At Home In Berks August 2016

AUGUST 2016

Boosting

2016 Best of Show NEW HOME

Brookside Builders, LLC.

the bottom line

Slow but Steady Growth Forecast

backsplashes

bold



Make a Statement in your Kitchen with a Tile Backsplash Installed with a Limitless Number of Patterns and Designs.

FLOORING • TILE • WINDOW TREATMENTS • AREA RUGS • CARPET CLEANING

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Fivepointville • Wyomissing Lancaster • Camp Hill

610-376-7799

PA005901

www.martinsflooring.com

Contents 2016 HBA Berks Board of Directors OFFICERS President James E. Gavin, Esquire

Masano Bradley, Attorneys At Law (Wyomissing)

1st Vice President Cathy Sloan, CGR, CAPS, CGP

Hartman’s Home Improvements (Temple)

AUGUST 2016

Features:

6

Single Father of Eight Wins Free Home Remodel

8

Don’t be a VICTIM

10 4 Things to Do for your Home

Before the Kids Go Back to School

2nd Vice President Larry Kehres

L A Kehres Building & Remodeling (Leesport)

Angles: 21 Your Home Maintenance To-Do List

Secretary / Treasurer Evan L. Hand, III

22 Home Buyer’s Dictionary

BB&T (Allentown)

26 Five Technologies that

Immediate Past President Edward F. Anewalt IV, CLP

Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting

BUILDER / REMODELER DIRECTORS Brian Bogert

Advanced Construction Solutions, LLC (Newmanstown)

12 Slow but Steady the Word for

Departments:

Heffleger Kitchen Center (Reading)

Diane Salks

Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc. (Temple) Middle Creek Roofing, LLC (Newmanstown)

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Sherrie Hallowell Tompkins VIST Bank (Wyomissing)

28 Boosting the bottom line

Growth in Housing and Commercial Projects

David Hallowell

Tom Watts

Will Change the Way Houses are Built

14 2016 PARADE OF HOMES Winners

18 How much do you know

about home cooling?

5

32

From the President HBA of Berks County President Jim Gavin.

Membership Pages New and returning members, member to member discount programs, and an overview of all Association-related events for August–December 2016.

Jason Jenkins

Bursich Associates, Inc. (Pottstown)

John Schmoyer

Fulton Mortgage Company (Wyomissing)

Jim McCarthy

McCarthy Engineering Associates, Inc. (Wyomissing)

HBA STAFF Janet Campis

Executive Officer & At Home in Berks Editor-in-Chief

Bethany Feinauer

Administrative Assistant

For Advertising Opportunities: call 610.685.0914 Ext. 1 Read At Home In Berks Magazine Online at HBAberks.org The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction of print or digital articles without written permission from Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc., and/or the Home Builders Association of Berks County is forbidden. The placement of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement by HBA of Berks County.

Publisher: Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. 610.685.0914 2921 Windmill Road, Suite 4, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Graphic Designer: Kim Lewis

FROM THE PRESIDENT

L

ate one night a few years back, as I was having trouble falling asleep, I decided to pick up a book and read. The book I choose was entitled Integrity by Stephen L. Carter – and yes, that is exactly what it was about – integrity. In the book, the author argues integrity is more than honesty. He says integrity is a three step process involving choosing between right and wrong, acting on what is right, and being willing to stand up and be heard on what we believe is right.

As I reflect upon the last several months I have served as the president of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (“HBA”), I have come to two realizations. First, as much as any other business, the building industry is an industry that depends on integrity. Second, the HBA is founded upon the integrity of its membership.

A fundamental part of the HBA is all members must promise to comply with the ethical code of the association.

This code requires members to: • Comply with all applicable registration and licensing laws.

• Comply with all applicable warranty laws and building codes.

• Conduct all transactions, agreements, and dealings with customers, employees, trade contractors, suppliers, and regulatory officials free from fraud or deception.

• Maintain insurance as may be required by law, including but not limited to, general liability and workers compensation insurance, at a level that is adequate and customary for the business in which the member is engaged.

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

• Meet or exceed the latest edition of the Residential Construction Performance Guidelines for Professional Builders and Remodelers published by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

• Not perform, or cause to be performed, any act which would bring into disrepute any part of the industry served by this or affiliated associations.

• Not knowingly enter into any contract, the terms of which are designed to imperil the right to either labor or the suppliers of materials.

• Not obtain any business by means of fraudulent statements or by use of implications unwarranted by fact.

In truth, however, there are limits as to what we can do. At times, complaints received by the HBA involve legal disputes between the complainant and the builder. The HBA does not have the power or authority to compel a resolution of a dispute.

The only assistance that can be provided is to assist the parties to reach an amicable resolution of their dispute. Disputes between customers and builders may involve complex legal issues.

The HBA does not possess the requisite training or experience to render legal opinions. When a person is seeking this type of advice, we encourage him or her to consult with an attorney. There are many reputable attorneys that are members of the HBA and available to discuss these types of complaints. Additionally, the Berks County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service maintains a list of attorneys that are qualified to address complex legal issues.

Sometimes I get the sense when people think about things like integrity and ethics, they think of it as some type of intellectual discussion. At risk of sounding preachy, I don’t agree. I think it is the commitment we make to each other of how we live our lives and run our businesses.

At the HBA, a commitment has been made. A commitment to always choose right over wrong, to act on what is right, and to be willing to stand up and be heard. I am proud to say, the HBA is an association founded on integrity.

James E. Gavin, Esquire Masano Bradley, Attorneys At Law, 2016 HBA of Berks County President

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

5

FEATURES

Single Father of Eight Wins Free Home Remodel

By Dawn Wivell/Dawn Wivell Writing Services Photos by Don Carrick/Studio 413

T

he HBA Restoring Hope Foundation is excited to announce the winner of this year’s home remodel – the Yarosz family of Shillington. Every year, the Foundation receives multiple applications, which begins the daunting task of choosing just one family to receive a free one-week home makeover.

Friends, family, and volunteers surprised the Yarosz family on June 15th with the announcement that they were this year’s winners. There were plenty of cheers and tears of joy. Several members of the Shillington Fire Company (along with a truck) were even there to show their support.

Diane Salks, Chairman of the Board for the Foundation, shared, “We believe that Christian Yarosz is a hardworking single dad who is busy taking care of his eight children – often in lieu of home repairs – and we have the ability to help. We’re excited to offer this lovely family a hand up.”

Now in its 6th year, the 2016 remodel will begin on September 10 and continue through September 16, with “the big reveal” on Saturday, September 17. Everyone is welcome to volunteer time, services, or funds for this worthy cause.

6

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

The HBA Restoring Hope Foundation is helping to restore lives one project at a time by constructing solutions to address the unique challenges of deserving people in Berks County. It’s all about giving a hand up, rather than a hand out.

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

In 2012, the HBA of Berks County won the Best­in­Nation award (out of 747 local building associations nationwide) for the 2012 Build for a whole­house remodeling project for Mary Jo VanSant and her two children. In 2015, the Restoring Hope Foundation was honored to win the Association of Fundraising Professional’s 2015 Outstanding Foundation Award.

Previous winners included: 2015 – The Landis family of Sinking Spring 2014 – The Welgo family of Mohrsville 2013 – The Pieller family of Womelsdorf 2012 – The VanSant family of Muhlenberg Township 2011 – The Eisenhower family of Shartlesville

For more information, visit hbarestoringhope.org.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

7

FEATURES

Don’t be aVICTIM

By James E. Gavin, Esquire, Masano Bradley Attorneys at Law, and

David Goss, CPA/CFF, CIA, CFE, North American Forensic Accounting/ Prussman Goss Accountants

R

ecently, according to public records, a 61-year-old Berks County man was jailed in lieu of bail for a home improvement scam. Specifically, he was charged with theft and related offense in the City of Reading, Muhlenberg Township, and Spring Township.

In the Reading case, it is alleged the man was hired by a property owner to remodel a portion of her home into a business office. The property owner then paid this individual $6000 in cash to cover initial repairs. A week later more money was requested for workers. Although work was started, an electrical subcontractor eventually walked off the job because he was not paid. In the end, it is alleged that the man received over $47,000 in payments, together with another $17,000 for scrap materials that he took from the property. The owner did not get the work that she expected.

8

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

Sadly, the Home Builders Association of Berks County is aware that these types of things happen. One of its goals is to provide the community with an outlet to allow it to investigate contractors before they are hired.

Experience has shown warmer weather brings with it a rise in scams. Milder weather often leads to people thinking about what they need to do to spruce up or repair their homes. It is a time when scammers are working in high gear, too.

The Better Business Bureau warns that home-improvement scams increase every spring. As homeowners are thinking about remodeling projects, the scammers also know that income-tax refunds put more money into residents’ hands.

Both the Home Builders Association and the Better Business Bureau recommend homeowners be wary of contractors who promise to work at drastically discounted prices or those who are going door to door, saying they are doing jobs in the neighborhood.

If you are considering home repairs or remodeling, the following recommendations will help you avoid being exploited:

• Get multiple estimates. Before accepting an estimate, get at least three bids or quotes in writing. Don’t feel pressured to go with the lowest bid, as it might reflect the quality of materials. Cheaper is not always better.

• Ask for references. Ask for at least two or three references from the business’s last few jobs. When you call those homeowners, ask questions about the quality of work and if it was within budget, on time and to the customer’s satisfaction.

• Check out licenses. Be sure to check if the business is properly licensed in your state, if applicable.

• Ask about insurance. It’s important that any business you hire is properly insured if working on your home. Otherwise, you may be held liable for injuries if the contractor is hurt on the job.

• Get everything in writing.

Don’t sign a contract until you have read through it entirely. If you made oral agreements, they should be included in the written contract. Any deposit or payment plans should be included, as well as any warranties or guarantees.

• Check out the business before hiring. At BBB Business Reviews on the website bbb.org, you can read complaints and reviews and find out more information. Also, the HBA may have information that is helpful.

The Better Business Bureau also lists an Accredited Business Directory. However, if you don’t find a business listed there, it doesn’t mean it has problems. Many businesses don’t seek Better Business Bureau accreditation, which is not required.

These recommendations are well publicized, and are based upon a lot of common sense. We have found, however, many homeowners, particularly the elderly, are targeted and unfortunately become vic-

tims. The elderly are more vulnerable to fraud and deception due to age-related physical and cognitive limitations. They tend to also be more hesitant to report financial abuse because of embarrassment and fear of losing control over finances.

During these face-to-face contacts, scammers may even attempt to gain entry to the victim’s home by having one scammer distract the homeowner while another accomplice attempts to burglarize the home.

Common frauds include roof repairs, driveway resurfacing, waterproofing, and pest control. The con artists are often transient, moving among neighborhoods, cities and even states. Home repair type frauds often involve face-to-face contact at the victim’s home. Scammers, or “travelers” as they are sometimes called, have become very skilled in their deception practices and will use a very friendly initial approach with their victims, in an attempt to gain their confidence.

Chief County Detective Michael Gombar of the Berks County District Attorney’s Office said, “If you think you’ve become the victim of a home improvement scam, the first step is to file a report with your local police department. Reporting is vital. Only one-third of people who are victims report them.

Reporting fraud keeps con artists from making someone else a victim.”

Sometimes it is even worse. In some situations, they just show up at the victim’s home or place of business to “offer a great deal.” They tell the property owner that they “just happened to be in the neighborhood” or that they “just finished a job for neighbors and have some extra material left over on their truck.”

It is important to remain vigilant. The property owner from Reading was a victim. She thought she was getting a home office. In the end, what she got was an empty pocket.

Don’t be a victim.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

9

FEATURES

It’s that time of year where the kids are getting ready to go back to school, and school shopping for the fall has already begun! While you’re preparing your children to go back to school, you should also be preparing your home.

10

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

W

here will your kids put their backpacks, shoes or sports equipment when they come into the door? Is there a quiet area in your home for homework and study time? We believe that these four things are essential for preparing your home to survive the school year.

1. Organize a Backpack Drop-off Location As soon as your kids come into the house after a long day at school, the first thing they’re going to do is take off their shoes and backpack. If you don’t have a functional space for this, now is the time to create one!

Backpack drop-off locations should include a hook for your child’s backpack and jacket, a place underneath to keep shoes, and cabinets to put school supplies, projects or sports equipment.

Mud rooms tend to be the perfect area to set up a backpack drop-off location, but you can also create this space in an attached garage before you enter your home, an unused closet in the hallway, or in your child’s bedroom.

2. Create a Quiet Space for Homework and Study Time Do you have a spare room or extra space in your home?

Consider the possibility of having a space for homework and study time other than the kitchen table.

The ideal study space would include a desk/tabletop, plenty of storage to keep back-up school supplies and kid-friendly seating.

A study space should be a personalized space for your child to call his or her own. This study space, a unique feature of a previous custom home we built, includes an indoor playhouse for study breaks!

3. Set up a Communication Station A communication station does not replace verbal communication but should enhance it. This is your centralized site for everyone in the family to keep track of their hectic and often conflicting schedules. Do your kids need to bring snack in on a special day, have an important appointment coming up, or have a birthday party to go to? Write it down at the communication station!

All you need to create a communication station is a blank wall, a whiteboard/chalkboard, a bulletin board and a dry-erase calendar. Write daily notes/reminders on the whiteboard, hang lunch menus, school schedules or event invitations on the bulletin board and write down future events/reminders on the dry-erase calendar. For further organization, each family member can use different colored dry-erase markers or sticky notes.

4. Take Advantage of Hidden Storage Solutions From ottomans to storage under the stairs, there are numerous options for hiding clutter and school supplies.

Your home may be filled with hidden spaces to store clutter that you could be overlooking. Explore websites such as Pinterest for inspiration and find unique hidden storage solutions that could be beneficial for your home.

Now is the time to prepare your home—before school starts! These are just a few ideas to get you started. Next time you’re shopping for school supplies, consider picking up a few supplies for your home as well.

About the Author Leah Williams is a senior at Albright College majoring in communications, English, and Spanish.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

11

FEATURES

Slow but Steady

the Word for Growth in Housing and Commercial Projects

By Pamela Shenk, SVP Residential Mortgage Lending, Tompkins VIST Bank, and Clyde Lowery, SVP Commercial Real Estate Division, Tompkins VIST Bank

A

s community bankers who are very close to our customers, we’ve seen indications that the Berks economy is definitely better than it was a year ago. Economic data bears this out, with positive employment and wage figures continuing to go up. But the growth remains very slow.

In fact, caution seems to be the byword for consumers and builders alike. It’s a carefulness that should “celebrated, not feared,” according to Reading-Berks Association of Realtors 1st quarter indicators report. We agree. Given the Federal Reserve’s reluctance to raise interest rates and the current political uncertainty until after the next presidential election, “slow but steady” is a good course of action.

From our standpoint as bankers, here is how that caution is impacting the local housing and construction market:

Construction lending for residential properties • In contrast to large tracts of the past, builders are now doing more fill in projects, including scattered lots and small residential developments with a dozen or more houses.

• In addition, banks are looking for these smaller residential developments to be completed in two to three years, a more conservative timeframe than the much larger projects with seven- or eight-year completion times of the past.

• As candidates for loans, builders who have strong equity and liquidity have a sizable advantage over their competitors.

12

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

Commercial developments • The I-78 corridor has seen exceptional commercial building activities with new and planned warehouse distribution centers.

• Currently, we are seeing a number of small business expansions. This is favorable because, unlike large warehouse projects, small businesses remain the drivers of job growth. One recent example of such a project is a customer who owns a recreational vehicle business and is expanding his operation to include a service area.

Home mortgages and land loans • The inventory of available homes is low, which makes it easier for those wanting to sell their homes.

• For those looking to purchase an existing home, it’s also a good time. Mortgage rates remain extremely low, and some banks, including Tompkins VIST Bank, offer up to 95% financing.

• For consumers with an eye to purchasing a parcel of land to build a future house, we offer land loans.

• For those wishing to buy a newly built home, options include end loans for prequalified buyers, which seem to be a growing trend. In this case, the customer pays the developer after the home is built.

All banks offer mortgages and real estate loans to consumers and builders.

But many area banks are consolidating into larger institutions that may not emphasize local service and knowledge.

A community bank that knows its market and offers local decision-making is committed to helping the local economy continue to grow.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

13

2016 PARADE OF HOMES 2016 Best of Show NEW HOME

Brookside Builders, LLC.

2016 Remodeled Home Best of Show:

D&B Elite Construction Group

Imperial Contracting Group

New Home Best Curb Appeal $250,000 - $500,000

New Home Best Curb Appeal over $500,000

Hearthstone Homes, Inc. 14

New Home Best Curb Appeal under $250,000

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

D&B Elite Construction Group

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

New Home Best Kitchen under $250,000

New Home Best Kitchen $250,000 - $500,000

Imperial Contracting Group

Brookside Builders, LLC.

New Home Best Kitchen Over $500,000

Remodeled Home Best of Kitchen

D&B Elite Construction Group

D&B Elite Construction Group

Remodeled Home Best Outdoor Living

Sal’s Landscaping & Lawn Care, Inc.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

15

2016 PARADE OF HOMES

New Home Best Bath $250,000 - $500,000

Brookside Builders, LLC.

New Home Best Bath Under $250,000

Imperial Contracting Group

D&B Elite Construction Group – Faust Road

Remodeled Home Best Bath

New Home Best Floor Plan / Use of Space Under $250,000

Berks Commercial Renovations

16

New Home Best Bath Over $500,000

Imperial Contracting Group

New Home Best Floor Plan / Use of Space $250,000 - $500,000

New Home Best Floor Plan / Use of Space Over $500,000

Hearthstone Homes, Inc.

D&B Elite Construction Group – Faust Road

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

Parade of Homes WINNERS

From left: Carl Sottosanti, Sal’s Landscaping & Lawn Care, Inc., Reinholds.; Jessica McAllister, D&B Elite Construction Group, Wyomissing; Rodney Simmons, Imperial Contracting Group, Mohnton; Courtney Furillo, Imperial Contracting Group; Dan Gring, D&B; Brennan Reichenbach, D&B Elite; Christopher Naso, Hearthstone Homes Inc., Wyomissing; Al Henn, D&B Elite; Jim Lanshe, Brookside Builders LLC, Reading; Sal Sottosanti, Sal’s Landscaping & Lawn Care, Inc., Reinholds; and Dean Moise, Berks Commercial Renovations, LTD, Mt. Penn.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

17

FEATURES

How much DO YOU know about home cooling?

Lessons for getting the most out of your A/C system

By Michael DeBerdine, III, CEO, The Rhoads Energy family of companies

I

t won’t be long before we’ll be seeing school buses making their way through our neighborhoods, but, have no fear, we’ve still got plenty of warm, summer days remaining – and plenty of chances to give our A/C systems a workout. With that in mind, I thought this might be a good opportunity to combine the still-peak summer temperatures and upcoming back-to-school preparations to offer this short quiz about A/C systems. A little knowledge can go a long way, for homeowners and the contractors who serve them. And what you don’t know? That could result in a few uncomfortable days without a cooling system, higher energy bills, or a shorter lifespan for your cooling system.

TAKE THE QUIZ …

With the help of the A/C experts at E.G. Smith, Inc. and Boyertown Oil & Propane, we’ve assembled a few true-or-false questions about your home A/C system, as well as some answers to help keep your home more comfortable, longer, while keeping costs down:

True or False: Cooling underperformance can be caused by leaky ductwork.

TRUE:

If it feels like your system isn’t creating enough cool air, it could be that the cold air is never reaching your living environment. Leaks in the ductwork that delivers cool air to your home can cause a 20-40% reduction in the efficiency of your system. If your system doesn’t seem to be working properly, arrange to have a duct inspection by an experienced HVAC team.

A trained professional can identify problems, seal leaks and insulate certain ducts if necessary.

True or False: There’s not much you can do to lighten the load on your system during a hot, humid day.

FALSE: Homeowners can help their A/C system

work better by reducing the size of the job it has, according to ASHRAE, a leading industry group of cooling engineers that offers several 18

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

ideas. First, shut off unneeded electrical appliances, lights and equipment that generate heat.

Next, whenever possible shift your appliance use (such as washers and dryers) to cooler times of the day. Finally, you can help your A/C system by taking steps to remove humidity from your living environment. That includes using exhaust fans to remove humidity that builds up in bathrooms or in the kitchen. Also, do not open windows and doors that can let moisture in on a humid day.

True or False: Ceiling fans and air conditioning work well together.

TRUE: Fans create a wind chill effect, and draw

warm air to a room’s ceiling, both of which can add comfort to a home. In fact, if you cool with an air conditioning system, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort, according to Energy.gov.

True or False: All A/C warranties are essentially the same.

FALSE: All

central air-conditioning systems carry warranties, but what those warranties cover – and for how long – can vary dramatically among manufacturers. Find out whether your system is still under warranty and what, specifically, it covers.

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

True or False: There is less of a need to change A/C filters than there was years ago.

True or False: A homeowner can perform most A/C system repairs themselves.

FALSE: A blocked filter can always impede

care of preventive maintenance tasks – like changing filters, clearing vegetation, keeping outdoor units free of dust and debris, and managing thermostats. When problems occur like frozen coils, compromised ductwork or a malfunctioning A/C unit, a homeowner should consult a trained professional.

airflow, which makes it more difficult for cool air to reach your living space. In addition, neglecting blocked filters for too long can cause coils to freeze, leading to a service call. The condensation drain can also become blocked, leading to flooding. A good suggestion: replace your filter each month during cooling season.

True or False: A homeowner should only need to schedule a technician to repair system problems.

FALSE: Homeowners should have their cooling

systems checked and cleaned each year to ensure peak performance. A thorough annual servicing boosts efficiency, which lowers your cooling bills. It also prevents about 70% of all A/C outages and increases system life span by up to 50%.

FALSE: A homeowner is best equipped to take

True or False: A service contract is a good investment.

TRUE: It makes sense to protect one of your

home’s largest and costliest appliances against major problems. Every homeowner should investigate the benefits of a service plan that offers coverage for repairs as well as routine maintenance. Some HVAC providers, including E.G. Smith Inc. and Boyertown Oil & Propane, offer service plans for just a bit more than the cost of annual service.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

19

FEATURES A SMART APPROACH TO A/C SYSTEM REPLACEMENT No matter how well you may have done in the quiz above, and how well you know your system, there will come a time when that system will have to be replaced. Aside from an actual system failure, there are several indicators that may warrant consultation with an HVAC installer:

Systems older than 10 years For these systems, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recommends evaluation by a qualified contractor.

An addition to your home If you’ve added square footage to your home, your cooling system may not be adequate to meet your needs.

Problem areas If existing equipment is not properly cooling specific rooms or areas of the home, it may indicate an undersized (overtaxed) system that’s ripe for a breakdown.

While it’s undoubtedly a major investment, a new central A/C system offers key benefits: increased efficiency, lower utility bills, better air quality and a more consistent temperature throughout your home. An experienced A/C installer can help you identify a properly sized system for your specific situation.

In addition, many providers can help homeowners identify hundreds of dollars in savings through utility rebates, manufacturers’ incentives and customer loyalty programs.

When it comes to keeping cool and saving money, it pays to be educated on taking care of your A/C system, both on your own and with the help of a cooling professional. You’ll benefit from lower cooling bills – and you’ll add years to the life of your central air conditioner.

Michael DeBerdine, III, is president and CEO of the Rhoads Energy family of companies, including Boyertown Oil & Propane and E.G. Smith Inc., in Berks County. Additional information is available at www.boyertownoil.com and www.egsmithinc.com.

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION ✔ One valve stores up to 50-foot retractable hose inside the wall—safely enclosed within the system’s vacuum tubing when not in use.

✔ One 50-foot hose can cover 1,800 to 2,200 square feet so less valves are needed per home for whole-house cleaning.

✔ Only pull out the length of hose needed for a specific cleaning task,

then when finished the power unit suction pulls the hose back into the wall and out of sight.

✔ No storing or carrying a hose from valve to valve, simply attach the handle (with selected tool).

✔ Instantly accessible with automatic ON/OFF. ✔ Hose has pre-installed hose sock.

Featuring

“Hide A Hose” 20

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

The Appliance Sales & Service People

877.733.7730 www.martinsappliance.com

ANGLES

Your Home Maintenance

To-Do List

By Melanie Wise, Pa. Builders Association

H

omeownership is the American dream, but it’s also a lot of work. Your home is a significant investment and requires a consistent level of upkeep to maintain its efficiency and to protect its value.

It’s never too late to set aside some time to build a schedule of your ongoing home maintenance duties. Creating a calendar of anticipated maintenance needs will help you remember key milestones and better prepare for any big expenses.

The following examples of typical home maintenance should be completed at least annually. Consider your home’s specific needs to determine the relevance and timing of each task, and mark your calendar appropriately.

In the spring: • Inspect the roof for snow damage.

• Examine the condition of glazing compound, caulking, and interior and exterior paint.

• Check for broken glass and screens in windows and storm doors. (It’s also a good idea to do this in the fall.)

• Look for evidence of termites such as sagging floors and ceilings or dry, brown tunnels in the ground near the home’s foundation.

• Seed and feed the lawn, plant annuals and trim perennials that need pre-growth pruning.

In the fall: •

• •

•

Add mulch around perennials that need protection from winter weather.

Clear the lawn of leaves and reseed patchy areas.

Inspect the driveway for any cracks, and repair any damage with driveway filler and coat with a commercial sealer.

Look for any cracks or damage to the fireplace, and have the chimney cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep.

Before winter:

• Inspect the roof, address any damaged shingles or flashings,

and remove any debris.

• Ensure gutters are securely fastened to the fascia board and clear them of any debris or build up that could inhibit proper drainage.

• Remove hose connections, then drain and store hoses to keep them from freezing.

• Empty clay pots and planters of all soil, which can freeze and cause the pots to crack.

Anytime throughout the year: • Check all electrical connections for potential hazards. Pay special attention to any overloaded extension cords, and repair or replace any worn or frayed cords of electrical appliances.

• Test your carbon monoxide, radon and smoke detectors. Clean each unit with a vacuum or cotton swab and replace batteries and light bulbs, if needed.

• Have your heating and air conditioning system(s) inspected and cleaned. If your system has a filter, replace it once every three months.

• Inspect all doors and windows for proper operation and ensure the weather stripping is not cracked or torn.

• Inspect the attic insulation to ensure the entire ceiling area is covered. Insulation should not touch the underside of the roof sheathing, nor should it block vents in the eaves, which could cause condensation buildup and poor air circulation.

• Oil the motors of appliances as directed in their instruction manuals.

• Periodically check storage areas, closets and the basement to ensure that any oily rags, gas cans, paint supplies, cleaning materials or other flammable items have been stored properly.

• Check the functionality of your security system, inspecting each sensor and confirming the primary and backup batteries are in working order.

• Inspect interior stairs and exterior steps for any damage that could cause someone to fall. Make sure handrails and railings are sturdy and securely attached.

The joys of homeownership come with a long list of responsibilities. But staying on top of these duties will help keep your home healthy as the seasons change and the years pass.

For more ideas to maintain your home throughout the year, visit nahb.org/consumers.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

21

ANGLES

Home Buyer’s Dictionary A

RM? GPM? PITI? You’d have to be a cryptologist to figure out some of the terms buyers encounter during the home buying process. Doing research on how to buy a house before beginning the process can greatly improve your experience and prepare you for the exciting course ahead. And with this glossary of home buying terms at your side, you can rest easy that your new home won’t get lost in translation.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). A loan whose interest rate is adjusted according to movements in the financial market.

HBA Staff

Amortization. A payment plan by which a borrower reduces a debt gradually through monthly payments of principal and interest.

Closing. A meeting to sign documents which transfer property from a seller to a buyer. (Also called settlement)

Appraisal. An evaluation to determine what a piece of property would sell for in the marketplace.

Closing Costs. Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage loan and transferring real estate title.

Appreciation. The increase in the value of a property.

Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC and Rs). The standards that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer has made for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

Assumption. A transaction allowing the buyer of a home to assume responsibility for an existing loan on the home instead of getting a new loan.

Balloon. A loan which has a series of monthly payments (often for 5 years or less) with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.

Binder. A receipt for a deposit paid to secure the right to purchase a home at terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller.

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

Certificate of Occupancy. A document from an official agency stating that the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.

Assessment. A tax levied on a property or a value placed on the worth of property by a taxing authority.

22

Cap. A limit to the amount an interest rate or a monthly payment can increase for an adjustable rate loan either during an adjustment period or over the life of the loan.

Buydown. A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce the monthly payments on a mortgage loan.

Condominium. A home in a multi-unit complex; each purchaser owns an individual unit, and all the purchasers jointly own the common areas, such as the surrounding land, hallways, etc.

Conventional Loan. A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency (such as FHA or VA).

Convertibility. The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate schedule to a fixed rate schedule.

Cooperative. A form of ownership in a multi-unit complex; the purchasers own shares of the entire complex rather than owning individual units.

Let our family

SECURE your family …with all the latest technology to keep you safe!

610.372.8872 • SAHinc.com

50 South Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19607

Credit Rating. A report ordered by a lend- or wires. An owner may voluntarily grant an er from a credit bureau to determine if the easement, or in some cases, be compelled borrower is a good credit risk. to grant one by a local jurisdiction.

Default. A breach of a mortgage contract (such as not making monthly payments).

Equity. The difference between the value of a home and what is owed on it.

Locally owned for over 26 years!

with lower payments than a level payment loan; the payments rise annually over the first 5 to 10 years and then remain constant for the remainder of the loan. GPMs involve negative amortization.

Downpayment. The difference between the sales price and the mortgage amount on a home. The downpayment is usually paid at closing.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

A federal agency which insures mortgages that have lower downpayment requirements than conventional loans.

Growing Equity Mortgage (Rapid Payoff Mortgage). A fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan which starts with the same payments as a level payment loan; the payments rise annually, with the entire increase being used to reduce the outstanding balance. No negative amortization occurs, and the increase in payments may enable the borrower to pay off a 30-year loan in 15 to 20 years, or less.

Due-on-Sale. A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property. A mortgage with a dueon-sale clause is not assumable.

Fixed Rate Mortgage. A mortgage whose interest rate remains constant over the life of the loan. The payments are not necessarily level. (See Graduated Payment Mortgage and Growing Equity Mortgage.)

Hazard Insurance. Protection against damage caused by fire, windstorm, or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers to carry it in an amount at least equal to the mortgage.

Earnest Money. A sum paid to the seller Fixed Schedule Mortgage. A mortgage to show that a potential purchaser is seri- whose payment schedule for the life of the ous about buying. loan is established at closing. The payments and interest rate are not necessarily level.

Easement. Right-of-way granted to a person or company authorizing access to the Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM). A owner’s land; for example, a utility company fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan which starts may be grated an easement to install pipes

Housing Finance Agency. A state agency which offers a limited amount of belowmarket-rate home financing for low -and moderate-income households.

Density. The number of homes built on a Escrow. The handling of funds or docuparticular acre of land. Allowable densities ments by a third party on behalf of the are usually determined by local jurisdictions. buyer and/or seller.

Continued on page 24 AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

23

Index. The interest rate or adjustment standard which determines the changes in monthly payments for an adjustable rate loan.

Infrastructure. The public facilities and services needed to support residential development, including highways, bridges, schools, and sewer and water systems.

Interest. The cost paid to a lender for the use of borrowed money.

Joint Tenancy. A form of ownership by which the tenants own a property equally. If one dies, the other would automatically inherit the entire property.

Level Payment Mortgage. A mortgage whose payments are identical for each month over the life of the loan.

Mortgage Broker. A broker who represents numerous lenders and helps consumers find affordable mortgages; the broker charges a fee only if the consumer finds a loan.

Mortgage Commitment. A formal written communication by a lender, agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying the loan amount, length of time and conditions.

Mortgage Company (Mortgage Banker). A company that borrows money from a bank, lends it to consumers who want to buy homes, then sells the loans to investors.

Mortgagee. The lender who makes a mortgage loan.

Mortgage Loan. A contract in which the borrower’s property is pledged as collateral and which can be repaid in installments over a long period. The mortgagor (buyer) promises to repay principal and interest, to keep the home insured, to pay all taxes, and to keep the property in good condition.

Mortgage Origination Fee. A charge by a lender for the work involved in preparing and servicing a mortgage application (usually 1 percent of the loan amount).

Negative Amortization. An increase in the outstanding balance of a loan when a monthly payment is not large enough to cover all of the interest due.

Note. A formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating the terms of repayment.

PITI. Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (the 4 major components of monthly housing payments).

Point. A charge of 1 percent of the mortgage amount. Points are a one-time charge assessed by the lender at closing to increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan.

Prepayment. Payment of all or part of a debt prior to its maturity.

24

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Principal. The amount borrowed in a loan, excluding interest and other charges.

Property Survey. A survey to determine the boundaries of your property. The cost will depend on the complexity of the survey.

Rapid Payoff Mortgage. (See Growing Equity Mortgage.)

Recording Fee. A charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid to a city, county, or other appropriate branch of government.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). A federal law requiring lenders to provide home buyers with information about known or estimated settlement costs. The act also regulates other aspects of settlement procedures.

R-Value. The resistance of insulation material (including windows) to heat passing through it. The higher the number, the greater the insulating value.

Sales Contract. A contract between a buyer and seller which should explain, in detail, exactly what the purchase includes, what guarantees there are, when the buyer can move in, what the closing costs are, and what recourse the parties have if the contract is not fulfilled or if the buyer cannot get a mortgage commitment at the agreed-upon terms.

Settlement. (See Closing.)

Shared Appreciation Mortgage. A loan in which partners agree to share specified portions of the downpayment, monthly payment, and appreciation.

Tenancy in Common. A form of ownership in which the tenants own separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws.

Title. Evidence (usually in the form of a certificate or deed) of a person’s legal right to ownership of a property.

Transfer Taxes. Taxes levied on the transfer of property or on real estate loans by state and/or local jurisdictions.

Veterans Administration (VA). A federal agency which insures mortgage loans with very liberal downpayment requirements for honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.

Walk-Through. A final inspection of a home before settlement to search for problems that need to be corrected before ownership changes hands.

Warranty. A promise, either written or implied, that the material and workmanship of a product is defect-free or will meet a specified level of performance over a specified period of time. Written warranties on new homes are either backed by insurance companies or by the builders themselves.

Zoning. Regulations established by local governments regarding the location, height, and use for any given piece of property within a specific area.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

25

ANGLES

Five Technologies that Will Change the Way Houses are Built

PCBC keynote speaker John Ellis predicts these five high-tech advances will shape the future of home building.

By Jennifer Goodman, Senior Editor at BUILDER. Connect with her on Twitter at @Jenn4Builder.

A

ttendees at the upcoming PCBC conference will get a peek into the future of home building courtesy of keynote speaker John Ellis. A former executive with Ford Motor Co. and Motorola, Ellis is the managing director of Ellis & Associates, a management consulting firm that serves clients in the automotive, consumer, connectivity and software fields. At PCBC—held this year in San Francisco June 22 and 23 - Ellis will address new technologies that are poised to influence the building industry including IoT, 3D printing and scanning, nanotechnology, and more. Here, BUILDER talks with Ellis about his vision for the future.

Technology is exploding these days, faster than builders can keep up.

What top five technologies should they pay attention to?

The top five technologies for builders below might seem a strange list since some of these technologies are not specifically related to home building. That said, they are important for builders to follow and understand. Here’s why:

3D Printing. This technology has made significant leaps and bounds in the last few years. The first 3D commercially viable 3D printed car was debuted in November, 2015 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas and is now available for purchase. In the first quarter 2016 the Oak Ridge National Laboratories showcased the first viable, fully 3D printed home suitable for every-day living. 3D printing will continue to improve and soon it will 26

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

be possible for anyone to print just about anything. In the not too distant future, I fully expect to see every house have a 3D printing room which will be used to print everyday objects like plates, cups, towels, etc.

Wireless Power. Imagine a world without cords or outlets. Where devices of all shapes and sizes are able to operate continuously, and as needed, have their batteries charged. This is the future of wireless power. And the future is much closer than people realize. One company promises commercial viable product before 2020. If that happens, this will have a profound impact on how homes of the future are built.

Nano-particle Paint. This new technology is poised to revolutionize the world. Exceptionally hardened surfaces, self-cleaning surfaces, and dynamic-colorchanging surfaces are just a few examples of what is possible with nano-particle paint. We can imagine future homes that are never dirty, resistance to mold, mildew and other such destructive forces and can change colors at the whim of the owner.

Autonomous cars. While not directly related to the materials for home builders, autonomous cars are set to change the home building experience forever. The narrative goes as follows: As autonomous cars permeate the market, people will become more accustomed to the vehicle as a utility rather than a thing to own. Over time, the idea of personal ownership will be replaced with on-demand services. When that happens, there will be no need for garages, driveways and maybe even streets. A future home in a world that is fully autonomous will be dramatically different than today’s homes.

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Drones. Yet another technology that is not directly related to home building but will have profound impact on the home of the future. We are moving quickly to a place where individual ownership of drones will be commonplace. Imagine sending your drone to the local Target or Costco to be loaded with goods that you purchased from an online website and the drone returning to your home. The future home likely will have a drone-pad similar to a helipad today.

How will IoT affect the way people live in homes over the next few years?

One of the biggest issues with IoT and homes of the future will be the concept of privacy. As we barrel ahead to connect anything and everything, we are quickly arriving at a point where all our devices in the house are connected, and even monitoring what we say to help provide additional conveniences. In the future, it may in fact be likely that homeowners will be required to post signage indicating to all that pass through the door that any and all of their conversations may be recorded and used in the future. That by entering the home, the person agrees to there not being privacy.

How far off are 3D printed houses in the U.S.?

As I indicated in my previous answer, 3D printed housing structures are possible today. So it would not surprise me that we could have 3D printed housing within the next 10-15 years.

The natural place for this to first start is the pre-fabricated home industry. They already have adopted the idea of building the pieces in one location ensuring quality and price controls and then assembling elsewhere. This is a perfect place to use 3D printing of housing materials.

Our readers often look to the design and technological innovations of the automotive industry. What can builders learn from the way cars are built and designed?

One of the biggest changes in the auto industry is the introduction of 3D printing. Once fully commercialized, it has the potential to fundamentally change the entire supply chain and logistics. No longer do we need to expend significant energy and cost to bring together thousands of parts from hundreds of companies. So too in the home building industry. When 3D printing is fully commercialized, home building will be changed forever.

What will a home construction site look like in 2025?

Home building in 2025 will likely include a lot more “technicians” focused on tuning the wireless power, or calibrating the nano-particle paint. In terms of tools, there will definitely be 3D printers used to create parts in real-time. I would also suspect there will be a lot of computer equipment likely in a trailer that is used to manage the building, configure the different instruments, sensors and products and to functionally test and verify the house is doing what it is supposed to do.

TOOL and EQUIPMENT

We Rent to Homeowners, Contractors, Businesses, etc.

• Small and Large Equipment Rentals • Excavating and Earth Moving Equipment • Construction and Landscaping • Contractor’s Equipment and Tools • Equipment Hauling

872 Park Road, Blandon

610-926-4567

stoneycreekrentals.com m AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

27

ANGLES

Boosting

the bottom line

By Kim Slowey

How construction companies can cut costs and ensure they ‘survive’...

F

inding new methods to save money is a constant goal across industries, and especially in construction. The industry’s cost of doing business is on the rise, and regulatory fees are piling up, so any tip, trick or advantage can provide welcome relief from the constant assault on a contractor’s checking account.

Experts point to these steps as ways contractors can cut costs and keep their businesses on the right track moving forward:

Small steps with big results Oftentimes contractors will focus on the “small stuff,” or everyday ways to save a few bucks here and there. Some of the most popular ways include: Shopping around for the best price on materials and equipment. Even if you’ve been using the same material supplier or equipment rental company for years, you need to check market prices occasionally for the best deals. This goes for offices and administrative supplies as well.

Investing in the quality tools you need rather than trying to get by with cheap substitutes. It will pay off in the end.

28

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Creating an inventory of all tools and equipment and having employees sign them out and sign them back in with every use. This will prevent tools from “growing legs” and walking away.

Setting clear petty cash policies.

Lunch on the company is OK on pre-approved special occasions, but prevent abuse by setting specific limits.

Instituting a policy of responsibility if you provide electronics like iPads to employees. Employees should know that when the item leaves the project and is used for personal reasons, they become responsible for damage and the item’s replacement.

Brad Robinson, immediate past chairman of the Construction Financial Management Association, said, “The world is getting smaller, stronger, faster — all the things that you hear about — and we are not immune to that in our industry.” The pursuit of cost savings is “really to survive,” he added.

Robinson said the vast resources that are dumped into a project in order to produce a relatively low profit margin is one of the reasons that contractors are so keen on saving money wherever they can, more so than other industries. “They’ve got nowhere else to go. For general contractors making 1-1/2% profit, you can’t force a developer to pay more, so what you can do is manage the costs on the back end because that’s really the only option that you have,” he said.

Robinson cited several ways a contractor can save money, starting with managing a project appropriately. In the field, he said adopting a “just in time” philosophy of material staging prevents unnecessary cash spend throughout the course of a project by reducing the period of time between when the material arrives on the site and when it is installed.

In addition to “people ordering the right materials at the right time,” he said, eliminating construction waste is also key.

Not only is there waste of materials, which can be minimized by accurate ordering and recycling, there is also waste of labor time as a result of incorrect scheduling of trades and inefficient layout of a project.

Big changes dominated by technology Then there’s the “big stuff.” Robinson said the greatest opportunity for savings is through investments in technology.

“Our more successful companies are embracing technology more and more.”

Robinson said a relatively small adjustment — converting to an electronic payment system for “small, nonrecurring transactions” — has saved a company he works with big money. He said the company was paying one person to reconcile hundreds of petty cash checking accounts a month and pay those invoices via paper checks. Over time, all of those accounts have been converted to purchase cards, and what used to cost the company more than $7 per transaction to print, process and mail check payments now costs $0.80 to direct deposit or pay those items via ACH. Continued on page 30

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

29

“That’s a no-brainer, but you have to invest in the time and effort it takes to set it all up,” he said. “The amount of time you invest in getting it done and making it more efficient more than pays for itself within just a few months. Why would you consider doing it any other way?”

Stuart Binstock, president and CEO of CFMA, said, “Our more successful companies are embracing technology more and more.” He added that many CFMA member companies are investing in revamping their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, in some cases a daunting task considering the size and scope of operations that some of these systems cover.

“Some of the largest companies in the country have spent in excess of $1 million to modify their software, their ERP system. And if you’re going to do that, you must see some kind of benefit down the road.”

However, Binstock said, these kinds of investments are the opposite of what many companies think of when they hear the term cost-cutting. “But, at the end of the day, you have saved money because you’ve done some things that probably give you better information,” he said. “You’re able to make quicker decisions, so, therefore, you become more competitive. There’s a cost advantage, which could inevitably lead to you garnering more projects and getting more business.”

Why some construction companies are behind the curve

Robinson said the construction industry, being a notoriously late adopter of technology, is missing out on easy ways to save money and possibly prevent losing money by not having a more receptive attitude to new technology. “You can wait until the wave passes, and then you’re ... trying to catch up to your competition”.

He cited building information modeling (BIM) as an example of technology that was once considered a brand new way to achieve a competitive advantage with customers and a cost-effective way to pre-construct a building and pass on those savings to the owner. Fast-forward just a few years, and companies that haven’t adopted BIM are now “behind the curve” and risk losing out on business, he said. Robinson said the return on investment (ROI) for these technological shifts can be “exponential.”

And to those companies that hesitate exploring new technology, Robinson said, “If you’re not going to get more money from an owner, you have to find a way to cut costs — whether it’s direct labor or overhead — and manage that margin to make a profit.” As with BIM, he said, “You can wait until the wave passes, and then you’re on the back end of it trying to catch up to your competition.”

He added that for those in the construction industry, “You want to be on the curve of that wave because, for that magical period of time between when it’s first adopted and before everybody else jumps in, you get a very strong competitive advantage.

30

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

Advertise in At Home in Berks, a Home Builders Association of Berks County Publication.

Published bi-monthly, At Home in Berks is mailed directly to over 750 members and advocates of the HBA within the Greater Reading area, into nearly 1000 reception areas, and to more than 1000 new home owners throughout the Greater Reading, Pennsylvania area.

REACH 35,000+ Homeowners, Business Owners & HBA Members Working & Living in Berks County

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Alicia Lee Alicia@HoffPubs.com 610.685.0914 ext 210 Brad Hess Brad@HoffPubs.com 610.685.0914 ext 204

Membership happenings Penalties for OSHA Fines Will Increase Aug. 1 Filed in Codes and Regulations, Construction Industry, Labor, Safety and Health on July 8, 2016 On Aug. 1, monetary penalties issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for regulation infractions are slated to rise by up to 150% depending on the type of violation. Last fall, the president signed a budget bill that allowed the agency to enact a catch-up adjustment and raise fines annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This marks the first time in 25 years that OSHA fines have gone up. Previously, OSHA was one of few federal agencies with civil penalties that do not increase with inflation.

Type of Violation Serious Other- Than-Serious Posting Requirements Failure to Abate

Willful or Repeated

32

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

OSHA intends to provide guidance on the implementation of the new penalties by Aug. 1. Additionally, to address the impact they may have on small businesses, the agency plans to continue providing penalty reductions based on employer size and other factors.

States that operate their own Occupational Safety and Health Plans are required to adopt maximum penalty levels that are at least as effective as federal OSHA’s.

Current Maximum Penalty $7,000 per violation

New Maximum Penalty $12,471 per violation

$7,000 per day beyond the abatement date $70,000 per violation

$12,471 per day beyond the abatement date $124,709 per violation

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Membership happenings 2016 GOLF OUTING A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS:

On May 16, 2016, the HBA of Berks County swung into Spring with fellow colleagues. The event took place at Berkleigh Golf Club, and we could not have asked for better weather or a better turnout. We would like to thank everyone that joined us at the golf outing. See you in 2017!

Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting Martin Appliance & Air Conditioning D&B Elite Construction Group Masano Bradley Kieffer’s Appliances Reading Rentals ProMax Fence Systems Fleetwood Bank Fulton Bank Miller Building Supply Co.

Fisher’s Rental Sloan Paving Shirley’s Café & Tequila Bar Kohl Building Products T/A T & C’s Market Roland Stock, LLC. Greth Homes Green Fields Fire Co., & Social Club Advanced Construction Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP.

HBA BERKS BUYERS’ GUIDE The Home Builders Association of Berks County has announced that the exclusive HBA Berks Buyers’ Guide (the “Guide”) — the premier resource of relevant products and services for building professionals — is now available at the HBA Berks website at www.hbaberks.org.

HBA Berks partnered with Overland Park, Kan.-based Strategic Value Media, a leading nationwide provider of print and digital media solutions for national, state and local trade and membership associations, to produce the Guide. HBA Berks is proud to provide its members with this useful and easily accessible year-round resource.

“This comprehensive Guide offers access to a vast network of industry suppliers,” said Janet Campis, Executive Officer of HBA Berks. “We are very pleased with the fine work SVM has done with this Guide, which we anticipate will now greatly assist industry professionals in making educated purchasing decisions throughout the year.

The response to this Guide by the industry has been nothing short of outstanding.”

The 2016 version of the Guide features updated and expanded company and product listings, in addition to other valuable information relating to the building industry. The Guide provides HBA Berks members and other industry professionals with an efficient way to browse for goods and services. The Guide also offers building suppliers and companies exceptional visibility by showcasing their products and services to a targeted, industry-specific buyer group.

If your company or business has not yet taken advantage of this exceptional opportunity to highlight your products and services in the Guide, it is not too late!

To learn more about advertising your products or services in this exclusive Guide, please email hbabc-advertise@svmmedia.com.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

33

Membership happenings 2016 Upcoming Events…

AUG 8-11

welcome new members

Mid-Year NAHB Board Meeting:

Art Smith and Son Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

Miami Beach, Florida

Art F. Smith III, President 121 East Cedar Street, Fleetwood PA 19522

(All Members are Welcome)

All Day

PH: 610-780-9350

SEPT 8

SEPT 12-17

FREE Networking Event Sponsored by Wise Signs (All Members are Welcome)

Blind Hartman’s Tavern, Temple 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Restoring Hope Project Shillington, PA

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SEPT

RHF Big Reveal

SEPT

GA Golf Tournament

SEPT

Southeast Regional Meeting

17 26 28

OCT

27-29

NOV 16

DEC 8

34

Shillington, PA

10:00 AM– 1:00 PM

Rich Maiden Golf Course, Fleetwood 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM

(All Members are Welcome)

HBA of Bucks & Montgomery Counties, Fort Washington 3:00 – 4:30 PM

PBA Fall Regional Meeting (All Members are Welcome)

Hershey Lodge, Hershey All Day

EMAIL: art@artsmithandson.com HIC: PA082488 WEB: www.artsmithandson.com Sponsor: James E. Gavin, Esquire

Exclusive Access for Members to Hire Students from Endorsed Trade Programs PBA members can access a list of nearly 800 students who have completed their certificate goals from local endorsed trade programs! Support the future of our industry by hiring these students.

Visit: www.pabuilders.org. Need help logging in to the website?

Contact the HBA of Berks County at (610) 777-8889 or contact Doug Vu at PBA by calling 717-730-4380.

Secondary Students have successfully completed the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) exam at the competent or advanced level. Post-Secondary Students obtained a GPA of 3.0 or higher as well as a minimum B grade on the Exit Exam.

Please note, only members of PBA are granted access to this information. It is to be used only for the purposes of reaching out to students who may be interested in employment with your business. This information is not to be made public or distributed for any reason.

Member SPOTLIGHT

General Membership Meeting & Elections (All Members are Welcome) Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center, Reading 6:00 – 8:30 PM

FREE Networking Event

Sponsored by Riverview Tree & Landscaping Inc (All Members are Welcome)

Riverview Tree & Landscaping Inc., Temple 5:00 – 7:00 PM

AT HOME IN BERKs AUGUST 2016

Maidencreek TV & Appliance is a family-owned discount Appliance, Electronics, Furniture, and Mattress store based in Reading, PA. Since 1976, Maidencreek TV & Appliance has served customers in Reading, Allentown, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Pottsville, Pottstown, Morgantown, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Wyomissing and Sinking Spring with low prices on Appliance, Electronics, Furniture, and Mattress products and top notch customer service. To contact Maiden Creek call (610) 926-1911.

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Membership happenings 2016 Foundation Club Members: Thank you for the continued support of the HBA of Berks County legislative efforts!

Thank You to these Renewing Members of the HBA of Berks County!

31+ Years  Glen Gery Corp.  Greth Homes 26-30 Years  Frank Ferrara & Sons 21-25 Years  Herbein & Company, Inc. 16–20 Years  Donald R. Heimbach Building Contractor  York International Corp.  Kohl Building Products 11–15 Years  Reading Precast, Inc.  A K A The Fence Company  Blatt & Zaffary Electric, Inc.  Martin Appliance & Water Conditioning Co.  Reinsel Kuntz Lesher, LLP.  84 Lumber  European Builders, LTD.

6–10 Years

 Ciesco, Inc. DBA –

Bruce Radar Berks Surveying & Engineering

Joseph J. Witkowski, Jr. Herbein & Company

James E. Gavin, Esquire Masano Bradley

Walter Greth Greth Homes

Larry Kehres L A Kehres Building & Remodeling

Steve Bright EJB Paving & Materials Co.

Brad Kehres L A Kehres Building & Remodeling

Gregory R. Eshbach Malsnee Tile & Stone

Kert Sloan Aluminum Associates/Sloan Corp.

Patrick J. Dolan Dolan Construction, Inc.

Cathy Sloan Hartman’s Home Improvement

John Newton Greth Homes

Deborah Kearse Kohl Building Products

Kevin Kozo Turnberry Custom Homes

Tom Kearse Kohl Building Products

John & Julie Schmoyer Fulton Mortgage Company

Bryan Moll B&G Glass

Call the HBA office at 610.777.8889 to learn how to become a member of the FOUNDATION CLUB.

Stealth Insulation

 Stubbs Insurance    

Associates, Inc. Dave Roche Electric, Inc. Berks Career & Technology Center Blue Lake Builders Landis C. Deck & Sons

2–5 Years  Basement Waterproofing Systems  Kelly’s Kleaning  Americon Builders, Inc.  Lacey Electric, Inc.  Suzy Rae Design  Petersheim Bros., Inc.  Heat & Cool HVAC Service  TW Construction  Weinhold Construction  Eagle Construction  Ernie Martin Paving  Hearthstone Homes, Inc.  Stankiewicz Drywall, Painting, Construction, LLC.

Member 2 Member Discount Program As one of the many benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA), the following members are offering the discounts listed to HBA members only.

Geoff Penske Buick GMC

Contact: Victor Popescu 610.777.1300

Bob Holt Holt’s Remodeling

These members understand the important role legislation plays in their businesses and the importance of electing and supporting legislators who are sensitive to the issues affecting the building industry.

GM AFFINITY PROGRAM & PARTNERSHIP WITH HBA (Call Victor for more details on how you can save)

Berks Transfer

Contact: Joan Campbell 610.926.7626 x 305

$50 OFF 1ST CAN ORDER TO NEW CUSTOMERS Aluminum Associates / Sloan Corporation Contact: Kert E. Sloan 610.921.2201

5% DISCOUNT ON ALL SERVICES Martin’s Flooring, Inc.

Contact: Richie Zook 877.445.7799

FREE INTERIOR DESIGN & SPECIAL HBA CONTRACTOR PRICING (Ask about our contractor referral program)

If you would like to join the HBA or offer a Member 2 Member Discount, contact the HBA office: 610.777.8889.

AUGUST 2016 AT HOME IN BERKs

35