December 2025 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 - D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 5

UPCOMING Walk Your Plans Tour CT Foodshare Volunteer Day

MEMBER BENEFITS HBA Rebates Program NAHB Benefits mynpp.com

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: Accurate Lock and Hardware

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.

2201_HBRA_A-Series_Ad.indd 1

4 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

1/13/22 12:

Dear Members, As we reflect on the past year, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for being an engaged and valued part of our association. This year has been one of growth, collaboration, and progress—and none of it would have been possible without your continued support, involvement, and commitment to our industry.

Your dedication—to your businesses, your peers, and the future of the building industry— continues to inspire our work. Whether you attended events, served on a committee, sponsored a program, or supported our mission in other ways, your participation made a meaningful impact.

As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue delivering value to our members while advancing the strength and success of our industry. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your belief in the work we do.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our team, thank you for making this a truly successful year Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business: kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com.

Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn

Executive Officer Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

MISSION

:57 PM

EXEC U T I V E OFF ICER W ELCOME LETTER

“

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.

”

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

Building with Confidence Starts with the Right Insurance Partner

Comprehensive Protection for Builders & Remodelers

Supporting the People Who Build Your Business

A Trusted Partner for Property, Risk & Benefits

From foundation to finish, we deliver customized insurance and risk management programs tailored to the construction industry. Safeguard your projects, equipment, and operations with coverage built for how you do business.

Your workforce is your greatest asset.

That’s why we offer employee benefits solutions that attract talent, reduce turnover, and keep your team healthy and productive. From health plans to compliance support, we help you take care of your people - on and off the job site.

For decades, builders have relied on us for more than just insurance.

We understand your industry, your challenges, and your goals - and we deliver smart, integrated solutions that protect your business from job site to office.

Property | Casualty | Risk Management Solutions | Employee Benefits Call us today to protect your projects, workforce, and business with specialized insurance solutions designed for home builders and remodelers.

(800) 899-0093 info@toofer.com www.toofer.com

Upcoming Events - Register Now! Thursday January 8th: HBRA CT Developer’s Forum

Casa Mia at the Hawthorne, Berlin | 6pm-9pm Land Use Under HB 8002: Join us for a timely briefing that breaks down the practical land use implications of HB 8002 becoming law. Our speakers will explain how new statewide provisions could affect entitlements, local discretion, density, approvals, and project timing—and what strategic steps developers should be considering now.

Wednesday January 14th: Blueprints & Business Connections at Walk Your Plans New York

Walk Your Plans New York, Port Chester | 4pm-6pm Join the HBRA of Fairfield County, the Building & Realty Institute of Westchester, and Westchester Home for an exclusive tour of Walk Your Plans New York! Explore this innovative space firsthand and connect with fellow building and design professionals from across Connecticut and New York.

Enjoy an evening of fresh ideas, great conversation, and meaningful new industry relationships you won’t want to miss.

Tuesday January 20th: HBRA Volunteer Day at the CT Foodshare

Connecticut Foodshare Bridgeport | 8:30am-11:30am Join your fellow HBRA members for a day of giving back to our community!

We’ll be volunteering together at the Connecticut Foodshare in Bridgeport, helping sort, pack, and distribute food to families in need. This hands-on event is a great way to make a meaningful impact while connecting with other members in a rewarding and collaborative setting.

Space is limited, so please register early to reserve your spot.

Tues. Feb. 17th - Thurs. Feb. 19th, 2026: International Builders’ Show

Orlando, Florida Presented by the National Association for Home Builders, IBS is the biggest event in building! Registration open now!

For more info & to register, visit

buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

2025 OFFICERS Immediate Past President John Hertz Hertz Construction Inc. President: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group Senior VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber VP & Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

2025 DIRECTORS Lisa Heldwhite

Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Geoff Knapp

Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

Robin Carroll Karp Associates

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

Bepin Mgushi

Fixitup Building and Remodeling

Kevin Polcer

Polcer Home, LLC

George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

Gary Fanali City Carting

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9

It’s your showroom as much as it is ours.

Experience our new collaborative setting with your clients.

Contact us here.

Find us at 208 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, NJ. northeastarchitectural.com

10 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

Northeast Architectural Style. Elevated.

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Membership Recruitment Program - join by 12/31/25!

New members, aged 45 and under, from companies that are not currently a member or have not been a member in the past two years can join for their first year for just $75!

PLUS, they’ll get a $300 discount on the membership when they renew in years 2-4. *Normally $695 each year

The $75 introductory rate is only available through the end of this year - join by 12/31/25 to receive the $75 intro pricing!

Email us to learn more: hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com All HBRA members, new or current, under age 45 are also eligible to join our Young Professionals Committee, dedicated to fostering networking, growth and mentorship to our industry professionals that are 45 and under.

Email us to join: hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com

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

MEMBER EVEN TS

Awards Dinner

The HBRA’s 2025 Awards Dinner & Holiday Party brought members together for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and giving on Wednesday, December 3rd at the beautiful Bank Street Events in Stamford. Attendees celebrated the festive spirit of the holiday season and honored the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of peers across the association, including our President’s Choice Award winner Karen Bradbury.

A full list of winners is on the following pages – congratulations to all!

CLICK HERE to see our Event Program!

We enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner and music from a live DJ that kept the energy high throughout the night. The evening also featured an exciting Silent Auction, with enthusiastic bidding on prizes including a 4-Star Golf Resort Getaway, 2 Nights in Nashville + Food Tour, and 5-Night Vacation to Portugal in support of the HBRA’s charitable efforts.

Proceeds from this event and Silent Auction will help to support our partnership with the Circle of Care, which provides practical, emotional, and financial assistance to CT families through programs and services that meet the unique and challenging needs of pediatric cancer treatment.

The HBRA’s Professional Women in Building Council has partnered with Circle of Care as part of the Art From The Heart program to design and build room makeovers for children currently undergoing cancer treatment. CLICK HERE to see a recap of our projects so far.

We are grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this meaningful celebration such a success.

A huge thank you again to our sponsors: Dinner Sponsor: Ed's Garage Door Ltd. Design Sponsor: Bilotta Kitchen & Home Drink Sponsor: Guiltec Development Drink Sponsor: Rhea European Windows DJ Sponsor: ABC Stone DJ Sponsor: Cross Insurance Event Sponsor: Clancy Storage LLC DBA Go Mini's Photos by Kirt Washington Photography & Cara Gilbride from CTC&G.

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

M EMBER EVEN TS

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28 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

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

MEMBER EVEN TS

PWB Lunch Professional Women in Building Council members gathered on Friday, December 5th at Riko’s Pizza in Westport for a festive holiday celebration. The lunchtime event brought members together to connect, unwind, and celebrate the season in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with delicious pizza.

PWB members again collected toys for the Children’s Bank, ensuring some of the most vulnerable children in our community are remembered this holiday.

It was a joyful afternoon of connection, giving, and celebration— leaving PWB members inspired and ready for a bright year ahead.

30 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

MEMBER EVEN TS

HBRA of Fairfield County Home Tour with SBP Homes The HBRA of Fairfield County recently enjoyed an exclusive home tour led by Doron of SBP Homes, who generously opened the doors to showcase craftsmanship, design details, and insights behind the project. Members and guests had the opportunity to connect, ask questions, and gain inspiration from a thoughtfully executed home.

Attendance was supported through a nominal donation, with all proceeds benefiting Connecticut Foodshare, helping to support individuals and families across our community. The event was a wonderful example of combining professional engagement with meaningful philanthropy.

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

MEMBER EVEN TS

Young Professionals Holiday Happy Hour On December 9th, the HBRA’s Young Professionals Committee gathered at Two Roads in Stratford for our first holiday happy hour. Guests brought out their “best” ugly sweaters and enjoyed a lively evening of networking, delicious appetizers, and seasonal drinks, all while celebrating the holiday spirit.

The Young Professionals Committee continues to provide a space for members to connect, grow, and build mentorship opportunities within the industry.

The HBRA Young Professionals Committee is dedicated to fostering networking, growth and mentorship to our industry professionals that are 45 and under.

If you’re not yet a member, join by the end of this year for just $75! Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com for more information.

32 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

N EW MEMBERS

Bilotta Kitchen & Home| Kristin Ohnmacht Find out more HERE

Camsan Inc. | Tom Sanseverino Find out more HERE

EleMar New England Marble & Granite | Matthew Harris Find out more HERE

JF Roxo Construction, LLC | Filipe Roxo

L'Amore Consulting & Construction, LLC| Joe Molinaro Find out more HERE

Moses Custom Builders, LLC | Jack Moses Find out more HERE

Titus Built l Michael Bourdeau Find out more HERE

Waterware Showrooms of Plimpton and Hills | Paul Caseria Find out more HERE

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33

34 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

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

BEST SERVICE at the Guaranteed

BEST PRICE IN STORE AND ONLINE

countytv

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info@countytv.com

203-327-2630

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/ 36 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

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38 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

N EWS

AI Trends, Economic Outlook and More from 2025 Fall Leadership Meeting

Homeownership Rate Inches Up

NAHB members who were unable to join us in Denver

the third quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s

this November for the leadership meetings at the

Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). However, despite

2025 Fall Leadership Meeting can watch some of the

this quarterly increase, the trend continues to reflect

highlights on nahb.org, including:

significant affordability challenges.

NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz provides an

With mortgage interest rates remaining elevated, and

economic outlook.

housing supply still tight, housing affordability is at a

The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.3% in

multidecade low. Read More

Read More

The Secret to Effortless Entertaining Make every gathering effortless with The Galley Workstation — the ultimate culinary hub designed for how people actually cook, prep, serve, and entertain. From chopping and rinsing to staging and plating, The Galley transforms your kitchen into a seamless, organized, high-performance workspace.

Visit Our Showrooms

© 2025 Bender Plumbing

bendershowrooms.com | 203.974.8674 decorative plumbing | kitchen & bath cabinetry | tile & stone

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 39

Where Inspiration Surfaces

BROOKFIELD

FAIRFIELD

NEW LONDON

MANCHESTER

STAMFORD

NEW HAVEN

WEST HARTFORD

Connecticut family-owned for over 60 years

40 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 40

N EWS

Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Ends the Year in Negative Territory Builder confidence inched higher to end the year but still remains well into negative territory as builders continue to grapple with rising construction costs, tariff and economic uncertainty, and many potential buyers remaining on the sidelines due to affordability concerns.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built singlefamily homes rose one point to 39 in December, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.

Sentiment levels were below the breakeven point of 50 every month in 2025 and ranged in the high 30s in the final quarter of the year.

FHA Announces Forward Mortgage Loan Limits for 2026 The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced its 2026 Nationwide Forward Mortgage Loan Limits, which provides the maximum mortgage loan limits for single-family homes that are insured by the FHA. The FHA national mortgage limits by the number of units for low- and high-cost areas are as follows:

Read More

Read More

Construction Labor Market Stable The count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry was relatively unchanged in October, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.

The number of open jobs for the overall economy was effectively unchanged, increasing from 7.66 million in September to 7.67 million in October. The October reading was was relatively unchanged from the 7.62 million estimate from a year ago.

The number of open construction sector jobs decreased from 231,000 in September to 213,000 in October. This total is relatively stable compared to a year ago (249,000), although the reading is notably lower than two years ago.

Read More

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 41

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APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 42

SALES SHEET

ADVANTECH™ X-FACTOR

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

AdvanTech X-Factor panels are the latest innovation from the subflooring brand builders have trusted for more than 20 years for the FLAT OUT BEST™ start to a quiet, stiff floor. AdvanTech X-Factor is a new class of premium subflooring with a fade-resistant, watershedding surface on a high-performance engineered wood panel.

With a built-in protective top layer, it takes the moisture resistance teams expect from an AdvanTech panel to the next level and pairs well with AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive for a Squeak-Free Guarantee™1.

Weather-Resistive Top Layer Delivers First-Class Moisture Protection

AdvanTech X-Factor Panels

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

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

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

AT-Series

TECHO Grade1

Nominal Panel Thickness

24 OC

AT 1.05

Structural 1 Floor Span

23/32 inch

For more information on AdvanTech™ products visit HuberWood.com/AdvanTechXFactor.

Enduring Premium Look — Resists Discoloration, Flaking or Delamination

1 Limitations and restrictions apply. Guarantee for panel-to-joist connection on an AdvanTech™ Subfloor Assembly. See SqueakFreeGuarantee.com for details.

Strength and Stiffness Expected from AdvanTech® Panels

© 2021 Huber Engineered Woods LLC. AdvanTech® is a registered trademark of Huber Engineered Woods LLC. Huber is a registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation. HUB 23326 01/21

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 43

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

44 HBRA offamily Fairfield County | December 2025 Locally owned & operated since 1972 – now in 3rd generation.

N EWS

Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Level in Over a Year The average mortgage rate continued to trend lower in November to its lowest

Top Color Trends for 2026

level in over a year. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.24% in November — 2 basis points (bps) lower than in October.

Meanwhile, the 15-year rate increased 3 bps to 5.51%.

Both the 30-year and 15-year rates remain lower than a year ago, dropping by 57 bps and 52 bps year over year, respectively.

Read More

With the end of 2025 quickly approaching, everyone is starting to look to the new year, and a new year means new possibilities.

Brands such as Pantone and Behr are also looking to 2026 and announcing their inspirations for next year’s color trends.

Read More

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 45

MEMBER RECRUITMENT DRIVE HOW TO RECRUIT:

1) Invite new members to join the HBRA by 12/31/2025 at: buildfairfieldcounty.com/join - New Builder & Associate members aged 45 and under who have not been a member for the past 2 years can enter the code ypy1 for a special discounted rate.

- New Affiliate members (where someone from their company is already a member), aged 45 and under can enter the code ypya for a discount.

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

New Young Prof. members are 2 points, new Builder & Associate members are 1 point, and new Affiliate members are 0.5 points.

3) The HBRA will update the member rankings on our social media.

4) Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 recruiters at our first GMM of 2026!

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! Together, we build a better HBRA! Join Online! www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/join Questions? Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com or call (203) 335-7008 46 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

MEMBER RECRUITMENT DRIVE LEADERBOARD

AS OF 12/15/2025

FIRST PLACE

Chris Shea - Domus Constructors, LLC

RUNNERS UP

Amanda Lai - QuinnHaven Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Design Debra Wolfenson - Superior Hearth Kristian Dushi - Dushi Marble and Granite Mindy Gerhardt - Cornerstone Contracting Scott Weiner - 1-800 Water Damage of Fairfield & Westchester

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

Together, we build a better HBRA! Join Online! www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/join Questions? Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com or call (203) 335-7008 December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 47

48 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

2026 401(k) Contribution Limits The retirement plan landscape is always changing as new features and rule changes are implemented, so it is important to keep up to date with changes to put yourself in the best possible position when utilizing your plan. Contribution limits are one of the changes you want to make sure you are aware of, since understanding how much you are allowed to contribute will help you create a plan for saving.

For your 401(k), the amount you are allowed to contribute each year is based on your age.

For employees under the age of 50 years old, they are able to contribute up to $24,500 into the plan during 2026. If an employee is 50 years or older, they have access to a catch-up contribution in addition to the normal contribution limit, giving them some extra opportunity to save as they approach retirement age. This catch-up contribution for 2026 is $8,000, bringing the total for employees 50 years or older to $32,500.

Introduced in 2025, the enhanced catch-up contribution is meant to give employees who are right around the corner from retirement the ability to save an increased amount. On top of the normal contribution limit, employees between the ages of 60-63 years old are able to save an additional $11,250. For 2026, employees in this age range are able to save up to $35,750.

The chart below breaks down the contribution limits by age and shows the changes from 2025 to 2026.

Ages Under 50 years old Over 50 years old 60-63 years old

2025 Limits $23,500 $31,000 ($23,500 + $7,500) $34,750 ($23,500 + $11,250)

➔ ➔ ➔

2026 Limits $24,500 $32,500 ($24,500 + $8,000) $35,750 ($24,500 + $11,250)

It is also important to note that these limits only apply to the money that an employee defers directly from their own pay. If your plan allows for company contributions or rollovers from an outside account, those amounts do not factor into the limits shown above.

If you would like to talk further about your own goals to set up a plan for saving in 2026, or if you would like us to review and evaluate the retirement plan your business offers, please do not hesitate to reach out.

DiMatteo Group Financial Services (203) 924-5420

The Financial Advisors of DiMatteo Group Financial Services offer securities and advisory services through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

N EWS

What Percentage of the Housing Market Are Teardowns?

As undeveloped lots become scarcer and more expensive, many home owners and builders are looking to already developed lots to build new homes.

In 2024, 6.9% of new single-family detached homes were teardowns (existing homes torn down and rebuilt), and another 20.1% were built on infill lots in older neighborhoods, according to the latest Builder Practices Survey (BPS) conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs.

Read More

50 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017, which has 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!”

— K RI S TEN S UL LIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNER S

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

Contact Sales Manager, Marcia Noble to learn how New England Home Connecticut can enhance your marketing efforts. mnoble@nehomemag.com | 203.561.3698 Proud media sponsor of the HBRA of Fairfield Country

nehomemag.com

52 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

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Do you have a retirement plan?

All businesses without a retirement plan and with 5 or more employees must enroll in Connecticut’s mandatory retirement plan, MyCTSavings or face penalties.

Or check out the HBRA 401(k) for more flexibility and to see if you are eligible for the following tax credits: New Plan Start Up Cost Credit Employer Contribution Credit Automatic Enrollment Credit

Questions about your retirement plan options or the tax credits available? Please reach out today!

203-924-5428

jessica@dimatteofinancial.com www.dimatteofinancial.com 1000 Bridgeport Ave, Unit 506, Shelton, CT 06484 | 17715 Gulf Blvd, Unit 601, Redington Shores, FL 33708 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

56 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

NEW MEMBER INVITATION

JOIN THE HBRA TODAY! For almost 80 years, the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County has been dedicated to our mission to promote, protect, and improve the home building industry.

Members take our philosophy of “do business with a member” seriously, and your membership will provide you with the ability to make your business stronger by gaining targeted exposure, keeping current on trends, and tapping into the vital information you need to make decisions in today’s marketplace.

Benefits of Membership Include: • Awards & Recognition • Networking events • Educational programs & certifications • Legislative advocacy • Sponsorship and advertising opportunities • Discounts and rebates • Business development • Professional Women in Building Council

Are you age 45 or under?* Enter the code ypy1 on the online application to join for just $75 your first year (normally $695)! You’ll also receive a $300 discount off the regular membership price when you renew years 2, 3, and 4! Must join by 12/31/25 to receive discount. *Offer available for new members where neither they nor their company have been a member for the past 2 years.

Join Online Today!

www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/join

Questions? Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com or call (203) 335-7008

December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 57

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.

• Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free.

Don’t Let Shipping Mishaps Slow You Down A lot can go wrong in shipping – package loss, breakage, porch piracy theft. The good news is that you can mitigate the financial impact of some shipping mishaps with InsureShield® shipping coverage.

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.

58 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

N EWS

How Employment in US Metros Has Recovered - Or Not - Post-COVID IThe story of employment loss and recovery across U.S. metro areas underscores the uneven geography of the COVID-19 economy. The resilience of local economies has since reshaped the post-pandemic landscape, revealing not only where recovery has taken root but also where it remains incomplete.

Read More

Trade Data: State-Level Analysis of Canadian Softwood Lumber International trade remains a source of volatility across the building materials sector, particularly in the softwood lumber market. Recent adjustments to antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) rates, combined with the imposition of Section 232 tariffs, have increased the trade-related cost of Canadian imports.

Read More

Photography | videography drone operation | Marketing materials

KIRTWASHINGTON.com (203) 215-7504 kirt@kirtwashington.com December 2025 | HBRA of Fairfield County 59

60 HBRA of Fairfield County | December 2025

Ring’s End Window Installation The Smart Choice for Contractors When you trust Ring’s End to install your window package, you’re choosing efficiency, precision, and peace of mind. Our factorytrained installation team ensures every window is measured, delivered, and installed to exact specifications—so you can keep your project moving smoothly.

LICENSED & INSURED

BEST IN CLASS WARRANTY

Installers are trained in the manufacturer’s recommended installation methods in compliance with the manufacturer’s warranty.

We offer a ten-year limited warranty on the installation labor and workmanship we provide.

STREAMLINED PROJECT MANAGEMENT With one reliable partner handling both the product and installation, you eliminate coordination headaches, reduce callbacks, and protect manufacturer warranties. Ring’s End provides single-source accountability, expert craftsmanship, and full compliance with building codes. Ring’s End installers are registered Home Improvement Contractors in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island, and are EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovators. Save valuable time, deliver top-quality results, and give your customers the confidence that comes from a professional, seamless installation—backed by the name contractors have trusted for generations.

“Ring’s End made window installation one less thing to worry about. Their crew was professional, efficient, and kept pace with our production schedule. Every opening fit perfectly.” — Jim Carpenter, Principal, Carpenter Construction

CONTACT US ProInstall@RingsEnd.com

VISIT A SHOWROOM Bethel | Branford | Darien | Lewisboro | Madison | New Milford | Niantic | Wilton

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Sign Up with NPP for Free!

Access These Discounts and More!

NPP members enjoy exclusive offers and negotiated pricing from brands like these:

Get Started!

Sign up to get access to these discounts.

mynpp.com/hbra-of-fairfield-county/

mynpp.com mynpp.com

877-329-8847 800-810-3909

customerservice@mynpp.com customerservice@mynpp.com

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