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: Fixitup Building and Remodeling
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EXECUTIVE OFFICER WELCOME LETTER
Hello Members,
Thank you to everyone who came out to our November GMM at Interstate! It was such a lovely evening, with good food and great company. Next up we have our Holiday Party and Annual Awards on December 3rd.
This is our last month of recruitement for our Young Professionals Program! For nonmembers aged 45 years and under, their first year dues is now only $75! Please let nonmembers you know of this great deal!
As you may have already seen, we rolled out a new website. This website is designed to market you and your business! In conjunction with that, we have been doing a social media push to promote your businesses on our new website. We are always looking for new content- If you are interested in a spotlight or want to write an article, please let me know.
Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business: kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com.
Kind Regards,
Kerry Brunn Executive Officer
Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County
MISSION
“ 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 areindependently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future. ”
Upcoming EventsRegister Now!
Wednesday December 3 : Annual Awards Dinner & Holiday Party rd
Bank Street Events, Stamford | 5:30pm-8:30pm
You are invited to join the HBRA for our 2025 Awards Dinner & Holiday Party. Celebrate the accomplishments and wonderful work produced by your peers in the association this year, celebrate the season, and bring your highest bids for some great prizes at our Silent Auction and help support the HBRA's charitable partnership with the Circle of Care. Includes buffet dinner featuring Seared Beef Tenderloin, Herb Chicken, & Penne alla Vodka with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, & mixed grilled veggies, plus open bar beer & wine and live DJ!
Friday December 5 : PWB Council Annual Holiday Luncheon th Riko’s Pizza, Westport | 1pm
Join the Professional Women in Building Council members to celebrate the holiday season with family-style apps, salad, and delicious thin-crust pizza, plus open bar beer/wine/canned cocktails - registration opening soon!
Tuesday December 9 : Young Professionals Holiday Happy Hour th
Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford | 4pm-6pm
HBRA Members and Industry Professionals age 45 and under are invited to join the Young Professionals Committee for a holiday happy hour at Two Roads! Plus, bring out your "best" ugly sweater for our Ugly Sweater Contestprize will be awarded to the crowd favorite!
Tues. Feb. 17 - Thurs. Feb. 19 , 2026: International Builders’ Show th th
Orlando, Florida
Presented by the National Association for Home Builders, IBS is the biggest event in building! Registration open now!
2025 OFFICERS
Immediate Past President John Hertz Hertz Construction Inc.
President: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group
Senior VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber
VP & Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC
Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC
Geoff Knapp Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group
Robin Carroll Karp Associates
Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors
Bepin Mgushi Fixitup Building and Remodeling
Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC
George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting
Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.
LIFE DIRECTORS
Joanne Carroll JMC Resources
Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders
Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance
Jerry Effren
The Greyrock Companies
Gary Fanali City Carting
Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders
Michael Palumbo
ERI Building & Design
Peter Gaboriault
Bear Paw Builders
Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.
Have you gotten an email offering a list of IBS attendees, local builders/tradespeople, or similar?
Outside marketing companies have been emailing members offering lists with the contact info of IBS attendees, local builders or tradespeople, and even HBRA members for a fee.
These emails are a SCAM.
The HBRA will NEVER give out our member list to an outside company, and would certainly not allow them to charge for it.
While the marketing company may give out their own list of local builders claiming the information is from us, it is not our member list and we have no control over the information included or who they reach out to.
If you receive one of these emails, mark it as spam and delete.
Fall Fest GMM And CEU
Our “Fall Fest” General Membership Meeting on November 5th had HBRA Members and industry guests gather at the Interstate Design Center in Westport. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet of seasonal apps, charcuterie, and hot apple cider with whiskey as they toured the state of the art, two-story Interstate Design Center, exploring Interstate’s wide variety of windows, doors, architectural hardware, millwork, and more.
Carol Wiltshire-Toth from Norwalk Public Schools spoke about their new Internship Program, connecting driven students with employers looking to offer real-world, hands-on job experience.
NPSWDP will connect students with employers from their career of interest, and interns will be paid directly from NPSWDP - all you as an employer need to do is offer the interns real-world job experience in your field.
To join the program and hire a student intern, please contact Carol Wiltshire-Toth at wiltshiretothc@norwalkps.org with your name, company, and field (building, electrical, interior design, banking, etc.).
Right before the GMM, Superior Hearth Spas & Leisure and Stellar sponsored a CEU Class on “Specifying Gas Fireplaces for Today’s Homes.” Our association is committed to promoting, improving and protecting the home building industry and we aim to provide our members every opportunity possible. Please let us know if there are any educational programs you would like to see offered.
Thank you to Sheldon Kahan, Brian Kurtz, and the team at Interstate for hosting another great event!
Photos by Kirt Washington Photography.
https://www.interstatelumber.com/
Photos by Kirt Washington Photography
MEMBER EVENTS
Fall Fest GMM And CEU
October PWB Meeting:
Our October Professional Women in Building Council meeting was all about confidence, connection, and camera-ready style. Members gathered for a fun and engaging evening featuring professional headshots and complimentary glam touch-ups, perfect for refreshing portfolios and kicking off the season with a polished new look. Attendees enjoyed networking with fellow women in the building industry while rotating through mini beauty sessions and photo shoots. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event both energizing and elegant! We look forward to seeing you at our next PWB meeting. Save the date for our annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 5th at Riko’s in Westport.
Photography By:
Meeting Sponsored By:
2025 Exclusive PWB Partner Sponsor:
MEMBER EVENTS
HOBI Awards:
On November 13th, members and guests from the HBRA of Fairfield County joined with members from the other local CT HBRAs to celebrate the 31st Annual HOBI Awards.
Connecticut’s most prestigious housing awards and one of the largest Builder awards programs, the HOBIs offer recognition to builders, remodelers and members of the housing industry for excellence in home design and construction, home technology, sales and marketing and home finance. CLICK HERE to see more: https://hbra-ct.org/hobi-awards/
Congratulations to all of the award winners, especially our Fairfield County winners!
A huge thank you to Joanne Carroll and the HBRA of CT for another great year.
CLICK HERE to see photos from the evening!
NEW MEMBERS
Antonio Pippo Interiors| Antonio Pippo
Find out more HERE
Creative Design Solutions | Jada Kranz
Find out more HERE
Creston Construction, LLC | James F. Dawes
Find out more HERE
Dana Koebbe Interiors | Dana Koebbe
Find out more HERE
EO Associates, LLC | Darren E. Owen
Find out more HERE
Lionspaw & Company | Anna Nowak
Find out more HERE
Mazecraft Inc.l Jason Bean
Find out more HERE
Michael Stadler Construction, LLC | Justin Barry
Find out more HERE
NEW MEMBERS
My Estate Concierge| Ken Liptak
Find out more HERE
NEW PWB MEMBERS
Find out more HERE
Gatsby Glass of Fairfield County|Camille Giacomazza
HBRA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR
UGLY SWEATER PARTY
4pm-6pm
Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford Tues. Dec. 9th
$65 per person: Includes 2 drink tickets & apps
g out your "best" ugly sweat Ugly Sweater Contest! Prize d d t th d f
FOOD SPONSOR - $250.00
Signage at the food table
Large logo on event page and all registration emails
Tagged in social media post 2 tickets to the event
BAR SPONSOR - $250.00
Signage at the bar
Large logo on event page and all registration emails
Tagged in social media post 2 tickets to the event
EVENT SPONSOR - $100.00
Logo on event page and all registration emails 1 ticket to the event
Membership Discounts & Deals
Log in at www.nahb.org
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:
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!
Steps to Access NPP Discounts:
Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free. 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
Fannie, Freddie Multifamily Loan Purchase Caps to Rise 20% in 2026
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced yesterday that the 2026 multifamily loan purchase caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will be $88 billion for each Enterprise, for a combined total of $176 billion to support the multifamily market. The 2026 caps represent a 20.5% increase from 2025. Read More
Young Adults Are Once Again Moving Back Home
The share of young adults living with their parents increased in 2024, interrupting the post-pandemic trend of individuals ages 18-34 moving out of parental homes.
Nearly a third (32.5%) of adults in this age range lived with their parents according to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS), which is an increase from 31.8% in 2023, but remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 34.5% in 2017.Read More
French Heritage Meets Modern Elegance
Where Inspiration Surfaces
BROOKFIELD
Which Home Features Add the Most Value?
Single-family home values are determined by numerous factors, including location and the neighborhood in which they’re built. But a home’s physical features are among the most influential on home buyers.
The latest study from the American Housing Survey (AHS) revealed just how much influence key physical details on a home have — giving builders a peek inside the minds of their clients.
Read More
How the Fed’s Rate Cuts Will Impact Housing in 2026l
Market uncertainty looms across much of the economy. And yet, parts of the housing industry are gaining momentum, especially as the Federal Reserve cuts rates.
Next year is likely to present the home building sector with new challenges and opportunities, many of which will be explored in an upcoming NAHB webinar, “Housing Market Outlook: The Fed Resumes Rate Cuts.”
Read More
Two NAHB-Supported Permitting Reform Bills Advance in House
The House Natural Resources Committee on Nov. 20 approved two NAHB-supported permitting reform bills that would help alleviate regulatory roadblocks to home building.
The Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act would help reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and ensure that reviews are reserved for projects with federal involvement beyond just funding. It would also help shorten permitting timelines and ease the burden on federal agencies by simplifying the scope of analysis required.
The House panel also advanced the ePERMIT Act, legislation introduced by Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) that would help digitize permitting and improve transparency through all federal permits.
Read More
Level Up Your Career with NAHB Connect
NAHB Connect is the go-to-online community for young professionals in home building. It’s a digital hub for professional growth, industry insight and member-to-member networking.
WHY JOIN
Enhance Your Career
Ask other members how to navigate your career path. Improve as a leader and grow your business.
Network with Industry Leaders
Tap into the knowledge of experienced industry professionals.
Grow Your Knowledge
Ask questions about real world scenarios and get helpful responses from people who relate to you.
1. Do you have an account on nahb.org? If not, go to nahb.org/register to create an account or scan the QR code below.
I have found NAHB Connect to be a very valuable resource for connecting with other members to exchange knowledge, expertise, and network.
~Nicolas Ream Montana Heritage Home Builders, Inc.
2. Go to connect.nahb.org/home, and log in with your nahb.org username and password.
3. Set up your profile, upload an image and start connecting!
SALES SHEET
GO BEYOND.
A subflooring panel with a built-in barrier for jobsite durability.
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The built-in, water-shedding top layer provides a distinctively smooth, even, premium subfloor surface that is marker friendly and easy to clean.
AdvanTech X-Factor Panels
CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS
X Design Consultation including on-site walk-throughs and Recessed lighting layouts
X Large offering and inventory of integrated LED Recessed Lighting
X Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for all applications
X Door, Cabinet & Bath Hardware
X Motorized & Manual Window Shades
X Lutron Lighting Controls Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks
X Bath Ventilation Fans
X Builder programs
Remodeling Growth Drives Uptick in Residential Construction Spending
Private residential construction spending inched up 0.8% in August, continuing steady growth since June 2025, primarily driven by more spending on multifamily construction and home remodeling.
But total residential spending was 2% lower than a year ago, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.
Read More
Builder Sentiment Relatively Flat in November as Market Headwinds Persist
NMarket uncertainty exacerbated by the government shutdown along with economic uncertainty stemming from tariffs and rising construction costs kept builder confidence firmly in negative territory in November.
Read More
New York Gas Ban Suspended While NAHB and NY HBA Appeal
In a major victory in the long legal battle over New York’s statewide gas ban for new homes, NAHB and the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) have secured a suspension of the new regulations while the case works through the appeals process.
After extensive negotiation, attorneys for the state agreed to a stipulation suspending implementation of a state law passed in 2023 that bans the use of natural gas in any new construction of under seven stories, including homes, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
If NAHB and NYSBA are unsuccessful in the appeal, the state has agreed to a 120-day grace period before the gas ban is effective.
Read More
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KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS
Awards Dinner
2025 & H O L I D A Y P A R T Y
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 5:30pm-8:30pm Bank Street Events: 65 Bank Street, Stamford
You are invited to join the HBRA for our 2025 Awards Dinner & Holiday Party. Celebrate the accomplishments and wonderful work produced by your peers in the association this year, celebrate the season, and bring your highest bids for some great prizes at our Silent Auction and help support the HBRA's charitable endeavors!
This fundraising event will help support our partnership with the Circle of Care, helping children and families dealing with pediatric cancer.
Includes buffet dinner featuring Seared Beef Tenderloin, Herb Chicken, & Penne alla Vodka with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, & mixed grilled veggies, plus open bar beer & wine and live DJ!
sarah@buildfairfieldcounty.com
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
T h e $ 7 5 i n t r o d u c t o r y r a t e i s o n l y a v a i l a b l e t h r o u g h t h e
e n d o f t h i s y e a r - j o i n b y 1 2 / 3 1 / 2 5 t o r e c e i v e t h e $ 7 5
i n t r o p r i c i n g !
i r f i e l d c o u n t y . c o m
A l l H B R A m e m b e r s , n e w o r c u r r e n t , u n d e r a g e 4 5
a r e a l s o e l i g i b l e t o j o i n o u r Y o u n g P r o f e s s i o n a l s
C o m m i t t e e , d e d i c a t e d t o f o s t e r i n g n e t w o r k i n g ,
g r o w t h a n d m e n t o r s h i p t o o u r i n d u s t r y
p r o f e s s i o n a l s t h a t a r e 4 5 a n d u n d e r .
E m a i l u s t o j o i n : h b r a @ b u i l d f a i r f i e l d c o u n t y . c o m
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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
How
Employment in US Metros Has Recovered - Or Not - Post-COVID
IThe story of employment loss and recovery across U.S. metro areas underscores the uneven geography of the COVID-19 economy. The resilience of local economies has since reshaped the post-pandemic landscape, revealing not only where recovery has taken root but also where it remains incomplete.
Read More
Trade Data: State-Level Analysis of Canadian Softwood Lumber
International trade remains a source of volatility across the building materials sector, particularly in the softwood lumber market. Recent adjustments to antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) rates, combined with the imposition of Section 232 tariffs, have increased the trade-related cost of Canadian imports.
Read More
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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.
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Ring’s End Window Installation
The Smart Choice for Contractors
When you trust Ring’s End to install your window package, you’re choosing efficiency, precision, and peace of mind Our factorytrained installation team ensures every window is measured, delivered, and installed to exact specifications so you can keep your project moving smoothly.
Installers are trained in the manufacturer’s recommended installation methods in compliance with the manufacturer’s warranty
We offer a ten-year limited warranty on the installation labor and workmanship we provide
STREAMLINED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
With one reliable partner handling both the product and installation, you eliminate coordination headaches, reduce callbacks, and protect manufacturer warranties Ring’s End provides single-source accountability, expert craftsmanship, and full compliance with building codes Ring’s End installers are registered Home Improvement Contractors in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island, and are EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovators Save valuable time, deliver top-quality results, and give your customers the confidence that comes from a professional, seamless installation backed by the name contractors have trusted for generations.
“Ring’s End made window installation one less thing to worry about. Their crew was professional, efficient, and kept pace with our production schedule. Every opening fit perfectly. ” Jim Carpenter, Principal, Carpenter Construction
1) Invite new members to join the HBRA by 12/31/2025 at: buildfairfieldcounty.com/join
- New Builder & Associate members aged 45 and under who have not been a member for the past 2 years can enter the code ypy1 for a special discounted rate. - New Affiliate members (where someone from their company is already a member), aged 45 and under can enter the code ypya for a discount.
2) Make sure all new members you recruit list you as their reference! New Young Prof. members are 2 points, new Builder & Associate members are 1 point, and new Affiliate members are 0.5 points.
3) The HBRA will update the member rankings on our social media.
4) Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 recruiters at our first GMM of 2026!
