April 2024 Building Connections

Why Ring’s End?

Inventory

Unsurpassed breadth and depth of inventory.

Quality

The highest quality products in the industry.

Convenience

20 locations, including 5 full service lumberyards serving Fairfield County.

Service

A full range of services from custom millwork capabilities to education, estimating, and design. Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

RingsEnd.com | 800-390-1000

Darien (Flagship Yard)

Lewisboro, NY

Wilton

Bethel

New Milford

Your Monthly Newsletter

Building Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry.

Contact Us:

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com

www.buildfairfieldcounty.com

@hbraffc

(203) 335-7008

Front Cover:

Featuring: Andersen Windows Inc.

AUTHENTIC TO YOUR DREAM

Andersen ® A-Series windows and doors are based on the style of home you want. Whether it’s a stately Queen Anne, a bold Modernist design or anything in between, you can now create it with the best-performing, most energy-efficient products Andersen has ever offered. Don’t just imagine your dream home, build it with Andersen.

Andersen is proud to support the Home Builders and Remodelers Assn. of Fairfield County

Mixers, Roundtables & Forums!

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the warmer weather.

We are taking full advantage of the start of spring at the HBRA with a packed schedule.

On April 29th, we have a Multifamily Roundtable Discussion; on May 1 we have our annual Member Mixer at Two Roads, and on May 8th Fairfield is hosting the CT Developer’s Forum again. I hope to see you at these events!

As you may have already seen, we rolled out a new website. This website is designed to market you and your business! In conjunction with that, we have been doing a social media push to promote your businesses on our new website. We are always looking for new content too. If you are interested in a spotlight or want to write an article, please let me know.

Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business: kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com.

Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn Executive Officer

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

“ The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County. Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we areindependently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future. ”

Upcoming Events - Save the Date!

Mon. April 29: Multifamily Roundtable

Cross Insurance, Shelton | 3pm-4:30pm

Light bites and wine will be served. No charge to attend, but pre-registration is requested.

Weds. May 1: May GMM & Member Mixer

Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford | 6pm-9pm

Food, local craft beer & wine, and table display opportunities!

Weds. May 8: Developers Forum

Old Post Tavern, Fairfield | 6pm-9pm

Presented by the HBRA of CT, focusing on the Governor’s new work force housing Build For CT program.

Weds. June 5: GMM & Annual Meeting

Ring’s End Darien | 6pm-9pm

Kick off summer with outdoor networking, food trucks, live demos, and raffle prizes!

Mon. Sept. 16: Annual HBRA Golf Classic

Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull

Our biggest event of the year. This event sells out fastsign up today!

For more info & to register, visit buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

2024 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President

Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance

President: John Hertz Hertz Construction

Senior VP: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group

VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber

Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC

Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

2024 DIRECTORS

George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting

Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LIFE DIRECTORS

Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Jerry Effren

The Greyrock Companies

Gary Fanali City Carting

Peter Fusaro

Preferred Builders

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Terrence Beaty

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Weds. May 1st, 2024 | 6pm-9pm

Two Roads Brewing Company: 1700 Stratford Avenue, Stratford

Join the HBRA of Fairfield County for our May General Membership Meeting and annual Member Mixer. Enjoy local craft beer and an appetizer spread, and network with the HBRA board of directors, committee members, and the businesses who make up the HBRA of Fairfield County.

Early Bird Pricing: HBRA Members: $55 | General Admission: $65

Week of Event Price Increase: HBRA Members: $65 | General Admission: $75 Includes one drink ticket for beer or wine, cash bar thereafter.

Get ready to play the Member Mixer Scavenger Hunt! Grab a scavenger hunt card at registration and find our sponsors’ table displays around the room to complete the scavenger hunt and get entered in a raffle for a gift card! CLICK HERE

MEMBER MIXER SPONSORSHIPS

Weds. May 1st| 6p-9p | Two Roads Brewery

Bar Bites Sponsor - $1300

Bar Bites from Gaetano's Italian Deli to feed the hungry crowd!

Premium signage at the food table

Logo on drink tickets guests will receive upon arrival

5 attendee tickets to the event (for employees or customers)

10 Drink tickets

1 Scavenger Hunt Square

Featured & tagged in Instagram story

Top Hop Sponsor -

$500 Table Display

Scavenger Hunt Square

Logo on all marketing materials

Logo on event banner

10 drink tickets to give out

2 attendees

Membership Raffle

Sponsor - $355

Signage at the event

1 attendee

Draw the winning raffle ticket and announce the winner!

Imperial Sponsor -

$1000

Premium table display!

Table to display literature and other marketing materials (prime placement)

Scavenger Hunt Square - with a tagged social media post

Opportunity to speak at the event

Logo on all marketing materials in first level position

Logo on event banner

10 drink tickets to hand out

3 attendees

A Keg Above the Rest Sponsor - $150

Logo on event banner

1 attendee

5 drink tickets to give out to prospective customers

This is the ONLY event with table display opportunities - reserve today before they sell out!

MEMBER EVENTS

APRIL GMM

RECAP

They say April showers bring May flowers, but a rainy April 3rd night brought 100 guests to the HBRA’s April GMM at the Interstate Design Center.

Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet of sliders, sandwiches, charcuterie, and open bar as they toured the state of the art, two-story Interstate Design Center, exploring Interstate’s wide variety of windows, doors, architectural hardware, millwork, and more.

The HBRA and Interstate were also pleased to offer headshot photographs for the first time to all interested attendees.

RECAP

CONT.

PWB Board Member Rebecca St. Germain (Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group) spoke about the PWB’s 2024 charity initiative with Circle of Care, helping to provide assistance to children and families facing pediatric cancer treatment. Again this year the PWB is participating in the “Art From the Heart” program, and will be designing and building room makeovers for two children currently undergoing cancer treatment. CLICK HERE to learn more and see pictures from the 2022-2023 room makeovers for Milo and Jasmine.

The PWB is completing two room makeovers in 2024, and are currently accepting donations to cover the $3500 cost of each. If you or your company would like to support this cause, CLICK HERE to make an online monetary donation, or email Rebecca at rstgermain@toofer.com if you would be able to donate materials, services, or labor.

Andersen Windows & Doors sponsored our Membership Raffle, and representative Scott Dietsch presented the $250 award to April’s winner, Brooks Hrusa of Ring’s End. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the rest of the year – contact the HBRA office to learn more!

Thank you to Sheldon Kahan, Brian Kurtz, and the team at Interstate for hosting another great event!

www.interstatelumber.com

Photos by Kirt Washington Photography and JC Martin.

You can now get money back for products you already used on your jobsites this year!

The HBA Rebates Program is a FREE member benefit included with your HBRA of Fairfield County membership. The average rebate claim per builder/remodeler company who participated in 2023 was $1,586.75!

The deadline to claim for all residential jobs completed Q1 ‘24 (1/1/24-3/31/24) is Friday, May 17th.

Easy Steps to Claim Your Rebate:

Click here to visit www.hbarebates.com/registration

Enter your company information.

For “Local Home Builders Association” enter “HBRA of Fairfield County”, then select “Next” at the bottom.

Select if you’d like a personalized claim form with just the manufacturers you use, or want to use the full claim form with all manufacturers, then click “Submit.”

Submit your claim form on the next page or click here to visit www.HBArebates.com/claimform

Fill out the Rebate Claim form and submit by Friday, May 17th.

Already created an account? Go to https://hbarebates.com/claimform/ to fill out the claim form by Friday, May 17th.

Have questions? Personalized assistance is available: Reach out to the HBA Rebates Team with any questions:

https://hbarebates.com/aboutus

CALL: (866)-849-8400

EMAIL: info@HBArebates.com

VISIT: HBArebates.com

Unveiling the Design Trends Shaping Homes in 2024

Home Experts, Andersen Windows & Doors, share their outlook on 2024 Design Trends. Don't miss out on these revealing insights & exceptional product offerings!

As we enter 2024, home design trends are being shaped by macroeconomic shifts and a profound transformation in how people inhabit their living spaces.

As more people opt to stay in their homes due to a fluctuating economy and high interest rates, there is a redefined focus on maximizing space efficiency. These macro trends are propelling homeowners to think beyond conventional design boundaries, seeking innovative solutions for their evolving needs. Above all, homeowners are reimagining their homes, seeking functional spaces that still reflect their unique lifestyles, blending practicality, design aesthetics, and sustainability.

Reimagining Space: The Rise of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

In response to the call for adaptable living spaces, ADUs have emerged as architectural chameleons, addressing diverse needs within limited square footage. Transcending the conventional roles of guest rooms or in-law suites, ADUs are also used for standalone offices, income-generating rental units, and deluxe pool houses. This shift in purpose demands an equally transformative approach to design elements, particularly windows. Those opting to build ADUs seek windows and doors that push the bounds of standard sizing, maximizing clear openings and minimal sightlines to capture the view and make a small space feel larger.

Embracing Tradition in a Modern Era

While the sleek and contemporary aesthetic has reigned supreme over recent years, 2024 witnesses a notable shift, embracing traditional design elements. The desire for conventional design is, however, a redefined traditional aesthetic characterized by circular windows reminiscent of the Roman oculus, intricate grille patterns, a resurgence of deeper foundational wood tones, and saturated colors. Far from feeling dated, this evolution breathes new life into homes, offering a timeless allure.

Bridging Worlds: Pass-Through Windows

In a world where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living are becoming increasingly fluid, the rise of pass-through windows exemplifies a desire for connectivity. Like a patio door, it creates an outdoor connection. But unlike a patio door, it allows you to have a sink, counter space, and other features that wouldn’t otherwise fit, enabling you to hand treats out to the kids, keep your drinks cold instead of hauling them out into the sun, and create an additional moment of “outdoor-indoor” living without having to open an entire wall.

Open Corners: Illuminating Spaces, Bridging Realms

Corner windows have emerged as architectural gems, capturing more sunlight and expanding panoramic views. The trend leans towards more extensive, more monumental sizing, creating floor-to-ceiling statements that redefine the interior and exterior aesthetic.

The corner door is also a standout in the indoor-outdoor living trend, taking corner windows to the next level. This architectural innovation allows homeowners to open an entire room corner, dissolving the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. It's a design choice that goes beyond conventional floor plans, breathing life into once-dark and underutilized corners.

In the ever-evolving realm of home design in 2024, homeowners and pros continue reimagining living spaces for how we live and work, weaving together functionality, aesthetic appeal, and a sense of connection.

Big Doors and Their Role in Indoor-Outdoor Living

The trend of indoor-outdoor living has cemented itself as a trend that is here to stay in 2024. Homeowners and pros alike continue to design for a seamless connection between the home and the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Capitalizing on this trend enables homeowners to maximize their current footprint and choose between options that function for their lifestyle, including:

• MultiGilde doors – gliding doors that stack or pocket for a perfectly unobstructed view

• Liftstide doors – a seamless floor transition that creates an expansive view with fewer, bigger panels

• Pivot doors – rotating on a pivot box in the floor and the top jamb rather than traditional door side hinges and designed for large, spectacular openings, including entranceways

• Folding Outswing doors – accordion-style doors that, when open, fold up to beautifully frame your view

For more information on how Andersen Windows & Doors can help you on your next project in 2024 visit www.andersenwindows.com.

WE ARE RAISING MONEY FOR THE NEXT TWO

Circle of Care

Dream Rooms!

PLATINUM GOLD SILVER BRONZE

$3,500

$1,000 - $3,000 $500 - $1,000 $250 - $500

Platinum Sponsorship pays for one entire dream room. Sponsorships can be donated as monetary or in-kind.

Sponsors will be featured in PWB/HBRA promotions throughout the year.

PWB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Rachel Foster has a dynamic vision for the future of Northeast…

As the Director of Marketing for all of Northeast’s divisions covering Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, Rachel envisions a company that will continue to evolve and grow into one of the leading retailers of luxury windows and doors, cabinetry, decorative hardware, building supplies, and home centers in the region.

Rachel’s marketing expertise already has aided in the company’s growth. She worked to promote the recent opening of a spectacular new design showroom for the Northeast Architectural division in Mamaroneck, N.Y., which followed a significant renovation of the company’s signature Northeast Building & Home New Canaan, CT location.

Beginning in early 2024, the company will break ground on a new 15,000-square-foot building in Cornwall Bridge, CT, that will bring its existing lumber yard and home center under one roof. The current locations operate at separate facilities about an eighth of a mile apart.

Rachel coordinates all of Northeast’s marketing campaigns, including email marketing, organic and paid social media, and search engine platform advertising. She also manages the company’s website and is a two-time recipient of the Smart Women in Meetings award for women who work in the industry.

When Rachel isn’t busy at Northeast, she enjoys sports and the outdoors. She is an avid golfer and played collegiate softball at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, where her team won an NCAA Division II championship. She also loves to hike anywhere in the tri-state area or near her favorite vacation destination in Telluride, Colo.

Contact Rachel at rfoster@northeastco.com or follow on social media:

Rachel Foster Director of Marketing Northeast

Join us for our biggest event of the year!

Sept. 16 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course,

Trumbull Register now to receive early bird pricing for the 18 and 9 hole tournaments! We also have sponsorship opportunities available. Click below for more information.

A portion of all proceeds will go to support the HBRA’s Partnership with the Circle of Care. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments

18 Hole: 10am Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $1000 / foursome or $250 / golfer Increase after Aug. 16: $1100 / foursome or $275 / golfer

9 Hole: 1pm Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer Increase after Aug. 16: $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

All golfers receive on-course lunch and dinner.

Dinner-Only

Network with industry friends, participate in our raffle with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the awards! This year dinner will be back inside, featuring open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations!

CLICK HERE to Register for Golf or Dinner!

Sponsorships Available!

Opportunities are available for every budget. This event sells out, so book your sponsorship today!

We are also accepting raffle prize donations.

USA Today Names Bender a Winner of Top Workplaces Award

New Haven, Connecticut March 25, 2024 - Bender is thrilled to announce that it has been named a 2024 Top Workplaces winner. This recognition reflects the company's unwavering commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment where their teammates thrive.

Winning the Top Workplaces award holds great significance, as it stems directly from feedback provided by Bender’s teammates. Administered confidentially by Energage, the survey evaluates 15 key cultural elements crucial to any organization's success, such as alignment, execution, and connection. The recognition reaffirms Bender’s commitment to prioritizing their teammates’ well-being and fostering a culture of excellence.

Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That's something to be proud of.”

Max Bender, CEO of Bender, expressed his pride in the company and its teammates for achieving this remarkable milestone. He remarked, " I am extremely proud of our team for earning the 2024 TopWorkplace award. This recognition is a testament to our collective dedication, resilience, and commitment to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. It reflects not just our success as a company, but more importantly, our culture of support, collaboration, and respect. This honor serves as a reminder of what we can achieve together when we prioritize our people and their well-being above all else."

ABOUT BENDER

Bender serves our customers with two divisions. Our wholesale plumbing and HVAC division offers products and knowledge to local companies with six locations in Connecticut. Our four award-winning showrooms offer customers beautiful decorative plumbing, tile & stone, and kitchen and bathroom cabinetry to meet each unique design need. For more information, visit benderplumbing.com, call 1-203-498-5181, or email ssilva@benderplumbing.com.

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Sue Silva

Email: ssilva@benderplumbing.com

Phone: 678-462-9460

USA Today Names Bender a Winner of Top Workplaces Award

New Haven, Connec�cut March 25, 2024 - Bender is thrilled to announce that it has been named a 2024 Top Workplaces winner. This recogni�on reflects the company's unwavering commitment to fostering an excep�onal workplace environment where their teammates thrive

Winning the Top Workplaces award holds great significance, as it stems directly from feedback provided by Bender’s teammates. Administered confiden�ally by Energage, the survey evaluates 15 key cultural elements crucial to any organiza�on's success, such as alignment, execu�on, and connec�on. The recogni�on reaffirms Bender’s commitment to priori�zing their teammates’ well-being and fostering a culture of excellence.

Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, emphasized the significance of this recogni�on, sta�ng, "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authen�cally from their employees. That's something to be proud of.”

Max Bender, CEO of Bender, expressed his pride in the company and its teammates for achieving this

Grow With the HBRA Website

Our new website layout promotes our HBRA Members more than ever!

• Navigation Focused on Member Directory

• Homepage Builder Spotlights

• Tips & Tools Provided by HBRA Members

• Homepage Logo Placement for New Members

Builder Spotlights

Stand out to Homeowners as a Featured HBRA Builder on Our Homepage

• Dedicated Builder Pages

• Links Directly to Your Website, Socials & Contact Info

Tips & Tools

Promote Your Business by Educating the Homeowner Through Informative Articles

New Members

Homepage Logo Placement for New Members

DISCOVER THE POWER OF FENG SHUI

Are you ready to learn the secrets of creating balance and well-being in your home? If so, then my "Feng Shui: The Basics" workshop is perfect for you! I'll teach you a quick history of how this ancient Chinese practice has been used for over 3000 years to bring harmony and happiness to various environments. You'll learn about some of the tools used in Feng Shui so you can incorporate the practical tips and tricks at home to help boost your career, improve your relationships or attract abundance.

This workshop is live and in-person so secure your spot now by registering below and take the first step towards a more joyful, intentional and harmonious life! Reserve

Membership Discounts & Deals

Log in at www.nahb.org

Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. Members save big when they take advantage of these offers.

Steps to Access NAHB Discounts:

Please Note: Your nahb.org login is separate from your buildfairfieldcounty.com login.

If you do not have an NAHB account, select “Register” on the right side of the screen.

You will need the PIN you received when you first joined the HBRA – find yours by logging in to your account at buildfairfieldcounty.com, or contact the HBRA office and we would be happy to let you know!

After you log in, go to www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Member-Benefits/Savings

Click on “Learn More” under the discount you want to use and follow the instructions.

See the NAHB "Member Savings Program at a Glance" handout for a full list of available discounts!

Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free.

Steps to Access NPP Discounts:

Visit www.mynpp.com/association/hbra-of-fairfieldcounty/

If you already have an account, select “Log In” at the top right to log in.

If you do not currently have an NPP account, enter your information on the form on the right and follow the website prompts to create an account.

Click on the discount you would like to sign up for and follow the instructions.

See the NPP handout for a full list of available discounts!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit: buildfairfieldcounty.com/membership-benefits-discounts/

RING’S END COMPANY CULTURE

RING’S END

Since 1902

RingsEnd.com | 800 · 390 · 1000

Bethel | Branford | Danbury

Darien | Fairfield | Lewisboro | Madison

New Milford | Newtown | Niantic

North Stamford | Norwalk | Orange Stamford | Stratford | Trumbull

Westport | Wethersfield | Wilton

JOIN THE RING’S END TEAM!

Do you have a positive attitude that contributes to a high company morale? Are you goal-oriented and self-motivated? Can you connect with our customers and build strong relationships? Are you an effective communicator? Do you present yourself professionally? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a career at Ring’s End!

Ring’s End is a Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer serving Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Southern Westchester County, New York. We are a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated business with a rich history dating back to 1902. With 20 retail locations, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve as an industry leader.

The positions at Ring’s End are as diverse as the employees who hold them. Discover your passionjoin the Ring’s End team today!

Strategic Vision

To be the premier resource in the building supply industry.

Mission Statement

To provide the very best products, industry knowledge, customer service, and shopping experience. We do this by employing the best team in the industry, ensuring we maintain a diverse, evolved work environment that values cooperation and teamwork. We look for innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.

Our Values

• Integrity

• Passion

• Pride

• Accountability

• Community

Work Environment & Commitment to Safety

• Total commitment to safety and teamwork

• Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment

• On-the-job training/certifications

Compensation

• Weekly pay

• Direct deposit & electronic pay stubs (paperless)

• Competitive wages and overtime compensation

• Profit sharing

• Discretionary bonus program

Benefits

• Medical plans including HMO, POS, and HDHP (with HSA)

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Accounts

• Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Long & Short Term Disability

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Workplace flexibility

• Education Assistance Program

• Employee Wellness Program

• Legal Consultation Program

NEW MEMBERS

Bumble Bee Blinds of Fairfield County | Colin Smyth

We are Bumble Bee Blinds, your one-stop-shop for custom window treatments. We offer a comprehensive suite of services encompassing design, consultation, and installation of tailor-made window treatments. Read More

Cardello Architects | Jennifer Vangele

Cardello Architects is proud to be one of the leading high-end residential architectural firms in the country. We focus on providing personalized service with enduring, timeless designs. Read More

Eagle Woodworking | Blake Schwartz

Since 1980, Eagle Woodworking, maker of custom dovetail drawers and drawer inserts, has partnered with cabinetmakers and woodworkers throughout the United States, who trust us to create and deliver the finest quality custom dovetail drawers, drawer boxes, and custom kitchen drawers. Read More

Merrin Jones Interiors | Merrin Jones

MJI is an boutique residential interior design firm providing full-home, new build and renovation interior architecture, and room-by-room design to clients nationwide. Our mission is to combine luxury design with the flow of every day life, bringing style and function into each detail of your home. Read More

Stockton Design Studio, LLC | Ryan Stockton

Stockton Design Studio is a full-service interior + architectural design firm focused on residential + hospitality projects. Based in Fairfield, CT and providing services throughout Fairfield County, New York City, and beyond. Read More

AFFILIATES

Connecticut Lighting Centers Inc. | Jon Lepore

JOB BANK

AVAILABLE JOBS:

These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

SONERICA Capital

JOB TITLE: New Home Builder

SUMMARY: Investor with large land inventory looking for highly experienced New Home Builder. You will be a paid consultant. Your main role is to prepare specs and inspect work. Must have built numerous homes. Intimate hands on experience in all facets of home building including foundation, framing, roofing, siding, sheetrock, interior and exterior trim, floors, HVAC, plumbing, electric, costs, scheduling etc.

CONTACT: Email detailed resume to hbsj7@yahoo.com

Accurate Lock And Hardware

JOB TITLE: Customer Solutions Specialist

SUMMARY: In this role, you will communicate with customers via phone and email, help determine their requirements, process purchase orders, provide quotations, check on order status and expedite orders. You will be part of a team that provides customer service and support for a wide array of products to a network of showroom and contract hardware distributors, OEM accounts, architects, designers and specifiers.

Bear Paw Builders Inc.

JOB TITLE: Part Time Bookkeeper

START DATE: immediately

Salary: $30-$35 per hour

SUMMARY: Experienced bookkeeper experienced in construction job costing with QuickBooks.

CONTACT: peter@bpaw.com

A subflooring panel with a built-in barrier for jobsite durability.

AdvanTech X-Factor panels are the latest innovation from the subflooring brand builders have trusted for more than 20 years for the FLAT OUT BEST™ start to a quiet, stiff floor. AdvanTech X-Factor is a new class of premium subflooring with a fade-resistant, watershedding surface on a high-performance engineered wood panel. With a built-in protective top layer, it takes the moisture resistance teams expect from an AdvanTech panel to the next level and pairs well with AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive for a Squeak-Free Guarantee™1

The built-in, water-shedding top layer provides a distinctively smooth, even, premium subfloor surface that is marker friendly and easy to clean.

Span Ratings, Grades and Thicknesses of AdvanTech and AdvanTech X-Factor Panels

Span Nominal Panel Rating AT-Series TECHO Grade1 Thickness

Weather-Resistive Top Layer Delivers First-Class Moisture Protection

Enduring Premium Look — Resists Discoloration, Flaking or Delamination

Enhanced T&G Profile for Proper Spacing and Ease of Installation

Strength and Stiffness Expected from AdvanTech® Panels

AVAILABLE JOBS: (Continued)

These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

Chloe Winston Lighting Design

JOB TITLE: Showroom Coordinator

RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with showroom opening and closing duties, answer phones and make customer appointments, greet customers in showroom and make them feel welcomed, receive deliveries and help with in-store merchandise pick-ups, liaise with showroom, manufacturers, and designers, architects, builders and retail customers, and support sales team.

HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm

Email resume to hello@chloewinstonlighting.com

Lansing Building Products, LLC

JOB TITLE: Outside Sales - Norwalk, CT (lever.co)

START DATE: immediately

SUMMARY: Full time - secures new business while building and maintaining relationships with customers.

CONTACT: (203) 831-0977 or george.harvey@lansingbp.com

Studio KC LLC

JOB TITLE: Jr Designer/Project Manager

SUMMARY: Studio KC is an emerging high end interior design firm located in Norwalk specializing in full home renovations, kitchens, baths and custom millwork. We are looking for a Junior Designer/Project Manager to join our tight knit team. Our office is a fun, fast paced environment where collaboration and mutual support are encouraged.

NAHB Launches Offsite Construction Video Series

Offsite construction offers an alternative to traditional home building strategies that can help expedite the building process — a benefit for increasing the nation’s housing supply, especially amid a labor shortage in the construction industry.

For home building professionals interested in exploring offsite construction, NAHB has launched a new video series this month called the Offsite Construction Video Series. Each month, experts will explore essential topics in modular, panelized, concrete, log and timber frame home construction.

Subscribers will gain access to a new 15-minute on-demand video examining a foundational aspect of prefabricated building systems. Topics will include construction method overviews, best practices of building with offsite methods, codes and standards that regulate the industry, and resources available to builders adopting systems-built construction.

Read More

Podcast: NAHB Highlights Advocacy Victories and Prospects for 2024

In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez welcome Chief Lobbyist Lake Coulson to the program to discuss key housing issues on Capitol Hill. Coulson explains the importance of and process behind some recent wins, including continued Job Corps funding and action on the transformer shortage.

Read More

Workplace retirement plans have become mandatory for all Connecticut businesses with 5 or more employees (MyCTSavings Plan)

Fortunately for you the HBRA has you covered with the HBRA Member Retirement Program!

Higher contribution limits, plan design flexibility, and higher income limits are just a few potential reasons why the HBRA Member Retirement Program may make more sense for your business.

You build homes down to every detail of what your customer is looking for, so why not build your own retirement plan the same way!

John V. DiMatteo CFP®, CPFA

Housing Starts Fall on Interest Rate, Financing Concerns

Housing starts fell in March with interest rates somewhat higher than expected last month as the latest inflation readings failed to show improvement. Builders are also still facing higher supply-side costs and tighter lending conditions.

Overall housing starts decreased 14.7% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.32 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The March reading of 1.32 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months.

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New NAHB Resource for State and Local Housing Advocates

Are you interested in how states and localities approach housing policy priorities such as zoning, rent control, taxes, impact fees and codes? All NAHB members, executive officers and home builders association staff have the opportunity to stay up to date with state and local advocacy news via a new NAHB newsletter.

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X Lutron Lighting Controls Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks

X Bath Ventilation Fans

X Builder programs

Home-Buyer Preferences Shift as Affordability Challenges Remain

As the housing industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, builders continue to respond to buyer preferences by constructing smaller homes to place homeownership within reach of families planning to buy a home this year. A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analysis found that new homes built in 2023 reached their smallest median size in 13 years.

“Homeownership remains a goal for families who are eager to put down roots and have a place to call their own,” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan. “Our nation’s builders are meeting the moment by finding solutions in home construction to allow for more individuals to purchase a home.”

More than a third (38%) of builders say they built smaller homes in 2023, and more than a quarter (26%) plan to construct even smaller this year, according to NAHB. According to NAHB’s latest What Home Buyers Really Want study, there has been a downward shift in buyer preferences for home size in the last 20 years. In 2003, the typical buyer wanted 2,260 square feet; now, that number is 2,067 square feet.

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Broad Housing Coalition Statement on Purported “Rent Control” on LowIncome Housing Tax Credit Communities

Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued its annual income determination for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) communities, which changes the calculation in ways that may make it more difficult for some residents and investors to participate in the program. The income determination changes the methodology for calculating year-over-year increases in income limits for LIHTC and other HUD programs.

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Toolkit Available Highlighting Benefits of New Homes

April is New Homes Month, and it’s a great opportunity for members and home builder associations to promote the countless benefits of new homes.

NAHB has made it easy to get started by providing a comprehensive toolkit of resources. Highlights of what’s contained within the New Homes Month toolkit include:

• Talking points. Updated messaging will help shape communications about home buying in 2024 and the benefits of new homes.

• Consumer videos. Choose from a variety of short videos about new homes month, home buying and home trends available to download and share on social media or your website. NAHB can customize these videos with your website address and HBA logo free of charge. Contact Anna Briseño.

• Social media images. Eye-catching images promoting New Homes Month can be downloaded and shared on your Facebook or Instagram pages.

• Customizable articles. Choose from a variety of articles about new home trends and home buying. Add your HBA contact information and place the content in your parade guides, home show collateral, or website.

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Biden Administration Releases

Decarbonization Plan for Homes and Buildings

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released an ambitious blueprint for decarbonizing buildings in the country, including homes. The stated goal of the plan is to reduce carbon emissions from buildings 90% by 2050 compared with the 2005 baseline, with an interim goal of a 65% reduction by 2035.

Although the blueprint was created in consultation with other federal agencies and includes many state, local and federal policy ideas, it is a non-binding document that does not make specific regulatory or policy proposals.

NAHB is supportive of finding ways to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in homes. But the plan laid out by the administration relies heavily on building code changes and a shift to electrification in homes, which would decrease choice for home buyers and owners and increase construction costs for new homes.

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Single-Family Builders: Tell Us How Rising Costs Are Impacting Your Bottom Line

NAHB is seeking data from singlefamily builders to produce average profit benchmarks for the industry. Specifically, the Economics team is requesting data concerning your company’s 2023 Income Statement and Balance Sheet. This information will remain completely confidential and only NAHB’s small research team will see the data.

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Supreme Court Rules that Legislation Does Not Protect Improper Impact Fees

Following a unanimous decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court today, California home owners, builders and developers may now challenge improper local impact fees for housing development even if the fees are authorized by legislation.

The decision is a major victory for the home owner involved in the case as well as home builders and developers, especially in California. NAHB and the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) submitted two amicus briefs in the case supporting the home owner.

The case, Sheetz v. El Dorado County, involved George Sheetz, a California resident who in 2016 applied for a permit to build an 1,800-square-foot manufactured home on a residential-zoned lot he owned. The county imposed a $23,420 “traffic mitigation fee” on the permit. Sheetz protested the fee but ultimately paid it, and then immediately sued the county arguing the fee was improper.

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Bond Traders Are Preparing for a 5% Yield, No-Rate-Cut World

Bloomberg | April 11, 2024

Bond traders are readying for 10-year US Treasury yields surpassing 5% as the scenario of no interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year looks increasingly possible.

Schroders Plc is shorting US bonds across some tenors as sticky inflation raises the risk of higher-for-longer rates.

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Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains in Positive Territory in First Quarter

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2024, posting a reading of 66, down one point compared to the previous quarter.

The NAHB/Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers to rate five components of the remodeling market as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” Each question is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where an index number above 50 indicates that a higher share view conditions as good than poor.

The Current Conditions Index is an average of three components: the current market for large remodeling projects, moderately-sized projects and small projects. The Future Indicators Index is an average of two components: the current rate at which leads and inquiries are coming in and the current backlog of remodeling projects.

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Green Building: Resiliency Practices

Green homes go beyond lessening their environmental impact; they also actively mitigate the effects of the environment upon them. All homes can face damage from environmental hazards, prompting builders to implement resiliency practices to reduce such risks. This post will detail the prevalence of resiliency building, specific practices by hazard, as well as resiliency certification systems.

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Which Local Markets Track National Trends the Most: Multifamily Focus

After examining trends in single-family permits, we now turn our attention to multifamily permits to continue our exploration of correlations in housing permit data. Using multifamily permits from 20122022, five-year and ten-year correlations are used to create an association index for each Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) that describes how similar, or dissimilar, particular MSAs are when compared to the national trend.

NAHB’s purpose in developing this set of statistics, which will be updated annually, is to give local industry leaders a measure to describe whether their local market typically matches overall macroeconomic trends. As a set of statistics, the MAI provides forecasters with another variable to scale and distribute local market forecasts for home building.

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NAHB Releases New Edition of What Home Buyers Really Want

At the recent 2024 International Builders' Show (IBS), NAHB released the 2024 edition of What Home Buyers Really Want, which delves into ever-evolving home buying preferences. Based on a nationwide survey of recent and prospective home buyers, the new edition of the popular report highlights the pandemic’s impact on home buyer priorities and the changing landscape of home trends.

As buyers redefine what home means to them in a post-pandemic world, home builders will need to navigate this new era of housing demands and understand the shifts in buyer expectations. What Home Buyers Really Want explores everything from architectural features to technological advancements using indispensable data and research.

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Buyer Preference for a Detached Home Remains Strong

A recent NAHB study on home buyer preferences* found that a single-family detached home remains the first purchase option for two of every three buyers. Far smaller shares are looking to buy a townhome (16%), a multifamily home (10%), or a manufactured home (5%).

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