March 2015 Building Buzz

BB BUILDING BUZZ M a r c h

2 0 1 5

President’s Letter

In Like a Lamb | page 3

City/County Beat

Shrinking the City Footprint, Expanding County Relationships | page 7-8

BMHBA News

Bowl with the Builders | page 9

National News

National Rules with Local Impacts | pages 10-12

NDAB News

IBS Recap and BUILD-PAC Review | page 14

Page 2

BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

Building Buzz Publisher/Editor: Dot Frank Layout Editor: Michael Quinn Building Buzz is a publication of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association 2600 Gateway Ave., Suite 1 Bismarck, ND 58503 Phone: 701.222.2400 Fax: 701.250.9730

Your membership is three-in-one: BMHBA, NDAB and NAHB

Scan to visit www.bmhba.com

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Professionals building our community through promotion of home ownership, education and legislation since 1958.

Bismarck-Mandan Permit Reports Through January 2015 Bismarck

- monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.bismarck.org

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

5/$1.04M 0/$0M 8/$0.37M

Mandan

- monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.cityofmandan.com

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

Lincoln

- monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.cityoflincolnnd.com

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

1/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

Burleigh County

- monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.co.burleigh.nd.us

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

Morton County

- monthly/yearly permit reports can be found at www.co.morton.nd.us

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

0/$0M 0/$0M 0/$0M

March 2015

Page 3

BMHBA Building Buzz

A Word from Our President March seems to be the moment of truth for builders – a month where we can begin to anticipate start dates and sales seem to pick up momentum. It’s also a month of folklore. Here are a few idioms to fact check:

Drew Knutson Board President

• A dry March and a wet May? Fill barns and bays with corn and hay.

• As it rains in March so it rains in June.

• March winds and April showers? Bring forth May flowers.

As we begin our building season, let’s hope for fair skies, few showers and plenty of sunshine. Whether or not we can count on the predictions above, we can count on Home Show attendees to give us an indication of market conditions. The Home Show, which is March 13-15 is an excellent way to gather insight into buyers’ intentions, interests and homeownership actions. If you have yet to reserve your space, call the office to inquire about availability. If you don’t plan on exhibiting, make sure to attend to experience the association’s biggest event.

March presents members with plenty of opportunities to get involved. The Association will host Lead Renovator courses, launch a new Webinar Wednesday series, and bring us Bowling with the Builders. Make sure to bookmark bmhba.com/events to register for all activities and check your email for event reminders.

Staff and trustees met last month for a BUILDPAC and NDAB-PAC Retreat. Advocacy continues to be a critical component of association work. The meeting helped clarify the purpose of PAC, considered contribution options and discussed disbursement requests. Keep your eyes out for additional details and PAC participation requests, particularly as we approach our “Bring Housing Home” event that will feature meetings with our national delegates.

Advocacy work continues at the local level. The Government Affairs Committee is exploring concerns with the implementation of the Energy Code. They hosted a meeting in February to discuss the impact newly enforced codes are having on affordability. The

committee is compiling the costs of compliance and anticipates sharing that insight with commissioners.

I’m excited to announce that the Board of Directors unanimously supported Shannon Reichenberg, of Diversity Homes, as 2nd Vice President of the Association. Shannon is now on the leadership ladder, which will take him next to Vice President, President and then Past President.

On a final note, make sure to submit your Spring Parade of Homes registration forms by March 13. Our early survey of builder participation indicates full parade lineup. According to responses, the association expects at least 30 homes throughout Bismarck, Mandan, Lincoln and Burleigh and Morton Counties.

More than half of the homes will exceed $460,000 and 22% will be $200,000-$270,000. Registration forms are available online or by calling the office at 222-2400.

I’ll see you at the Home Show.

Drew Knutson

President

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Page 4

BMHBA Building Buzz January 2015 New Members

Concrete Creations | Tyler Lindberg www.tylerlindberg30.wix.com/concrete-creations22 Creative Touch Homes | Jeremy Kukowski Home Builders (Custom), General Contractor, Home Builder www.creativetouchhomesnd.com Hamilton Built Homes | Cory Hamilton Home Builders (Custom), Framers, Carpentry Homerun Products | Noah Wine Sleep Number | Joan Jorstad | www.sleepnumber.com Southern Distribution | Kathy Combs Superior Home Solutions LLP | Dave Senger Sunrooms, Carpentry, Egress Windows, Remodeling superiorhomesolutionsllp.com

March 2015 Anniversaries Advanced Truss Fabricators | Tim Oster | Building Supplies, Trusses American Bank Center | Nadine Schaff | Mortgages Bismarck Kitchens | Bruce Aberle | Kitchen/Bath Remodel & Design Bismarck Lumber Co. | Darwin Fischer | Building Supplies, Cabinets BNC National Bank | Marc Menge | Mortgages Boll Cabinets Inc. | Rodney Boll | Cabinets, Custom Cabinets Buffalo Concrete LLP | Tom Bauer | Concrete Contractor, Excavating Cedar River Cabinetry | Nick Cook III | Cabinets Curly’s Construction | Curly Schoch | Home Builders (Custom) Dakota Community Bank & Trust | Mark Larson | Mortgages Dakota Millwork | Jeff Scherr | Millwork Diamond Hardwood Flooring LLC | Logan Hegland | Flooring Feser Cabinet Design, Inc. | Dan Feser | Cabinets, Custom Cabinets First Community Credit Union | Mike Christianson | Mortgages First Dakota Title | Denese McLeish | Titles/Closings Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance, Inc. | CJ Schorsch | Appliances, Home Furnishings Flickertail Construction LLC | Grant Miller | Framers Front Street Lighting | Shelley Werner | Electrical Contractor, Lighting Harter’s Landscaping | Marvel Lue Harter | Snow Removal, Landscaping HR Services | Denise Roller | Business Services, Payroll Service J & D Construction, Inc. | Jason Voegele | General Contractor Jacobson Contracting, Inc. | Kent Jacobson | Home Builders (Custom) Keller Hardwood Floors | Kent Keller | Flooring KLJ | Brett Gurholt | Engineers, Planner/Designer Knutson Homes, Inc. | Drew Knutson | Home Builders (Custom) Leisure Palace | Jason Dodson Majestic Homes LLC | Mary Miller | Home Builders (Custom) Missouri Basin Materials, Inc. | Rocky Thompson | Steel Manufacturing Modular Dimensions Construction Services USA, Inc. | Byron Robinson Manufactured Homes MVP Contracting | Michael Visner | Cabinets, Carpentry Northern Improvement Co. | Brad Ballweber | Asphalt/Gravel, Concrete Northwest Contracting Inc. | Eric Brenden | Commercial Builders Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc. | Terry Leabo | Concrete Contractor Premier Homes, Inc. | Wade Vogel | General Contractor Red Deer Homes | Michael Kautz | Home Builders (Custom) Red Door Homes of Bismarck | Liz Jarrett | Home Builders (Custom) Schaff Construction | Ken Schaff | General Contractor, Home Builders (Custom) Spaces, Inc. | Lisa Bohrer | Home Furnishings, Interior Design Tamarack Materials Northland | Randy Bannor | Drywall, Insulation Titan Machinery | Greg Burgman | Equipment Tradesman International | Ross Frohlich Triton Homes | Jamie Schmidt | Home Builders (Custom) Ultimate Construction, Inc. of USA | Scott Foley | General Contractor Venture Building Company | Parker Pladson | Cabinets, Home Builders (Custom) Weisz & Sons Inc. | Don Weisz | Concrete Contractor, Demolition Well Built Homes | Colby Well | Home Builders (Custom) Wells Fargo Home Mortgage | Lisa Carlson | Mortgages, Financial Services Wolf Painting Inc. | Mike Wolf | Paint Supplier

March 2015

2015 Board of Directors PRESIDENT Drew Knutson Knutson Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-3464

PAST PRESIDENT Vance Vetter Vance Vetter Homes Phone: (701) 751-8218

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Shannon Reichenberg Diversity Homes Phone: (701) 220-8177

Paula Haider Haider Glass Specialties Phone: (701) 250-6787

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Greg Zenker Ferguson Enterprises Phone: (701) 663-2446

SECRETARY/TREASURER Lynn Klein Gate City Bank Phone: (701) 355-7633 Chad Moldenhauer K & L Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-4584

Susie Franklin Capital Credit Union Phone: (701) 255-0042

Jeff Sattler Sattler Homes Phone: (701) 255-7628

Nathan Jones Tollberg Homes Phone: (763) 205-2037

Bill Schmid Townsquare Media Phone: (701) 250-6602

Parker Pladson Venture Building Co. Phone: (701) 290-6734

AN HOME LICOES V R SE in o

Now als

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Mandan Scott Bullinger

Leanne Holzer

Susie Franklin

Apply online at www.capcu.org/fast_loans, or call 255-0042 or 1-800-735-6922 today.

Aaron Wentz

Roxy Praus

Chris Fraser

March 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 5

Member Spotlight: Concrete Creations Contact Name: Tyler Lindberg Job Title: Owner Phone Number: 701-320-6475 Website: http://concretecreationsnd.wix.com/concretecreations22

What sets your company apart from the competition?

Anything I make for one customer, will never be duplicated for another. Concrete countertops are one of a kind.

What is your company’s mission statement (if you have one)?

“The imagination is the only limitation”

Is there anything new or interesting happening in your company or industry right now?

New admix allows me to make my concrete as thin as 1/2” such as for making custom tiles!

When was your company founded? Where and by whom?

2014 by myself, Tyler Lindberg, originally in Jamestown, North Dakota.

What type of products/services does your company provide?

Concrete countertops - kitchens, bathrooms, sinks, fireplace surround, shower panels/pans, tile, fire tables, planters, benches, etc.

Which products/services would you say are “bestsellers”?

Kitchens and fire tables.

How many employees does your company employ?

Myself

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I get to create something for someone else to enjoy. I love to see the steps of making and finishing the concrete.

What is the biggest challenge facing your company/ industry right now? How are you dealing with it?

Not very established/known in the Bismarck area.

Being patient as I grow, hoping the home show will be a good start.

If you had only one sentence to sell your company to a potential customer/client, what would you say?

Wouldn’t you rather have a product made from completely scratch, totally customizable, made specifically for you over something anyone can just go out and buy?

Member Spotlight: Hamilton Built Homes, LLC Contact Name: Cory Hamilton Job Title: President Phone Number: 701-204-5729

When was your company founded? Where and by whom?

2013 in Bismarck by Cory and Craig Hamilton.

What type of products/services does your company provide?

Building custom homes.

Which products/services would you say are “bestsellers”?

Homes below $350k.

What sets your company apart from the competition?

Building high end homes in smaller more affordable packages using top quality materials.

How many employees does your company employ?

(2) - Cory and Craig Hamilton.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the customers reaction when I exceed their expectations.

What is the biggest challenge facing your company/ industry right now?

Getting our name recognized. How are you dealing with it? Building homes we are proud of.

If you had only one sentence to sell your company to a potential customer/client, what would you say?

Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

City/County Beat Bismarck Presents “Footprint Reduction Initiatives” The City of Bismarck unveiled initial strategies to reduce the city’s footprint. Director of Community Development Carl Hokenstad presented four concepts at the February 24 City Commission meeting, which included: 1. A reduction in street width standards; 2. Changes to zoning regulations to encourage compact development, including minimum densities, smaller minimum lot sizes, changes to setbacks, allowing two single family units in R10, etc.;

3. The allowance of “Granny Flats” or secondary living units on single-family lots; and 4. A requirement to plat to property lines.

According the Hokenstad, many of the suggestions would require amendments to city ordinances that would include a public hearing.

The initiatives were created upon request by Mayor Mike Seminary to promote compact, efficient and affordable growth.

2016-2018 Road Improvement Projects Planned in Mandan The N.D. Department of Transportation has allocated funds through the Transportation Improvement program based on expected federal funding for the following projects in Mandan.

2016 1. Traffic Signals on Memorial Highway. The project consists of adding a new traffic signal at 40th Avenue SE and installing a permanent signal at 46th Avenue SE. Total estimated cost is $937,500.

The City is responsible for $93,750.

2. Traffic signal improvement at Main Street and Twin City Drive. A signal will be replaced and upgraded. Total cost is about $250,000. The City’s share is $25,000.

3. 10th Avenue SW. The project includes concrete pavement repair from Heart River Bridge to Main Street. The total estimated cost of the project is $250,000. There is no local cost share.

4. Old Red Trail. This project will include widening the roadway from Highland Avenue NW to 47th Avenue NW and adding a curb and gutter. The

total estimated cost is $4 million. The City’s share is $800,000.

2018 1. Replace and upgrade traffic signals on Main Street.

The project will improve the functioning of traffic signals and provide pedestrian control of the walk cycle. The total estimated cost is $1.5 million. The City’s share is $150,000.

2. Reconstruct and widen 27th Street NW from 1806 to 8th Avenue NW. This project includes widening of the roadway and the addition of a curb and gutter, providing better access to the middle school and nearby developing areas. Total estimated cost is $1 million. The City’s share is $200,000.

The City’s portion of project expenses will most likely be a combination of sales tax, general fund tax dollars and special assessments to benefiting properties. For more information, contact the Engineering Department at 667-3225.

2015 Spring Load Restrictions Approaching The City of Bismarck reminds drivers that spring load restrictions are quickly approaching. Depending on the weather, restrictions could be put into effect within the next two to three weeks.

Contractors/truckers should consider moving their heavy loads in the near future before load restrictions are placed on City of Bismarck streets and alleys.

The 2015 load restrictions map is being developed and will be placed on the City website before load restrictions go into effect. The map will be available at bismarcknd.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/77.

March 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

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City/County Beat Burleigh County Certifies Energy Code Compliance Burleigh County Building Official Ray Ziegler recently announced that the Building Inspections Department is performing Energy Code Compliance inspections on all new homes. Inspected homes will receive an Energy Code Compliance Certificate upon final inspection.

Contractors are asked to submit the following items for county records: the type of insulation and the installed R-value for the roof/ceiling, walls, slab-on-grade, floor, rim joist and foundation walls. They also are asked to call for an additional inspection of the insulation after framing inspections and before sheet rocking.

Public Input Meeting for Northeast Bismarck

Apple Creek Township Partners with Burleigh Co.

Preliminary information regarding the development of the Northeast Bismarck Subarea Study will be available for review and comment at a March 16 public meeting. The open house will be conducted by the Bismarck-Mandan MPO and KLJ at the Sunrise Elementary School located at 3800 Nickerson Avenue, The open house will begin at 5:00 pm and last through 7:00 pm, with a formal presentation from 5:30 pm to 5:45 pm. Representatives from the MPO and KLJ will be on hand to answer your questions and discuss your concerns. Information is available at nebismarckstudy.com.

As of Jan. 1, 2015 the Burleigh County Building/ Planning/Zoning Department will conduct all septic and mechanical inspections for Apple Creek Township.

Apple Creek Building Inspector Shawn Whitney will continue to issue permits and perform building inspections. Whitney may be reached at 214-3311.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

Sit Down with Our Senators and Congressman March 11 NDAB has scheduled meetings with our national delegates. All members are encouraged to attend meetings with Senators John Hoeven’s and Heidi Heitkamp’s staff as well as Congressman Kevin Cramer on March 11 in Bismarck.

Meetings with the Senators’ staff will begin at 1 p.m. at the Baymont Hotel in Mandan. The meeting with Rep. Kevin Cramer begins at 2 p.m. and ND Secretary of State Al Jaeger will visit with members at 3 p.m.

Seating is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. Register to attend by contacting Heather Sailer at 222-2401 or emailing heather@ndbuild.com.

Meeting protocols will be maintained and it will not be an open floor session for this event. Please contact BMHBA Executive Officer Dot Frank at dot@bmhba. com and/or with Kim Schneider, NDAB executive officer, at kim@ndbuild.com to make sure your concerns or questions are addressed to our delegates by the designated speakers.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

Strike a Relationship with Builders Bowling with the Builders is an excellent way to connect with our builder members. The event, which is open to teams and individual bowlers takes place on Tuesday, March 24 at Midway Lanes in Mandan.

Registration: $25 per player Fee includes two games, shoe rental, a drink ticket and tacos in a bag for the players. Assemble your own team of five players or arrive solo and you’ll be placed with peer association members. To register as a team, please utilize the notes section to inform us of the other team members you’re bowling with.

Bowling with the Builders Tuesday, March 24 Midway Lanes $25 Per Player Lane Sponsorships $100

Lane Sponsorships: $100 If bowling isn’t your game, but you’d like to support the event and association just the same consider a Bowling with the Builders sponsorship. Sponsors will receive recognition on event materials including, but not limited to, our website, newsletter, emails and faxes.

Register online at bmhba.com/events, email info@bmhba.com or call 222-2400.

Deadline Approaches for

Spring Parade of Homes The deadline for builders to enter their homes into the Spring Parade is March 13. This year’s event will run over the course of two weekends and historically attracts more than 4500 adults.

WIN A 7-DAY

Caribbean Cruise and get a $50 Gift Certificate When you do your closing with Quality Title, Inc.

Contact your Realtor or lender for details!

Due to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Lenders, Realtors and Contractors are excluded from this promotion

Participating Vendors Blarney Stone, Gee WilLiquors, Bistro, A&B Pizza, Ace Hardware

Registration documents are available online at bmhba.com under the Parade of Homes link.

Builder fees are $650 for the first home and $500 for subsequent entries.

The parade dates are April 24-26 and May 1-3.

Homes are open to spectators from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The association is excited to once again support a designated charity with event proceeds and will be taking full advantage of all features of the smartphone app.

Contact info@bmhba.com or 222-2400 for additional information.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

New Floodplain Rules Would Limit Construction NAHB is digging into a new Executive Order that could have a significant impact on how and where our members develop, build and remodel homes and communities near coasts and rivers.

On Jan. 30, President Obama signed Executive Order (EO) 13690, part of the Administration’s plans to improve climate resiliency as directed by the President’s Climate Action Plan.

It updates a 1977 EO that required federal agencies to do what they could to preserve the nation’s floodplains — areas subject to a 1% chance or greater of flooding in any given year — and limit their development where possible.

The new EO creates a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) for all federally approved or funded projects and significantly expands the areas to be protected. Federal agencies will have three options for establishing the new FFRMS elevation and flood hazard area: • Climate-informed Science Approach. Using the best-available data and methods to forecast changes from flooding.

• Freeboard Value Approach. Adding an additional 2 or 3 feet to the base flood elevation of the 100-year flood (see below).

• 500-year Elevation Approach. The area subject to flooding by the 0.2%-annual-chance flood.

And while the Administration has stated that the EO is targeted to federally financed projects, NAHB is concerned that the scope could be much broader: A strict reading implies it could include homes built under FHA and HUD housing programs and the National Flood Insurance Program. And conceivably it could affect permitting under the Clean Water Act — if all waters in floodplains are subject to federal jurisdiction, if the new Waters of the United States definitions are finalized as proposed — and the Endangered Species Act, because the floodplain is identified as critical habitat for many listed species.

The Administration said it wants to hear from those affected by the EO and plans a series of “listening sessions” around the country. Members can comment in writing by April 6.

In this example, those areas in the darkerst gray region are within the 100-year floodplain and subject to existing floodplain requirements, while the other areas have no restrictions. Using the “freeboard” method, the new EO defines both the gray and tan areas as subject to new floodplain requirements.

March 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 11

Strategies to Selling Green in 2015 According to Michelle Desiderio, most buyers interested in high-performance homes are motivated not so much by energy efficiency, but rather by personal interest in making the world a better place to live.

Desiderio, who serves as vice president of innovation services for Home Innovation Labs in Upper Marlboro, Md., spoke at the 2015 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas about strategies to sell high-performance homes, including which audiences to target.

“If you’re only selling energy efficiency, you’re missing the big picture, and even alienating the young buyers,” she said.

For Millennials especially, a message about saving money is a little offensive. “They’ll choose a highperformance builder simply because it’s the right thing to do, not just to save money,” she said.

Desiderio said that today’s high-performance home buyer is looking for a sustainable lifestyle that is healthier, efficient and better for the world at large.

And 61% of builders say customers will pay more for a home that meets these criteria.

There are four groups of buyers that are particularly inclined to purchases high-performance homes: The Persuadable Middle, a.k.a. The Mainstream Consumer Desiderio pointed to research which showed that 16% of consumers are super green and “out to save the earth,” while another 18% have completely rejected the idea. This leaves 66% of consumers in the middle, most of whom have “good, green intentions,” she said. “They worry that they’re being excluded from the green movement a little bit. So make it real for them with what motivates them, like lower operating costs and walkable communities,” she said.

Women Women lean green across all areas of the country, income levels and ethnicities. In many households, women are the primary breadwinner and decision maker for the home. “They are interested in the health and safety of the family, not so much what they’ll save on energy bills. And they’re willing to pay a little bit more for the things that will make their house healthier and better for the family,” Desiderio said.

Millennials This group of home buyers really cares about the environment and the world. They’re socially responsible, globally-oriented, environmentally conscious savers, who are renting and living in green apartments right now. Ninety-three percent of them expect to own a home and don’t want their parents’ home. But they do want a tech-equipped home that is both good for the environment and their wallets.

Aspirationals “Granite and green will win over this new group of home buyers,” Desiderio said. They are focused on style, social status and sustainability, and desire construction and design that lends to less consumption in trendy ways.

The best overall strategy in catering to these groups, Desiderio said, is to demonstrate that the home is a better product and better value for the consumer, and that sustainability is about better quality of life.

Engaging Realtors is also a key step in reaching green consumers. Annette Bubak, a green-designated Realtor and regional builder sales manager at SolarCity, said that only 3-5% of high-performance homes are properly identified as such within local Multiple Listing Services.

Because agents really depend on builders to provide signage and information, videos and other marketing materials to sell their homes, she said it’s critical that builders add comments to their listings highlighting the benefits; upload their homes’ certificates; and provide professional-quality images.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

National News House Approves Regulatory Relief Bill The House on Feb. 5 approved NAHB-supported legislation that would require federal agencies to review regulations for their impact on small businesses and consider less burdensome alternatives.

H.R. 527, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015, would improve the regulatory process by strengthening agency analysis of a rule’s effect on small businesses. Federal agencies often view compliance as largely a procedural function during the federal rulemaking process and not – as Congress intended – an opportunity to reduce the burden of regulations on small businesses.

In a letter to lawmakers urging support of the bill and designating a vote for passage as a “key vote” due to the importance of this issue to small businesses in the home building industry, NAHB said that “H.R. 527 will

ensure agencies thoughtfully consider the true effect of regulations on small businesses by requiring a more thorough analysis, including indirect costs associated with the proposed rule. Additionally, the bill’s enhanced judicial review requirements will help increase agency compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act.”

The House Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee held a hearing Feb. 4 on the Legal Workforce Act, legislation introduced in the previous Congress by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) that would address the illegal immigration issue.

The NAHB-supported measure would require all U.S. employers to use E-Verify, a government-run online verification system that uses Social Security numbers to check the identity and work authorization of all new hires.

Under current law, E-Verify is voluntary.

Prior to the hearing, NAHB sent a letter to House lawmakers in support of the legislation, noting that it “creates a fair, efficient and workable employee verification system that gives employers clarity with regard to their duties and obligations.”

Further, the Legal Workforce Act ensures that all U.S. employers are held accountable only for the work authorization status of their direct employees, meaning that home builders would not be required to verify their subcontractors or subcontractors’ workers. Also of note, the measure would maintain the “knowing” liability standard under current law. NAHB supports this requirement, which means that employers would only be held accountable if they knowingly hiring unauthorized workers.

The measure also contains a robust safe harbor for employers to ensure that those who are using the system in good faith will not be held accountable for errors in the E-Verify system.

NAHB Supports E-Verify Bill that Works for Employers

March 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 13

National News Midwest Pushes Housing Starts Down 2% in January Nationwide housing starts fell 2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.065 million units in January, according to newly released data from the U.S. Commerce Department. This drop was mainly due to a 22.2% decrease in the Midwest.

Single-family housing production fell 6.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 678,000 in January while multifamily starts rose 7.5% to 387,000 units.

“These numbers are consistent with our recent surveys and are primarily due to severe weather hitting the Midwest and other parts of the country,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods.

“After a strong single-family report in December, it is not surprising to see some pull back in January,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “With continued job creation and a growing economy, single-family production should make gains in the year ahead.”

Regionally in January, combined single- and multifamily housing production increased 6.5% in the South. Total starts fell in the Northeast, Midwest and West, with respective losses of 3.5%, 22.2% and 3.4%.

Overall permit issuance was down 0.7% in January to a rate of 1.053 million. Single-family permits decreased 3.1% to 654,000 units while multifamily permits rose 3.6% to a rate of 399,000 units.

Cash In on Savings Member rebates add up! In 2014, six members claimed a combined $6,860 in rebates. That averages to $1,143 each!

Participation is easy and HBA Member Rebate Program is hosting a 15 minute webinar on how to participate on Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Visit HBARebates.com for additional information.

Regionally, permits were mixed in January. The Northeast and West registered gains of 29.5% and 16.8%, respectively, while the Midwest and South dropped 16% and 8.7%.

Page 14

BMHBA Building Buzz

NDAB NEWS

Volume XXII, Issue 3

LeRoy Kurtyka NDAB President

Monthly News from the North Dakota Association of Builders

March 2015

A Busy Time of Year

Heating Up

Winter is flying by and we’ve been busy for our Members at NDAB. In January nearly 300 North Dakota home building industry leaders attended the International Builders Show in Las Vegas for a week of training, networking, and 2015 product previews. We had a great turnout for our Annual North Dakota Reception with over 170 people attending and we enjoyed several small group get togethers throughout the week as well.

While the weather outside seems to be getting much more cold, the temperature at the NDAB office, the Capital and at the gathering for the legislators, statewide offices, builders and realtors were just heating up in February!

NAHB business meetings were also conducted during this week and 2015 looks to be a good growing year for associations at all levels - local, state, and national. Membership drives will be a focus this year and we were introduced to our 5 regional field representatives that were hired at the start of the year. We welcome Michael Blake Bezeruki as our area field representative.

Michael comes to NAHB by way of Weber-Merrrit, where he recently served as a government affairs consultant lobbying on behalf of NAHB as a part of the grassroots program. Michael has experience fundraising and assisting with a U.S. congressional campaign. He will reside in Springfield, Illinois and will be making visits to his 11 state area throughout the spring, summer and fall.

We look forward to hosting him in North Dakota soon.

The next national meetings for NAHB are June 2-6 in Washington D.C. Business meetings and Hill visits will be conducted and we hope many of you will attend to take advantage of these opportunities.

In February a constant focus for NDAB was our legislative session. I’m happy to report that Kim has been tirelessly involved on behalf of our Members and that collectively we’ve made a difference in a number of bills to date. Thank you for your participation in our NDAB Calls to Action and remember that you can reach out to us at NDAB, or to any of your legislators at any time with your concerns or input. We appreciate knowing the issues at the top of your minds.

In March we look forward to our NDAB Board of Directors coming together for the spring Board meeting and we will also be participating in NAHB’s second annual Bringing Housing Home event for which we will be meeting with our national delegates Congressman Cramer, Senator Hoeven, and Senator Heitkamp based on their availabilities to update them with our industry’s main concerns and any national legislative issues we feel important. Again, we invite Member feedback and participation, so please contact myself or Kim to be involved.

LeRoy

March 2015

A big thank you goes out to all who joined us in Bismarck in frigid cold mid-February for the Oyster and Chili Feed NDAB co-hosted with the ND Realtors Association. The room was packed with friendly faces from both sides of the aisle and from across the state. It is with great respect that we work closely with the members of the 64th legislature and we appreciate that after putting in a long day they joined us over a hot bowl of chowder and chili to catch up on the issues and hear our stance. Not only did legislators join but we had special guests from the ND Tax Commissioners office, ND Attorney General’s office, ND Ag Commissioners office and the ND State Treasure office.

Kim Schneider NDAB Executive Officer

Prior to this gathering, NDAB-PAC (Political Action Committee) members from each local association and the Executive Officers all met to discuss the future of NDAB-PAC and the importance of the role it has in North Dakota. We welcomed Meghan Everngam, Assistant Vice President, BUILD-PAC with National Association of Home Builders.

NDAB-PAC is the North Dakota Association of Builders’ Political Action Committee. It is a non-partisan political action committee which provides support for candidates who are friends of the building industry.

NDAB-PAC recognizes there is strength in numbers. People who show they care and are concerned about the future of the building industry make contributions to NDAB-PAC because they believe that cooperation equals strength. You alone can’t influence the Legislature or Congress on issues that can devastate your business. NDAB-PAC is your front line of defense. It monitors legislative issues and works to protect and promote the building industry. Also, a portion of your contribution is passed along to BUILD-PAC, the National Association of Home Builders’ Political Action Committee, one of the most recognized and well-respected PACs in Washington. If interested in learning more about NDAB-PAC or how to contribute, please contact our office or reach out to your local Executive Officer to learn more.

March will also bring us to NAHB’s Bringing Housing Home Legislative Conference for in-district Congressional Visits. We will be hosting meetings on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 10 with our national delegates along with North Dakota’s Secretary of State, Al Jaeger.

These meetings bring face to face time with decision makers back in their home state to discuss issues that matter to our industry. Members are welcome to join in on the discussion or share questions and topics of concerns with their local associations to bring forth to our meetings. Our 2014 meetings were very successful and we appreciated the time to sit down and have open dialogue with representation from all six local associations. NDAB has always had a strong voice for our members with local and national delegates and we appreciate the time and support of those who work closely with us. Warm wishes to you and yours, Kim Schneider

Back your PAC … your PAC backs you! NDAB-PAC is the North Dakota Association of Builders’ Political Action Committee. It is a non-partisan political action committee that provides support for candidates who are friends of the building industry. Contact NDAB at (800) 326-4746, (701) 222-2401 or info@ndbuild.com to contribute or learn more!

North Dakota Association of Builders 1720 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 207, Bismarck, ND 58503-0801 701/222-2401 or 800/326-4746 www.ndbuild.com

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BMHBA Building Buzz

March 2015

Around the State Dot Frank, Executive Officer 701-222-2400

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bmhba.com

Cold beer and hot chili coerced 120 members to take an after-hours trip to February Fun Night at Jerome Distributing for a night of networking on Feb. 12.

The 38th Annual Home Show is expected to sell-out in the coming weeks with 391 exhibits sold.

Lead Renovator and Initial Courses are scheduled for March.

Members will strike up relationships with builders at the Annual Bowling with the Builders event on March 24.

Contracts are out for the Spring Parade of Homes, which takes place the last weekend of April and first weekend of May. The Government Affairs Committee is actively engaged in efforts to clarify and drawback newly enforced energy code requirements.

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OSHA 30-Hour Construction Course, as well as a lunch session on succession planning. Check www.hbafm.com for dates.

The HBA continues working with the city of Fargo on its revised building standards for flood proof basements.

There are plans to host education on those, plus classes for contractors dealing with the new energy code and fire sprinkler requirements in Minnesota.

Forx Builders Association Betty McDonald, Executive Officer 701-746-4536 forxbuilders.com

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Structural Materials is hosting Builders after Hours on March 12th Our Annual Home Design & Garden Show is March 20, 21 & 22 at the Alerus Center A Lunch & Learn will be held April 8th at Muddy Rivers from 11:30 until 1. Brad Beauchamp from Automated Financial Services will do a presentation on the upcoming credit card changes.

Dickinson Area Builders Assoc.

Irene Schafer, Executive Officer 701-483-0044 dickinsonareabuilders.com

Minot Association of Builders Vicky Flagstad, Executive Officer 701-852-0496 minotab.com

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We moved our February GMM to a Tuesday night. We will test another Tuesday night in April to see if it helps in attendance.

The Home Show is coming together.

We still have booths available; expect to be sold out.

Dickinson Area Builders plan to work with the City of Dickinson in planning a Contractor’s Night soon.

We will have our PAC Fundraiser at the March GMM at Lady J’s Club & Catering.

Plans are to have our Membership Drive in May & October, same as last year.

Bryce Johnson, Executive Vice President hbafm.com 701-232-5846

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The HBA of F-M will host its “Chilly” Cook-Off March 12 at Braaten Cabinets. The event is free to members who pre-register.

There are 22 working days in March, and 11 of those are dedicated to HBA of F-M education! The Association will host EPA RRP Lead Refreshers, Minnesota Power Limited Technician and Plumbing Contractor continuing education, NAHB Advanced Green Building and Business Management, an

www.ndbuild.com

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The MAB 40th annual Home & Garden Show is set for March 7 & 8 at the ND State Fair Center.

MAB Board members will be attending the NDAB spring board of directors meeting in Bismarck March 10-11.

Minot will be holding Lead Paint Initial and Recertification classes March 17 & 18 at the Grand Hotel.

Williston Area Builders Association Beth Sundheim, Executive Officer 701-572-5744 willistonbuilders.com

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2015 Home and Garden Show is April 24th - 26th. There are a small number of booths available. The committee is reaching out for sponsors for the event. If you are interested, please contact the WABA office.

February 5th WABA reached out to Watford City with a "meet n' greet" to bring awareness of the association. It was a great turnout of 50 people. We are expecting new memberships from this event.

WABA's EO and Board member Ken Callahan attended the Williston Legislatives Day, hosted by the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, on February 11th. 45 Williston Chamber members rode a bus to the State Capital in Bismark, to sit on the

North Dakota Association of Builders

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discussion on the Surge bill (SB2103) hearing, the senate and receive a tour of the State Capitol.

Western North Dakota 2015 construction outlook Boom or Bust!! The First General Membership meeting is scheduled February 19th, with a panel discussion to include representatives from the following: oilfield, large commercial construction, large apartment development, large single family builder, and highlights of the legislative session. Acme Tools is the sponsor of the event, which is held at McCody Concrete.

Be on the look out for Professional Builder Designation renewals and invitations! Anyone who completed 7 hours of continuing education in 2014 is eligible to apply. Those who attended NDAB safety trainings or the Energy Code trainings in January can use those class credits as a portion of your total.

Also, NDAB Partner renewals and NDAB Partner and Sponsor materials will be available now through May. We’ve appreciated the great response to the revamped program this past year and are excited to continue it’s improvement in 2015. Contact Heather or Kim for a complete list of details and options and to secure your spot at all upcoming NDAB events in 2015! heather@ndbuild.com

NDAB Member at IBS in Las Vegas attending the Area 10 Caucus Meeting, led by Grand Forks, ND 2015 Area 10 Chairman, Ralph Applegren.

Save the Date for NDAB Annual Birdie with the Builders Golf Tournament Thursday, June 18th in Grand Forks, ND 

February 2015

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #72 Bismarck, ND 58501

2600 Gateway Ave., Ste. 1 Bismarck, ND 58503

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