August 2023 Building Connections

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 U G U S T 2 0 2 3

UPCOMING

FEATURES

Building Science Training HBRA Clambake September Golf Classic October Casino Night

HBRA Member Spotlights Picking Tile with Lana Camera PWB & Circle of Care - Joy for Jasmine Clambake, Golf Classic, & Casino Night Sponsorship Opportunities

MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

Darien (Flagship Yard)

Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

Lewisboro, NY

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.

RingsEnd.com | 800-390-1000

Wilton

New Milford

Bethel

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 Builder: CORNERSTONE Contracting

Innovative Options and Designs to Complement Your Home Pella’s Impervia® windows and doors provide unmatched strength, energy efficiency and lasting durability with proven performance. There’s never a need for painting or refinishing because with our powder-coat finish, our windows and doors resist chipping, chalking and fading.

Rot and corrosion-free to naturally resist water and bugs.

Complement your home with Pella’s proprietary, low maintenance fiberglass that offers a sleek and timeless style.

Our windows and patio doors have been tested to withstand some of the harshest conditions, including extreme heat and sub-zero cold, damaging UV rays and seacoast environments.

Pella. Perfectly Beautiful.

For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro 631-219-9258 or smortillaro@pellactny.com

EXEC U TIVE W ELCOME LETTER

Get ready for our fall lineup of events!

I hope everyone’s summer is going well and you are enjoying spending time with family and friends. Here at the HBRA, we have been working diligently to make sure our fall and winter season will be full of valuable education and networking opportunities. Our first event back will be our clambake at Boca on September 6. I hope to see you all there!

As a reminder, the HOBI portal is now accepting entries HERE- I know Fairfield County will have an amazing showing at the HOBI’s once again! Be sure to enter your project! As a reminder, if you know someone who would benefit from becoming a member-we are currently running a special for new members - Join now and come to your first 3 meetings for free!

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

MISSION

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 are independently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future.

”

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

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.

LO V E T H E L I F E YO U S E E. Learn more at andersenwindows.com “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. DMS 01/22

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

6 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

Upcoming Events Register Today!

Weds. Sept. 6: Annual HBRA Clambake Boca Oyster Bar, Bridgeport New venue with Surf & Turf Dinner (lobster & steak) and drinks!

Mon. Sept. 18: Golf Classic Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Our biggest event of the year! Golf & dinner registration, sponsorships, & raffle prize donations now open!

Thurs. Oct. 19: Casino Night with the HBRA Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton Brand new event! Try your luck at the tables, and bring your highest bids for some great prizes at our Silent Auction!

Tues. Oct. 24: Building Science Training Hotel Zero Degrees, Norwalk Educational training - breakfast included!

For more info & to register, visit buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7

ELITE 2023 OFFICERS Immediate Past President Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance President: John Hertz Hertz Construction

DIAMOND

Senior VP: Rob Michaud Michaud Group VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate Lumber Treasurer: Steven Roth Elevator Service Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

TITANIUM

2023 DIRECTORS Chris Shea

Domus Constructors, LLC

George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

PLATINUM

Kevin Polcer

Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite

Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp

A VERTEX COMPANY

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LIFE DIRECTORS since 1972

Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Gary Fanali City Carting Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

GOLD

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

MEDIA

Membership Discounts & Deals 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: Log in at www.nahb.org 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/ AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9

Building Science event hosted by HBRA of Fairfield Join HBRA for an educational building science program with Building Science Expert: Justin Wilson from Construction Instruction.

Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 ABOUT

JUSTIN WILSON: Justin is a is a Principal Managing Partner of Construction Instruction. As the Operations Expert, he leads research initiatives and company operations. Justin works with national and regional builders on new construction of residential and commercials buildings and forensic investigations on building sites all over North America to find solutions to problems in the building processes that affect energy, comfort, and durability.

Justin works with leading building product manufacturers on new product development, testing, product refinements,installation, and maintenance guidelines. Thermal enclosure improvements, indoor air quality, occupant comfort, HVAC integration and design of homes are his primary industry interests. He also has a passion for affordable net-zero energy homes with advanced and durable thermal enclosures.

Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.

Please note there is a $20 entry fee for this event When:

10 AM - 12 PM

What:

Topics covered include:

•

Solutions to the current and upcoming CT Code

•

How to avoid potential moisture problems

•

Easy solutions to building a high performance home

•

Solutions to adding Exterior thermal to your building

•

Common building science mistakes and easy solutions

Where:

Hotel Zero Degrees 353 Main Ave Norwalk, CT RSVP to Kerry Brunn by September 7th kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com | 203-335-7008

10 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

CLICK HERE to Register 23-0046

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

MEMBERS DOING

BUSINESS ...

WITH MEMBERS

Networking & Collaboration are Essential to Success

HBRA Member Jared O'Mara Smarthome and Theater Systems HBRA Member Garrett Wilson Garrett Wilson Builders

Smarthome and Theater Systems and Garrett Wilson Builders have collaborated with each other since 2019. Thanks to HBRA’s networking events, Jared O’Mara, principal owner of Smarthome and Theater Systems, and Garrett Wilson, owner of Garrett Wilson Builders, met at a networking event in Norwalk. They got to know each other and learned about each other's services and approach to doing business. It was evident they would benefit from collaborating on projects to bring about positive results.

The project also included seamless integration and smart home control of many aspects of the home, giving the client the ability to control their lighting, music, video systems, and shades all at the touch of a button.

The efforts of STS and GWB resulted in a successful collaboration and a client who was thrilled with the outcome.

Jared O’Mara and Garrett Wilson share an undeniable dedication to their clients.Jared and Garrett have collaborated on several projects.

One notable project was a spacious 10,000+ square-foot home in Riverside Connecticut that included multiple living and entertaining areas. STS and GWB spent countless hours collaborating to bring their client’s vision to life. By working with precision, they ensured proper placement, installation, fit and function of all products and technology. The luxury home now boasts a professional golf and gaming simulator, a media room featuring a video wall with five TVs, a state-of-the-art outdoor sound system, hidden indoor speakers, and a built-in TV above the fireplace.

The synergy between Smarthome and Theater Systems & Garrett Wilson Builders is clear.

They share a strong work ethic and value collaboration, transparency, communication, responsiveness, and a relentless attention to detail. They are driven to surpass client expectations and understand the value of teamwork.

12 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

Get to Know Smarthome and Theater Systems:

STS designs and installs unique indoor and outdoor custom smart technology solutions for homeowners, builders, architects, designers, and businesses throughout Connecticut. Jared and his team are committed to delivering top notch service, the latest in smart technology and seamless installations. For over 20 years, they have seen the industry grow and change dramatically and have kept up every step of the way to bring the best to their clients.

Jared helps his clients understand what is possible. His innovative approach coupled with his advanced programming skills gives clients a system that is easy to use and simple to understand. His greatest motivation is making clients happy. STS is unique as a high touch firm with an engineer on staff and tech support. This allows for exceptional customer service.

STS specializes in smart technology & automation, home theaters & media rooms, lighting, motorized shades, WiFi & networks, home office, wellness rooms, security, and outdoor living. They also have a commercial division, STS Corporate, dedicated to creating unique solutions to help businesses run smoothly and efficiently. STS Corporate provides Managed IT Services (MSP) to growing companies and designs and installs secure networks, fast Wi-Fi, video conferencing, business safety, and security.

“Collaboration and strong working relationships with all stakeholders are essential to success,” said O’Mara. “We strive to create beautiful, functional, and seamless homes for our clients by having excellent relationships with our partners. We’re grateful for our relationship with Garrett Wilson. We both value clear communication and transparency,” O’Mara concluded.

Get to know Garrett Wilson Builders:

With over two decades of experience at the pinnacle of high-quality home design and construction, GWB provides superior craftsmanship, unparalleled technical ability, relentless attention to detail, and outstanding value. As a result of their exceptional diligence, they aim to exceed the expectations of every client. Their infrastructure and resources, combined with their stability and efficiency, make them uniquely qualified to meet every challenge.

Since 1999, they’ve built strong working relationships with some of the finest architects, craftsmen, and suppliers in the nation. Their extensive experience and industry relationships make it possible to deliver completed projects unmatched in function as well as form. Garrett Wilson and his team adhere to five simple principles: transparency, integrity, dedication, efficiency, and teamwork.

“What makes us unique as a construction company is that we never subcontract for project management, so our clients know that we’re here for them, as a team, both during and after the project.” said Wilson. He added, “We don’t just know construction. We know how to give our clients the best service, the best products, and the best experience available — anywhere.”

We are grateful for the HBRA: Jared and Garrett are proud members of the HBRA and grateful for their connection with each other and others.

Jared and Garrett agreed, “Networking and collaboration are the key to success. We highly recommend attending events and getting to know your fellow members. The collaboration opportunities are endless.”

For more information, please contact: Jared O’Mara at jared@audiovideoct.com |203-659-9354 |audiovideoct.com|stscorporate.com Garrett Wilson at garrett@garrettwilsonbuilders.com |203-259-3333 |garrettwilsonbuilders.com AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13

Clambake on the Water September 6, 2023 | 6pm-9pm | Boca Oyster Bar Steelpointe Harbor: 10 East Main Street, Bridgeport Join the HBRA for our annual Clambake on the Water at a new location, the beautiful Boca Oyster Bar. This year dinner includes an all-new surf & turf dinner menu!

Every attendee will enjoy lobster, sirloin steak, clams, mussels, salad, red potatoes, and corn on the cob!

Two drink tickets included, cash bar thereafter.

Boca Oyster Bar is a half mile / approximately 12 minute walk from the Bridgeport Metro-North Train Station.

HBRA Members: $150 | General Admission: $160 Week of Event Price Increase: HBRA Members: $160 | Gen. Admission: $170

Sponsorships Available!

CLICK HERE for Registration and Sponsorships!

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

Presenting Sponsor - $2000

- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on banner at event - Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on all marketing materials - 3 tickets to the event - 1 minute to speak at the event - Tagged in social media post - Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for September

Dinner Sponsor - $1500

Drink Sponsor - $1250

- Premium signage at the food table - Logo on cocktail napkins - Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials - 2 tickets to the event - Tagged in social media post - Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for September

- Premium signage at the bar - Logo on drink tickets - Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials - 2 tickets to the event - Tagged in social media post - Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for September

Membership Raffle - $450

Event Sponsor - $350

Includes signage at the event & have a member of your team draw the winning raffle ticket to announce the lucky winner!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials - 1 ticket to the event - Tagged in social media post - Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for September

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15

Ready to

pick tile

like a pro?

We found a tile expert & asked for some pro tips!

Meet Lana Camera, Creative Director & Product Manager at Tile America.

Selecting tile for your home can be overwhelming as there are many options and considerations...

Below are some ideas that can provide a starting point to prepare you for your project. An inspirational photo that speaks to you is the best place to start. This photo can serve as a conversation starter with a design consultant in a tile showroom and may lead to the final look, it’s a great starting place!

COLOR & SCALE: Only you can decide what color is right, but here are a few basic rules to remember: Lighter colors make a space appear brighter and larger while darker colors add warmth and can hide everyday spills. A neutral colored tile can allow you to change the style of the space with paint and accessories, but if you love a trendy color, go for it! Just keep in mind, this is an investment and will be with you while trends change. Size matters. Tile is available in many sizes from small 3/8" mosaics to 24"x48" larger slab tiles and everything in between. We have seen a recent shift toward larger tiles for floor and wall applications. As a result, 12"x24" have become the norm option for floors and walls. The reason is that larger tiles make a space appear bigger due to less grout joints. Paired with beautiful mosaics, these large format tiles can add an element of visual interest to your space.

16 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

STYLE: There are many styles to choose from but some considerations to keep in mind are how it relates to the overall decorating style of your home for a more cohesive look. For example, rustic or stonelooking tiles are good with many decors and are excellent at hiding dirt, polished marble tiles lend a more formal look. While white “subway" tiles are still just as popular as ever and fit in with any decor. Newer products such as glass and metal tiles are frequently paired with ceramic tile or natural stone to create a unique and modern installation. Always think of the long game, is this your forever home or are you looking to sell it? If you plan on staying, ask yourself, will I like this 10 years from now? If you plan on selling your home, staying with a decorating style that has broad appeal is best.

DURABILITY: With ‘Back to School’ right around the corner, kitchens and mudrooms are the perfect way to organize your family.

These areas are high-traffic and the heart of the home. Using a high wear-rated tile provides years of easy maintenance and clean up that a family, pets, and New England weather demands. Make sure to ask for the wear code on the tile to be sure you have the correct product for your use. Another tip is to pick a tile with shade variation in the glaze to hide everyday messes.

Be sure to always think of the long game.

BUDGET: Do a little research and be realistic about what your project could cost. A good way to assess your budget is to ask yourself a few questions: is this a primary area with high visibility or an area of low priority? What is the return on your investment if you do decide to sell the home? Are the changes you are making going to add value? These could determine the selections you make and the budget you choose.

These are just a few considerations as your project is important and costly! Working one on one with an expert tile designer is essential for guidance to the right products and educating you on what you need and why. Go to tileamerica.com where you can get started with inspirational photos, make an appointment, or visit one of our showrooms and let a design consultant show you how different materials can be combined to turn your dream into a reality.

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17

Join us for our biggest event of the year!

Sept. 18 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Golf ornow dinner-only registration, sponsorships, raffle Register to receive early bird pricing for the 18 andprize 9 hole donations, & volunteer opportunities all available! tournaments!

We also have sponsorship opportunities available.

Click below for more information.

Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments 18 Hole: 11am Shotgun Start

18 Hole SOLD OUT$1000 - email/hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com Early Bird Pricing: foursome or $250 / golfer to join the waitlist Increase after Aug. 18: $1100 / foursome or $275 / golfer

9 Hole: 2pm Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer Increase after Aug. 18: $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

All golfers receive on-course lunch and dinner.

Dinner-Only & Volunteer Dinner-Only Opportunities

Not a golfer?

Sign up to volunteer or registerinfor Network with industry friends, participate our raffle dinner-only!

Network with golfers and industry friends, with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the and you can still participate in our raffleinside, with awesome awards!

This year dinner will be back featuring prizes! open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations!

CLICK HERE to Register for Golf or Dinner!

SponsorshipsAvailable! & Raffle Sponsorships Prize Donations

Opportunities are available for every Opportunities are available budget. This event sells out,for so every book budget.

This event sells out, so your sponsorship today! book your sponsorship today!prize We are also accepting raffle We are alsodonations. accepting raffle prize donations.

18 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

CLICK HERE for Info!

HBRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Over his career, Christopher Pappas has worked for several large, and regional lenders. Currently at U.S. Bank, Christopher has a full suite of mortgage lending programs to fit almost any client’s borrowing needs.

Christopher Pappas

Mortgage Loan Originator U.S. Bank

Christopher Pappas began his career in retail mortgage banking over 35 years by accident while attending a job fair at the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC. He was not looking at a career in the banking industry, but when the speaker from Chemical Bank who making his pitch to the audience to join his firm made with such passion, and enthusiasm, it was at that precise moment Christopher knew where he needed to be.

Christopher grew up on Long Island, and upon graduating from college moved to Queens to begin working in NYC. While working at the bank it was there, he met his wife, Lisa. When the time came to purchase a home, they decided to move to Danbury, Connecticut in 1992, where he raised two wonderful children Jake and Alison. His biggest passion is spending time with family, and friends.

In his spare time loves to spend time on the ski slopes often with his wife and children, and tries, emphasizing tries, to play golf, and loves going out in the yard to do gardening.

Over his career has worked for several large, and regional lenders, and even joined a private boutique mortgage brokerage company, which he assisted and grew to a thriving concern. Christopher specializes in retail residential lending for 1-4 family units, condos, and co-ops, for primary residences, secondary/vacation homes, and investment properties. Clients range from first time homeowners, all the way up to the seasoned home buyers. He has a full suite of mortgage lending programs to fit almost any client’s borrowing needs. Such as new construction/renovation programs, raw land/lot loan purchases, FHA, VA, conventional, and jumbo loan programs. He works very closely with his clients from the initial consultation all the way to the closing.

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19

MEMBER N EWS

Joy for Jasmine The PWB Philanthropy committee has partnered with Circle of Care, an organization who provides emotional and financial assistance to children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Specifically working on a project called Art from the Heart, which provides a dream-room makeover for a child undergoing cancer treatment.

The PWB team of volunteers created a dream bedroom for Jasmine. Jasmine was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2021, her condition is stable, and she is currently undergoing treatment. She graduated from high school in June and will be attending college in the fall. She plans to live at home while attending college.

The team met with Jasmine to learn more about her and what her dream bedroom would look like. Afterward the volunteers designed the room and procured items either by donation or purchased from monetary donations to complete the project.

The team of 13 volunteers over the course of the weekend, worked very hard to complete this stunning bedroom makeover.

The project was completed the weekend of July 15 & 16th with the reveal on Sunday, July 16th. The reveal was a huge success and Jasmine loves her new bedroom.

20 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

THE HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY PRESENTS

Casino Night 10.19.23 | 6:30pm-10pm Rolling Hills Country Club 333 Hurlbutt Street, Wilton CT

You are invited to join the HBRA for our first annual Casino Night. Try your luck at the tables, and bring your highest bidsfor some great prizes at our Silent Auction!

All attendees will receive $200 of “funny money” to use at gaming tables including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Poker.

Winners will receive a raffle ticket for some great prize items!

Additional funny money will be available for purchase!

We’ll also have a Silent Auction to benefit the HBRA’s charitable endeavors with great prizes - bring your highest bids!

This fundraising event will help support our partnership with the Circle of Care, helping children and families dealing with pediatric cancer.

$200 per person

Includes dinner, open bar, and $200 “funny money” for games

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!

CLICK HERE to register

22 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

CLICK HERE to SPONSOR

The HBRA of Fairfield County Presents

Casino Night

Sponsorship Opportunities

PRESENTING SPONSOR $2000

WELCOME SPONSOR $2000

• • •

•

• • •

Exclusive headline sponsor Banner prominently displayed Logo on these items: souvenir casino cups, event tickets and HBAF website/social media 5 event tickets Tagged Instagram post Full page ad in Building Connections for two months

• • • • •

DINNER SPONSOR $2000 • • • • •

Exclusive welcome from a representative at your company Banner at registration table and on HBAF website Four representatives to welcome guests 5 event tickets Tagged Instagram post Full page ad in Building Connections for two months

Speaking opportunity 5 event tickets Banner at event with your logo Tagged Instagram post Full page ad in Building Connections for two months

DRINK SPONSOR $1250

CHIP SPONSOR $1000

• • •

• • •

A banner at the bar 4 tickets Logo on 100 cups to be served at your bar and on HBAF website

RAFFLE SPONSOR $500 • • •

Logo on ticket box, prize tag and banner 2 tickets Opportunity for company representative to present prize to winner

Exclusive funny money sponsor 3 tickets Logo on all funny money, a sign to advertise it and on website

GAME ON! SPONSOR $500 • •

Logo on one gaming table 2 tickets

EVENT SPONSOR $250 • •

Company name on one bistro table 1 ticket

GO ALL IN

10.19.23 Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

RING’S END

RING’S END COMPANY CULTURE Strategic Vision

Since 1902

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.

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 passion join the Ring’s End team today!

Scan to apply

RingsEnd.com/careers 24 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

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) APPLY ONLINE Workplace flexibility Education Assistance Program Employee Wellness Program Legal Consultation Program

NEW MEMBERS

Homer C. Godfrey Masonry Supply | Melanie Ruggieri

The Homer C. Godfrey Company is a family owned mason supply business, founded in 1923. We are known as a source for bricks, pavers, block, stone, cement, limestone, pre-cast, drainage pipe, and many other masonry supplies. Read More

John Jones Architect, LLC | John Jones

My mission is to create beautiful and sustainable homes that help homeowners fulfill their dreams of comfortable spaces for family togetherness, welcoming environments to share with guests, and tranquil escapes from the hectic demands of the modern world. Read More

Mandy Riggar Interiors | Mandy Riggar

We are a Greenwich, Connecticut based full-service residential renovation & new construction interior design studio. We are on a mission to create unapologetically joyful spaces for our community. We specialize in whole-home renovation + wholehome furniture projects. Read More

P.C. Richard & Son Long Island Corp. | Brian Quigley

Established in 1909, P.C Richards retails electronics, computers, household appliances and entertainment systems. Our mission is to make every customer’s experience a great one, and we know that with hard work comes rewarding and endless possibilities. Read More

The Sales Group, LLC | Jeff Dougherty

The Sales Group is a 2nd generation manufacturers rep firm, with 2019 marking our 40th Anniversary. Our ethical approach and professionalism has earned us a reputable position in the market with our customers, manufacturers, architects, and designers.

Read More

Vesica Design and Construction | Chris Dortenzio

Two generations of experience, an uncompromising commitment to excellence, and exceeded expectations with every custom home built by Vesica Design and Construction. Connecticut’s premier home builders since 2002. Read More

AFF ILIATES

Steven Winter Associates Inc. | Steve Klocke

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25

“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017. Roberta and the rest of the team have been instrumental in helping to get our brand in front of our target audience: homeowners, architects, and interior designers. Working with the New England Home Connecticut team feels closer to a supportive friendship than a business agreement. We highly recommend them (and their networking events) to everyone in the home industry!”

— KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN: FOREHAND + PARTNERS ARCHITECTURE: NATHAN J TOPF ARCHITECTS BUILDER: HALLMARK ASSOCIATES

Contact Associate Publisher, Roberta Mancuso to learn how New England Home Connecticut can enhance your marketing efforts. rmancuso@nehomemag.com | 203.530.9593 Proud media sponsor of the HBRA of Fairfield Country

nehomemag.com

JOB BAN K

AVAILAB LE J O B S : These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

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.

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.

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

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27

JOB BAN K

AVAILAB LE J O B S : (Co nti nued) These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

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

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29

The Finest Decorative Hardware Selection for Builders and Designers

Visit our showroom at our Weed & Duryea location 21 Grove St, New Canaan

Schedule a Consultation

Elevate your projects with our meticulously crafted decorative hardware, designed to inspire builders and designers.

475.319.6922

hurena@northeastco.com

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

N EWS

White House Announces Plans to Boost Housing Supply, Help Renters The White House today announced a Housing Supply Action Plan that it said would ease restrictive and costly land use and zoning rules, expand financing for energy efficient housing, and promote commercial-to-residential conversion opportunities.

As part of this plan, HUD is unveiling an $85 million federal program called the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing whereby the agency will award grants of up to $10 million to jurisdictions that are working to remove barriers to housing production.

Funding can be used to allow for higher-density zoning and rezoning for multifamily and mixed-use housing, streamlining affordable housing development, and reducing requirements related to parking and other land use restrictions. The administration will also be allocating funds to increase housing supply through zoning reform.

Read More

NAHB Urges SCOTUS to Restrain Federal Agencies’ Power to Interpret Regulations NAHB is continuing its ongoing battle to rein in excessive regulations and overzealous federal regulators. NAHB has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in an upcoming Supreme Court case that seeks to overturn a previous Supreme Court decision made decades ago that gives the government an unfair advantage when someone challenges a regulation in court.

Read More

32 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

COUNTY HAS ALL YOUR APPLIANCE & SMART HOME NEEDS SALES | SERVICE | INSTALLATION | CONCIERGE SUPPORT | BUILDER PROGRAMS

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State Mandated Retirement Plans

Employee Contribution Limits

Employer Contributions

State-facilitated IRA programs

401(k) Plans

$6,500 (2023)

$22,500 (2023)

$7,500 if age 50 or older (2023)

$30,000 if age 50 or older (2023)

Not Allowed

Matching and profit-sharing contributions (Not Required though) $66,000 (2023 defined contribution annual addition limit)

Automatic Enrollment Yes

Yes

Employer Tax Credits

May be permitted

Potential tax credits of up to $5,500 per year for the first 3 years. Potential employer contribution credit of $1,000 (maximum) per employee

Investment options

Limited

Broad Offering Available

As required by state law

Subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) reporting, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties

Administrative responsibilities

Be Unstoppable with Help from UPS® The world moves fast – and your NAHB UPS® Savings Program has the tools you need to help your small business move even faster. We’re here to help you push envelopes and ride the edge of what’s possible. We’ll be right by your side with everything you need to keep blazing forward.

Let UPS® help make your business unstoppable. Members enjoy the following savings every time you ship: • 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred • 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential • 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports • Up to 50% off on additional services.

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Through your NAHB UPS® Savings Program, you have access to insurance that can help keep your business moving despite the everyday risks of shipping.

All you have to do is enter the value of the goods in the declared value* field of your UPS® approved shipping system and you are on your way to better shipping experiences.

Start covering your shipments today: savewithups.com/nahb Legal Disclaimer: Insurance coverage is offered through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., a licensed insurance producer. If you elect protection for your shipment, it will be insured under a policy of insurance (the “Policy”), but you are not an insured under the Policy. In the event of a loss covered under such Policy, any resulting claim payment will be directed to you as a loss payee. All insurance-related information is provided by UPS Capital and does not in any way alter or amend the terms, conditions, or exclusions of the Policy.

Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions or on all shipments. © 2023 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, UPS Capital, InsureShield, the UPS brandmark, and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

36 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

N EWS

New OSHA Rules on Injury Recordkeeping and Reporting Go Into Effect Jan. 1

Connect with NAHB Peers to Solve OSHA last week published a final rule amending its workplace injury Business Challenges and illness recordkeeping regulation to require certain employers to electronically submit additional injury and illness information annually.

Every NAHB member at one point in their career has encountered a challenge that can The main change is the requirement that companies with more than be overcome by being connected 100 employees in certain industries submit information from OSHA to an expert, mentor or colleague Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, and Form 301, in the industry. To help members Injury and Illness Incident Report, to OSHA on an annual basis. get the answers they need The requirement does not cover all of construction but does include to help their business thrive, some sectors that home builders rely on, like foundation, structure, NAHB Connect is an online community exclusively for NAHB and building exterior contractors, and manufacturers of many members. The forum provides an building materials. opportunity to have honest peerThese new requirements will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024, and the to-peer discussions, seek or give required data from the previous year must be submitted to OSHA by advice on the industry, and learn March 2. and share ideas.

Read More Read More

New Home Sales Cool in June on Higher Mortgage Rates Rising mortgage rates and elevated construction costs put a damper on new home sales last month.

Sales of newly built, single-family homes in June fell 2.5% to 697,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly revised reading in May, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, new home sales are up 23.8% from a year ago.

“Rising mortgage rates in June, coupled with elevated construction costs and supply chain issues for electrical transformers, acted as headwinds on the new home sales market,” said Alicia Huey, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “Demand for new homes cooled in June primarily due to a more than quarter-point rise in mortgage rates over the previous month,” said Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB’s assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis. “However, the lack of existing inventory and the Federal Reserve nearing the end of its rate hikes signal that demand for new homes may rise in the coming quarters.”.

Read More

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N EWS

Which Markets Have the Highest Homeownership Rates?

While U.S. homeownership rates have been rising since 2015 and received an extra boost during the post-pandemic housing boom, they remain below the levels reached during the housing boom of the mid-2000s. With the national trends reflecting fundamental drivers of home owners, local markets often tell different and unique stories.

Housing, Industrialized: Designing for Off-Site Eith one slight change to his floor plan schematic, architect Ryan White increased the production of a new single-family project by 33%.

NAHB’s analysis of the 2021 five-year American Community Survey county-level data reveals substantial variation in homeownership rates How? By shaving just a foot off across U.S. counties, ranging from less than 25% in urban counties the depth of the three-story, of New York to over 90% in exurban counties of Denver and in the side-by-side duplex destined South. for an infill lot in Pittsburgh, Factors impacting homeownership rates include both geography and he enabled Structural Modular population density, with high-cost-of-living coastal areas registering Innovations to build three boxes some of the lowest homeownership rates. at a time on its factory floor instead of only two.

Read More Read More

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 39

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Try our Visualizer @TileAmerica.com 40 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 40

N EWS

New Guide Identifies Best Practices for Wood Balcony and Deck Construction Home Innovation Research Labs and the USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory recently released a new guide to help identify design principles and construction practices to improve the moisture performance of wood-framed balconies and decks.

The Durable Solutions for Balconies and Decks illustrated guide covers all phases of the construction of wood-framed balconies and decks, including building code considerations, design, building material selection, and ongoing maintenance.

The guide focuses on cantilevered balcony designs, which have suffered catastrophic structural failures, such as the 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley. The guide provides detailed illustrations of best practices and checklists for inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety of home owners and users of balconies and decks.

Read More

Register for NAHB Virtual Townhall Meeting on Aug. 30 NAHB’s Senior Officers will host a series of Virtual Townhall Meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The meetings are an important opportunity for members and HBA leadership to provide feedback to NAHB leadership on emerging issues in their local communities. These conversations will help craft the agendas for Fall Leadership Meeting, Sept. 19-21, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Read More

Built On Great Relationships We are proud to work with the top builders, designers and remodelers in Connecticut. Your considerable talents enhance the lives of people – and we are thrilled to play a part in your success.

“To help us deliver our designs, we trust Bender and their amazing showrooms and consultants.

They make the whole process come together seamlessly.”

Jonathan Gordon, Design by the Jonathans

bendershowrooms.com decorative plumbing | kitchen & bath cabinetry | tile & stone Hartford | New Haven | Norwalk | Waterbury © 2023 Bender Plumbing

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 41

CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS Your Source for ANY

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HOURS: M-F 8-6, Sat 9-5, Sun closed

42 HBRA offamily Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023 Locally owned & operated since 1972 – now in 3rd generation.

N EWS

NAHB Chief Economist: 'The Housing Market is Diverging'

Single-Family Starts Decline in June but Permits Post Solid Gain

As the Federal Reserve digests the latest inflation and labor market data, the housing market is diverging. Single-family construction is moving off cycle lows, while multifamily development is slowing after an unexpectedly strong run.

Single-family production fell back after four straight monthly gains as elevated construction costs and rising mortgage rates led to a reduction in home building activity and affordability conditions worsened for home buyers.

Interest rates moved sharply higher at the start of July and then pulled back as the bond market attempted to predict the final actions by the Federal Reserve for this tightening cycle. From the end of June until the first week of July, the 10-year Treasury rate increased from 3.7% to almost 4.1%.

This lifted the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to almost 7%, per the Freddie Mac weekly survey.

Overall housing starts in June decreased 8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.43 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Read More

The June reading of 1.43 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months.

Within this overall number, single-family starts decreased 7% to a 935,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate.

Read More

Builder Confidence Edges Higher Despite Rising Rate Concerns Low existing inventory that is keeping demand solid for new homes helped to push builder confidence up in July even as the industry continues to grapple with rising mortgage rates, elevated construction costs and limited lot availability.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in July posted a one-point gain to 56, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This is the seventh straight month that builder confidence has increased and marks the highest level since June of last year.

“The lack of resale inventory means prospective home buyers who have not been priced out of the market continue to seek out new construction in greater numbers,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “At the same time, builders are troubled over rising mortgage rates approaching 7% and continue to grapple with supply-side challenges, including ongoing scarcity of electrical transformer equipment and growing concerns about lot availability.”

“Although builders continue to remain cautiously optimistic about market conditions, the quarter-point rise in mortgage rates over the past month is a stark reminder of the stop and start process the market will experience as the Federal Reserve nears the end of the ongoing tightening cycle,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.

Read More

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 43

N EWS

Is Inflation Cooling? Building Material Prices Podcast: Cautious Optimism for the Next Indicate Yes Continuing a trend of slowing price growth that began in 2022, Six Months overall prices of building materials were unchanged in June, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report. The index has gained 0.5% year to date and has not increased 1% or greater in any month since March 2022.

The PPI for all final demand goods was unchanged in June following a 1.6% decline in May (seasonally adjusted). The index has declined 0.2% from a year ago, while the PPI for final demand goods less food and energy has increased 2% (not seasonally adjusted).

Read More

44 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

On the latest episode of NAHB’s Housing Developments podcast, cohosts CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez record from New York City where they’re discussing the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) numbers with members of the media. Tune in this week to hear what’s going on with builder confidence, interest rate concerns that are dampening optimism, NAHB testimony on regulatory burden on home building and how NAHB is pushing back on House efforts to eliminate Job Corps.

Listen Now

46 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 47

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48 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023

Will Contento Huber Engineered Woods 781.910.1763 william.contento@huber.com

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AUGUST 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 49

50 HBRA of Fairfield County | AUGUST 2023