November 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 - N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

UPCOMING

FEATURES

HBRA CT Awards Dinner & Casino Night PWB Holiday Luncheon November Committee Meetings

Golf Classic Recap PWB Sip & Paint Recap November GMM Recap November Education Recaps + Plus Sponsorship Opportunities

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: Mandy Riggar Interiors

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

EXEC U TIVE W ELCOME LETTER

Awards and Games Ready to Be Won as We Close Out 2023!

I hope you’re all doing well! We had some great events over the past month, ranging from education, golf, to networking and I am thankful to every person that came out to any of these events.

On December 6, our Annual Awards and Casino Night will be held at Rolling Hills in Wilton. This will be a great event to end the year. I hope to see you all there!

As a reminder, if you know someone who would benefit from becoming a member - we are currently running a special for new members - Join now and come to your first 3 meetings for free!

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.

”

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 5

Custom luxury design. Highly-trained consultants with extensive product knowledge. If the goal is modern design that creates a stunning statement, Northeast Architectural in Mamaroneck, NY is the choice for exclusive services from conception to installation.

Choose windows and doors from industry leaders such as Lepage Millwork, Arcadia Custom, Kolbe, Centor, Cortizo, Reynaers Aluminum, contemporary cabinetry from Cabbonet, or decorative hardware from the collections of Accurate Lock & Hardware, Buster & Punch, Formani, Water Street Brass, and Colonial Bronze.

northeastarchitectural.com

914.630.7849

Upcoming Events Save the Date!

Weds. Dec. 6: Awards Dinner & Casino Night Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton | 6:30pm-10pm Celebrate our 2023 award winners, then try your luck at the tables, and bring your highest bids for some great prizes at our Silent Auction!

Fri. Dec 15: PWB Holiday Luncheon GE Co-Create - Stamford, CT Save the date to celebrate the season with your fellow Professional Women in Building Council members!

Upcoming Committee Meetings Joint Membership Committee & Associates Council Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Noon on Zoom Golf Committee Wrap-Up Meeting Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 4pm on Zoom

For more info & to register, visit

buildfairfieldcounty.com/upcomingevents

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7

ELITE 2023 OFFICERS Immediate Past President Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance President: John Hertz Hertz Construction

DIAMOND

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

TITANIUM

2023 DIRECTORS Chris Shea

Domus Constructors, LLC

George Pusser

Cornerstone Contracting

PLATINUM

Kevin Polcer

Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite

Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp

A VERTEX COMPANY

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LIFE DIRECTORS since 1972

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

GOLD

Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

MEDIA

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/ NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 9

10 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2023

H BRA of CT CEO Let te r

HBRA of CT Update This is a great time to get engaged with the HBRA of CT. The primary purpose of the State HBRA is to fight on behalf of our members and the residential construction industry. In the coming months, we expect to be lobbying some big issues that have the potential to change the face of our industry and impact the way you conduct your business.

We need your help. In the days and weeks ahead, we will begin the process of developing and prioritizing our agenda for the 2024 legislative session. As a member centered trade association, we count on our membership to guide our advocacy. The HBRA of CT is a big association with a geographically and professionally diverse membership. It’s important that we hear from as many of our members as possible on issues affecting your business and how the HBRA can best represent your needs.

Help us provide a clear, unified position to ensure our state government adopts sound policies that keep our industry building to meet the existing and future needs of Connecticut residents.

Jim Perras

Keep a look out for our Government Affairs email communications.

This year we are making it easier than ever for HBRA members to engage in the process. Over the course of the next couple of months we will hold a series of topic specific virtual meetings. All members are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in any meeting of interest. Topics will include but not necessarily be limited to: • Land use reforms to encourage housing production.

• Code and regulatory reforms to reduce the cost of construction.

• Workforce development and mandatory licensure and continuing education for contractors.

• Housing and infrastructure funding • Landlord/Tenant rights • Customer deposits and bonding requirements In recent years housing policy has taken center stage within the halls of state government. It appears that 2024 will be no different. With the growing housing affordability and accessibility crisis, coupled with insufficient housing production numbers, more so than ever, Connecticut policymakers will be looking to the HBRA for expertise and guidance. Help us provide a clear, unified position to ensure our state government adopts sound policies that keep our industry building to meet the existing and future needs of Connecticut residents.

- Jim Perras, CEO Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

MEMBER EVEN TS

Annual Golf Classic

RECAP It was “the third time’s the charm” for the annual HBRA Golf Classic, which we were finally able to hold on October 30th after several days of rainy fall weather! Presented by Ring’s End, the morning showers stopped just in time for the shotgun start of our sold-out 18 hole tournament, and we had a record number of golfers at our afternoon 9 hole tournament!

Congratulations to the first-place winners of our 18 hole tournament: Rich Greenawalt, Anthony Sillo, Steve Lecher, and Louis Campana from Northeast Building Supply; and on the 9 hole tournament: Mike Daley & Chris Mitchell from Domus Constructors and Evan Turner from Robert Turner Builders.

Among our many raffle winners, Dan Lombardo from Vision Designs was the top bidder and won all three live auction prizes for rounds of golf at Great River Golf Club, Greenwich Country Club, and Winged Foot Golf Club!

This event would not have been possible without the hard work of our Golf Committee: Geoff Knapp, Antonio Stella, Krystal Day, Len Volpe, Michael DeRosa, Paul Welte, Robin Faller, and Will Contento.

THANK YOU

A huge thank you to every single volunteer who helped with set-up, registration, and out on the course to make the tournament run smoothly and be a great day for all!

Our event sponsors provided great giveaways for the golfers, snacks, beverages, and so much more – we couldn’t do this event without you!

Thank you to all the participants: sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for their flexibility and understanding with the many date changes.

Keep your fingers crossed for sunny skies in 2024!

WATCH REEL @hbraffc 2023 Golf Classic

Through the eyes of Antonio Stella, Realtor at @exprealty_

I sIpped. I paInTed. Here’s why the PWB IS SO IMPORTANT IN OUR INDUSTRY.

We got a first-hand recap from Kerry Brunn on the PWB's most recent networking/charity fundraising event as well as what the PWB means to her! The Fairfield County Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is an affiliate group of the HBRA dedicated to supporting the professional development of women in the home building industry through monthly meetings, seminars, charitable work and networking opportunities wherein they educate each other on trends in the marketplace and tips to improve their skills and their businesses.

On October 26th, I had the privilege of attending the PWB's Paint & Sip event hosted by Interstate + Lakeland Lumber in Westport.

Our night began with some fine wine and progressed into a wonderful evening of many unique women all painting the same rose - but like each woman there, each painting was different, exemplifying their truly individual abilities and perspectives.

Another benefit of this educational night was a tour of the new Interstate + Lakeland Lumber's Design Center. The new state of the art showroom - built in the same space where the original wood working shop began in 1922 - makes it easy for builders, designers, architects, and homeowners to find the right fit for their project.

The showroom features windows, doors, custom millwork and more! The topping on the night was the generous contributions to the Westport Women's Club. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to all aspects of the evening, as well as a thank you to Interstate + Lakeland Lumber for hosting us!

The PWB is so important in our traditionally male dominated industry for many reasons. In my role at the HBRA of Fairfield County, I get an intimate view of the businesses and goals of our builders and affiliates. Here's a few reasons why the PWB's importance stands out to me.

NetwOrkIng - In a business where referrals and working with trusted professional colleagues is vital to growth

and survival, the PWB provides monthly interaction with motivated women who want to grow their businesses, develop long-lasting relationships, and make their mark on this industry. It's so beneficial to be able to share stories with someone who may be experiencing a similar business or professional problem or has been there before and has some knowledge to impart.

EducatIOn - The PWB is dedicated to developing our members so they can be prepared to assist in efforts spearheaded by their business or affiliate industry associations. The PWB does this by offering education and training programs which focus on professional and leadership development, as well as industry related information.

ChARITABLE CAUSES - Personal and professional growth is

dependent on developing all aspects of a person. The fulfillment experienced working on PWB's charitable efforts such as their Circle of Care, Art from the Heart project, is something that cannot be replicated. This past year, they have completed 2 room renovations for children who are undergoing cancer treatment. Seeing how each woman can utilize her unique talents to provide a difference in the life of these children gives me perspective and motivation to want to do more in my life, in my business and with other women along the way.

The council meets the third Thursday of each month except for July and August. If you are interested in joining, or attending your first meeting, please contact us here. You can attend your first meeting with no obligation to join.

I hope to see you at our next event!

Kerry Kerry Brunn | Executive Officer, HBRA Fairfield County

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Andersen is proud to support the Home Builders and Remodelers Assn. of Fairfield County and its members.

18 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2023

MEMBER EVEN TS

Fall Education

RECAP School was back in session this fall as the HBRA offered three different educational classes. First up was the Building Science Training on October 24th, sponsored

by Parksite/Tyvek. Instructor Justin Wilson, Principal Managing Partner of Construction Instruction, covered the current and upcoming CT code, how to avoid potential moisture problems, easy solutions to building a high performance home, solutions to adding exterior thermal to building, and common building science mistakes and easy solutions.

Missed it? Download "How to Survive the Challenging Insurance Market"

On November 2nd, Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group offered a Lunch & Learn on "How to Survive the Challenging Insurance Market." Attendees received tips on how to lower your premiums, be better prepared for the insurance market trends, guidelines on how to lower your risk of a loss, and learned how risk management impacts their bottom line. You can still view the presentation here.

Finally, Northeast Building Supply hosted the Seminar: "Go From A Job to CEO" on November 8th. Presenter and new member Don Wetmore, “The Tradesman’s Business Coach” went over the benefits of going from just "having a job" to being the CEO of your own business and gave attendees a step-by-step plan that covered how to use effective marketing techniques to get more quality customers to increase your revenue and profitability, recruit, hire and retain skilled employees, and use proven systems to effectively manage all business operations.

Thank you to all who attended these classes! Next up, the National Association of Home Builders is offering the Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) Series live online December 5, 6, and 7 - more info here!

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19

MEMBER EVEN TS

November GMM

RECAP HBRA Members and guests gathered on November 8th at Ed’s Garage Doors and Garage Living in Norwalk for our November GMM. Attendees enjoyed delicious pizza and sliders, networking, and were able to tour the two connected showrooms – the largest garage door showroom in New England!

Alan Stewart, President at Yellowbrick Real Estate, also spoke about the 2024 real estate market.

A huge thank you to Rich Cunningham and his staff for a great night!

To learn more about these two great companies, visit here:

www.edsgaragedoor.com

www.garageliving.com/f/connecticut

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

HBRA HBRAOF OFFAIRFIELD FAIRFIELDCOUNTY COUNTY

2023

Awards Dinner & & Casino Casino Night Night

WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER6TH 6TH 6:30PM-10PM 6:30PM-10PM Rolling RollingHills HillsCountry CountryClub, Club,Wilton Wilton You Youare areinvited invitedto tojoin jointhe theHBRA HBRAfor forour our2023 2023Awards AwardsDinner Dinner&& Casino CasinoNight.

Night.Celebrate Celebratethe theaccomplishments accomplishmentsand andwonderful wonderful work workproduced producedby byyour yourpeers peersininthe theassociation associationthis thisyear, year,then then try tryyour yourluck luckat atthe thetables tablesand andbring bringyour yourhighest highestbids bidsfor forsome some great greatprizes prizesat atour ourSilent SilentAuction!

Auction!

All Allattendees attendeeswill willreceive receive$200 $200of of“funny “funnymoney” money”to touse useat atgaming gamingtables tablesincluding includingBlackjack, Blackjack,Roulette, Roulette,Craps Crapsand and Poker.

Poker.Winners Winnerswill willreceive receivearaffle araffleticket ticketfor forsome somegreat greatprize prizeitems! items!Additional Additionalfunny funnymoney moneywill willbe beavailable availablefor for purchase! purchase!We’ll We’llalso alsohave haveaaSilent SilentAuction Auctionto tobenefit benefitthe theHBRA’s HBRA’scharitable charitableendeavors endeavorswith withgreat greatprizes prizes--bring bringyour your highest highestbids! bids!This Thisfundraising fundraisingevent eventwill willhelp helpsupport supportour ourpartnership partnershipwith withthe theCircle Circleof ofCare, Care,helping helpingchildren childrenand and families familiesdealing dealingwith withpediatric pediatriccancer. cancer.

$200 $200per perperson person

Includes Includes dinner, dinner, open open bar, bar, and and $200 $200 “funny “funny money” money” for for games games Sponsorships Sponsorships & & Program Program Ads Ads Available!

Available!

CLICK CLICK HERE HERE TO TO REGISTER REGISTER || CLICK CLICK HERE HERE TO TO SPONSOR SPONSOR 22 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2023

2023

Awards Dinner & Casino Night

SPONSORSHIP & PROGRAM AD OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTING SPONSOR $2500 • • • • • • • • •

Exclusive headline sponsor Opportunity to speak Banner prominently displayed Logo on cocktail napkins Full page program ad 5 attendees Tagged Instagram post Full page ad in Building Connections for two months Logo on email invitation, social media and website registration page

DINNER SPONSOR $2000 • • • • • • •

Full page program ad 5 attendees Banner at event Logo on email invitation, social media and website registration page

DRINK SPONSOR $1250 • • • •

• • •

Exclusive funny money sponsor 3 attendees Logo on all funny money, a sign to advertise it and on HBRA Fairfield website for event

CASINO RAFFLE SPONSOR $500 • • • •

Logo on one raffle item box 2 attendees Logo on banner at event Opportunity for a company representative to present prize to winner

BLUEPRINT SPONSOR $1000 • • • •

Half page program ad 4 attendees Logo on banner at event Logo on website registration page

FOUNDATION SPONSOR $250 • • •

Business card program ad 1 attendee Logo on banner at event

Opportunity to speak GAME ON! SPONSOR $500 EVENT SPONSOR $500 Banner at event with your logo • Logo on signage at one Casino • Company name on one bistro Full page program ad game table table 5 attendees • 2 attendees • 1 attendee Tagged Instagram post • Logo on banner at event • Logo on banner at event Full page ad in Building Connections for two months Logo on email invitation, social media PROGRAM AD OPPORTUNITIES and website registration page

DESIGN SPONSOR $1500 • • • •

CHIP SPONSOR $1000 - SOLD OUT

Signage at the bar 4 attendees Logo on 100 cups served at your bar Logo on email invitation, social media and website registration page

PREMIUM PROGRAM ADS

Full Page Outside Back Cover Full Page Inside Front/Inside Back Cover

PROGRAM ADS

Full Page Program Ad Half Page Program Ad Quarter Page Program Ad Business Card Ad

$500 $250 $100 $50

$1000 $750

Full Page 5.5 X 8.5 W/Bleed 5.75 X 8.75

1/2 Page 4.5 X 3.75

1/4 Page 2.25 x 3.75

Business Card 2.75 x 1.5

Mechanical Requirements: All materials must be submitted as digital files. Email all materials to sarah@buildfairfieldcounty.com. Formats accepted: High resolution PDF, prepared for print reproduction; Illustrator EPS, with all fonts outlined; photoshop Tiff or JPEG files.

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

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 24 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 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

NEW MEMBERS

Bankside Partners, LLC | Alex Papp

Bankside Partners is a boutique residential construction group focused on transforming the way homes are built. Bankside is committed to the highest standards of quality in building performance, as well as the honest and transparent process of collaborating with each homeowner. Read More

Elizabeth Altobelli-William Raveis Real Estate | Elizabeth Altobelli Luxury Properties Specialist - With extensive experience and expertise, Elizabeth is well-equipped to navigate this complex market, negotiating with her client's best interests in mind. She holds great reverence for the successful family business, which led to her joining William Raveis. Read More

Inspired Design, LLC | Deb Morelli

Inspired Design is a distinguished full-service interior design firm specializing in livable luxury home interior designs. Whether you’re building your dream home or renovating an existing space, our intentional designs align with your ideal lifestyle, fulfilling your vision of livable luxury at home. Read More

Lifetime Green Coatings of Greenwich CT | Michael Wynkoop

Lifetime Green Coatings offers non-toxic, durable floor coating services throughout Connecticut to make your garage, driveways, steps, patios, and other home surfaces look as beautiful and smooth as new—giving you lasting value and enjoyment. Read More

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25

26 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 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.

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 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

C L IC K HE R E FOR DE TA ILS NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27

COUNTY HAS ALL YOUR APPLIANCE & SMART HOME NEEDS SALES | SERVICE | INSTALLATION | CONCIERGE SUPPORT | BUILDER PROGRAMS

BEST SERVICE at the Guaranteed

BEST PRICE IN STORE AND ONLINE

countytv

COUNTYTV.COM

@countytvandappliancect

2770 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905

info@countytv.com

203-327-2630

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.

SUMMARY: Full time - secures new business while building and maintaining relationships with customers.

NEW!

Lansing Building Products, LLC JOB TITLE: Outside Sales - Norwalk, CT (lever.co) START DATE: immediately

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 NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29

WE'RE MOVING! As of January 2024, our new mailing address is:

357 Commerce Dr., Ste. 320246 Fairfield, CT 06825

Please update your records.

30 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

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

Square Foot Prices More Than Double Inflation in 2022 Median square foot prices (excluding improved lot values*) for new for-sale single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2022 increased 18% to $155, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data. Increases for square foot prices in new custom SFD homes were similarly high, averaging 19% to a national median of $156 per square foot. Both increases were more than double the U.S. inflation rate of 8% that same year.

The rise in median contract prices per square foot undoubtedly reflect fast rising construction and labor costs that pummeled home building in the post-pandemic environment.

Because square foot prices in this analysis exclude the cost of developed lot, highly variant land values cannot explain the regional differences in square foot prices. However, overly restrictive zoning practices, more stringent construction codes and higher other regulatory costs undoubtedly contribute to higher per square foot prices.

FHFA Reduces Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Multifamily Loan Purchase Caps for 2024 The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that the 2024 multifamily loan purchase caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will be $70 billion for each Enterprise, for a combined total of $140 billion to support the multifamily market.

Read More

Read More

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 33

“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

N EWS

What’s Hot for IBS 2024: Super Session Lineup Educational opportunities at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) are one of the key benefits to attending the show each year.

Attendees with an Expo+Education pass not only have access to the show floor — featuring 645,000 square feet of the latest products and services in the home building industry — but more than 100 education sessions covering topics from architecture and design, to building techniques and strategies, to sales and marketing.

Check out the full lineup: The Launch: Can’t-Miss New Products & Technologies at IBS 2024 The Outlook: Housing Trends, Forecasts & Insights for 2024 The Blueprint: The Battle Royale & 60 in 60 Inspire Your Designs for 2024 The Rally: An Immersive Journey into the Future of New Home Sales The Experience: Creating a VIP Total Customer Experience

Upcoming Webinar: A Macro Outlook for 2024 Persistently high interest rates, record low housing affordability and elevated construction costs have created challenging conditions for the housing industry throughout 2023.

What macro economic factors will impact the industry in 2024? Find out during an upcoming webinar from Pro Builder on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. ET.

Read More

Learn more about these Super Sessions and other education opportunities at BuildersShow.com.

Read More

Rising Mortgage Rates Push Housing Affordability to Lowest Level in Index History Rising mortgage rates, elevated construction costs and limited existing inventory helped push housing affordability in the third quarter of 2023 to its lowest level in more than a decade.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), just 37.4% of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of July and end of September were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $96,300. This is down from 40.5% posted in the second quarter of this year, and the lowest reading since NAHB began tracking affordability on a consistent basis in 2012.

“Steadily rising interest rates since the beginning of the year are taking a toll on housing affordability by raising housing costs for buyers and increasing the cost of development and construction loans for builders,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “And with mortgage rates currently near 8%, our builder surveys indicate that market conditions will remain challenging through the end of the year, even as the Federal Reserve appears to be done raising interest rates.”

Read More

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.

36 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2023

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FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future

Undue Regulations Hurt Housing In August 2022, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) launched Affordability, NAHB the FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future initiative, the Tells Congress first comprehensive review of the Federal Home Loan Bank System

In a congressional hearing today examining the effects of Throughout this process, FHFA undertook a significant analysis of Department of Energy (DOE) changes that might be warranted to ensure the 11 Federal Home Loan regulations on America’s Banks (FHLBanks) are well positioned to fulfill their mission in the job creators, the National years ahead. The initiative involved significant stakeholder outreach, a Association of Home Builders historical review of the role of the FHLBanks and detailed analysis of (NAHB) told lawmakers how both the strengths and areas for improvement in the System’s current burdensome DOE regulations structure. are exacerbating the housing Read More affordability crisis and impeding the ability of builders to increase the production of quality, affordable housing.

(System) in decades.

Read More

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 37

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26 Senators Urge Administration to Abandon Costly Energy Efficiency Standards

HUD Appropriations Process Moves Forward

In a key win for NAHB, a group of 26 senators are calling on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to abandon their proposal that would require new single- and multifamily homes that are insured or guaranteed by the agencies to be subject to unrealistic and overly burdensome energy efficiency standards.

The Senate has approved its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies fiscal year 2024 funding bill, and the measure includes $70.06 billion for HUD.

Echoing NAHB concerns, the Senate letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that adoption of these revised energy standards “would impose significant costs on American households, particularly low- and moderate-income families, and put undue pressure on an already constrained housing supply.”

Of particular note, the Senate bill includes $1.5 billion to sustain robust funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the primary federal tool of state and local governments that produces affordable rental and owner-occupied housing.

Read More

Read More

We do everything (including the bathroom sink) We did this. The whole thing. The faucets. The hardware.

The cabinetry. The sink. The tile. And, the mirrors.

Multiple brands, all from one company. Holistically designed by Bender to bring form, function, and flow together – beautifully. Now your clients can shop the look at Bender.

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N EWS

NAHB Podcast: Developments on Capitol Hill that Could Impact Your Business On this episode of Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez dive into the latest policy discussions on Capitol Hill and within the administration that could impact your business, and share how NAHB is advocating for its members.

Listen to Housing Developments on your favorite podcast app or watch the episode below.

Mortgage Rates Are Not Deterring Some Home Buyers Despite mortgage rates topping 7%, Americans persist in their desire to buy a home. According to the latest Housing Trends Report from NAHB, the share of adults with plans to purchase a home within a year edged up to 17% in the third quarter of 2023, up from 15% a quarter earlier.

The share has fluctuated up and down without a clear trend for over a year, likely because of the push-pull between two opposing forces: higher interest rates/home prices and persistent demand stemming from demographic growth.

Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president for survey research, provides further analysis in this Eye on Housing post.

Read More Watch Now

A Key Way to Build Stronger Construction Careers NAHB’s refreshed Residential Construction Industry Fundamentals course (formerly Basics of Building) provides a crucial opportunity for those who work in construction-related fields to expand their knowledge — and their profits.

The on-demand, self-paced course will give industry professionals the tools they need to build stronger and more profitable relationships with builders and remodelers in their network.

“This course equips members with the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to excel in construction, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute positively to projects and advance their careers in the field,” said Tim Lansford, who authored the class.

Lansford also serves as president and owner of Luxury Homes of Texas, a custom home building and remodeling company.

Graduates of the course will be able to identify trends, product types and key stakeholders in the residential construction industry, as well as articulate the complexities of land acquisition and development, and outline types of financial tools available to support building and remodeling projects.

Participants can earn six hours of continuing education credit.

Registration is open now.

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 41

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Website Best Practices for Maximum Lead Generation - Live Online 2023 - November 28

Learn How to be an Expert Home Salesperson

Elevate your digital presence and drive more new home sales.

Designed specifically for the home building industry, this overview course will guide you through the essentials of creating a website optimized for lead capture. Learn how to make key technology selections, build trust, and develop compelling calls to action that engage and convert potential home buyers. The course also touches on effective strategies for driving targeted traffic to your site, including SEO, paid search and social media. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your existing website or embarking on a new digital journey, this course offers valuable insights to help you maximize lead generation and turn prospects into home buyers.

NAHB’s fall slate of engaging interactive education continues with courses in managing finances and home sales.

Read More & Register Now

Read More

Every Tuesday and Thursday in November (except during the week of Thanksgiving), industry leaders will lead insightful discussions to help small and growing business owners sharpen their skills for financial success.

NOVEMBER 2023 | HBRA of Fairfield County 43

2023 MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAM | AT A GLANCE

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Receive up to a 1.45% statement credit discount by utilizing the Voyager fuel card for Business. Savings anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

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48 HBRA of Fairfield County | NOVEMBER 2023