November 2019 Building Connections Magazine

T H E E - M AG A Z I N E O F T H E H B R A O F FA I R F I E L D CO U N TY - N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

UPCOMING

FEATURES

MEMBER BENEFITS

HBRA Awards & Holiday Celebration Don’t Pay for Your Subs Negligence PWB Luncheon

November GMM HOBI Awards Wrap Up PWB Meeting

mynpp.com NAHB Benefits

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

FEATURES

Find Us On Social Media

8

Register for the HBRA Awards Night

10 12 34

HBRA Joint GMM

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com

Editorial Staff Jackie Bertolone Executive Officer

HOBI Awards

Sarah Iannarone Membership & Events Coordinator Clare Michalak Marketing & Graphics Coordinator

Before & Afters

ON THE COVER

Milton Development, LLC Ashley Schapiro www.miltondevelopment.com

2019 VIP PARTNERS HOME BUILDERS AND REMODELERS ASSOCIATION OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

2019 OFFICERS

ELITE

President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Sr. Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Insurance

Vice President John Hertz

Hertz Construction

Secretary Rob Michaud

DIAMOND

The Michaud Group

Immediate Past President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

2019 DIRECTORS Propane Pete Battaglio Hocon Gas

TITANIUM

Max Bender Bender Supply

Steve Berko

Four Square Build & Design

Michael Church

William Pitt Sotheby’s

Ken DeLeo

Doherty & DeLeo

PLATINUM

Brian Kurtz

Interstate Lumber

Steve LoParco

LoParco Associates, Inc.

Steven Roth

Elevator Service Company

Alex Shook

Pella Commercial

Michael Wood

GOLD

Wood Builders

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

Gary Fanali City Carting

Terrence Beaty William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

MEDIA

Thank you to the following VIP Associate Members for their support in 2019. Due to their generosity the Association greatly benefits - from developing new events and educational opportunities for the membership, to keeping our lights on!

ME SSAGE F ROM THE EXECUTIVE OF F ICER

Dear Members, Last night was a wonderful celebration of the impressive work our members produce across the state and county.

Congratulations to all the HOBI winners and a special recognition to the big overall category winners from the HBRA of Fairfield County: - Blansfield Builders - Remodeled Home of the Year - Fletcher Development - Custom Home of the Year - SBP Homes - Spec Home of the Year - RMS Companies - Community of the Year The HOBIs, put on by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, had 927 guests in attendance for their 26th year. We hope you enjoyed the evening.

Our own awards & holiday celebration is coming up on December 11 in a winter beer garden in Stamford with great food and a festive and comfortable atmosphere.

MEMBERS AT A GLANCE

526 TOTAL MEMBERS

134 NEW MEMBERS

95

NEW BUSINESSES

Please be sure to purchase your tickets. We also have sponsorships and advertising available. Say congratulations to fellow award winners with an ad in our program or sponsor our hot chocolate bar. It will be a great night to celebrate 2019 with the HBRA and the upcoming holidays.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

All the best, Jackie L. Bertolone

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY INVITES YOU TO: A seminar on Contractual Risk Transfer

Don't Pay for Your Sub's Negligence Learn why a certificate of insurance is NOT enough to protect you or your business. A personal injury attorney who files these lawsuits will provide do's and don'ts. You will also receive sample contracts and a toolkit to protect you and your business on the job site.

Presenters: Eric Ferraris Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

Duane R. Morgan

Click to Register

Morgan Levine Dolan Woodway Country Club Tuesday, December 3, 2019 3:00 - Seminar in Board Room 4:00 - Hors’ Douvres & Cocktails

6 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Members: Free Guests: $15

U P COMING EVENTS

12.3 12.11 12.13 1.30

Don’t Pay for Your Sub’s Negligence December 3, 2019 Click Here to Register

Awards Night & Holiday Celebration

Committee Meetings PWB Council November 21, 2019 Program Committee December 3, 2019

December 11, 2019 Click to Register

PWB Holiday Luncheon December 13, 2019 Click to Register

OSHA10 January 30-31, 2020 Click to Register

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the HBRAFFC

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS ASSOCIATION OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

YO U ’ R E I N V I T E D TO T H E

H O N O R I N G T H E 2 0 1 9 AWA R D W I N N E R S

W E D N E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 9 WINTER BEER GARDEN M I L L R I V E R PA R K | S TA M F O R D 6:00 - 9:00PM

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 8 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Sponsorships & Advertising Click Here to See All Opportunities

“Your Company” Lounge Sponsor - $1,000 Inside our winter beer garden tent, reserve your couch seating lounge area with a sign displaying your company logo. Invite attendees to join you in this space.

• Logo on signage at table • Logo on event banner • Featured in event program • Featured in e-blast and social media • Thanked in December edition of Building Connections magazine

Hot Chocolate Bar Sponsor- $1,750 Sponsor a hot chocolate bar station with dessert!

• Signage at the station • Your company logo on hot paper cups • Half page ad in the event program book • Thanked in December edition of Building Connections magazine

Tap Sponsor - $1,500 Separate signage at the bar • Logo on cocktail napkins at the bar • Logo on marketing materials • Half page ad in the program book • Thanked in December edition of Building Connections magazine

Event Supporting Sponsor - $500 • Full page ad in program • Logo on event signage • Tagged in social media and thanked in Building Connections Magazine

Say congratulations to the award winners!

Purchase an ad in our event program that will be distributed to members and guests at the HBRA Awards & Holiday Celebration.

Ads are available in a variety of sizes and price points to fit every budget.

Deadlines for all ad files are November 27, 2019.

Full Page $400 1/2 Page $200 Premium Spaces: Back Cover $700 & Inside Front Cover $550 Click here to see all advertising options.

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9

HBRA EVENTS

Joint Member Event With Central HBRA Haynes Outdoor Living hosted the first joint GMM between the HBRA of Fairfield County and the HBRA of Central Connecticut. About 100 guests gathered for a rare 3:30 event that included networking, some competitive games with prizes and appetizers cooked in the outdoor kitchens. Two Fairfield County members won two rock stacking competitions and took home $50 gift cards. Congratulations to Mara of Parksite and Tori of McBrien Interiors. Thanks to all who participated.

We would like to thank Haynes for hosting a joint event and providing the opportunity for us all to come together in a convenient and beautiful setting. We hope to have more joint events in the future.

10 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

HBRA EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

HBRA EVENTS

HOBI Highlights Last night we celebrated the 26th year of the HOBI Awards recognizing beautiful homes produced by members throughout the state of Connecticut .

It was a sold out night with over 920 in attendance from all four local associations.

The HBRA of Fairfield County received an award for Outstanding Special Congratulations to all of the Event for our Beyond the Blueprint panel last March. Thanks to all of the award winners. Thank you to panelists and sponsors who made the event possible.

Joanne Carroll and the HBRA of Connecticut for another great year.

Professional Photos will be forthcoming from the HBRA of Connecticut Click here to see all of the winners from Fairfield County including the top awards 12 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Because you need the solution before the problem.

Your business is one that deserves to be protected, and our job is to minimize risk.

TOOFER.COM

Tooher-Ferraris’ Home Builders Specialty Program has been supporting and protecting the reputations of builders and contractors for over 85 years.

From general contractor construction liability and workers compensation, to commercial automobile insurance, subcontractor risk transfer, and OSHA compliance assistance, our high-touch service is delivered with honesty, integrity, and dependability.

43 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897

1.800.899.0093

HBRA EVENTS

Professional Women in Building Council On November 21st, Sunshine Floors in Stamford hosted the Professional Women in Building Council November meeting. Thirty two members and guests attended the meeting to see the beautiful showroom, network, and listen to a presentation by Alex Modica of Shelf Genie and Susan Corvo of Susan Corvo Design.

The presentation focused on Redesign Solutions and Shelf Genie Optimization for organization and functionality.

There are currently 64 members of the Professional Women in Building Council. If you are interested in joining, please contact the office. Visit our website for more information: https://buildfairfieldcounty.com/pwb Click here to register for the PWB Luncheon

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

HBRA EVENTS

Financing some of the top builders in Fairfield County.

People you trust, service you expect, and products to fit your financial needs.

• Construction Financing • Commercial Mortgages • Term Loans • Revolving Lines of Credit

877.431.7431 • www.fairfieldcountybank.com

NMLS ID #516624

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

MEMBER F D IC

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15

MEMBER DIRECTORY & RESOURCE GUIDE 2020 The printed HBRA Directory is created each year to provide members with a resource to identify and contact other HBRA members. Inside you will find information about the HBRA of Fairfield County, the Board of Directors, the 2019 HOBI Winners, member contact information, and local town and state contact information including building departments and state legislators.

HAVE YOU UPDATED YOUR INFORMATION Choose which categories your company will be listed under and make sure your information is up to date. Updating your listing information including your address, emails, and other information will ensure that customers will be able to contact you. Don’t forget that you can add additional email addresses and social media links on your listing form.

CLICK HERE FOR FORMS

NEW ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES 2020 HBRA Member Directory & Resource Guide The HBRA Member Directory & Resource Guide reaches industry professionals and consumers throughout Fairfield County. The directory is distributed to 500+ HBRA members, plus prospective members, consumers, and at all HBRA events. The directory is also on display in members’ showrooms and offices and can be accessed online by visiting our website.

Ad materials, payment, and categories are due no later than:

December 13, 2019

AD DIMENSIONS & PRICING size

dimensions [WxH]

Full Page Half Page (Hor.) Quarter Page Business Card

5.75” x 8.75” 5” x 3.85” 2.45” x 4” 2.45” x 2”

memBeR PRiCe

$900 $650 $425 $150

GUIDELINES FOR FULL PAGE SIZING

non-memBeR PRiCe

For full size pages with a bleed Live Area 5.75” X 8.75” Trim: 6” X 9” Bleed: 6.25” X 9.25”

$1,400 $1,150 $925 $550

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: Use the same directory ad from 2019

o Please send me a copy for approval o I have reviewed last year’s copy and approve as is (no changes necessary) I would like to run a NEW ad [please check the size] Page Size o Full page o Half page o Quarter page

o Business Card

If running a new ad, please specify one of the following:

o I will provide the proper materials, as specified above, to HBRA of Fairfield County for an ad to be created* [fees to be incurred]

o I will provide a completed ad with the above specifications to HBRA of Fairfield County

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS **ReQUiRed** In order to reserve an ad, please read the following, sign and date.

I understand that full payment for my ad is due to the HBRA of Fairfield County* upon commitment of ad. If full payment is not received, I understand that my ad will not print in the 2020 Member Directory & Resource Guide.

Print Name: ____________________ Signature: ________________________ Date:__________ * Full payment includes the cost of the ad AND any corrections and/or creation fees done by the HBRA of Fairfield County and reserves the right to withhold any ad that is not fully paid for prior to print.

AD MATERIALS AND CATEGORIES DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 Please send completed form, payment, and materials to the HBRA via email, fax or mail. Contact the office with any questions.

16 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019 HBRA of Fairfield County • 2228 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield CT 06825 • T: (203) 335-7008 • F: (203) 335-7141 clare@buildfairfieldcounty.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS & SUPPORT THE HBRA Advertising in the HBRA Directory is an investment in year-round exposure. The HBRA directory is available online, in print, is given to every HBRA member, and is available at events throughout the year. Your contribution directly helps the HBRA provide new and improved experiences, events, education seminars, and a variety of other services.

HBRA EVENTS

Why a Membership with the HBRA has Value

Find HBRA of Fairfield County Members for your next project.

Visit our online member directory here

For a step-by- step guide of searching our online directory please click the video

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17

HBRA NEW S

Did you know the HBRA has 5 committees?

Members volunteer their time to help improve our association whether through events, membership or helping to promote members doing business with members. Pictured to the left is a recent membership committee meeting. You may recognize them from emails and calls you receive welcoming new members and reminding you of upcoming renewals. If you have any questions or interest in joining a committee contact us.

Membership Commitee Meeting 11/13/19

18 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Click here to see our committees.

HBRA NEW S

STATE BUILDING CODE CHANGES - COMMITTEE Members fighting on your behalf in Hartford The State Building Inspector and the Codes and Standards Committee (CAS) are responsible for adoption of a State Building Code based on a nationally recognized model building code. Johnny Carrier, a CT builder and HBRA member serves on this committee and has enlisted the help of local builder and member Marc Michaud, to assist in his efforts to fight on behalf of our industry.

The Codes & Standards Sub Committee work is coming to a close and have only a handful of items to address. The final code package will be finalized in December and moved the full committee for voting. There will be a chance for further public comment on proposals in January or February.

Changes for consideration: -Wind values revise downward - Duct Testing - Electrical Changes: • GFCI to 250 volts • GFCI in finished basements • Whole house surge protection • Service disconnects on 1 and 2 family - 2nd Emergency escape requirement removed for new homes without finished basement - Exhaust hood and Make-Up air back to 400 cfm limit, but make-up exempt if all fuel burning appliance are directly vented If you have input or questions please contact us at jackie@buildfairfieldcounty.com.

IT’S NOT A TREND. IT’S A REVOLUTION. Visit ZIPRevolution.com to learn how easy it is to make the switch.

© 2017-2019 Huber Engineered Woods LLC. ZIP System, the accompanying ZIP System logo and design are trademarks of Huber Engineered Woods LLC. Huber Engineered Woods’ ZIP System® products are covered by various patents. Please see ZIPSystem.com/patents for details. HUB 81860 REV 1/19

Connecticut Home Builders & Remodelers Program

AN INSURANCE PROGRAM CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR YOUR BUSINESS Acadia Insurance is proud to be the endorsed property and casualty insurance carrier for the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut. As a leading provider of insurance for contractors throughout New England, Acadia Insurance understands the insurance and service needs of contractors from small to large.

With a local office in Rocky Hill, Acadia Insurance has professionals that handle underwriting, claim, loss control and premium audit for its Connecticut customers. Acadia is working with a select number of its Independent Agents in offering this program to Connecticut’s Home Builders and Remodelers.

The Right Policy for Your Business Acadia Insurance offers qualifying contractors a full array of necessary coverages including property, general liability, workers’ compensation, business automobile and umbrella. In addition, we can provide builders’ risk coverage, installation floater and equipment coverage.

✓ We have designed special coverage options just for home builders: Liability Coverage Enhancements:

Property Coverage Enhancements:

• Waiver of subrogation clause

• Coverage for newly acquired property

• Limited pollution coverage

• Coverage for property while in-transit

• Extended property damage coverage

• Debris removal coverage

✓ Acadia Insurance can craft the coverage you need to operate your business.

For a full listing of coverages and how they apply to an individual home builder, please see an Acadia Insurance agent who is equipped to analyze your current insurance program and provide you with recommendations.

20 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

H B R A MEMBER BEF ORE & AF TER

Before and After: Tanner White Architects

BEFORE

HBRA Member & Architect Tanner White submitted photos of this historic 1919 Westport home. The home owner’s wish was to keep the original home in place and add on additions that looked like multiple additions over time, as a homage to the original structure. They reused the existing reclaimed timbers in the original house and used them as decorative beams and details throughout the house.

Tanner White Architects are an innovative design group of talented architects and designers specializing in residential design. Their philosophy hinges on the belief that their design is the embodiment of their client’s dreams, and as architects it is their mission to create a home that brings that vision to life with both function and beauty.

Tanner White Architects’ designs were part of 14 HOBI Award winning projects in 2019.

AFTER

If you are interested in being featured for a before & after contact us here.

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

COUNTY COUNTY HASHAS ALL YOUR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE APPLIANCE & SMART & SMART HOME HOME NEEDS NEEDS

From From Kitchen Kitchen Appliances Appliances to Home to Home Automation...

Automation...

WE WE HAVE HAVE IT ALL! IT ALL!

BESTBEST SERVICE SERVICE AT THE AT GUARANTEED THE GUARANTEED BESTBEST PRICE PRICE In-Store In-Store And Online And Online

www.countytv.com www.countytv.com

27702770 Summer Summer Street Street • Stamford, • Stamford, CT 06905 CT 06905 • 203-327-2630 • 203-327-2630 STORE HOURS: STORE HOURS: MON & THURS: MON & THURS: 9AM-9PM 9AM-9PM | TUES, WED, | TUES, FRI WED, & SAT: FRI9AM-6PM & SAT: 9AM-6PM | SUN: 11AM-5PM | SUN: 11AM-5PM

22 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

H B R A ME MBER BEF ORE & AF TER

Before and After: Braydan Construction

BEFORE

COUNTY HAS ALL YOUR APPLIANCE & SMART HOME NEEDS Moving from New York City to their first house in Connecticut, the clients initially were not happy with the finishes on the home they purchased.

The project consisted of expanding the kitchen and opening the flow of the space to the new patio and pool. They also transformed the first level guest suite into a his and hers office with a library. Other renovations and updates included the master bath, closets, a new third floor full bath, new entry foyer, new moldings, paints, and finishes, as well as new cabinets, stone counter tops, fireplaces, and a new patio, pool, and landscape overhaul for the exterior.

AFTER

The project was completed start to finish in 4 months due to the sale of the clients’ NYC apartment.

From Kitchen Appliances to Home Automation... WE HAVE IT ALL!

BEST SERVICE AT THE GUARANTEED BEST PRICE

In-Store And Online

www.countytv.com If you are interested in being • featured for a before & after contact us here.

2770 Summer Street • Stamford, CT 06905 203-327-2630 STORE HOURS: MON & THURS: 9AM-9PM | TUES, WED, FRI & SAT: 9AM-6PM | SUN: 11AM-5PM

NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

NEW MEMBERS

Alba Stone, LLC Gjon Duhani

Total fabrication center / Custom countertops for kitchens & baths READ MORE.

Lea Shulman Interiors, LLC Lea Shulman

After earning a degree in design, I worked for ten years for a high-end residential builder and cultivated my love for kitchen design, custom cabinetry and millwork. My past projects include every room of the house, whole-home remodels, and commercial interior design – from concept to completion. In 2009, I left this position to start my own small business, Lea Shulman Interiors, and have been doing it ever since.. READ MORE.

Thiel Architecture + Design Nancy Thiel

We believe a good life starts with good design. A thoughtful layout. Fluid circulation.

Well-proportioned spaces. Abundant storage. Beautiful details. Wonderful views. And smart, solid construction. THIEL ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN works with clients who understand that design matters. Our design approach focuses on our clients and how to enhance their experience as they move through and interact with objects and their surroundings. Micro and macro, this approach is centered on the user experience. READ MORE.

Crown Point Cabinetry Frank Branca

Crown Point Cabinetry handcrafts the finest quality custom cabinetry for your entire home. Period styles include Shaker, Arts & Crafts, Early American, Victorian, Transitional and Contemporary. Available direct nationwide. READ MORE.

Welcome New Affiliates

Alba Stone, LLC Agim Thaqi

TD Bank

Jay Couillard

24 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Torrco Design Center Andrea Crowley

Charter Group Inc. Catherine Stone

NEW MEMBERS

Fair Marble, LLC

Necati (Nick) Develioglu

Fair Marble LLC is located in Bridgeport Connecticut with strong partnership with turkey manufacturer. We are dedicated to bring natural and quality materials with exclusive quartz, marble slabs and tiles from turkey. Cutting edge designing with stone to help the fabricator get the comprehensive import selection...READ MORE.

JWH Design and Cabinetry Colleen DeBellis

Jennifer Howard founded JWH Design & Cabinetry in 1996, in Rye, New York. A business degree in marketing, a natural ability for design and architecture, and first-hand experience in residential construction became the foundation of her business model.

Projects ranging from multi-unit condominium projects to multi-million dollar custom homes in Westchester and NY (and now across the Eastern seaboard and West Coast!) bear the mark of her designs and cabinetry...READ MORE.

Surface

Jo Ann Ceasrine

The Surface showroom features unique, engineered surfaces for residential and commercial settings. Our design inspiration comes from European travels and the artistic use of stone in everyday living environments. Our living environments creatively display high end wallcoverings, lighting, tile, art, and custom cabinetry, which complement our stone surfaces....READ MORE.

GreenTek Construction, LLC David Mann

GreenTek Construction, LLC, a member of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County and US Green Building Counsel, Connecticut Chapter, expands GreenTek Consulting, LLC’s ten year old sustainability for the built environment practice. Our mission is to bring quality sustainable design & construction in a single design-build package to Connecticut, focusing on the Fairfield County market...READ MORE.

Flagship Custom Homes, LLC

Flagship Custom Homes, LLC Bryan Munger

Flagship Construction is a full service, design and building contractor, offering unique and fine quality building solutions for New Custom Homes, Remodeling Projects, Renovations and Additions. Building, renovating or adding on to your home is an extremely personalchoice. The most critical factor in our process is listening to our customer’s needs and visions. Founded in 2004 Flagship Construction has anoutstanding reputation among its clients based on trust, integrity, and exceptional client satisfaction....READ MORE. NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25

BUILD ER NEW S

First-time homebuyers will lift housing market through 2022: TransUnion The U.S. housing market is expected to get a boost from first-time homebuyers in 2020, revealing that millennials want to buy a house, after all, according to one new analysis.

Favorable economic conditions will unleash 8.31 million to 9.2 million first-time homebuyers into the market in 2020 to 2022, up from 7.64 million in 2016 to 2018, according to a new TransUnion estimate released Tuesday. The bump in first-time homebuyers is greater than in any three-year period since the Great Recession.

“It is particularly good news, given that in 2018, the purchase market actually decreased. It’s a nice turnaround we’re expecting,” said Joe Mellman, senior vice president and mortgage business leader at TransUnion.

Analysts say the surge is driven by low unemployment, wage growth, slowing home price appreciation, and low interest rates.

Read More

Trade school, not 4-year college, is a better bet to solve the US income gap, researchers say TAdditional trade schools, and not four-year college degrees, may be a better bet for U.S. workers, according to new economic research.

The amount of vocational training available relative to the size of a country’s manufacturing sector may reduce income inequality, and improve the fortunes of workers earning below the top 10 percent of household incomes, the data show.

“Pushing more students to B.A. granting colleges may no longer be the most efficient way to deal with the challenges caused by the decline in manufacturing employment,” wrote Joshua Aizenman, the economics chair at University of Southern California. He did the research with academics at New Zealand’s Victoria University of Wellington.

And declined it certainly has.

In September 1977, about 18.3 million people, or more than 18 percent of the U.S. labor force, worked in U.S. manufacturing. Forty years later, that number has since slipped to 12.4 million, or less than 8 percent, even as the general U.S. population has surged to 326 million, U.S. Census figures show.

Read More

National - October New-Home Mortgage Apps Increased 31.5% The Mortgage Bankers Association Builder Application Survey data for October 2019 shows mortgage applications for new-home purchases increased 31.5% from a year ago. Compared to September 2019, applications increased by 9%.

This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns.

MBA estimates new single-family home sales were running at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 791,000 units in October 2019, based on data from the BAS. The new home sales estimate is derived using mortgage application information from the BAS, as well as assumptions regarding market coverage and other factors.

“The new-home sales market continues to be strong, reinforced by October’s increase in applications for new home purchases. At an annual pace of 791,000 units, our estimate of new sales has reached its highest level since the inception of our survey in 2012,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting.

“Home builder sentiment remains close to 18-month highs, and housing starts and permits have increased for four straight months.

These are promising signs for the housing market, as the rise in new and existing housing supply has led to slower home-price growth and improving affordability.”

Read More

26 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

International Builder Show: Early Bird Pricing Extended to Nov. 22 The deadline to take advantage of special early bird pricing for the 2020 International Builders’ Show has been extended to Friday, Nov. 22.

Don’t miss your chance to attend the world’s largest annual light construction show at the best possible price. Register today.

NAHB members can purchase a full registration for $450 (increases to $500 on Nov. 23) or select an expo pass for only $50 (increases to $100 on Nov. 23).

Full registration includes access to more than 150 IBS education sessions, complimentary one-year subscription to IBS Education On Demand, and entry to the exhibit floors included in Design & Construction Week®—IBS and the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.® Join nearly 60,000 of your peers and explore more than 1,400 exhibits of cuttingedge products and services, and connect with industry experts and manufacturers to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and access real business solutions Hotel rooms are also filling fast, so be sure to register today and get in your local HBA block of rooms. The Connecticut hotel is Planet Hollywood

Read More

NAHB NEW S

NAHB CEO: No evidence of recession

Share of New Homes with Porches Up to 94% in East South Central Of the single-family homes started in 2018, 64.9 percent came with porches, according to NAHB tabulation of data from the Survey of Construction (SOC, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau with partial funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development).

Historically, the SOC shows the share of single-family homes with porches increasing regularly to a high of 65.7 percent in 2011 before dropping to under 64 percent from 2012 through 2015. Since then the share has been marginally higher and relatively stable, fluctuating only between 64.7 and 65.1 percent from 2016 through 2018.

Although not shown in that much geographic detail on the Census web site, the underlying SOC data can be tabulated for each of the country’s nine Census divisions. Traditionally, porches on new homes have been most common in the four states that make up the East South Central.

That was truer than ever in 2018, when 94 percent of single-family homes started in the East South Central division had porches, followed by 74 percent in the Mountain and 70 percent in the Pacific divisions.

Read More

28 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Lower Mortgage Rates Push Housing Affordability to Highest Level in Three Years With mortgage rates at a threeyear low and a healthy job market, housing affordability rose to its highest level in three years in the third quarter of 2019, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released today.

Read More

NAHB NEW S

Building Materials Prices Hold Steady in October With mortgage rates at a threeyear low and a healthy job market, housing affordability rose to its highest level in three years in the third quarter of 2019, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released today.

Lot Values Hit Record Highs According to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) data, median single-family lot prices outpaced inflation once again (4.4% vs 2.4%) and reached new record high in 2018, with half of the lots selling at or above $49,500. The most dramatic rise in lot values is observed in the West South Central division where median lot values more than doubled since the housing boom years.

While this constitutes a new nominal national record, lot values adjusted for inflation have not reached the housing boom peak levels.

In the midst of the building boom – when twice as many single-family homes were started – half of the lots were going for over $43,000, which is over $53,000 when converted in $2018.

The West South Central division – that includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana – stands out as a division where new historical records were hit not only in nominal terms but also when adjusted for inflation. Compared to the peak years of the housing boom, lot values more than doubled in this division.

Historically, lot values in the West South Central division have been the lowest in the nation. They started rising in 2013 and by 2015 caught up with the national median. As of 2018, half of the lots in the West South Central division sells for more than $62,000, 25% above the national median lot value for single-family spec homes of $49,500. This represents a significant jump in the division lot values since the building boom when more than half of lots were priced under $30,000.

The PPI report shows that softwood lumber prices increased 0.3% (not seasonally adjusted) in October, a modest change relative to the 3.8% increase seen in September. Prices have been relatively stable over the last 12 months–increasing 0.9% over that period—and are 3.0% higher than they were in January 2019.

The price index for gypsum products increased 1.4% in October after advancing 0.3% in September (seasonally adjusted).

Gypsum products prices declined by 6.2% over the first six months of 2019 but have increased 4.5% since. Even after the recent increase, however, prices are 3.3% lower than they were at the start of 2018.

Prices paid for ready-mix concrete rose 0.1% in October (seasonally adjusted) after falling 0.6% in September (seasonally adjusted).

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Read More NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29

NAHB NEW S

Minority Homeownership Rate Increases in Third Quarter According to a new data release from the Census’ Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Survey (CPS/HVS), the minority homeownership rate posted an increase in the third quarter of 2019 to 48.3 percent, up 0.9 percentage points from the third quarter of 2018 (Figure 1).

This year-over-year gain is higher than the gain in the overall U.S. homeownership rate, which rose 0.4 percentage points to 64.8 percent in the third quarter of 2019. A separate Eyeonhousing.org post covers the U.S. homeownership rate in more detail.

Breaking down the minority homeownership rate shows that the Hispanic homeownership rate gained the most in the third quarter, with a 1.6 percentage point increase to 47.9 percent (from 46.3 percent in the third quarter of 2018).

The black homeownership rate posted the second largest gain of 0.8 percentage points to reach 43.3 percent (from 42.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018). This is the largest gain in the black homeownership rate since the third quarter of 2017.

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30 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

Only 12% of Adults Plan to Buy Home in Next 12 Months Seventy-six percent of Gen Z’s planning a home purchase are first-time buyers, a distinction shared by 75% of Millennial buyers. Among Gen X buyers, half are buying a home for the first time; while among Boomers, the share is only 24%. Geographically, a majority of those planning a home purchase in all four regions are first-time buyers, led by the Northeast at 64%.

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MI LLENNIAL INSIG HTS

Millennials Most Likely Generation to Consider Buying a Home Within the Next Year Only 12% of adults are considering the purchase of a home within the next 12 months, according to NAHB’s Housing Trends Report for the third quarter of 2019. This share of prospective home buyers is essentially unchanged from where it stood a year earlier, at 13%. For the majority of these buyers (60%), this will be their first time buying a home, about the same share as a year earlier (61%).

Millennials (ages 23 to 38) are the most likely generation to be making plans to purchase a home within a year (20%). They are followed by Gen X (ages 39 to 54) at 12% and Gen Z (ages 18 to 22) at 11%. In contrast, only 6% of boomers (ages 55 to 73) reported plans to purchase a home.

The Housing Trends Report (HTR) is a research product created by the NAHB Economics team with the goal of measuring prospective home buyers’ perceptions about the availability and affordability of homes for-sale in their markets. The HTR is produced quarterly to track changes in buyers’ perceptions over time.

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B E A U T Y. ELEGANCE. STRENGTH. Our Aluminum Doors Will Surprise You. Ed’s Garage Doors offers a broad selection of aluminum doors that are the perfect complement to your home.

Visit our showroom to see many exclusive aluminum doors on display, and talk with a design expert about our countless in-stock and custom options.

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NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

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STATE NEW S

The Governor’s Fairfield County Transit Oriented Development Task Force Is Off and Running Recently, I was invited to participate on the Governor’s newly created Fairfield County Transit Oriented Development Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of local and regional planners, economic development officials, business organizations, housing advocates and numerous state agency officials. As you would assume, the goal of this task force is to advance transit-oriented development in Fairfield County. The Task Force will attempt to do this by: 1. Exploring national best practices that are most ideally suited for this region 2. Identify specific sites/projects that advance TOD for the region, including consideration of state-owned properties that might be appropriate for development and can be leveraged to reduce financial barriers to TOD. 3. Exploring the coordination and streamlining of state agency tools and resources to realize significant efficiencies in the development process and create state incentives that encourage TOD. The task force has had one organizational meeting thus far. On November 21st it will hold its second meeting where several Fairfield County Developers have been invited to join in a panel discussion. It will be an opportunity for area developers to discuss their collective experiences working in Fairfield County. We will hear from national developers who will compare their work in other states with Connecticut. And we’ll hear from regional and local developers about what area towns are doing that is working and what can be improved upon. We will also be hearing about where the funding and financing opportunities and gaps are. And lastly, how opportunity zones and municipal enterprise zones can help advance TOD projects.

To achieve its goals, the task force has created three distinct subcommittees; the Site Identification Subcommittee, the Best Practices Subcommittee and the Streamline & Efficiency Subcommittee.

The Streamline & Efficiency Subcommittee of which I have been asked to chair will explore state laws, regulations, municipal zoning and processes that inhibit TOD development and ultimately provide recommendations for legislative fixes. To that end, I ask all our Fairfield County Builders and Developers to reach out to me with your thoughts and suggestions on the matter. If done properly, enhanced transitoriented development in Fairfield County will bring more businesses, jobs and housing development opportunities. Your input can help to propel this effort forward.

32 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

CCM tries to get a little louder on property tax relief After watching state aid erode over the past decade, Connecticut municipalities hope to appeal directly to voters on the issue of property tax relief, stirring the pot just in time for the 2020 election cycle.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities announced the creation of a commission Tuesday that will craft a new property tax relief initiative and make its case directly to voters next year.

“The goal is not to simply go to the General Assembly and present something to them as we have in the past, because we know how that works out,” said Joe DeLong, CCM’s executive director.

Not well.

“We believe that the General Assembly, generally, reacts to the desires of its constituency base,” and municipalities hope a “tired, exasperated electorate” can find new ways to motivate lawmakers to act, DeLong said.

Connecticut relies more heavily on property taxes — one of the most regressive levies among the state and local tax systems — than any other state. According to the nonprofit Tax Foundation, the property tax burden, per capita, in Connecticut was $2,927 in the 2016 fiscal year. That’s nearly twice the national average of $1,556 per person.

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DON’T JUST INVEST IN WINDOWS, INVEST IN THE CONTRACTOR. ANDERSEN DID. Even the best windows don’t perform well if they’re not installed properly. Andersen Certified Contractors are trained by ® Andersen to install Andersen windows and patio doors. In fact, Andersen is so confident in their contractors, they offer a 2-year installation limited warranty.* When you’re ready to replace, Andersen contractors are here to help. You’ll not only be choosing someone certified by Andersen, you’ll be choosing the window company ranked #1 in quality and the one most trusted and recommended by trade professionals.** *See Andersen certified contractor limited warranty for details. **Based on 2016 survey of trade contractors.

“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

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ADVICE COLUMNS

Six Steps That Can Reduce Your Employee Turnover By: Dr. Donald E. Wetmore Employee turnover, the loss of good employees, no matter how low that rate is, significantly takes away from your bottom line because it is costly and it reduces productivity. Reducing turnover significantly reduces those replacement expenses.

How much does turnover cost? You have to include lost productivity, lost opportunity cost, (you can’t be spending your time on getting new customers and new jobs while you’re interviewing and training a new employee) and recruitment costs and while there are many variables, research indicates that even for entry level person of say $30,000 in compensation, the replacement cost can be as high as 40% $12,000.

“80% of employee turnover stems from mistakes in the hiring process.”

Harvard Business Review Every contractor has turnover expenses. No employee stays forever.

But turnover expenses can be better managed and reduced.

Those who are satisfied with their bottom line, as it is, or believe that these replacement costs cannot be reduced, will maintain their status quo and get by.

Here are six building blocks for improving employee retention by reducing unnecessary turnover.

1. Targeted candidate recruitment. To make a good soup you need to start with the right ingredients so it is important to clearly define the perfect candidate for your unique needs. Search efforts then need to be designed and carefully targeted to source a pool of those ideal candidates.

2. Effective interviewing skills. Some contractors are not skilled in the art of the interview and focus too much time on the company and the interviewer. 80% of the interview should focus on the candidate using prepared questions to determine not only the candidate’s abilities and how they fit the requirements of the position, but their unique needs and goals.

3. Preparation of a unique and acceptable job offer. When you have the right candidate you need to seal the deal. More than just money, it needs to be communicated how accepting your offer will mesh with the candidate’s unique goals in all of their areas of their life.

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34 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2019

DEAR SALES COACH Dear Sales Coach, We are a flooring company and we pride ourselves in training our sales agents to know everything there is to know about our products, our competition and the flooring market. I have witnessed for myself that they can rattle off every product feature and stack us up against the competition, but we are still not getting the sales that we should. We have the most superior products on the market but I don’t think price is what is keeping us from getting the business. Most of the time, customers take our information and say it’s a lot to process and they will get back to us. ~ Brad W. Dear Brad, Sometimes businesses that have superior products think that the features will sell the products for them. And sometimes that does happen.

If your salespeople are watching their buyers walk away, it might be time to equip them with some skills that will attract the right buyers for the right reasons – their reasons.

All they have to do is ask the question, “Why don’t we agree to ask each other questions?”

What’s a customer going to do? Say “no”?

If that’s the case, then the sooner they find out, the sooner they can move on.

So when they say “yes,” ask them something, get them talking. You are not there to provide free information or give away consulting time. You are there to evaluate whether or not they qualify to do business with you. The only way to find out is to ask questions, unlike the vast majority of salespeople who will immediately launch into their one-sided sales monologues of sharing the features and benefits of their products.

-Ed

Ed Schultek

Ed began Sandler/PEAK with focus on medium and small size firms to Corporate organizations who must lift their Management and Sales competency to Win, improve their ability to lead others to change their future, and position themselves as the Trusted Advisor to their Clients above all others.

Have a sales question? Email Ed at ed.schultek@sandler.com.

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NOVEMBER 2019 | HBRA of Fairfield County 38