October 2018 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 - O CTO B E R 2 0 1 8

FEATURES October GMM HBRA Bowling Night New Trainings & Seminars

UPCOMING November 7 - GMM & Building Codes November 28 - 30 - CAPS December 7 - Holiday Party

MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits MunnCo

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 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.

Editorial Staff

Find Us On Social Media

Jackie Bertolone Executive Officer Sarah Iannarone Membership & Events Coordinator Clare Michalak Marketing & Graphics Coordinator

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com

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IN THIS ISSUE HBRA NEWS • Message from the Executive Officer • Upcoming Events • Message from the HBRA President • October General Membership Meeting • Builders, Brews, and Bowling Night • Professional Women in Building • NY Scaffolding Law

• Digital Marketing Simplified • HBRA Trainings & Certifications • New Members • HBRA Job Bank • Directory Listings Coming Soon • HBRA Trainings Survey • Member Benefits

p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 10 p. 12 p. 14 p. 16 p. 16 p. 17 p. 18 p. 17 p. 27 p. 29 p. 30

BUILDER NEWS • Millennials rank homeownership above all else • Trends in Homebuyer Preferences

p. 22 p. 23

NAHB NEWS • Unfilled Jobs Continue To Rise

• Builder Confidence Rises One Point • Single-Family Residential Permits Decline In Northeast

p. 24 p. 24 p. 25

STATE NEWS • Message from the State EO

p.26

Acadia Marlin Fairfield County Bank Interstate Lumber Hocon Gas County TV & Appliance Ed’s Garage Door Tooher Ferraris Ridgefield Supply DiMatteo Group United Bank CTC&G Ring’s End

p. 5 p. 15 p. 18 p. 19 p. 20 p. 21 p. 23 p. 25 p. 28 p. 29 p. 31 p. 33 p. 34

Advertisers:

2018-19 OFFICERS President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders

Sr. Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Group

Vice President John Hertz

Hertz Construction

Secretary Rob Michaud

The Michaud Group

Immediate Past President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.

2018-19 DIRECTORS Propane Pete Battaglio Hocon Gas

Max Bender Bender Supply

gas

Steve Berko

Four Square Build & Design

Michael Church

William Pitt Sotheby’s

Ken DeLeo

Doherty & DeLeo

Brian Kurtz

Interstate Lumber

Steven Roth

Elevator Service Company

Alex Shook

Pella Commercial

Michael Wood Wood Builders

LIFE DIRECTORS Joanne Carroll JMC Resources

Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders

Jerry Effren The Greyrock Companies

Maureen Hanley United Bank

Gary Fanali City Carting

Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design

Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders

MEDIA SPONSOR

Thank you to the following VIP Associate Members for their support in 2018. Due to their generosity the Association greatly benefits - from developing new events and educational opportunities for the membership, to keeping our lights on!

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Happy Fall!

The HBRA has many dedicated and passionate members that make our association fun and our membership valuable. Between the Professional Women in Building group that keeps growing and hosting interactive meetings, the membership committee who is working to expand our association and the associates council that just put on a fantastic bowling night; it’s the reason our association is successful. Members supporting members and having opportunities to build relationships with each other is the reason many of you join the HBRA. We have several new sponsors stepping up in a big way and long time sponsors looking to increase their visibility in our association. The VIP Partners are great supporters of our association and truly believe in and support our mission to protect, promote and defend the home building industry here in Fairfield County. We look forward to partnering with you in 2019.

The HOBI Award winners from our association produced some fantastic properties and I can’t wait to see them honored at the November 13 dinner which attracted well over 800 guests last year. About 500 of those guests represented the HBRA of Fairfield County. I’m proud to lead such a talented membership—building some of the best homes in the country.

We look forward to our November General Membership Meeting at Gault.

Prior to the event, we are offering the new building codes that went into effect on October 1. Please take a few minutes to browse our Building Connections e-magazine and see what we have planned for the rest of 2018.

On behalf of the staff and the HBRA Board of Directors, we hope to see you all on November 7th!

As always, if you have any suggestions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Jackie L. Bertolone Executive Officer

6 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

MARK YOUR CALENDARS UPCOMING EVENTS

4th Congressional District Debate October 25, 2018 | Norwalk Inn and Conference Center

Election Day November 6, 2018 | Get out and Vote Don’t know your stage legislators? Click here

November GMM & Building Code Changes November 7, 2018 | Gault Stone Register

25TH Annual HOBI Awards November 13, 2018 | Aquaturf

Holiday Party December 5, 2018 | O’Neills Irish Pub

UPCOMING MEETINGS Associates Council November 20, 2018

Membership Committee November 15, 2018

PWB Council November 15, 2018

Interested in joining the newly formed Government Affairs Committee or any of the other committees?

Email Jackie at jackie@buildfairfieldcounty.com OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7

M ESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT H B RA E V E N TS Dear Members,

One of the best times to be in our great state is the fall, the weather is changing quickly now and soon our colorful landscape will turn white and we will close out 2018.

I have always enjoyed the changing seasons and in my opinion, Connecticut is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Connecticut’s economy has been lagging the country since 2008 however, and come this November we have the ability to move things forward. VOTE!

It’s not news to anyone that Connecticut has plummeted to the bottom of every economic ranking—our business tax climate, cost of living, economic growth—all fall in the bottom 5 out of the 50 states. Connecticut is a beautiful state that I feel blessed to call my home, but we have reached a tipping point.

Connecticut faces billion-dollar deficits, unsustainable state employee benefits and a perpetually anemic state economy. Fairfield County does fare better than the other counties, but how many of your friends, customers, clients or family members have left or plan to leave Connecticut? It’s very concerning.

If you’re involved in the housing industry in some way, then you know we are pulling permits at about half the rate we did 10 years ago. Connecticut is one of the few states that haven’t recovered since the recession.

A Connecticut legislature and executive branch populated by pro-business legislators and officials can point us in a better direction. We can reverse the nonsustainable trend of outward migration and flat business growth that has plagued us for nearly a decade. Businesses can and will come back, and with them, jobs and families that will reinvigorate our communities. When businesses make a comeback in Connecticut so too will the home building industry. One of the biggest factors that the government uses to gauge economy strength is the housing market index, a strong housing market represents, jobs, community growth and higher real estate values.

I’ve never been one to push political discussions or engaged on a local level, but I feel this election is an opportunity to change the course of our state. I feel I have an obligation to get involved and I hope you do to.

National politics can often cloud the local and state issues we face. I would ask that you please research the candidates in your local races to find out who are the best candidates in your district to help get Connecticut moving again. Have conversations with your local chambers and rotary clubs. Contact business associations like the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and see who they endorsed in your local races and why. We must hold our elected officials accountable.

Our state will not escape from the unacceptable status quo if we are not willing to help make change happen. Let’s start this November.

Anthony DeRosa HBRA President 8 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

Let’s Build a BETTER CONNECTICUT Support candidates who understand economic growth.

Connecticut has plummeted to the bottom of every economic ranking as a result of one-party control of the state legislature for the last 40 years.

Connecticut’s Rankings

47

th

47th out of 50 in cost of living

47

47th out of 50 for its business tax climate

48

48th out of 50 in economic growth

49

49th out of 50 in growth of young population

th

th

th

Connecticut’s dismal rankings are reflective of the tough economic climate and the result of poor decisions by our state government.

We need a change in direction with a renewed emphasis on Connecticut’s economic health.

On November 6th, we must elect pro-business candidates to change the culture in Hartford to one that prioritizes and promotes business and job growth, and sets our state on a path to recovery.

Visit www.voterregistration.ct.gov to register to vote on November 6, 2018

Visit www.cga.ct.gov to find your state representatives

Connecticut’s builders have pulled half the number of new construction permits in 2018 when compared to historic numbers. As homebuilders, once the state starts growing again, we know constructing 100 new single-family homes creates 297 full-time jobs, $28 million in wage and business income and $11.1 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. A healthy housing industry means more jobs and a stronger economy, and home building increases the property tax base that supports local schools and communities.

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Inc. | 860-216-5858 | www.hbact.org

HBRA NEWS

H B RA E V E N TS

October General Membership Meeting October 3, 2018 10 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

OCTOBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Ridgefield Supply Company hosted an interactive GMM with four great vendors to display their latest products and trends. Prior to the start of the GMM, Centor held a CEU on large opening doors. Members enjoyed learning about the different products available and seeing the beautiful showroom of one of the HBRA’s long standing members and supporters. The food was graciously provided

by Fairfield County Bank. A brand new member of the HBRA was lucky enough to walk away with $500 from the membership raffle prize and Ridgefield Supply raffled off some great prizes including a grill! We thank all the members involved in planning this event and all those who attended. Looking forward to another great GMM in November!

OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11

HBRA NEWS

H B RA E V E N TS

Builders, Brews & Bowling Builders, Brews & Bowling last night was a huge success!! Everyone had a great time with friends and fun prizes. Our Builder Champions were the Michaud Group and the Associate Champions were Ring’s End. The 2017 reigning champs, Smarthome and Theatre Systems did have to relinquish the grand trophy to Ring’s End but did so gracefully! The toilet bowl winners took their fun award with heads held high and the Hemingway Construction/ Cardello Architect team came with the best bowling shirts we’ve seen! Paul Welte was our lucky raffle winner walking away with $220 and Big Guy Garage Door’s owner, Tim, won the great liquor basket and HBRA backpack.

Thanks to our Brew Sponsors, Frank Webb Home, our awards sponsor, Smarthome and Theatre Systems and our delicious dessert sponsor, Bender. What a great night!!

Rings End, Associate and Overall Champions

Michaud Group, Builder Champions

12 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 13

HBRA NEWS

H B RA E V E N TS

Professional Women in Building Council Meeting The Professional Women in Building Council of Fairfield County began this past year and has grown to 40 members. At the October meeting, the subject matter from presenter Judy Doyle, was communication & team building.

Judy’s presentation centered around what makes a good team, why team building is important, and then allowed the group to put this message into action. The group also discussed communication skills and personal awareness.

Members of the group also provided a market update to discuss current trends in the industry as well as where business is really active.

We had special guest at this month’s meeting - the next generation of professional women.

Congratulations to Emilia Ferri and her beautiful baby girl!

In order to join the PWB, you must be a member of the HBRA of Fairfield County. For information on joining, please contact the HBRA.

14 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

Congratulations to all HOBI Winners Join us and the other Connecticut local associations for the Home Building Industry Awards. We are looking forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary.

November 13, 2018

Aqua Turf Club 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville, CT 06479 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Be sure to RSVP here: For any questions, please contact: Joanne Hoerrner, HBRA of CT 860-216-5858 jhoerrner@hbact.org

OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 15

HBRA NEWS HBRA Hosts Digital Marketing Simplified for Members

Westchester Business Leaders: State Wasted Hundreds of Millions on Mario Cuomo Bridge Due to Scaffold Law As New York completes the final stages of the $4 billion Mario Cuomo Bridge, Westchester’s leading business advocates and construction executives highlighted the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars squandered to pay for excessive insurance premiums on the project due to the state’s outrageous Scaffold Law. At a Friday press conference in Tarrytown’s Pierson Park, with the new bridge in view, Business Council of Westchester Executive Vice President John Ravitz, Lawsuit Reform Alliance Executive Director Tom Stebbins and local contractors called on state lawmakers to bring New York’s laws in line with those of every other state in the nation by reforming the Scaffold Law. They said the Scaffold Law added between $200 million - $400 million taxpayer dollars to the cost of the Mario Cuomo Bridge project.

“Scaffold law reform has been one of the Business Council of Westchester’s top priorities for the last eight years. Any investor will tell you how expensive it is to build and do business in New York State, particularly here in Westchester.

The scaffold law is at the root of the problem. Reforming this only-in-NewYork law is an important and necessary step that lawmakers must take to shift the paradigm and finally make economic development and job creation a priority,” said John Ravitz, Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Westchester.

New York’s Scaffold Law holds construction companies in New York 100% liable for “gravity-related” injuries – aka falls – that happen on the job. No other state requires such lopsided liability, and studies show it has made construction insurance premiums in New York the most expensive in the country and done nothing to improve safety. These out-of-control costs have stifled development projects like bridges, housing, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure for decades here in Westchester and around the state.

Read More 16 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

We thank fellow HBRA member, Hibu for their seminar on digital marketing to a small group of HBRA members on October 16.

Topics covered were the high reliance on our mobile devices and how that has affected the shift in advertising and how to maximize technological advances to help get your business to the top of the pile.

Technology is changing every day and our businesses need to keep up with the latest trends and marketing platforms. For suggestions on future seminars please contact our office.

H B R A T R A I N I N G S & C E R T I F I C AT I O N S Changes to the CT Building Code 2018 November 7| Gault Stone Click here to register

Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS I, II, & III) November 28 - 30 | Rings End Click here to register

Don’t Pay For Your Sub’s Negligence Contractual Risk Transfer Seminar December 7, 2019 Click here to register

CERTIFIED AGING IN PLACE

INSTRUCTOR:

CAPS I: Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging & Accessibility Millions of Americans are living longer and more active lives. The goal of the course is to equip course participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively sell services to the aging in place (AIP) market.

DATE:

CAPS II: Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging in Place Many responsive and innovative products are emerging to help home owners make their home a safe and comfortable living environment for the long term. Likewise, service providers are answering this demand by focusing their businesses on creating new homes and renovations that provide design flexibility, pleasing aesthetics, high function and usability for all people, without regard to age, income or ability level, and regardless of life’s changes and challenges.

CAPS III: Details & Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging in Place This course builds on the CAPS II course (a highly recommended prerequisite to this course) by introducing design solutions and techniques for professionals whose clients require specialized design and equipment to live and thrive comfortably in their homes. Whole house product specification and installation techniques will be covered accompanied by practical, hands-on activities.

- Three courses are required in order to receive certification.

- Visit our website for more detailed information on this course.

- Registration must be received by November 23, 2018.

Alan Hanbury, CGR, CAPS, CGP, GMR, MBA, House of Hanbury Inc. CAPS I - November 28, 2018 CAPS II - November 29, 2018 CAPS III - November 30, 2018 8:30AM - 5:00PM

ADDRESS:

Ring’s End Educational Facility 160 Avon Street Stratford, CT 06615

PRICING:

HBRA Members: $300 per class $750 for all 3 courses General Admission: $375 per class $1,000 for all 3 courses

REGISTER OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17

HBRA NEWS

Looking for a Member?

Use the membership directory on our website to look up members by trade, location, alphabetically, or by housing category. This directory is available for all website visitors.

Members - if you need to update your contact information you can log into your account and change your profile information - For assistance please call the office at 203-335-7008.

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 18 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

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Gault Stone November 7, 2018 2:45pm-5:45pm Building Code Changes

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General Membership Meeting $20 HBRA Members $50 General Admission

Join us for the November General Membership Meeting at Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies Builders, Architects, and those interested are invited to attend a training on Changes to the CT Building Code, also at Gault from 2:45pm-5:45pm, immediately before the meeting. CLICK HERE for more information and the link to registration.

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View and download profiles at interstatelumber.com

OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19

HBRA NEW MEMBERS Joseph Quijano

European Granite/Marble/Surfaces We are here to help you execute your vision and in selecting the right stone and tile materials for your design projects. We support fabricators, architects, designers, homeowners, developers and general contractors with both design consulting and technical support in search of versatile applications and unique solutions... READ MORE

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Welcome new affiliates:

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20 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

Len Volpe Rings End

Kerry Brunn

Pella Windows & Doors

12/28/17 4:27 PM

HBRA JOB BANK

Have a job to post?

Call us at 203-335-7008 or visit our website JOB TITLE: Front End

Hours: Full Time Start Date: ASAP Job Description: Greet customers, ring sales, answer the phone, keep on top of supplies and need to be able to multi task! 5 days a week, including at least one weekend day.

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OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21

BUILDER NEWS Survey: Millennials Rank Homeownership Above All Else 72% say owning a home is their top priority when it comes to life events.

A new survey from Bank of America finds that 23- to 40-yearolds are placing homeownership above nearly all else, with 72% of millennials saying owning a home is a top priority, second only to being able to retire (80%), and far outranking marriage (50%) and having children (44%).

Millennials also tend to equate homeownership with personal (53%) and financial (45%) success. Prospective millennial buyers also associate the purchase of a home with being mature (47%), acting like an adult (47%), and feeling independent (36%).“Younger generations tell us that owning a home has become a milestone that defines their success, and it’s promising to see them aspiring to homeownership,” said D. Steve Boland, head of Consumer Lending at Bank of America.

The latest Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report explores the attitudes, preferences and behaviors of the modern homebuyer. For the first time, the survey also took a closer look at current renters who plan to someday own a home. The age-old question – to own or to rent – still looms for many. Current renters are torn, with 49% believing renting long-term will be more expensive than buying a home.

The other half of renters say renting will be just as or less expensive than owning. Yet, 69% believe their rent will continue to rise every year or every other year.

Furthermore, renters acknowledge that finances remain one of the top barriers to homeownership, with nearly half (44%) feeling they don’t have enough money for a down payment. 23% say they cannot afford the home they want.

Top renter misconceptions include: · 49% believe that 20% down is required to buy a home. · 43% believe they must pay private mortgage insurance if they don’t put 20% down. · Nearly one in four believe they need to have a “perfect” credit score to be considered for a mortgage.

“Interestingly, we see renters rethinking the long-term impact of renting vs. owning. They say renting will be just as or less expensive, but at the same time acknowledge their rental costs will continue to go up over time,” said Boland.

Those ready to leave renting behind aren’t going into homebuying blindly; they’re thinking through who to buy with, when to buy and where to buy.

While 57% of all first-time buyers plan to buy with a spouse or partner, others are increasingly venturing out on their own, with 37% saying they plan to purchase their first home solo.

Regardless of who they are buying with, first-time buyers are ready to act soon. Nearly two in five plan to buy in the next two years, and 60% of those soon-to-be buyers are already saving for a down payment.

Location is also a big part of the plan. 90% of first-time buyers would rather pay more for their preferred location than be in a less desirable location with lower home prices (10%). And 45% are looking to stay within their current neighborhood, city, county or township/school district, while just one in five is planning to buy out of state.

22 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

Trends In Home Buyer Preferences This article analyzes five NAHB home buyer preference surveys, from 2003 to 2018, to give the building community an idea of buyers’ trends throughout the years. Through key results, these surveys provide builders and contractors alike the opportunity to transform the way they build to coincide with the ever-changing wants of the consumer.

Key results from these surveys: • • • • • •

Declining share of buyers who want custom home More buyers still want custom homes than the market is producing Buyers are more willing to accept smaller house and lot to achieve affordability Increasing willingness to give up basement to save cost Buyers increasingly more willing to pay extra for higher ceilings Increasing share who want more, and larger, master bathrooms\

Comparing these surveys across time shows that buyers are increasingly willing to sacrifice the size of the home and lot in order to achieve affordability. In 2018, around 40% of home buyers answered that they would be willing to accept a smaller house and lot to lower the price. Likewise, in 2018, 44% of consumers answered that they would be willing to accept having no basement to make their home more affordable. On the other hand, buyers are increasingly willing to pay extra for higher ceilings.

Dozens of other items not mentioned in this article were captured in the NAHB home buyer preference surveys.

The 2015 survey is currently available for purchase on BuilderBooks.com. The 2018 survey will be available for purchase at the 2019 International Builders’ Show.

Read More and See The Charts

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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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OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23

NAHB NEWS Unfilled Construction Sector Jobs Continue to Rise

The count of unfilled jobs in the construction sector increased in August, reaching yet another post-Great Recession high level. The rate of open construction sector jobs also set a cyclical high.

According to the BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and NAHB analysis, the number of open construction sector jobs increased to 298,000 in August. The prior post-recession high count of open, unfilled construction jobs was 275,000 in July. For August 2017, the count was 215,000.

The open position rate (job openings as a percentage of total employment plus current job openings) increased to 3.9% in August.

The rate was 3% last August. On a smoothed, twelve-month moving average basis, the open position rate for the construction sector grew slightly to 3.2%, a post-recession high. The peak (smoothed) rate during the building boom prior to the recession was just below 2.7%. For the current cycle, the sector has been above that rate since November 2016.

Read More

Builder Confidence Rises One Point in October, Remains at Summer Levels Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes rose one point to 68 in October on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Builder confidence levels have held in the high 60s since June.

“Builders are motivated by solid housing demand, fueled by a growing economy and a generational low for unemployment,” said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, a custom home builder from LaPlace, La. “Builders are also relieved that lumber prices have declined for three straight months from elevated levels earlier this summer, but they need to manage supply-side costs to keep home prices affordable.”

Read More 24 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

Single-Family Residential Permits Decline in Northeast Over the first eight months of 2018, the total number of singlefamily permits issued year-todate (YTD) nationwide reached 599,117. On a year-over-year basis, this is a 6.6% increase over the August 2017 level of 561,938. The preliminary results from the New Residential Construction Survey are similar, year-to-date singlefamily permits over the first eight months of 2018 was, 599,200 which is 6.5% ahead of its level over the same period of 2017, 562,600.

Year-to-date, single-family permits grew in the Southern and the Western regions of the country, while the Midwest was essentially unchanged and Northeast declined by 4.1% compared to August 2017 YTD. Western region had the highest growth in single-family (12.4%) while South recorded the highest multifamily permits growth (13.6%) during the last 12 months.

Between August 2017 YTD and August 2018 YTD, 32 states saw growth in single-family permits issued while 18 states and the District of Columbia registered a decline. Colorado recorded the highest growth rate during this time at 22.6% while single-family permits in the District of Columbia declined by 69.3%, from 251 in 2017 to 77 in 2018.

Read More

Because you need the solution before the problem.

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

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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.

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1.800.899.0093 OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25

MESSAGE FROM THE STATE CEO To All HBRA Members: There’s Still Time To Make A Difference On November 6th

By Jim Perras, CEO of the HBRACT In the last eight years we have seen two of the largest tax increases in the history of our state. Despite those tax increases, Connecticut once again faces billions of dollars in projected deficits in the next biennium budget.

It is not an embellishment to say that Connecticut finds itself teetering on the edge of a dark abyss. We must ask ourselves if we are satisfied with state government that operates in a perpetual state of fiscal crisis or is now the time to stand up and fight for something better?

Recently, you have seen e-mails from Pete Fusaro, our current state association president and others urging our membership to get involved and to do what we can to seek out and support pro-business candidates. I echo those sentiments. As Pete’s e-mail and flyer indicated, Connecticut is at or near the bottom of so many economic statistics.

Connecticut must do better.

To thrive, our industry needs fiscal restraint and stability in state government, lower taxes and an end to out of control regulations. No less important, Connecticut needs legislators that understand the difficulties and challenges that you face as a small business owner.

How can you make a difference you ask? First and foremost, please vote this November.

Secondly, please talk to your friends, family and business contacts and make a personal plea urging that they get out and vote for pro-business candidates in their districts. Lastly, reach out to your local candidates now and after election day and build relationships with them. Let them know where you stand on issues impacting your business.

Fashion your relationships with local legislators into important assets for your business and this association. By growing the ranks of pro-business legislators in the General Assembly and cultivating relationships with local legislators you will make Connecticut a more accommodating place for your business to thrive in and increase this association’s effectiveness to advocate on your behalf.

If you have questions on how to get involved, please reach out to me or your local Executive Officer, Jackie Bertolone.

Click here to register to vote on November 6, 2018

26 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

Click here to find your state representatives

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! 2019 Directory & Resource Guide COMING SOON!

MEMBERS - Listing forms are coming soon. Please check your inboxes in the next week to access the 2019 listing forms.

The HBRA Member Directory & Resource Guide reaches industry professionals and consumers throughout Fairfield County. The directory is distributed to all HBRA members, prospective members, consumers, and at all HBRA events.

Ad materials and categories are due no later than Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Listing Example

AD DIMENSIONS & PRICING size

dimensions [WxH]

Full Page Half Page (hor.)

Quarter Page Business Card

6.” x 9” 5.25” x 4” 2.75” x 4” 2.75” x 2”

Simple Listing: MEMBER PRICE NON-MEMBER PRICE

$900 $650 $425 $250

$1,400 $1,150 $925 $750

InSinkErator 4700 21st St Racine WI 53406 www.insinkerator.com Rhonda Burnim (203)522-9608

Please return forms via email, fax or mail.

HBRA of Fairfield County 2228 Black Rock Turnpike, Suite 307 Fairfield CT 06825 T: (203) 335-7008 F: (203) 335-7141 clare@buildfairfieldcounty.com

OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27

Pictured at left: Andersen® Architectural Collection E-Series hinged patio doors, sidelights and transom windows with painted White interiors; Pictured at right (top and bottom): Andersen 400 Series casement, awning and picture windows with prefinished Black interiors and 400 Series casement and transom windows with painted/prefinished Black interiors

Get the Distinctive Home You’ve Always Dreamed of From our best-selling 400 Series to the true luxury of the Architectural Collection, turn every window and door into a design opportunity with dramatic sizes, dynamic shapes, unlimited colors and exotic woods.

Explore the possibilities at andersenwindows.com “ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. MS1808_0458

29 Prospect Street Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.438.2626 ridgefieldsupply.com M–F 7 am – 5 pm, Sat. 8 am – 4 pm, Sun. – Closed

8

We Are Planning Our Winter Trainings Please take our quick survey!

As we plan our 2018-2019 education sessions, we would like to know which classes you would most be most interested in taking and which topics are the most beneficial for your business.

Please complete the 1 minute survey here to let us know. By completing the survey you will be entered to win one free attendance to an educational seminar *

SURVEY CLICK HERE

*Not including CAPS Trainings*

Look no further for an insurance agent who can work with you to design an insurance portfolio just right for your business.

If you engage in construction or remodeling of one or two family residences in CT then I want to talk to you.

Our construction insurance program includes: •

General Liability

•

Workers Compensation

•

Property

•

Umbrella

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Business Auto

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Builders Risk

•

Inland Marine

Kim Marie DiMatteo, CIC, MWCA

I have been in the construction insurance business since 1992. I know the markets, the products, and what’s right for you.

Call me today to schedule a convenient appointment.

79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | 203.924.5429 | www.dimatteogrp.com OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 29

MEMBER BENEFITS

30 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

See the latest deals from National Purchasing Partners at: https://mynpp.com/

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. Deep community roots.

Unrivaled market knowledge.

Unmatched customer service.

When a bank builds its commercial banking team around the values that truly make a difference in helping your business grow and prosper, that’s more than banking. That’s changing the way you bank.

Talk to us today.

Visit bankatunited.com/commercial

From left to right: Lisa Stuard, Mark Hubina, Maureen Hanley, Gregory Pastor, Kim Karl and Kathryn Eren.

Proud to support the HBRA. 866.959.BANK (2265) | bankatunited.com

NMLS# 430007 | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

OCTOBER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 31

Build Your Own Online Employee Handbook Expertise Is at Your Fingertips Given the rising number of employment laws and regulations and risk of penalties for noncompliance, more leaders are recognizing that a current employee handbook is a business essential. The value of an easy-

to-update employee handbook is especially impressive when you add up the many advantages it can provide your company, employees, and HR staff.

ADP offers just what you need to efficiently build your own robust, online employee handbook. The employee handbook builder includes pre-developed content, intuitive navigation and instruction, as well as legally reviewed federal and state policies for every state.

Policies Are Legally Reviewed The handbook builder includes hundreds of policies. These policies cover laws and regulations for the federal government and each of the 50 states, and have been developed in collaboration with one of the country’s leading employment law firms. The tool also gives you many options for configuring and customizing your handbook, including creating a single handbook for all the states in which you do business or creating a handbook for each state.

Custom-built

by You The handbook builder features intuitive navigation and instruction to support you every step of the way.

Easy Online Distribution Your handbook resides online, so you can distribute it as a PDF or Word file, via company intranet, however you wish.

32 HBRA of Fairfield County | OCTOBER 2018

The Advantages Just Add Up For Your Company  Minimize the risk of employee liability – by communicating compliant regulatory policies.  Help set the company culture – by providing context on what your company values.  Identify company expectations – by giving guidance on employee performance and behavior.

For Your Employees  Let employees know how the company handles their life-cycle events.  Explain internal avenues for resolving issues and disputes.  Help onboard new employees more effectively as a result of consolidating important company information.

For Your HR Staff  Take the stress out of customizing policies that are unique to your company.  Make it simple to keep the handbook current with timely updates to federal and state handbook policies.

Call or visit our website to learn more 406-459-4392 www.munnco.com/alldiscounts/adp

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