June 2020 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 - J U N E 2 0 2 0

UPCOMING

Trivia Night Making Black Lives Matter in Your Workplace

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

On the Cover

Love Where You Live Homes, LLC Glenn Tatangelo Danielle Bijanada http://lovewhereyoulivehomesct.com/

2020 OFFICERS President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Sr. Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Insurance

Vice President John Hertz

Hertz Construction

Secretary Rob Michaud

The Michaud Group

Immediate Past President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

2020 DIRECTORS Propane Pete Battaglio Hocon Gas

Max Bender Bender Supply

Steve Berko

Four Square Build & Design

Michael Church Ken DeLeo

Doherty & DeLeo

Brian Kurtz

Interstate Lumber

Steve LoParco

LoParco Associates, Inc.

Steven Roth

Elevator Service Company

Alex Shook

Pella Commercial

Michael Wood Wood Builders

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Gary Fanali City Carting

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

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

Dear Members, I hope everyone is staying healthy and enjoying the start of summer!

We are slowly beginning to get back to normal, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

We will be holding some small networking opportunities this summer- stay tuned for details. Please remember to mark your calendars for October 19, the new date of our golf tournament.

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

JUNE 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

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U PCOMIN G EVEN TS

6.30

Presentation: Making Black Lives Matter In Your Workplace June 30, 2020 | 4:00PM

HBRA members are invited to attend a free online presentation on how to support the Black Lives Matter Movement when it involves business and the workplace, presented by the Professional Women in Building Council.

Listen to the history of Black Wall Street, affirmative action and minorities in the building industry.

Learn how to show your support for your black colleagues, clients, and vendors.

Find out ways to take action and create real change moving forward.

Click Here To Register

SAVE THE DATE October 19, 2020 Tashua Knolls Golf Course

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

GOLF FORMS AVAILABLE

� Yes, I would like to participate in the HBRA of Fairfield County Annual Golf Classic � Raw Bar Station: Market Price � Premier Caddy Shack Station: $2,500 � Caddy Shack Station: $2,000 � Dinner Sponsor: $2,000 � Logo Golf Towel: $1,500 � Soft Cooler: $1,500 � Logo Water Bottle: $1,250 � Sunglasses Sponsor: $1000 � Golf Ball Sponsor (18 - Hole): $1000 � Ice Cream Cart: $750 � Beer Koozies: $750 � Golf Ball Sponsor (9 Hole): $500 � Closest to the Pin: $500 � Closest to the Line: $500 � Driving Range: $500 � Golf Ball Marker: $400 � Golf Tees: $400 � Closest to the Pin (9-Hole): $300 � Closest to the Line (9-Hole): $300 � Tee Sponsor (18-Hole): $250 � Tee Sponsor (9-Hole): $150 � Pin Sponsor ( Add On): $100 Select Tournament:

�

18 Hole

�

9 Hole

Name Company Address City, State, Zip Code Early Bird Pricing - Register by September 20th

18 Hole - $225 each - $900 foursome 9 Hole - $125 each - $500 foursome

$ $

Golfer Registration after September 20th

18 Hole - $250 each - $1000 foursome 9 Hole - $150 each - $600 foursome

$

Dinner-Only Registration x$60 per person

$

Sponsorship(s)

$

$

Total

$

Payment: � � �

Online: Click Here Check: (Please make checks payable to HBRA of Fairfield County) Credit

Name on Card

Expiration

Card #

Sec Code

Billing Address City State Zip Amount Charge Signature

Names of Golfers 1. Name Company Address Phone E-mail 2. Name Company Address Phone E-mail 3. Name Company Address Phone E-mail 4. Name Company Address Phone E-mail

Please fill out this registration form and return it to the HBRA of Fairfield County by email, fax, or mail

H B RA MEMBER N EWS

TecKnow Off-Grid project May 20, 2020 Contact: Kim Burke 12 Elm Street, Westport, CT 06880 203-767-0055 Green and Smart! Off-grid project in New England Simsbury, CT - Four years ago, Mark R Prete MD and his partner Michelle Pennington purchased a beautiful piece of land to create a site for their business of Remote Health Care and Aerospace Medicine and double as a place for them to eventually retire comfortably with a minimum footprint. Mark (Senior VP and President of Hartford Healthcare Medical Group and Lt Col and Flight Surgeon in the MA Air National Guard) recognized that the future of building did not lie in the large, excessive square footage of the 90’s and wanted to prove he could build an efficient, well built, somewhat minimalistic home with sustainable infrastructure. The piece of land abuts Rosedale Farm and is contiguous to the Simsbury Land Trust and it’s remote location meant that the utility cost alone to bring a line into the building would be astronomical.

Mark and Michelle started looking for alternatives when they discovered TecKnow of Westport, CT. One of the few certified Tesla Powerwall installers in CT, TecKnow combines battery storage with Solar and Smart home automation to create what they coin as their “smart living ecosystem.” The owner of TecKnow, Phil Levieff, saw this as an opportunity for Tesla and TecKnow to work together to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy and next generation smart technologies that change the way we live. The owners chose a post and beam building company called the Barn Yard located in Ellington, CT and had the home/barn erected in the spring of 2020. Internet access is provided via satellite and TecKnow utilizes Apples HomeKit automation infrastructure to maximize energy efficiency and provide a simple, sustainable smart home that Mark and Michelle can operate from anywhere in the world. TecKnow designed and installed a 7.2 kW solar array for the roof and with the addition of two Tesla Powerwalls that can store the solar power allowing the homeowners to live independent of the grid. The Powerwall discharges energy when needed but on successive snowy or cloudy days if the demand for energy is greater, a generator acts as a secondary energy source as an extra backup layer that can also charge the Powerwall, resulting in a home that is truly Off- Grid and a model for the future.

“This is the beginning of the Smart Green New Deal!” says Phil. It provides an alternative way of living that gives a new hope to future generations.

H BRA N EWS

Leigh Overland Architect HBRA Member Leigh Overland of Leigh Overland Architects, Overland Design Group has several exciting projects to spotlight, including several that use the ICF building material and strategies. See below for more details.

Read More

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N EW MEMBERS

Innovative Custom Builders, LLC Ziggy Turczyn

Innovative Custom Builders, LLC. is a company founded by Ziggy Turczyn in 2001 with three simple goals in mind – to develop and maintain the trust of our clients, to deliver a final product that goes above and beyond the expectations, and to build positive relationship with every project.

We provide the Fairfield County, CT area with the highest quality homes and remodels with our passionate pursuit of perfection. Read More

Mare Design, LLC Christin Engh

Christin Engh is the founder and principal designer of the referral-based design firm, Mare Design based in Greenwich, CT and with projects across the country. With an innate eye for design and extraordinary project management skills, Christin expertly transforms ordinary spaces into comfortably luxurious homes that reflect the lifestyles of her clients.

Read More

Drake Builders, LLC Chad Weiss

Drake Builders, LLC, is a full-service construction company, specializing in high-end residential construction. Read More

JTH Builders, LLC Jad Harb

Welcome to our new affiliates!

ENCON

Bob Koripsky JUNE 2020 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13

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HAVE YOU SEEN OUR COVID RESOURCES PAGE?

Visit https://buildfairfieldcounty.com/covid-19-local-and-national-updates/ for the latest news - Do you have canned, non perishable items to donate? We are hosting a food drive for local Connecticut food banks at various locations in Fairfield County. Contact Kerry at kerry@ buildfairfieldcounty.com with any questions.

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

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

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

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N AH B N EWS

The Future of Multifamily Design

Going Virtual: How Members are Connecting from Behind a Screen

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced residents to look at a number of their everyday experiences — including the way they live. In residences such as single-family homes or townhomes, residents may be looking to incorporate spaces such as home offices and exercise rooms to be able to remain productive while safely in place. In multifamily developments, however, there are additional components to consider when attempting to follow important health guidelines.

The areas of real change will occur based on two components: health and safety protocols, and consumer demands. Building codes may dictate some changes for the former, while the latter may affect more of the design and functionality of living spaces. In many cases, health and wellness trends will accelerate what was already occurring in the market — whether it’s a rise or a decline.

For example, traditional clubhouses had already been going through changes in multifamily developments, and because of the need for social distancing — especially in large open spaces — that trend will likely continue...

Virtual meetings and events have become the new normal for our daily lives and work routines.

As more business is conducted online, HBAs are getting creative with how they engage with members. From Zoom meetings to virtual happy hours and coffee chats, online gatherings are a powerful channel to keep communications flowing within HBA communities.

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It takes the right team to build something this beautiful.

“When I send clients to Bender, they are inspired by the variety of products and personally advised by a professional showroom consultant. And when clients are happy, I’m happy. From decorative plumbing to tile and lighting, it all comes together under one roof at Bender.”

Chris Shea, Owner, Domus Constructors Greens Farms, CT

Visit one of our showrooms and you’ll see why the best builders and their clients work with Bender to create their next masterpiece.

bendershowrooms.com | 203.495.5183 decorative plumbing | kitchen & bath cabinetry | lighting | tile & stone Bridgeport | Hartford | New Haven | Norwalk | Waterbury © 2020 Bender Plumbing

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N AH B N EWS

Fed Expects Interest Rates to Hold Near Zero Through 2022 The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate at the current 0% to 0.25% range and said it intends to keep its benchmark rate near zero through 2022 as the central bank continues to deploy policy tools to underwrite an emerging recovery for the U.S. economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, the Fed noted that it will continue its quantitative easing policy, purchasing on a monthly basis $80 billion in Treasuries and $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities, which is helping to support low mortgage interest rates and housing demand. Home building, and housing in general, will be a leading element of the recovery, as foreshadowed by two months of gains for mortgage applications and better than expected newlybuilt home sales.

The Fed is projecting a 6.5% decline for GDP for 2020 (NAHB is forecasting a 6.2% drop)...

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Focus on Your Job Site Safety Plan During National Safety Month June is National Safety Month, a public awareness initiative from the National Safety Council (NSC) focused on saving lives and preventing injuries in the workplace and any place. The month can serve as a reminder to home builders to review their job site safety plans, especially for changes prompted by COVID-19.

NAHB long been a supporter of National Safety Month and workplace safety.

Read More

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N AH B N EWS

Court Sides with OSHA, NAHB and Others on Emergency Infectious Disease Standard The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Thursday rejected a petition by labor unions led by the AFL-CIO to compel OSHA to issue an “emergency temporary standard” to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Builders to Push for Key Housing Priorities During 2020 Virtual Legislative Conference

Members looking to deliver The court agreed with OSHA’s position that it was the federal agency the industry’s key priorities to Congress can make a difference that should determine whether a standard was necessary and that by participating in the 2020 OSHA’s decision to issue nonbinding, industry-specific guidance Legislative Conference on June rather than an enforceable rule to protect workers from COVID-19 22-24 without traveling to was sufficient.

Washington, D.C. OSHA said in a statement: “We are pleased with the decision from As a result of the COVID-19 the D.C. Circuit, which agreed that OSHA reasonably determined pandemic, this year’s conference that its existing statutory and regulatory tools are protecting America’s workers and that an emergency temporary standard is not will be completely virtual. necessary at this time.

Read More Read More

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N AH B N EWS

Turning Point for the Labor Market In a surprisingly positive reading for the labor market, recent jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate in May declined to 13.3%. The true unemployment rate is likely closer to 16% due to many who reported being “employed but absent from work” but who were most likely unemployed.

However, even with this technical adjustment, the jobless rate came in well below the 20% rate (or higher) some analysts had forecasted. (NAHB’s forecast called for a 17.8% rate for the second quarter.) This forecasting miss by those predicting a much higher level of unemployment appears to have been based on somewhat unreliable state-level jobless claims data. The unemployment rate for construction workers is currently 15.2%.

Moreover, a job gain of 2.5 million was reported for May; a striking contrast to what many analysts had predicted of a job loss of up to 8 million.

NAHB to Host ‘Remodeling Economic Outlook: Housing Changes After COVID-19’ NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz will join host Vince Butler, CAPS, GMB, GMR, and other top remodeling analysts from Harvard University and John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) for a comprehensive review and economic outlook of the homeimprovement industry.

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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

20 HBRA of Fairfield County | JUNE 2020

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

COVID IN SIGH TS

Mortgage Assistance and Financial Relief The economic impact of this unprecedented situation is causing many families and individuals to be concerned about their ability to remain in their homes. The Department of Housing and Urban Development on March 18 announced that it would suspend foreclosures and evictions for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration through the end of April.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also said that they would suspend all foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days for home owners with mortgages backed by the two government-sponsored enterprises. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also announced they would allow borrowers impacted by the coronavirus to suspend mortgage payments for up to 12 months.

General Government Resources CFPB: A Guide to COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Relief CDC: Guidelines for Your Home and Family HUD: Coronavirus Resources and Information FHFA: Coronavirus Assistance Information Read More

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

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$ M EM BER REBATES & DISCOUN TS

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