NCBIA March/April 2024 BUILDER Newsletter

There has never been a better time to be a Carter Lumber customer in the Cleveland/Akron area. We now have even more resources to provide our customers with quality materials and exceptional service. We’re more than just a lumberyard! Contact your nearest store location to see how having Carter Lumber as a part of your team can help you grow your business and your bottom line.

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.

NCBIA Office

5321 Meadow Lane Court

Suite 23

Sheffield Village, OH 44035

Phone: 440.934.1090

info@ncbia.com | www.ncbia.com

NCBIA Staff Executive Officer

Judie Docs | judie@ncbia.com

Executive Assistant

LaBreeska Bellan | labreeskancbia@gmail.com

Marketing Associate

Ashlyn Bellan-Caskey | ashlynncbia@gmail.com

2024 NCBIA Officers President

Tim King, K. Hovnanian Homes

Vice President

Mike Meszes, DRC Construction Co.

Associate Vice President

John Toth, Floor Coverings International Treasurer

Melanie Stock, First Federal Savings of Lorain Secretary

Mike Gidich, Honey Dudes Handyman Service

2024 NCBIA Board of Directors

Sam Hudspath, All Construction Services

Dave Linna, Linna Homes & Remodeling

Sara Majzun, Majzun Construction Co.

Jon Sherer, Paraprin Construction, LLC

John Eavenson, Perpetual Development

Brian Schwab, RestorePro

Jason Rodriguez, The S.J.R Building Co.

Kevin Walker, Walker Wealth Managements & Great Lakes Properties & Investments

NCBIA Life Directors

Jeremy Vorndran, 84 Lumber

Tom Caruso, Caruso Cabinets

Bob Yost, Dale Yost Construction

Liz Schneider Dollar Bank

Mary H. Felton, Guardian Title

Jack Kousma, Kousma Insulation

Jeff Hensley, Lake Star Building & Remodeling

Chris Majzun Jr., Majzun Construction Co.

Chris Majzun Sr., Majzun Construction Co.

Jim Sprague, Maloney + Novotny, LLC

Randy Strauss, Strauss Construction

Tom Lahetta, Tom Lahetta Builders, Inc.

2024 NAHB Delegate

This member represents our local industry in Washington DC

Tim King, K. Hovnanian Homes

NAHB Senior Life Delegate

Randy Strauss, Strauss Construction

Ohio’s State Rep. to NAHB

Randy Strauss, Strauss Construction

OHBA 2024 President

Enzo Perfetto, Enzoco Homes

OHBA Past President

Randy Strauss, 1996

2024 OHBA Trustees

Tim King, K. Hovnanian Homes

John Eavenson, Perpetual Development

OHBA Area 2 Vice-President

Ric Johnson, CAPS Builder & Right at Home Technologies

HOW CAN WE HELP?

(8.5”x11”)

(8.5”x14”)

Black & White (11”x17”)

(8.5”x11”)

(8.5”x14”)

(11”x17”)

Raffle Boards, Drum & Equipment

$100 per day

$50

$30 each (plus shipping, if applicable)

Your New Home

$10

$7 each (plus shipping, if applicable)

Graphic Design Services

Contact

NEED SOMETHING ELSE? JUST ASK!

For more information on any of these products & services, please contact the NCBIA Office at (440) 934-1090 or email judie@ncbia.com

What members are saying:

HOW CAN WE HELP?

It was great to meet Carl Harris. “ “

Very nice to have Carl Harris, NAHB Chairman as a speaker. “ “

Copies Equipment

Black & White

Single Sided 2-Sided

Black & White Color Color Color

Black & White (11”x17”) (8.5”x11”) (8.5”x14”) (11”x17”)

Raffle Boards, Drum & Equipment

Carl shared some very interesting facts about NAHB and their vision. “ “

Warranty Books

Your New Home

$7 each (plus shipping, if applicable)

Design Services

Graphic

Design Services (8.5”x11”) (8.5”x14”)

NEED SOMETHING ELSE? JUST ASK!

For more information on any of these products & services, please contact the NCBIA Office at (440) 934-1090 or email judie@ncbia.com

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!

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024

Economic Forecast

Presented By: Rob Dietz, NAHB Chief Economist

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tom's Country Place

3442 Stoney Ridge Road

Avon, OH 44011

Saturday, April 20th, 2024

Night at the Races

5:30 PM

American Legion Post 211

31972 Walker Road

Avon Lake, OH 44012

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

NCBIA Annual Golf Classic

Sweetbriar Golf Club

750 Jaycox Road

Avon Lake, OH 44012

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

BUILD-PAC Wine Pairing Dinner

Cole's Public House

209 South Main Street

Amherst, OH 44001

If you would like to participate in a committee, please email Judie Docs at judiencbia@gmail.com.

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!

Congratulations to our President, Tim King as a winner in the OHBA Membership Development Program for sponsoring ten or more new members in 2023

APRIL IS NEW HOMES MONTH

What Builders are Featuring in Today’s Homes, or Should Consider Featuring

America’s home builders closely follow the preferences of today’s home buyers to ensure they enjoy their new homes. For example, builders responded at the height of the pandemic by adding square footage in new homes since people were spending more time at home. Now the trend is shifting, partly due to housing affordability factors. Here are a few notable trends in the residential construction industry based on recent U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Home Size is Trending Lower. An expected impact of the pandemic was a need for more residential space, as people use homes for more purposes, including work. The housing boom after COVID led to a rise in new single-family home size. However, this trend appears to be reversing due to housing market conditions, namely affordability. According to 2022 third-quarter U.S. Census data and NAHB analysis, the median singlefamily square floor area declined to 2,276 square feet, compared to 2,326 in the third quarter of 2021.

New Homes Have More Bedrooms and Bathrooms. According to the most recent data available, only a small percentage of new single-family homes have two bedrooms or less (9.2%), while nearly half (44%) of new homes had three bedrooms and more than a third (36%) had four bedrooms. Moreover, 2021 marked the second year that the share of four-bedroom homes increased.

In addition, a majority (62%) of new single-family homes have two full bathrooms. According to an NAHB analysis, since 2005, most new homes tend to have two full bathrooms. And it is no surprise that an overwhelming majority (93%) of homes that were 5,000 square feet or more had three or more full bathrooms.

Patios are Preferred to Decks. Homeowners treasure their outdoor space. For the sixth consecutive year, 2021 showed that the share of new homes with patios increased. In contrast, the share of new homes with decks is trending in the opposite direction. However, decks remain relatively popular in certain parts of the country, according to NAHB. For example, more than half (60%) of new homes in New England came with decks in 2021.

Interest in Two-story Foyers Declines. In 2021, most new single-family homes were built without a two-story foyer nationally and regionally. According to the Census Bureau, a two-story foyer is an entranceway inside a house's front door and has a ceiling at the second-floor ceiling level. In the United States, the share of new homes with two-story foyers fell from 29% to 25% in 2021, the lowest level in the last five years. A two-story foyer has been an unwanted feature for many home buyers since 2012, as many consider two-story foyers energy inefficient.

Tim King, K. Hovnanian Homes

by Judie Docs, CSP, MCSP, MIRM, CMP, CGP

OUR BEGINNING80 Years Ago

Our Beginning - 80 Years Ago

1990-2010 (Part 3 of 4)

1990’s Growth & Progress

Several major events occurred for the NCBIA in the early ‘90s. The association was first in the nation to recruit 73 new members during a one-day membership drive. Membership reached an all-time high of 472. Two scattered-site Parade of Homes were held and the first dual-site Homearama was a major success.

One warm August day in 1993, hundreds of members came together to accomplish a seemingly impossible task – to build a “home” in 24 hours. This marathon construction project was designed to benefit the youth of our communities. The house was completed in 23 ½ hours and sold immediately. It is this type of camaraderie, caring, and community concern amongst competitor members that has made the association such a strong organization.

A great deal of pride can be taken as members look back on the countless hours of sacrifice and the commitment of excellence that have given the NCBIA a reputation of “quality and innovation” in our industry.

In 1995 the Remodelers™ Council donated labor to build the West Falls Observation deck at Cascade Park in Elyria. We brought in 50 new members in one month. Started “Breakfast with the Builders” where we invited a different city once a month in an open forum setting to get to know each other in a positive atmosphere.

With building at an all-time high in 1999, we experienced labor shortages and environmental and urban sprawl issues that lead to strong anti-growth movements here and across the country. In a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 91% of the associations identified labor shortage as the most critical issue facing the industry.

2000’s Boom to Bust

2001 was the Hall of Fame Inaugural Class which honored those past and present NCBIA members who have made significant contributions to the association and the building industry.

In 2002 the building industry was fueling the economy when everything else was slowing down and people were losing their jobs. Led by the NCBIA, a regional planning group for Northeast Ohio was formed with Greater Cleveland HBA, HBA of Portage & Summit Counties, Medina HBA and BIA of Stark County. They also put together the Smart Growth Education Foundation to provide communication, understanding and education in growth topics among organizations, municipalities, and townships. NCBIA members lead the community in building the Little League North baseball fields as part of our Home Builders Care Program.

In 2002 the NCBIA driveway became a public road and this is when we got a new address (5201 Waterford Drive) without moving. We also launched our own website and started implementing paperless communication with members.

Starting in 2003, the association started our Dream House Project which was a partnership of the North Coast BIA (community), the Lorain County JVS students (education), and Lorain County Metro Parks (recreation). Working with the students, the NCBIA members researched and built the house using “green building” techniques, materials, and systems.

The house was completed in 2004 with great media coverage and won awards from the National Association of Home Builders for the partnerships formed and the Governor’s award for the “Green Building” practices. In 2004 growth in Erie and Huron Counties picked up and attendance at the Satellite Breakfasts doubled that year. Builders’ Only Forums were started giving the builders the opportunity to discuss issues and ideas.

by Judie Docs, CSP, MCSP, MIRM, CMP, CGP

OUR BEGINNING80 Years Ago (Cont.)

The Boom - - in 2004 building permits in Lorain County totaled over 2,000 and membership was over 600 members. We couldn’t build the homes fast enough.

In 2006 we sponsored the Lorain County JVS Building Trades Academy students as a Student Chapter of the National Association of Home Builders. They join more than 3,000 students at 151 high schools, technology schools and colleges in competitions, professional networks, conferences, and industry exhibits.

In 2006 nearly 70 percent of American families owned their own home, compared with 62 percent in 1960, and the U.S. population had grown by more than 119 million people in those 45+ years. New home prices increased from $18,000 to $240,000 or about 13 times, roughly during that same time as well.

In 2007 we changed how we solicited for non-dues revenue by implementing the successful Total Resource Campaign. We combined all committee sponsorships, publication ad sales and special event sponsorships into a one-time offering to our members. During a six-week period, members purchased items at a discount.

The Bust -- but things were soon to change. In 2007 things came to a screeching halt and banks called loans. No partial payments – “just pay us now or we take the property.” The industry lost 20% of the homebuilders overnight.

The building industry started feeling the effect of a poor economy leading to a slowdown in building. The industry had really hit the wall in 2007 as high inventory, high foreclosures, and loss of manufacturing jobs were the primary reasons. We began working with the Lorain County Growth Partnership, the Ohio Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders to promote a positive atmosphere for purchasing a new home.

The recovery promised by the economists was not 12 months or 18 months or even 3 or 4 years. It is now referred to as “The Lost Decade.” After bailouts to the banks and automotive industry and incentives to the home building industry there is still no relief for the economy.

Congress is divided on all fronts and appears to be more concerned about their party interests than the policies that will preserve our American way of life. We can no longer base our decisions on the American economy. The economy is now based on the changing environment of technology in communication and industry. The industry's decline is now global.

NEW HOME SALES Hold Steady in February

Asmall rise in mortgage rates in February led to a flat reading for new home sales.

Sales of newly built, single-family homes in February edged 0.3% lower to a 662,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in February is up 5.9% from a year earlier.

Mortgage rates averaged 6.78% in February compared to 6.64% in January, according to Freddie Mac.

A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the February reading of 662,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months.

BY: Robert Dietz

New single-family home inventory in February remained elevated at a level of 463,000, up 1.3% from January. This represents an 8.4 months’ supply at the current building pace. A measure near a 6 months’ supply is considered balanced. However, with only a 2.9 months’ supply of existing homes for sale, new home inventory can remain above this balanced measure. As interest rates subside over the course of 2024, additional home buyers will be priced into the market and new construction will be needed to meet this demand. Nonetheless, as existing home inventory is expected to rise this year, watching new home inventory will be key during the second half of this year.

With respect to the types of inventory, completed and readyto-occupy inventory has increased 23% over the last year, rising to 85,000 homes. Homes advertised for sale but not started construction have increased almost 18% over the last year to 106,000. In contrast, homes available for sale that are under construction have declined 2% to 272,000.

The median new home sale price in February was $400,500, edging down 3.5% from January, and down 7.6% compared to a year ago. The NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI reported that approximately one-quarter of builders reduced prices in March. Combined with slightly smaller home sizes, these factors are reflected in the year-over-year price decline.

Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up 47.0% in the Northeast, 29.7% in the Midwest and 41.0% in the West. New home sales are down 13.4% in the South.

NAHB’s Membership Drive program is an exciting opportunity for HBAs to focus on membership recruitment and retention efforts while competing for prizes.

Three Prize Categories this Year:

HBAs with 3.00%-4.99% Builder and Associate Member net growth will receive:

• One (1) complimentary IBS registration (Expo+Education)

• $500 travel stipend to assist with travel expenses

• 2x bonus Spike credits

HBAs with 5%-6.99% Builder and Associate Member net growth will receive:

• One (1) complimentary IBS registration (Expo+Education)

• $1,000 travel stipend to assist with travel expenses

• 2x bonus Spike credits

HBAs with 7% or higher Builder and Associate Member net growth will receive:

• Two (2) complimentary IBS registrations (Expo+Education)

• Two (2) $1,000 travel stipends to assist with travel expenses

• 3x bonus Spike credits

IBS Prize Details

The 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show is Feb. 25-27 in Las Vegas. HBAs who qualify for a prize can pick a member to enjoy complimentary registration and travel stipend to attend the show. It’s a great way to help a member attend IBS for their first time or thank a top member recruiter.

What does the IBS Expo+Education Pass include?

• 3-day access to 100+ IBS education sessions

• 3-day entry to the IBS and KBIS exhibit floors and IBS Centrals

Night at the Races!

April

Sponsorship Opportunities

Win Place Or Show Sponsor - Sold Out!

• Includes 8 tickets to the event

• Logo on Placemats and On Program Cover, Mic Time, Verbal Recognition, and Ad on All Social Media Platforms

Stable Sponsor: $1000 - Unlimited

• Includes 8 tickets to the event,

• Logo on Placemats and in Program, Mic Time, Verbal Recognition

Winners Circle Sponsor: $500 - Unlimited

• Includes 4 tickets to the Event

• Logo on Table Placemats and in Program, Verbal Recognition

Bar Sponsor: $400 - Sold Out!

• Includes 2 tickets to event

• Logo on Napkins for Bar, Ad in Program

Name a Race**: $150 - Only 7 Remaining

• Listed in Program and Announced During Racing Event.

Table Sponsor: $100 - Unlimited

• Ad in program and on Placemats;

• Verbal recognition

Name a Horse**: $20 - Only 90 Available

• Horse Name and Owner Listed in Program and Announced During Racing Event.

• If Your Horse Wins its Race You Win $50!

** If You Choose to “Name a Horse” or “Name a Race” a Committee Member Will Reach Out to You Prior to the Event for Naming Selections

Questions? Call a Committee Member:

Sara Majzun 440-752-7061

John Toth 216-409-7277

Jeremy Vorndran 440-213-6729

are Our FOUNDATION

STATES AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES Most Reliant on Immigrant Workers, 2022

As we reported earlier, immigrants make one in four construction workers. The share is significantly higher (31%) among construction tradesmen. In some states, reliance on foreign-born labor is particularly evident, with immigrants comprising 40% of the construction workforce in California and Texas. Supported by a substantial increase in immigration to the United States since 2022, labor shortages in construction have eased but remain elevated.

According to the government’s system for classifying occupations, the construction industry employs workers in about 380 occupations. Out of these, only 33 are construction trades, yet they account for almost two thirds of the construction labor force. The other one-third of workers are in finance, sales, administration and other offsite activities.

The concentration of immigrants is particularly high in construction trades essential for home building, such as plasterers and stucco masons (64%), drywall/ceiling tile installers (52%), painters (48%), roofers (47%), carpet/floor/ tile installers (46%). The two most prevalent construction occupations, laborers and carpenters, account for over a quarter of the construction labor force. A third of all carpenters and 41% of construction laborers are of foreignborn origin. These trades require less formal education but consistently register some of the highest labor shortages in the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) surveys and NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI).

In the latest February 2024 HMI Survey, 65% of builders reported some or serious shortage of workers performing finished carpentry. Looking at other tradesmen directly employed by builders, the shortages of bricklayers and masons are similarly acute, despite a high presence of immigrant workers in these trades.

Labor shortages are also high among electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians, with over half of surveyed builders reporting shortages of these craftsmen. In contrast, these trades demand longer formal training, often require professional licenses and attract fewer immigrants.

BY: NATALIA SINIAVSKAIA

Reliance on foreign-born labor is quite uneven across the US states. Immigrants comprise close to 40% of the construction workforce in California and Texas. In Florida, 38% of the construction labor force is foreign-born. In New York and New Jersey, 37% of construction industry workers come from abroad.

Construction immigrants are concentrated in a few populous states, with more than half of all immigrant construction workers (56%) residing in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. These are not only the most populous states in the U.S., but also particularly reliant on foreign-born construction labor.

However, the reliance on foreignborn labor continues to spread outside of these traditional immigrant magnets. This is evident in states like New Jersey, Nevada, and Maryland where immigrants, as of 2022, account for over a third of the construction labor force. In Massachusetts, Connecticut, Georgia, Rhode Island, and Arizona, one out of four construction workers are foreign-born. At the other end of the spectrum, nine northern states have the share of immigrant workers below 5%.

While most states draw the majority of immigrant foreignborn workers from the Americas, Hawaii relies more heavily on Asian immigrants. European immigrants are a significant source of construction labor in New York, New Jersey and Illinois.

2024 2024 2024

AUGUST

2024 2024 2024

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

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Nick Yarham, Northern Hammerworks, LLC

(Primary Builder)

531 Miller Road

Avon Lake, OH 44012

(888) 542-6637

nick@northernhammerworks.com

http://northernhammerworks.com

Sponsored by Tim King, K. Hovnanian Homes

Serving Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Village, Sheffield Lake and Bay Village, our services include both residential and commercial remodeling as well as building additions. While we specialize in kitchen, basement, and bathroom remodeling and additions, we offer a wide range of other remodeling services, such as exterior updates, windows and doors, decks, and covered patios, just to name a few.

Danny Reaser, On Time Gutter, LLC (Primary Associate)

Kyle Brown, On Time Gutter, LLC (Affiliate Associate) PO Box 1072

Elyria, OH 44036

(440) 221-3472

sales@ontimegutter.com

http://www.ontimegutter.com

Sponsored by Mary H. Felton, Guardian Title

Protect one of your greatest investments with a custom rain gutter system that will not take away from the curb appeal of your home. Gutters protect your landscape and facet, but most importantly gutters protect your foundation. For the best gutter installation in Northwest Ohio, it’s time to get in touch with On Time Gutter. On Time Gutter is a locally owned gutter installation company in Northeast Ohio that takes great pride in the service we provide to customers throughout Ohio and surrounding areas.

Sam Hudspath, All Construction Services, Inc.

John Blakeslee, Blakeslee Excavating, Inc.

Tom Caruso, Caruso Cabinets

Chris Ferguson, Fergs Construction

Matt Garland, Garland New Homes

Aaron Kalizewski, Grande Maison Construction LLC

Jamie Kotris, Kotris & Associates

Jack Kousma, Kousma Insulation

Beth Fritz, Norwalk Concrete Industries

Tim Peacock, Peacock Water

Tom Sear, Ryan Homes

Rob Kreimes, The Kreimes Company

Greg Zimmerman, Zimmerman Remodeling & Construction

Mike DeAnna, 5D Construction

Jessica Stewart, First Federal Savings of Lorain

SINGLE-FAMILY HOME BUILDING Set for Gains in 2024

Despite elevated interest rates, home builder sentiment and construction starts are showing the potential for housing sector growth in the coming months. In fact, the reason for recent increases for the 10-year Treasury rate, which is now hovering near 4.3%, is ongoing solid economic conditions. For example, in February, wages were 4.3% higher than a year ago and 275,000 jobs were created. The unemployment rate remains low at 3.9%, which is helping to support for-rent and for-sale housing growth.

Indeed, the moderately strong economic data are keeping upward pressure on what had been a declining trend for inflation. In February, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the broadest measure of inflation, was up 3.2% from a year ago. While inflation data made progress in late 2022 and early 2023, the CPI has been in the 3% range since May 2023. The reason for the lingering and unfinished inflation challenge continues to be housing inflation, which is due to a lack of housing supply. The shelter inflation component of overall inflation was up 5.7% from a year ago. This is lower than at the start of the year, but for shelter to fall back to the inflation reported in the rest of the economy, additional home building will be required.

Home construction continues to be challenged by supplyside issues. For example, gypsum pricing was up 3% in February, and concrete prices are up more than 7% from a year ago. Meanwhile, a shortage of skilled labor continues, with 413,000 open construction sector jobs. There were only 293,000 open jobs a year ago, a sign of ongoing growth for construction workers.

BY: DR. ROBERT DIETZ

Despite these challenges, with the Fed expected to cut the short-term federal funds rate later this year, builders are anticipating more gains for building. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased to a level of 51 in March. This was the first time HMI was above the break-even level of 50 since last July. Only 24% of builders reported using price cuts in March, which was the lowest share since last summer.

Consistent with improving builder sentiment, housing starts expanded in February. Single-family starts increased 11.6% to a 1.13 million seasonally adjusted annual rate, up 35.2% compared to a year ago. The three-month moving average (a useful gauge, given the recent volatility) is up to over 1 million starts. The multifamily sector increased 8.3% to an annualized 392,000 pace for 2+ unit construction in February. However, multifamily construction is down 34.8% on a year-over-year basis, with additional declines expected ahead as housing supply for apartments increases later this year.

Trusted

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THE IMPACT OF THE BALTIMORE Bridge Disaster on Building Materials

The tragic March 26 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, following a collision with a massive container ship that lost power, is expected to cause supply-chain disruptions.

Imports will not be able to enter the port, and exports cannot leave as the collapsed bridge blocks the primary route into the Baltimore port. Imported commodities from overseas will need to be diverted to other ports of entry. Based on Census data, the United States imported more than $3.08 trillion worth of goods from overseas. Baltimore imported $58.8 billion worth of goods in 2023, making it the 5th largest port of entry on the eastern seaboard and 15th largest overall in the U.S. Baltimore’s largest import for 2023 was personal motor vehicles ($22.47 billion import value), followed by heavy duty machinery such as bulldozers and excavators ($3.62 billion). Unwrought aluminum was the 5th highest valued import for Baltimore at $1.25 billion.

Top imports related to the home building industry include: Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood ($425.07 million), which represents 16% of the U.S. total import value for 2023, making it the most important port for plywood imports.

Gypsum ($23.99 million), representing 14% of the U.S. total import value for 2023 and the highest level of gypsum imports for any U.S. port.

Sawn lumber ($198.22 million), which represents 3% of the U.S. total import value for 2023, making Baltimore the 11th most important port for sawn lumber imports. Other items of note include electrical transformers ($263.74 million), which represents less than 1% of the U.S. total import value.

NAHB will continue to monitor the data and provide updates as they become available

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES for All

Nothing new to this industry of course. The real challenge is the attempt to foresee the next challenge and how to prepare for it. Once, looking to the financial markets and an expected range of interest rates was enough. Presently, the regulatory field and possible changes are just as important. To no surprise, whomever will occupy a particular office will influence regulatory outcomes.

The next president of the United States will be elected this November; along with every member of the US House of Representatives too. About a third of the US Senate will be seated as well. We know acts of congress are influenced by who holds the gavel and the president holds vast power through regulatory authorizations. From my view, it appears we could find increasing regulatory impacts in energy requirements, especially on the building code front.

On the Ohio front things are a bit more predictable. Our governor and other executive offices are seated for another two years. All 99 State Representatives are to be elected along with 17 Senators. All of those districts, along with congressional districts, have been redrawn due to mandated 10 years redistricting laws. It appears the majority party in both Houses will remain under Republican control but a few seats may change. A major issue in the House is who will be the next Speaker. A dozen or so primary battles were chippy and four incumbents were defeated.

On the homebuilding front we continue to work with leadership on ways to deal with an admitted housing shortage. The best angle to address the shortage is to increase the number residential lots which certainly is the best way to address a shortage. We have been making headway and hope some meaningful remedies will be enacted. We expect legislation to be introduced this month. You can be sure OHBA will be at the table advocating on behalf of all builders across Ohio.

Ohio Home Builders Association

Phone- 614/228-6647

by Vincent J. Squillace, CAE, OHBA Exec. VP

NAHB PLAYS MAJOR ROLE IN SAVING Job Corps Program, NFIP Extended Through Sept.30

After Congress threatened to entirely eliminate the Job Corps program, lawmakers — thanks largely to the efforts of NAHB — have approved Job Corps funding for $1.76 billion, which maintains its fiscal 2023 funding level. Also of note, the appropriations bill averts a lapse in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and ensures that authorization for the NFIP is extended through Sept. 30, 2024. The legislation also prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning gas stoves.

NAHB has worked long and hard to secure proper Jobs Corps funding and this legislation represents a major win for our industry. Last summer, House appropriators proposed to abolish the Department of Labor’s Job Corps program as part of a 30% reduction to the agency’s fiscal year 2024 budget.

From that point on, NAHB’s advocacy team and grassroots mobilized to not only save this critical program that is a vital source of skilled labor for the residential construction sector, but to also keep it fully funded.

In a letter to House Republican and Democratic appropriations leaders, NAHB stressed that “for nearly 50 years, Job Corps has been the nation’s most successful career preparation program for our most disadvantaged youth. Job Corps offers real-life, hands-on training to help young people acquire three vital pieces of the employment puzzle: trades training, basic academics and employability skills.”

In partnership with NAHB, the Home Building Institute (HBI) is a national leader for career training and job placement in the building industry. For more than 45 years, HBI has been a trusted and valued national training program contracted by the Department of Labor when outsourcing their Job Corps construction training contracts. But due to tight budgetary constraints, many House lawmakers remained opposed to funding the Job Corps program. From last July through this week, NAHB lobbyists and members from across the nation have been meeting with lawmakers, inviting them to HBI training sites and working with others in the industry to hammer home the importance of Job Corps to the housing community. A severe shortage of labor in the construction industry is worsening the housing affordability crisis through higher home building costs and construction delays. In any given month, there is a shortage of between 325,000 and 400,000 construction workers, and home builders will need to add 2.2 million new workers over the next three years just to keep up with demand.

Through the determined efforts of NAHB, House lawmakers ultimately agreed with Senate appropriators to maintain Jobs Corps funding at its $1.76 billion level through the end of fiscal year 2024, which runs through Sept. 30, 2024. At the same time as it approved the Labor HHS spending bill, Congress also enacted five other remaining spending bills -- Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS, Legislative Branch, and State and Foreign Operations.

After moving earlier this month to approve fiscal year 2024 spending bills for several other government agencies, including Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice and Science, Energy and Water Development, HUD, Interior, and Military Construction-VA, this means that Congress has passed all its spending bills for fiscal year 2024.

Looking forward, NAHB will be urging Congress to maintain its support for Job Corps and encourage funding that reflects the program’s needs for fiscal year 2025

Warehouse safety

You may have seen, over the years, an increase in warehouse opera4ons in your area. This is due to the industry’s significant growth since 2011. According to the Occupa4onal Safety and Health Administra4on (OSHA), warehousing and distribu4on facili4es have experienced a surge in employment from 668,900 to 1,713,900. The study included industries in warehousing and distribu4on centers, mail/postal processing and distribu4on centers and parcel delivery/courier services. Unfortunately, the increase in employment has also shown an increase in employee injuries.

From 2017 to 2021, the average incidence rate of nonfatal occupa4onal injuries and illnesses and the average days away restricted or transferred rate (also known as DART) were significantly higher than the private general industry rate. The Private Industry Rate showed a recordable case rate of 2.76 and a total DART rate of 1.6. The warehouse industry average showed a total recordable case rate of 4.17 and a total DART rate of 3.64. Check to see how your Injury and DART Rate compare.

With the increase in injuries, it is essen4al to ensure you have implemented the appropriate safety programs and trained employees on hazard iden4fica4on and resolu4on. To get an idea of what those warehouse hazards are, OSHA performed several inspec4ons over the years and came up with the following areas of concern: powered industrial vehicles; slip, trip, and fall hazards; blocked aisles/means of egress; heat hazards; and ergonomic hazards. Although this is only part of the list, it can help provide a star4ng point for iden4fica4on of hazards in your organiza4on.

Below are some poten4al solu4ons to those hazards.

1. Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIV’s) Hazards

a. All employees opera4ng PIVs must be adequately trained.

b. Never exceed the rated load of the PIV and ensure it is stable.

c. Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.

d. Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.

e. Never, ever give rides to passengers.

2. Slips, Trips and Fall Hazards

a. Train workers on fall protec4on systems and ensure they are appropriately used.

b. Keep floors and aisles clear of trip hazards such as cords, pallets, boxes and hoses.

c. Ensure spills or wet areas are cleaned up as soon as possible.

d. Ladders should be inspected before use and always used properly. Do not allow ladders to be used as pladorms or placed on boxes, barrels or pallets to obtain addi4onal height.

3. Blocked Aisles/Means of Egress Hazards

a. Fire ex4nguishers, eye wash/safety shower sta4ons and electrical boxes should always remain clear and accessible. Best management prac4ces suggest three feet of clearance.

b. Ensure exit doors are kept clear in the event of an evacua4on.

c. Check emergency ligh4ng for proper func4onality.

4. Heat Hazards

a. New and returning workers should gradually be acclimated into the workplace to build a tolerance to the heat.

b. Provide breaks that include water or electrolytes and cool/shaded areas.

c. Train workers on the symptoms and dangers of heat hazards, such as heat stress or heat exhaus4on and the steps to take for proper medical assistance.

5. Ergonomic Hazards

a. Ensure employees understand proper liging techniques and weight limita4ons.

b. Review and train employees on the need for material handling equipment to assist in liging objects.

c. Train employees on the signs and symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs include injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and epicondyli4s.

Employers can create a secure environment that promotes employee well-being and enhances overall opera4on efficiency by priori4zing warehouse safety through training, communica4on, and proac4ve measures. Regular reviews and updates to safety protocols are essen4al to adapt to changing circumstances and technologies.

As final note, OSHA has placed warehouse safety as one of their Na4onal Emphasis Programs or NEP’s. NEP’s are designed to focus OSHA’s resources on par4cular hazards and high-hazard industries. For further informa4on on the OSHA NEP for Warehouse Safety, go to: hjps://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/direc4ves/ CPL_03-00-026.pdf.

If you need help iden4fying poten4al hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, Risk Services Specialist at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.

Industrial Commission hearings

Con$nuance requests

If you are an employer who has an injured worker with an ac7ve workers’ compensa7on claim, then there is a good chance that you will be scheduled for an Industrial Commission (IC) hearing at some point in 7me.

The Industrial Commission adjudicates all contested maBers and will schedule a hearing at one of the 12 IC offices located throughout the state. Typically, the hearing is scheduled at the IC office closest to the Injured Worker’s home address.

Occasionally, when the hearing is set there is a need to request a con7nuance (postponement) of the hearing. In order to have a hearing successfully con7nued there are a few best prac7ces that can help move the request in a posi7ve direc7on.

The first step is iden7fying and communica7ng to the Industrial Commission that there is “good cause” or an “extraordinary circumstance” that warrants the request.

Let’s first review a “good cause” con7nuance request. For a con7nuance request to be considered “good cause” it must be filed with the Commission at least five calendar days prior to the date of the hearing. This scenario most oOen accompanies a known schedule conflict that cannot be adjusted so that you are able to aBend the hearing.

Providing as much proof as you can to support your schedule conflict is the best op7on for securing a successful con7nuance. This can be in the form of a statement on your company leBerhead detailing the specifics of the conflict or perhaps copies of travel documents that show you will be out of town on the date of the hearing.

The next category is “extraordinary circumstance”. This scenario most oOen involves unexpected illness, hospitaliza7on, or family emergency. These are circumstances that could not have been foreseen or pre-planned and can be requested up to the day of the hearing.

When either type of con7nuance request is needed a con7nuance request form can be completed on the Industrial Commission’s website or you can print off the con7nuance request form and fax it directly to the IC office where the hearing is scheduled.

All hearing con7nuance requests are processed and addressed by the local Hearing Administrator. It is their sole discre7on as to whether the request meets one of the above two standards.

As with all hearing related items, your claims team at Sedgwick can help you file your request for con7nuance and make sure that the IC’s best prac7ces are followed.

If you have any ques7ons, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dominic Po7na at 614-579-4723 or dominic.po7na@sedgwick.com

Join us in understanding the process of attempting to predict the future condition of the economy using a combination of important and widely followed indicators.

D R . D I E T Z

Dr Dietz’s NAHB responsibilities include housing market analysis, economic forecasting and industry surveys, and housing policy research.

Prior to joining NAHB in 2005, Dr. Dietz worked as an economist for the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation, specializing in revenue estimation of legislative proposals involving housing, urban development, and other business tax issues

He has been cited and appeared on CNBC, the Wall Street Journal and other news media

Dr Dietz is a native of Dayton, Ohio and earned a Ph D in Economics from The Ohio State University in 2003

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Now is the time for Builder and Remodeler Members to claim for Q1’24. Builder and Remodeler Members may claim for manufacturer rebates for residential jobs completed between January 1 through March 31, 2024.

Q1’24 Claiming Deadline is Friday, May 17, 2024

Participating Manufacturer Updates to Q1’24 Claiming:

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Builder members are encouraged to claim their rebates with 60+ participating manufacturers in an effort to increase their HBA Rebates total

Personalized assistance is available. Please reach out to the HBA Rebates Team with any questions. https://hbarebates.com/aboutus

Claim Today, Don’t Delay!

www.HBArebates.com/claimform

Q1’24 Claim Deadline: Friday, May 17, 2024

Claim for Residential Jobs Completed January 1 through March 31 , 2024.

AGENCIES TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT Wetlands, But Avoid Key WOTUS Questions

Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) issued a memo that highlights how the Corps will protect non-jurisdictional features through civil works and regulatory program actions following the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA. Actions include:

• Continuing to make information regarding approved jurisdictional determinations available to the public, including posting on their website the Corps’ document stating the presence or absence of waters of the United States on a parcel or a written statement and map identifying the limits of waters of the United States on a parcel.

• Continuing to evaluate compensatory mitigation proposals to determine whether the proposal is sufficient to offset losses of aquatic resource functions and services caused by permitted activities, regardless of jurisdictional status of the aquatic and other resources provided by a compensatory mitigation project. The memo also outlines key deadlines:

• By July 20, 2024, the Corps must report the compliance status with its mitigation policy across Corps districts, including how many Corps districts have been following this policy since the issuance of the 2008 Mitigation Rule. If Corps districts have not been following the policy, the Corps must report what next steps should occur to achieve compliance, as well as the number and locations of existing mitigation banks and in lieu fee projects.

• By March 22, 2025, the Corps will provide a comprehensive status update on the implications of the Sackett decision and the actions taken under the directives in its memo.

A series of field memos on epa.gov — for implementing the 2023 rule and the pre-2015 regulatory regime consistent with Sackett — also provide guidance to field staff on how to make jurisdictional determinations when they encounter similar fact patterns. These memos touch on the following topics: stream order, when ponds can be identified as tributaries, when wetlands are considered adjacent and should be looked at as one wetland, waste treatment systems and roadside ditches, and how to identify stream reach when considering relatively permanent flow.

Despite these actions, however, uncertainty remains. NAHB continues to encourage the agencies to clarify the definition of “relatively permanent” and “continuous surface connection,” which have allowed continued delays and federal overreach during the wetlands permitting process. To help NAHB better understand the impact the WOTUS rule is having on the home building industry, we are asking NAHB members to share testimonials.

Visit the WOTUS section on nahb.org to learn more.

FED HOLDS STEADY, Sees Stronger Growth

TThe Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee held the federal funds rate constant at a top target of 5.5% at the conclusion of its March meeting. The Fed will continue to reduce its balance sheet holdings of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities as part of quantitative tightening and balance sheet normalization. Marking a fifth consecutive meeting holding the federal funds rate constant, the Fed continues to set the ground for rate cuts later in 2024.

With inflation data moderating (albeit at a slower pace) and economic growth coming in better than forecast, the Fed’s future expectations for rate cuts stands at three (25 basis point cuts) in the central bank’s forecast for 2024. NAHB’s forecast continues to call for just two rate cuts during the second half of 2024 due to lingering inflation pressure and solid GDP growth conditions. Nonetheless, an ultimately lower federal funds rate will reduce the cost of builder and developer loans and help moderate mortgage rates headed into 2025.

BY: ROBERT DIETZ

The Fed made several upgrades to its economic outlook for the March report. The forecast for 2024 GDP growth increased from 1.4% to 2.1%. The Fed also increased its more theoretical long-run growth estimate for the economy from 2.5% to 2.6%. This suggests that the economy is more capable than previously estimated of handling higher interest rates in the years ahead (this is a measure of the so-called “neutral rate”).

All in, there was not a lot new for the March decision reporting. Markets and forecasters expected no change for Fed policy today. And equity and bond markets had already priced in expectations of stronger than expected growth via higher stock prices and a 10-year Treasury rate holding near 4.3%, a gain of more than 30 basis points since the start of the year despite forecasts for gradual declines by the end of 2024.

The NAHB Economics team’s focus continues to be on the interplay between Fed monetary policy and the shelter/ housing inflation component of overall inflation. With more than half of the overall gains for consumer inflation due to shelter over the last year, increasing attainable housing supply is a key anti-inflationary strategy, one that is complicated by higher short-term rates, which increase builder financing costs and hinder home construction activity. For these reasons, policy action in other areas, such as zoning reform and streamlining permitting, can be important ways for other elements of the government to fight inflation.

NAHB HBAs (https://www nahb org/nahb-community/hbas)

NAHB Monthly Update

Advocacy Contact: David Manitsky

dmanitsky@nahb.org (mailto:dmanitsky@nahb.org) (202)-266-8062

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 prepared the content for this page on March 28, 2024.

Top Housing News

After Congress threatened to eliminate the Job Corps program entirely, lawmakers — thanks largely to the effor ts of NAHB — approved funding (https://www.nahb.org/blog/2024/03/nahb-major-role-jobcorps).

The House approved NAHB-suppor ted legislation (https://www.nahb.org/blog/2024/03/federal-permittingprocess)that includes several amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting process that will provide builders clarity for home building and development projects.

NAHB called on the Senate (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2024/03/nahb-callson-senate-to-pass-tax-bill) to pass a tax bill that would expand the federal child tax credit and enact several other business- and housing-related provisions.

NAHB-suppor ted legislation introduced in the House and Senate would create a refundable tax credit (https://www.nahb.org/blog/2024/03/home-buyer-tax-credit) up to $15,000 for �rst-time home buyers.

NAHB commended President Biden for proposing a comprehensive housing plan (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2024/03/nahb-commends-bidens-�rst-time-home-

buyer-tax-credit-proposal-plan-to-strengthen-lihtc)and the New Democrat Coalition housing action plan (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2024/03/statemen-from-nahb-chairman-carl-harrison-new-democrat-coalitions-housing-plan). However, NAHB recently signed on to a coalition letter (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2024/03/broad-coalition-of-housing-groupscautions-white-house-over-anti-housing-affordability-regulations) to the White House urging caution over counterproductive regulations.

In March, builder sentiment rose (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/pressreleases/2024/03/builder-sentiment-rises-above-breakeven-point)to the highest level since July 2023. In February, single-family star ts (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/pressreleases/2024/03/moderating-interest-rates-pent-up-demand-push-single-family-star ts-higher) increased, and new home sales held steady (https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2024/03/newhome-sales-hold-stead-in-february)

Subscribe to the NAHBNow (https://www.nahb.org/blog) blog to get aler ts when new posts are added.

Housing Market Snapshot and Economic Forecast

NAHB Plays Major Role in Saving Job Corps Program

Building Codes: 2021 IECC, IRA, Promoting Resilient Buildings Act

NAHB-Suppor ted Tax Bill will Strengthen LIHTC, Help Small Businesses

NAHB Suppor ts House and Senate Bills to Boost Transformer Output

House Approves Bill to Expedite Permitting Process

Supreme Cour t Hears Arguments on Major Regulatory and Impact Fees Cases

New Independent Contractor Rule Takes Effect

New Rule Requires Small Businesses to Repor t Ownership Information

NAHB Continues to Fight for Job Corps

Senior O cers’ HBA Travel Schedule

View the schedule

(https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/nahb-community/docs/hbas/communications/senior-o�cer-monthlyhba-travel-schedule.pdf?rev=acea74749b3047f49e550994e4dc7f0c)

(https://www.nahb.org/blog)

INDUSTRY NEWS

Get the latest updates on key developments in the housing industry.

Latest news

(https://www.nahb.org/blog)

(https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics)

HOUSING ECONOMICS

In-depth economic analyses of the home building industry to help you gain insight into the issues and trends driving the industry.

Access data

(https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics)

(https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education)

EDUCATION

Education topics include business management, multifamily, housing and more.

More about education

(https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education)

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