May 2023 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 3

UPCOMING

FEATURES

June GMM & Annual Meeting HBRA Clambake September Golf Classic

May Member Mixer Feng Shui as a Design/Build Tool Golf Classic Sponsorship Opportunities New NAHB CEO

MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

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: Builder: Olson Development, LLC

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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

EXEC U TIVE W ELCOME LETTER

Get ready for our clambake, golf, & did I hear casino night!?

I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful spring weather! Our last GMM before our summer break will be at Ring’s End on June 7, I hope you all can make it-it will be a great event!

In the fall, we will have two of our most popular events-our clambake on September 6 and our Annual Golf Tournament on September 18 - be sure to mark your calendars. We will also be introducing a casino night this year! We are looking forward to seeing you all more for the remainder of the year.

Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business. kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn

MISSION

Executive Officer 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 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

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.

6 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

JUNE GMM Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | 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!

HOT OIL RIG

Ring’s End | 181 West Avenue, Darien, CT 06820 | 800-390-1000 | RingsEnd.com

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7

ELITE 2023 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance President: John Hertz Hertz Construction Senior VP: Rob Michaud Michaud Group

DIAMOND

VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate Lumber Treasurer: Steven Roth Elevator Service Secretary: Karen Bradbury Closet & Storage Concepts

TITANIUM

2023 DIRECTORS Alex Shook Pella Windows

Bonnie Paige

Bonnie Paige Interiors

PLATINUM

Chris Shea

Domus Constructors LLC

George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

Lisa Heldwhite

A VERTEX COMPANY

Breakwater Development

Stephen Gidley

Stephen C. Gidley Inc.

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

since 1972

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

GOLD

MEDIA

Upcoming Events Register Today!

Weds. June 7: GMM & Annual Meeting Ring's End Darien Builders & architects can attend for no charge!

Weds. Sept. 6: Annual HBRA Clambake Boca Oyster Bar, Bridgeport New venue with Surf & Turf Dinner (lobster & steak) and drinks!

Mon. Sept. 18: Golf Classic Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Our biggest event of the year! Golf & dinner registration, sponsorships, & raffle prize donations now open!

Thurs. Oct. 19: Casino Night with the HBRA Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton Brand new event! Try your luck at the tables, and bring your highest bids for some great prizes at our Silent Auction!

For more info & to register, visit buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9

MEMBER EVEN TS

May GMM & Member Mixer

RECAP

Thank you to all who joined us on May 3rd at our annual May GMM & Member Mixer at Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford! We enjoyed craft beer and a delicious appetizer spread from Gaetano’s Italian Deli. Some of our associate members had tables to showcase their businesses and new products.

We had 13 unique non-member companies join us. As a reminder, prospective HBRA members are welcome to attend their first event at no charge (up to $50 value), so please feel free to invite companies who are interested in learning more about the HBRA to join you at an upcoming event!

This event would not have been possible without our great sponsors. Thank you to our Imperial Sponsors Pella and Andersen Corp., our Top Hop sponsors Cross Insurance, DiMatteo Financial, and Clarke Distributors, and our “Keg Above the Rest” sponsors Cisco Heating And Cooling Pros., Breakwater Renovation & Design, and Closet & Storage Concepts.

10 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

Attendees also participated in a fun “Member Mixer Scavenger Hunt” to learn more about our event sponsors and meet new members, and were entered in a raffle drawing when their scavenger hunt cards were completed. Congratulations to Kyle Shea from CT Lighting Centers who won!

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

Powerful. Tranquil. Energizing. Entertaining. Productive. Soot For each of these adjectives, try to envision a place that m you feel these emotions. Images of various spaces are sur flash in your mind. The feeling that these built environm evoke convey a specific energy and we human beings pick u that energy when we occupy the space. This is true in cli homes as well. Each individual client should have a home th unique to them and what kind of energy or feeling they each room to convey to themselves and others. As membe the building industry, it is our job to listen to our clients' un visions for their projects and then design and build with pur and intent in order to bring those visions to life. One tool which to design and build intentionally is Feng Shui.

Designing with Purpose & Intent Feng Shuiwith as a Design/Build Designing Purpose &Tool Intent Feng Shui as a Design/Build Tool

Meet Tori.

Building Connections welcomes member, Tori McBrien, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner and Principal/ Owner of McBrien Interiors, LLC to share how the practice of Feng Shui can be used as a design/build Powerful.tool.

Tranquil. Energizing. Entertaining. Productive. Soothing.

For each of these adjectives, try to envision a place that makes you feel these emotions.

Images of variousProductive. spaces areSoothing. sure to Powerful.

Tranquil.

Energizing.

Entertaining. flash in your mind.

The feeling that these a built environments For each of these adjectives, try to envision place that makes evoke convey a specific energy and we human beings picksure up on you feel these emotions. Images of various spaces are to that energy when we occupy the space.

This is true in client’s flash in your mind. The feeling that these built environments should have a home is homes as well.a Each individual evoke convey specific energy client and we human beings pickthat up on unique to them and kindthe of space. energy This or feeling want that energy when wewhat occupy is true they in client’s each room to convey to themselves others. members client and should haveAs a home that of is homes as well.

Each individual the building industry, it is our job to listen to our clients' unique unique to them and what kind of energy or feeling they want visions for their projects then design build purpose each room to convey to and themselves and and others.

Aswith members of and intent in order to bring those visions to life.

One tool with the building industry, it is our job to listen to our clients' unique Shui. with purpose which design and buildand intentionally is Feng visionsto for their projects then design and build

Designing with Purpose & Intent Feng Shui as a Design/Build Tool

and intent in order to bring those visions to life. One tool with which to design and build intentionally is Feng Shui.

12 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

Powerful. Tranquil. Energizing. Entertaining. Productive. Soothing.

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15

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 16 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

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

We take pride in our work and love to display our completed projects. Click here to take a look!

Speak to us about your upcoming project Call (203) 366-4757

View our NEW Architectural Website

“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017. Roberta and the rest of the team have 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!”

— KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS

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

Contact Associate Publisher, Roberta Mancuso to learn how New England Home Connecticut can enhance your marketing efforts. rmancuso@nehomemag.com | 203.530.9593 Proud media sponsor of the HBRA of Fairfield Country

nehomemag.com

Join us for our biggest event of the year!

Sept. 18 | 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.

Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments 18 Hole: 11am Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $1000 / foursome or $250 / golfer Increase after Aug. 18: $1100 / foursome or $275 / golfer

9 Hole: 2pm Shotgun Start

Early Bird Pricing: $500 / foursome or $125 / golfer Increase after Aug. 18: $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.

2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19 CLICK MAY HERE for Info!

NEW MEMBERS

Artistic Iron Works, LLC | Maciej Jankowski

Artistic Iron Works, based in Norwalk CT, specializes in custom metal forging and fabrication. We build everything from railings, gates, fences to complete stairs, fireplace enclosures, metal furniture and custom designed accent pieces. Read More

Edgewater Development, LLC | Frank DeLuca

Top rated designers, experienced project managers, flawless construction crew and complete dedicated support personnel. The Edgewater Development team shares the same vision of excellence. We believe there is a direct correlation between the strength of the people within our organization and the top-quality custom homes and client relationships we create. Read More

Productivity Institute | Don Wetmore

The Productivity Institute offers the highest quality Time Management Seminars, Personal Productivity Seminars, classes, workshops, keynote presentations, and consulting services to individuals and organizations worldwide. Read More

Yellowbrick Real Estate | Alan Stewart Jr.

At Yellowbrick Real Estate we're on top of the Real Estate Market so our clients don't have to be! We take advantage of today's innovative technology to aid in the Real Estate transaction process, but never at the expense of making real connections.

With over 20 years of experience we pride ourselves in exceeding your real estate expectations. Read More

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

2023-2024 Print Membership Directory 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, and 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 22 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

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.

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.

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.

Chloe Winston Lighting Design JOB TITLE: Showroom Manager (Part Time) SUMMARY: Looking for a strong communicator with excellent customer service skills to join our AWARD-WINNING Lighting Showroom - steps away from the heart of South Norwalk! We are a small, local, WOMEN-OWNED business with over 50 years combined experience.

HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-3pm (flexible) Email resume to hello@chloewinstonlighting.com

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

24 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

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.

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 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25

N EWS

New CEO to Take the Helm at the National Association of Home Builders The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing the housing industry, has named James W. Tobin III as the association’s new president and chief executive officer. Tobin, executive vice president and chief lobbyist at NAHB, will succeed CEO Jerry Howard, who is leaving NAHB after more than 30 years. Tobin will assume the new post effective June 1, 2023.

Following an extensive search process, the NAHB Board of Directors on May 3 ratified the selection of the CEO Executive Search Committee to appoint Tobin to lead the 140,000-member association.

“Today is a big day for the future of our association. After a comprehensive search process and transition plan, we feel very confident that we have selected the best person to represent NAHB and serve as a key voice of the housing industry,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “Jim brings more than 20 years of experience in the housing industry to the post. His proven track record of success in leading NAHB’s federal legislative advocacy makes him uniquely qualified to lead our association in the years ahead.”

Read More

Remodeling and Building custom homes in Lower Fairfield County of Connecticut and Westchester County

Contact Us: 203.517.9714 1766 Bedford Street

Stamford, CT 06905

26 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

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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.

28 HBRA of Fairfield County | MAY 2023

N EWS

Bipartisan House and Senate Bills Would Boost Housing Production The House and Senate have introduced identical bipartisan bills supported by NAHB that will improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and allow builders to increase production of badly needed affordable housing...

Protect Your Business with Updated Contracts from NAHB

To help residential construction business owners protect their ...The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would: organizations, NAHB offers 27 · Increase 9% credit allocations, which are generally reserved for contracts written specifically for new construction, by 50%. home builders and remodelers · Prohibit states from requiring special approvals that treat affordable that cover a wide range of construction industry activities. rental housing differently from any other multifamily project.

NAHB Contracts has long been a · Provide a 30% basis boost for properties in rural and Native go-to resource for home builders American areas. looking to save time and money · Lower the 50% “financed by” threshold to 25% for private activity in the development of their bonds to enable more bond deals. Private activity bonds are taxcritical contracts. exempt bonds issued on behalf of a state or local government to provide special financing benefits for qualified projects.

Read More

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"When you’re incorporating technology into a design project, only the best will do.

To get the job done right, collaborate with Smarthome and Theater Systems, the experts for custom home theater, audio, video, and security system installation."

- Judi of Judi Alvino Designs

Smarthome and Theater Systems SCHEDULE AN ESTIMATE NOW

Smart Technology & Automation | Home Theaters & Media Rooms Lighting | Motorized Shades | Wi-Fi & Networks | Home Office Wellness Rooms | Home Security | Outdoor Living

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NOW HIRING! INTERNS | PROJECT COORDINATORS | PROJECT MANAGERS (ALL LEVELS)

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Construction Management Draw Preparation QA/QC Oversight Project Closeout Page Turn/Peer Review CONTACT US

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N EWS

Highest Paid Occupations in Construction in 2022 According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) and analysis by NAHB, half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $54,540 and the top quartile (top 25%) make at least $77,030. In comparison, the U.S. median wage is $46,310, while the top 25% makes at least $73,460.

The OEWS publishes wages for more than 406 occupations in construction. Out of these, only 58 are construction trades. The other industry workers are in finance, sales, administration and other off-site activities.

The highest paid occupation in construction is CEO, with half of CEOs making more than $163,410 per year and the top 25% highest paid CEOs earning more than $234,090. Lawyers working in construction are next on the list, with the median wages of $156,000 and the top 25% earning more than $213,120.

Read More

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

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APRIL 2021 HBRA of Fairfield County 32

N EWS

Lake Coulson Named Chief Lobbyist for NAHB The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced today that Lake Coulson has been named as its new senior vice president for government affairs and chief lobbyist, taking over for Jim Tobin who was recently appointed CEO of the association. A dedicated government affairs professional with more than 20 years of policy and management experience, Coulson will serve as the association’s lead lobbyist and oversee its federal, state and local lobbying, as well as guiding the activities of NAHB’s political action committee, BUILD-PAC, and its grassroots network.

“Having worked closely with Lake for more than the past decade, I know he is the right person to lead NAHB’s government affairs team forward as our industry faces a number of challenging issues,” said NAHB CEO Jim Tobin. “I am certain he will do an outstanding job in promoting and advancing NAHB’s political, legislative and strategic objectives.”

Read More

Video: NAHB Chairman Recognizes National Home Remodeling Month In this month’s Chairman’s Update, NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey recognizes NAHB Remodelers, and all who work in the remodeling sphere, during May’s National Home Remodeling Month. NAHB has created resources for professionals to bolster the remodeling sector and celebrate the expertise of professional remodelers.

Watch Now

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 © 2023 Bender Plumbing

MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33

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34 HBRA offamily Fairfield County | MAY 2023 Locally owned & operated since 1972 – now in 3rd generation.

N EWS

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.

Read More

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.”

Read More

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.

Read More MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 35

N EWS

How Municipalities Can Address Housing Affordability Through Code and Zoning Reform

New NAHB IBS Webinar Series Launches May 17

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 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.

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 Check out the lineup for these changes can share this document with local officials and upcoming webinars. More will housing advocates to help educate them on the value of code and be added later in the year. zoning reform.

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N EWS

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.

May is National Home Remodeling Month 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.

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MAY 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 37

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