Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.

Worker Safety - Not So Top Five MIOSHA List Unveiled

2013-11-06T12:39:00.003-08:00

The Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration (MIOSHA) has released its new five-year strategic plan. To no one’s surprise, making construction (including residential construction) safer is at the top of its list. Their plan calls for decreasing fatalities in the construction industry by 2% a year by focusing on the four leading causes of fatalities:

· Falls

· Electrocutions

· Struck-by

· Crushed-by/caught-between

It also calls for reducing injuries and illnesses in the construction industry by 1% a year over the five years.

MIOSHA has also provided the Home Builders Association of Michigan with the five most frequent serious violations they find during residential inspections. With a tip of the hat to David Letterman:

Number Five: No eye protection while cutting/grinding/drilling/sanding.

Eye protection is required where a hazard or risk of injury exists from flying objects or particles, harmful contacts, exposures such as glare, liquids, injurious radiation, electrical flash, or a combination of these hazards. Employers must require their employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when the rules call for it or you’re the one who will face fines and other penalties.

Number Four: Portable ladders not extended 3 feet above the landing area.

When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails have to extend not less than 3 feet above the upper landing surface the ladder is being used to access. If the ladder is too short to extend the required 3 feet then it has to be secured at its top to rigid support that will not deflect. And a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder.

Number Three: No eye protection while using pneumatic nail guns.

Not only do you have to provide (and your employees have to wear) eye protection when they’re using a portable powered stapler or nailer, any employees within the striking distance of its fastener have to wear eye protection too. Remember your employees must wear PPE when the rules call for it or you will be fined and subject to other penalties.

Number Two: No hard hats.

If your employees are working in an area where a hazard or risk of injury exists from falling or flying objects or particles or from other harmful contacts or exposures you must provide them with a hard hat and make sure they wear it. Again, if your employee isn’t wearing a hard hat when it is required, you will be the one with a headache.

And finally, Number One: No fall protection at six feet or higher.

We’ve been talking about these fall protection regulations since April of 2011. Half of the residential construction fatalities in the last two years have been fall-related. As an industry, we, and as an employer, you, have to do everything possible to make the work site safe.

Much of the information on fall protection you need, including training, is available from MIOSHA at no cost. This training will also count toward your continuing competency requirements for license renewal.

For compliance assistance, contact the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division at (517) 322-1809 or go to www.michigan.gov/cet

For MIOSHA seminars and other training opportunities, visit www.michigan.gov/mioshatraining

Additional resources are also available on the MIOSHA website at www.michigan.gov/miosha in the MIOSHA Initiatives section, under Residential Construction Initiative.

For information on Fall Protection, please contact the Construction Safety and Health Division at (517) 322-1856, or visit the website at www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards

New Board of Directors

2013-10-15T11:04:00.004-07:00

Congratulations to our new HBAGTA Board of Directors
Who will serve from January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2016

Carolyn Andrews - Preston Feather Building Centers

Bill Archer - Archer Contracting Company

Mike Farrer - Traverse Area Title Service, Inc.

Nancy Lisabeth - Grand Bay Building & Remodeling, LLC

Rick MacKinnon - Anderson Window Corporation

Sean McCardel - Sean McCardel Construction

Waste & Pesticide Collection

2013-09-17T13:25:00.002-07:00

Household Hazardous Waste & Pesticide Collection
to be held In Kingsley, Mi.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY RESOURCE RECOVERY DEPARTMENT (RecycleSmart) will conduct a Household Hazardous

Waste & Pesticide collection on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Event will be held at the Grand Traverse County Road Commission building at 1471 E. M-113, Kingsley, MI.

An appointment is required.

The online scheduling system is a convenient and the recommended tool to secure an appointment. An appointment is required and can be made at www.RecycleSmart.info or by calling the RecycleSmart Hotline at 941.5555.

This service is provided to Grand Traverse County residents at no cost, (up to 150 lbs., $1.30 lb. thereafter) Accepted material includes oil based paints (latex paint is also accepted this year), cleaning products, pesticides, mercury, moth balls, pool chemicals and more...

For more information visit www.RecycleSmart.info are call the RecycleSmart Hotline at 941.5555

Depot Project - Habitat for Humanity

2013-07-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Depot Project RFP Deadline August 1^st

Habitat for Humanity has announced that prints of the Depot Project are now available. To obtain a copy, contractors must call Traverse Repro at 947-6284. The deadline for the RFP is August 1^st.

For more general information, contact Stephanie at Habitat at 941-4663 x124.

Three Steps That Could Save Builders $42,000 per Home

2013-06-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

The residential construction industry is facing building code proposals that could significantly impact the design and cost of new homes and directly harm every builder’s and remodeler’s ability to complete a quality project at an affordable cost.

Participation in the complex codes development process is one of the most important ways that NAHB provides value to members. At recent International Code Council (ICC) code development hearings, the association was successful in helping defeat many proposals that would add greatly to the cost of building single-family homes and apartments as well as the cost of remodeling projects.

If NAHB is ultimately successful on all 750 code change proposals that the association took a position on, the overall cost savings could be more than $42,000 per home.

One of the proposals struck down in the initial round of hearings would mandate a second set of stairs in larger homes. Another would have required all homes and townhouses to be accessible, including homes in flood and coastal areas where it is impossible to meet the requirements without the installation of a wheelchair lift or elevator.

These and more than 2,000 other proposed code changes could increase the cost of building even the most modest home by tens of thousands of dollars.

ICC is working on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Existing Building Code and the International Property Maintenance Code.

The ICC Committee Action Hearings were held in Dallas in late April. At the conclusion of the preliminary hearings, NAHB was successful on 596 of the 750 code change proposals that it either supported or opposed.

However, these aren't the final results. The last and most important phase of the code development process occurs this fall at the ICC Final Action Hearings in Atlantic City, N.J. on Oct. 2-10. The code officials who attend these hearings will cast the votes that will decide the final outcome on all 2,065 proposed code changes.

Three Steps to Lock in Savings

To ensure that NAHB’s success in the preliminary hearings translates to the same results in the Final Action hearings this fall, it is absolutely vital for builders and remodelers to get involved in the process early and to fight hard by taking the following actions:

Meet with your state and local code officials and elected officials to gain their support. Make sure they understand the issues, and help them see why they should vote in favor of the home building industry’s key proposals.

For example, four of the most critical code change proposals are related to energy efficiency and would allow equipment and performance trade-offs if passed. Approval of just these four code change proposals could save more than $4,000 per home.

Get your local HBA involved and let them know that this is a top priority for the residential construction industry.

Ask your elected officials to allow their code officials to attend the ICC Final Action Hearings in Atlantic City, N.J. so they can vote in support of NAHB’s positions. Remember, this year, code officials must still be present in Atlantic City to vote during the Final Action Hearings.

Resources You Need

NAHB has the tools and resources necessary to help builders, remodelers and state and local HBAs to effectively engage their local and state government and industry leaders. NAHB is calling on all members to take these action steps to help ensure that only those code changes that are necessary, practical, and cost effective will be approved during the ICC Final Action Hearings.

Calling All Code Experts

NAHB is looking for HBA member code experts as the association tries to ensure that the International Code Council’s (ICC) model building codes include only provisions that benefit home buyers’ health and safety or have reasonable payback periods. Some of the proposed code changes related to energy conservation provide very little benefit if any and have payback periods ranging from 15 to 40 years. If you can help, please contact your EO.

In addition, please visit nahb.org/2015codes, click on your state and email Steve Orlowski with the email address and phone number for the code officials identified within your state or jurisdiction. NAHB has their names, but not their contact information, so your assistance is crucial in this regard.

No Time to Look Backward—What Are HBA Michigan’s Top Priorities Here and Now?

2013-06-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

On the heels of what many of our longtime members tell me is the state association’s most successful year ever—in terms of advocacy and reforming tax and regulatory policies impacting the building industry, I’m often asked how HBA Michigan is following-up on the banner year of 2012. My response: (1)by being diligent in sustaining recent legislative and regulatory victories; (2) identifying strategies and solutions to a looming building industry worker shortage; (3) staying on offense for additional reforms that encourage more housing investment across the state; and (4) supporting local HBA membership growth to strengthen our voice as an industry.

Diligence: last year your state association was successful in eliminating 18 mils of taxation on inventory homes. Now some are suggesting that this change only reduces the tax on the building structure itself (not the property). Needless-to-say, your state association is working behind the scenes to ensure that this "interpretation" not take root. Similarly, last year your state association ushered in a historic set of changes to development rules for construction in and around our state’s critical dunes. Some are now trying to circumvent these changes thru administrative channels. Your state association is on guard and has interceded in several instances to make sure bureaucrats don’t disregard the new rules. Last year your state association was also able to get a new law passed that moves our state to a new flex-code cycle, so that code changes only have to occur once every 6 years instead of every 3. But, this new cycle only begins after this year’s revision to the state uniform construction code. So, your state association and a dedicated committee of builders from around the state are working to ensure that this year’s changes only include those that are absolutely necessary and justified.

Worker Shortage: this year we are supporting legislation (HB 4465 & HB 4466) that will allow curriculum flexibility enabling more kids to enter construction voc ed programs around the state. The large majority of kids interested in such programs are turned away. Why, because scheduling and availability of language and Algebra II courses would make it impossible for them to graduate on time if they entered the construction program. We believe parents ought to have the flexibility to get their children into these hands on programs (and still be able to graduate). We’re also working with the Construction Teacher’s Association, your local association, and others to try and develop better networks and communication strategies to connect potential workers with builders, remodelers and contractors. Some members may not yet see shortages in their areas, but they are coming. Too many workers were lost in our industry during the downturn (some 70,000 jobs were lost). Even modest growth has begun to trigger shortages.

Staying on Offense: much like the changes to our State’s rules for development in critical dunes that were passed into law last year, this year we are seeking to reform Michigan’s wetlands law to avoid turning wetland permits over to the EPA and the Army Corp. Additionally, bills will soon be introduced to allow more flexible options for new septic systems. We also have bills in the works to make sure taxable values don’t spike when homes are rebuilt after a fire or other tragedy; and to eliminate the 18 mils of property taxes on any remaining inventory homes built before last year’s change went into effect. And, we are supporting legislation that would allow the Michigan State Housing Development Authority provide gap financing for development, since no (or few) private lenders are financing inventory homes or developments.

Not only does HBA Michigan work on a daily basis in the legislative, regulatory and judicial arenas, we have to be involved in the political arena. Friends-of-Housing (FOH) is your association’s political action

committee and voice in the election process. While the 2014 elections seem a ways off the work for success in those elections is already underway. This means raising money. FOH will be involved (in one way or another) with almost every race on the ballot. From the Governor’s race on down to the 38 state senate seats that will be on the ballot to the 110 state representative races taking place around the state…to three Supreme Court seats. We can’t sit on the sidelines in the political arena if we want to continue to see successes in the legislative, legal and regulatory worlds. So, next time you’re asked to lend your financial support to Friends of Housing, please remember this reality and contribute.

Membership Growth: HBA Michigan cannot be successful without strong local HBAs. Your state association is investing in one-on-one membership recruitment and retention training for local HBA E.O.s’ this year. Nearly a dozen have already signed up for this training. Your state association is also working to expand and improve member-only benefits and discounts. A copyright infringement insurance program has been developed (and no other such coverage can be obtained unless you’re a member). We’ve also started offering a new telemedicine service among others. These along with our long-valued Meijer, Speedway, Frankenmuth and other programs provide an important tool for locals to retain and grow their membership.

Bottom line: HBA Michigan is the only statewide organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of the residential building industry. If you are in the industry and are reading this, but aren’t a member of an HBA, I hope you conclude that you need to be. For members, please know we’re always just a phone call away. Don’t ever hesitate calling me directly if you have a question or need assistance. My number is 517-646-2555.

MIOSHA Hazard Alert - Nail Guns

2013-06-19T12:48:00.002-07:00

MIOSHA Hazard Alert

Construction Safety & Health Division
Dangers of Pneumatic Nail Guns With Contact Trip Triggers

In February 2013, MIOSHA investigated a fatality that occurred at a residential jobsite where a carpenter was framing a wall and ended up shooting himself in the face with a 3 inch nail from a pneumatic nail gun. The carpenter was in an awkward position and using his non-dominant hand to operate the nail gun. The gun appeared to have “double fired” which knocked the carpenter off balance. The tip of the nail gun contacted his face near the eye area and another nail fired into his head which lodged in his brain. The victim was not wearing eye protection or head protection which may have prevented the nail from entering the victim’s face.

Pneumatic nail gun injuries are very common in the residential construction industry; responsible for nearly 40,000 visits to emergency room each year. Most nail gun injuries occur when the gun is equipped with a contact tip trigger. Contact tip triggers allow the gun to discharge a nail anytime the gun’s nose piece and the trigger are pressed. The user can hold the trigger down and bump fire the gun repeatedly by simply pushing down on the nose piece. Carpenters prefer using contact tip triggers because they are faster. However, these types of triggers also make it much easier for the operator to accidently shoot themselves or anyone standing close by if the nose piece bumps up against someone or something when the trigger is depressed. Injuries often occur when climbing up and down ladders while having your finger on the trigger.

Nail guns with contact tip triggers are also susceptible to double firing which is the firing of a second unwanted nail that can ricochet off the first nail which can strike and injure anyone working in the proximity.

Full sequential triggers are safer! They force the operator to make two positive actions to fire the nail gun each and every time a nail is fired. The full sequential trigger will only fire a nail when the controls are activated in a certain order. First, the safety contact tip must be pushed into the work piece and then the operator squeezes the trigger to discharge a nail. Both the safety contact tip and the trigger must be released and activated again to fire a second nail. The operator cannot hold the trigger down and bump fire the nail gun. This greatly reduces the amount of unwanted “double fires” of nails.

Most new pneumatic nail guns come equipped with the full sequential trigger. A contact trip trigger is a separate attachment that can replace the full sequential trigger. Employees must know and follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturers of nail guns and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent injuries.

General Safety Guidelines for Pneumatic Nail Guns

• Review the owner’s manual carefully with all operators.

• Observe each employee demonstrating safe operating procedures.

• Always wear safety glasses and a hard hat!

• Do not touch the trigger unless firing the tool against a work piece.

• Use extreme caution when using an air tool around other workers.

• Never point the tool at anyone. Treat the tool like a firearm and assume it is loaded.

• Disconnect the air hose before clearing a jam or making adjustments.

• Use manufacturer’s specified pressures for the tool.

• Keep your free hand safely out of the way of the tool.

• Secure the hose when working on scaffolding to prevent the tool from falling.

For Additional Information

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a publication titled, “Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors” to help alert and provide training to avoid hazards when using nail guns. Go to

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/NailgunFinal_508_02_optimized.pdf.

For additional training and assistance contact the Consultation Education and Training Division at www.michigan.gov/mioshacet or call 517-322-1809.

Construction Industry Sees Shortage of Skilled Labor Workers

2013-06-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

HBA Past President Victor Lisabeth was featured in a recent TV 9 & 10 interview

Click link below to view video

http://www.9and10news.com/story/22515805/construction-industry-sees-shortage

The 13th Michigan worker death of 2013

2013-04-24T10:56:00.002-07:00

The 13^th Michigan worker death of 2013 occurred at approximately 1:30 pm on April 22, 2013. Employers and employees are urged to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities.

Summary of incident: On April 22, 2013 at approximately 1:30 pm, an explosion occurred in the digester at a waste water treatment plant. Construction employees were working on or near a tank using a welder’s torch.

Last year there were 26 MIOSHA-related deaths. 2009 saw the lowest number with 24.

If you need help or assistance in ensuring your workplace is safe, MIOSHA is here with resources to help. The Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division provides workplace safety and health training and consultations to employers and employees throughout Michigan free of charge. Contact CET today at (800) 866-4674 or submit a request online at www.michigan.gov/cetrca.

Every life is precious. Our mutual goal must be that every employee goes home at the end of their shift every day!

Fatality Number	Date	Occupation	Age	Type of Injury	Description	Location (City)
1.	1/17/13	Assistant Manager	36	Crush	Employee was run over by a tractor while trying to remove a railroad timber using a tractor loader with a front bucket.	Turner
2.	1/18/13	Materials Handler	42	Crush	Employee was operating a crane and was crushed by beams that fell out of the sling being carried by the crane.	Belleville
3.	1/23/13	Carpenter	20	Fall	Employee fell approximately 19’ from a high-pitch residential roof while installing shingles.	Coldwater
4.	1/24/13-accident 1/28/13-passed away	Laborer	56	Cave-in	Employee was working in a 12’ deep excavation to repair a leaking water main when a section of the side collapsed, completely burying him. Coworkers uncovered him and he was taken to medical facilities, where he later expired.	Grosse Isle
5.	2/06/13	Bus Operator	48	Run over	Employee dropped off last fare and stepped out of bus. Bus began to roll. She attempted to re-enter the bus and was run over by the rear tires.	Mt. Morris
6.	2/18/13	Roofer	39	Fall	Employee was installing insulation material on a low-pitch roof for a new commercial building. He was working between the warning line system and the edge of the roof when he fell 25 feet to the ground.	Howell
7.	2/16 /13-accident 2/20/13-passed away	Carpenter	33	Struck	Employee was struck in the eye by nail from pneumatic nail gun while rough framing a house. Nail entered through eye socket into the brain.	White Lake
8.	2/25/13	Roofer	36	Fall	Employee fell 22 feet through a deteriorated roof while in the process of replacing the metal decking.	Grand Blanc
9.	3/17/13	Welder	61	Struck	Employee was welding a piece of equipment over a pulper and fell into the pulper. The pulper is an open top vat with a spinning rotor blade at the bottom.	White Pigeon
10.	3/21/13	Carpenter	48	Fall	Employee fell 35 feet when a gust of wind pushed the employee and a window he was installing off the platform of a forklift.	Franklin
11.	3/21/13	Die Setter	42	Struck	Employee had a mold hooked on a crane when the bolt gave way causing the mold to fall, bounce and hit another mold. The employee was between the two molds and struck.	Shelby Township
12.	4/11/13	Co-Owner	59	Crush	The co-owner was trying to re-stake a large spruce tree that had fallen over. He used the bucket on his skidster to help. He was standing on the ground beside his cab and apparently leaned into the cab and accidently activated the bucket controls. His head was crushed between the bucket lifting arms and the cab.	Emmett
13.	4/22/13	Pipefitter	49	Explosion	An explosion occurred in the digester at a waste water treatment plant. Construction employees were working on or near a tank using a welder’s torch.	Dexter

Housing Juggernaut Seen Spurring 500,000 New U.S. Workers

2013-04-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Housing Juggernaut Seen Spurring 500,000 New U.S. Workers

By Steve Matthews - Apr 11, 2013 12:01 AM ET

Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg

A rebound in homebuilding after a six-year slump should generate as many as 500,000 jobs in 2013 and 700,000 in 2014 including related services.

Paul Laney landed a job two months ago as a home inspector in Woodstock, Georgia, as the city added staff to oversee a growing residential construction industry. “I am really ecstatic about it,” said Laney, 52, who closed his own contracting business in 2007.

Housing Juggernaut Seen Spurring 500,000 New U.S. Workers

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

A rebound in homebuilding after a six-year slump should generate as many as 500,000 jobs in 2013 and 700,000 in 2014.

State-by-State Unemployment

At a 19-home development being built by Windsong Properties off Main Street in Woodstock, about 30 miles north of Atlanta, people are being hired to sell homes, underwrite mortgages, install garage doors and security systems, and inspect finished construction.
A rebound in homebuilding after a six-year slump should generate as many as 500,000 jobs in 2013 and 700,000 in 2014 including related services, estimates Russell Price, a senior economist at Ameriprise Financial Inc. in Detroit and the top forecaster of employment for the past two years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
“Housing is like a coiled spring” driven by “a lot of pent-up demand,” said Glenn Hubbard, dean of Columbia University’s business school in New York, who was chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President George W. Bush. “It is a real source of strength in the economy -- from construction jobs and all the vendors who play into it.”
About half the jobs created by homebuilding are outside of construction, estimates the National Association of Home Builders, a Washington-based trade group. More than three jobs are created for each single-family home built, including related work, a 2008 study by the group estimates.

Huge Effect

“A revival in new home construction will have a huge stimulative effect on the larger economy,” said Brad Hunter, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida-based chief economist for housing research firm Metrostudy. “When home construction goes up, so does demand for furniture, tile, lumber, concrete, draperies, paint, and appliances of all sorts.”
Price gains on existing homes in markets led by Atlanta, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Fort Myers, Florida, will benefit homebuilders, said brokerage firm Sterne Agee & Leach Inc. analyst Jay McCanless in Nashville, Tennessee. That will allow homebuilders to raise prices, and prompt some shoppers to look more closely at new rather than existing homes, McCanless said. He has a “buy” rating on builders D.R Horton Inc., Ryland Group Inc. (RYL) and Meritage Homes Corp. (MTH)

Housing Starts

Single-family housing starts are likely to rise 18 percent to 632,000 in 2013 from a year earlier, and by another 26 percent to 796,000 in 2014, forecasts Hunter. Single-family starts fell 75 percent from the 2005 peak of 1.7 million to 2011’s low of 430,600.
Construction companies added 18,000 workers last month after a 49,000 surge in February that was the biggest in almost six years, a Labor Department report April 5 showed. As payroll growth slowed in March to 88,000, the smallest gain in nine months, construction added jobs faster than the overall market.
Yet the increase in construction jobs so far has lagged new activity because workers have had their hours increased, said David Crowe, NAHB chief economist in Washington. Weekly hours have risen to an average of 36.8 the past year, the highest since December 2006.
“We have seen increasing hours, but there is a limit to that,” he said. “I’m expecting to see a more direct correlation between increases in housing starts and increases in construction employment.”

Fed Assessment

The Federal Reserve, which is been buying $40 billion a month in mortgage-backed securities and $45 billion in Treasury bonds to lower long-term interest rates, said last month that housing has “strengthened further.” In an El Reno, Oklahoma, speech April 4, Kansas City Fed President Esther George cited rising housing starts and said low inventories were contributing to more building.
While construction may account for about 5 percent of the U.S. economy, it has “a big impact on both total output and employment,” St. Louis Fed President James Bullard told reporters April 3.
In Woodstock, with a population of 24,000, permits have been issued for 64 new homes in the first quarter, up 45 percent from the same period in 2012 and more than double the number for that period in 2011, according to City Manager Jeff Moon.
New home construction rose to 678 in Cherokee County, which includes Woodstock, last year from about 400 a year the prior three years, according to Metrostudy. Developers added 248 new lots in the last quarter of 2012, “suggesting an expectation of continued growth in demand,” Hunter said.

New Permits

Among the new permits have been those for Windsong Properties’ Garden Street subdivision, where broker Beth Jones said all 19 homes are under contract. The homes, which sell for the “upper $200,000s,” are being marketed to people 55 and older and include a design that can be adapted, for example, for accessibility to wheelchairs.
“It’s a huge success, coming from a market where everything was slow,” she said. “The market has been beginning to shift.”
Jones, 55, who is paid on commission, says she had to “dip into savings” during the housing slump, and her income has doubled from the low. “It is certainly a relief.”
Windsong Properties in Woodstock has 10 full-time employees up from six in in 2006, said operations manager Carrie Roeger. The company contracts out most of the construction and other work. Fifty-four subcontractors with at least 62 workers have been used for the project, excluding transportation of materials, she said.

Increased Employment

International Marble Industries Inc. in Woodstock, which makes and installs bathroom vanity tops and shower bases and worked at Garden Street, has increased employment to 50 from 20 people in 2009. The company lost money from 2008 to the middle of 2011 amid a “gut-wrenching” decline in business, President Dirk De Vuyst said.
“We are optimistic that volume is picking up and there is pent-up demand,” he said.
Loud Security Systems of nearby Kennesaw, Georgia, which installs security and wires homes for electronics, has boosted staff to 42 employees from 22 at the end of 2011, owner John Loud said. The company may hire a few more people by year’s end, he said.
“All the new construction is very encouraging, a big plus for us,” he said.
Tim Smith, 32, was hired in February as operations manager for the Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, which installs garage doors. The position had been vacant for two years.

Hiring More

The company has hired 10 people in the last two months and “we need to hire more for growth that will happen by the end of the year.”
Laney, who was a general contractor in Cherokee and Cobb counties north of Atlanta, closed his former homebuilding business during the housing slump, cutting the jobs of five workers. “There wasn’t any new construction,” and remodeling “wasn’t profitable.”
After spending much of the past few years working with heating and air conditioning work, which fluctuated seasonally, he took the city job adding a fifth building inspector Feb. 25.
“I love to see the new construction,” he said. “A lot of the homes we are inspecting are already sold. I don’t think the market will be as wide open as it was once, but there will be a good steady increase. People still ultimately want a new home.”
To contact the reporters on this story: Steve Matthews in Atlanta at smatthews@bloomberg.net;
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Wellisz at cwellisz@bloomberg.net

Education is your business

2013-04-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.

Education is your business.

Education is your business because it's the key to growing your business.

Learning even one new skill set or accessing a field of knowledge can put you on your way to a whole new direction for your business, to turn your business around, or running your business more effectively.

From seminars to full-fledged courses, think of each educational opportunity at the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area as a business course, part of your strategy to maintain a competitive edge.

Bookmark www.hbagta.com and regularly check out education opportunities at Builder Forums, required seminars for licensed trades competency, guest speaker presentations, roundtables, and designation courses happening throughout the year.

This is the most hassle-free way to get training for your staff, new ways to improve your business, or even a professional designation for yourself.

The ball is in your court. And we're standing by to do whatever we can to help you succeed. Because that's our business.

Need more information? Give us a call at (231) 946-2305 or contact us at mailbox@hbagta.com.

Bookmark http://www.hbagta.com or make it your home page and always take advantage of your 3-in-1 membership.

Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
Home Builders Association of Michigan
National Association of Home Builders

Green Building 101 Traverse City Record-Eagle

2013-04-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Green Building 101

Traverse City Record-Eagle
Home and Garden Section April 14 2013

Net Zero Energy Homes

Recently the media has been talking a lot about “net zero energy housing” and I thought it would be worthwhile to explain what that means. For a local reference point I will be using the Depot Neighborhood Development which will start construction in the next couple of months. This development is a joint effort by Habitat for Humanity GTR and HomeStretch, two local low income housing providers. My explanation will be for the average home owner and not a comprehensive treatment of the subject.

Why are Net Zero Energy homes important?

As a nation for lots of reasons we have to find ways to use less energy and our homes and buildings are the low hanging fruit. It’s just common sense on lots of levels. We have the technology and we know it’s cost effective; it’s just a matter of making the decision to move forward with it. The State of California has passed legislation that requires all new homes to be net zero energy by 2020 and all commercial buildings by 2030. It’s a win-win for the home and building owner, the community and the nation and planet.

The simple explanation is a net zero energy home produces as much energy as it uses on a site energy basis. The main ingredients are: a highly efficient thermal envelope (insulation, air sealing, windows and framing system), a highly efficient mechanical system (heating, air conditioning and domestic water heating) and some form of onsite energy production (in our area that will almost always be a solar PV system). The goal will always be to build the most energy efficient thermal envelope and install the most energy efficient mechanical equipment possible, and to make up the additional energy requirements with onsite energy production (solar PV system).

The Depot Neighborhood Development Habitat homes have been energy modeled using REM/Rate software which produces what’s called a HERS Index. This software analyzes the home and all of its systems then gives it a score on the HERS Index. A home built to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code would have a score of 100 and a net zero energy home would have a score of 0. Most new homes score at about 80 to 90. For each 1 point reduction of the HERS Score the home will use 1% less energy. The Habitat homes have a score of 10 or so depending on the final choices of the thermal envelope and mechanical system. The final 10-12% of its energy requirements will be supplied by the solar PV system.

If the home is built as currently modeled the approximate energy cost would be as follows per year:

Heating $202.00, cooling $43.00, water heating $240.00, lights and appliances $559.00, utility service charges $54.00, minus photovoltaic (solar PV system) production ($775.00). The total energy cost for the Habitat home is predicted to be $323.00 per year. Habitat is continuing to work on further reductions of the energy requirements for the proposed homes in an effort to reach the net zero energy goals.

Some of the major features planned for the Habitat homes are as follows:

Foundation: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s), R23; Floor: Slab on grade concrete with 6” of rigid foam insulation, R30; Above grade walls: 2X6 frame with 5.5” fibrous cavity insulation and 4” rigid foam on the exterior, R43; Windows: U.25; Doors: U4.4; Ceiling: Combination of spray foam and cellulose insulation, R80; Heating System: Mini-Split Heat Pump HSPF, 9.3; Cooling System: Mini-Split Heat Pump SEER, 18; Water Heater: Heat Pump water heater, EF 2.35; Energy Recovery Ventilator: total recovery efficiency, 97%; Appliances: Very High Efficiency, Lighting fixtures: LED with motion sensors, Solar PV System: 6.2 KW; Projected Building Leakage Test: (Blower Door Test) .05 Air Changes Per Hour (ACH); Total Carbon Dioxide: (CO2) emissions 1.1 tons per year (same home built to code would be 15.1 tons).

Notes:

Site Energy: Energy produced on the site where the energy is consumed.

Source Energy: Energy consumed on the site where the home is located but produced in another location. Source energy must include the cost of the raw fuel plus production and transmission cost. Approximately 70 % of the energy embodied in coal is lost by the time that energy reaches the home site.

Air Sealing is the most important element in a highly efficient thermal envelope.

Mini-split heat pumps are about 3 times more energy efficient than a conventional 95 % efficient warm air furnace.

Heat pump water heaters are about 2.4 times more efficient than a conventional electric water heater.

Studies show that occupant behavior can affect energy cost by as much as 50%.

Max Strickland has been involved in the construction industry for 45 years. He is currently a principal with Strickland Ewing & Associates providing building performance consulting, green building program verification, Energy Star/HERS ratings, infrared imaging, energy auditing, energy code inspections and building forensic investigations. Questions and comments can be directed to max@stricklandewing.com.

Lumber Prices On the Rise in 2013

2013-04-15T09:24:00.002-07:00

A new report from International Wood Markets Group, predicts North American lumber prices will soar in 2013 and reach record highs in 2014. The report also predicts that supply and demand conditions in wood products for the long-awaited 'super-cycle' are now taking hold, with the full impact still some three years away.

Inventory Tax Update for PA 494 of 2012

2013-04-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

As you know the HBA of Michigan was successful in the passage of House Bill 4134 (now PA 494 of 2012) which removes 18 mills from inventory homes going forward. The State Tax Commission has issued an official bulletin addressing PA 494. The link for this bulletin is listed below.

Should you still have questions contact Dawn Crandall at crandall.dawn@mahb.com.

Bulletin 3 of 2013 from State Tax Commission

Affidavit Claiming Exemption

NAHB-Recommended Code Amendments Can Save Home Buyers and Home Builders Big Bucks

2013-04-11T12:47:00.004-07:00

NAHB-Recommended Code Amendments Can Save Home Buyers and Home Builders Big Bucks

When a state moves to update or modify its energy code, the decision can have major cost repercussions for home builders and home buyers.

NAHB's successful effort to amend or prevent adoption of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in several states was a victory for sensible, flexible, cost-effective regulation. According to the Home Innovation Research Labs' (formerly known as the NAHB Research Center) 2012 IECC Cost Effectiveness Analysis, it costs $7,034 more to build a home to the 2012 IECC than to the 2006 IECC.
Bringing the code up the 2012 version would be tremendously difficult and expensive in states that have not updated their codes in recent years. While states often amend codes to fit their specific needs, the 2012 version adds considerably to cost, is less flexible, favors certain products and oftentimes saves little energy.
READ MORE

HBA Michigan Survey Shows Growing Housing Market

2013-04-09T10:14:00.004-07:00

HBA Michigan Survey Shows Growing Homebuilder Optimism for Stronger 2013 Housing Market

First Quarter Michigan Housing Index at Highest Level Since Survey Started

(Lansing, MI) – A statewide survey shows a strong surge in optimism among homebuilders and remodelers which bodes well for a stronger housing market in 2013. The Michigan Housing Index (MHI), which is conducted by the Home Builders Association of Michigan (HBA Michigan), recorded its highest total in the three-year history of the survey.

“The survey confirms what we have been hearing from homebuilders and remodelers for the past several months,” said Robert Filka, HBA Michigan CEO. “There has been considerable pent up demand among consumers as they have waited for market conditions to improve. Many potential buyers recognize that now is a perfect time for them to enter the market.”

The latest Michigan Housing Index covers the time period of January through March 2013. The first quarter 2013 index for builders was 59, which was up sharply from 38 in December of 2012, and 44 recorded in March 2012. Following is a year-to-year comparison of the MHI Index:

March 2013 December 2012 March 2012

Builders Index 59 38 44

Remodelers Index 58 38 45

The Michigan Housing Index (MHI) is a quarterly summary of building and remodeling activity compiled by HBA of Michigan. The survey asks builders about the number of homes currently under construction and in the planning stages. Builders are also asked to evaluate their prospects for future customers. Totals are calculated in an index that is reported quarterly to provide a tracking mechanism for the industry’s process. The survey breaks down builder/remodeler sentiment into three categories:

Less than 45 (pessimistic)
45-55 (cautious optimism)
Above 55 (optimism)

MHI Index 2011 Fourth Quarter Results Page Two

“It is significant to note that the Michigan Housing Index total for the first quarter shows that builders and remodelers have for the first time in the history of the survey moved into the solidly optimistic category,” said Filka. “There is still a long ways to go before we can say that housing is all the way back, but the trend lines are certainly encouraging.”

A noteworthy trend in the MHI survey for the first quarter was the growing amount of interest that builders are experiencing among consumers purchasing more expensive homes, particularly in the $200,000 - $500,000 category. There has also been a modest uptick in consumer’s interest for homes in the $500,000- $800,000 category.

“During the economic downtown, most of the homes that did sell were under $200,000,” said Filka. “The fact that more homebuyers are now looking at higher priced homes is another indicator of a recovering housing market.”

About the HBA Michigan Housing Index:

The Michigan Housing Index combines results of a monthly survey of Michigan builders and remodelers along with a series of economic statistics including single family home permits, crude oil prices, automobile production and unemployment. The HBA Michigan Housing Index is intended to provide an accurate projection of the future direction of the building and remodeling housing market in Michigan.

About the Home Builders Association of Michigan:

The Home Builders Association of Michigan is a professional trade association comprised of 27 local homebuilder associations around the state and their builder, subcontractor and supplier members. HBAM works to positively promote the building industry and impact legislative, regulatory and legal issues affecting housing affordability.

Housing Update

2013-04-02T11:22:00.003-07:00

Housing update from the National Association of Home Builders Click here.

Beware of Scams by Unlicensed Builders

2013-04-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Unforeseen Costs: Michigan Consumers Warned to

Beware of Scams by Unlicensed Builders

Here’s a familiar picture. A contractor comes into your house and offers you the lowest quote for the remodeling project you’ve been planning. The contractor tells you their company’s work will be cheaper without a building permit. However, what the contractor doesn’t mention is that not only is lacking a permit against the law, but it means there will be no inspection for quality of work. This is just one of the many scenarios practiced by unlicensed builders who prey on unsuspecting consumers with building scams and rip-offs. The “deals” unlicensed builders boast end up costing Michigan consumers more than the work of distinguished licensed contractors.

“There are a number of different scam tactics unlicensed con artists use,” said Kathy Maisonville HBA of Grand Traverse Area. “They will tell you it’s cheaper to do the job without a building permit or that no permit is needed. They do this because without a builders license there will be no inspections done to assure the quality of work or that it meets the requirements of the Michigan Residential Code (MRC).”

Under Michigan law, all contractors offering to do work which totals $600 or more in labor and materials must be licensed by the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG). A Residential Builders license allows a contractor to build a complete structure and do maintenance or alteration (remodeling) work. A Maintenance & Alteration license indicates that the holder has met requirements for one or more of 14 different trades. The trades in which a contractor is qualified to practice are listed on the license.

“Consumers should also be wary of builders who offer a “special low price” or claim they have materials left over from another job they can use on their project,” said Kathy Maisonville. “Legitimate builders and remodelers do not over buy materials for a job. Consumers are also warned to be cautious about any builder who asks to be paid in cash or requires total payment up front.”

Hiring unlicensed builders also exposes the consumer to potential liability issues that could be very costly. Consumers that contract with an unlicensed contractor can be held liable for on-the-job injuries sustained by that unlicensed person and their employees. This exposes the consumer to liability, including having to pay medical bills and lost wages. Licensed contractors must carry workers compensation insurance to cover injuries to their employees. Unlicensed builders do not.

Licensed contractors offer consumers several benefits, including:

The contractor knows his/her trade and has been tested and approved, including a credit check by the state of Michigan;
They are required to show continuing competency in their profession to keep their license. They know and build to the Michigan Residential Code;
Liability for on-the-job injuries will rest with the licensed contractor, not with the consumer.

All licensed contractors carry a pocket license card, which consumers should ask to see. If they cannot show their license, consumers should call the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth’s (DELEG) Builder’s Unit at (517) 241- 9254 or visit the DELEG website at www.michigan.gov/builders, to confirm that an individual or company has a license.

Consumers are encouraged to file complaints against unlicensed builders. By doing so, consumers not only assist in legal crackdowns against unlicensed builders, but also will help friends and neighbors from being ripped off. Complaints against unlicensed builders must be in writing and signed. Necessary forms may be obtained at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/builders_complaint_forms_320691_7.pdf, or a consumer may request a form and information by telephone at (517) 241-9202. Consumers filing complaints are urged not include any information such as your social security number, that you do not want to be released to the respondent.

Free Red Cross Workplace Seminar

2013-03-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

The American Red Cross is offering a free Workplace Emergency Preparedness Seminar

April 18, 2013 in Traverse City
9 am - Noon

When you RSVP you will be sent information on the Traverse City location .

Click Here for more information and to RSVP

SUCCESS IN 2013: KNOW YOUR BUSINESS

2013-03-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Three Key Areas that Need your Attention

Owning a small business and living in the land of “entrepreneurial bliss” can prove rewarding, yet challenging. Lisa J. Vogler, an attorney with the law firm of Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho has counseled many small business owners, and has advised them of three areas of their business that need constant attention: insurance, accounting and marketing. These areas should not be delegated to an employee or independent professional without the owner’s consistent oversight. Being educated, informed and pro-active in these areas can protect the owner, the business and its future success.

INSURANCE

Commercial insurance is a topic that perplexes many entrepreneurs. The tendency is to view purchasing commercial insurance in the same way as insuring a personal vehicle; however, this is not the case.

Commercial insurance needs to be customized to fit the needs of a specific business, which can be challenging to determine. General liability, workers’ compensation, equipment coverage, commercial auto/fleet coverage, fiduciary or dishonesty bonds, and umbrella coverage are just a few of the types of policies that may be applicable to a small business. Residential and commercial contractors have the added concern of understanding the laws in regard to ownership of job materials, and the need for builders risk coverage.

Additionally, business owners should understand how warranty laws affect the operation of their business. If their business involves a product or service that is covered by an express or implied warranty, owners should know if general liability coverage will protect them if a claim is made.

It is important for business owners to use a trustworthy and attentive insurance professional. It is equally as important for business owners to understand how their policy premium is calculated, and how deductibles can affect their premiums and potential cash flow. Business owners should meet with their agent, at a minimum, twice per year and inform their agent if any aspect of their business has changed.

ACCOUNTING
Small businesses and professional offices can be havens for embezzlers. Not paying attention to a businesses’ checkbook and finances can have devastating consequences. Business owners should always compare the computerized accounting program with hard copies, such as check stubs, bank deposit receipts and invoices. Furthermore, they should never sign a blank check, even for a long-time trusted employee, and should never allow only one employee to know the accounting program’s password.

Understanding the payroll tax obligations is also a concern in managing a small business. Failing to budget for weekly, monthly or quarterly payment of payroll taxes can be costly. All too often, small business owners prioritize other expenses over payment of payroll taxes, allowing arrearage, penalties and interest to accumulate.

Finally, business owners should never hesitate to structure their written contracts or verbal obligations with a customer in staggered or installment payments. If a product order requires materials to be purchased or requires set-up time, ask for a reasonable deposit or an initial payment from a customer to cover these expenses. One of my favorite general rules in business is, “You don’t get what you don’t ask for.”

MARKETING
In Lisa’s experience, there is one essential approach to small business marketing: always sell yourself first. Despite the technology of today, people still want to see a business owner’s smile and shake their hand. If a customer does not believe or trust a person, the chances of selling them a product or service diminish exponentially.

It is also imperative for business owners to know their audience. Research a prospective business or individual before making that first phone call or setting up that first meeting. Discover what is important to them, and impress them with the knowledge of their business history and philosophy.

The year ahead holds promise for many small businesses. Business owners should get out there, flash their smile and shake some hands, but when you get back in the office. . . . know your business.

Lisa J. Vogler practices in the areas of municipal law, construction law, insurance defense, and commercial and personal injury litigation. As an entrepreneur and general counsel for a family business, she has extensive background and experience in all issues related to business, including employment law, risk management, contract drafting, review and negotiation, and business taxation. She can be reached at (231) 922-1888 or lvogler@cmda-law.com.

ARC Report Endorses Massive Overhaul of Construction Permitting and Inspection

2013-03-06T12:51:00.003-08:00

On Tuesday, March 5th Governor Snyder released the long-awaited report from the Office of Regulatory Reform’s Inspections & Permitting Advisory Rules Committee. Lee Schwartz, HBAM’s Executive Vice President for Government Relations was one of the 19 members of the ARC.

To hit some of the highlights, the report recommends:

Creation of a statewide fire code.

Eliminating local construction boards of appeal and hearing all code appeals at the state level.

Enhancing standards for approving new building departments.

Creating an expedited code interpretation review panel through the State Construction Code Commission.

Eliminating redundant permitting at multiple levels

Requiring sufficient code knowledge before provisional registration of building inspectors.

Removing the requirement for government employment before registering as an inspector.

Creating a development-friendly culture of “Educate first, enforce second.”

Allow for self-certification in certain circumstances.

Creating single permits for HVAC and water heater replacement.

Creating an applicant checklist to help ensure a complete submission of applications for permits and plan review.

Provide for pre-project meetings.

Create and use baseline criteria for reviewing building officials’ performance.

Conducting random audits of jurisdictions with delegated authority to assure proper performance of the plan review, permitting and inspections process.
Overall the report endorses a massive overhaul in how construction permitting and inspections are done in Michigan. A majority of these changes will require legislative action to amend either the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act or the Building Officials and Inspectors Registration Act. Many of these changes (such as eliminating local CBAs) will face strong opposition. As you would expect, the HBAM will be in the thick of the effort to reform our system.

To view the complete recommendations, visit:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Inspections_and_Permitting_Recommendations_-_March_4_413233_7.pdf

DEQ Training March 21, 2013

2013-03-06T12:12:00.003-08:00

Training for Contractors, Consultants & Local Officials

Department of Environmental Quality
Water Resources Division
Cadillac District Office

DEQ Staff would like to meet with interested contractors, consultants, and local government officials to review state environmental regulations administered by the Water Resources Division involving inland lakes and streams, wetlands, the Great Lakes and floodplains.

We will be discussing what is NEW in the regulations and permitting process, in preparation for the upcoming construction season.

Where: Garfield Township Hall
3848 Veterans Drive, Traverse City

When: 9am-noon, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Please RSVP via e-mail names and
e-mail addresses by March 11, 2013 to
ConradsonS2@michigan.gov

Questions? Please call 231-876-4443
or 231-876-4444

Personal Branding 2.0 Seminar

2013-03-05T09:00:00.001-08:00

Friday, March 15th - An encore professional development seminar "Personal Branding 2.0" facilitated by Bill Marsh, Jr.

Regardless of your business niche, this impactful session will help you discover how to lead and inspire others. If you are looking for a training with a lasting impact that will challenge and inspire you, you won't want to miss this.

Location: ProBuild conference room - 5700 US-31, Grawn, MI

Time: Lunch begins at noon

Seminar: 12:45-2:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

March 11th, 2013 General Membership Meeting

2013-03-05T08:56:00.001-08:00

Monday, March 11th - General Membership Meeting at Floor Covering Brokers

Denny and his crew always have fabulous food for us so plan on attending.

4:30 pm Builder Forum: Rick Venecki of Technos Consulting

Are you plagued by a to-do list that is too long, a myriad of interruptions during your over-scheduled day? Find out some NEW and SIMPLE apps for your iPhone, Android, tablet or computer that can save you time and money. There are plenty of fresh ideas for contractors in the field and other busy professionals who don't have a "team" back at the office.

Learn ways to collaborate, capture funds remotely and access and share data simply.

5:00-7:30 pm Networking, product information/announcements and door prizes.

CONGRESS EXTENDS ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES TAX CREDIT

2013-01-17T08:31:00.001-08:00

Congress has extended the $2,000 tax credit for builders who build energy efficient homes by a bipartisan vote (89-8 in the Senate and 257-167 in the House). The legislation changed the base of the tax credit from the 2003 to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.

The legislation extends the credit from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013 and retroactively to January 1, 2012. The credit had previously expired on December 31, 2011. The extension of the energy efficient tax credit is contained in Section 408 of the legislation. To download the legislation, click here: American Taxpayer Act.

The legislation also extended the tax credit for homeowners to purchase qualified products to improve the energy efficiency of their existing homes. This is a significant achievement considering the political stalemate that has existed in Washington. It also demonstrates that there is wide bipartisan policy support for high performance homes.

The HBA is planning a Builder Forum or an in-house seminar on this topic in the next few weeks. More information will be provided to members via email.