May 2015 Building Buzz

BB BUILDING BUZZ M a y

2 0 1 5

President’s Letter

Spring Keeping Us Busy | page 3

City/County Beat

Building Officials Roundtable | page 7

BMHBA News

Vetter Takes Top Pin| Upcoming Webinars | pages 8-9

National News

Builders’ Sentiment Bounces Back | page 10

NDAB News

Plan Ahead for Safety | page 14

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BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

Building Buzz Publisher/Editor: Dot Frank Layout Editor: Michael L. 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 March 2015 Bismarck

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

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

21/$4.30M 0/$0M 8/$5.84M

31/$1.82M 0/$0 4/$0.09M

Mandan

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

Permit Type

YTD 2015

YTD 2014

Single Family Multi-Family Commercial

11/$1.92M 0/$0M 1/$0.82M

4/$0.98M 0/$0M 1/$0.01M

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 1/$0.82M

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

3/$1.03M 0/$0M 0/$0M

3/$0.82M 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

6/$2.02M 0/$0M 0/$0M

1/$0.5M 0/$0M 1/$0.028M

Page 3

BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

A Word from Our President

B

usiness is picking up as evidenced by recent permit reports, contractor watercooler talk and the strong showing at the association’s Spring Parade of Homes.

April kept many of us on our toes as we worked to ready our Parade entries, attended the RESPA, CFPB, Dodd-Frank, Disclosures & Timelines training, and sat down with building officials at the Spring Roundtable.

Please know that the board and staff are incredibly grateful Drew Knutson Board President for your full participation during the busiest time of year for our membership. We continue to see attendance climb, event quality and content improve and costs contained. But what is perhaps most impressive…more active participation at the meetings by members! The Spring Building Officials Roundtable was outstanding. A handful of members spoke out about their concerns with current codes and ordinances and offered solutions. We are beginning to show the impact we have the community and local economy and how decisions made at city and county meetings impact the ability for us to drive growth. Thank you for your active involvement and please keep it up!

The Parade of Homes is wrapping up as I write this letter.

This year 33 builder members presented 43 homes for the community to preview. I commend the committee and staff for making the Spring Parade a smooth process. Signs were out early, the tickets and magazines look great and the app is a wonderful addition that many spectators appreciate. The Parade of Homes continues to be one of the association’s biggest and best opportunities to showcase the craftsmanship of local contractors, draw attention to the industry and promote association membership. Make sure to register to attend our Spring GMM & Awards Program on May 12 at the Baymont Inn & Suites (formerly the Seven Seas). Registration is open at bmhba.com/events.

The association teamed up with local Scouts in advance

of the Parade of Homes for the 2nd Annual Builders and Boy Scouts Cleanup. 33 Scouts from Troop 123 and Venture Crew met at New Generations Park to pick up debris that has littered common areas around Boulder Ridge, Eagle Crest and Promontory Point developments. The event was a win-winwin: the Scouts raised troop funds, the association gained goodwill and the community got a little cleaner. The BMHBA is working to expand the event to include Mandan Scouts at the next cleanup.

I’d like to make a personal request that each of you return your Membership Verification Form. A copy was mailed out to each member and the form also is accessible online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BMHBA. We count on accurate membership information in order to keep you aware of the association’s activities and industry opportunities.

Finally, starting July 1 this magazine is getting a new look. A rate card is enclosed and we hope that you will reach into your marketing budget to purchase ad space. The BMHBA relies on non-dues revenue to pay for operational expenses and this is one way to support the association while promoting your business. Let’s make Dot and Terri work by overwhelming them with requests for ad space in the coming weeks.

See you at the Spring GMM, Drew Knutson

President

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Page 4

BMHBA Building Buzz March 2015 New Members

Alpha Construction, Inc. | Romio Baranets | Home Builders (Custom) Big River Builders, Inc. | Jordan Anderson Exercise Equipment Center | Sue Blair | www.exerciseequipmentnd.com Plain View Design Co. | Blake Preszler | plainviewnd.com | Architecture Squix, Inc. | Kelly Jeannotte

May 2015 Anniversaries Advanced Audio and Video | Scott Maslowski | Audio/Video Electronic Technology | Home Theaters America’s Home Loans | Darin Ketterling | www.americashomeloans.com Mortgages B & B Roofing | Lonnie Barth | Roofing Bianco Realty | Kathy Feist | www.biancorealty.com | Real Estate Bismarck Title Co. | Howard Malloy | www.bismarcktitle.com Titles/Closings | Insurance | Abstracting Brendel’s Lawn Sprinkling, Inc. | Bryan Brendel www.brendelslawnsprinkling.com | Lawn Sprinkler Systems | Landscaping Crazy D’s Construction | Dustin Fischer | crazydsconstruction.com Remodeling Dakota Filtration Solutions | Tanya Long | Water Systems Dakota Staffing Solutions | Amy Azure | www.dakotastaffingsolutions.com Employment Services Dakota Wall Systems | Phil Birnbaum | www.dakotawall.com Retaining Walls | Wall Systems Edgewood Development Group LLC. | Dave Heilman edgewoodbismarck.com | General Contractor | Land Development Services Extreme Sales, Inc. | Vern Vetter | www.extremesales.biz Trailer Sales/Service Century 21 Morrison Realty - Greg Larson | Real Estate/Developers GTG Homes | Troy Olson | www.gtghomes.com | Carpentry General Contractor | Home Builders (Custom) Herner Homes, LLC | Dave Herner | Home Builders (Custom) Jordan’s Plumbing | Jordan Ziniel | Plumbing Contractor

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

Susie Franklin Capital Credit Union Phone: (701) 255-0042 Nathan Jones Tollberg Homes Phone: (763) 205-2037 Parker Pladson Venture Building Co. Phone: (701) 290-6734

Leingang Home Center | Mark Dettling | www.leingang.com Cabinets | Countertops | Doors MSM Realty, Inc. | Mary Shelkey-Miller | www.msmrealtynd.com Real Estate/Developers Myhre Concrete Design | Clayton Myhre | www.myhreconcrete.com Concrete Contractor | Concrete Decorative Oaktree Realtors | Crystal Neumann | www.oaktree-realtors.com Real Estate/Developers Point CPA, PC | Thomas Ault | www.pointcpa.com | Mortgages Prairie View Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. | Kelly Johnson | Landscape Products | Landscaping | Lawn & Garden Equipment Ramada Bismarck Hotel | Laurie Schumacker www.rawww.gang/hospitality.com | Hotels & Restaurants RLP Services, LLC. | Lance Raatsi | www.rlpservicesllc.com Terry Richter - State Farm Insurance | www.terryrichter.com | Insurance United Erosion Control | Jamie Malarkey | www.UnitedErosionControl.com Erosion Control Services Waco Scaffolding & Equipment Co., LLC. | Greg Schettler www.wacodenver.com | Equipment

SECRETARY/TREASURER Lynn Klein Gate City Bank Phone: (701) 355-7633 Chad Moldenhauer K & L Homes, Inc. Phone: (701) 258-4584 Jeff Sattler Sattler Homes Phone: (701) 255-7628 Bill Schmid Townsquare Media Phone: (701) 250-6602

How Fast Can You Move?

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K & L Homes, Inc. | Chad Moldenhauer | www.k-lhomes.com Home Builders (Custom) Komfort Homes, Inc. | John Kulluk | komforthomes.com Carpentry | Framers | General Contractor

May 2015

Apply online at www.capcu.org and know within one business day how much you qualify for.

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Home loan services now also at our Mandan Branch!

May 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 5

Architects Reveal Latest Home Design Trends Architects are busy, a new survey has found, and demand for kitchen and bath projects is “extremely strong.”

The American Institute of Architects reports that its members have plenty of new design work coming into their firms, and the average backlog for projects has surpassed five months.

The group recently released the results of its quarterly survey of residential architects, and its indexes for both billings and new-project inquiries are in positive territory.

“Business conditions are as prosperous for residential architects as they have been since prior to the Great Recession,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “In recent years, the remodeling and renovation market was providing the bulk of the billings, but now the custom design market is also on more solid footing and positioned well for the months to come.”

The Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2014 also revealed some interesting movement in kitchen and bath designs.

“The kitchen has become what we call the ‘activator,’ the main space in the residence, and the design requirements often include high functionality to accommodate multiple activities,” said, James Walbridge, AIA, chair of the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network. “The aesthetics of the kitchen have also changed as the composition and material selections have elevated the space to become an essential focal point of the total design.”

Other growing trends in the hearth of the home: • Increasing overall size • Greater pantry space for storage • Butler’s pantries for meal staging • Double islands • Under-counter and high-end appliances • Wine storage and refrigeration • Computer desk/electronics recharging station

This modern kitchen in Boca Raton, Fla. designed by Affiniti Architects, won the Gold for kitchen design in the Best in American Living Awards.

• Accessibility • Drinking-water filtration systems • Energy efficiency, from LED lighting and induction cooking to sensor faucets The survey also reveals that architects are seeing a trend towards bigger bathrooms, and more of them. Accessible or universal design, larger walk-in showers and water conservation features like dual-flush toilets were among the trending bath features.

As in the kitchen, LED lighting has dramatically increased in popularity, and sensor faucets and radiant floor heating are on the rise too.

Read the survey results at aia.org/practicing/AIAB105883 for additional details.

What’s New in Community Design?

The line between urban and suburban is blurring, especially as Millennials enter the home buying market, according to Best in American Living (BALA), NAHB’s design blog. Urban neighborhoods are starting to resemble small towns, the better to accommodate new families who thought they needed to move out to gain more room.

Another trend: fewer front lawns, replaced by landscaping, “which often serves a dual purpose of managing stormwater and adding to the curb appeal,” the story says. On the other hand, we’re seeing more interior courtyards, particularly in multifamily communities, “to showcase private amenities such as pools and fire pits.”

You can read more in 10 Community Design Trends and explore other stories on the BALA blog at blog.bestinamericanliving.com.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

Outdoor Design Trends for 2015 The most recent survey highlighting top outdoor design trends for 2015 was released by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and it reveals that sustainable and low-maintenance design is the top trend for residential landscape projects.

These trends have further developed from the 2014 survey results that had attractive spaces for entertaining and relaxing on the top of the list, demonstrating that outdoor places of leisure are most desirable when they require little to no labor to maintain.

The 2015 ASLA Design Trends Survey ranks the top landscape project as Native Plants (85 percent), the three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent), lighting (72 percent) and grills (63 percent).

Spa features like hot tubs, Jacuzzis and swimming pools were indicated as the most popular outdoor recreation amenities (40 percent).

Decks remain a popular design element in the increasing trend of outdoor space and are ideally included in design plans with the low-maintenance expectation in mind.

In an article “Products for Creating an Outdoor Oasis” in Hanley Wood’s Remodeling magazine online, Steve Van Kouteren of Principia Consulting says, “The outdoor living trend has been talked about since the early 2000s. As the trend develops and more manufacturers produce products, more options and price points are available, so more consumers can take part.”

Builder magazine recently reported on the inclusion of outdoor living space in floor plans and Hanley Wood’s house plan sales group content director Hillary Gottemoeller states, “My general impression is that more plans are incorporating outdoor living space than previously.” Before, she says, “designers may have left this more to the discretion of the buyer, but now in response to consumer demand (or really expectation), they are at the very least showing it on their floor plans and even incorporating it into the footprint/design.”

Source: http://www.duradek.com/outdoor-design-trendsfor-2015/

Overlapping Open Spaces

This photo encompasses the main feature of this kitchen, its overlapping layers. Because the stairs were placed on the north side, the kitchen couldn’t touch the exterior wall. The architect created these layers, placing the window, stairs and floating cabinet with a translucent back, one in front of the other. It ended up giving more visual depth to the kitchen, and provided a view outdoors and a perfect source of natural light. Maple was chosen for its warmth and unimposing character. A darker stone matte/hammered finished slate was used for the countertops to offset the wood.

Architecture and Cabinet Design: Pill-Maharam Architects Cabinets built by: Swanborn Woodworking Source: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/103884/overlappingopen-spaces

May 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 7

City/County Beat Members Engage Building Officials at Spring Roundtable Sixty members met with building officials on April 16 for our annual Spring Building Officials Roundtable event. The event focused on a handful of hot button topics including: New Codes/Inspections, Energy Code, Sprinkler Systems, Storm Water, Special Assessments and Affordable Housing.

Members sought clarification on inspections for energy code requirements and addressed continued concern over sheet rocking unfinished basements. We shared a need for clarification on sprinkler systems, particularly the use of PEX pipe, which may not be an option if exposed.

The State Water Department shared storm water management changes that took effect with the adoption of a new EPA discharge permit. Information is available through the state, but some of the more noticeable changes include a reporting requirement tied to rain events at ¼ inch versus ½ inch, greater detail regarding what BMPs are used and why, catch basins for washout and the fact that SWPPs no longer have to be submitted with a permit request, but maintained on site in case an inspection occurs.

Both Bismarck and Mandan talked briefly about the efforts to curb high housing costs through planning and zoning changes that may include smaller lots and setbacks, narrower

streets and granny flats. The association made a point to share that we support more options, but are committed to maintaining the right to build large homes on large lots.

If you have questions or concerns that the association should discuss with our building officials, please contact the BMHBA Office at 222-2400 or email info@bmhba.com. The Fall Building Officials Roundtable will take place sometime in November.

Builders and Boy Scouts Better the Environment Builders and Boy Scouts teamed up to tackle debris surrounding new developments in Bismarck this past weekend.

To address building items that have swept off site and to tidy up the neighborhoods, the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association teamed with the Boy Scouts Troop 123 and Venture Crew 123 and for a team pick up event on Saturday, April 11.

“Our association and members are committed to keeping our community clean, which can be a challenge with North Dakota winds. Teaming up with the Scouts is a great way for us to address litter and to provide an outlet for Scouts to conduct community service and raise funds,” said event organizer and BMHBA Board Member Nathan Jones of Tollberg Homes.

The builders and Boy Scouts focused on three areas of development: Promontory Point, Eagle Crest and Boulder Ridge. Clean-up efforts resulted in more than three roll-offs full of debris.

LIKE US ON

Boy Scouts from Troop 123 and Venture Crew 123 began their cleanup efforts at New Generations Park in North Bismarck.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

Vetter Takes Top Pin Past President Vance Vetter bowled his way to a win at the Annual Bowling with the Builders in March. Members met at Midway Lanes to bowl two games, eat, drink and socialize. The association filled 10 lanes and went through 15 pounds of Cloverdale Taco Meat as we doled out tacos in a bag to bowlers. The association thanks the 52 members who attended and our event sponsors: Copper Ridge Design and Builders, North Dakota Guaranty & Title Company and Northland Financial.

Pro Appreciation Event at Bismarck Lowe’s Lowe’s of Bismarck is joining sister stores across the country to host Pro Appreciation Events. The Bismarck location will offer in-store events, limited-time special values and more May 4-8.

In addition to the special May event, Lowe’s offers everyday Pro perks including: • Every Day Savings: 5% off when you use Lowe’s Business Credit.

• Save with Contractor Packs, Quote Support Program and FREE Delivery.

• Lowe’s Business Replenishment Program.

Visit lowesforpros.com/nahb for exclusive HBA offers.

BMHBA Partners With Quality Title for RESPA Training

The association teamed up with member Quality Title to host a training event for industry members that included builders, Realtors, bankers and title companies on April 15.

The event was created to bring housing professionals up to speed on new selling and closing requirements that become effective in August 2015. More than 65 people registered to attend the event. The association encourages our members to seek out information on the upcoming requirements to ensure compliance.

Lowe’s will be grilling brats and hamburgers for contractors at their store on May 8 from 11am to 1pm.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

Page 9

Upcoming Webinars The Remodeler’s Guide to Happy Customers: Managing Emotional Home Owners Wednesday, May 6, 1-2 p.m.

Builders and remodelers aren’t just selling a project; they are selling the entire experience.

Managing emotional home owners means managing expectations and guiding them through every step of the process, in addition to managing the project itself.

7 Key Numbers to a Thriving Business Wednesday, May 20, 1-2 p.m.

Why, in any given market, do only a handful of businesses thrive while so many similar businesses fail? It’s not just good management; it’s managing the right things. Master the 7 Key Numbers that drive all revenue, cash flow, growth and success, and your business will be unsinkable.

Are We Ready for Renewables?

Wednesday, June 17, 1-3 p.m.

Considering solar for your next home? What are the options, key design criteria and other issues when including renewable energy strategies? This session will explore design considerations for solar when trying to get to “zero,” HERs modeling and how it considers solar inputs compared to other enclosure and electrical elements, and how to make being solar-ready easy, including roof details and planning for the electrical requirements. In addition, learn about control and monitoring options to make best use of the renewables.

Webinar Showcases Social Media Uses for Builders Five members attended our Webinar Wednesday lunch and learn event on March 25. The event is part of a series of webinars hosted at the association office that include participation in an NAHB webinar, lunch and networking.

Upcoming topics include: Remodeler’s Guide to Happy Customers, 7 Key Numbers to a Thriving Business, and Are We Ready for Renewables?

Register for upcoming webinars online at bmhba.com/events.

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Page 10

BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

National News Builders’ Sentiment Bounces Back

By David Crowe, NAHB

Home builders reversed their one month decline in sentiment as the April NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index increased 4 points to 56 from a one-point downwardly revised 52 in March. The bounce back up to the JanuaryFebruary average suggests the March observation was an outlier.

All three components revived to or above the early part of 2015. Current sales index rose 3 points to 61 matching the February level and 1 point below the January report. The expected sales component rose 5 points to 64, the highest in 2015, and the traffic component rose 4 points to 41. The solid and significant increase in expectations suggests builders are expecting the market to continue growing.

Regionally, the outcome is more mixed, with the Northeast holding steady at 42 for the three-month moving average, the

South rising one point to 56, the Midwest falling three points to 54 (but the only region that saw an increase from February to March) and the West dropping 3 points to 58.

Builders continue to be concerned about lot availability and, to a lesser extent, labor availability. The rising cost of these scarce resources along with rising cost of materials continues to squeeze builders’ profits.

Builders report consumers remain convinced that they have bargaining power on price and some sales fail because their offers or price maximums are below the cost of construction.

Even with rising existing home values, construction costs including rising land and labor costs are making it more difficult to meet buyers’ expectations and compete with the alternative.

2015 Builder Brand Use Study Highlights Energy-Efficient Brands

By Katie Gloede, DesignandConstructionWeek.com

Every year, BUILDER surveys those in the building industry across the country to find what brands are most trusted by builders. The study highlights which brands are most familiar, most used, and pinpoints the highest quality rating for every product category from kitchen cabinets to central vacuums.

Whirlpool, an ENERGY STAR-partnered brand makes the list. Although they are the most used brand in laundry appliances, Whirlpool lost to Bosch in quality rating. For several categories in which GE appliances are the most used or most familiar brand, a brand also partnered with ENERGY STAR and SmartWay, they are not the highest in quality rating.

Halo, the leading lighting brand across the board, is a maker of several energy-efficient LED products.

Kohler products, which make appearances multiple times on the list, are also committed to going green. Their plan to be a company with a net-zero environmental footprint by 2035 has led to partnerships with both the EPA and USGBC to make products water-efficient and more sustainable.

Check out the full list at designandconstructionweek. myindustrytracker.com/en/article/90935.

May 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 11

National News Key Points to Know about Early Retirement Distributions

By Caron Beesley, Contributor, SBA.gov

Dealing with an inconsistent income is one of the hardest and most stressful aspects of being a solo entrepreneur. One minute it’s a feast, next a famine, and it’s hard to predict which is coming next.

This isn’t just a problem for your nerves; not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from makes cash flow predictions impossible and budgeting a pipedream. Even if you work like crazy one month, the next month could bring a dry spell and all that hard income you pocketed away quickly gets reabsorbed into keeping you afloat.

While unpredictable income is not something that will ever go away, here are four things you can do to better cope with the highs and lows.

Keep your personal and business finances separate Any accountant will tell you that maintaining a separate bank account for your personal expenses (checking and savings) and business finances is essential. Not only does it make record keeping and tax preparation a lot easier, it also helps you manage and arrange your finances (aka budgeting).

If you have an online accounting system in place, you can also sync your business bank account with it and automatically import and track expense transactions – providing a dashboard view of your cash flow. If you work with a tax preparer or CPA, it will also make getting them the reports they need a lot easier.

Draw a salary Once you have your business account set up, make a habit of drawing funds from it on a scheduled basis, much like claiming a salary. Perhaps once a week or twice a month, transfer funds into your checking account to pay your personal bills.

How much you draw depends on your household budget, but a good rule of thumb is to calculate the bare minimum amount you need to pay off your personal expenses and other non-business obligations, like health insurance. This bare minimum should be your baseline salary.

While there may be times when you need to draw more out of your business bank account to pay for vacations and other expenditures, try to maintain a consistent schedule and salary amount – this will help avoid the temptation to be frivolous when times are more prosperous.

Set money aside for lean months If you do land a windfall client, set aside the money in your savings account (not your personal checking account) so that you can draw on those funds to help tide you over (and alleviate stress) during lean months.

In this setup, you’ll pay your bills from your personal checking account, deposit payments from clients into your business account and use a separate savings account to deposit whatever’s left over after you’ve paid yourself a salary.

Get an idea of your trending income Predicting cash flow isn’t easy when you don’t know where your next client or project is coming from. However, historical analysis should give you some idea of what your average income is over 12-24 months and give you a better sense of the levels of income that you need to maintain moving forward. If your baseline income tracks lower than your personal budget, consider cutting expenses or finding new business.

In summary… Taking the time to gain insight into your expenses, understanding your income target and drawing a salary accordingly can make your finances a lot more sustainable. It’s a simple model, but it works.

Plan for Retirement with NAHB’s Newest Affinity Partner: AXA Equitable NAHB and AXA Equitable are excited to announce their new relationship through NAHB’s affinity program. AXA Equitable is now the exclusive provider of retirement planning solutions for NAHB members.

AXA Equitable, a leader in association retirement programs for nearly a half-century, provides turnkey retirement planning solutions to both self-employed and small to mid-size practice owners as a benefit to

themselves and their employees.

Members can put themselves on the right track in their retirement journey by calling 800-523-1125, option 3, Ext. 2106 or visiting www.axa.com/nahb and requesting a complimentary financial review, which is part of the NAHB member benefit. A Retirement Program Specialist will gladly work with members at no cost and with no further obligation.

Page 12

BMHBA Building Buzz

May 2015

National News NAHB Seeks Congressional, Regulatory Action to Ease Tight Credit Conditions NAHB urged Congress and federal regulators to take steps to ease tight mortgage credit conditions afflicting many creditworthy borrowers and to support a stronger, more robust recovery of the housing and mortgage markets.

Testifying before the Senate Banking Committee in April at a hearing examining regulatory burdens to obtaining mortgage credit, NAHB Chairman Tom Woods urged the Senate to pass the Mortgage Choice Act, legislation to improve access to home loans for working American families and first-time home buyers that was recently approved by the House.

“By responsibly modifying the definition of points and fees for a home loan to be considered a qualified mortgage and ensuring that consumers can choose the lender and title provider best suited to their needs, this bill would allow more low- and middle-income families the opportunity to finance a home purchase,” said Woods.

Woods also called upon Congress to pass the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act. “This legislation is intended to ease the ability to repay requirements for community lenders who may fear originating non-qualified mortgage loans and, therefore, may limit access to credit for home buyers whom they believe to be creditworthy.”

In addition to congressional action, NAHB believes that federal agencies can – and should – take actions to alleviate burdensome regulatory requirements to consumer access to mortgage credit.

Lenders are currently imposing credit underwriting standards that are more restrictive than FHA, VA and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require, making it more difficult for prospective home buyers to obtain financing.

Moreover, fees for government-backed mortgages continue to be at an increased level, even though the credit quality of the underlying loans has increased significantly, Woods noted.

NAHB is also urging congressional and/or regulatory action on two additional fronts that specifically impact the home building industry – appraisals on new construction and access to housing production credit.

“Improper appraisal practices, a shortage of experienced appraisers, and inadequate oversight of the appraisal system continue to restrict the flow of mortgage credit and impede the housing recovery,” said Woods.

Likewise, despite signs of improvement in recent months, lenders are reluctant to extend new acquisition, land development and construction (AD&C) credit, citing regulatory requirements or examiner pressure on banks to shrink their AD&C loan portfolios as reasons for their actions.

“While NAHB continues to support comprehensive mortgage finance reform, we believe regulatory barriers can be alleviated

NAHB chairman Tom Woods testified in front of the Senate on the Mortgage Choice Act.

to some degree by the various regulators as well as by specific legislative reforms,” said Woods. “Comprehensive legislation would serve to protect consumers with minimal disruption to the mortgage market.”

May 2015

BMHBA Building Buzz

Page 13

ND Professional Builder Designation The North Dakota Builders Association encourages local builders to work toward the ND Professional Builder (NDPB) designation.

The NDPB designation requires builders to: • Meet membership requirements of their local home builders associations.

• Have held a contractor’s license in the state of North Dakota for at least two years.

• Comply with all appropriate North Dakota statutes concerning contractors.

• Build in compliance with appropriate local, state and national building codes.

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics of North Dakota Association of Builders.

• Complete seven credit hours of continuing education annually.

Applications are available online at ndbuild.com. There is a $100 annual fee and NDPB members are featured online at ndbuild.com.

Education Edge: Build Skills with Spring Course Offerings Builders and remodelers are encouraged to register for NAHB’s Estimating for Builders and Remodelers Live Online Course (May 5, 12, 19). Participants will learn how to develop winning bids and use estimates as a powerful business management tool. This course is designed for remodelers and

IRS Webinar: IRS Payment Options for Small Businesses You filed your taxes, but realize that you owe the IRS. Now what? No need to panic! Attend this special webinar event for small business owners and organizations that help small business owners. Learn about the various payment options offered by the IRS. Register for the 9 a.m., May 12 webinar at www. events.na.collabserv.com/portal/wippages/register. php?id=6e66166a29&l=en-US.

Attend the Spring GMM Registration is open for the association’s annual Spring General Membership Meeting. Join fellow members on May 12 at the Baymont Inn as we celebrate the Spring Parade of Homes award winners.

small- to mid-volume builders and is lead by Bill Asdal, CGP, CGR, GMB. For more information, contact Andrea Raggambi at 800-368-5242 x8153 or visit nahb.org/product_details. aspx?forSaleID=15343.

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BMHBA Building Buzz

NDAB NEWS

Volume XXII, Issue 5

LeRoy Kurtyka NDAB President

Monthly News from the North Dakota Association of Builders

May 2015

Plan ahead for safety

Meeting our Mission

Summer brings the busy season to our industry and we know that this summer will be no exception. We ask that as you and your teams gear up for what we hope will be a prosperous time for all NDAB members, that you remember to keep safety at the forefront of each project.

NDAB Mission Statement: The mission of the North Dakota Association of Builders is to represent the professional building industry through legislation, information and education.

As, NHAB reminds us, working in the construction industry can sometimes be dangerous. Workrelated accidents can cause serious injuries, and it’s worth noting that most of these accidents are preventable. Use the resources found at www.nahb.org, under their Safety & Workforce tab, to learn more about construction safety, from OSHA compliance and safety training to fall protection and hazard communication. In addition, NAHB’s Construction Safety & Health Committee coordinates the association’s regulatory activities in the areas of jobsite safety, OSHA regulations and workers’ compensation.

You can also be on the look out for more safety training opportunities through your local home builders associations. NDAB encourages and provides support for them to offer continuing education courses to our members on a regular basis, and safety training courses are always at the top of our list of offerings. New fall and new 2016 schedules are in the works and we hope to have further announcements this summer for you through your local associations.

Now, while we work hard, we also know how to play hard.

On June 18 we will be hosting our Birdie with the Builders golf tournament. Invited as special guests are all State Legislators, Statewide office holders and the Grand Forks Mayor as well as City Council members. This is always a fun event and so far we have several Legislators signed up to spend the day with our members in a relaxed setting. If you are interested in golfing and/or being a sponsor for this great event, please contact our office or check the website for the registration form. Registration fills up quickly, so don’t wait to get signed up! I look forward to seeing you on the greens soon!

LeRoy

May 2015

It was my privilege and honor to represent the over 2,000 members that make up the North Dakota Association of Builders during the 64th Legislative Assembly as your registered lobbyist. It was a busy session and I valued the support I received from our states Government Affairs Committee, especially Chairman Dan Lindquist. Many of you answered our call to actions making phone calls and sending emails to your local representatives and there were even some brave members who stood in front of the committee to testify on behalf of NDAB. With all of your hard work and support, I can say we made it through another successful legislative session with much success.

We will be releasing a report card and continuing our conversations regarding issues within our great state that matter most to the building industry.

Kim Schneider NDAB Executive Officer

Our representation of the professional building industry through legislation does not just end at the state level, it continues to work hard at the National level. In March we participated in National Association of Home Builders sponsored Bringing Housing Home event where we were scheduled to meet with Congressman Cramer in Bismarck. To continue with our visits, we will be meeting with Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven while we are attending NAHB Board meetings in Washington, DC. It is always a great experience to be able to see our Senators, meet their staff and tour their DC offices. The energy and excitement is always a fun experience. We invite any of our members who are in DC attending the NAHB Board meetings.

If interested in joining us, please let me know. NAHB Board of Directors meetings and trainings are scheduled for June 3 -6 and these meetings provide a great ability for networking, meeting peers from across the state and the opportunity to learn more about how to get involved on a local, state and even national level with NAHB. If this is your first time attending, please notify your local association as there will be others from your area traveling and someone can help be a mentor through the busy days.

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

May 2015

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

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33 builders will open 43 homes to the public for the 2015 Spring Parade of Homes April 24-26 and May 1-3.

The Spring Building Officials Roundtable took place April 16 and highlights included discussion on sprinkler systems and energy code requirements.

More than 30 Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members teamed up with builders to address debris in three developments. More than three roll-offs were filled as a result of the cleanup effort.

The BMHBA is participating in NAHB’s Spring Membership Drive in May by taking the task literally. Teams will canvass the neighborhoods to promote the association and pick up new members.

Dickinson Area Builders Assoc.

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

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Dickinson’s annual Home Show is over.

Attendance was very good.

With a second building available we were able to double the vendors and feature many new products.

We are already planning Home Show 2016 and accepting advance reservations for space.

Our April GMM featured City of Dickinson representatives. Our May program will feature representatives from Stark County.

Scholarship deadline is June 15th.

Picnic is booked for August 12th at Eagles Park.

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

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The Association’s Spring Parade of Homes second weekend will be May 710 featuring nearly 90 homes which is the third-largest Parade in history.

The HBA of F-M will hold another EPA RRP Lead Refresher course on May 13.

The Spring Parade of Homes Celebration will be May 14.

On May 15 the HBA of F-M will hold the Remodelers Council Picnic to celebrate National Remodeling Month.

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

May Builders After Hours is set for May 12th at the Grand Hotel. The meeting is being hosted by MDU and Xcel Energy. Putt for PAC will be held at this event.

June 22 is the date set for our annual Trap Shoot and Picnic. Trap, skeet, steak dinner and prizes for those attending.

First International Bank will be hosting a July 14 Builders After Hours at their new location at 2150 21st Ave NW.

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

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

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The Annual Sporting Clay Shoot sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors will be held May 20th at the Dakota Hunting Club. The Italian Moon will be catering the burgers and brats after the shoot.

The Forx Builders Association will be hosting the summer NDAB Board of Director’s meeting and the Birdie with the Builders golf tournament following the meeting on June 17th and 18th.

The Project House built with the trade students from Northland Community & Technical College is nearing completion.

Our members are looking forward to another busy building season this year.

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On March 26th the General Membership Meeting was sponsored by American State Bank & Trust, with special guest speaker, Heidi Rettig, Tax Senior Associate with Eide Bailey.

NAHB Affiliate Services came to Williston April 7th to work with WABA on a strategic plan Board of Directors, EO and Home & Garden Show Chairperson (Jane Hadley) attended the session. We perceived great insight on the direction to take the association and look forward to implementing the strategic plan.

General Membership Networking Social for members is scheduled the evening of Friday, April 24th at the Home & Garden Show in conjunction with the vender's social.

2015 Home & Garden Show, April 24th – 26th. The show will have a community booth. Expect to see representatives from the Police and Fire Departments, Highway Patrol, and more

North Dakota Association of Builders

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with special guest Miss North Dakota. The responses for booth reservations has been in great numbers exceeding the number of booths.

May General Membership meeting sponsored by The City of Williston and MDU.

Thank you to the NEW NDAB 2015 Partners as of March 19, 2015! We truly appreciate your support and we are very excited to serve you throughout the entire year!

Gold Partner - Montana Dakota Utilities Silver Partners - Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead and Northern Plumbing Supply Bronze Partners - Bell State Bank & Trust, Forx Builders Association, Minot Association of Builders, ND Guaranty & Title Co., ND Housing Finance Agency, ProBuild, RDO Equipment Co., and Williston Area Builders Association Also, NDAB Partner renewals and NDAB Partner and Sponsor materials will be available now through the end of May. 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 Thanks to our 2015 ND Professional Builders! We appreciate your commitment to continuing educations and staying up to date with the newest industry standards!

Visit www.ndbuild.com for more info or to apply!

Eric Berg, Eric Berg Construction, Fargo Charles Bon, C’est Bon Construction, Robinson Michael Bullinger, Western Products Inc., Fargo Don Dabbert, Dabbert Custom Homes, Fargo Jason Eid, Eid-Co Buildings, Inc., Fargo Arthur Goldammer, Verity Homes, Bismarck/ Fargo John Gunkelman, Dakota Construction, Fargo Todd Halle, T & S Custom Homes, Harwood Vern Hanson, Hanson Bros., Inc., Fargo Robert Kochmann, Kochmann Brothers Homes, Fargo Greg Krueger, Krueger Construction, Fargo Tyrone Leslie, Heritage Homes, Fargo Gary Orth, Cornerstone Specialties, Fargo Jarred Roloff, Paramount Builders, Bismarck Jamie Schmidt, Triton Homes, Bismarck Tom Spaeth, Accent Contracting, Fargo Mike Workman, Jordahl Custom Homes, Fargo Charlie Zach, Zach Construction, Wahpeton

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May 2015

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #72 Bismarck, ND 58501

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

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