Built On Great Relationships

from May 2023 Building Connections

2023-2024 Print Membership Directory

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

X Design Consultation including on-site walk-throughs and Recessed lighting layouts

X Large offering and inventory of integrated LED Recessed Lighting

X Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for all applications

X Door, Cabinet & Bath Hardware

X Motorized & Manual Window Shades

X Lutron Lighting Controls

Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks

X Bath Ventilation Fans

X Builder programs

IBS 2024 Show Home Begins to Take Shape

In a familiar setting but featuring a wide array of new designs and innovative products, The New American Home 2024 is sure to impress and inspire countless attendees at next year’s International Builders’ Show (IBS).

Returning to the upscale community of Ascaya in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, Nev., the 2024 home is just around the corner from some of the previous editions of The New American Home program. But Daniel Coletti, president of Sun West Custom Homes and lead builder of the project, says the home will have an identity all its own.

OSHA Launches Enforcement Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction

During its annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction, OSHA launched a new emphasis program “to reduce or eliminate workplace fall hazards associated with working at heights.” The program, administered by OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, went into effect May 1.

OSHA noted in its program instructions, “Considering that falls remain the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in all industries, the agency has determined that an increase in enforcement and outreach activities is warranted.”

How Buyers and Manufacturers Are Adjusting to an Evolving Housing Market

Builder sentiment is on the rise and prospective buyers’ expectations of housing affordability have improved. But despite these upticks, economic shifts will continue to influence the housing market as interest rates, consumer preferences and product supply evolve.

To provide a deeper analysis of how consumer purchasing behaviors have changed in recent years and how product manufacturers can better meet the needs of their clients, two industry experts will lead back-toback presentations during the Leading Suppliers Council (LSC) “Connections” meeting June 8 at the NAHB Spring Leadership Meetings.

Qadra Evans, director of industry relations for new construction at Zillow Group, will kick it off with “Understanding Consumer Motivations.” Evans will share insights from the Zillow New Construction Consumer Housing Trends Report to illustrate:

· How today’s consumers are shopping for new construction;

· What are the motivations and pain points of new home buyers; and

· How salespeople, marketers and builders can cater to their buyers.

Grant Farnsworth, president of The Farnsworth Group, will then discuss “Understanding Today’s Building Products Customers.” Farnsworth says learning about the “behaviors and attitudes of contractors to better His presentation will address key questions such as:

· Which supply and demand fundamentals are impacting contractors?

· How is availability impacting professionals?

· What must manufacturers and suppliers deliver to meet the builders’ needs?

The LSC Connections Meeting will take place Thursday, June 8 from 1-3 p.m. ET at the Washington Hilton in Columbia 6, 8, 11, 12, Terrace Level.

How Municipalities Can Address Housing Affordability Through Code and Zoning Reform

Historical patterns of land use policy and zoning have either disincentivized or disallowed production of various housing types and price points. Many U.S. cities have zoned the majority of their residential land for single-family detached housing, which not is not the right choice for everyone. Code and zoning reform can help increase home supply and address the nation’s housing affordability crisis.

NAHB’s new resource, Model Housing and Land Development Code Guide, includes information about how updating housing and land development code can have real impacts on the costs and availability of housing. NAHB members in communities considering these changes can share this document with local officials and housing advocates to help educate them on the value of code and zoning reform.

NAHB is launching a new IBS Education webinar series featuring the most popular speakers from the International Builders’ Show. These free, monthly webinars will explore current industry trends, topics, and best practices that impact home builders’ businesses.

Check out the lineup for upcoming webinars. More will be added later in the year.

House Moves to Lift Debt Ceiling

By a 217 to 215 vote, the House today passed H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, which would raise the federal debt ceiling. Although this bill will not pass the Senate, NAHB believes that its passage in the House will mark the start of bipartisan discussions to resolve this issue.

The debt ceiling is a cap on the total amount of money that the federal government is authorized to borrow to fulfill its financial obligations. If the government cannot borrow money to pay its existing bills, it would default on its debt, and this unprecedented event would send shockwaves through the U.S. and global economies.

The Limit, Save, Grow Act includes provisions NAHB strongly supports, such as H. R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would eliminate a $1 billion grant program used to pressure state and local governments to adopt costly energy code requirements, and the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would require congressional approval prior to federal agencies enacting costly regulations.

Spring is typically when many Americans make plans to remodel their homes — from embarking on projects that help boost their home’s efficiency to adding more of their personal style to their living space to tackling muchneeded maintenance. As consumers consider which home improvement projects to take on, it’s important to understand the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler to make their dream home a reality.