October 2018 Building Buzz

Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association

BUILDING

Buzz

TOP 5 REASONS TO PURSUE A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION page 5

VERITY HOMES BREAKS GROUND ON ‘HOMES FOR HOPE’ HOUSE page 7

BATHROOMS TOP KITCHENS AS MOST POPULAR REMODELING PROJECTS page 8

How to Help Hurricane Florence Recovery Efforts page 11

October 2018

BUILDING

Buzz

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

Like Us! www.facebook.com/bmhba Follow Us! www.twitter.com/bmhba

Publisher/Editor: Dot Frank Layout Editor: Stephanie Drietz - Drietz Designs Contributor: Tracy DeForest

New Members & Anniversaries August 2018 New Members Brendel Homes Pete Brendel | 701-471-9571 PCS Masonry, LLC Preston Schmidt | 701-516-7149 W.I.T. Construction, Inc. Heather Nord | 701-360-0506

Hausauer Seamless Products LLC Neil Pinnow | 605-374-7373 Grendahl Design Company, LLC Sarah Grendahl | 701-471-6652

Time to Renew!

Members with September Anniversaries. Renew by October 31, 2018.

Alliance Concrete, LLC | Ryan Wisdom

Imperial Flooring, Inc. | Chris Svanes

Alliance Real Estate | Jan Hoge BisManOnline.com | Stephen Schnaible

Vance Vetter Homes | Katie Wiedrich Legacy Landscaping and Design, LLC Tylor Doll Hometown Realty, Inc. | Lori Peter

Bismarck Heating & Air | Mike Kambeitz

M & E Sales | Kevin Mach

Bismarck Technical Center | Anton Steckler

Martins Decorative Stones | Bruce Martin

Camp Bros Heating & Air | Jim Camp Capitol City Welding | Ross Nathan

Century 21 Morrison Realty Melanie Pierson

Landmark Realty | Charlotte Erickson

Michael K Construction | Michael Knodel

Coldspring | Reid Kubesh

Missouri Valley Petroleum | James Froelich

Creative Wood Designs | Mike Ness Design That Sells | Kari Huber

Mountain State Financial Group Tanya Long Next 2 Nature Landscape Company Jared Winters

Drywall Design | Jason Barker

Nordaas American Homes | BJ Peterson

Exercise Equipment Center | Dale Brown

Northern Stone Countertops | Jared Woll

Fabricators Unlimited | Kelli Thompson Falkirk Mining Co.

Paramount Builders, Inc. | Jarred Roloff

Garage Logic, Inc. | Darin Martell

Redford Signature Homes | Deborah Luptak RJR Maintenance & Management Robert Fakler

Apex Builders | Amy Larsen

D & M Industries | Korey Zellers

Gietzen Construction, LLC | Sam Gietzen Great Plains Insulation, Inc. | Alex Bunk I Keating | Keven Oler

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Building Buzz | October 2018

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

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

2018 Board of Directors PRESIDENT

Lynn Klein Gate City Bank Phone: (701) 355-7633 lynn.klein@gatecitybank.com

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Jeff Sattler Sattler Homes Phone: (701)255-7628 jeff@bismarckbuilder.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Rory Anderson Verity Homes of Bismarck Phone:(701) 354-2846 rory@verityhomes.com Chad Moldenhauer K&L Homes Inc. Phone: (701) 258-4584 chad@k-lhomes.com Bill Schmid Townsquare Media Phone: (701) 250-6602

bill.schmid@townsquaremedia.com

Brian Eiseman Stoneshire Builders Phone: (701) 471-6935 brian@stoneshirebuilders.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Shannon Reichenberg Milestone Builders Phone: (701) 258-9473 shannon@milestone-builders.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER Greg Zenker Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating & Air Phone: (701) 222-2155 greg@northernplains.net Susie Franklin Choice Financial Phone: (701) 751-7282

s.franklin@choicefinancialgroup.com

Joe Hillerson Boulder Homes (701) 400-5554 boulderhomesnd@gmail.com Greg Meidinger Aspire Homes (701) 426-8583 greg@daretoaspirend.com Marc Menge BNC National Bank Phone:(701) 250-3000 mmenge@bncbank.com

BIANCO REALTY SALES AWARDS Bianco Realty has announced their top 6 “REALTORS® OF THE MONTH” for September: Judy Maslowski, Shirley Thomas, Phyllis Rittenbach, James Jeromchek, Jim Jeromchek and Amber Sandness. These six REALTORS® had the highest sales totals at Bianco Realty in September 2018.

Ramkota Hotel | Dave Achtenberg

Ted Lipp Drywall, Inc. | Ted Lipp

Judy Maslowski

Shirley Thomas

Phyllis Rittenbach

James Jeromchek

Jim Jeromchek

Amber Sandness

Toman Eng Co | Harvey Schneider

October 2018 | Building Buzz

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President’s Letter

B

uilders who participated in the Parade of Homes can put another notch in their belts. The fall event, which took place Sept. 27-30 went off with few hitches. I want to thank all of the builders, their subcontractor and the associate members who worked round the clock to ready the 38 homes that were included in the Parade.

I know you’re itching to find out who won People’s Choice and how many attended, but you’ll have to attend our Fall Awards Mixer to receive the results. I can tell you that many spectators were blown away by the dream homes and several shoppers staked a claim on their new dream home.

Get registered to attend the Fall Awards Mixer on Oct. 23. The event will not only unveil the Parade results but will feature a rally-like atmosphere where members will hear about the association’s recent advocacy efforts, get to vote in two new board members and raise a glass to housing after hitting up the open bar.

Contact the office at 222-2400, info@bmhba.com or visit bmhba.com/events to get your ticket and reserve a sponsorship. Let’s pack the house (aka Bismarck Ramada) with home builders and associates.

Lynn Klein

Board President

October is an excellent month to work the BMHBA into your 2019 marketing budget.

While your membership dues contribute to the operations budget, the BMHBA keeps 30% of your dues submitting the remainder to support your membership with the North Dakota Association of Builders and the National Association of Builders.

Sponsorships and event attendance fund the bulk of the BMHBA’s work. They also deliver an excellent return on investment for members by putting your company front and center at events, online and in print. Please set aside funds to invest in the HBA as you pencil out your marketing plans.

As temps cool, members can keep warm by making rounds to recruit new members. Referrals are the most effective way to recruit and the Fall Parade of Homes serves as the perfect conversation starter to encourage subcontractor to join. Reach out to those who contributed to the construction of your home and invite them to join.

We will welcome two new board members this month who will begin their 3-year terms on Jan. 1, 2019. I want to thank expiring board members Shannon Reichenberg and Brian Eiseman for their contributions and dedication to our association.

Serving on the board takes time and effort and comes on top of the busy schedules our board members manage at work and home. Thank you both for serving the association.

Together we row,

Lynn Klein, President BMHBA Board of Directors

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Building Buzz | October 2018

Top 5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Construction

W

ith October is Careers in Construction Month, an opportunity for home builders, materials suppliers, and others to increase public awareness of the outstanding opportunities available in construction trades professions.

Here are the top five reasons to consider a rewarding career in residential construction. Share them with people you know to encourage entry in the trades.

1

Builders Across the Country Are Hiring

Home builders across the country and here in Bismarck-Mandan are seeking skilled workers — such as carpenters, framers and roofers — to help them build the American Dream. This means there is ample opportunity for motivated students seeking a rewarding career path.

In fact, the residential construction industry is one of the few sectors where demand for new workers is rising and there is a notable shortage of professionals.

The number of open construction sector jobs increased to 273,000 in July 2018, according analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

2

Job Satisfaction and Competitive Salaries

Residential construction workers consistently express high job satisfaction. And average salaries in BismarckMandan remain competitive with other industries in our area. For example, carpenters earn on average $42,530 per year, electricians $60,670, roofers $42,610, and concrete finishers $46,030. And projections from all sources predict that construction jobs will see steady wage growth for at least the next five year.

3

A Career Ladder with No Limit

When people think of professions with great opportunities for advancement, construction might not immediately come to mind. But you should take another look at what a career in construction can, and often does, look like.

From an entry-level labor position, a home building worker has the opportunity to learn more highlyskilled trades, serve as frontline management, grow

into a company management role, and eventually, for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, even own their own home building firm. And this is just within one type of company; there is always the opportunity to take a job with a supplier, a specialty contractor, or any other of dozens of supporting companies essential to the residential construction industry.

4

Diversity of Skilled Trades to Consider

A home builder relies on a number of highly trained workers to get the job done right. This includes dozens of skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, painters and landscapers. Analysis from NAHB shows that 70 percent of builders typically use between 11 and 30 subcontractors to build a single-family home. Indeed, there are many different trades you can pursue depending on your personal interests.

5

Rewarding Career without College Debt

At a time when countless college graduates are finding themselves underemployed and saddled with crushing student debt, it’s important to know that earning a college degree is not the only road to success. A vocational education is equally rewarding and can be obtained at a fraction of the cost.

HBI, a national leader in career training and NAHB’s workforce development arm, offers educational programs in 44 states and the District of Columbia, reaching more than 13,000 students each year. These include more than 10,000 students in HBI’s preapprenticeship programs and 3,500 students in 130 NAHB Student Chapters.

HBI Job Corps programs are located in 74 centers across the nation and offer pre-apprenticeship training in 10 residential construction trades. The training programs are national in scope but implemented locally using proven models that can be customized to meet the workforce needs of communities across the nation. Those who graduate from the program enjoy an 80 percent job placement rate.

To learn more about job opportunities in BismarckMandan visit bmhba.com.

October 2018 | Building Buzz

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CITY & COUNTY BPS SEEKS INPUT ON SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Bismarck Public Schools is looking for input on the qualifications and qualities of its next superintendent. To complete a brief survey, go online to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ BPSSupt by Sunday, October 14. The data will be compiled and used by the consultants to create a job description for candidates who will apply for the position by early December.

Interviews will be held in January. The new superintendent will start July 1, 2019. For more information and to submit your idea, visit www.cityofmandan.com/businesspitch.

ELECT TO SERVE The Mandan City Commission will soon consider appointments beginning in 2019 for open positions and seats up for reappointment on 11 different boards that assist with city governance and community development. Appointments will be considered for the Airport Authority, Architectural Review Commission, Cemetery Advisory Committee, Code Enforcement Appeals Board, Community Beautification Committee, Growth Fund Committee, Parking Authority, Planning and Zoning Commission, Renaissance Zone Committee, Special Assessments Commission and the Weed Board.

Members of the business community and residents are encouraged to submit a letter summarizing their desired appointment, background and reasons for interest. Letters will be welcomed through Nov. 1, 2018, or until the positions are filled. Submit letters to Jim Neubauer, City Administrator, by e-mailing to jneubauer@cityofmandan.com or mailing to 205 Second Avenue NW, Mandan, ND 58554.

For more information, please call 667-3215.

CITY CHANGES SITE PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

The City of Bismarck has recently made some changes to the Site Plan Review process that they want to communicate with stakeholders: 1.

The review time listed in TRAKiT for the initial Site Plan review now indicates a 14-day review period. This has always been City practice; however, the review timeline in TRAKiT used to be stated as 7 days. To eliminate any confusion about how soon applicants can expect a complete review, staff has decided to make the review period match practice.

2. Waylon Erdmann is the new contact for all Site Plan related stormwater management review. The mandatory Stormwater Scoping Sheet (SM-04) should now be submitted to him via email: werdmann@bismarcknd.gov. Waylon can be reached at 701-355-1515.

3. New Site Plans will follow a new process that includes an ‘IN REVIEW’ and a ‘REVISE AND RESUBMIT’ eTRAKiT status. This will now feature an automatic email that alerts the applicant when all staff reviews have been completed. The following graphic generally shows the current process from Site Plan submittal to approval.

If you have any questions about any of these changes, contact Bismarck Planner Will Hutchings at 355-1850

For membership lists and descriptions for City of Mandan volunteer advisory positions, see the “Boards and Committees” section under the “City Government” category on the City website at www.cityofmandan.com.

Let’s Build Together.

When it comes to building a home, there are a lot of decisions to be made.

But when it comes to your closing, we’ve got you covered.

701.223.6835 TheTitleTeam.com Montana | North Dakota | Minnesota

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Building Buzz | October 2018

CITY & COUNTY

VERITY HOMES BREAKS GROUND ON ‘HOMES FOR HOPE’ HOUSE Verity Homes is once again teaming up with HOPE International to fight poverty around the world, while also supporting locally-operated charities here in North Dakota. Participating in the organization’s “Homes for Hope” program for the fourth time, Verity Homes hosted a ground-breaking ceremony at 305 Cobblestone Loop in Mandan, N.D., on Sept. 21.

Proceeds from the home sale will be donated to HOPE International and Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue, a local pet adoption agency in Mandan.

After learning about Homes for Hope at a home builders convention, Verity CEO Arthur Goldammer saw an opportunity.

“Everyone involved that supports us through donations, labor or material discounts enable all of us to do what we normally do every day and are good at, while helping those in need both locally and globally,” Goldammer said.

Since 1999, Homes for Hope has worked with the home building industry to generate more than $10 million in financial support for HOPE International’s microeconomic development programs that fight poverty around the world. The organization has completed more than 100 homes to date, resulting in an estimated one million micro loans aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.

October 2018 | Building Buzz

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BMHBA NEWS BATHROOMS TOP KITCHENS AS MOST POPULAR REMODELING PROJECTS The kitchen is king when it comes to making an impact on a home’s identity. Few other spaces in a home can even come close to the significance of the kitchen—making it truly the “heart of the home.”

But having a beautiful bathroom is just as, if not more important for many home owners.

In fact, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), bathrooms overtook kitchens as the most popular remodeling project.

Earlier this year, NAHB released the survey results, which rank the most common remodeling projects from the previous year. While many of the top projects have remained consistently popular over the years, kitchens and bathrooms continue to jockey for the top spot.

“Small-scale renovations are slowly becoming just as popular as large-scale projects, as seen with bathroom remodeling becoming more common than kitchens,” said 2018 NAHB Remodelers Chair Joanne Theunissen, CPG, CGR, a remodeler from Mt. Pleasant, Mich. “Home owners are finding cost-effective and shorter-timeframe upgrades not only add comfort to their homes, but they also add value.”

TOPPING THE LIST

Among the remodelers who participated in the survey regarding the projects they completed within the last year: • 81% did bathroom remodeling • 78% did kitchen remodeling

• 49% did whole house remodeling • 37% did room additions

• 30% did window/door replacements

GET OUT AND VOTE

VOT E

The BMHBA encourages all members to exercise their right to vote and afford employees the opportunity to do the same.

Association members and your company rely on the leadership of business and building friendly officials to pave a smooth road for development.

The BMHBA is proud to lend specific support to the following Burleigh County Commission candidates through NDAB-PAC contributions: Kathleen Jones, Jim Peluso and Dennis Agnew.

Find your polling place by visiting nd.gov/ sos and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Rounding out the top 10 list of common remodeling jobs were: building decks, repairing property damage, finishing basements, performing general handyman services, and replacing or repairing roofs.

GOING ‘GREEN’ IS KEY

While remodeling is commonly associated with kitchens and baths, demand for green upgrades continues to swell as home owners seek to save on utility costs, improve air quality and increase the value of their homes.

An additional survey by NAHB Remodelers showed that high-performing, low-emissivity (Low-E) windows are the most common green-building product installed by residential remodelers. Programmable thermostats and high-efficiency HVAC systems also ranked highly among the most common green products used.

Home remodeling projects continue to be a popular alternative for those who aren’t yet ready to buy a new home, as well as for senior home owners who prefer to stay in their current home. For these consumers, there are a wide variety of modifications that came make their home safer and more comfortable.

The possibilities you have to remodel your home are endless. Contact the BismarckMandan Home Builders Association to find a qualified professional in your area who can enhance your home’s unique features.

Access all of the Member Advantage discounts at nahb.org/ma.

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Building Buzz | October 2018

UC TS D O R T P OUR SUPPOR Y E T O ND PROM RVICES A UILDING E! B IM SE AND E HOME E SAME T TH AT TH STRY U a.com D IN mhb @b t r a c y - 2 4 0 0 g s p o t. t c a C o n t o r 2 2 2 ve r t i s i n ad this m i a l to c

EVENTS MIDTERM ELECTIONS Midterm elections are known for surprising results. That’s why NAHB is focused on keeping housing as a key issue in Washington and supporting candidates who recognize the importance of our industry, regardless of political party. Find out more about how NAHB supports pro-housing candidates and ways you can make your voice heard by reading on.

Congressional Endorsements

When a candidate is endorsed by NAHB, it’s taken seriously. It means they’ve shown a commitment to pro-housing policies and recognize the economic importance of our industry. Eligible candidates for a primary or general election endorsement must have the approval of their state and local HBAs and the support of BUILD-PAC. They’re also required to meet with NAHB members to gain an understanding of our issues.

NAHB politically supports endorsed candidates in a variety of ways, including issuing statewide press releases to the public and sending “get out the vote” support messages to NAHB members on behalf of candidates. HBAs and campaigns are able to plan events and work together to make sure voters know the housing industry has endorsed their candidate.

To find out more about NAHB’s congressional endorsements visit nahb.org/en/advocate/ congressional-endorsements.aspx or how you can support pro-housing candidates in your area, contact Michael Bezruki at mbezruki@nahb.org.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp is the NAHB endorsed candidate for the Senate seat in the 2018 election.

Defender of Housing Award

The NAHB Defender of Housing Award recognizes federal legislators who demonstrated a strong support for housing and NAHB positions on important industry issues. HBAs are encouraged consider the support their members of congress have shown the home building industry and submit a nomination their behalf. To date over 110 legislators have received the 2018 Defender of Housing Award.

2018 Calendar of Events October 23

Fall Awards Mixer & Board Elections 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Ramada Inn, Bismarck

November 18

Holiday Home Walk 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

January 18

Annual Banquet 5:30 – 8:00 P.M. Harvest Grill in Mandan Register at bmhba.com/events, or call 701-222-2400.

Eligible legislators have a demonstrated pro-housing voting record, support from NAHB and have committed to annual meetings with their state or local associations. The awards are presented to members of congress bi-annually, by their local HBA members.

All of North Dakota’s delegates received the 2018 Defender of Housing Award – Senators John Hoeven, Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer.

State and Local Member Candidate Program

As leaders in their communities who understand issues facing businesses and the housing economy, NAHB members make for excellent candidates for public office. HBAs are encouraged to support members seeking election to state or local office and NAHB can help.

NAHB staff can provide candidate training and resources to members who wish to run for office. These include sending “get out the vote” messages of support to NAHB members in their district, encouraging them to support a member of their industry.

Get Out and Vote for Housing!

When you vote and volunteer for candidates who make housing a priority, you’re ensuring a stronger future for our industry. Make your voice heard and vote in the 2018 midterm elections.

Visit www.vote.org to register to vote or find your polling place. Remember to vote for housing on Nov. 6. Visit nahb.org/advocate for up to date information on NAHB’s advocacy initiatives.

October 2018 | Building Buzz

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NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS

BUILDER CONFIDENCE REMAINS STEADY IN SEPTEMBER Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes remained unchanged at a solid 67 reading in September on the NAHB/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

“Despite rising affordability concerns, builders continue to report firm demand for housing, especially as millennials and other newcomers enter the market,” said NAHB chairman Randy Noel.

“The recent decline in lumber prices from record-high levels earlier this summer is also welcome relief, although builders still need to manage construction costs to keep homes competitively priced.”

“A growing economy and rising incomes, combined with increasing household formations, should boost demand for new single-family homes moving forward,” said NAHB chief economist Robert Dietz. “However, housing affordability is becoming a challenge as builders face overly burdensome regulations and rising material costs exacerbated by an escalating trade skirmish. Interest rates are also forecast to keep rising.”

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the HMI gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.”

Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

The HMI index measuring current sales conditions rose one point to 74 and the component gauging expectations in the next six months increased two points to 74. Meanwhile, the metric charting buyer traffic held steady at 49.

Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast rose one point to 54 and the South remained unchanged at 70. The West edged down a single point to 73 and the Midwest fell three points to 59.

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Building Buzz | October 2018

BLOWING UP BATTLESHIPS LEADS TO DRIVING MORE MEMBERSHIPS Every other month, a small group of volunteers gathers at the Spokane HBA to spend two hours calling members, asking if they need anything – and blowing up battleships.

“I thought, ‘What can take it from the typical call-a-thon to the next level?’,” said Jake Turner, the HBA’s membership director. The answer: Make it competitive, make it fun and turn it into a game that involves destroying things.

Turner gathers a dozen volunteers for each two-hour session, arms them with fact sheets on the HBA’s three priorities (for 2018, its workforce development, advocacy and networking) and gives them the call lists.

Volunteers call new members to thank them for joining, let them know about upcoming events, and offer tips about getting the most out of their new association. Many of the longtime members will get a call as well.

“Sometimes you need to just call them and say thank you, and often times they’ll ask, ‘Well, what’s going on?’” Turner said. The callers, of course, are prepared with their notes right in front of them to answer those questions.

Turner invites a mix of seasoned members and newbies to help make the calls – on the chance that the low-pressure activity may parlay the first- and second-year members “out of the kiddie pool and into the deep end” of association involvement, and also identify potential candidates for association leadership.

Making Things Interesting

The callers are divided into two teams. Every time a caller connects with a member, the caller gets a BOOM sticker to paste on one of the battleship cut-outs. The last sticker “sinks” the battleship and the caller gets to claim a prize: $5 in “SHBA bucks” to use toward the next HBA event.

Earlier this month, the HBA pitched a “battle of the sexes” with women on one call team and men on the other.

“The women won, of course,” Turner noted. “They now get a table at the Fall Festival of Homes kickoff night. And the boys have to serve them their first two drinks.”

For the HBA the cost of the prizes, food and drink of the callers and other expenses amount to money well spent. “You might spend 150 bucks, but you have 100 people in your HBA who are now better connected,” Turner said.

After it’s over, the HBA staff goes through the callers’ notes to see who wants to sponsor an upcoming home show or who’s looking for framers or plumbers – and more connections are made.

Turner isn’t sure if the HBA will ever return to its pre-recession highs of 1,400 members, but he’s convinced that events like these help ensure that the members the HBA does have are well taken care of. The goal, he said, is not a numbers game, but to make HBA membership a mark of professionalism to the public.

“We’re more focused on bringing in the right members,” he said. “We want our HBA emblem to be a sign of prestige.”

NAHB will be working closely with state and local HBAs in the impacted states to help them meet the needs of members who have been affected by the storm.

As the remnants of Hurricane Florence continue to bring historic flooding to the Carolinas and several tornadoes have touched down in Virginia, the NAHB Federation stands ready to help its members, their families and all victims impacted by the storm.

NAHB will be working closely with state and local HBAs in the impacted states to help them meet the needs of members who have been affected by the storm. We will also provide resources to support our members as they help families rebuild. There are also many ways you can help right now.

The North Carolina HBA has established a Hurricane Florence Relief Fund to assist members recovering from the devastating impact of the storm in their communities. You can donate online at https://bit.ly/2NO5FKx or mail a check to the HBA.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages donations to be funneled through the National Voluntary Organizations Involved in Disaster (NVOAD). You can also find local volunteer opportunities through NVOAD when it becomes safe for volunteers to help on the ground.

Donations are also being directed to Florence relief efforts by the American Red Cross and United Way via their websites. Other groups targeting the areas impacted by the hurricane include: • Americares

• Direct Relief • UNICEF

A reminder that NAHB has two important webpages to help HBAs, their members and consumers prepare for and respond to natural disasters:

• The Natural Disaster Resources Toolkit is designed for HBAs and members. It’s a clearing house of updated information including case studies of HBAs that have dealt with disaster’s aftermath, a hurricane preparedness checklist for builders, demolition safety and more.

• The Disaster Preparation and Recovery Resources page is aimed at home owners and others in the paths of dangerous hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural disasters.

It includes emergency preparedness tips, resources for keeping safe during cleanup efforts and an FAQ from former NAHB Remodelers Chair Dan Bawden on how to find, hire and work with remediation and renovation contractors.

NAHB will continue to update information as the specific needs of our HBAs and families in the affected areas become clear and members continue to seek places to donate their money, materials and time.

“The solid economic expansion and firm job market should spur demand for new singlefamily homes in the months ahead,” said NAHB chief economist Robert Dietz. “Meanwhile, builders continue to monitor how tariffs and the growing threat of a trade war are affecting key building material prices, including lumber.

These cost increases, coupled with rising interest rates, are putting upward pressure on home prices and contributing to growing affordability challenges, as indicated by the latest quarterly reading of the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index.”

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for 30 years, the HMI gauges builder perceptions of current singlefamily home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.”

The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor.

HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. For more analysis, read this Eye on Housing blog post.

NAHB WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! Builders are invited to participate in an NAHB study with the purpose of identifying opportunities in which NAHB can better support home builders during their careers.

Participation should require less than 20 minutes with an online questionnaire. NAHB values your input and would appreciate your thoughts on career pathways for home building professionals.

To participate visit https://bit.ly/2OGpvHW

October 2018 | Building Buzz

11

NATIONAL NEWS

• World Central Kitchen

“The good news is that builders continue to report strong demand for new housing, fueled by steady job and income growth along with rising household formations,” said NAHB chairman Randy Noel. “However, they are increasingly focused on growing affordability concerns, stemming from rising construction costs, shortages of skilled labor and a dearth of buildable lots.”

NATIONAL NEWS

Nearly a week after Florence first hit the Carolina coastline, the impact of the storm remains uncertain: Power remains out for thousands of households, primarily in North Carolina, evacuations continue and many residents and businesses remain displaced as the flood waters are still rising.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes edged down one point to a solid 67 reading in August on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

NATIONAL NEWS

HOW TO HELP HURRICANE FLORENCE RECOVERY EFFORTS

GAO REPORT ON LIHTC FINDS WIDE RANGE IN MEDIAN CONSTRUCTION COSTS

NATIONAL NEWS

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE 2019 BUILDERS’ SHOW The 2019 NAHB International Builders’ Show – Feb. 19-21 in Las Vegas – is THE place to be for any housing industry professional.

Come for the latest and greatest products from hundreds of exhibitors. Come to attend as many of the 140+ educational sessions as your schedule permits. Come to network with the best and brightest in the business. Come to hear Dana Carvey at the opening ceremonies and the Goo Goo Dolls at the closing concert. Network, learn and build at the 2019 International Builders’ Show. Register today at buildersshow.com.

TARIFFS ON PRODUCTS FROM CHINA COULD BE A $2.5 BILLION TAX

The escalating trade conflict with China could wind up imposing a $2.5 billion tax increase on residential construction at a time when builders are already grappling with higher housing costs. View NAHB’s analysis on how the Chinese tariffs will impact the housing sector at https://bit.ly/2NF6ru6.

SHORTAGE OF CARPENTERS REACHES RECORD HIGH

Single-family builders who responded to a recent NAHB survey listed which workers they are most struggling to find. Topping the list: shortages of rough carpenters were reported by 90% of builders — the highest-ever portion for any occupation in residential construction in the survey’s history.

NAHB OFFERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVED WOTUS RULE

NATIONAL NEWS

HBA of Delaware President Jim McCulley and NAHB environmental staff met earlier this month with White House Office of Management and Budget staff to discuss how to define “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The Trump administration is expected to propose a new rule in the near future. NAHB’s recommendations would simplify the Clean Water Act and clarify WOTUS rules to make them consistent with congressional intent, presidential directives and Supreme Court precedent.

CONTRIBUTE TO BUILD-PAC BEFORE ELECTION DAY

The 2018 election cycle is proving to be one of the most competitive midterm elections in history. There are an unprecedented number of open seats and extremely close races around the country. It is critical that the home building industry elect a pro-housing, pro-business Congress on November 6. BUILD-PAC is the best tool we have to protect our industry, but we need more funds in our coffers in order to elect a Congress full of “Defenders of Housing.”

NAHB MEMBER ADVANTAGE DISCOUNTS

NATIONAL NEWS

NAHB Member Advantage gives members an easy way to reduce expenses, maximize profits and increase efficiency.

Through agreements with leading national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. In the past year, members have saved over $20M through Member Advantage. For the most up-to-date information about which companies are offering discounts as well as detailed information on how to access the savings, please visit www.nahb.org/ma.

12

Building Buzz | October 2018

A series of five informational sessions on City Measures 1 & 2 which would levy an additional half-cent sales tax for major arterial roadway construction and cap the 25-mill property tax buydown, respectively, will be held throughout the month of October: Wednesday, October 17th from 8:00 - 9:00 AM (National Energy Center at BSC, Basin Auditorium #304) Wednesday, October 24th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Bismarck Public Works Building on 26th St)

Tuesday, October 30th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM (National Energy Center at BSC, Basin Auditorium #304)

NEW TRADE DEAL COULD OPEN DOOR FOR FUTURE LUMBER TALKS The new trade deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, has the potential to yield positive developments regarding the ongoing U.S.-Canada lumber trade dispute.

All three nations must still ratify the new agreement.

While the accord does not specifically address the lumber trade conflict, it does leave in place the dispute resolution mechanism from NAFTA’s Chapter 19. Now moved to Chapter 31, it allows a panel with representatives from each country that is party to a dispute to challenge tariffs that may be imposed.

Under NAFTA, the Chapter 19 mechanism has been successfully used by Canada in the past to challenge the U.S. on its softwood lumber trade restrictions.

NATIONAL NEWS

Each session will consist of a presentation from City Staff regarding the measures and their potential impacts followed by a question & answer session. Additionally, while hosted by the business community, each session is open and free to the public.

NATIONAL NEWS

CITY MEASURE 1 & 2 INFORMATION SESSIONS

With the negotiations on the USMCA accord now completed by the three nations, this leaves open the possibility that the U.S. and Canada can now focus on resolving bilateral trade issues regarding softwood lumber.

NAHB Chairman Randy Noel has sent a letter to President Trump urging him to negotiate now.

NATIONAL NEWS October 2018 | Building Buzz

13

NDAB NEWS Monthly News from the North Dakota Association of Builders

Dan Lindquist,

Kim Schneider,

Recent natural disasters remind us that our lives can quickly be turned upside down with little warning.

As a homeowner, there are actions you can take to prevent or mitigate damage and life-threatening situations. I’m including some tips and resources here but before I do, I want to tell you how you can help your local community when people need lifegiving blood due to an illness or injury.

Heading to the Polls: November 6, 2018 is the official general election day. It is the day that North Dakota citizens, and everyone across the nation, will head to the poll to cast their vote for those they feel will best represent their views. Regardless of your political views, election day is a very important time and is about exercising your right to vote.

NDAB President

Dan Lindquist President

October 2018

I am proud to announce that NDAB is hosting a Battle of the Builders Blood Drive at each area throughout October and early November. Donating blood takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes of your time and helps to replenish blood banks which serve your area hospitals that need ongoing support.

The first blood drive kicks off on October 4 in Bismarck followed by Dickinson on October 8, Williston on October 17 and Minot on October 19.

We continue with November 6 in Grand Forks and the final drive on November 7 in Fargo.

NDAB Chief Executive Officer

Kim Schneider CEO

In North Dakota, voters will select one United States Senator, one United States Representative, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and several other statewide executives and judicial branch offices. Voters who live in odd-numbered legislative districts will also select their representatives to the ND House of Representatives and North Dakota Senate. Voters may also face any number of constitutional amendments, initiated measures, or referred measures placed on the ballot by petition.

As the date for your local event approaches, I encourage members to schedule an appointment through the link available via NDAB emails or on the NDAB Facebook events. Also, you do not have to be a member to donate so please Since North Dakota is the only state without voter registration, we want to ensure you are prepared to vote. Below is some information to know invite a family member or friend to join you!

Here are a few emergency preparedness tips: Sign up for emergency alerts.

Discuss with your family or household members how you will each receive emergency alerts and warnings. Check to see what wireless emergency alerts are offered by your state or local public safety officials and sign up to receive the latest news.

Devise a shelter plan.

Depending on the emergency, you may be required to evacuate or seek shelter in another location. Or, you may be advised to stay at home and shelter-in-place. Review the recommended shelter plans for the type of disasters that are likely to affect your area. For example, with a tornado warning, you should seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

Create an evacuation plan.

If necessary, you’ll need to have an evacuation plan. You may have a few days to prepare or you may need to leave your home immediately. That’s why it’s important to assemble supplies ahead of time.

Develop a household communication plan.

Your family or other household members may not all be together when disaster strikes. That’s why it’s important to know how you will communicate with the members of your household during a disaster.

ahead of time:

In order to vote in North Dakota, you must be: • A citizen of the United States; • Eighteen years or older on the day of election; • A resident of North Dakota; • A resident in the precinct at least thirty days immediately preceding any election; and • Able to provide a North Dakota driver’s license, nondriver ID, or tribal ID that includes your current residential address and date of birth. Ensure that your identification included your name, current residential or mailing address and date of birth.

If you are unavailable to go to your polling location on election day or maybe you prefer to cast your vote from the comfort of your own home, absentee voting is also an option. You can receive an absentee ballot by submitting a request with the valid information required to vote through the ND Secretary of State.

To learn more about voting in North Dakota or to educate yourself on which candidates and issues will be on the November ballots, please visit the ND Secretary of States website at www.sos.nd.gov. Voter information, candidate information, dates, locations and even election results will all be made available here.

Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Ready.gov website for more information.

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

See you at Battle of the Builders!

Take care,

Dan Lindquist

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 ❖

14

Building Buzz | October 2018

1701 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 201, Bismarck, ND 58503-0801 ❖

701/222-2401 or 800/326-4746 ❖

www.ndbuild.com

AROUND THE STATE Home Builders Assoc. of Fargo-Moorhead Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, 701-232-5846 | hbafm.com

Pella showroom and teach attendees how to make wine! Then

on October 19, the Builders Blood Drive is coming to the MAB Around the State office! The United Blood Services Bloodmobile will be at the

Bismarck/Mandan HBA for donating a Decorating Services, Top Recruiter; Kenfrom 9am to MAB offices 12pm. computer for our new Executive!

Bell State Bank & Trust, Top • The 3rdExecutive annual HBA Happy Hour to celebrate the Krajsa, Fall Parade Dot Frank, Officer Spike; George Fraza, Blue Cross Blue • On November, the Bags ‘n Builders Cornhole will  Home show booths areTournament being sold now! of Homes and Remodel Home bmhba.com Tour is Oct. 9. This parking lot 701-222-2400 Shield of ND, Top New Spike; Ken Krajsa take place on November 7th at 5 PM at Lowe’s Garden Center January 8th is the deadline for our party is hosted at Floor to Ceiling Carpet One and Cornerstone features Award. HBC granted $12,500 Home showofistwo April 15 the main greenhouse!preferred Tickets vendors. are $50 for a team ($60  free TheJunkyard BMHBA has been Company busy following Brewing beer, food, dessert demos by to local highinschool in scholarships – 17, 2016 for non-members) and include appetizers, drinks sponsored ordinance updates in Bismarck and students and college students in or Nichole’s Fine Pastry and prize drawings! contact Jackie@willistonbuilders.com for Mandan, Burleigh and Morton Counties.

Lowe’s and an evening of cornhole! planning on enrolling in theby construction questions.

All HBA are reviewing • The of F-M’s and finalupdating memberdated meeting of the year is Oct. 25. programs.

• Planning has begun for Our the Builders in December.

Stay codes.

EyesGala are currently permit cost DecemberBash General Membership The Awards & AnnualonMeeting is a chance recognize  to The HBA of F-M held a PAC Social tuned forwith more specifics! changes and development standards. meeting will be held on the 17th members for their volunteer efforts and present the HBA’s special guest Jerry Howard to talk about  highest A housing analysis conducted

by Bismarck honors.

In addition, Randy Noel, NAHB Chairman of theis working on in D.C. and issues NAHB and Mandan outlines a need for an Area how they tie in locally.Western The event was a Builders Association Board, will speak Thank you so much to our Annual additional 7,786 owner-occupied homes success with 75 members in attendance.

Amber Elizondo, Executive Officer Banquet Sponsors! Your support by 2030.

The HBA is working on amembers task • HBA of F-M Remodelers Council engaged in  Just under 20 members attended a Lunch 701-572-5744 | willistonbuilders.com force to explore implementation the helped us to put on a great event! We community service at the end ofofAugust to build a ramp for a Session with local building officials to talk study’s recommendations. had aArea great crowdAssociation and a fun has evening man fighting stage-four small-cell lung cancer, bone cancer and • Exciting news Williston Builders about the latest issues in residential  liver Members celebrating the year end and cancer.elected a new Builder board proudly been serving Williams, Divide, Burke, Mountrail construction. member at the Fall GMM on Nov. 24 to fill recognizing all our amazing Award McKenzie  and The Newof Year Celebrationand & City Night is counties. We are not just Williston and have • HBA F-M Public Issues Committee members board PastofPresident Vance Vetter’s seat. The winners.

We already looking officially changed our name to theare Western Area Builders Jan. 28 at the Radisson in Fargo.

2016 board of directors will bewith sworn in at directors enjoyed socializing candidates and on current forward to doing it all again next year Association!

Mayors from Fargo, Moorhead, West the Annual Banquet on Jan. 14. legislators at the Legislative Social. in Bismarck!

Fargo, Dilworth & Oxbow will be in • The The BMHBA welcomes all members to • 2019 Home and Garden Show planning has begun! We are attendance and participate on a mayoral Fall Parade of Homes and Remodeled Home Tour ran attend a Lead Renovator and Lead looking to add more “Kids” items at the event. Kids will get panel.

We will also have special guest Al the last weekend in September and first weekend in October.

Renovator Initial and Refresher course parents Jaeger, Secretary of State.the If you would in the door!

There were 54 homes and 5 remodel projects. on Nov. 30 over and Dec. 1, respectively. like to attend, please visit the events Visit bmhba.com/events to register.

calendar at www.hbafm.com.

NDAB is Proud to Announce the 2018 Professional

Dickinson DickinsonArea AreaBuilders BuildersAssoc Assoc.

Forx Builders Association Builders Lindsay Lange,Executive Executive Officer Platinum Sponsors—Kuntz Builders, Irene Schafer, Officer Betty McDonald, Executive Officer 701-483-0044 Inc. and WinnHomes Construction, Inc. 701-483-0044 | dickinsonareabuilders.com dickinsonareabuilders.com • Don Dabbert Jr.-Dabbert Custom 701-746-4536 forxbuilders.com • Planning is underway for the 2019 Home Show.

• Todd Williams-Todd Williams  Our regular GMM was held at the Eagles Silver Sponsor—ProBuild  There was good attendance at Slate Club on will November with moment of ChristmasInterior • Planning begin 11 soon fora our annual Party. Design’s November Builders after LLC • Construction, silence honoring our veterans.

NDAB-PAC Reception Sponsor—Bosch Hours. Thank you Alissa. is excited to partner with the Dickinson Area Chamber • after Mike Workman-Jordahl Custom • DABA Our Home Show committee is busy Lumber Co. Homes  The December Builders Hours will be ofplanning Commerce to helpShow growinand improve the Dickinson Builders our Home April, hosted by the Membership Committee and • Charles Bon-C’est Bon Construction, Inc. Exchange. updating and adding new features.

Banner Sponsor—Roers West, LLC the Board of Directors at Keith’s Security Hanson-Hanson Bros., Inc.  Our main focus right now is on World. Jim Bisson owner• ofVern Keith’s Lock &

Forx Builders Association the State Meeting here in Dickinson. We

Key will be retiring the end of December • Eric Berg-Eric Berg Construction, Inc. and we will be helping him celebrate this Also, Thank you to the NDAB 2015 milestone.

• Michael Bullinger-Western Productions Partners!

We truly appreciate your  Our Home Design and Garden Show will support and we have enjoyed serving • Jason Eid-Eid-Co Homes Builders Association hosted their 25th Annual • Forx Following that, we also busy planning our beGolf held April 1, 2 & 3 at the Alerus Center. you throughout the entire year!

Outing Valley Golf Course onelected September 12th. We had annualatChristmas Party.

Newly • Tom Spaeth-Accent Kitchen & Bath Minot Association of Builders Vice President,golfers Val Voelkering is busy with temperatures, 118 116 registered and despite cooler • Mark Spriggs-M & J Construction, Inc. Executivefriendly Officer her committee putting finalatouches to aof networking, golfers turned out!

It was great time very special evening at the Elks Club.

701-852-0496 minotab.com competition, food and fun!

• Tyrone Leslie-Heritage Homes  We would like to take this opportunity to  We are having a “Holiday Open House” • Our General Membership is scheduled for Monday • Todd Halle-Tfor & S Custom Homes, Inc. extend an invitation to KimMeeting and Heather members October 8thassociations at the CanadInns Grand pleased to here at the office December and other to attend our Forks. We areour • Robert Leslie-Designer 15th from noon-7pm with food and Christmasthat party.

GoldHomes Partner - Montana Dakota Utilities announce UND’s new Athletics Director, Bill Chaves, will beverage.

• Charles Zach-Zach Construction, Inc. our guest speaker.  beMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to Silver Partners - Bismarck-Mandan everyone!

Williston Area Builders Association

are looking forward to making Stacy Anderson, Executive Officethis a special night for Arnold Karsky as he is 701-746-4536 | forxbuilders.com installed as our State President.

• John Gunkelman-Dakota • Get your tossing arm ready....the 2nd Annual Bean Bag Home Construction Builders Association, Dickinson JannaNovember Lutz, Executive Officer Tournament and Chili Cook Off is set for Saturday AreaConstruction Builders Association, Home Builders • Greg Krueger-Krueger 701-572-5744 willistonbuilders.com 17th.

Bryce Johnson, Executive Vice President Association of Fargo-Moorhead, & • Robert Kochmann-Kochmann hbafm.com 701-232-5846 Northern Plumbing Supply  WABA welcomes new incoming board Minot Association of Builders members: Lance Bevier• of Brothers Tractor and Homes, Inc.  Thank you to everyone who attended our Bronze Partners - Bell State Bank & Equipment Co., Joan Mainwaring of ElyshaAwards Head,Gala Executive Officer & Annual Meeting. The HBA • Trust Gary Co., Orth-Cornerstone Specialties American State Bank and and Trust, Forx Builders Association, Minot 701-852-0496 | minotab.com of F-M celebrated award winners and Bob Radermacher of Bakken Contracting.

Association of Builders, ND Guaranty & scholarship recipients with over 200 of its • The Parade of Homes took place on September Final  15th.

Mark Schneider, LJA, was sworn in as our Title Co., ND Housing Finance Agency, members. The awards went to Clay details willDietrich be released soon!

The NDAB is proud to announce a NEW program this incoming WABA President at our Annual ProBuild, RDO Equipment Co., & Williston Dietrich, Homes, Inc., Builder of Meeting in November.

Area Builders the Year; Krabbenhoft, Coldwell year for our Associates.

Apply Association Now! • October is aPaul busy month at the MAB! The MAB is offering a Banker First Realty, Associate of the Year; Top Spikes were also recognized: Bill Lead RRP Homes, class onBEAM; October 10th.

Registrationis available at Heritage Dan Beecher, For morebecame information about NDAB’s Builders Program Murphy and Dave Nordenstrom www.minotab.com/lead.

Windows & Wine will take at in 2015!

Foam Doctor’s LLC, Extra Mile; John Lifeplace Spikes contact Sara Frank: sara@ndbuild.com or 701-222-2401.

Pella WindowsRed on River October 18th.&Urban Winery will visit the Koerselman, Drywall



www.ndbuild.com

Special thanks to Dot Frank and the

North Dakota Association of Builders

 December 2015 October 2018 | Building Buzz

15

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

UPCOMING BMHBA EVENTS Fall Awards Mixer & Board Elections - 10/23 National Apprenticeship Week - 11/12 - 11/16 2018 Holiday Home Walk - 11/18 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM 42nd Annual Home Show - 3/15 - 3/16/2019

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