April 2020 Building Connections Magazine

T H E E - M A G A Z I N E O F T H E H B R A O F FA I R F I E L D C O U N T Y - A P R I L 2 0 2 0

UPCOMING

Member Benefit Seminar HBRA Golf Outing Save the Date

FEATURES Member News Latest Updates

MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

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

On the Cover

LTW Design Leia T Ward https://ltwdesign.com/

2020 OFFICERS President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Sr. Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Insurance

Vice President John Hertz

Hertz Construction

Secretary Rob Michaud

The Michaud Group

Immediate Past President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

2019 DIRECTORS Propane Pete Battaglio Hocon Gas

Max Bender Bender Supply

Steve Berko

Four Square Build & Design

Michael Church

William Pitt Sotheby’s

Ken DeLeo

Doherty & DeLeo

Brian Kurtz

Interstate Lumber

Steve LoParco

LoParco Associates, Inc.

Steven Roth

Elevator Service Company

Alex Shook

Pella Commercial

Michael Wood Wood Builders

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Gary Fanali City Carting

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

L ET T ER F ROM TH E H BRA PRESIDEN T

Members, First and foremost I hope everyone is healthy.

I have heard and know about numerous COVID patients in our area, and I know we lost at least one former builder member to this virus.

Please keep safe!

I started off the year very optimistic about the housing market and jobs on the board for my company as well as the future of the HBRA. Like many of you those jobs are now pushed off, delayed, non-starters or forced to suspend by the State. I am very happy that the HBRA has successfully lobbied to date to keep construction as an Essential Business. Never has my membership and involvement meant more than now.

That said, Essential Business status is not to be taken lightly. All of our members must ensure this status and safety of ourselves and workers by policing ourselves. Practicing all of the CDC and state mandated guidelines. I have heard stories of jobs with 20, 30, or even 50 workers on a single family home. Let’s be smart out there collectively.

In time this will pass, we will start gathering again to network, golf, clambake, celebrate and support one another. The pent up demand for our services and our drive as business owners to take this time to improve will shine through when the time is right. For now, stay safe, stay involved, and hang in there.

Regards, Anthony B. DeRosa

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UPCOMIN G EVEN TS

4.28

Member Benefits Virtual Seminar April 28, 2020 3:00 - 3:30PM Click Here To Register

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L ET T ER F ROM TH E H BRA EXECUTIVE OF FICER

Dear Members, In these unprecedented times, I hope you are doing well and staying healthy.

HBRA would like to ensure that you are staying updated and informed, while construction has been deemed an essential business in the state of Connecticut. This Essential status has been a large undertaking for the HBRA, its lobbyist and Legislative arm. We want to thank Jim Perras, State of CT EO for the HBRA as well as the many members who have worked with Governor Lamont and his team. This will allow business to be strong in the coming months for our members.

Please take a few minutes to read through this month’s edition of “Building Connections” to learn about what virtual events and educational opportunities are coming up. You will be able to read local stories/national reports and view all new members who have joined since last month’s edition was published.

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

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SAVE THE DATE October 19, 2020 Tashua Knolls Golf Course

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H BRA N EWS

The Next Great American Homes™ The Next Great American Home is inspired by the innovation needed for a changing world.

We began with a building process called Insulated Concrete Forms, or ICF. ICF is better than a traditional stick-built house in many ways. Along with cutting energy bills by up to 70%, the regulated and filtered indoor air flow make it healthier, and the concrete walls make it stronger and much quieter.

We also take full advantage of solar power, the latest technology for air and water purification and construction design that allows a building to withstand rising water levels and more intense storms Architect Leigh Overland’s idea was to make the construction of his own home a true team-building project. While acting as the architect on ABC Television’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” for a home in Bridgeport, he recognized the concept as a fast-paced, fun and successful method that not only resulted in a home but also proved to be a good way to connect with and educate the public.

The Next Great American Homes brings together builders, designers, manufacturers and many other consultants to join in projects to provide homes and to spread the word about homebuilding best practices.

The Ash Creek home is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, on a piece of property that would be unbuildable without the techniques that Architect Leigh Overland is employing.

His home will be modern and light-filled and also use solar power to the maximum, with a first floor elevated above the flood plain to withstand the most dangerous storms.

The strength imparted by Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction will allow it to stand through the highest winds.

Even the foundation, utilizing Helical anchors, binds the house more tightly to the land.

Read More 10 HBRA of Fairfield County | APRIL 2020

H BRA N EWS

BUILDERS OPPORTUNITY 3450 sq. ft. ranch Subdivided two 2acre lots Pool & tennis court $1,075k

John Cravenho 230 Bayberry Lane 917-693-5435

Westport - Excellent opportunity to renovate existing 3450 square ft. ranch on two elevated acres with pool and tennis court and develop an additional contiguous two acre vacant lot.

Second two acre lot received health department approval for an additional septic system and two story home with up to 5,000 square ft., with 2 car garage and pool. Developer would need to utilize prepared lot plan modification and additional new septic system plans to then seek conservation approval and a P&Z variance to allow a 10 foot shortfall on the distance requirement from existing ranch. A second option which would likely avoid the need for a variance would be to remove 10 feet off the dining room of the ranch while renovating it.

Both properties with surveys, septic plans and health department approval are being offered for the significantly discounted price of $1,075,000 as is, if under contract within 30 days.

Please call if interested in viewing the property,

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HAVE YOU SEEN OUR COVID RESOURCES PAGE? Visit https://buildfairfieldcounty.com/covid-19-local-and-national-updates/ for the latest local and national news including updates regarding HBRA Member - Do you have canned, non perishable items to donate? We are hosting a food drive for localCconnecticut food banks. Contact Kerry at kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com for pickup.

- Do you have masks, gloves, gowns or other PPE equipment to donate to area hospitals in desperate need? Contact Kerry at kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com for pickup.

- Do you have news about your business that you would like to share with the HBRA membership?

Email design@buildfairfieldcounty.com to coordinate an instagram story or a newsletter feature..

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N EW MEMBERS

Zoltan European Floors Inc. Zoltan Vincze

We are a member of the National Wood Flooring Association.

Zoltan European Floors, Inc. is a full service hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, carpet, and tile dealer & installer. In addition, our company is a Showcase Dealer of the Bruce, Armstrong, Mirage, and Hartco brands of hardwood flooring. Our flooring contractors specialize in custom hardwood flooring and tile installation, laminate flooring and refinishing as well as general home repairs, windows, doors, decks, carpentry, trim, and painting.

Our goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality in flooring and craftsmanship. Read More

Sunrooms of Connecticut dba Michael Morris

Sunrooms of Connecticut, DBA is CT’s only full service sunroom, hot tub, swim spa dealer & remodeling company who has been building sunrooms for homeowners & businesses for over 3 decades. We offer full service sunroom design & installtion services, representing Roll-A-Cover, Intl. and Hydropool products.

Sunrooms of Connecticut wants to help you bring the sunshine into your home, providing a backyard oasis year-round! Read More

Closet Factory Nataliya Bryksa

It all began over three decades ago when Closet Factory engineered the industry’s first truly custom closets. When we opened our doors in Los Angeles, California, closets were only on the minds of a few discerning people. We learned how to create closets that fit what people wanted, which led us to become the leader in custom closets. Today, we continue to set new standards in client care, custom closets, closet design, and craftsmanship.

Closet Factory has become a leading closet company franchise in the closet organization with over 50 locations throughout the United States. This national network of closet companies and their employees dedicated to creating the best custom closet solutions possible, right down to the smallest detail.Read More

Welcome to our new affiliates!

Matthew McVie

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N AH B N EWS

Further Relief Needed from COVID-19 for Renters and Housing Providers

FEMA to Allow for Remote Inspection of Flood Losses

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included many strong provisions for the housing industry, such as In response to the COVID-19 small business loans to support operations, tax credits to help retain pandemic, the Federal Emergency employees through the downturn, new banking provisions and Management Agency (FEMA) has mortgage forbearance. issued a new COVID-19 Remote However, housing providers, their employees and their residents Claims Adjusting Guidance will need additional economic relief to help avoid significant, longmemorandum that allows for term damage to the housing sector. remote inspections of flood losses to protect the health and safety Specifically, NAHB and other real estate providers are asking Congress to: Provide direct rental payment assistance to multifamily of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders properties on behalf of renters impacted by COVID-19 and NFIP adjusters during the Expand federal mortgage forbearance for multifamily properties outbreak.

Limit the eviction moratorium provisions to COVID-19 Read More Expand the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program so all housing firms are eligible for relief Read More

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N AH B N EWS

Builders Respond to Virus in a Variety of Ways In a recent NAHB survey, the vast majority of builders said they were allowing non-construction employees to work from home, but they were also implementing several measures to allow them to continue selling homes during the coronavirus pandemic. The most common of these is private showings of model homes, but online and drive-through closings are also being offered.

This information was collected through a question added to the survey for the April 2020 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The question listed eight possible measures and asked the single-family builders in the HMI panel if they were currently doing each, or planned to do it in the near future, in response to the coronavirus. At the top of the list, 84 percent of builders were allowing non-construction employees to work from home or planning to do so in the near future. According to a study published by NAHB last year, the average single-family builder has between 5 and 6 non-construction employees.

NAHB Course Provides Closer Look at Home Builders’ Finances The true measurement of a business owner’s success — the financial scorecard — is a reflection of proper financial management and accounting.

Builders and remodelers must understand accounting principles and job cost procedures to properly manage their businesses and achieve a balanced scorecard.

Read More

Read More

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N AH B N EWS

NAHB Members and HBAs Help Their Communities Respond to COVID-19

Builders Employ Several Strategies to Keep Selling Homes During Pandemic

The home building industry has always shown up to help in times of need, so it’s no surprise that NAHB members and HBAs across the country are reaching out to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent survey of NAHB members reveals they are In Florida, Adams Group, a member of the Charlotte-DeSoto implementing several measures Building Industry Association (CDBIA), created and donated 55 to allow them to continue selling intubation boxes to area hospitals in Southwest Florida and near homes during the coronavirus its manufacturing facility in Greenville, S.C., President and CEO pandemic.

Ethan Adams shared. The boxes were put to immediate use in the emergency room at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, The most common strategy the hospital’s director showed in a social media post. is private showings of model homes, with 59% of builders Fellow CDBIA members DR Horton of Southwest Florida, donated saying they doing this already or 400 N95 masks, 500 safety goggles and six cases of gloves to a planning to in the near future. local hospital in Fort Myers, and B&I Contractors partnered with Read More local construction and health companies to work on negative air units that will be used at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City and Health Park Medical Centers in Fort Myers.

Read More

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N AH B N EWS

New Podcast: NAHB Leaders Discuss Safety ICC to Move Forward Stand Down with 2021 Building On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast Housing Developments, Codes Despite NAHB CEO Jerry Howard and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin discuss the April 16 Objections COVID-19 Job Site Safety Stand Down, and designating residential construction as an “essential” business.

If you were not able to hold a safety stand down last week, it’s not too late. You can schedule a stand down anytime. Our detailed blueprints — in English and Spanish — will help builders conduct their safety stand downs, and include guidance on sharing the resources digitally.

Other job site safety information resources, including posters, are also available in English and Spanish.

Read More

The International Codes Council recently released its Final Action Report on proposed changes to Group B of its International Code, notably the International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code. The report did not address significant issues identified by NAHB after the online vote on the codes last fall and NAHB plans to appeal the decision.

Read More

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COVID IN SIGH TS

ICYMI: New Coronavirus Resources to Help Your Business In case you’ve missed any of our recent coverage, the nahb.org/coronavirus resource hub and this blog are continuously updated with a wide range of resources pertaining to COVID-19 and its impact on the economy and our members’ businesses. Here are a few highlights of this week’s updates.

Safety Is Our Top Priority NAHB takes safety seriously. On Thursday, April 16, we urged members, and all residential construction companies, to halt work for at least 10 minutes for a COVID-19 Job Site Safety Stand Down in order to educate workers on what they should do to keep themselves safe from coronavirus and to help “flatten the curve” for everyone.

If you were not able to hold a safety stand down this week, it’s not too late. You can schedule a stand down anytime. Our detailed blueprints — in English and Spanish— will help builders conduct their safety stand downs, and include guidance on sharing the resources digitally.

Other job site safety information resources, including posters, are also available in English and Spanish.

NAHB’s webinar series covers a variety of topics to help your business during this challenging time, and the recordings and slides are now available. Sessions include information on small business loans, tax relief provisions, job site safety, and cash management during the pandemic.

Read More

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2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23 Have a sales question? APRIL Email Ed at ed.schultek@sandler.com.

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$ M EM BER REBATES & DISCOUN TS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA MOSS; CHRISTOPHER PAGLIARO ARCHITECTS, MARK P. FINLAY INTERIORS, FLETCHER DEVELOPMENT

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Contact Associate Publisher, Roberta Mancuso to learn how New England Home Connecticut can help generate business for your company. rmancuso@nehomemag.com | 203.530.9593

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