Take advantage of several savings programs through The National Association of Home Builders!
Whether it is saving on office products, purchasing a new fleet vehicle, discounts on business solutions, to cell phone discounts - NAHB has curated a list of programs for you to take advantage of.
The subject of builder and remodeler warranties is one of the most important issues affecting the building industry today. Customers have come to expect them, and builders and remodelers provide them to demonstrate their confidence in their work. BuilderBooks, the publishing arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), recently released the third edition of Warranties for Builders and Remodelers which will help industry professionals navigate the complex landscape of warranties.
Written by a team of legal experts within NAHB, this book helps inform and protect builders and remodelers by explaining the rights, responsibilities and the recommended practices and procedures for developing a warranty program
Warranties for Builders and Remodelers contains:
Clear explanations of implied warranties, statutory warranties, warranties imposed by courts, and more
Sample language and formats for warranty documents
Effective tips for drafting warranties
State-by-state lists of case and statues applicable to construction claims
While this book does not replace the expertise of legal counsel, it serves as a guide to help building professionals better understand the warranty process. With the guidance of an attorney and this book, builders and remodelers can avoid expensive mistakes
Authors David Jaffe, Felicia Watson, Zachary Packard have researched hundreds of warranty issues for NAHB members and have included helpful insights on their findings in this book
Warranties for Builders and Remodelers, Third Edition is available for purchase at www.BuilderBooks.com. Soft-cover/170 pages, $29.95 retail, $26.95 NAHB member, ISBN 978-0-86718-8158.
Summer storms can potentially produce damaging winds and flooding across the area
ready!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data shows that the first four months of this year alone have been marked by seven separate billion-dollar disasters in the United States Severe weather can happen at any point this summer, so now is the time to remind everyone to inventory of their home to determine if you have everything you need to weather a severe storm.
Review Your Insurance Policies. The best place to start when planning for the potential of severe weather is to look over your insurance policies. Read your policy carefully to ensure you are covered for losses incurred due to a natural disaster. Damage caused by flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy but can be purchased separately. Talk to your insurance company to discuss your options. Save your insurance company’s phone number and your policies numbers in your phone
Seal Windows and Doors. Wind funneling through your house pushes upward and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home. If you are in a tornado-prone area, sealing your windows and doors as tightly as possible is essential. No matter what area you live in, it is best practice to seal windows and doors to prevent wind and water from entering your home.
Remember Your Roof. A roof in good condition can shield your home's interior from a storm First, visually inspect your roof to determine if you need to apply sealing around your home’s chimney or vent pipes A sealant will help prevent water from seeping into your home. You may also consider hiring an experienced roofer to ensure your house can withstand the elements.
Clear Your Yard. This season is full of outdoor activities, so you will likely have everything you need to enjoy your summer scattered around your yard However, your outdoor items can quickly turn into dangerous flying objects during a storm If you know a storm is coming, secure lawn furniture If you cannot tie down items, bring them inside your home
Plan. Severe weather can cause disruptions, like electricity outages, so you should have a plan with the items you need to shelter-in-place in the event of an emergency Ready gov recommends that individuals have food, water and other supplies for several days Start preparing by building a basic disaster supplies kit that is readily accessible The kit should include water, food, a flashlight, batteries, can opener and a first aid kit Ready gov/kit has a list you can download and fill out.
When you and your house are prepared, you are more likely to weather the toughest storm.
Creating the perfect
Outdoor living spaces are a popular design trend in new home construction and remodeling. Whether the customer is remodeling to make their home better suited for their family’s current lifestyle or to spruce it up to be more appealing to potential buyers, adding, or upgrading a custom porch can be a great option.
A recent survey of new and prospective home buyers from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) revealed that a majority of buyers (81%) want a front porch or a rear porch (75%). Spending time outdoors is a treasured past time. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, more than half of all adults (58%) spend more than 30 minutes outside a day Spending time outside and exposure to green spaces has been shown to improve mental and physical health
If customers are thinking about adding a new front porch to their home, here are some things to consider:
Size
A porch is an accessory, so it shouldn’t overwhelm the house's main structure Think of the porch as an extension of the home, a space that seamlessly blends with the rest of the property. If you don't consider size, it may look like a poorly designed afterthought.
Experts also recommend thinking about how the homeowners envision using their porch. Do they plan to dine al fresco with their family during mild or warm weather months? If so, you’ll want a porch at least eight to 10 feet deep to accommodate a table and chairs. Home owners who regularly want to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air should consider a porch that is about six feet or so to accommodate a small loveseat or a couple of chairs.
Location, Location, LOCATION!
As a builder will also have to determine which side of the home is the best place to add the porch. For example, a south-facing porch will take advantage of the sun’s heat but could also get uncomfortable in the summer. The location of the porch also depends on how the homeowner wants to enjoy their space. If they picture themselves spending the evening unwinding on their porch to watch the sunset, placement of the porch should be facing west Early risers who enjoy reading the newspaper and drinking coffee may want to use maximum light with eastern exposure
Remember to be intentional with the access point of the porch from the home, the design may have an impact on the interior rooms For example, you may want to install French or sliding glass doors from the living room or kitchen to create an entrance to the porch
Features
If possible, consider using the same materials on the porch as those on the exterior of the home. This continuity will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space but also create a sense of unity in the property Another way to create a harmonious porch is to coordinate the millwork and other design elements, ensuring they integrate smoothly with the rest of the home
When designing a porch, it's crucial to consider practical factors such as climate and comfort. If you live in an area with a high insect population, installing screens can help the homeowner enjoy their porch without any unwanted guests. If they plan to use the porch in the evenings, adding lighting options or outlets for lamps to the feature list can create a cozy atmosphere. And for those hot summer days, a ceiling fan can keep the porch area cool and comfortable.
A customized porch can enhance your the home your are building and the give the new homeowner and family an place to relax, enjoy, and make memories.
Construction Statistics
LOTVALUESTRENDHIGHER
EYE ON HOUSING
Lot values for single-family detached spec homes continued to rise, with national values reaching a new high in 2023, according to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) data
Household Finance
INCREASEINMORTGAGEACTIVITYFORJUNE
The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume by the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly survey, increased by 82% on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis from May to June.
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Central Arkansas Building Magazine
Keep up to date with the latest Central Arkansas Building industry news. Circulation for the CARK Building six edition digital magazine publication includes HBA GLR Members, opt in industry leaders, County and City elected officials, State Legislators, and other industry allies.
Advertising Rates
Advertising Space is available in the sizes listed below in full color. Placement of less than full page ads varies by issue.
Home owne m trees on their property to ummer However, not all summ ot days can dry the soil, and d trees, causing power outag e into your lawncare ro wing steps to help mainta ee work if a severe storm
Water Regularly
Watering your trees during the warm summer months is essential so they can stay healthy A professional arborist can tell you how often and how much you should hydrate your trees Generally, the best time to water your trees is in the early morning or evening so the water can absorb in the ground better than during the hottest part of the day.
Prune as Needed
The heat of the summer can take a toll on your trees and pruning can add to the stress If you see limbs that are dead or broken, you should remove them According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, any trees that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring
Stay Safe After a Summer Storm
The confusion following a major storm can result in the removal of trees that could be saved or the improper weakening of a tree that can reduce its life. Home owners can lose money, as well as the beauty and practical benefits of their shaded trees, with poor advice and the services of fly-by-night tree “experts ”
Tree work can be extremely dangerous A professional tree care company should be used when:
• a tree is large and requires high climbing or the use of a chain saw;
• a tree is leaning on a structure or entangled with another tree;
• wires are involved or structures are endangered;
• major repair of the tree is necessary;
• a large limb is split or broken but still attached to the tree;
• when you do not have the proper tools, knowledge or health to do tree work.
It is wise to get more than one estimate. When removals are necessary, it is important to have a clear understanding of who removes the limbs and debris from the property and whether or not the price includes stump removal and clean-up. Your tree will have value as firewood or chips, which should be considered in the estimate.
HIGH RATES CONTINUE TO SIDELINE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS
Mortgage rates that averaged 7.06% in May per Freddie Mac, the highest monthly average since last November, put a damper on new home sales last month.
Sales of newly built, single-family homes in May fell 11.3% to a 619,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a sharp upwardly revised reading in April, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau The pace of new home sales in May is down 16 5% from a year earlier and is the lowest pace since November 2023
“Persistently high mortgage rates in May kept many prospective buyers on the sidelines,” said Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan “However, significant unmet demand exists, and we expect mortgage rates to moderate in the coming months, which will bring more buyers into the market ”
“While new home inventory increased to a 9.3 months’ supply, due to a lack of resale homes for sale, the combined inventory for new and existing single-family homes remains lean at a 4.4 months’ supply according to NAHB estimates,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.
A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the May reading of 619,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months.
New single-family home inventory in May remained elevated at a level of 481,000, up 12.9% compared to a year earlier. This represents an 9.3 months’ supply at the current building pace, which has been supported by the ongoing shortage of resale homes.
Due to declines in new home size and some builder use of incentives, the median new home price fell to $417,400, down almost 1% from a year ago
Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up 6 0% in the Northeast, 25 2% in the Midwest and 6 3% in the West New home sales are down 7 6% in the South
NAHB Joins Lawsuit Challenging Department of Labor's New Overtime Rule
NAHB has joined a coalition of business groups in a lawsuit challenging recent changes to the Department of Labor’s overtime rules. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that the Department of Labor (DOL) exceeded its statutory authority and acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
FHFA Announces 3 New Tenant Protection Policy Changes
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced three policy changes effective for all new multifamily mortgage loan applications signed on or after Feb. 28, 2025.
What Buyers Expect to Pay vs. Actual Home Prices
There is a major gap between buyers’ expectations and home prices, according to recent surveys from NAHB and the U.S. Census Bureau.
NAHB Awards Program Now Accepting Applications
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced that its awards program is now open. The NAHB Awards Program highlights the best and brightest in the residential construction industry in a variety of categories.
SUMMER
If you think birds are cute and you also like coffee this project is just perfect for you It’s a cute little birdhouse that you can make out of a repurposed coffee can, something to hang from the branches of a tree in your backyard and for the local birds to call a home
The materials that you’ll need for this project:
• 2 pieces of ¾’’ wood board scraps (square in shape and measuring at least 4 ½’’)
• 2 ½’’ thick plywood pieces (at least 6’’ x 9’’ each)
• ¼’’ dowel (8 ½’’ long)
• finishing nails
• 11 oz coffee can
• hooks
• wire or chain
Howtomakethebirdhouse:
Step 1: Cut the two square ends
If you’re using scrap wood pieces for this project you first need to cut them to size Start with the two square-shaped end pieces Cut them so they measure 4 ½’’ on each side
Step 2: Locate the entrance hole
One of these two square wood pieces will need to have an entrance hole in it so the birds can actually get inside the house Locate this spot using a ruler Place the ruler diagonally connecting two opposite corners and a draw a thin pencil line, then mark a spot that’s 3 7/16’’ from one of the corners.
Step 3: Drill the hole
Now that you marked the spot where you want the entrance hole to be, take your drill and actually make the hole Make it the appropriate size for the type of birds that you want this house to be used by
Step 4: Drill holes for the perch
Clamp together the front and back boards and mark the spot where you want the perch to sit
Measure 1 ¼’’ from the same corner that you chose earlier and mark the spot with a pencil Then drill a ¼’’ hole all the way through the front pieces and most of the way through the back one making sure you don’t goo all the way through
Step 5: Measure and cut the roof panels
The next thing you need to do is prepare the two pieces of plywood that will make up the roof of the birdhouse They’re not both the same size in this case One measures 5 ¾’’ x 9’’ and the other one is 6’’ x 9’’
Step 6: Connect the roof to the square boards
Now that all the components are prepared and ready to go, it’s time to put them together Nail the roof pieces to the front and back boards allowing the larger roof piece to overlap the smaller one at the top Also make sure to leave enough roof between the front and back panels so you can insert the coffee can
Step 7: Prep the coffee can
First you should clean and dry the coffee can, removing any labels or dirt If the edges are very sharp then you should do something about that too, like cover them with some tape After that drill two ¼’’ holes in one side of the can for drainage and two more ¼’’ holes on the opposite side for ventilation
Step 8: Insert the can
Take your coffee can and place it between the front and the back boards. Then insert the dowel through the perch holes which you drilled earlier
Step 9: Add the chain
The last step is to attach the hooks and the chain or wire that lets you hang the birdhouse. Attach these to the roof in two places so that the birdhouse stays level.
