May 2024 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 - M AY 2 0 2 4

UPCOMING Young Professionals Happy Hour June GMM & Annual Meeting Builders Wine & Learn Everest Marble New Product Launch

FEATURES

MEMBER BENEFITS

May GMM Recap Article: A "Well" Designed Kitchen Article: Is It Worth Investing in Professional Photography?

Builder Spotlights: Hemmingway Fine Homes & DeRosa Builders PWB Member Spotlights: Krystal Lugo & Erin Shairzay

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:

Featuring: Domus Constructors, LLC

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.

4 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

EXEC U TIVE W ELCOME LETTER

New Recruitment Program!

At the HBRA, we are excited for our upcoming events and our new recruitment program!

On June 5, we have our Annual Meeting at Ring’s End, where we will be swearing in our new board. On June 12, we have a Builders Wine and Learn at Hayvn in Darien.

We have also launched a new Young Professionals Recruitment Program. For nonmembers aged 45 years and under, their first year dues is now only $75! Please let nonmembers you know of this great deal! We also have our first Young Professionals Committee Meet Up on May 22. We are excited to get this committee going!

As you may have already seen, we rolled out a new website. This website is designed to market you and your business! In conjunction with that, we have been doing a social media push to promote your businesses on our new website. We are always looking for new content. If you are interested in a spotlight or want to write an article, please let me know.

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

MISSION

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

“

The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County. Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we are independently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future.

”

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

Upcoming Events - Save the Date!

Weds. May 22: Young Professionals Happy Hour Third Place by Half Full Brewery, Stamford | 4pm-5:30pm The first event of our new Young Professionals Committee!

Open bar drinks & networking.

Weds. June 5: GMM & Annual Meeting Ring’s End Darien | 6pm-9pm Kick off summer with outdoor networking, food trucks, live demos, and raffle prizes!

Weds. June 12: Builders Wine & Learn HAYVN Darien | 6pm-9pm Acadia Insurance & Tooher-Ferraris Insurance will present on how Builders can avoid the costly mistake of workplace injuries, followed by wine tasting with a sommelier.

Mon. Sept. 16: Annual HBRA Golf Classic Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Our biggest event of the year. This event sells out fast sign up today!

Sponsorships, 18 and 9 hole golf foursomes & individual, dinner-only, volunteer opportunities, and raffle prize donations all available!

For more info & to register, visit

buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

2024 OFFICERS Immediate Past President Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance President: John Hertz Hertz Construction Senior VP: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

2024 DIRECTORS George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

Kevin Polcer

Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite

Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

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

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

JUNE GMM Wednesday - June 5, 2024 | 6 - 9 PM | Ring’s End Darien

RING’S END Since 1902

Don’t miss the networking event of the summer!

LIVE DEMOS • FOOD TRUCKS • RAFFLE PRIZES

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! Ring’s End | 181 West Avenue, Darien, CT 06820 | 800-390-1000 | RingsEnd.com

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Membership Recruitment Program

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 $650 each year

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

Are you an HBRA Member under age 45? Join us for the first Young Professionals Committee event!

HBRA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR MEET-UP SPONSORED BY

$35 per person

Includes open bar

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER THIRD PLACE BY HALF FULL BREWERY 4575 Pacific Street Stamford, CT 06902

WEDS. MAY 22

4-5:30pm

Help your clients pick a color they can live with.

Trex Transcend® Lineage™ lasts up to 50 years.

Get Trex Transcend® Lineage™ Decking at Northeast Building & Home. Help enhance your client’s space with its contemporary style and innovative heat-mitigating technology.

Elevate any backyard with Trex from Northeast Building & Home.

21 Grove Street | New Canaan, CT 06840 northeastco.com

Northeast Building & Home. Living. Elevated..

MEMBER EVEN TS

MAY GMM

RECAP On May 1st we held our annual May GMM & Member Mixer at Two Roads Brewery in Stratford.

We enjoyed a delicious spread from Gaetano’s Italian Deli and some of CT’s best local craft beer. A record number of our associate members sponsored tabletop displays to showcase their businesses and new products, including our Imperial Sponsors DiMatteo Financial and new member Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work.

Our “Member Mixer Scavenger Hunt” was again a hit, encouraging attendees to visit our event sponsors and meet new members as they found the answers to each question on the scavenger hunt card to be entered in a raffle drawing when completed. Congratulations to new member Erin Kelly from EMK Interiors who won!

New HBRA members had the opportunity to take the mic and introduce themselves during our program – welcome to Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work, California Closets, and Enviro Flush LLC! All new HBRA members are welcome to speak and introduce themselves and their companies at their first meeting – email the office at hbra@buildfairfieldcounty. com if you’d like to speak at our next meeting.

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13

MAY GMM

RECAP CONT. HBRA Board President John Hertz also introduced Senior Vice President Rob Michaud of Michaud Development Group, who will be sworn in as President at our upcoming June 5th Annual Meeting at Ring’s End in Darien.

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

This event would not have been possible without our event sponsors. Thank you again to our Imperial Sponsors DiMatteo Financial and Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work, Top Hop Sponsors Acadia Insurance, Andersen Corp., Clarke Distributors, Colin Healy Design LLC, Henry Company, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Productivity Institute, and Tile America, and Keg Sponsors Breakwater Renovation & Design LLC and Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. Photos by Kirt Washington Photography.

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15

B

UILDER SPOTLIGHT

COMPANY HISTORY: Hemingway Fine Homes is a family run organization with deep roots in lower Fairfield County. As a builder comprised of three generations of the Sciarretta family, Hemingway Fine Homes produces homes that are the perfect mix of oldworld craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. This unique blend has allowed Hemingway Fine Homes to be recognized by its peers as a leader in the building industry, with Hemingway’s projects being published in numerous publications and the recipient of 44 “Home Building Industry” awards for excellence.

16 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

COMPANY APPROACH: Hemingway Fine Homes is rich in the tradition of quality craftsmanship and an equivalent commitment to using the latest smart home technologies. During the course of its 40+ years of existence, Hemingway Fine Homes has focused its practice in the field of high-end custom residential construction in lower Fairfield, Westchester and Palm Beach Counties. This has allowed Hemingway to be extremely effective in delivering a product that not only meets and exceeds the demands of its clientele and design professionals but that is also produced in a manner that responds to budgetary constraints. Clients consistently remark about the professionalism and care in which Hemingway Fine Homes carries out its projects and their satisfaction with Hemingway is no better evidenced by their numerous referrals.

Hemingway Fine Homes prides itself in constructing a product that is true to the original design without comprising the artistic vision of the architect. With such a goal in mind, Hemingway Fine Homes exercises great effort to keep the owner and architect actively involved in and apprised of developments with all

stages of their project. Hemingway views all of its projects like a Broadway production, in which the owner and architect respectively serve the role as producer and writer and Hemingway Fine Homes, as director, takes their shared vision and makes certain that the same is accurately conveyed and carried out by the actors (subcontractors and vendors). Such a production will only be successful if all of the parties work cooperatively together to attain the ultimate vision, while simultaneously allowing each the freedom to implement the unique talents that they bring to the table.

Hemingway Fine Homes is extremely mindful of the challenges that are confronted by homeowners when they engage in building projects. As a result, Hemingway will structure its management of this project in such a way as to alleviate stress and make the building process enjoyable and fun.

Looking for an Expert Builder in High End Residential Custom Construction...

Say Hello To

CONTACT INFORMA T ION Hemingway Fine Homes www.hemingwayconstruction.com ps@hemingwayconstruction 203.625.0566 @hemingwayconstruction

OWNER: Peter Sciarretta COMPANY MISSION: To represent and advance the interest and construction of new homes, new additions, renovations, and landscape development for Hemingway Fine Home projects.

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17

18 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 18

Builders Wine & Learn

JOIN US FOR A BUILDERS WINE & LEARN. Acadia Insurance and Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group will present on "Builders & Contractors: Revealing the Real Profit Drain of Workplace Injuries & Shield Yourself from the Fallout of Others' Mistakes."

Following the presentation, we will have a wine tasting with a sommelier.

There is no charge to attend, but preregistration is requested.

Deadline to register: Thursday, June 6th.

Weds. June 12th 6pm-9pm HAYVN Darien

320 Boston Post Road, Suite 180 Darien, CT 06820

CLICK HERE to Register MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19

B

UILDER SPOTLIGHT

COMPANY HISTORY: DeRosa Builders was founded by Anthony DeRosa in 2010. In 2011, Michael joined DeRosa builders where they began to build mostly spec homes through 2014. The company has since built itself on reputation and trust growing into one of the premiere contracting business in Fairfield County and beyond. Our team, along with our many trusted trade partners, architects and designers have consistently provided our clients with a high end product we can all be proud of. For 15 years we continue to raise the bar.

LATEST PROJECT: We recently renovated 11,500 square feet of a main house, the dock house, the carriage house and the grounds of a historic home overlooking Indian Harbor. The project demanded perfection and we delivered a $23M masterpiece. DeRosa Builders proceeded to win 3 HOBI Awards for this home.

20 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

Looking for a Builder in Fairfield County Specializing in High End Custom Homes...

Say Hello To

CONTACT INFORMA T ION DeRosa Builders www.derosabuilders.com info@derosabuilders.com 203.769.1804 @derosa_builders

OWNERS: Michael DeRosa & Anthony DeRosa

Michael DeRosa

COMPANY MISSION: To deliver the highest quality homes in Fairfield County by using a unique blend of timeless industry values with new technologies - we offer the absolute best in new home construction and Anthony DeRosa remodeling.

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

A "Well" Designed Kitchen.

Designing the Ideal Kitchen for Health and Harmony.

With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry, as well as being a certified Feng Shui practitioner, Tori McBrien of McBrien Interiors, provides a multitude of ideas for designing your ideal kitchen.

"Our homes should not only be functional and aesthetically pleasing but also bring joy, be designed with intention, feel harmonious throughout and with nature, and have good energy flow."

-Tori McBrien

22 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

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If you would like to meet Tori and/or learn more about McBrien Interiors, visit www.mcbrieninteriors.com or info@mcbrieninteriors.com.

Follow McBrien Interiors on social media:

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29

Thank you TO ALL THE CIRCLE OF CARE + PWB VOLUNTEERS: KYLIE’S ROOM SPRING 2024

The PWB’s 2024 charity initiative with Circle of Care, helps to provide assistance to children and families facing pediatric cancer treatment. Again this year the PWB is participating in the “Art From the Heart” program, and will be designing and building room makeovers for two children currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Chloe Winston Lighting

REVEAL DAY VOLUNTEERS:

DONATIONS:

Rebecca St. Germain Tooher Ferraris Insurance Group

Bob’s Discount Furniture

Michelle Hughes Tile America

Closet & Storage Concepts

Polcer Home

Guiltec Development

Northeast

Robin Carroll Karp Lisa O’Mara SmartHome Jennifer Vangele Cardello Architects

BED, MATTRESS, BOX SPRINGS, NIGHTSTANDS & VANITY STOOL CLOSET + INSTALL

CEILING LIGHTS, PAINTED ROOM, INSTALLED CLOSET DOOR & MOLDING FOR CEILING LIGHTS

Michaud Brothers

CLOSET DOORS & MOLDING FOR CEILING LIGHTS

Advanced Home Audio

Rachel Foster Northeast

T.V. + INSTALL

Ava Hunter Chloe Winston Lighting

MOTORIZED BLINDS + INSTALL

Della Heiter Stephanie Rapp Interiors Nicole Charney & Nick Schork Advanced Home Audio Ramon Alvarado Guiltec

Rings End

New England Cabinet

PLAYSTATION FLOATING SHELF + INSTALL

Stephanie Rapp Interiors ROOM DESIGN SERVICES + RUG

LAMPS

Mara Skowronek PAINT

MONETARY DONATION MONETARY DONATION

Katie Canfield VANITY

Lauren Vallario, Jennifer Vangele & NE Home BEDDING

Cornerstone Contracting, Mindy Gerhardt TRAY

Lisa O’Mara MINI FRIDGE

Marcia Noble T.V. PILLOW

Lora Mazurak

FRAMES FOR FAMILY PHOTOS

30 HBRA of Fairfield County 203.335.7008 | MAY 2024 | WWW.BUILDFAIRFIELDCOUNTY.COM | @HBRAFFC

MEMBER N EWS

PWB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Krystal is the Marketing Manager for East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply, a Division of US LBM – a leading distributer of specialty building materials in the United States.

Krystal Lugo

Marketing Manager East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply

East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply features cabinets, windows, doors, decks, roofing, and more. Providing comprehensive solutions and services, EHRBS have been proudly serving builders, remodelers, commercial contractors, architects, and homeowners in New York & Connecticut since 1883. You can typically find Krystal in the Ridgefield, CT location.

As the Marketing Manager for four locations, Krystal leads the marketing efforts of communicating store promotions, contractor & community events, digital & print advertising, social media management, and web maintenance.

In her spare time, you can find Krystal out on the water in her kayak, at a local coffee shop, farmer’s market or at a “Mommy & Me” Toddler event. Krystal cherishes her family and friends, especially her husband Jonathan and (almost) two-year-old son named Gabriel.

If you would like to meet Krystal and/or learn more about East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply, please reach out to her at 203-829-0265 or klugo@ridgefieldsupply.com.

Follow East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply on social media:

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

­

­

Hear firsthand from our own HBRA Member, Kirt Washington, on the true worth of investing in professional photography.

32 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

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­

To view Kirt Washington's Portfolio or to contact him regarding his many services including

photography, videography,

drone operation and creating marketing materials for various applications for your residential or commercial projects

visit www.kirtwashington.com or email kirt@kirtwashington.com.

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33

WE ARE RAISING MONEY FOR THE NEXT TWO

Circle of Care Dream Rooms!

PLATINUM $3,500 GOLD $1,000 - $3,000 SILVER $500 - $1,000 BRONZE $250 - $500

Platinum Sponsorship pays for one entire dream room.

Sponsorships can be donated as monetary or in-kind.

Sponsors will be featured in PWB/HBRA promotions throughout the year.

34 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

MEMBER N EWS

PWB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Erin brings over two decades of experience in the architectural design industry, having started her journey in 2003 as an interior designer and design consultant in prominent cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Portland, Oregon. Now settled in Connecticut with Ring’s End, Erin's expertise spans the entire spectrum of project design and specification.

Erin Shairzay

Architectural Products Specialist Rings End, Inc.

With a keen eye for detail, Erin ensures that each client’s vision is meticulously realized. She excels at customizing Ring’s End’s product offerings to fit individual needs, fostering trust throughout the process.

As a valued member of the Ring’s End Architectural Services team, Erin offers comprehensive support, including recommending key products tailored to project specifications, particularly focusing on millwork offerings. She assists in product exploration through hand samples and showroom displays, providing budgetary quotations, and product design details and specifications.

Erin actively engages with the local architecture and design community, organizing CEU-accredited courses and seminars both in-studio and at curated Ring’s End events. She advocates for women in business and cultivates a positive team dynamic among sales teams and local professionals in marketing, design, and construction. Erin loves to be a connector of all things Ring’s End, consistently mindful of the many resources the company has to offer and the ways they can enrich her clients' experiences.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys tending to her garden and spending quality time with her two young boys, relishing in the tranquility of her cozy fixer-upper in Norwalk while watching the sunset over the trees.

If you’d like to meet Erin and learn more about the Ring’s End Architectural Services Team, please reach out to her at (475) 213-6235 or erin.shairzay@ringsend.com.

Follow Ring's End on social media: MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 35

Join us for our biggest event of the year!

Sept. 16 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Register now to receive early bird pricing for the 18 and 9 hole tournaments! 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

Early Bird Pricing: $1000 / foursome or $250 / golfer Increase after Aug. 16: $1100 / foursome or $275 / golfer

9 Hole: 1pm Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer Increase after Aug. 16: $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

All golfers receive on-course lunch and dinner.

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.

36 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

CLICK HERE for Info!

MEMBER N EWS

nvited...

You're IEverest Marble is Proud to Introduce Symphony Quartz by Aurea Stone Low Silica Quartz

Thursday, June 6th 5pm - 8pm

Please join us for this exclusive new product launch and presentation along with some great food & cocktails.

Everest Marble 2 Taft St Norwalk, CT 203-956-7428 everestmarble.info

RSVP to Joe Marotta at joe@everestct.com by May 24th.

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 37

HOME BUILDERS AND REMODELERS ASSOCIATION OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Grow With the HBRA Website Our new website layout promotes our HBRA Members more than ever!

Focus on Homeowners Finding an HBRA Business

• Navigation Focused on Member Directory • Homepage Builder Spotlights • Tips & Tools Provided by HBRA Members • Homepage Logo Placement for New Members

Builder Spotlights Tips & Tools Stand out to Homeowners as a Featured HBRA Builder on Our Homepage

• •

Promote Your Business by Educating the Homeowner Through Informative Articles

Dedicated Builder Pages Links Directly to Your Website, Socials & Contact Info

New Members

Homepage Logo Placement for New Members Join Today & Get Found

by Having Your Business Featured on Our Homepage

38 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

MEMBER N EWS

Curated Nest Featured in NBC's George to the Rescue New HBRA Member, Lina Galvao is the Co-Founder and Director of Business Development for Curated Nest. This boutique residential design studio serves Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Curated Nest provided products and labor, donated from their design industry partners and companies, to provide a modern style with Filipino design influences, for the charitable home renovation featured on NBC's TV Show George to the Rescue.

ABOUT CURATED NEST The design philosophy at Curated Nest is simple — your home should enhance your authentic everyday life.

Our work is driven by functionality and informed by family living, resulting in spaces that are designed to be effortlessly enjoyed even in the inevitable chaos.

For more information, visit www.curatednest.com, call 914.222.0752, or email hello@curatednest.com.

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/ 40 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 41

SAVE WITH NAHB The National Association of Home Builders offers services and discounts that save members two of the most valuable resources-time and money.

NAHB Education

NAHB Contracts NAHB Contracts offers a variety of residential construction contracts, exclusively for home builders and remodelers. You will save hours of work — which means saving hundreds of dollars — with every contract.

Housing Economics Plus Exclusive access to the latest housing forecasts, insightful market trends and the most in-depth economic analysis regarding the housing industry.

Opportunities to improve your skills, advance your career and network with your industry peers.

Including live and on-demand webinars, professional designations, bite-size videos with the latest industry info, and peer-to-peer roundtable discussions. .

NAHB BuilderBooks Award-winning industry publications, education & training products, software, brochures, and more, with many available in both English and Spanish. HBRA Members recieve 10% off all print and digital items.

Structure Productions Special discounts on professional video and television production services to turn your vision into a valuable brand asset using polished, captivating video.

MAY FEATURED HBRA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS & DEALS 42 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

2024 HBRA Print Membership Directory It’s that time of year again!

Listing forms & advertising opportunities are now available for the annual HBRA Print Membership Directory, distributed to all current members and displayed at HBRA events, in member's showrooms, & in local businesses.

Your FREE listing is included with membership.

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

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 43

RING’S END

RING’S END COMPANY CULTURE Strategic Vision

Since 1902

To be the premier resource in the building supply industry.

Mission Statement To provide the very best products, industry knowledge, customer service, and shopping experience. We do this by employing the best team in the industry, ensuring we maintain a diverse, evolved work environment that values cooperation and teamwork. We look for innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.

RingsEnd.com | 800·390·1000

Bethel | Branford | Danbury Darien | Fairfield | Lewisboro | Madison New Milford | Newtown | Niantic North Stamford | Norwalk | Orange Stamford | Stratford | Trumbull Westport | Wethersfield | Wilton

JOIN THE RING’S END TEAM! Do you have a positive attitude that contributes to a high company morale? Are you goal-oriented and self-motivated? Can you connect with our customers and build strong relationships? Are you an effective communicator? Do you present yourself professionally? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a career at Ring’s End! Ring’s End is a Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer serving Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Southern Westchester County, New York. We are a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated business with a rich history dating back to 1902. With 20 retail locations, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve as an industry leader.

The positions at Ring’s End are as diverse as the employees who hold them. Discover your passion join the Ring’s End team today!

Scan to apply

RingsEnd.com/careers 44 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

Our Values • Integrity • Passion • Pride

• Accountability • Community

Work Environment & Commitment to Safety • • •

Total commitment to safety and teamwork Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment On-the-job training/certifications

Compensation • • • • •

Weekly pay Direct deposit & electronic pay stubs (paperless) Competitive wages and overtime compensation Profit sharing Discretionary bonus program

Benefits • • • • • • • • • •

Medical plans including HMO, POS, and HDHP (with HSA) Section 125 Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Accounts Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Long & Short Term Disability Paid holidays Paid time off (PTO) APPLY ONLINE Workplace flexibility Education Assistance Program Employee Wellness Program Legal Consultation Program

NEW MEMBERS

Curated Nest Interiors | Lina Galvao

Curated Nest Interiors is a boutique residential design studio serving Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Read More

DiMatteo Group Financial Services | Jessica DiMatteo

DiMatteo Group Financial Services provides full-spectrum financial services to work for your goals including: financial planning, wealth management, tax strategy, corporate retirement solutions and pooled 401(k) plans. Read More

EMK Interiors | Erin Kelly

EMK Interiors provides interior design and construction consultation services ranging from a consultation service that will provide you with all the information you need to choose a direction through a turnkey service with intricate customized design tailored to your needs and seamless execution from start to finish. Read More

Enviro Flush, LLC | Craig Jung

Introducing EnviroFlush, the leading porta-potty company committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility! Read More

Further Architecture Office PLLC | Justin Towart

We are architects with a passion for telling compelling stories through progressive design. Our process intentionally moves beyond stylistic solutions to arrive at outcomes that speak to a deep sense of place and meaning for each client, creating enduring projects that transcend scale and budget. Read More

Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work | Heidi Holzer

Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work creates decorative finishes for residential and commercial clients utilizing creative custom designs and imaginative applications.

Read More

Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.| Liz Tyhacz

Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. provides residential and commercial solutions for products and services in lighting and shading. Lutron continues to lead the market in highquality lighting controls as well as innovations in window shade technology for the control of daylight, as well as wired and wireless systems. Read More

Robert Dean Architects | Michele Van Steinburgh

The foundations of our work are in the traditions and classical underpinnings of history—along with the Modernist innovations of our day. This serves us well in designing new-construction projects as well as adaptations and restorations of older houses. Read More

CON T IN UED ON N EXT PAGE MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 45

NEW MEMBERS

Tara Benet Design | Tara Benet

Tara Benet Design is a highly-coveted, award-winning interior design firm in the New York area. The firm provides interior design and staging services to luxury home owners, new developments, and commercial spaces. Read More

TC Homebuilding, LLC | Tim Vilinskis

TC Homebuilding, LLC provides a full range of building services including: custom homebuilding, design build, rendering, and land development. Renovation, additions, and accessory dwelling unit services also available. Read More

AF FILIATES

Robert Dean Architects | Kate Talbott

Steiner Inc. | Bob Allan

Home Media Designs | PJ Mihalick

46 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

JOB BAN K

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

SONERICA Capital JOB TITLE: New Home Builder SUMMARY: Investor with large land inventory looking for highly experienced New

all facets of home building including foundation, framing, roofing, siding, sheetrock,

NEW

Home Builder. You will be a paid consultant. Your main role is to prepare specs and inspect work. Must have built numerous homes. Intimate hands on experience in interior and exterior trim, floors, HVAC, plumbing, electric, costs, scheduling etc.

CONTACT: Email detailed resume to hbsj7@yahoo.com Accurate Lock And Hardware JOB TITLE: Customer Solutions Specialist SUMMARY: In this role, you will communicate with customers via phone and email, help determine their requirements, process purchase orders, provide quotations, check on order status and expedite orders. You will be part of a team that provides customer service and support for a wide array of products to a network of showroom and contract hardware distributors, OEM accounts, architects, designers and specifiers.

Bear Paw Builders Inc. JOB TITLE: Part Time Bookkeeper START DATE: immediately Salary: $30-$35 per hour SUMMARY: Experienced bookkeeper experienced in construction job costing with QuickBooks.

CONTACT: peter@bpaw.com

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 47

48 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

JOB BAN K

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

Chloe Winston Lighting Design JOB TITLE: Showroom Coordinator RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with showroom opening and closing duties, answer phones and make customer appointments, greet customers in showroom and make them feel welcomed, receive deliveries and help with in-store merchandise pick-ups, liaise with showroom, manufacturers, and designers, architects, builders and retail customers, and support sales team.

HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm Email resume to hello@chloewinstonlighting.com Lansing Building Products, LLC JOB TITLE: Outside Sales - Norwalk, CT (lever.co) START DATE: immediately SUMMARY: Full time - secures new business while building and maintaining relationships with customers.

CONTACT: (203) 831-0977 or george.harvey@lansingbp.com Studio KC LLC JOB TITLE: Jr Designer/Project Manager SUMMARY: Studio KC is an emerging high end interior design firm located in Norwalk specializing in full home renovations, kitchens, baths and custom millwork. We are looking for a Junior Designer/Project Manager to join our tight knit team. Our office is a fun, fast paced environment where collaboration and mutual support are encouraged.

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 49

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N EWS

Housing Price and Rent Growth Expectations Increase Households expect home price growth to increase to 5.1% over the next 12 months, up from 2.6% a year ago, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s 2024 SCE Housing Survey that was released this week. This is the second highest reading in the survey’s history, but below the series high of 7% in 2022.

The increase is broad based across demographic groups, but particularly large for respondents residing in the South.

The survey also looked at household expectations for mortgage rates and how it might impact financing decisions, as well as renters’ expectations for rent prices and the possibility of homeownership.

Mortgage Market Households anticipate mortgage rates to rise to 8.7% a year from now and 9.7% in three years’ time, both numbers a series high.

But households on average still believe there is a 61% chance that mortgage rates will fall over the next 12 months, which is also a series high.

Read More

The Impact of Mortgage Rates on Housing Affordability According to the latest press release from Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixedrate mortgage has now risen to approximately 7.25%. Based NAHB’s priced-out data, at this rate, only about 27.5 million (out of a total of 134.7 million) U.S. households could afford to buy a median-priced new home, based on their incomes and standard underwriting criteria.

Read More

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N EWS

NAHB Supports Challenge to HUD’s RuleMaking Authority NAHB recently filed an amicus brief in National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies v. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The case involves a challenge by the insurance industry to HUD’s Disparate Impact Rule. The rule has a long history dating back to the Obama administration.

In 2013, HUD published a rule formalizing a “burden-shifting” test for determining whether a housing practice being challenged in court has an unjustified discriminatory effect.

Under the test, the plaintiff must first prove a challenged practice caused or predictably will cause a discriminatory effect. If the plaintiff meets its burden of proof, then the defendant must prove the challenged practice is necessary to achieve one or more substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interests.

Harnessing Nature and Innovation: The Rise of Bioclimatic Pergola Design For builders and architects committed to leaving a positive mark on the planet while catering to the increasing demand for luxurious, adaptive living spaces, bioclimatic pergolas represent this innovative convergence.

Read More

Read More

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

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

They make the whole process come together seamlessly.”

Jonathan Gordon, Design by the Jonathans

bendershowrooms.com decorative plumbing | kitchen & bath cabinetry | tile & stone Hartford | New Haven | Norwalk | Waterbury © 2024 Bender Plumbing

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 53

Workplace retirement plans have become mandatory for all Connecticut businesses with 5 or more employees (MyCTSavings Plan)

Fortunately for you the HBRA has you covered with the

HBRA Member Retirement Program!

Higher contribution limits, plan design flexibility, and higher income limits are just a few potential reasons why the HBRA Member Retirement Program may make more sense for your business.

You build homes down to every detail of what your customer is looking for, so why not build your own retirement plan the same way!

John V. DiMatteo CFP®, CPFA

203-924-5408 jdimatteo@dimatteofinancial.com

N EWS

Multifamily Developer Confidence Declines in First Quarter Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024, according to results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices.

The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 47, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 83, up one point year-over-year.

Read More

How Are Rising Costs Impacting Your Bottom Line?

NAHB is seeking data from singlefamily builders to produce average profit benchmarks for the industry.

Specifically, the Economics team is requesting data concerning your company’s 2023 Income Statement and Balance Sheet. This information will remain completely confidential, and only NAHB’s small research team will see the data.

Read More

House Passes Consumer Protection Bill Today, the House passed House Bill 5272 as amended by LCO 4410 titled: "AN ACT CONCERNING THE EXPIRATION OF CERTAIN LAND USE APPROVALS AND THE NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GUARANTY FUND" by a bi-partisan vote of 142-0.

The HBRA, along with Attorney Tim Hollister of Hinkley Allen and Jason Klein of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, worked closely with Chairwoman Eleni Kavros DeGraw to get this bill to a point where today Representative Zullo referred to it as, "Probably the most pro-consumer bills you will see this year". Representative Tim Ackert also referred to it as, "The most pro-consumer bill we've seen in a long time".

Among other things, this bill originally would have allowed towns to force the expiration of land use permits in instances where a developer's work stoppage resulted in a health and safety hazard. The HBRA strongly opposed the premature expiration of land use permits as a method to compel corrective action. After many meetings and fine tuning the bill does the following: • Instead of land use expirations the bill gives a town the explicit statutory authority to remediate the hazard and seek legal remedy when: - the ZEO finds a verified health and safety hazard resulting from a work stoppage -and it's determined that the developer does not intend to resume work in a reasonable time • Increases payout to the New Home Guaranty Fund from $30,000 to $50,000 without increasing the amount a contractor pays into the fund.

• Allows the AG to seek restitution against a proprietor of a business and narrowly defines "proprietor as a person with an ownership interest and has been found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction of violating the New Home Construction statutes - a protection for silent partners of a business sought by the HBRA. This bill now goes to the Senate for final legislative action. We will continue to provide updates on this and other bills of importance to the residential construction industry as the 2024 legislative session comes to a close.

Download Full Amendment MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 55

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56 HBRA offamily Fairfield County | MAY 2024 Locally owned & operated since 1972 – now in 3rd generation.

N EWS

Adaptive Reuse: Transforming Communities and Meeting Housing Demand As cities and towns nationwide navigate post-pandemic recovery, policymakers and housing developers are shifting their focus toward strengthening and enhancing local economies. This offers a promising opportunity for adaptive reuse — also known as office-toresidential conversions — of commercial buildings, driven by evolving work dynamics and the underutilization of older properties.

Originating from historic preservation, adaptive reuse has evolved into a strategy to meet contemporary demands and address the high demand for housing while invigorating local economies. However, such projects are not without challenges, including financial and regulatory hurdles. NAHB’s new Adaptive Reuse Guide dives into the factors influencing adaptive reuse, and offers insights and examples to strengthen local economies and foster vibrant downtowns.

Single-Family Builders: How Does Your Compensation Measure Up? Discover how other single-family home builders are compensating their employees with pay and benefits. Get the latest edition of Single-Family Builder Compensation Study from NAHB BuilderBooks to benchmark the compensation and benefits you should offer your employees.

Read More

Read More

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 57

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N EWS

NAHB Remodelers Reveals the Most Popular NAHB Monthly Type of Home Remodeling Projects Update Now To kick off National Home Remodeling Month in May, which Available highlights the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers released survey results on the most popular remodeling jobs by its members.

The results revealed that bathroom and kitchen remodels remain the most popular projects.

To help members articulate key housing priorities, NAHB’s Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. An exclusive “Whatever type of home improvement project consumers benefit for NAHB members are looking for, NAHB Remodelers remains committed to and local and state association professionalism and helping home owners create the home of their leaders, the Monthly Update dreams,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Mike Pressgrove, a remodeler provides top-line information from Topeka, Kan. on housing economics and the housing priorities for the Bathroom remodels were cited as a common job by 65% of Federation. remodelers, followed by kitchen remodels (61%). After baths and kitchens, the most popular remodeling categories were...

Read More

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Photography | videography drone operation | Marketing materials

KIRTWASHINGTON.com (203) 215-7504 kirt@kirtwashington.com MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 59

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.

60 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

N EWS

Top Compromises Buyers Will Make to Reach Homeownership High mortgage rates and double-digit growth in home prices since COVID-19 have brought housing affordability to its lowest level in more than a decade. Given this reality, a recent NAHB study on housing preferences asked home buyers about which specific compromises they would be willing to make to achieve homeownership.

The study found that: • For 39% of buyers, accepting a smaller lot is the path to affording a home. This finding highlights the paramount importance of reforming zoning laws that mandate lot sizes, as nearly four out of 10 buyers would be willing to give up land in exchange for owning a home.

• For 36% of buyers, accepting fewer exterior amenities is the way to homeownership — they will simply add that deck or patio at some point in the future.

Higher Mortgage Rates Hammer Builder Confidence in May With mortgage rates averaging above 7% for the past four weeks per data from Freddie Mac, builder sentiment posted its first decline since November 2023.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 45 in May, down six points from April, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.

Read More

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A Strong Quarter for Townhouse Construction Year-over-year gains for townhouse construction continued at the start of 2024 as demand for mediumdensity housing continues to be strong.

According to NAHB analysis of the most recent Census data of Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, during the first quarter of 2024, single-family attached starts totaled 42,000, which is 45% higher than the first quarter of 2023. Over the last four quarters, townhouse construction starts totaled a strong 171,000 homes, which is 21% higher than the prior four-quarter period (141,000). Townhouses made up almost 18% of single-family housing starts for the first quarter of the year.

Read More

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 61

“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

N EWS

The Importance of Relationships: Advice from an Award-Winning Sales and Marketing Pro To help achieve career success, building genuine relationships with your industry peers can provide a much-needed boost.

With more than 35 years of experience in the homes sales and marketing industry, Jeff Shore, founder of Shore Consulting, an Auburn, Calif.-based new home sales training company, was named the NAHB Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year at The Nationals during this year’s International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

“In the realm of residential real estate sales, Jeff Shore is not just a professional, he is a transformative force,” shared Mollie Elkman, president of Group Two Advertising and author of The House That She Built, who nominated Shore for the award. “With a career spanning over three decades, Jeff Shore has left an indelible mark on the industry, reshaping sales strategies, inspiring professionals and generating unprecedented revenue.”

Podcast: A Big Win in the Supreme Court and Understanding the Realtors Settlement In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are once again joined

by Tom Ward, vice president of legal advocacy, to discuss the outcome of the Supreme Court’s Sheetz decision and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement.

Listen Now

Read More

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 63

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

N EWS

Nearly Half of U.S. Households Can’t Afford a $250,000 Home NAHB has updated its housing affordability graph for 2024, and the latest data show that 66.6 million households, 49% out of a total of 134.9 million, are unable to afford a $250,000 home.

The graph is based on conventional underwriting standards that assume the cost of a mortgage, property taxes and property insurance should not exceed 28% of household income. Based on this methodology, NAHB economists have calculated how many households have enough income to afford a home at various price thresholds.

For example, the minimum income required to purchase a $150,000 home with a mortgage rate of 6.5% is $45,975. At the base of the graph are 40.5 million U.S. households with insufficient incomes (below $45,975) to be able to afford a $150,000 home.

Read More

Podcast: Advocating for Housing in a Difficult Environment In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez kick off their discussion with the latest data from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) that was released Wednesday, which dropped for the first time since November 2023.

“Not surprising, as we continue to see inflation stay stubbornly high and the Fed really signaling they’re not going to have any meaningful rate cuts this year,” Tobin noted. “I absolutely think our members are more pessimistic than they were the last couple of months as this inflationary environment and high rate environment just wears on.”

“The biggest frustrations — and we see that in the commentary — is the fact that there’s demand,” Lopez added. “We’re not in 2008. This is truly a need to build more homes, and people can’t do it either because the AD&C lending is tighter, or people are less qualified or can’t afford to take out that mortgage.”

Tobin and Lopez also delve further into the Biden administration’s mandate for new homes purchased under certain mortgage programs to be built to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), following an earlier podcast episode. This move — which will add $30,000 to the cost of a new home in most states and impact housing availability and affordability — came only seven weeks after President Biden made a call to increase the supply of housing during his State of the Union address.

Listen to Full Episode

MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 65

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MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 67

68 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2024

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MAY 2024 | HBRA of Fairfield County 69

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