september 2015 building buzz

Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association

September 2015

New vs Existing Homes, page 6

National Speaker, Fall Mixer, page 9

PlanGrid App, page 10

North Dakota’s first Homes for Our Troops house will be on tour during

the Fall Parade of Homes

BUILDINGBuzz

FALL PARADE OF HOMESHOMES OPEN SEPT. 24-27

PAGE 5

Photo courtesy of Glasser Images.

2 Building Buzz | September 2015

Publisher/Editor: Dot FrankLayout Editor: Michael L. Quinn

Building Buzz is a publication of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association

2600 Gateway Ave., Suite 1Bismarck, ND 58503

Phone: 701.222.2400 Fax: 701.250.9730

Like Us! www.facebook.com/bmhbaFollow Us! www.twitter.com/bmhba

Your membership is three-in-one: BMHBA, NDAB and NAHB

Professionals building our community through promotion of home ownership, education and

legislation since 1958.

2015 Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT

Drew KnutsonKnutson Homes, Inc.

Phone: (701) 258-34641ST VICE PRESIDENT

Greg ZenkerFerguson Enterprises

Phone: (701) 663-24462ND VICE PRESIDENTShannon Reichenberg

Diversity HomesPhone: (701) 220-8177

Susie FranklinCapital Credit Union

Phone: (701) 255-0042Nathan Jones

Tollberg HomesPhone: (763) 205-2037

Parker PladsonVenture Building Co.

Phone: (701) 290-6734

PAST PRESIDENTVance Vetter

Vance Vetter HomesPhone: (701) 751-8218

SECRETARY/TREASURER Lynn Klein

Gate City BankPhone: (701) 355-7633

Paula HaiderHaider Glass SpecialtiesPhone: (701) 250-6787

Chad MoldenhauerK & L Homes, Inc.

Phone: (701) 258-4584Jeff Sattler

Sattler HomesPhone: (701) 255-7628

Bill SchmidTownsquare Media

Phone: (701) 250-6602

Cover PhotoPatriot Homes

www.patriothomesnd.com

Details:Country Creek 5th, Bismarck

Built in 2015Slab on Grade

ADA compliant home built for Homes for Our Troops with the generous support of the subcontractors, suppliers and the community. All the modern features expected in an ADA home can be found in this property. Exterior doors are remote control, baths and

countertops are all wheelchair accessible. Tour this home and 39 others during theFall Parade of Homes Sept. 24-27.

BUILDINGBuzz

Photos courtesy of Glasser Images.

Bianco Realty has named SHIRLEY THOMAS and DARCY FETTIG “REALTORS® of the Month”! Shirley and Darcy had the most closed sales at Bianco Realty for the month of July

2015. Shirley has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2001 and Darcy has been a licensed REALTOR® since 1993.

Bianco Realty Sales Awards

SHIRLEY THOMAS DARCY FETTIG

3September 2015 | Building Buzz

Single Family – 40 Value - $6,879,495 Units – 40Multi-Family – 0 Value - $0 Units - 0Commercial – 10 Value - $3,657,005 Units – N/A

Single Family – 0 Value - $0 Units – 0Multi-Family – 0 Value - $0 Units - 0Commercial – 0 Value - $0 Units – N/A

Single Family – 9 Value - $2,327,447 Units - 9Multi-Family – 0 Value - $0 Units – 0Commercial – 1 Value - $1,972,313 Units – N/A

Single Family – 9 Value - $3,355,608 Units - 9Multi-Family – 0 Value - $0 Units - 0Commercial – 0 Value - $0 Units – N/A


American Plumbing | Pete Weisbeck Plumbing/Heating/Air Conditioning

Anderson Custom Cabinets | Tracy AndersonBuilding Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership)

Holly & Company Classic Homes | Holly RiegerSingle Family General Contracting

Kerner Construction & Pools | Jason KernerSingle Family Spec/Tract Building Single Family General Contracting

Kirkwood Bank & Trust Co. | Ken KnodelMortgage Banking

Century 21 Morrison Realty - Lore SchneiderLand Development

Mitzel Contractors, Inc. | Eddy MitzelSingle Family Spec/Tract Building | Land Development

Woodcraft Unlimited, Inc. | Bob Lussenden

Rivers Edge Plumbing and Heating, Inc. | Kenneth KleinsasserBuilding Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) Plumbing/Heating/Air

Conditioning

Roughrider Hardwoods, Inc. | David JensenBuilding Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership)

Sherwin Williams Co. | Chad SchumacherPaint/Wall coverings

The Blind Guy of North Dakota | Tammy Fransen

Trans Trash | Mitchell Kaelberer

TS Security | Terry WalchComputer Products and Services | Security Systems

Universal Homes ND, Inc. | Jeff KilberSingle Family Spec/Tract Building | Land Development

Wagner Construction | Dan WagnerSingle Family Spec/Tract Building | Single Family General Contracting

New Members & Anniversaries

Bismarck-Mandan Permit Reports

BISMARCK - www.bismarck.org

Permit Type July 2015 July 2014

LINCOLN - www.cityoflincolnnd.com

MANDAN - www.cityofmandan.com

BURLEIGH COUNTY - www.co.burleigh.nd.us

MORTON COUNTY - www.co.morton.nd.us

Single Family – 43 Value - $7,735,174 Units - 43Multi-Family – 2 Value – $13,395,000 Units – 120Commercial – 8 Value - $2,457,050 Units – N/A

Single Family – 14 Value – $1,988,289 Units - 14Multi-Family – 0 Value - $0 Units - 0Commercial – 0 Value - $0 Units - 0

Single Family – 14 Value - $3,939,056 Units - 14Multi-Family – 3 Value - $12,623,000 Units - 144Commercial – 3 Value - $3,487,000 Units – N/A

Single Family – 8 Value - $2,794,400 Units - 8Multi-Family – 0 Value - $0 Units - 0Commercial – 6 Value - $1,650,860 Units – N/A


July 2015 New MembersActive Radon Management | Steve Austin

APi Distribution | Keaton SmithBuilding Materials Lumber (Retail Dealership) Industry Consultant

Time to Renew!Members with September Anniversaries

Renew by September 30, 2015


t appears that our builders have been busy this summer and the community will benefit from their hard work when we showcase 39 homes in this year’s Fall Parade of Homes. It’s awesome to be a part of an association that continues to grow.

To be honest, I was a little concerned following Vance Vetter’s presidency. In 2014 the BMHBA broke records right and left and so far we’re keeping pace! Thank you for your continued participation and support. We’re turning heads and taking a seat at the right

tables to ensure our industry is heard and considered as the community changes.

As we get ready to greet thousands of prospective buyers, please help the BMHBA by actively promoting the Fall Parade of Homes. We’d be happy to get you details to post on your website, we’ll have Facebook posts that you can share on your pages, magazines to place in your lobby and more. All you have to do is call Dot or Terri in the office at 222-2400.

Here are a few Parade of Homes talking points to share with people you come across:

• Fall Parade of Homes – Sept. 24-27

• 39 Homes Constructed by 27 Builders

• $442,651 Average Home Price

• $419,900 Median Home Price

• Home Prices from $214,990-$899,900

• Homes Located in Bismarck (32), Mandan (5) and Lincoln (2)

We’re just one home ahead of last year’s total, and can come in well ahead of last year’s attendance with your support. Please post the enclosed poster in a prominent place at your business or within the community!

We’re celebrating Associate Appreciation Month in September. On behalf of the board, I’d like to personally thank our Associate members for their investment in the BMHBA. We’re fortunate to have a strong relationship with all businesses tied to home building. From title companies and banks to printers and insurance agents, Realtors and of course sub-contractors, I’m happy that we’re in this together! Please keep your eyes peeled for a special note of thanks from us in the coming weeks.

As you work to finish your Parade of Homes house in time for the event’s opening night on Thursday, Sept. 24, please make sure to register to attend our Fall Awards Mixer. We’re bringing in a big name from the home building industry…Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. a nationally acclaimed economist and public speaker. Elliot is known throughout the country as the “Bowtie Economist”. He infuses humor and bitter honesty that audiences have come to love.

In addition to the keynote presenter, the Fall Awards Mixer will feature a special VIP social with access to Elliot and elected officials along with appetizers and free drinks. The VIP social is open to anyone who contributes to PAC at the Century Club ($100) level or higher. Please consider attending this event and taking it one step further by donating at least $100 to PAC to attend this special social. Registration is open online at bmhba.com/event and details are printed on page 9.

Thank you Associates and all members for the impact you make together through our association.

President’sLetter

Drew KnutsonBoard President

I

Drew KnutsonPresident


Three Dozen Homes Debutat the Fall Parade

The new definition of “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act becomes effective Aug. 28.

NAHB has a webinar replay, fact sheet and all kinds of background information available that will help you decide whether your property meets the WOTUS definition.

The Fall Parade of Homes will feature 39 homes constructed by 27 builders. This year’s event will run Thursday, Sept. 24 through Sunday Sept. 27. During that time, more than 2500 adults are anticipated to trek through the homes.

This year’s event includes homes in Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln priced from $214,990-$899,900. The median home price is $419,900; that compares to a median home price of $387,000 in 2014.

“We’re thrilled to see so many homes in this year’s event,” says Parade of Homes Chairwoman Lindsey Matter. “There’s a style to suit all buyers when you bring together 27 different home builders,” she added.

Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 18 and under. One ticket will provide the attendee access to all 36 homes over the course of four days. Tickets are available at any Parade of Homes house. Homes will be open Thursday and Friday from 6-9 p.m., Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Whether you’re ready to buy, build or remodel, the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes is an excellent source of inspiration and access to local builders. Find more information at bmhba.com.

September 24-27, 2015Thu & Fri 6-9pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-5pm


f you have ever wondered what drives a home buyer to select a particular home look no further. The American Housing Survey provides insight into the home buying process. The top two reasons for choosing a home were its size (cited by 76% of buyers) and room layout/

design (74%). The house’s price and the neighborhood were each cited by 72% of home buyers. For buyers of new homes, room layout/design, neighborhood, exterior appearance and construction quality tended to be even more important than for other types of buyers. Among first-time buyers, on the other hand, price was more often a consideration (see Graph 1).

The neighborhood a home is located in, also plays a major factor in home selection. The top two reasons for choosing

a neighborhood were “the house itself” (cited by 85% of buyers) and safety (71%). Safety, looks/design and to some extent good schools tended to be more important to new home buyers than to other types of buyers. Proximity to work and friends/family tended to be more important to first-time buyers (Graph 2).

Home buyers looked at 10 different homes before deciding which one to buy (median). About half of the buyers used their saving for a down payment, 17% used the sale of a previous home, and 11% purchased their home without a down payment.

A deeper investigation into home buyers, the homes they are buying, and why they are buying them can be found at http://goo.gl/rYYvHo.

Different Buyer Preferences?New vs. Existing Homes

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STATE NEWS

NAHB’s Economics Group analyzed state data to provide members with information about their local residential construction labor market. State-specific data include:

Average Annual Wages for Select Construction Trades

The average state wages are provided for 17 construction specialty trade contractors, based on 2014 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Workforce Supply and Projected Workforce Demand

The number of residential construction workers in each state in 2013, and an estimate about how many full-time workers are needed for single-family and multifamily construction, as well as residential remodeling, in 2015. The projected workforce demand is based on NAHB forecasts of housing starts and remodeling spending, and NAHB estimates of construction jobs generated by home building and remodeling.

STATE WAGE AND WORKFORCE DEMAND DATA

The Loss Control department at Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) ran a 6 month pilot program for online OSHA training which ended May 31, 2015. Positive feedback from the individual participants and the employers has prompted WSI to continue offering the OSHA 10-Hour online training.

The OSHA 10 Online Training Program is now available and

open to any ND employer and their ND employees. WSI has created a page at workforcesafety.com under the Safety

Training & Education section with the details.

OSHA 10-HOUR GOES ONLINE


The North Dakota University Systems new Chancellor Mark Haggerot recently met with industry leaders during a leg of his statewide listening tour. The event was intended to introduce Haggerot to state business and industry leaders and open a dialogue about the needs of business concerning higher education.

The event attracted representatives from healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, education and more. Executive Officer Dot Frank attended on behalf of the home builders association. It was important for the home building industry to make its presence known and to share our members concerns about the quantity and quality of students emerging from our state colleges and universities.

Frank shared the pressing need to additional laborers and highlighted the current and projected openings in construction trades. She also shared the need to present all career opportunities to students and to communicate high job placement and salaries associated with construction trades.

If your company is interested in offering internships or job shadowing and/or would like materials to promote careers in your trade, contact the BMHBA at 222-2400 or [email protected].

HOME BUILDERS HEARD AT HIGHER ED DISCUSSION

BMHBA NEWS

The BMHBA invited BMBOR (Bismarck-Mandan Board of Realtors) members to participate in a joint training event led by NAHB’s Donna Oliver.

The event was open to board members from both associations. Training was targeted to association management and leadership and topics included the Myers Briggs Personalities Indicators and Speaking with Confidence.

The final two hours of training was reserved for association staff who discussed the key factors of association success and association value propositions.

If you’re interested in stepping into a leadership role within the BMHBA, please contact the office or a current board member to find out about opportunities to serve on the 2016 board of directors.

BUILDERS AND REALTORS TEAM UP FOR TRAINING

NDUS Chancellor Mark Haggerot speaks with industry leaders at the Bismarck listening session.


BUILDERS BECOME HEROES FOR A DAY

Former NAHB Senior Economist and national speaker Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., will be the BMHBA’s special guest presenter at the Fall Awards Mixer on Oct. 8 at the Ramada Hotel.

Eisenberg is a nationally acclaimed economist and public speaker specializing in making the arcana and minutia of economics fun, relevant and educational. Chief Economist for GraphsandLaughs, LLC, he writes a syndicated column and authors a daily 70 word commentary on the economy. He is a

frequent speaker on topics including economic forecasts, economic impact of industries such as home building and tourism, consequences of government regulation, strategic business development and other current economic issues.

Online registration for the Fall Awards Mixer is open at bmhba.com/events. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the success of the Fall Parade of Homes and hear from an extraordinary presenter.

NATIONAL SPEAKER BOOKED FOR BMHBA AWARDS EVENT

BMHBA NEWS

Former NAHB Senior EconomistElliot Eisenberg, Ph.D

The Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association participated in Mandan’s Summer Food Service program, “Lunch with Heroes” to lead school-aged children in a construction activity.

Members of the 2015 Board of Directors assisted children with a building project donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement. The activity coincided with the free lunch program hosted at Dykshoorn Park in Mandan on July 28.

Board President Drew Knutson leads a group of students in a building project during Lunch with Heroes on July 28.

Many Associate members with successful businesses will attest that their HBA has proved to be the best place to build brand awareness, launch a robust referral program, generate leads and garner a strong clientele.

Dennis Poppe, owner of Premiere Benefits Services, an insurance company in Issaquah, Wash., is one of those members. On Sept. 16 from 1-2 p.m. he will share the marketing practices and tools he has used to build

100% percent of his business within his HBA, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County.

Association membership is what you make of it. Register for “Building your Brand Inside the HBA” at bmhba.com/events today to learn how you can make your membership work to your advantage.

NEW WEBINAR HELPS ASSOCIATE MEMBERSBUILD A ROBUST BRAND


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DIGITAL BUILDER: PLANGRID

For even the most tech-savvy of us, trying to find the most innovative, user-friendly, and thorough productivity apps can be daunting. When it comes to an app designed to help you improve your business you definitely want to invest the time to pick the right one. Today, we’re looking at PlanGrid.

Traditional blueprints are a tried and true tradition part of the home building process. PlanGrid brings everything that a blueprint is — and then some — to the construction site. Through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, your team can communicate and share virtually every aspect of the design, and ensure that everyone has the most up-to-date plan.

For example, PlanGrid allows you to take, store and send progress photos.

And every byte of data you save in the app is also securely stored in the cloud, giving you instant access to the latest information.

While the app is free, there are three pricing tiers for this new tool, which will give you more advanced features. Prices start at $19.99 and go up to $99.99 per month per user (PMPU). The free plan offers 50 sheets of storage for your project, while the first tier jumps you up to 550 sheets of storage. The most expensive plan offers unlimited storage.

Depending on the size of your projects, the number of team members who need access, and the quantity of sheets you typically use, this app can save you time, money and a lot of frustration. It is definitely worth a free trial, or at least giving the least expensive membership a swing on your

NEW HOME LOANS:RATES AND HOUSE PRICES BOTH INCREASE

Interest rates on conventional mortgages used to buy newly built homes increased in June, according to data released earlier today by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The data show the average contract interest rate increasing by 9 basis points to 3.86 percent, the highest it’s been since January.

The average initial fees and charges on the loans decreased by 3 basis points to 1.08 percent, but this small change was not enough to prevent the effective interest rate (which amortizes initial fees over the estimated life of the loan) from climbing to 3.98 percent. This also represents a 9 basis point increase from May, and is the highest the average effecting rate has been since January.

Meanwhile, the average size of the conventional mortgages used to purchase newly built homes increased for the fifth month in a row, from $343,000 in May to $352,500 in June. This is an all-

time high and the first time the average loan amount has been above $350,000.

The average price of the newly built homes purchased with these loans actually increased by more than 3

percent in June, from $447,600 to $462,100. This also represents a record high, and marks the first time the average price of new homes purchased with conventional mortgages has been above $460,000.

The above information is based on FHFA’s Monthly Interest Rate Survey (MIRS) of loans closed during the last five working days in June. For other details about the survey, see the technical note at the end of FHFA’s July 30 news release.

By NAHB Digital Media Coordinator Brian Hess


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HOME OWNERS SPARED RATE HIKE;FIGHT CONTINUES

NAHB gained an important tactical victory in its ongoing fight to ensure that any increase to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee fees (g-fees) would not be used to pay for transportation programs or any other non-related housing issues.

With the national highway trust fund set to run out of money on July 31, the House and Senate agreed to a temporary three-month extension to renew funding so that construction projects do not grind to a halt. The three-month bill is fully paid for, and does not utilize g-fees to help fund the measure.

However, at the same time, the Senate approved a full six-year extension of the highway trust fund that does call for an increase in g-fees to help offset the cost of the transportation programs. Debate on a long-term extension of the highway trust fund will continue in Congress during the coming months, with the use of the g-fee budget offset being one of

many controversial pay-for items under discussion.

G-fees are a critical risk management tool used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to protect against losses on mortgages they have purchased or mortgage-backed securities they have guaranteed. NAHB strongly believes that these fees should only be used for their intended purpose – to protect against mortgage defaults and ensure the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Despite strong opposition from NAHB, Congress voted in 2011 to enact a 10-year, 10 basis point increase in g-fees to fund the extension of the payroll tax cut. The g-fee hike in the Senate’s long-term transportation bill would amount to a $1.9 billion tax on home owners by providing a four-year extension of the previous 10 basis point increase through 2025.

The Fight Continues

NAHB Chairman Tom Woods issued an official statement in July calling it “outrageous that Congress would consider using g-fees to cover the cost of programs completely unrelated to housing. With first-time home buyers still hesitant to enter the marketplace, it makes no sense to impose what amounts to aTax increase back stamp text on yellow background new tax on homeownership that will disproportionately affect low- to moderate-income borrowers. Homeownership cannot, and must not, be used as the nation’s piggybank.”

NAHB will remain actively engaged in this debate and utilize our advocacy resources to ensure that the costs of transportation programs are not borne by home owners.

NAHB CEO HOWARD SPARS WITH EX-LABOR SECRETARY REICH ON OVERTIME RULEFIGHT CONTINUES

NAHB CEO Howard Spars with Ex-Labor Secretary Reich on Overtime Rule

On Aug. 4, CNBC’s Nightly Business Report aired a story on American

workers and overtime pay, focusing on the Department of Labor draft regulation released June 30 that proposes updating the salary level at

which certain white-collar workers would be exempt from minimum wage and overtime pay from the current $23,660 to $50,440.

NAHB CEO Jerry Howard went head to head with former Labor Secretary Robert Reich on the merits and timing of the rule, as Howard forcefully argued that it would harm small businesses, particularly small home building firms still trying to regain their footing in the aftermath of the Great Recession.

View the Nightly Business Report video at https://goo.gl/CzSHWA.


Since the Member Rebate Program (MRP) has been offered as a free member benefit of the North Dakota Association of Builders, it has given participating members a total of $152,348.50. With 32 members participating in the program, that is an average of $4,760.89 going to each builder and remodeler member!

NDAB’s Member Rebate Program lets builders and remodelers receive

cash rebates for using certain manufacturers’ products

in the building and remodeling of homes. There are currently 45+ participating manufacturers covering 35+ different product categories.

For the 2nd Quarter of 2015, MRP is proud

to be adding Noritz Tankless Water Heaters, Panasonic Bath Fans, and Outdoor Lifestyles. On top of adding new manufacturers, new products for our already participating manufacturers have also been added. Download a new claim form for this quarter or try a customized Excel template so you don’t miss out on any possible rebates you’re eligible for.

First you need to register at HBArebates.com. Once you are registered, you are eligible to claim on a

quarterly basis.

Any home, remodeling project, or multi-family unit completed from April — June 2015 is eligible to be submitted by August 21, 2015. The claiming process is just as simple as registering. An address is ready to be submitted once it is completed. MRP will ask for your company name, the completed address, and the completion date(s). You then provide all of the information required for each manufacturer used.

The information required by most manufacturers typically include: quantity used, subcontractor or supplier name;

and model number. No receipts are needed!

Once a project is completed and the form is filled out, all you have to do is send it in. MRP will process your quarterly information, send it to the manufacturers, and issue you one lump sum check for all of your rebates!

Nationwide, over 70% of the builders and remodelers who participated last year have received in rebates more than they paid in annual dues to their HBA. Get the most of your membership by taking advantage of this free member benefit.

MEMBER REBATE PROGRAM GIVES YOU MONEY!

When it comes to building a home, there are a lot of decisions to be made.But when it comes to your closing, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s Build Together.

701.223.6835TheTitleTeam.com

Montana | North Dakota | Minnesota

What will the next edition of the model building codes look like?

We’ll begin to find out this month: Public hearings begin Sept. 27 in Long Beach, Calif., as part of the 2015 ICC Annual Conference.

Some of the proposals submitted are a little, shall we say, wacky.

• A requirement that a fire inspector be onsite at all times — as in 24/7 — when a wood-framed building is under construction. The cost for this special inspector would be borne

by the builder. The proposal didn’t gain any traction in the preliminary hearings but there’s no stopping anyone from bringing it up again.

• Limiting flexible ducts to only 5 ft. and requiring water service piping to be at least an inch in diameter.

• A requirement that builders arrange for additional inspections for firestops, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire-barrier systems.

NAHB members are invited to attend the hearings in Long Beach, but the

most important thing a member can do between now and then is to encourage local code officials to register to vote, so even if they can’t go, they can vote online after the meetings are over.

We need to make sure code officials vote for proposals that are cost effective and do the best job of balancing safety, energy efficiency and affordability.

3 GOOD REASONS TO CORNER YOUR CODE OFFICIAL


Home LoansApproved Locally.

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The House Financial Services Committee approved three key housing bills that will benefit NAHB members, including a measure that would provide a hold-harmless period to ensure that home closings will not be disrupted after new mortgage lending rules take effect on Oct. 3.

NAHB, along with a coalition of industry allies, led the effort to advance H.R. 3192, the Homebuyers Assistance Act. The legislation would delay until Feb. 1, 2016 enforcement of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new mortgage disclosure rules so that mortgage brokers, lenders, settlement service providers and others have adequate time to adapt to the new documentation requirements. During this period, they will not be subject to any regulatory penalties or litigation.

The House panel also approved H.R. 1210, the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act, legislation that would ease some Dodd-Frank requirements for qualified mortgages. Specifically, the measure would amend the Truth-in-Lending regulation to prove that a loan satisfies the ability-to-repay requirement if the loan remains in the originating lender’s portfolio.

In essence, the bill will particularly help small community banks that are more likely to originate and hold a home loan in their portfolios for the whole life of the loan, to make more credit available to borrowers whom they view as good credit risks.

The third bill approved by the panel of interest to the housing community is H.R. 1941, the Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act. The

bill would require bank regulators to provide clear and consistent guidelines for the treatment of loans. Of note to home builders, it would prohibit examiners from insisting that reserves be increased, even when a borrower has never missed or been late on payments.

HOUSE PANEL APPROVES MEASURE TO DELAY ENFORCEMENT OF NEW MORTGAGE RULES

NAHB has learned that an unaffiliated marketing company is reaching out to our members in an attempt to sell a “Home Builders Database.” The company claims to have complete contact details including valid and verified email addresses across the United States and Canada.

NAHB does not sell or give away lists. This is a spamming campaign coming from a third-party company that is in no way involved with NAHB.


NDAB NEWS Volume XXII, Issue 9 Monthly News from the North Dakota Association of Builders September 2015

Hello NDAB! This month I would like to make you aware of yet another great Member perk from NAHB. Have a great start to fall and we hope you have marked your calendars for our Annual Banquet in Dickinson November, 20th! LeRoy New Flooring Installation Guidelines Available to NAHB Members Filed in Business Management, Home Building, Legal on July 20, 2015

NAHB and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) are working together to share information and resources to promote proper flooring installation. NAHB and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) are working together to share information and resources to promote proper flooring installation standards and best practices. As part of this new collaboration, NWFA is making its Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines available to NAHB members at no cost. The organization has found moisture-related flooring problems to be a long-standing issue for the residential construction industry. When problems like these result in expensive insurance claims and dissatisfied home owners, the impact is felt by all parties in the supply chain. NWFA spends a significant amount of time each year educating flooring contractors on the proper installation of wood flooring. Recently, after noticing a disproportionately high number of claims for improper installation of wood flooring, NWFA reached out to NAHB to extend the education offering to builders. One solution the guidelines offer, for example, is having an HVAC system in place to help get the wood to optimum performance condition. In fact, the guide recommends that where building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should operate at least five days prior to flooring installation to promote proper acclimation. Brett Miller, NWFA vice president of education and certification, met with the NAHB Construction Liability, Risk Management, and Building Materials Committee at the 2015 International Builders’ Show board meeting to discuss the organization’s top concerns related to this issue. Following this meeting, NAHB and NWFA agreed to establish a mutually beneficial, strategic relationship to work cooperatively to achieve their common interests. To access the guidelines and learn more about other substantive technical, legal and business issues affecting the building industry, visit nahb.org/constructionliability standards and best practices.

LeRoy Kurtyka NDAB President

North Dakota Association of Builders 1720 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 207, Bismarck, ND 58503-0801 701/222-2401 or 800/326-4746 www.ndbuild.com

Back your PAC … your PAC backs you! NDAB-PAC is the North Dakota Association of Builders’ Political Action Committee. It is a non-partisan political action committee that provides support for candidates who are friends of the building industry. Contact NDAB at (800) 326-4746, (701) 222-2401 or [email protected] to contribute or learn more!

Back to School September is here, children are back to school and the weather is turning cool. I hope when you look back at your summer it is filled with warm memories of endless days, adventures and time with family. August seemed to be a month that flew by for us and we remained busy. One of the highlights of the month was NDAB teamed up with USDA

Rural Development, Consensus Council, AARP and the Dakota Center for Independent Living to host an informational forum on visitability in a home and just what exactly that means. Visitability Principles can be incorporated in the design and con-struction of housing to enable persons with disabilities to visit friends, relatives, and neighbors in their homes within a community. HUD encourages Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) to incorporate accessible design and construction features into all housing devel-oped with HOME funds in order to provide "visitability." According to HUD, visitability can be achieved for little cost with the use of two simple design standards: (1) providing a 32-inch clear width open-ing in all interior and bathroom doorways and (2) providing at least one accessible means of egress/ingress for each unit. Providing an entrance with no stairs does not mean they have to be the front entrance into your home. If you can have a zero step entrance in your garage into your home, that works great as well. When mak-ing your home visitable, the changes required are very minimal that most people would not notice the difference, but many for years to come will appreciate the layout. Universal Design is a design concept that encourages the con-struction or rehabilitation of housing and elements of the living envi-ronment in a way that makes them usable by all people, regardless of ability, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. If you would like a copy of the presentation or have any further questions, please let us know or contact Royce Schultz, Executive Director for the Dakota Center for Independent Living at 701.222.3636 or [email protected]. September also brings many of us back together in Dallas, TX for NAHB’s Board of Directors meetings and various training opportu-nities. It’s always a fun time for our members to join with others from across the country to network and learn. We wish everyone safe travels and we will share updates in our next newsletter. Warm wishes to you and yours, Kim Schneider

Kim Schneider NDAB Executive Officer


www.ndbuild.com North Dakota Association of Builders September 2015

Dot Frank, Executive Officer 701-222-2400 bmhba.com

Mullets, flannel and buck teeth made an appearance along with 80 members for the Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Gone Redneck. Participants shot seated on a porcelain thone, played Redneck ring toss and shot from inside a truck.

The BMHBA is celebrating Associates this September as part of National Associate Appreciation Month. Thank you for your support!

The Fall Parade of Homes is Sept. 24-27. More than 30 homes will be open for tours.

All NDAB members are invited to attend the BMHBA Fall Awards Mixer on Oct. 8 that will feature keynote speaker, former NAHB Economist Elliot Eisenberg. A VIP social is open to Century Club PAC contributors and higher.

Dickinson Area Builders Assoc. Irene Schafer, Executive Officer 701-483-0044 dickinsonareabuilders.com

August will be busy for our members. We have our annual picnic on Wednesday, August 12 at Eagles Park.

The following week, we will have our annual Golf Scramble at Heart River Golf Course with a t-time of 4 pm.

Our next General Membership Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 9 at Lady J’s Club & Catering.

We will name our Builder of the Year & Associate Builder of the Year at our September meeting.

Bryce Johnson, Executive Vice President 701-232-5846 hbafm.com

The HBA of F-M will feature over 50 homes and select remodel projects for the 2015 Parade of Homes & Remodeled Home Tour. The Parade of Homes will be noon - 5 p.m. Sept. 26-27 & Oct. 3-4. The Remodeled Home Tour will be noon - 5 p.m. Oct 3-4 only.

120 members attended the Associate & Family Picnic on Aug. 13. The event was a lot of fun, despite the heat!

The HBA of F-M Codes Task Force met with Fargo’s Building Official to discuss proposed changes.

n late July a federal judge clarified the language of his injunction regarding ring dike construction in Oxbow, N.D in relation F-M Diversion work. The halt on all residential construction has been lifted due to the clarification on his ruling.

Forx Builders Association Betty McDonald, Executive Officer 701-746-4536 forxbuilders.com

Our Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for

September 17th at the Grand Forks Country Club. Marvin Windows & Doors is the Title Sponsor for the event. Fun new games are planned as well as cash prizes.

The Lighting Gallery will host the September 23rd Builders After Hours. We will be helping them celebrate their 15th year in business.

October 7th will be our General Membership Meeting where the Builder and Associate of the Year Awards will be presented as well as the BEAM Award.

Our First Annual Chili Cook Off will be hosted by the Woodland Estates Builders and will be held at the Applegren Construction shop. The tentative date is October 24th.

Minot Association of Builders Vicky Flagstad, Executive Officer 701-852-0496 minotab.com

Past President’s Golf Tournament was held Aug. 17th with 84 members participating on a beautiful summer day.

September Builders after Hours is set for the 15th and will be hosted by Verendrye Electric Coop at their newly remodeled Minot office.

Minot Association of Builders turned over the keys to the completed Charles Stewart family home in Underwood on August 13th. Donations of cash, labor and product totaled around $200,000. Special thanks to Cindy Snay for keeping everyone on task to get the huge project completed.

Williston Area Builders Association701-572-5744 willistonbuilders.com

WABA had its first Golf Scramble and it was a great success. Luke Rassmussen chaired the event committee and created an excellent event with 13 under taking the top spot and some great barbeque ribs to top off the evenings event at the Eagle Ridge golf course here in Williston.

WABA’s summer picnic and new member introduction will be held August 19th at the city park next to the Williston library on Davidson Drive.

Our fall “Parade of Homes” is on schedule and will run October 3rd and 4th. Come out and see some of the beautiful new homes being constructed in and around Williston.

We will also soon be starting our “Home Show” for next April and have already

secured the Raymond Family Center for the event. Anyone interested in obtaining a booth should contact the WABA office and since we are running on a volunteer staff please leave a message and we will get back to you.

Thank you to the NDAB 2015 Partners! We truly appreciate your support and we are very excited to serve you throughout the entire year! Gold Partner - Montana Dakota Utilities

Silver Partners - Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association, Dickinson Area Builders Association, Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, & Northern Plumbing Supply

Bronze Partners - Bell State Bank & Trust, Forx Builders Association, Minot Association of Builders, ND Guaranty & Title Co., ND Housing Finance Agency, ProBuild, RDO Equipment Co., & Williston Area Builders Association NDAB is pleased to announce that for the second year in a row we are the recipient of the Grand Award for Retention Rate for highest year-end membership rate within group size. Thank you to all of our members for your support!

Around the State

Save the Date! NDAB will be hosting the Annual Banquet in Dickinson, ND this year! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 20th and join us for a night of recognition, networking, and fun. We will welcome 2016 Board Members and give a great send off to those retiring at the close of 2015. There will also be great food, PAC fundraisers, and several other fun surprises. You won't want to miss it! Watch for further details!

2600 Gateway Ave., Ste. 1Bismarck, ND 58503

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Bismarck, ND58501

UPCOMING BMHBA EVENTSFall Parade of Homes - Sept. 24-27

Homes for Our Troops Key Ceremony - Sept. 26Fall Awards Mixer - Oct. 8 at 5:30pm

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september 2015 building buzz

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