February 2021 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 - F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

UPCOMING

HBRA Education Week HBID Webinars

FEATURES Member News COVID-19 Resources Latest Updates

MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

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

Contact Us:

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com @hbraffc (203) 335-7008

2021 2021 OFFICERS President Kim DiMatteo

DiMatteo Insurance

Sr. Vice-President John Hertz Hertz Construction

Vice President Rob Michaud

The Michaud Group

Secretary Steve LoParco

LoParco Associates

Treasurer Steven Roth

Elevator Service Company

Immediate Past President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

PWB Chair Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors

2021 DIRECTORS Luigi Altamura Altamura Homes

Propane Pete Battaglio Hocon Gas

Max Bender Bender Supply

Karen Bradbury

Closet & Storage Concepts

Ken DeLeo

Doherty & DeLeo

Brian Kurtz

Interstate Lumber

Peter Sciarretta

Hemingway Construction

Alex Shook

Pella Commercial

Michael Wood Wood Builders

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Gary Fanali City Carting

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

2021.

L ET T ER F ROM TH E EXECUTIVE OF FICER

Hello Members, We are all getting used to our new normal, but I know our industry will come out stronger than ever, and I look forward to seeing you all in person soon!

Please note that Home Building Day at the Capitol is this Friday, February 26th, from 10-11:30 This will be held virtually, and will begin with opening remarks from Commissioner David Lehman, DECD. NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz will present The State of Housing in Connecticut. Please be sure to register today! https://membervault.app/ portal/hbact/pages/7 The week of March 8th we will be hosting a virtual “Week of Education”.

Register today for these free valuable education courses!

From March 17-19, we will be hosting a CAPS class, taught by Alan Hanbury. Please click here for more information and registration. https:// buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents/#!event/2021/3/17/caps-i-iiand-iii-designation-certified-aging-in-place-specialist Mark your calendars!! April 7, we will be having our first in person networking event of the year!! This will be held outdoors, at Pinstripes in Norwalk. Be on the lookout for more information soon.

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

Arcadia Custom

High Performance Windows & Doors Custom-Built For Your Design Northeast Architectural can help with installation specifications, provide shop drawings upon request, and will supervise job-site deliveries.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

Lepage Millwork #jointeamnortheast and follow us on social media 555 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

(732) 876-4112 northeastco.com/architectural

U P COMIN G EVEN TS

HBRA EDUCATION WEEK

Join Eric Grant of Acadia Insurance for a training on fall protection on the jobsite

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 7

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N EW MEMBERS

Contractors Home Appliances Danica Caruso

There are many reasons why consumers choose Contractors Home Appliances in East Granby, CT and West Springfield, MA. As an independent appliance dealer, you can’t beat our personalized service and dedication to our customers. Read More

Qore Alliance Kofi John

Prestigious corporate headquarters. Luxury residences. Modern office spaces. QORE is the chosen technology architect and contractor for many of Tri-State area’s most important projects.

What defines us (and keeps referrals coming from the four corners of the world) is our tireless attention to detail, timely communication, and never resting until you are completely and totally satisfied. Read More

Newest Affiliate Members

Ria Rueda

Aitoro Appliance

WILL CONTENTO HUBER ENGINEERED WOODS

781.910.1763 william.contento@huber.com

© 2020 Huber Engineered Woods LLC. ZIP System, AdvanTech the accompanying ZIP System and AdvanTech logos and designs are trademarks of Huber Engineered Woods LLC. Huber is a trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation. HUB 82221 REV 4/20

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 9

CAPS I, II and III Designation (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) Millions of Americans are living longer and more active lives. Because they are embracing newly found and changing lifestyles, they need to revitalize their home environment. Identifying this burgeoning opportunity and then developing the skills to interact with this market can help you grow your business dramatically.

The Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is the result of the work of NAHB Remodelers, in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center, 50+ Housing Council, and AARP. The training program equips graduates with the technical, customer service and marketing skills required to effectively service the burgeoning market for aging in place home modifications.

Instructor: Alan Hanbury, CGR, CAPS, CGP, GMR, MBA House of Hanbury, Inc.

Three Courses Required for Certification: - Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I) - Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging In Place (CAPS II) - Details & Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging In Place (CAPS III) Member Fee: $300 per course / $750 for all three General Admission: $375 per course / $1000 for all three

Wednesday, March 17th - Friday, March 19th Registration: 8:00am Class: 8:30am - 5:00pm Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided each day.

Payment must be received by March 9th to reserve your spot. Walk-Ins will not be accepted at this course.If your schedule changes, you may cancel up to noon on Tuesday, March 9th without charge; thereafter there are no refunds.’

Click Here To Register 10 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 11

P W B MEMBER SPOTLIGH T

Get to know the Professional Women in Building Council better. Each month we will be highlighting members who are active participants in PWB, the council where women in the building industry connect with each other through networking, education and peer support.

Kerie Boshka

Kerie@boshkaInteriors.com Boshka Interiors www.BoshkaInteriors.com @boshkainteriors

Kerie Boshka is the owner of Boshka Interiors. Kerie has over twenty years of experience in the building industry. Like her parents before her, she started her career working for her family’s lighting showroom in Lubbock, Texas and continued in Connecticut working for Klaffs Tile department before creating her own business.

Over the years, she has learned the best way to earn the trust of your customers is to be their partner throughout the building process. That is why she founded Boshka Interiors alongside her son with the goal of creating a trusted source for interior designers, contractors and architects for decorative lighting, tile and hardware.

Tarra Del Chiaro is the Director of Marketing for Accurate Lock & Hardware, based in Stamford, CT. Accurate Lock & Hardware fuses old-world craftsmanship with modern technology to create architectural hardware products of uncompromising quality for the entire door. From concept to manufacturing, all Accurate products are proudly made entirely in the USA. Joining the team in 2016, she was tasked with redefining and evolving the premiere domestic manufacturer’s brand and its footprint. She has elevated the look and feel of the brand, while creating more visibility in the industry through a variety of brand activations, display programs, traditional and digital advertising, social media as well as launching a sub-brand, Access by Accurate, which features capsule collections of hardware by well-known interior design talent.

Previous to her current role, she led the global digital strategy for the fashion brand, GUESS’ watch division, responsible for delivering the brand message in a curated, market-specific manner to over 75 countries worldwide. Prior to that, she worked at Response Marketing, a boutique firm, where she led integrated concept strategy for global brands including Logitech, McAfee, ASSA ABLOY, and Stanley Black & Decker.

Tarra Del Chiaro

tarra@accuratelockandhardware.com Accurate Lock & Hardware accuratelockandhardware.com @accuratelockandhardware

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 13

for all of the amazing industry professionals who made this home a reality.

Each year, NARI presents CotY Awards to members who have Domus Constructors, LLC demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling Named NARI Regional projects. The CotY Awards are CotY™ Winner the highest form of recognition Fairfield County, February 2021— by industry leaders and peers.

NARI received nearly 435 entries The National Association of the from across the United States Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Domus Constructors LLC representing over $128 million in remodeling projects. in Fairfield County Connecticut, 2021 Region 1 Northeast “This year’s submissions were Regional Contractor of the Year outstanding, making the job (CotY) winner in the Entire House of our esteemed judges very Over $1,000,000 category in its’ difficult,” said Tracy Wright, annual awards competition.

Senior Director of Membership Domus Constructors is so proud and Chapter Services at NARI. The judging panel representing to win this award and grateful

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industry experts, selected winners based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, and degree of difficulty.

The CotY Awards allow us to celebrate our members who are committed to design, best practices, integrity, high standards, and professionalism.

NARI will honor all Regional Winners and announce the National Winners April 30, 2021 in a virtual presentation. Visit nari.org for more information.

Domus is one of the leading Fairfield County custom home builders and remodelers since 1998 and is led by awardwinning builder, Chris Shea.

Leia T Ward of LTW Interiors Cove Project was Recently Featured in House Beautiful Click the link here to read the full article and see the photos od the amazing home.

HOBI AWARDS HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY AWARDS

CONNECTICUT HOBI AWARDS November 17, 2021| AQUA TURF CLUB

HBRA OF CONNECTICUT

Don’t forget! The HOBI Entry portal is open

THE HOBI AWARDS ARE ON!

The NEW HOBI Landing page allows entrants to apply electronically!

Deadline to apply will be June 25, 2021!

We have some excitingthe new categories this year, including We are thrilled to announce next HOBI Awards Dinner COVID-19 related awards. Click here information. willfor bemore held on November 17, 2021! Be a part of Connecticut’s

premier Home Building Industry Awards. With an audience of successful builders, remodelers and land developers statewide, this is the ONLY event in Connecticut recognizing the BEST in our industry! And FEBRUARY this year,2021 the HBRA HBRAof Fairfield is County 15 bringing the HOBI’s ONLINE with new event software by

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR COVID RESOURCES PAGE? Visit https://buildfairfieldcounty.com/covid-19-local-and-national-updates/ for the latest news

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

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

16 HBRA of Fairfield County | FEBRUARY 2021

N AH B N EWS

Steam Showers Pay Off in Bathrooms of Any Size

Winter Safety Tips for Homes and Jobsites

Powerful winter storms this week have led to more than 70% of the United States covered in snow.

Like many homes and businesses From custom tile work to freestanding tubs, Dallas-metro custom in its surrounding region, The Dallas Builders Association office homebuilder Tony Prutch, owner of Homes by J. Anthony, sustained damage after record specializes in all aspects of building state-of-the-art bathrooms. low temperatures and unexpected In 2020, Prutch added MrSteam steam showers to his awardpower outages made it challenging winning model home. to keep pipes warm.

“Most of our clients are familiar with steam rooms at their gyms,” The local association shared a video Prutch said. “That’s why many of them love the idea of having with steps home owners can take [similar features] at home, too. The enhancement options, like to minimize water damage, which MrSteam’s aromatherapy system and towel warmers, really might not occur until after the pipes complete that spa-like wellness atmosphere.” thaw.

Read More Read More

The primary bathroom is one of the most important rooms for today’s prospective home buyer. And many consumers are increasingly seeking out new designs and products that enable wellness features to be integrated within the space.

Like My Clients, I Am Uniquely Impressed.

Designer Lawrence Levy has a passion for making every project special. “When some fellow designers introduced me to Bender, I was amazed to find everything I needed right there to create my own unique space. Plus, Bender’s knowledgeable and eager staff went out of their way to bring my vision to life.

Another bonus was working with a talented builder like Chris O’Dell who sends his design/build clients to Bender. I love this collaboration for so many reasons”

Chris O’Dell The O’Dell Group

Lawrence Levy Interior Designer

bendershowrooms.com decorative plumbing | kitchen & bath cabinetry | tile & stone Hartford | New Haven | Norwalk | Waterbury © 2021 Bender Plumbing

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 17

N AH B N EWS

Record-High Lumber Prices Add $24K to the Builders Cite Building Price of a New Home Material Prices as Lumber prices have skyrocketed more than 180% since last spring, Top Challenge and this price spike has caused the price of an average new singlefamily home to increase by $24,386 since April 17, 2020, according to NAHB standard estimates of lumber used to build the average home. Similarly, the market value of the average new multifamily home has increased by $8,998 over the same period due to the surge in lumber prices.

The latest Random Lengths prices as of mid-February show the price of framing lumber topped $975 per thousand board feet — a 180% increase since last April when the price was roughly $350 per thousand board feet. NAHB calculated these average home price increases based on the softwood lumber that goes into the average new home, as captured in the Builder Practices Survey conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs.

Read More

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Nearly nine out of 10 builders expect building material prices will be their top challenge in 2021. To show the magnitude of this problem, the 89% builder response is down from the 96% of builders who reported this issue as their top concern in 2020.

Read More

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 19

N AH B N EWS

What Builders Should Know About Appraisals and Lumber Prices

OSHA Issues New Guidance on COVID-19 Safety; New Safety Standard Likely Forthcoming

Lumber prices continue to rise, with pricing as of mid-February reaching new record highs. Other materials, such as gypsum and ready-mix concrete, are also experiencing price volatility. In addition, components such as interior doors, shingles, cabinets and others are experiencing significant delays in delivery that make it more Late last month, OSHA issued challenging for builders to construct homes efficiently and on time. “stronger safety guidance” As builders struggle with these front-end issues, they are also on mitigating and preventing experiencing additional challenges on the backend, as appraisal the spread of COVID-19 in standards make it difficult to recognize the full impact of sharp the workplace. This guidance increases in the cost of building materials. In addition, appraisers includes a recommendation often have limited access to information to accurately assess the for implementing a workplace value of a home.

COVID-19 prevention program, which NAHB has made available Read More to members since March 2020.

Read More

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N A H B BES T IN AMERICAN LIVIN G

New Home Sales Higher in January, Yet Supply Side Concerns Remain Strong demand stemming from low interest rates, favorable demographics and a suburban shift for home building to smaller, more affordable housing markets helped to lift new home sales in January. But rising lumber and material costs threaten to blunt this momentum.

Sales of newly built, single-family homes in January rose 4.3% to a 923,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Historically low mortgage rates and solid demand spurred an increase in new home sales in January, with the sales pace more than 19% higher than a year ago,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke, a custom home builder from Tampa, Fla. Read More

NAHB Seeks Members to Participate in the Building Code Development Process Members of the NAHB Construction Codes & Standards Committee (CC&S) are seeking members interested in participating in the building code development process through the new CC&S Emerging Leaders Program.

Emerging Leaders will be involved with the CC&S committee and subcommittees and will participate in the building code development process.

Read More

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

“Our ads in New England Home generate leads from clients who later discover that we have worked for their friends and colleagues. We often meet people both inside and outside of our business life who say ‘We saw you in New England Home!’”

—Daniel Conlon, DANIEL CONLON ARCHITECTS

nehomemag.com

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

FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 21

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FEBRUARY HBRA of Fairfield County 25 Have a sales question?

Email Ed2021 at ed.schultek@sandler.com.

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FEBRUARY 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 27

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