THURSDAY, JUNE 26 2025 TH 4:30-7 PM | AVON ISLE, 37080 DETROIT ROAD, AVON
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) BUILDER newsletter is the official newsletter of the NCBIA and is published monthly by the NCBIA. The NCBIA is an affiliate of the Ohio Home Builders Association (OHBA) & the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Advertising Policy - The North Coast Building Industry Association reserves the right to reject advertising in the Builder newsletter based on content. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement of the product or service advertised.
Contact Ashlyn Bellan-Caskey at ashlynncbia@gmail.com $10 each (plus shipping, if applicable) Your New Home
Save the Date!
Want to be a sponsor for any of these events? Let us know! Sponsor early to get maximum exposure!
Call or email Judie at judie@ncbia.com for marketing opportunities to help your bottom line!
Monday, June 9, 2025
Sales & Marketing Committee Meeting
11:30 AM
NCBIA Office
5321 Meadow Lane Court - B, Suite #23 Sheffield Village, OH
Thursday, June 12, 2025
June Member Mixer 5 - 7 PM
Captain's Club 232 Park Avenue, Amherst
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Board of Directors Planning Session 5 - 7 PM
NCBIA Office
5321 Meadow Lane Court - B, Suite #23 Sheffield Village, OH
Thursday, June 26, 2025
General Membership Meeting/Car Show
4:30 - 7:30 PM
Avon Isle
37080 Detroit Road, Avon
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Executive Committee Meeting 3:30 - 5 PM
Board of Directors Meeting 5 - 6:30 PM
NCBIA Office
5321 Meadow Lane Court - B, Suite #23 Sheffield Village, OH
Thursday, July 17, 2025
July Member Mixer 5 - 7 PM
Lorain Brewing Company
500 Shipyard Way, Lorain
Check the website at www.ncbia.com for up-to-date changes, additions, and corrections to these events!
Do you have some business news to share?
Business anniversaries, accomplishments, awards, publications, etc.? Send to judie@ncbia.com. We want to hear from you!
The Sales & Marketing Committee will be meeting on Monday, June 9th at 11:30 at the NCBIA office located at 5321 Meadow Lane Court – B, Suite 23, Sheffield Village. If you would like to see what we are all about feel free to join us and see if you want to be a part of this committee.
The BuildPAC committee is looking for additional members if you would like to be a part of this vital committee to our industry email judie@ncbia.com
Want to help on a committee? Our Members Drive Us!
Do you have some ideas for education classes or events? Are you interested in the latest rules and regulations for our industry? Love getting to know others at a mixer or honoring members for their achievements? Then join a committee that interests you. Committees are a simple way to volunteer your time, make a difference in the association, and get to know other members. Look over the committees https://www.ncbia. com/about/committees and decide which committee would be best suited to your time and talents.
We rely on member volunteers to lead our different events, functions, and goals. Being on a committee allows you to give back to your association and get to know each other better, all while spreading awareness for your own business! Members do business with members! We strongly encourage you to get involved in a committee to make the most of your NCBIA membership.
Watch out for our What’s Happening Wednesday eNews and our BUILDER newsletter distributed each month for upcoming scheduled meetings, and events, or email judie@ncbia.com for more information.
JUNE IS NATIONAL Homeownership Month
John Toth, Floor Coverings International
The Benefits of Homeownership
Let’s celebrate the dream of homeownership and the work we do to make it a reality!
As professionals in the housing industry, we take pride in helping families and individuals achieve the American Dream of owning a home. Homeownership is more than just a milestone—it’s a foundation for financial security, community stability, and personal pride.
• Enduring Value: Even in uncertain times, Americans continue to place high value on homeownership.
• Strong Investment: According to a recent Gallup survey, 37% of Americans believe real estate is the best long-term investment, outpacing other asset types.
• Wealth Building: Homeownership enables families to build wealth over time through home equity, a key resource for retirement and other major life needs.
• Personal and Social Benefits: A home is not just a place to live, it’s a source of pride, stability, accomplishment, and peace of mind.
• Homeownership Facts
• Young Buyers Struggling: The homeownership rate for Americans under 35 dropped to 36.3% in late 2024—the lowest since 2019.
• Rise of Multigenerational Living: As of 2022, 74.2% of multigenerational households own their homes, surpassing other family types.
• Smaller Lots, Bigger Opportunities: 39% of buyers are willing to accept smaller lots to achieve homeownership.
• Mortgage-Free Milestone: Nearly 40% of U.S. homeowners are mortgage-free—the highest level in over a decade.
How Builders Are Supporting Affordability
• Price Challenges: NAHB data shows that 70% of U.S. households cannot afford a $400,000 home—while the median new home price is around $460,000.
• Advocacy in Action: Our industry is actively pushing for policy reforms that promote housing affordability.
• More Homes, Less Inflation: To tame shelter inflation and address the affordability crisis, we must build more homes.
• A Plan for the Future: Our association, in partnership with NAHB, has developed a comprehensive housing plan to expand affordable homeownership and rental options.
• Workforce Solutions: We advocate for sustained funding in construction trade education and stronger job placement programs to address labor shortages and reduce building delays.
As we observe National Homeownership Month, let’s recommit to building communities, supporting policies that make homes more affordable, and ensuring that more Americans have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Together, we are making a difference—one home at a time.
2024 Circle of Excellence
by Judie Docs, CSP, MCSP, MIRM, CMP, CGP
Remodeling Awards
Kitchen Remodels
On May 7th we celebrated members with outstanding 2024 achievements in homebuilding, remodeling, and sales throughout the NCBIA.
Home Awards
Best Sales/Design Center
• Granite Works Stone Design
Best Production Homes
• 2,001–3,000 Sq Ft: K. Hovnanian Homes – “Kelly”
• Universal Design Floor Plan: K. Hovnanian Homes – “Poitier”
• Interior Merchandising: K. Hovnanian Homes – “Astaire”
(Merchandising by Laura O’Conner Design)
Best Custom Homes
• 2,001–3,000 Sq Ft: Bob Schmitt Homes – “Homer”
• Over 4,000 Sq Ft: Bennett Builders & Remodelers
• Front Elevation: Bennett Builders & Remodelers
• Universal Design Floor Plan: Bob Schmitt Homes
Best Single-Family Community
• K. Hovnanian Homes – Harvest Meadows
• Large Volume, $50,001–$100,000: Reaser Construction
• Large Volume, Over $100,000: Bennett Builders & Remodelers
Bathroom Remodels
• Small Volume, Under $25,000: The S.J.R. Building Company
• Large Volume, Over $50,000: Bennett Builders & Remodelers
Additions
• Large Volume, Over $100,000: Bennett Builders & Remodelers
Entire House Remodels
• Large Volume, $250,001–$500,000: Reaser Construction
• Large Volume, $500,001–$1,000,000: Bennett Builders & Remodelers
Commercial Remodel
• Over $150,000: Reaser Construction
Sales & Member Awards
New Home Sales Achievements
• Gold ($5M–$10M): Diana DeCesare – K. Hovnanian Homes
• Platinum ($10M+):
– Stacey Yezbak – K. Hovnanian Homes
– Connie Linkous – K. Hovnanian Homes
Rookie Sales Professional of the Year
• Victoria Werner – K. Hovnanian Homes Affiliate of the Year
• Mark McClaine – 84 Lumber Associate of the Year
• Jenny Prelipp – E.H. Roberts Supplier of the Year
• Caruso Cabinets Trade of the Year
• All Construction Services
Remodeler of the Year (Large Volume)
• Reaser Construction Developer of the Year
• Dale Yost Construction Builder of the Year
• Green Quest Homes
Check out our Facebook page to see more info and photos highlighting these companies and members. There are also photos from the event in this newsletter.
Congratulations to all!
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR 2026
Event Sponsors:
EVENT SPONSOR
Member: $2000
Non-Member: $2500
Everything on Supporting Sponsor list, PLUS radio interview, booth space and all printed advertising, mention in radio ads and option to have your company’s banner hung at show entrance!
Saturday, February 21st 9-5
Sunday, February 22nd 10-3
Lorain County Community College 1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria
My company would like to sponsor the 2026 NCBIA Home Show. (Please select below)
Member Event Sponsor($2000) Member Supporting Sponsor ($300)
Includes: mention in radio ads, your logo in event program, Facebook event page, slideshow during event, option to put promotional items in swag bag, and recognition in BUILDER newsletter.
PAYMENT METHOD:
Please Indicate how you would like to pay for your sponsorship.
*If you select credit card, our office will call for your card information.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE NCBIA www.ncbia.com (440) 934-1090 judie@ncbia.com
Supporting Sponsors:
Bag
Sponsor:
SEYE ON HOUSING
ENERGY STAR TRANSITION AND ITS Effect
everal recent media reports suggest that the Energy Star program, a proven private-public partnership administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is going through a possible transition period that could lead to its elimination.
Energy Star is an above-code voluntary program that many NAHB members have relied on for over three decades. The program:
• Provides certification for buildings and homes that meet certain energy standards,
• Sets energy efficiency standards for various products, including appliances, water heaters and lighting,
• Runs the popular Portfolio Manager software, and
• Serves as the baseline for certain programs and tax incentives.
Collectively, Energy Star promotes consumer choice and can help members and consumers save money on their energy bills.
NAHB is carefully monitoring developments concerning the program and will keep our members informed, as this is a fluid situation. If Energy Star is eliminated, it may affect state, local, and utility programs that connect certification to rebates and other incentives.
NAHB is also seeking clarification on how the potential elimination of the Energy Star program would affect tax credits linked to an Energy Star certification, such as the Section 45L tax credit for new energy efficient homes.
These energy tax credits are already under scrutiny within Congress, and elimination of the Energy Star program raises additional concerns about their future. Congress is also working on a comprehensive tax bill and is widely expected to push to eliminate many of the existing energy tax credits as an offset to reduce the cost of the overall tax bill.
NAHB supports energy efficiency in home building and remodeling, including retaining energy tax credits that promote the use of renewable energy technology, as well as voluntary energy efficiency programs for new homes, including Energy Star and the Section 45L tax credit.
on NAHB Members
mynpp.com/north-coast-bia/
REGION-RESPONSIVE DESIGN:
Cost-Effective Solutions for Resilience and Comfort
The trend toward increasingly severe weatherrelated events brings to light some challenges facing the entire home-building industry. From wildfires to tornadoes, hurricanes, increasingly heavy rains, heat and drought, there is a greater pressure to meet increasing energy efficiency standards, and provide more comfort in our rapidly changing environment.
Region-responsive design is a method in which builders design homes to be more resilient and responsive to their region-specific climatic setting. It's a concept that is gaining recognition for producing structures that are more resilient, and homes that can meet that challenge can have lower operating and ownership costs, which will lead to greater value.
Informed design decisions, site planning and proper selection of materials, along with tried-and-true passive solar design and construction strategies can mitigate the climate impacts and provide a cost-effective, energyefficient home. The key starting point is recognizing those climate conditions that can be mitigated and capitalizing on the conditions that will contribute to a safe, comfortable and healthy home.
The building industry will be confronted with increasing challenges from climate-related events. The basis for every region-responsive design is a simple, well-designed and constructed building envelope, which will maximize the passive benefits.
Passive solar design and natural ventilation are design strategies that use the specific attributes and orientation of a site. Some design choices that adhere to this strategy include:
Proper placement of windows and skylights to provide natural passive ventilation, improving health and comfort during the shoulder months without the aid of mechanical air-conditioning and heating systems;
East- and south-facing windows to maximize energy gain when needed for heating and enhance healthy natural lighting;
BY: JESSE WADE
Shading of windows and doors utilizing sensible roof overhangs, awnings and well-placed vegetation to mitigate unwanted solar heat gain in cooling dominated climates and seasons; Strategic placement of non-living spaces such as garages, hallways and laundry rooms to provide buffers from unwanted chilly winter winds or intense summer solar heat gain.
Utilizing renewable energy systems for electrification, such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, will not by themselves achieve the goals of substantial fossil fuel reduction and the associated atmospheric damage. Regionresponsive design provides cost-effective strategies to meet these challenges, and provides greater health, comfort and increased value to your product.
The Sustainability and Green Building Subcommittee and NAHB staff have produced a number of resources to help educate and guide builders on building more efficient homes. See more on nahb.org.
SUMMER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
CAR SHOW & MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 2025 TH 4:30-7 PM | AVON ISLE, 37080 DETROIT ROAD, AVON
We're putting a new spin on our Summer General Membership Cookout and we want to see your classic cars!
Member Price is available to Family, Employees and Subs of Members!
$30 MEMBER $40 NON-MEMBER EVENT SPONSOR
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE:
EVENT SPONSOR $325 - INCLUDES 2 TICKETS
DESSERT SPONSOR $250 - INCLUDES 1 TICKET
DRINK SPONSOR $250 - INCLUDES 1 TICKET
DASH PLAQUE SPONSOR $125 - INCLUDES 1 TICKET
*ONLY TWO AVAILABLE!!* AND PICK YOUR OWN CAR/COMPANY CAR TO PUT ON THE PLAQUE!
An expected impact of the virus crisis was a need for more residential space, as people used homes for more purposes including work. Home size correspondingly increased in 2021 as interest rates reached historic lows. However, as interest rates increased in 2022 and 2023, and housing affordability worsened, the demand for home size has trended lower.
According to first quarter 2025 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis, median single-family square floor area was 2,190 square feet, near the highest reading since mid2023. Average (mean) square footage for new single-family homes registered at 2,408 square feet.
The average size of a new single-family home, on a oneyear moving average basis, trended higher to 2,386 square feet, while the median size is at 2,172 square feet.
Home size increased from 2009 to 2015 as entry-level new construction lost market share. Home size declined between 2016 and 2020 as more starter homes were developed. After a brief increase during the post-COVID building boom, home size has trended lower due to declining affordability conditions.
The cost of credit for residential Land Acquisition, Development & Construction (AD&C) eased in the first quarter of 2025, according to NAHB’s survey on AD&C Financing. During the quarter, the average contract interest rate declined on three of the four categories of loans tracked in the NAHB survey: from 8.48% in 2024 Q4 to 8.23% on loans for land acquisition, from 8.28% to 7.86% on loans for land development, and from 8.34% to 8.08% on loans for speculative single-family construction. The average rate on loans for pre-sold single-family construction meanwhile bucked the trend, increasing from 7.75% to 7.96%. In addition to interest, lenders also typically charge initial
points on the loans. The points can affect credit costs as much as the interest rate—especially for loans paid off as quickly as most of those for single-family construction. In the first quarter of 2025, average points declined from 0.75% to 0.74% on loans for land development, and from 0.67% to 0.45% on loans for pre-sold single-family construction; but increased from 0.55% to 0.71% on loans for land acquisition, and from 0.64% to 0.68% on loans for speculative singlefamily construction.
and Developers
COST OF CREDIT EASES FOR Builders
The change in points was sufficient to offset the increase in interest rates on loans for pre-sold singlefamily construction, but not the reduction in rates on the other three categories of AD&C loans. As a result, the average effective interest rate (calculated taking both the contract rate and initial points into account) declined in all four cases: from 10.79% to 10.68% on loans for land acquisition, from 12.12% to 11.50% on loans for land development, from 12.86% to 12.59% on loans for speculative single-family construction, and from 12.98% to 12.49% on loans for pre-sold single-family construction.
Except for what now looks like a temporary reversal for construction loans in 2024 Q4, the average effective rate on AD&C loans has been trending downward for about a year. This stands in contrast to the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, which has levelled off and even started to edge up again after coming off its 2023 peak.
While the cost of AD&C credit was declining, the NAHB survey shows that lending standards on AD&C loans were still tightening in the first quarter, although the reports of tightening were less widespread than they had been at any other time over the past three years. The net easing index derived from the survey posted a 2025 Q1 reading of -10.0 (the negative numbers indicating that net credit had become tighter since the previous quarter). This is the closest the NAHB index has come to hitting the break-even point of zero since the first quarter of 2022.
COST OF CREDIT EASES FOR Builders and Developers ( Cont.)
At the same time, the similar net easing index derived from the Federal Reserve’s survey of senior loan officers posted a 2025 Q1 reading of -11.1. This is down slightly from the previous quarter, but still ranks as the second highest reading for the Fed index since the first quarter of 2022. The Fed survey of lenders and the NAHB survey of builders and developers have been telling very similar stories recently, especially over the past five quarters. More details from the Fed’s survey of lenders—including measures of demand and net easing for residential mortgages—are discussed in a previous post.
Perhaps surprisingly, given the above results on declining credit costs, raising interest rates (cited by 57% of builders and developers who reported that availability of credit had worsened in the first quarter) has displaced lowering the loan-to-value or loan-to-cost ratio (50%) as the number-one way NAHB members say lenders are tightening conditions on AD&C loans. It is important to remember that relatively few NAHB members reported worse credit availability in the first place in 2025 Q1, so these percentages are based on a relatively small sample. Tied for third place, each cited by 43% of builders and developers, are increasing documentation requirements and requiring personal guarantees or collateral not related to the project. Meanwhile, the share of builders and developers who say lenders are reducing the amount they are willing to lend fell to 36%—the lowest percentage for this mode of tightening since 2018.
More detail on credit conditions for residential builders and developers is available on NAHB’s AD&C Financing Survey web page.
Save $500-$5,000 on Ford Pro’s trucks, vans and SUV’s. Discount stackable with local o ers.
can receive a free first-month lease payment.
Q2 2025 MEMBER SAVINGS
EYE ON THE ECONOMY
TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ADDING Certainty to the Outlook
Initial trade arrangements with the United Kingdom and China are providing needed clarity for the international economic outlook. The U.K. deal illustrated that a 10% U.S. tariff wall may be where the Trump administration is pointing a new system. And with the U.S. facing an impending supply shock from a virtual embargo on Chinese trade, the recently announced framework between the two countries temporarily lowered trade barriers for 90 days and set a path for future negotiations. These actions reduced the tariff rate on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%. As a result, goods should again flow between the two countries, tamping down near-term economic output declines and inflation effects from disrupted supply chains. This is a positive outcome, and stock markets have rallied as a result.
The timing is fortunate as well. With policy uncertainty at multi-year highs and survey data of economic conditions pointing to both slowing growth and rising inflation, these actions follow a weak reporting for first quarter GDP growth. The economy contracted at a -0.3% growth rate, with a huge swing for imports as U.S. businesses sought to bring goods into the country before the effects of the (previously enacted and later suspended) “reciprocal” tariffs would be implemented. For an economy at stall speed, the best outcome would be for these reciprocal tariffs to never go into effect and for negotiations to continue to make progress toward reducing non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. exporters. This appears to be the outlook for now.
Aside from these tariff-associated risks, the U.S. economy is on a solid foundation. April data showed inflation continued to decline to a four-year low of 2.3%. Although shelter inflation remains too high at a 4% growth rate, that measure will improve with gains for housing supply. The overall inflation rate of 2.3% is gradually nearing the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
If the economic costs of tariffs can be avoided, the Fed should be in a position to further lower short-term interest rates in the third and fourth quarters. The Fed has been on pause for all of 2025 thus far, after cutting the federal funds rate by 100 basis points at the end of 2024. Lower rates would help housing supply by reducing upward pressure on builder AD&C loan rates.
Housing demand remains solid, although weakened due to elevated interest rates. Nonetheless, a healthy labor market is supporting demand for rental and forsale homes. The unemployment rate remains low at 4.2%, although hiring is expected to slow in the weeks ahead due to tariff uncertainty. Wage growth in the residential construction sector remains above trend at a 4.5% year-over-year growth rate.
Sentiment among residential construction firms has been weakening due to the macro uncertainties. The NAHB Multifamily Production Index fell back to a negative reading of 44 after a half year of gains. Single-family builder sentiment collected prior to the China trade arrangement will be announced this week. The prior April reading showed a soft measure of 40. However, with additional deals and further constraints placed on tariffs, the macro outlook should improve. While this may raise long-term interest rates, the positive growth effect should provide a lift for the residential construction sector.
We offer immediate residential and commercial mitigation and reconstruction services in Northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Erie, Huron, Lorain, and Medina Counties.
If you are reading this, chances are you’re in the middle of a crisis – whether it be from water, mold, wind, storm, smoke, or fire damage – and looking for immediate help. We understand that can be an overwhelming feeling and we aren’t going to mince words – we will be there with you, every step of the way, to restore your home or commercial structure to pristine condition. From your first call to returning the keys, we will take care of your project and you.
Sponsored by: Sara Majzun, Majzun Construction
Gary Cliff, Fidelity National Title
Halle Siegfried, Walk Your Plans
Welcome New Members!
Stephen Baluh – Primary Member
Great Roofing and Restoration
797 Sharon Drive
Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 930-4833
steveb@greatroofing.com
http://www.greatroofing.com
Our dedicated team of professionals will be here to guide your project until the end. We take the hassle of multiple contact points out of the equation and keep you in the loop every step of the way. Whether you need residential, commercial, or multi-family roofing, siding, or gutter services, we’ve got you covered. We prioritize custom care above all else –because that’s what makes us great!
Sponsored by Judie Docs, NCBIA
Anthony Fiorini (Primary Builder)
Maverick Building Co.
30205 Clemens Road Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 724-2714
office@maverickbuildingco. com
http://www. maverickbuildingcompany. com
An old-fashioned approach made modern. When we started Maverick Building Co., we didn’t set out to disrupt the industry or provide flashy new services or add-ons that people didn’t need. We started Maverick because finding a reliable and trustworthy home builder had gotten so difficult in the Cleveland area. Between poor communication and surprise budgets, we realized that what most people want is pretty fundamental to running a good business: transparency, communication, and great craftmanship. So Maverick is dedicated to doing just that – helping good people remodel, renovate, and build their dream homes on time and at fair and transparent prices. If you’re looking for a builder or contractor with integrity who lives and works in the Cleveland are, you’ve found the right place. Reach out today and let us help build your dreams.
Sponsored by: Sam Hudspath, All Construction Services
As part of one of the largest independently owned employee management service providers in the United States, Minutemen HR Management Services has experience in the administration of personnel since 1968. Minutemen HR Management Services has the resources and flexibility to provide your company with the products and services needed to cost-effectively manage your workforce.
With Minutemen HR Management Services your company can choose from a menu of services, which includes:
• Payroll processing and payroll tax administration
• Workers' compensation management
• Unemployment claims administration
Our staff of Human Resources professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with unmatched customer service at a competitive price. With Minutemen HR Management Services, your company will receive a single-source service program that is structured to your exact needs and specifications.
Sponsored by: John Toth, Floor Coverings International
Mike Cippullo (Affiliate Associate)
MinuteMen Management Services
3740 Carnegie Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 452-0100 X 145 mike.cipullo@minutemenhr. com
http://www.minutemenhr.com
As part of one of the largest independently owned employee management service providers in the United States, Minutemen HR Management Services has experience in the administration of personnel since 1968. Minutemen HR Management Services has the resources and flexibility to provide your company with the products and services needed to cost-effectively manage your workforce.
With Minutemen HR Management Services your company can choose from a menu of services, which includes:
• Payroll processing and payroll tax administration
• Workers' compensation management
• Unemployment claims administration
Our staff of Human Resources professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with unmatched customer service at a competitive price. With Minutemen HR Management Services, your company will receive a single-source service program that is structured to your exact needs and specifications.
Welcome New Members!
Lynnette Savarino (Primary Member)
One Day Doors and Closets of Cleveland 31371 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070 (440) 331-1776
reception@ohiodoorsandclosets. com
http://www.onedaycleveland.com
Affordable Design, Driven By Technology, Done In One Day! Beautiful, custom interior and closet doors, featuring revolutionary 3D technology that will make your home transformation quick, easy, and affordable. Sponsored by: John Toth, Floor Coverings International
Maria Leali (Primary Associate)
Synchronous Solutions 3300 Franklin Blvd., Suite #303 Cleveland OH 44113 (440) 382-1799
MariaLeali@ SynchronousSolutions.com http://www.
SynchronousSolutions.com
The Continuous Pursuit of Excellence
Use Synchronous Flow to control the flow of information and materials through your business and increase profits. If you’re anything like the businesses we help, you know you could be moving faster. But no matter how hard you work, you always feel behind. Sadly, most people turn to the same old solutions: change the people, work harder, buy more equipment, or complicated shotgun improvement efforts. But it never works because every other solution just puts more on your plate. Sponsored by: Judie Docs, NCBIA
Brian DeLaat (Primary Associate)
DeLaat Insurance Group 150 Crocker Park Boulevard Suite 400 Westlake OH 44145 (440) 290-1552
Welcome to DeLaat Insurance Group. We are an Independent Insurance Agency, which means we are able to shop your coverage with several different companies in order to help you find the lowest rate possible. Not only does this approach save you money, but it saves valuable time as you are able to get multiple quotes all in one place. Another benefit to you is that as an independent agency, our loyalty is to you our customer, rather than one specific insurance company.
Please let us know how we can help you today by reaching out to us through one of our many channels. You can chat with us on our website or Facebook page, fill out a contact or quote request form that one of our staff will respond to asap, call/text us at 440-290-1552 or email us at info@delaatinsurance.com.
Colin Coyne, 84 Lumber
David Heider, 84 Lumber
Steve Ross, CBRE, Inc.
Lindsay Yost-Bott, Dale Yost Construction
Thomas Eschtruth, Environmental & Renovation Services, Inc.
Darrell Myers, Floor Coverings International
Jen Toth, Floor Coverings International
Eddie James, James Home Construction, LLC
Adan Murawski, K. Hovnanian Homes
Dawn Berlekamp, Kitchen Tune-Up (Cleveland West)
Craig Snodgrass, Lorain County Recorder
Mike Doran, Lorain County Recorder
Steven Schafer, Schafer Development Company, Inc.
George Litten, See Thru Window Cleaning, Inc.
Kevin Walker, Walker Wealth Management
Keith Oberg, Ascent Custom Homes & Remodeling
Shannon Niebes, Royalty Roofing
TWO DAY SHOW!!!!!
Sunday, February 22nd 10-3
EXHIBITOR CONTRACT
Company Name (as it will appear in show) __________________________________________
Contact Person (print) _________________________________________________________
Booth spaces are LIMITED and available on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis! 2025 SOLD OUT - Act now to secure your booth!
BOOTH INFORMATION
Electric is optional and available on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis!
Will you need electricity? _______ YES _______ NO ______# of Booth Spaces ____________TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
I understand that I have contracted for exhibit space by signing this contract and I am liable for the full cost of the booth space. I also understand that the final location of space will be determined by show management when payment is made in full. The undersigned represents that he/she is fully authorized to execute and complete this agreement. The undersigned also understands and agrees to the rules and regulations on the reverse side of this contract.
Authorized Exhibitor Signature
Printed Name
PAYMENT METHOD:
Please Indicate how you would like to pay for your booth space.
*If you select credit card, our office will call for your card information.
Please send completed form to Judie@ncbia.com or 5321 Meadow Lane Court - B, Suite 23 Sheffield Village, OH 44035
Event Sponsors:
**A 3% Convenience Fee will be charged for all Credit Card Payments
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING EXHIBITS
MANAGEMENT: The North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) shall be deemed Event Management and shall have all rights thereto assigned. (From here on the North Coast Building Industry Association will be referred to as NCBIA).
CHARACTER OF EXHIBITS: NCBIA reserves the right to approve all exhibits. The exhibits and the distribution of promotional material shall be limited to the confines of the Exhibitor’s space. Under no circumstances shall any Exhibitor be permitted to attract attention to his/her exhibit in such a way as to distract or interfere with the other exhibitors.
REGISTRATION: Exhibitors and their employees at the Event should wear a registration badge and/or tag for proper identification.
SET UP/REMOVAL OF EXHIBITS: All exhibits must be placed and ready at the opening of the show and no movement of exhibits will be permitted until after the close of the show. Exhibits must remain intact until after closing of the show and be removed within such time as may be specified by the NCBIA. Strict compliance with move in and move out times is mandatory. A fine for late move in and/or early move out will be assessed at the discretion of the NCBIA.
RAFFLES: Exhibitors are encouraged to conduct games, lotteries and/or similar activities to increase patron participation, so long as it does not interfere with the other exhibitors.
CARE OF EXHIBITS/AISLES: Aisles must be kept clear at all times. Seating for buyers must be confined within the exhibitor’s space. Exhibitors are requested at all times to cooperate with the NCBIA in maintaining all exhibits in appropriate condition.
*In the event that the Exhibitor does not exhibit as provided herein or fails to comply in any respect with the terms of this agreement, the NCBIA management shall have the right without notice to the Exhibitor, to license the use of said space to any other company, enterprise, person or persons and the Exhibitor agrees to pay any deficiency, loss and/or damage sustained by the NCBIA as a consequence of such failure to occupy space as provided in this agreement. In addition, it is agreed that should the NCBIA be unable to license the use of said space as herein provided, it shall have the right to occupy said space for its own purposes without prejudice to its rights against Exhibitor pursuant to this agreement, including but not limited to the payment of a license fee.
*Exhibitor will not sub license any part of the space herein provided for without the express written consent of the NCBIA. In the event the exhibit premises are destroyed or rendered unavailable for any reason whatsoever (whether before or during the scheduled exhibition), the rights of the Exhibitor under this agreement shall be limited to a pro-rated refund of the amount paid for the space licensed.
DIRECT SALES: All direct sales vendors must make the payment for their space in full at the time of registration.
REFRESHMENTS: No sample food and/or beverage products may be distributed by exhibitors except upon written authorization of the NCBIA.
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: Exhibitors must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules that may be in force during the exhibit.
INSURANCE: Exhibitors who desire insurance on their exhibits must procure same at their own expense. The NCBIA will not be responsible for any losses incurred by the Exhibitor or its employees because of theft, damage or for any cause whatsoever nor to any property of employee(s) or Exhibitor(s) while en route to or from exhibit. The Exhibitor agrees to make no claim for any reason whatsoever, including negligence, against the NCBIA or NCBIA management, its agents or employees while in the show quarters. Exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the NCBIA against any loss, damage or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) act or omission of Exhibitor or its agents connected in any way with its exhibits.
DECORATIONS, SIGNS, ETC: All equipment in conjunction with the exhibit must be provided by the Exhibitor. However, only the sign of the firm covered by the Exhibitor’s agreement may be placed in the booth or upon printed list of exhibitors or program. All decorations must conform to fire regulations. No exhibit is permitted that is more than eight feet high, or that obstructs other exhibits due to its design or size or that presents a safety hazard to other exhibitors and/or attendees.
PAYMENT DEFAULT: Payment must be made prior to event set up.
REFUND POLICY: A partial refund will only be given with a minimum of 45 days notice prior to the event. The NCBIA retains the right to use their own discretion when deeming the reason for refund as a viable one to determine whether refund shall be granted.
*The NCBIA shall have the right to make such rules and regulations in connection with the Exhibition as it may deem proper and may amend them at any time, and the NCBIA shall have the full power in the matter of interpretation and enforcement thereof. The rules and regulations heretofore referred to are printed on this agreement and are incorporated herein by reference. Exhibitor agrees to abide by said rules and regulations.
*It is agreed that this instrument is a license, and not a lease, and that no leasehold or tenancy is intended to be or shall be created hereby.
*This agreement cannot be varied, modified or canceled by the Exhibitor without the express written consent of the NCBIA.
*IN WITNESS THEREOF, the Exhibitor has caused this application and agreement to be executed by authorized representative.
LABOR DEPARTMENT ISSUES NEW Guidance on Independent Contractor Classification
The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recently issued guidance on its independent contractor misclassification enforcement. The guidance comes as the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule is facing multiple challenges in federal court, and after Labor has indicated that it is considering rescinding the rule.
The Wage and Hour Division will enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act as interpreted by Fact Sheet #13, issued in July 2008, and FLSA2019-6, an opinion letter issued on April 29, 2019.
Fact Sheet #13 identifies seven factors which determine whether a worker is an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act, based on factors courts considered significant:
1. The extent to which the services rendered are an integral part of the principal’s business;
2. The permanency of the relationship;
3. The amount of the alleged contractor’s investment in facilities and equipment;
4. The nature and degree of control by the principal;
5. The alleged contractor’s opportunities for profit and loss;
6. The amount of initiative, judgment, or foresight in open market competition with others required for the success of the claimed independent contractor; and
7. The degree of independent business organization and operation.
FLSA2019-6 states that service providers are not employees of the platforms that connect those providers with end consumers, based on the factors enumerated above.
For enforcement purposes, there is little substantive difference between the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule and the seven-factor test described in Fact Sheet #13. This new guidance doesn’t change builder best practices, but indicates that the administration may redefine independent contractors in the near future.
The main difference is that the guidance standard examines the extent to which the worker’s business organization and operation are independent from the principal, while the 2024 Independent Contractor rule does not consider business structure.
There is also a difference between Wage and Hour Division enforcement, which is governed by the new guidance, and civil litigation, which is still subject to the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule. There is also a different Fact Sheet #13 which interprets the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule as it applies to civil litigation.
NAHB has been monitoring the Independent Contractor rule as it has evolved and will continue to provide updates.
NAHB NOW
NAHB Monthly Update
NAHB's monthly update provides members with talking points to help tell the residential construction industry story to the media, policymakers, local/civic organizations, and consumers. In addition to the talking points, the update includes the top housing news and an economic snapshot. NAHB Communications updated the content on this page on May 2, 2025.
Top Housing News
• Good and bad news on lumber production and tariffs.
• Trade war will create further economic and financial market stress.
• Congress approves resolution to block Biden’s gas water heater ban.
• NAHB members evaluate new building code proposals.
• Latest executive orders promise regulatory reform and relief.
• Legislation would expand Low-Income Housing Tax Credit .
• Builder sentiment levels suggest slow start for spring housing season.
NCBIA Office, 5321 Meadow Lane Court - B, Suite 23, Sheffield Village
July Member Mixer 5-7 pm
Lorain Brewing Company, 500 Shipyard Way, Lorain
Annual Golf Classic - 8-5 pm
Aug 7th19-21stSweetbriar Golf Course, 750 Jaycox Road, Avon Lake Atlanta, Georgia
NAHB Association Management Conference
Sept 1st6th10thNCBIA Office, 5321
BuildPAC Wine Pairing Dinner 5:30 pm 15th23rdTBD Careers in Construction Month
Nov 11th19th27-28thSpike Appreciation
Coles Public House, 209 South Main Street, Amherst Labor Day - Office Closed Softball Game & Picnic 2-5 pm Executive Committee Meeting 3:30-5 pm Board of Directors Meeting 5-6:30 pm
OHBA Fall Board Meeting Executive Committee Meeting 3:30-5 pm Board of Directors Meeting 5-6:30 pm Thanksgiving - Office Closed
Dec 11th24-25th31stCaptain’s Club, 232 Park Avenue, Amherst
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party 2025 5-7 pm Christmas - Office Closed New Year's Eve - Office Closed
OHBA'S SUMMER MEETING Don't Forget to Sign up!
If you have not signed up for OHBA’s Summer Meeting, now is the time to do so! We have added a new event from previous notices. On Tuesday, June 24th at 4:30 p.m. there will be an OHBA Build-PAC event. This is a social event starting at President Stutzman’s office and a pub crawl to follow. There will be light food and drinks at the event. This event is a ticket event for $100 for Ohio Build-PAC. Please see the attached sign-up sheet to sign-up!
OHIO HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION SUMMER BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
June 24-25, 2025
Best Western Plus & Conference Center 243 E. Liberty, Wooster, OH 44691
The Trustees of Ohio Home Builders Association will be meeting and at this meeting you will obtain updated information on issues affecting the industry, network with your peers from Ohio and exchange viewpoints. There are limited sleeping rooms available at Best Western Hotel. Meeting registration can be emailed to build@ohiohba.com or faxed to (614)2285149.
Questions, contact OHBA at (800)282-3403 ext. 1.
Thank you to our sponsors-
Sugarcreek Concrete Finishers Inc.
Riceland Flow Care
All Construction Services Eco Seal
Dave Miller Electric Gerber Lumber & Hardware
Ohio Home Builders Association
Phone- 614/228-6647
by Vincent J. Squillace, CAE, OHBA Exec. VP
REGISTRATION FORM
SUMMER BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
BEST WESTERN PLUS & CONFERENCE CENTER 243 E. LIBERTY, WOOSTER, OH 44691 JUNE 24-25, 2025
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
❑10:00 – Noon
❑Noon –1:30 p.m.
❑2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
❑4:30 p.m.
OHBA AREA VP’S & SENIOR OFFICERS MEETING (Open to committee members only.)
NOMINATING MEETING (Open to committee members and nominees only.)
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS/BUILDING CODES/DEVELOPERS AND REMODELERS MEETING
OHIO BUILD-PAC TICKET EVENT & PUB CRAWL $100
This event will start at President Stutzman’s office and pub crawl to follow. This event will include light food and drinks. Must purchase a ticket to participate.
Please charge my personal or unincorporated business credit card or debit card or Check made payable to Ohio Build-PAC. VISA MasterCard Discover American Exp. Card Number: Exp.: SEC Code: Signature:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025
❑8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BREAKFAST MEETING (Open to committee members and OHBA Past Presidents only.)
❑9:30 – 11:00 a.m. BOARD
SEND TO: Ohio Home Builders Association 17 S. High St., Suite 700, Columbus, OH 43215 E-mail: build@ohiohba.com Phone: (800) 282-3403 Ext, 1
Thank you to our Sponsors –
Sugarcreek Concrete Finishers Inc. Riceland Flow Care All Construction Services Eco Seal Dave Miller Electric Gerber Lumber & Hardware
HOUSING’S SHARE OF THE ECONOMY Grows Higher to Start the Year
Housing’s share of the economy grew to 16.4% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the advance estimate of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This is the highest reading since the third quarter of 2022 and is up 0.2 percentage points from the fourth quarter of 2024.
The more cyclical home building and remodeling component – residential fixed investment (RFI) – was 4.1% of GDP, up from 4.0% in the previous quarter. The second component – housing services – was 12.3% of GDP, up from 12.2% in the previous quarter. The graph below stacks the nominal shares for housing services and RFI, resulting in housing’s total share of the economy.
Housing service growth is much less volatile when compared to RFI due to the cyclical nature of RFI. Historically, RFI has averaged roughly 5% of GDP, while housing services have averaged between 12% and 13%, for a combined 17% to 18% of GDP. These shares tend to vary over the business cycle. However, the housing share of GDP lagged during the post-Great Recession period due to underbuilding, particularly for the single-family sector.
In the first quarter, RFI added 5 basis points to the headline GDP growth rate, marking the second straight quarter of positive contributions. RFI was 4.1% of the economy, recording a $1.216 trillion seasonally adjusted annual pace. Among the two segments of RFI, residential structures rose 1.2% while residential equipment rose 5.5%.
Breaking down the components of residential structures, single-family structure RFI grew 5.9%, while multifamily investment fell 11.5%. RFI for multifamily structures has contracted for seven consecutive quarters. Permanent site structure RFI, which is made up of single-family and multifamily RFI, grew 1.2%. Other structures RFI rose 0.6% in the first quarter, down from 11.4% the previous period.
The second impact of housing on GDP is the measure of housing services. Similar to the RFI, housing services consumption can be broken out into two components. The first component, housing, includes gross rents paid by renters, owners’ imputed rent (an estimate of how much it would cost to rent owner-occupied units), rental value of farm dwellings, and group housing. The inclusion of owners’ imputed rent is necessary from a national income accounting approach, because without this measure, increases in homeownership would result in declines in GDP. The second component, household utilities, is composed of consumption expenditures on water supply, sanitation, electricity, and gas.
HOUSING’S SHARE OF THE ECONOMY Grows Higher to Start the Year ( Cont.)
For the first quarter, housing services represented 12.4% of the economy or $3.691 trillion on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. Housing services expenditures grew 3.4% at an annual rate in the first quarter and contributed 41 basis points to GDP growth. Real personal consumption expenditures for housing grew 1.3%, while household utilities expenditures grew 18.7%. Real personal expenditures for natural gas services grew 53.1% in the first quarter, as residential consumption of natural gas recorded its highest monthly level since January 2014, at 1.035 trillion cubic feet in January 2025. Through the first two months of 2025, residential households consumed 1.833 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, higher than the 1.582 trillion in 2024 and 1.498 trillion in 2023.
PHOTO GALLERY
EYE ON HOUSING
INFLATION EASED AGAIN in April
Inflation slowed to a 4-year low in April while shelter inflation remained elevated. Despite the easing, inflation may pick up in the coming months as possible inflationary pressure from enacted tariffs and other policy uncertainties continues to threaten economic growth and complicate the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Meanwhile, housing inflation remains elevated, but it continues to show signs of cooling – the year-over-year change in the shelter index remained below 5% for an eighth straight month, matching last month’s lowest level since November 2021.
While the Fed’s interest rate cuts could help ease some pressure on the housing market, its ability to address rising housing costs is limited, as these increases are driven by a lack of affordable supply and increasing development costs. In fact, tight monetary policy hurts housing supply because it increases the cost of AD&C financing. This can be seen on the graph below, as shelter costs continue to rise at an elevated pace despite Fed policy tightening. Additional housing supply is the primary solution to tame housing inflation and with it, overall inflation. This emphasizes why the cost of construction, including the cost of building materials, matters not just for housing but also the inflation outlook and the path of future monetary policy.
Consequently, the election result has put inflation back in the spotlight and added additional upside and downside risks to the economic outlook. Proposed tax cuts and tariffs could increase inflationary pressures, suggesting a more gradual easing cycle with a slightly higher terminal federal funds rate. However, economic growth could also be higher with lower regulatory burdens. Given the housing market’s sensitivity to interest rates, a higher inflation path could extend the affordability crisis and constrain housing supply as builders continue to grapple with lingering supply chain challenges.
During the past twelve months, on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, the Consumer Price Index rose by 2.3% in April, smallest increase since February 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report. This followed a 2.4% year-over-year increase in March. Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the “core” CPI increased by 2.8% over the past twelve months. A large portion of the “core” CPI is the housing shelter index, which increased 4.0% over the year. Meanwhile, the component index of food rose by 2.8%, and the energy component index fell by 3.7%.
On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.2% in April (seasonally-adjusted), after a 0.1% decline in March. The “core” CPI increased by 0.2% in April.
The price index for a broad set of energy sources rose by 0.7% in April, with increases in natural gas (3.7%) and electricity (0.8%) offset by decline in gasoline (-0.1%). Meanwhile, the food index fell 0.1%, after a 0.4% increase in March. The index for food away from home increased by 0.4% and the index for food at home decreased by 0.4%.
The index for shelter (+0.3%) was the largest contributor to the monthly increase in all items index, accounting for more than half of the total increase. Other top contributors that rose in April include indexes for household furnishings and operations (+1.0%), medical care (+0.5%), motor vehicle insurance (+0.6%), education (+0.1%), as well as personal care (+0.1%). Meanwhile, the index for airline fares (-2.8%) and used cars and trucks (-0.5%)were among the few major indexes that decreased over the month.
The index for shelter makes up more than 40% of the “core” CPI, rose by 0.3% in April, following an increase of 0.2% in March. The index for owners’ equivalent rent (OER) rose by 0.4% and index for rent of primary residence (RPR) increased by 0.3% over the month. Despite the moderation, shelter costs remained the largest contributors to headline inflation.
NAHB constructs a “real” rent index to indicate whether inflation in rents is faster or slower than core inflation. It provides insight into the supply and demand conditions for rental housing. When inflation in rents is rising faster than core inflation, the real rent index rises and vice versa. The real rent index is calculated by dividing the price index for rent by the core CPI (to exclude the volatile food and energy components).
In April, the Real Rent Index rose by 0.1%. Over the first four months of 2025, the monthly growth rate of the Real Rent Index averaged at 0.1%, higher than 0.0% from the same period in 2024.
Maria Leali Certified WHY.os Coach
Why do you do what you do? Really think about it...
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When you know your WHY, you can have more impact in everything you do! Let me show you how!”
Why don't others just do things the way YOU think they should be done? If they would just do things your way, it would be so much easier!
When you know your WHY, you can have more in everything you do! Let me show you
Well, we believe there are 9 WHY's and everyone has one. Come learn about the 9 WHY's at this interactive, FREE (for members) workshop facilitated by Maria Leali of Synchronous Solutions, Certified WHY.os Coach.
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