through ForeverHome, Murphy coaches business owners to become local experts in the ever-important field of AIP design by offering training, house plans and specifications, and much more.

What can the CAPS designation do for your business?

Earning the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation gives your business the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the Aging-In-Place (AIP) market.

The CAPS designation lets your clients know that your company can help them make the right choices to safely and securely stay in their homes for years to come.

UPCOMING CAPS CLASS SERIES

CAPS 1: Marketing & Communicating with the Aging-in-Place Client

Learn to effectively market and sell services to the growing AIP market. Discover how to communicate key features and elements that support AIP goals within a home.

August 16, 2023 | 8 am to 5 pm

BIAW Office, Tumwater

November 15, 2023 | 8 am to 5 pm

MBA of King and Snohomish Counties, Bellevue

CAPS 2: Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging-In-Place

Discover responsive and innovative products emerging in universal design. Identify common challenges for AIP clients and understand attractive design concepts to help them stay in their homes.

August 17, 2023 | 8 am to 5 pm

BIAW Office, Tumwater

November 16, 2023 | 8 am to 5 pm

MBA of King and Snohomish Counties, Bellevue

ForeverHome owner Aaron Murphy has been active in the AIP/UD industry for 15+ years. His passion stems from his own personal and professional stories of life and loss. He is well-versed in coaching business owners to become their local experts and develop a referral-based business in the everimportant field of AIP design.

Learn more about all ForeverHome offers at ForeverHome-US.com.

CAPS 3: Details & Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging-in-Place

Master design solutions and techniques for AIP clients who require specialized plans and equipment to thrive in their homes. Plus, learn new installation techniques with hands-on group activities.

August 18, 2023 | 8 am to 5 pm

BIAW Office, Tumwater

November 17, 2023 | 8 am to 5 pm

MBA of King and Snohomish Counties, Bellevue

Learn more and register at Biaw.com/classes.

ROII participants have reason to celebrate

by Leah Jaber ROII Marketing Manager

It’s our favorite time of the year! Check season!

It’s a great way to get rewarded for safety, and we returned over $20 million to welldeserving companies who have chosen to make safety a priority.

Strengthening the building industry statewide and locally

Giving back to the building industry statewide and locally is a top priority for ROII. In 2023, ROII gave over $5 million to BIAW and all 14 local home builders associations to continue fighting for and growing the building industry throughout the state.

What is ROII?

ROII is the state’s largest, longest-operating Retro (Retrospective Rating) safety incentive program belonging to BIAW. Our goal here at ROII is simple: 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 a refund and get some money back on the premiums that they pay to L&I.

Getting started with ROII

Although you may have missed the July enrollment period, ROII’s October quarterly enrollment period is now open. October enrollment provides coverage from October 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. To get started and find out if ROII is a good fit for your company, visit ROII.com or contact us at (360) 352-7800 or enroll@roii.com

OVER OVER OVER

$20,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000

BIAW

14 LOCAL HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATIONS

ROII PARTICIPANTS

Bob and May Disney from Disney and Associates in Port Orchard receives his ROII refund check from ROII Director Jenn Kavanaugh and ROII Marketing Manager Leah Jaber at the Kitsap Building Association ROII check event.

Curtis Banta from Yonkman Construction, Inc., and ROII Marketing Field Representative Jan Rohila at the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association ROII check event.

Jon Roberts from Cascade Custom Homes and ROII Marketing Field Representative Jan Rohila at the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association ROII check event.

Wayne Keffer from WRK Construction receives his ROII refund check from ROII Director Jenn Kavanaugh at the Kitsap Building Association ROII check event.

ROII Marketing Manager Leah Jaber and Luke Shifflett from Titan Builders at the North Peninsula Building Association ROII check event.

[1] The Central Washington Homebuilders Association (CWHBA) Young Professionals Council (YPC) posed for a picture in their newly branded sweatshirts at the Hard Hat Happy Hour event held May 17 at the new offices of Traditional Designs, sponsor of the event, in Yakima.

[2] The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIACC) held its April Membership Breakfast on April 6 at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver. Seven new members joined that morning, and within 48 hours, a total of 12 had joined. Speakers shared the mission and purpose of BIACC, BIAW and ROII and why it matters to our builders.

[3] (L-R: BIAW’s Andrea Smith, Sarah Neibert of Affinity Homes and BIAW’s Janelle Guthrie.) The Building Industry Group PAC Auction, Clark County’s premier industry event supporting housing affordability and everyone working in the home building industry, was held on May 18 at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver.

[4] (L-R: Master Builders Pierce President Chris Lockhart of AAA Kartak Glass & Closet and BIAW Past President Rick Hjelm of Phase II Construction.) Master Builders Association of Pierce County held its 25th Annual Remodelers Council REX Awards on May 16 at FARM 12 Restaurant in Puyallup. Presented by Contract Furnishings Mart, the event had a total of 122 in attendance to celebrate the best remodeling and interior design projects in Pierce County, with 16 total winners spanning several categories.

[5] Evergreen Public Schools unveiled its new Skilled Trades Center in Vancouver with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 16. The facility will expand the district’s CTE programs, focusing on residential construction.

[6] In early May, the Master Builders Association of Pierce County hosted an all-women Habitat for Humanity build day with staff and members from Babbitt Construction, Kitchen Tune-up, Chinook Envelope Services and Moda Interior Design. The women spent the day helping with eight lots of townhomes.

[7] BIAW and ROII proudly sponsored the Pierce County Construction Career Day held May 19 at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. This event allowed area high school students to explore construction careers with hands-on displays from area employers and many trades and apprenticeship programs. They also had the opportunity to operate heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers.

[8] On May 31, Master Builders Pierce hosted a Home Building Bus Tour with the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS and the South Sound Affordability Partners. The tour took 50 elected officials, jurisdictional staff and current candidates around Pierce County to show the challenges home builders face during different development and building phases. Members opened up jobsites to show local leaders how changing regulations could allow for more housing to keep up with the demand.

[9] The Spokane Home Builders Association’s Frame Your Future program successfully held its third annual Construction Camp on May 20. Thirty-five high school juniors and seniors from across Spokane arrived to work alongside instructors, including 32 industry partner volunteers. Students were divided into groups to build five 6’x8’ storage sheds donated to local high schools to store items like sports equipment.

Bug Bites & Bee Stings: 10 Essential First Aid Tips

by Bob White ROII Safety Services Director

Injuries such as minor cuts and abrasions may seem insignificant, but they can quickly become infected if left untreated. Bacterial entry into the wound can lead to swelling and discoloration. Employees may also experience allergic reactions to bee stings or spider bites, requiring medical attention at a clinic or hospital.

While employees are not obligated to disclose medical conditions that could pose a risk of industrial injury, maintaining open lines of communication with your workforce is crucial. Asking about employees’ allergies to bee stings or insect bites could help prevent a medical crisis.

Familiarize all employees with the location and proper usage of the first aid kit.

Clearly indicate where specific items are stored, such as bandages, disinfectants and allergy medication (some of which may be tailored to individual employees).

Ensure first aid supplies are easily accessible and clearly marked for swift retrieval.

Consider equipping work crews with a durable “knock around” first aid kit containing essential items, allergy medications, tourniquets, etc., especially when the main kit isn’t nearby.

Effective communication and quick access to first aid are paramount to ensure your workforce’s well-being. Here are 10 ways to help keep your employees safe: 1 2 3 4 5

Keep first aid materials near where your employees work to encourage use.

6 7 8 9 10

Encourage employees to keep necessary medical treatments on hand to safeguard themselves and the company. Specific medicines need to be readily available and nearby.

Reporting injuries to supervisors should be mandatory. Establish a policy for administering first aid treatment for minor wounds and bites. With the proper setup, disinfecting a cut, applying a bandage or taking allergy medicine takes only a minute.

Consider keeping convenient and quick disinfectant sprays on hand to treat small cuts and prevent infection.

Assign someone to restock the first aid kit whenever supplies are low.

Remember, having a valued employee miss even half a day of work due to an injury can result in significant delays. A little preparation and forethought can go a long way in protecting your employees and minimizing downtime and expenses for your company.

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

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