August 2026 Building Connections

THE E-MAGAZINE OF THE HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - August 2026

BUILDING CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

UPCOMING

September 2-End of Summer GMM September 14-Golf Classic

MEMBER BENEFITS

HBRA Rebates Program NAHB Benefits mynpp.com

RingsEnd.com | 800•390•1000 | @rings_end

Proud to be the

ELITE SPONSOR of the HBRA of Fairfield County

DARIEN (Flagship Yard)

BETHEL

LEWISBORO

NEW MILFORD

WILTON

The Ring’s End Difference Inventory - Unsurpassedbreadthand 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.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

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: BUILDER: Domus Constructors, LLC ARCHITECT:David Scott Parker Architects PHOTOGRAPHER: Kirt Washington Photography HOUSE LOCATION: Fairfield, CT

2026 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President:

Rob Michaud

Michaud Development Group

President:

Brian Kurtz Interstate

Senior Vice President & Treasurer:

Chris Shea

Domus Contructors, LLC

Vice President:

Kevin Polcer

Polcer Home, LLC

Secretary:

Tori McBrien

McBrien Interiors

2026 DIRECTORS Bepin Mgushi

Fixitup Building and Remodeling

Christopher Pagliaro

Christopher Pagliaro Architects, LLC

Geoff Knapp

Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

Lisa Heldwhite

Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Robin Carroll

Karp Associates Inc.

Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC

PWB Chair: Tarra Del Chiaro Accurate Lock and Hardware

Life Directors:

Anthony DeRosa, DeRosa Builders Chris Steiner, Steiner Inc. Gary Fanali, Complete Dismantling Services, LLC Jerry Effren, The Greyrock Companies Joanne Carroll, JMC Resources, LLC John Hertz, Hertz Construction Inc. Kim DiMatteo, Cross Insurance Michael Palumbo, ERI Building & Design Peter Fusaro, Preferred Builders Peter Gaboriault, Bear Paw Builders

EXECUTIVE OFFICER WELCOME LETTER Dear Members, Welcome to the August edition of Building Connections. As summer begins to wind down, our industry continues to move full speed ahead.

This time of year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything we've accomplished together while looking ahead to an exciting fall. Our association remains committed to providing meaningful educational programs, advocacy efforts, community involvement, and events that help our members grow their businesses and strengthen relationships throughout the industry.

As we prepare for a busy fall calendar, I encourage you to mark your calendars, attend upcoming events, and continue supporting one another.

Our association thrives because of the dedication, expertise, and generosity of our members, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in our continued success.

Thank you for being an important part of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Together, we are building not only exceptional homes and businesses, but also a stronger industry and stronger communities.

Wishing you a productive finish to the summer, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn

“

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.

“

MISSION

Executive Officer Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

Upcoming Events Register Now! Saturday August 15th: Deadline to fill out the listing form and/or place an ad in the 2026 HBRA Membership Directory Wednesday September 2nd: End-of-Summer General Membership Meeting at Ring's End

Ring's End Darien | 5:30pm-8:30pm Registration is open for our annual GMM at Ring’s End, an outdoor event with live demos and displays from industry experts, giveaways and raffles, food trucks, and networking!

Friday September 11th: Deadline to enter the 2026 HOBI Awards Monday September 14th: Annual Golf Classic

Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Presented by Ring’s End, registration is still open for our “Happy Hour” dinner and volunteers! Sponsorships are also available for every budget.

Thursday September 24th: PWB Council Meeting Karen Berkemeyer Home, Westport | 4:30pm-6:00pm

Thursday October 15th: PWB Council Meeting TORRCO | 4:30pm-6:00pm

For more info & to register, visit

buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

LAST CALL - 2026 HBRA Membership Directory It’s that time of year again!

Listing forms & advertising opportunities are now available for the annual HBRA Membership Directory, published annually online accessible to our 500+ members and the general public.

Printed editions are distributed to marketing partners, displayed in member's showrooms, & in local businesses, and are also available upon request.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE FREE LISTING FORM Advertising opportunities are available for all budgets.

A Directory ad is an investment that gives you year-round exposure to fellow members, industry professionals, & consumers. Plus, revenue from ads helps the HBRA expand our services, events, & legislative advocacy to better serve the members of the HBRA.

CLICK HERE TO PLACE AN AD

Join us for our biggest event of the year!

Sept. 15 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Register now for our Happy Hour Dinner or to Volunteer! 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 - SOLD OUT $1200 / foursome or $300 / golfer

email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist

9 Hole: 1pm Shotgun Start - SOLD OUT $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist

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.

CLICK HERE for Info!

LOOKS AMAZING, RAIN OR SHINE Spendmorequalitytime enjoying your deck without thefuss ofcaring forwood.

WolfSerenity™Decking with High-Density Cellular™Technology isalow-maintenance deckingthatprovides the color variationand texture ofreal wood.Its moisture repellency makes it ideal for rainy and coastal regions. Plus it maintains itscolor, even in the sun, so you can expect long-lasting beauty.

John Keane Contractor Specialist Phone: (475) 372-7448 Email: jkeane@wolfhomeproducts.com

wolfhomeproducts.com | © 2026 Wolf Home Products. All Rights Reserved.

NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTERNSHIPS 2025-2026 Help us introduce high school students to trade careers and build your workforce of tomorrow!

The Norwalk Public Schools Workforce Development Program connects driven students with employers looking to offer real-world, hands-on job experience.

NPSWDP will connect students with employers from their career of interest, and interns will be paid directly from NPSWDP - all you as an employer need to do is offer the interns real-world job experience in your field.

To join the program and hire a student intern, please contact Carol WiltshireToth at wiltshiretothc@norwalkps.org with your name, company, and field (building, electrical, interior design, banking, etc.).

STUDENT INTERNS IN THE PROGRAM ARE: 16+ YEARS OLD 2.0+ CUMALITIVE GPA GRADES 10 - 12 SEEKING REAL-WORLD, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN THEIR FUTURE CAREER OF INTEREST

IN COLLABORATION WITH PATHWAYS TO CONSTRUCTION TRADES AND HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

IS A HOME ADDITION WORTH IT? By: Chris Shea, Managing Partner at Domus Constructors If you've been thinking about adding more space to your home, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, "Is a home addition really worth the investment?" In many cases, the answer is yes—but only when it's approached with careful planning, thoughtful design, and quality construction.

For many families, a home addition offers the opportunity to stay in the neighborhood they love while creating a home that better fits their lifestyle. Whether your family is growing, you're working from home more often, or you simply feel like you've outgrown your current layout, adding onto your home can be a smart alternative to moving. In today's housing market, where inventory can be limited and interest rates may make purchasing a new home less appealing, investing in your existing home often makes financial and practical sense.

BEFORE

The biggest advantage of a home addition isn't simply gaining more square footage— it's creating spaces that improve the way you live every day. A thoughtfully designed primary suite can provide privacy and comfort. An expanded kitchen can become the heart of the home for entertaining family and friends. A dedicated home office can increase productivity, while a family room addition creates space for everyone to gather comfortably. When designed well, these spaces become natural extensions of your home and enhance your overall quality of life.

Of course, not every addition automatically adds value. The most successful projects are those that blend seamlessly with the existing home. At Domus Constructors, we believe an addition should never look like it was added years later. The architecture, rooflines, exterior materials, window placement, and interior finishes should all feel cohesive. The goal is to create a home that feels complete—as though it was originally designed that way from the start.

AFTER

Planning is one of the most important parts of any addition. Before construction begins, homeowners should consider both their current needs and how they expect to use the space in the future. Will this addition still serve your family five or ten years from now?

Are there opportunities to improve traffic flow throughout the home while you're building? Sometimes the best projects involve not only adding space but also reconfiguring existing rooms to create a more functional layout.

It's also important to understand the return on investment. While every project is different, welldesigned additions can significantly increase a home's value, particularly when they add highly desirable living spaces such as primary suites, kitchens, or family rooms. Even beyond resale value, many homeowners find that the daily enjoyment and improved functionality of their home make the investment worthwhile long before they ever decide to sell.

One factor that's often overlooked is choosing the right builder. A successful addition requires much more than construction expertise. It involves careful planning, budgeting, communication, and problemsolving.

Working with an experienced team ensures that structural considerations, permitting, design coordination, and construction all come together efficiently while minimizing disruption to your daily life.

At Domus Constructors, we view every addition as an opportunity to improve not just a home, but the way our clients live in it. Our approach focuses on craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and creating spaces that feel timeless rather than trendy. We work closely with homeowners from the earliest planning stages through the final details to ensure the finished addition complements the existing home in both appearance and function.

Ultimately, the question isn't simply whether a home addition is worth it—it's whether it solves the right problem for your family. When designed with purpose and built with quality, a home addition can provide years of enjoyment, increase property value, and allow you to remain in the home and community you already love. For many homeowners, that's an investment that continues to pay dividends for years to come.

Domus Constructors has been a prominent custom home builder and remodeler in Fairfield County since 1998. Led by the acclaimed builder Chris Shea, we have earned a stellar reputation as the preferred choice for a wide range of home building and renovation projects.

Whether it's new construction, teardown, restoration of Chris Shea, Managing Partner an older home, or expansion of an existing space, we collaborate closely with you to ensure that the final outcome exceeds your expectations.

At Domus Constructors, upholding the highest standards of integrity and quality throughout the entire building process is our utmost priority. Through enduring relationships with reputable suppliers and subcontractors, we secure the best value for the products and services utilized in your home.

Since our establishment, we have consistently delivered integrity, quality, and value to homeowners across Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Ken Liptak COMPANY HISTORY My Estate Concierge (MEC) was founded in 2015 to elevate service in an industry where home owner needs are often fragmented or reactive.

Serving this space isn’t an extension of what we do— it is our sole focus.

OUR MISSION At MEC, we are not builders first; rather, we prioritize ongoing home maintenance and care.

That distinction matters.

It allows us to focus entirely on delivering a higher standard of service—one built on consistency, responsiveness, and trust.

Everything is designed with the homeowner’s needs in mind. Preventive maintenance.

Project oversight.

Even the unexpected.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT WHO WE SERVE MEC is ideal for discerning homeowners who value trusted relationships, exceptional quality of work, and above all, personalized service.

Our members appreciate having a dedicated point of contact who knows their home and can coordinate everything from routine maintenance to specialized projects.

Additionally, partnerships are paramount to our success. We provide turnkey home maintenance solutions for custom builders, architects, designers, realty offices, and family offices.

SERVICE ISN’T PART OF THE JOB – IT IS THE JOB A service-first philosophy is what sets us apart. At MEC, relationships are central.

Members are supported by a dedicated client services manager, available 24/7, and a primary field technician. Behind them is a vetted network of tradespeople who uphold the integrity of each home. The result is thoughtful, proactive, and elegant care—think the attention of a personal assistant meets the capabilities of a caretaker.

Where peace of mind feels like home.

With streamlined estate maintenance and management from a trusted partner, it’s even easier to love where you live.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT EXTRAORDINARY HOMES. EXCEPTIONAL HOME MANAGEMENT.

Say Hello To

On these principles, we’ve built our standout model for exceptional support: Service: Exceptional service is at the heart of everything we do. Our focus? Deliver a client experience that matches the quality of our work. Service isn’t just part of the job — it is the job.

Team: Every team member is essential to our collective success. We foster a culture of selflessness and prioritize communication and collaboration to provide the best possible client experience.

Accountability: Accountability is the foundation of trust.

Our processes prioritize transparency to deliver reliable results and ensure every task, big or small, is completed with integrity.

Results: Simply put, exceptional results are the expectation. We focus not only on the delivery of our products and services, but also on the experience along the way.

Clients appreciate the quality of our work — and enjoy the peace of mind that our trusted relationship affords.

Market General Manager of Fairfield County:

Ken Liptak

myestateconcierge.com kliptak@myestateconcierge.com (203) 962-2390 @myestateconcierge @mec_estatecare

in My Estate Concierge (MEC)

EVENT RECAPS Summer Social Brings Professionals Together

Young

The HBRA Young Professionals Committee welcomed members and guests age 45 and under to an evening of networking and summer fun at Aitoro Appliance in Norwalk.

Attendees enjoyed apps, snacks, and drinks while connecting with fellow professionals from across the home building industry.

The casual setting provided the perfect opportunity to build new relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen existing industry connections.

Dedicated to fostering networking, professional growth, and mentorship, the HBRA Young Professionals Committee continues to create valuable opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders.

Events like this showcase the strong sense of community and collaboration that make the HBRA an invaluable resource for young professionals.

EVENT RECAPS

EVENT RECAPS An Evening of Connections at Sunset Grille The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council gathered at Sunset Grille in Norwalk on for a relaxing summer evening of networking, community, and giving back. Members enjoyed beautiful waterfront views, live music, and great conversation while connecting with fellow professionals over cocktails and dinner as the sun set over the harbor.

In addition to the evening's networking, attendees came together to support a meaningful cause through a diaper drive benefiting The Children's Connection in Norwalk. Thanks to the generosity of our members, numerous packages of diapers were collected to help local families in need. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make a positive impact in our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another wonderful PWB Council event. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering in September!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT John Myron

COMPANY HISTORY Started in 2005, Go Minis was created as a locally owned and customer-focused competitor to the large name brands emerging in portable storage. Rooted in community involvement, Go Mini’s has grown into a national franchise with operators across the country!

LATEST PROJECT Serving the commercial side of our business, we delivered and on-site adjusted 35x 20ft containers for a large retail provider’s seasonal storage in late 2025! Maximizing space and specialty on-site relocating services, we were able to position all containers in highly desirable spots, with a record 15 units delivered in one day. Our ability to serve both small and large projects has earned us repeat business and a loyal partnership base. (Repeating in 2026, with new stores included!)

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

COMPANY MISSION

“To provide dependable, proactive, and accommodating portable storage solutions that give people confidence through life's transitions, business challenges, and unexpected emergencies. To build trusted relationships with our customers, employees, and community partners by setting the Gold Standard for service in every interaction. To exceed expectations, earn lifelong loyalty through repeat and referral business, and strengthen the communities we proudly serve.”

TARGET MARKET Restoration Companies, Builders, Remodelers, Property Management, and Housing Authorities.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Say Hello To John is always open to meeting for coffee, lunch, or after-work drinks to discuss ways to support your business and HBRA as a team!

General Manager:

Go Mini's: Your Trusted Portable Storage Company We specialize in providing both local moving services and temporary portable storage solutions. Our ground-level containers are designed for easy loading and unloading, and our flexible rental periods allow you to pack at your own pace. Whether you're moving, renovating, or just need some extra storage space, Go Mini's is here to simplify the process.

John Myron

www.gominis.com/ john.myron@gominis.com

(845) 779-2017 (call or text 24/7/365)

@GoMinisNYNJCT @gominis_nynjct GO MINI'S Moving & Portable

in Storage of NY, NJ, CT

MEMBER RECRUITMENT DRIVE HOW TO RECRUIT:

1) Invite new Builder & Associate members to join the HBRA by 11/14/2026 at: buildfairfieldcounty.com/join - New Young Professional members (aged 45 and under who have not been a member for the past 2 years) can enter the code 2026yp for $200 off their first year dues.

- All other new Builder & Associate members can enter the code 2026nm for $100 off their first year dues.

2) Make sure all new members you recruit list you as their reference!

Current members will be awarded $25.00 for each new Builder & Associate member they recruit!

4) The current member who recruits the most new members will also recieve free admission to our December Awards Dinner & Holiday Party!

Build the HBRA!

You already know the value of being an HBRA member, with connections, resources, advocacy, and opportunities that help your business thrive. Now’s your chance to share those benefits with a colleague, client, or friend!

Why Recruit?

Strengthen our industry’s collective voice Expand networking opportunities for everyone Support the programs and advocacy you value most Bring fresh ideas and energy into our association

Let’s grow stronger together. Invite someone you know to join today, and make sure they list you as their referral & you’ll recieve $25.00!

Join Online! www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/join Questions? Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com or call (203) 335-7008

NEW MEMBERS CertaPro Painters of Westchester, NY & Southern CT | Art Jureller Find out more HERE: certapro.com/westchester-ny

Davinci Design Windows | Brian Casey Find out more HERE: www.davinciwindow.com

Davinci Design Windows | Jennifer Cadley Find out more HERE: www.davinciwindow.com

Fowler Sakey Team at Coldwell Banker Realty | Carrie Sakey Find out more HERE: www.fowlersakeyteam.com

Fowler Sakey Team at Coldwell Banker Realty | Jaime Memoli Find out more HERE: jaimememolirealtor.com

Fowler Sakey Team at Coldwell Banker Realty | Catherine Cardell Find out more HERE: catherinecardellrealtor.com

NEW MEMBERS Huber Engineered | Michael Scanlon Find out more HERE: www.huberwood.com/

nAr Design + Build, LLC | Nicholas Renzulli Find out more HERE: www.nArDesignBuilds.com

Remodeling Consultants of Fairfield | Jorge Ulloa Find out more HERE: remodeling-consultants.com

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

Domus Constructors, LLC

JOB TITLE: Residential Site Supervisor SUMMARY: The Residential Site Supervisor will oversee and coordinate the on-site construction activities between tradesmen, subcontractors and suppliers on multiple jobsites and ensure that construction projects are completed on time and per plans. The selected candidate will be responsible for organizing and controlling project schedules; completing quality control inspections; and supervising subcontractors. The Site Supervisor will work closely with the Project Manager and communicate frequently with the project team including Architects, Design Consultants, and the Client.

CONTACT: info@domusllc.com (203) 852-6789 https://www.domusllc.com/

Lauren Vallario Designs

JOB TITLE: Senior Interior Designer SUMMARY: Lauren Vallario Designs is growing — and we’re looking for a Senior Interior Designer who’s ready to step into a true leadership role inside a fast-paced, high-end residential design studio.

This is not a support role. It’s an opportunity for an experienced designer to take ownership of incredible residential projects, lead client relationships, collaborate closely with the Principal Designer, and help shape the future of a growing firm known for thoughtful, elevated interiors.

We’re looking for someone who loves the details as much as the big picture. Someone who can lead a client meeting in the morning, review cabinetry drawings in the afternoon, problem-solve with a contractor on-site, and still keep the design vision crystal clear throughout the process.

If you’re highly organized, technically strong, design-driven, and naturally proactive — this could be a great fit.

This is a role for a designer who sees what needs to happen next and makes it happen.

If you thrive on balancing creativity with execution, love managing complex renovations, and enjoy being the trusted expert clients rely on, we'd love to meet you.

CONTACT: lauren@laurenvallariodesigns.com (845) 654-1888 https://laurenvallariodesigns.com/

CLICK HERE for Details

JOB BANK Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc. JOB TITLE: Accounting Manager

SUMMARY: We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Accounting Manager to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for a wide array of financial, compliance, and administrative responsibilities. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.

CONTACT: Caitlin Murphy: caitlin@murphybrothers.com O: 914-777-5777 O: 203-629-1291 www.murphybrothers.com

Ring's End

JOB TITLE: Full-time Kitchen / Bath Designer SUMMARY: Ring's End, Inc. is looking for a skilled, creative and sales-driven full-time Kitchen / Bath Designer to assist our customers by showcasing our materials and services. This full-time position earns a competitive pay plus commission and is eligible for a great benefits package, including traditional and Roth 401K, 3% 401K safe harbor company contribution, various medical insurance plans, FSA & DCA, employee discounts on our products and materials, life/accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long & short-term disability, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), employee assistance program, and a legal counseling program.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY: https://ringsend.applicantpro.com/jobs/4086010 ALL AVAILABLE JOBS: https://ringsend.applicantpro.com/jobs/ https://www.ringsend.com/

Titus Built

JOB TITLE: Project Manager SUMMARY: The Project Manager is the primary Client contact (at the sole discretion of the Director of Production), responsible for adhering to our Contract, while managing and ensuring the successful execution of home remodeling projects, maintaining quality, budgets, and client satisfaction. This role involves managing schedules, subcontractors, materials, and resources, while providing ongoing communication and support to clients throughout the project lifecycle. This role oversees the Site Supervisors and works closely with the Production Coordinator & Estimator.

CONTACT: info@titusbuilt.com 203-834-0275 https://titusbuilt.com

CLICK HERE for Details

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 www.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/

Membership Discounts & Deals

The HBRACT’s Member Rebate Program is a free member benefit available to Builder & Remodeler members of the HBRA. There are currently over 50 of the country's leading Manufacturer Brands participating in the Member Rebate Program offering the same rebates as the "Top-5 Builders" receive regardless of your volume.

Steps to Access HBRACT Member Rebate Discounts: Visit www.hbarebates.com/registration Enter your company information.

Select which products you currently use or which products you’d be willing to switch to.

Fill out the Rebate Claim form and submit before the deadline each quarter.

See the "HBA Rebates" handout for a full list of available discounts!

The new HBRA member retirement plan is a real game changer for small businesses. A pooled group plan with over 2000 other businesses and 2 ½ billion of assets under management so members can access the retirement benefits of a large company. At the same time, 90% of your administrative and investment oversight responsibilities are outsourced to a third party, which means it is simple to operate and has much lower liability than the typical 401(k).

As a business owner, the most important thing you can do is save for your retirement. The HBRA Retirement Program allows you to save for your future, provide a valuable tool for your employees and their families all while saving the overhead costs and liability of managing your own retirement plan.

Visit www.tagcobrand.com/hbra/ to get started today!

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

SCAM ALERT SCAM ALERT Watch Out! Have you gotten an email offering a list of IBS attendees, local builders/tradespeople, or similar?

Outside marketing companies have been emailing members offering lists with the contact info of IBS attendees, local builders or tradespeople, and even HBRA members for a fee.

These emails are a SCAM. The HBRA will NEVER give out our member list to an outside company, and would certainly not allow them to charge for it.

While the marketing company may give out their own list of local builders claiming the information is from us, it is not our member list and we have no control over the information included or who they reach out to.

If you receive one of these emails, mark it as spam and delete.

The ONLY list of HBRA members is found in our online Directory here: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory

NEWS How AI Is Changing the Way Median Lot Prices Reach Builders Source and Validate Record Highs in Several U.S. Land Regions For home builders, the land acquisition advantage comes from finding buildable land before competitors do and validating it fast enough to act while it’s still available. Often, what stands in the way is data being scattered across disconnected county systems, GIS tools, and legacy platforms, too fragmented to trust without manual confirmation.

READ MORE

For the first time since 2019, the national median lot value for singlefamily detached spec homes did not set a new record high. Ending a fiveyear trend, the U.S. median lot value for homes started in 2025 declined to $59,000, down from $60,000 the year prior.

READ MORE

NEWS Fed Holds Rates as Inflation and Energy Costs Cloud Outlook

The Federal Reserve opted to keep its key interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, while signaling that rate increases remain possible later this year if inflation does not continue to ease.

In a 9-3 vote, Fed officials decided to maintain the federal funds rate within a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The three dissenting votes supported raising the rate by 25 basis points.

Acquisitions Increasing Among Home Builders

The number of home builders reporting that they have been approached has doubled in less than a year, according to recent results from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey.

READ MORE

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Building A Resilient Home from the Ground Up With Climate Responsive Design As climate pressures intensify, builders are being asked to deliver homes that perform under more challenging conditions. The most effective place to start is at the site and planning level, where architects, engineers and builders work together.

How A Home’s Orientation Can Benefit the Owners READ MORE

NEWS Latest Tariff Actions Add Uncertainty to Housing Market

Recent tariff developments could create more uncertainty for home builders over building material supply chains and pricing.

READ MORE

New Home Sales Edge Higher as Affordability Challenges Persist

Affordability challenges continued to weigh on the new-home market in June, as elevated mortgage rates, rising inflation and broader economic uncertainty kept many prospective buyers on the sidelines.

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Do You Have an Exit Strategy for Your Remodeling Business?

A survey that Pro Remodeler conducted this spring about remodeling business owners’ plans for when they eventually leave their companies reveals a wide gap between when owners plan to retire and how prepared they actually are to do so.

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