Utah Valley Home Builders Association

Congratulations!

2012-02-10T11:07:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Ross Ford for being elected 2011 Builder of the Year for the State HBA!

We are under construction!

2012-02-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Utah Valley HBA will be moving to the second floor soon. Right now construction is in full swing here at the office and we are looking forward to seeing the new offices when they are completed. The UVHBA would like to thank Magleby Construction, Inc. for their work in doing the build-out for us. We would also like to welcome Crysalis, who will be moving into our current suite in the future. There will be more details to come!

Have Any News or Anounncements?

2012-02-07T15:23:00.001-07:00

Have any news or announcements? We would love to include any news, announcements, sales, grand openings, etc. in the "Member News" section of our Monthly Newsletter! Email your Newsletter content and information to kelcie@uvhba.com

Magleby Construction would like to welcome Greg Fix as Vice President to their Company!

2012-02-07T15:19:00.003-07:00

To read the Full Press Release, click on the title of this post!

Growth Through the UVHBA!

2012-02-06T10:44:00.003-07:00

Kiley Hix gave a presentation at the January GMM showing how to get the most out of your membership. He exhibited how his company has expanded since he has joined the UVHBA in 2009. As you can see in the graph below, his business more than doubled from the last year. Between the years 2009 and 2010 his business almost tripled, and again between 2010 and 2011 Kiley's business grew more. Just by networking and getting involved in the UVHBA, Kiley Hix has gained about $400,000.00 in revenue! Kiley highlighted in his speech, when you give service you get service back. Kiley quoted John C. Maxwell by saying, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!"

NAHB: Atlanta Former NFL Players, Home Builders Refresh Home For Homeless Family In Time For Thanksgiving

2012-01-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

NAHB: Atlanta Former NFL Players, Home Builders Refresh Home For Homeless Family In Time For Thanksgiving

NAHB: Builders Commend White House Focus on Helping Home Owners, Seek Additional Steps to Spur Housing

2012-01-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

NAHB: Builders Commend White House Focus on Helping Home Owners, Seek Additional Steps to Spur Housing

JOIN US

2012-01-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Join the UVHBA! Members make it possible to stop the 2009 Energy Code from passing through the legislature in Utah for a second year in a row because of the HBA state lobbyist, saving $6,000 per home... Members make it possible for the UVHBA to get impact fees reduced and refunds given in Lehi City... Members make it possible for the NAHB to influence the repeal of 1099, the burdensome tax paperwork requirement that could cost small businesses thousands of dollars each year!

Join us! Be a member of the leading company in Utah Valley actively working to promote, preserve, and protect individuals and companies in construction industry.

UVHBA Bidding Service Free to Members

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

NEW! UVHBA Bidding Service is available to all builder/trade members as added value of UVHBA membership. Send us information on the home and/or project you need bids on, and we’ll send the information to all UVHBA subs and trade contractors for you. For detailed information, click here.

Keep Your Holiday Festive with FTD

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lowe’s Increased Member Discount Will Continue Through 2012

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

NAHB Members Can Continue to Enroll to Receive Increased Discount through December 2012

Save 5% everyday when you use your Lowe’s Account Receivable*.

Plus, visit LowesForPros.com/NAHB and register to save 2% on your Lowe’s Accounts Receivable purchases made now through 12/7/2012.**

Plus, get free delivery on purchases of $500 or more now through 12/7/2012.

* Exclusions apply, discount taken at time of purchase, see store for details.
**Exclusions apply, discount taken at time of statement, see LowesForPros.com/NAHB or call 877-435-2440 for details.

Introducing a Free Dental Discount Plan available exclusively to UVHBA members!

2011-12-13T17:30:00.002-07:00

The UVHBA is proud to announce all members are eligible for a FREE dental plan through EMI Health. EMI Health has a created a network of dentists throughout Utah who offer discounted rates on all preventative and restorative dentistry, saving you 30% - 60% off. There are no annual maximums, no deductibles and no waiting periods. This is a significant discount program!
Additional dental and vision plans are available at discounted member rate.
For information on enrollment and details on the plan, contact Derelys Patrick, 801-224-9600 ext. 111, derelys.patrick@fwbs.com.

NAHB: Member Discounts are Better Than Ever!

2011-11-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

NAHB: Member Discounts

UVHBA Weekly Newsletter

2011-07-21T14:31:00.001-06:00

Membership
4 Reasons Why Contests Should Be Part of Your Marketing Strategy:
http://on.mash.to/rhJttB
10 Tips and Tweaks to get the most out of Firefox 4
http://www.lostintechnology.com/internet-tools/10-tips-and-tweaks-to-get-the-most-out-of-firefox-4/

Did you know?
Utah Valley is home to some of the best and brightest in the home building industry? You may not be aware but there are 7 members who actively hold NAHB’s professional designations. In particular, there are a number of members who have earned the popular Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation. Their dedication to the industry and their desire to learn should not go unnoticed.
The UVHBA will be holding designation courses in the last quarter of this year. Further dates and times will follow.

Robert	Nelson	Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Certified Green Professional (CGP)	Robert Nelson Construction LLC
Jon	Traveller	Certified Green Professional (CGP)	New Century Contractors Inc.
Paul	Ashby	Certified Green Professional (CGP)	Magleby Construction
Jeff	Atkinson	Certified Green Professional (CGP)	Magleby Construction
Michael	Parry	Certified Green Professional (CGP)	Michael D. Parry Construction
David	Griffiths	Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)	Build 4 Mobility, Inc.
Michael	Klauck	Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)	Mike Klauck Construction
William	West	Certified Green Professional (CGP)	KNIGHT WEST CONSTRUCTION

Lumber Prices

UVHBA Events

NAHB Information
Top 10 NAHB Actions on Behalf of Members
NAHB took a variety of actions on behalf of the membership this past month, including:

NAHB rolled out the results of a nationwide poll that confirmed the continued strong value that Americans place on homeownership.
In another action, NAHB is part of an industry and consumer coalition that, along with 325 House and Senate lawmakers, is calling on federal regulators to revise a proposed 20 percent down payment requirement for Qualified Residential Mortgages.

Review these and the eight other action itemslisted in the Top 10 NAHB benefits of NAHB/UVHBA members.

How Government Regulations Effects the Price of a New Home
Over the past several years, the market for new housing has suffered through a severe slump, with housing stats running at one-third of what had been the normal rate going back to the 1950’s. Stumbling blocks on the path to recovery include competition from sales of distressed existing properties, unvertainty about the health of the overall economy and labor markets, and difficulty in qualifying prospective buyers for mortgages. Once these particular obstacles are overcome and normality returns, however, home builder and developers will still be contending with markets in which homes cost more to build and sell than would otherwise be the case due to governtment regulations. To read the full article click here.

Register Now! 2011 Best in American Living Awards
Do you build or design single-family, multi-family or one-of-a-kind custom homes? Consider entering the Best in American Living Awards, BALA, sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. This highly recognized award program spotlights the most creative and innovative builders, architects, developers, land planners and interior designers in the nation. Every year, BALA winners redefine design excellence for the residential building industry. For more information on the program, go to www.nahb.org/bala. Entries are DUE SEPTEMBER 1, 2011.

Remodelers Encouraged to Enter EnergyValue Housing Awards Competition by July 29
Remodelers are encouraged to submit entries for the 2012 EnergyValue Housing Awards(EVHA) honoring builders and remodelers who voluntarily integrate energy efficiency in the design, construction and marketing of new and existing homes.
Sponsored by the NAHB Research Center, applications are due on Friday, July 29.
This is only the second year in which the 16-year EVHA competition has been open to remodelers. Categories for builders include single-family and multifamily projects. Clifton View Homes, of Coupeville, Wash., earned Remodeler of the Year honors last year. Through the remodel, the company was able to reduce the home’s utility bills by two-thirds, even though the home’s square footage increased by 10%. Clifton View Homes also received gold awards in the Cold Climate, Existing Home and Moderate Climate, Custom Home categories. To win the remodelers award, Clifton View Homes demonstrated its ability to translate the sound building science techniques and quality control mechanisms that it applies in new home construction to remodeled home design and construction. Clifton View Homes employed energy modeling during the decision-making process to develop its energy-efficient design and create a "terrific bang for the buck." To ensure quality control throughout the construction process, the company conducted regular site meetings and created checklists and special training. “The EnergyValue Housing Award provides a great opportunity to show off energy-efficient home remodels and the benefits to home owners,” said Paul Sullivan, CAPS, CGR, president of the Sullivan Companyin Newton, Mass. “Remodelers can make a great difference in energy savings by renovating older homes.”
To Apply:
Applications for New Homes and Existing Homes divisions are available at www.nahbrc.com/evhaand must be submitted by July 29.
Homes completed between Jan. 31, 2009 and the EVHA application deadlines are eligible.
Applicants can download the entire application in an electronic directory that contains the application itself, a subfolder for each section of the application and checklists. All required materials are clearly identified and suggestions are available for optional materials.
Once all sections are completed and saved in the appropriate subfolder, the entire directory must be submitted on two thumb drives or disks along with a signed copy of the disclosure statement. Using electronic storage devices eliminates the need for applicants to ship large binders of materials to the NAHB Research Center. Winners will be honored at an awards dinner planned for Wednesday, Feb. 8, on the first day of the 2012 NAHB International Builders’ Showin Orlando. All award applicants are eligible for tickets to the awards dinner at ICEBAR Orlandonear the convention center.

NAHB Members Urged to Act Immediately to Support Rep. Rehberg on Lead Paint Rule
Responding to concerns from NAHB Remodelers, affiliated trade groups and other contractors in his home state and the rest of the country, Rep. Denny Rehberg(R-Mont.) is putting additional pressure on the Environmental Protection Agencyto make much-needed improvements to the Lead: Repair, Renovation and Painting rule.
During a meeting of the House Appropriations Committeeon Tuesday, July 12, Rehberg will offer an amendment to the Department of the Interior’sappropriations bill that would make it more difficult for the EPA to enforce the rule by restricting its funding until the agency approves a test kit that meets the “false positive” and “false negative” criteria stated in the regulation. NAHB is asking its members to immediately urge members of the Appropriations Committeeto support Rehberg’s amendment by calling or emailing their offices. The representatives can be reached through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. For emails, go to the congressmen's websites, which can be found by Googling their names. “We would prefer to not see the appropriations process become a vehicle for policy changes,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Bob Peterson CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler in Fort Collins, Colo. “Unfortunately, the EPA has not responded to NAHB’s reasonable requests for changes through the usual public participation process — so the appropriation process is all that is left,” he said. In addition, NAHB led a coalition of 24 stakeholders including the Associated General Contractors of America, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to send a letter of support to the committee. “We urge you to adopt the Rehberg Amendment and require the U.S. EPA to comply with its own regulation regarding renovation work in homes and buildings that may contain lead-based paint,” the letter said. “To be very clear, we fully support efforts to protect children and pregnant women from exposures to lead-based paint in homes and buildings,” the letter said. But because there is no accurate test kit available, “the EPA has made compliance with the regulation as difficult and as inordinately burdensome as possible while simultaneously not complying itself.” Currently, the best EPA-approved test kit available indicates the presence of lead-based paint with a “false positive” of 16%, significantly higher than the 10% maximum required by the regulation. As a result, “contractors are forced to use older kits that, by virtue of their inaccuracy, are forcing compliance with lead-safe work practices on homes that otherwise would have tested negative. This means higher costs for consumers that likely do not have lead-based paint in their homes that would require compliance with the lead rule,” the letter said. “We fully support the Rehberg Amendment to withhold enforcement and implementation funding of the RRP until the EPA meets the obligations under its own regulation and approves a commercially-available lead test kit that meets the criteria EPA specified,” it said.

July Newsletter

2011-07-07T11:24:00.001-06:00

Membership
The Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to welcome the following New Members:

Melanie Marsh, American Fork City, Assocaite Member
Nick Evans, Bartile Roofs Inc, Associate Member
Brian Morrow, BBM Concrete Products, Inc, Associate Member
Ben Blackwelder, Benjamin Blackwelder Cabinetry, Assocaite Member
Heather Latteier, Casa Mila Design, Associate Member
David Layne, HDR Construction, Builder Member
Dan Draper, Meadow Wood Custom Doors, Associate Member
Oscar Rosales, Tri-Tex Construction Group (TCG), Associate Member
Vernon Van Buren, Van Buren Inc., Builder Member

The Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to Thank the following members for their Renewals:

DeLin Anderson, A.W.E. Siding Inc., Associate Member
Brent Skidmore, Bank of America Home Loans, Affiliate Member
Debbie Isaacs, Bank of America Home Loans, Affiliate Member
Rich Davis, Bank of America Home Loans, Associate Member
Vic Osmond, Bank of America Home Loans, Affiliate Member
Steve Lundwall, Bank of America Home Loans, Affiliate Member
Geoff Nielson, Bank of Utah, Affiliate Member
Aaron Frazier, BBF Prime Contractors, LLC, Builder Member
Jerry Pennock, Complete Restoration, Associate Member
Dean Peterson, DeMar Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Jon Smith, Earthtec Engineering, Inc., Associate Member
Sergio Garcia, GS Brother's Painting Inc., Associate Member
Joe Carrick, Joe Carrick Design, Associate Member
Matt McEwan, McEwan Custom Homes, LLC, Builder Member
Kirt McGee, McGee's Stamp & Trophy, Associate Member
Ross Ford, Monarch Builders, Builder Member
Roland Stonaker, MountainWest SnapSports, Associate Member
David Roma, Old World Stone Imports, Associate Member
Greg White, Orson H. Gygi Co / Gygi Design Innovations, Associate Member
James Patterson, Patterson Construction Inc., Builder Member
Vaughn Cook, RockWell, Inc., Associate Member
Randall Harward, Sprinkler World / Harward Irrigation, Associate Member
Terry Hallett, Staker Parson Companies, Associate Member
Brian Carter, The Daily Herald, Assocaite Member
Roxanne Bennett, Utah Valley Magazine, Associate Member
Greg Warburton, Warburton's Inc., Associate Member

Member Benefit Focus

UVHBA Events

Utah Valley Parade of Homes®
A Grand Parade
What a success!! Congratulations to all who participated in the 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes®. The Parade truly highlighted some of Utah’s most talented builders, interior decorators, landscapers and subcontractors. We welcomed 12,342 parade attendees. Visit the Utah Valley Parade of Homes® Facebook Page to see up-to-date Parade photos, information, and post-Parade discussion by builders and Parade goers. Please join us at the General Membership Meeting on August 11^th, 2011 as we announce the People’s Choice Award winners for Best Home, Interior Design and Landscaping.
A panel of judges toured the homes prior to opening day and awarded the following builders the “Best” in their separate categories.
2011 Parade of Homes Winners
Best Exterior
A.      McArthur Homes
B.       Ezra Lee Design & Build
C.      McEwan Custom Homes
Best Landscaping
A.      Cadence Homes
B.      Maple Shade Construction
C.       McEwan Custom Homes
Best Interior Design
A.      Cadence Homes
B.      Ezra Lee Design & Build
C.       Hatfield Homes
Best Kitchen
A.      Cadence Homes
B.      Ezra Lee Design & Build
C.       McEwan Custom Homes
Best Master Suite
A.      Cadence Homes
B.      Ezra Lee Design & Build
C.       Hatfield Homes
Best Floor Plan Design
A.      Cadence Homes
B.      Ezra Lee Design & Build
C.      McEwan Custom Homes
Judges Choice
A.      Cadence Homes
B.      Ezra Lee Design & Build
C.     McEwan Custom Homes

NAHB Information
As of June 16, 2011, residential construction companies have a 90-Day phase-in periodto comply with OSHA’s new “Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction” directive (STD 03-11-002). This means all companies must fully comply with guidance by Sept. 15, 2011. In addition, last December, OSHA rescinded its Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction(STD 03-00-001 – STD 3-0.1A), which had been in place since 1995. To read OSHA’s official announcement, click here.
The NAHB BuilderBooks Safety Brochuresare a must-have item in order to meet these requirements, and will be available at the UVHBA office mid-July. Be sure to view the NAHB OSHA Fall Protection Webinar Replay. The webinar is free to NAHB members.

NAHB Upcoming Webinars You Won't Want to Miss
July 13: Webinar to Look at What’s Hot in New-Home Construction
Attendees will gain insights into new trends for both single-family and multifamily homes, and get acquainted with products and strategies that will help them take advantage of new market opportunities. The fee is $19.95 for NAHB Remodelers members, $24.95 for NAHB members and $44.95 for non-members.To register online, visit the NAHB Webinar Wednesdays registration pageor contact NAHB’s Office of the Registrarat 800-368-5242, x8338. More information: Jaclyn Toole(800-368-5242, x8469)
July 20: Free Webinar to Guide Builders Through New Financing Environment
This webinar will explore future prospects for acquisition, development and construction financing. Panelists also will discuss alternative sources of funding; how new rules and regulations will affect traditional lender-builder relationships; and how builders can help potential customers take advantage of new incentives. Offered free to NAHB members,this event will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, July 20. To register online, visit the NAHB Webinar Wednesdays registration pageor contact NAHB’s Office of the Registrarat 800-368-5242, x8338.

Comment on EPA’s Proposed Revision to its Construction General Permit for Stormwater
NAHB is encouraging members to submit comments on EPA’s proposed revision to its construction general permit for stormwater. EPA issued the draft permit April 25^th under the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Comments are due by July 11. NAHB has developed a draft sample comment letter that NAHB members can use to prepare a comment letter to EPA. The sample letter is available.
The CGP regulates the discharge of stormwater from construction sites that disturb one acre or more of land, and from smaller sites that are part of a common plan of development. The permit requires operators of such construction sites to implement stormwater controls and develop stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs). The proposed new CGP includes a number of modifications, many of which are to implement the new Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and New Source Performance Standards for Construction and Development point sources, which was published on December 1, 2009. In addition to the requirements of the CGP, the ELG rule requires construction site operators to meet restrictions on erosion and sediment control, pollution prevention, and stabilization.
Affected parties, including builders, developers, home builder associations, and state and local governments, must act quickly to submit comments to ensure that the EPA takes into account end-users’ concerns about how the construction general permit will function in real-world circumstances.
NAHB has posted a fact sheetabout EPA’s proposed construction general permit that includes a sample comment letter and information about how to submit a comment. Although the CGP applies only where EPA is the permitting authority (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Idaho and Washington, D.C., most territories, and most Indian country lands), it also serves as a model for the permits issued in the delegated states, essentially affecting the future of the stormwater program.
Be Prepared for Stepped-Up OSHA Enforcement Activity
We've previously reported to you about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) decision to implement a three-month phase-in period for new fall protection guidelines that became effective on June 15 (read more here). As builders focus on understanding the new rules in this area, they are also reminded that OSHA has indicated that it is stepping up enforcement measures on a number of fronts and that it has taken steps to increase the dollar amount of all penalties through administrative enhancements to its penalty policy.
Builders and trade contractors should pay particular attention to the following hazards, which are the top 10 most frequently-cited OSHA standards for construction in 2010 (with the reference to the specific OSHA standard in parentheses):

Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
Fall Protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Fall Protection, training requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
General Safety & Health Provisions (29 CFR 1926.20)
Head Protection (29 CFR 1926.100)
Aerial Lifts (29 CFR 1926.453)
Eye & Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
Excavation, specific excavation requirements (29 CFR 1926.651)

There are a few simple things that builders and trade contractors should do to be prepared for OSHA inspections. These include:

Conducting an assessment to identify and correct safety hazards on the job site.
Conducting appropriate safety training for employees — such as fall protection and ladder safety training.
Updating records and making sure they are readily available.
Understanding the OSHA inspection process.

You should know that NAHB has multiple resources that are designed to assist you in achieving compliance with OSHA rules and regulations. For example, we have versatile handbooks and videos that present key safety issues where builders and workers can reduce accidents and injuries. These are available via BuilderBooks at this link. Also, NAHB's Construction Safety & OSHA web page contains compliance assistance information at www.nahb.org/safety. You can also download a free overview of the OSHA inspection process and obtain OSHA assistance at this link.

Parade of Homes Garage Space Available

2011-05-23T15:42:00.001-06:00

Be part of something SPECTACULAR. The 35^th annual Utah Valley Parade of Homes® is underway. The Parade runs for 12 days and is scheduled June 3 thru June 18, 2011. Presented by the Utah Valley Home Builders Association, the Parade has become a much anticipated event throughout Utah County and a tradition for the thousands who attend each year. The 2010 Parade drew 9,000 parade-goers and the goal for 2011 is to exceed 11,000 guests.

We would love to have you as an exhibitor at the 2011 Parade of Homes®. Click on the image above to find an exhibitor application. Please send your completed application by fax at 801-225-2583 or by mail to 1443 W 800 N Orem, UT 84057. We invite you to go online to www.uvparade.com to find a list of the 2011 Parade of Homes® builders, pictures, tickets, and much more.

Membership

2011-05-23T10:19:00.001-06:00

Top Reason To Be A UVHBA Member:

UVHBA and Lehi City have recently settled their 2 ½ year dispute over the city’s impact fee increase of over $5,400 in 2008. This settlement came about in part because of the legislative ground work done in the past five years by the Utah HBA and Utah Property Rights Coalition. In addition, there was a small number of UVHBA members who carried the financial burden of paying nearly $100k in attorney and consultant fees.

As a result, Lehi City is reducing impact fees by $2,700. Additionally, they have agreed to pay a partial refund of $2,200 to any builder who paid 2008 impact fees, member or non-member. Of course we feel all contractors should be members as they benefit from our efforts. To apply, contact Doug Meldrum with Lehi City at (801) 768-7120 Ext. 1. All claims must be made no later than June 30, 2011.

Many members and non-members alike will benefit from all the time and effort put into this suit. If you qualify and receive a settlement from Lehi City, we ask that a volunteer contribution of $100 per permit be submitted to the UVHBA to help offset the costs. Payment can be remitted to the UVHBA office.

This settlement with Lehi has set the stage for future success throughout the state of Utah. We thank all Lehi City officials along with the City Council and look forward to partnerships in the future. Please contact Caroline at 801-225-8893 if you have any questions.

Member Benefit Focus:

Events

2011-05-23T10:18:00.004-06:00

Calendar:

Utah Valley Parade of Homes®

Habitat For Humanity Events:

CONQUER THE PEAKS!

The Third Annual Tour de Habitat Lakes to Peaks Bike Ride is the official cycling event for this year's Orem City's Summerfest Celebration. The charity ride will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Utah County's affordable housing program. Rides are available for all skill levels – Lakes Route, Peaks Route, and the Family Ride. The cost for the event is $25.00 ($30.00 day of event) per person for the Lakes or Peaks Route, and $5.00 per person for the Family Ride. Riders will receive a t-shirt, water and snacks, tickets to an upcoming Owlz game, and other fun giveaways and prizes. Info and registration at www.habitatuc.org/events/tour-de-habitat.html.

Please join us for a dinner to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the National Exchange Club.

Speaker: Dawn Pheysey, the Curator of Religious Art at BYU.
Topic: Carl Bloch Exhibit

On: Thursday, June 02, 2011 at 6:30 PM
At: Utah Valley University
800 West University Parkway, Orem.
Sorensen Student Center
Room 206 C
Validated parking in pay lot
North of Student Center

Cost: $10.00 per person
RSVP to: Gaylin Hodges by Friday, May 27, 2011

Email: GaylinHodges@Netscape.net

Phone: (801) 372-3157

Hutch’s 6th Annual Friends of CM and CM Alumni Fly-Fishing Reunions

This year’s second installment of Hutch’s 6th Annual Friends of CM and CM Alumni Fly-Fishing Reunions is scheduled for September 23rd and 24th at the LC Ranch, a private catch-and-release fly-fishing destination about two hours east of Provo in Altamont, Utah. This will be our third September trip in a row at the LC Ranch. Many of you have probably heard that last month (April 8th and 9th), some twenty friends of CM and CM alumni fished together at the LC Ranch and had a lot of fun and . The weather was a little unsettled, but that didn’t stop the fishermen. Everyone caught fish. Once again there were some big fish landed; and, as usual, the ones that got away were monsters and will probably grow in size as time goes by.

Click here for more information.

Education

2011-05-23T10:18:00.001-06:00

NAHB Information

2011-05-23T10:17:00.001-06:00

NAHB Webinar Schedule

Upcoming NAHB Webinar
Webinar Wednesdays
Every Week – 2 pm to 3 pm ET

Register for Business Improvement series
Taking the Strange Out of Meeting Strangers (December 7)

Register for Design & Technology series

Green Home Technology (June 15)
2011 Design Trends (June 22)
Emerging Trends in 50+ Design and Amenities (July 6)
Design Trends/Market Trends (July 13)
Reimagining Universal Design I – Ten Fresh Ideas for the Homes of Tomorrow (July 27)
Reimagining Universal Design II – No Step Entrances, Exteriors (August 3)
Reimagining Universal Design III – Universal Design Product Showcase (August 10)
Healthy Technology (September 21)
Reinventing the Kitchen (September 28)
High Tech, High Touch – What’s New in 50+ Technology
2011 Affordable Million Dollar Details & Sneak Peek into 2012 Cost Saving Details (November 30)
Collaboration and the Builder-ESC-Manufacturer (December 14)

Register for Economics & Research series

Remodeling Outlook (May 26)

Register for Housing Policy & Finance series

Builder Guide to Appraisals (June 1)
What Salespeople Need to Know About Financing (June 8)
Financing for Home Builders (July 20)
Financing (November 2)

Register for Sales & Marketing series

He Said, She Said: Social Media for Home Builders 2.0 (May 25)
Social Media: Engage and Converse (June 29)
Sales and Marketing (August 31)
YouTube 101 (September 14)
ValueMatch Selling (October 5)
Adjusting to the “New Normal”: Strategies and Best Practices for 50+ Builders (October 12)
Successful Marketing Strategies to Boost Leases and Sales in Multifamily Communities (October 19)
Creating the Modern Marketing Budget (November 9)

NAHB Articles:
Click on title to read full article.

In response to litigation brought by NAHB, the federal government has withdrawn a costly Endangered Species Act (ESA) rule that had the potential to impact builders and developers nationwide.

NAHB Industry Groups Discuss Multifamily Issues With HUD Secretary
NAHB Research Center Begins Process to Update ANSI Square Footage Standard
NAHB Urges OSHA to Extend Deadline for Fall Protection Rule Change

Membership

2011-05-03T13:43:00.001-06:00

Top Reason To Be A UVHBA Member:

Member Benefit Focus:

Membership Directory DEADLINE:

Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to welcome the following New Members:

Chris Harris, A+ Elevators & Lifts, Associate Member
Denise Marsing, ACE Disposal, Associate Member
Gifford Largey, Big Fish Automation, Associate Member
Jeff Burton, Burton Lumber, Associate Member
Kurt Antonino, Green Tech Construction, LLC, Builder Member
Brent Reddekopp, Hyperion Consulting Services, Associate Member
David Crosby, Media One of Utah, Affiliate Member
Jeffrey Cooper, Media One of Utah, Associate Member
Erik Snarr, Reed's Built-Ins, Affiliate Member
Jordan Snarr, Reed's Built-Ins, Affiliate Member
Laura Snarr, Reed's Built-Ins, Affiliate Member
Darrell Thomas, Robert Nelson Construction, Affiliate Member
Nick Nelson, Robert Nelson Construction, Affiliate Member
Josh Winn, Smart Choice Communities, Associate Member
Ben Olson, Sunroc Building Materials Inc., Affiliate Member
Steven Lauritzen, Utah Geothermal, Associate Member

We want to thank the following for their Membership Renewals this month:

Chris Malovich, Arete Devco, Builder Member
David Lewis, Big-D Construction, Builder Member
Scott McBride, Carbide Construction, Associate Member
Mark Martin, Carriage House Mill, Associate Member
Breanne Bringhurst, Clive T. Roundy Construction, Affiliate Member
Lyle Partridge, Clydeco Building Supplies, Associate Member
Maximo Pichardo, E & L Custom Exteriors, Associate Member
Monte Kingston, Eagle Mountain Links LLC, Associate Member
Kurt Swensen, Element Roofing, Associate Member
Scott Shuler, Floors By Design, Associate Member
Clifford Hales, Hales & Warner Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Jim Staker, Jim Staker Architectural Illustrators, Associate Member
Jon Young, Jon Young Design, Inc., Associate Member
Brad Williams, Kwal Paint, Associate Member
Larry Whiting, Larry Whiting Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Tim Metler, Metler Homes, Builder Member
Mike Klauck, Mike Klauck Construction, Builder Member
Dan McArthur, Pine Canyon Homes, Builder Member
Nathan McArthur, Pine Canyon Homes, Affiliate Member
Clint Hales, Ray L. Construction, Builder Member
Scott Jewett, S&J Cabinets, Inc., Associate Member
Chad Staten, Staten Quality Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Stew Leith, Stewarts Heating & Refrigeration, Associate Member
Fritz Froerer, Stock Building Supply, Associate Member

Events

2011-05-03T13:39:00.001-06:00

Calendar:

New Member Orientation Breakfast:

General Membership Meeting:

Utah Valley Parade of Homes®

Habitat for Humanity Events:

ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENT TO BENEFIT HABITAT

Utah Valley's National Day of Prayer service will be held at the Provo Community United Church of Christ, 175 North University, on Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. The keynote speaker at the 60th annual commemoration will be Judge David Sam, Senior United States District Judge. All interested community members are invited to attend. The National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for members of all faiths to gather and pray for their community, state, nation and world. The Utah Valley Ministerial Association and Utah Valley University Interfaith Student Association are sponsoring this year’s event. The service will also include musical performances by One Voice Children’s Choir, pianist Bob Bailey, and harpist, Hailey Felberg. Prayers and scripture readings will be given by government and community religious leaders including representatives from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, American Indian faith, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Judaism, and Islamic faiths. A flag ceremony, national anthem, and veteran’s tribute will be presented by Troop 51 from the Provo Community United Church of Christ, led by General Jeffrey Burton. Featured philanthropy for the year will be Habitat for Humanity of Utah County, a non-profit, ecumenical organization committed to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness in the county. For further information, contact Linda Walton at (801) 362-0330.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND LOWE’S TEAM UP FOR NATIONAL WOMEN BUILD

In the days leading up to Mother’s Day, hundreds of female volunteers will pound nails and raise walls at Habitat for Humanity construction sites in all 50 states in recognition of National Women Build Week, April 30 – May 8.

Women from all over the Utah Valley community will be volunteering daily at the Mariscal Habitat home beginning April 30th through May 6th. Female volunteers from education, health, business, politics, and the general community will join Lowe’s heroes to work together to drywall and shingle the roof at the three bedroom home at 764 West 600 South, Springville. To volunteer or for more information, look online at www.habitatuc.org or contact Rachel at (801) 368-2250.

HAMMER DOWN FOR HABITAT

The Third Annual Bike to Build Motorcycle Ride for Affordable Housing will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Utah County's housing program. The escorted "Poker Run" ride through Fairview will begin with registration and breakfast at 8:30 a.m at Monarch Honda Powerhouse, located at 398 West 800 North in Orem. Following the ride, there will be a barbeque and music at Timpanogos Harley-Davidson, located at 555 S Geneva Rd in Lindon. The cost is $25.00 per bike ($10.00 for a passenger) and includes the ride, breakfast and lunch, t-shirt, pin and much more! Buy tickets in advance at www.habitatuc.org or at Monarch Honda on the day of the event.

Education

2011-05-03T13:34:00.001-06:00

NAHB Articles

2011-05-03T13:33:00.001-06:00

The Green Home Guide: Connecting the Green Dots

The Green Home Guide: Connecting the Green Dots” provides the consumer and prospective home buyer with the most up-to-date, simple, and affordable strategies used to embrace a greener lifestyle at home.

This video will empower you with the information necessary to buy or remodel green, and switch your home and your life into green gear. By investing in durable, practical, eco-friendly products and practices we can change our world for the better.

EO Message

2011-04-27T14:03:00.001-06:00

We had a fantastic Membership March Madness drive that was successful because of our wonderful members who participated. It was a great day for basketball, food, competition and recruitment. If you didn’t sign up this year, no worries… March Madness will be here again before you know it! I want to personally thank all members who participated in the drive, particularly our UVHBA President, Paul Ashby, and our Membership Chair, Kiley Hix for the countless hours spent on planning and preparing for this event. Mark your calendar and plan now to participate in next year’s event.

Drive Prize Winners:
1^st Place: iPad goes to Dale DeLlamas, DeLlamas Construction as the top recruiter for the event.
2^nd Place: Double Shot Basketball Arcade System goes to Kiley Hix, BBSI

Having gained many members, we lost almost as many at the same time due to non-renewal. I just wanted to share a few thoughts I’ve had for a while on membership... in my six years of HBA work, the last two years have taken a huge toll on not only your business but ours as well. I spoke with the Utah HBA lobbyist yesterday and he made a statement that was alarming to me saying, "Let your members know that the state and local associations are running on fumes, and if our membership numbers don't improve, we might not survive."

Many contractors know of the lobbying efforts that are done on their behalf by the HBA but refuse to join us thinking... "The HBA will do the lobbying anyway... I don't need to spend the money to be a member to get the benefit." While that is true, as long as there are enough members to cover these expenses, I'm not sure everyone understands that every member counts and anyone related to the building industry should be an HBA member!

Members make it possible to stop the 2009 Energy Code from passing through the legislature in Utah for a second year in a row because of the HBA state lobbyist, saving $6,000 per home... Members make it possible for the UVHBA to get impact fees reduced and refunds given in Lehi City... Members make it possible for the NAHB to influence the repeal of 1099, the burdensome tax paperwork requirement that could cost small businesses thousands of dollars each year!

If you haven't noticed a pattern here, I'll clue you in. We need to come together for a common purpose, common goal, in an effort to once again "build" the building industry. No individual or single company can do it alone. I heard a quote by one of our Board members stating,"If we don't hang together, we will surely hang alone". No statement could be truer at this moment in time....

UVHBA membership literally protects, preserves, and promotes companies and individuals working in the construction industry.

How can anyone affiliated with the construction industry afford not to be? Get the word out. I’m challenging every member to recruit one (1) new member to the association this year.

UVHBA 401K Plan

2011-04-25T14:46:00.003-06:00

$ PUT IT IN THE UVHBA401K OR GIVE IT TO UNCLE SAM

Now that you’ve finished your taxes for 2010, did you remember to account for your 401K contributions?

For tax years 2009, 2010, and 2011 participants in an employer sponsored 401K like the multiple employer plan sponsored by your Utah Valley Home Builder’s Association may be able to reduce their taxes, dollar for dollar, on the first $1,000 they contribute to the 401K. The “Saver’s Tax Credit” allows for up to $2,000 if you file jointly!

The amount of credit is determined by your filing status, your adjusted gross income, and your retirement contributions. This tax credit is only available to tax filers who owe federal income tax, since no refund of excess credit is allowed.

There are other tax benefits which may result from your retirement contributions. For example, most workers at these income levels may deduct all or part of their contributions to a traditional IRA. Contributions to a regular 401k plan are not subject to income tax until withdrawn from the plan.

Utah Valley Home Builder’s Association member-employers interested in adopting the UVHBA401K may contact RELIANCE Investing at 888-694-401K or info@relianceinvesting.com for a free comparative analysis, or call our investment provider Transamerica, at 866-498-4557.

General Membership Meeting Report

2011-04-25T14:46:00.001-06:00

Currently on the market in Utah County, there are 3,700 properties. During the last 30 days, 400 sold with 800 coming on the market during the same time. Theoretically speaking, if no other houses came on the market, we would have a nine month supply of inventory.

1^st quarter of 2010 vs. 1^st quarter of 2011:

Average sales price dropped from $228,000 to $205,000

It takes 10% longer to sell a house on average – 163 days this year

Percentage of inventory went up 2.2% from last year to this year

During the 1^st quarter of 2011, the greatest movement in the market occurred in these price ranges:

First - $150k-$200k

Second - $100k-$150

Third - $200k-$250

High end saturation:

Listings over $1 million are still really taking a beating – only five properties have sold since the beginning of the year

Distressed sales:

25% of our market is categorized as short sales in Utah County. Eagle Mountain is one of the highest areas being hit with 37% of its inventory in a short sale situation

Foreclosure Woes:

Utah is the 4^th highest ranked state in foreclosure notices this year. 1 in every 98 Utah households had a foreclosure filing during the first three months.

Across the nation, there was a 15% drop from the previous quarter.

We have a lot of shadow inventory – Speculation is that it will result in a double dip with prices.

A lot will also depend on how well our economy starts to do. Many people who didn’t want to short sale or look at foreclosures have burned through savings and now are looking at that as reality.

Report by Cameron Burnside, Mountain Land Realty

Griffin Hill / Hyperion Consulting Sales Training

2011-04-25T14:45:00.001-06:00

Offer from Builder Helper

2011-04-25T14:42:00.001-06:00

Garage Exhibitor

2011-04-25T14:40:00.001-06:00

Habitat for Humanity Women Build Week

2011-04-25T14:39:00.001-06:00

Habitat Seeking Local Female Volunteers for National Women Build Week Event

In the days leading up to Mother’s Day construction crews of female volunteers will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, April 30 through May 8. Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity of Utah County are looking for local women to volunteer for a day at a Springville Habitat construction site during this nine-day event. Construction or home improvement experience is not necessary.

Habitat for Humanity of Utah County will be hanging drywall with female volunteers from the local community daily from April 30th – May 6th at a Habitat home in Springville at 764 West 600 South, in Springville. Amy Roloff from TLC’s Little People, Big World will be onsite on April 30^th to kickoff the build. The cost to participate will be $20.00 and will include the opportunity to network, socialize, and build alongside other local women, a t-shirt, a nutritious snack, an invitation to a Chocolate Reception and silent auction with Ms. Roloff, and an invitation to a free construction clinic run by Lowe’s professionals.

To volunteer, please contact Rachel Wyatt at (801) 368-2250 or rwyatt@habitatuc.org or register online www.habitatuc.org/events/women_build.html.

National Green Building Conference & Expo

2011-04-25T14:37:00.001-06:00

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensing

2011-04-25T14:36:00.001-06:00

March Madness

2011-03-15T14:20:00.001-06:00

UVHBA Membership March Madness will be a full day of NCAA basketball games on two big screens, food, membership recruitment, and big prizes. Lunch will be provided to all members, whether participating in recruitment or just watching the madness.

Members who sign up to compete in the Membership Recruitment Tournament portion of this event should be aware of the following rules:

•Members will be competing against each other to recruit the most new members.

•Each new member recruit counts as one “point” towards your score. Member with the most recruits at the end of each round will advance to the next round. Payment must include completed membership application to qualify as a point.

•Each round constitutes 1 hour. The first 50 minutes of each round will be “play” time. At the end of 50 minutes, score will be assessed and the winner will move to the next round to compete. Losers can opt to join another member as part of their “team”.

•If there is a tie at the end of a round, members will compete in a “Shoot Out” to determine the winner, using the Double Shot Arcade Basketball System. Total shots made will determine who moves to the next round.

•There will be six (6) rounds total, with the first round starting at 8:00 am.

•For each point earned, every member will receive a raffle ticket and be eligible to win two (2) season tickets to BYU basketball in the Participation Raffle.

•Members can recruit in advance. Members who bring completed membership application(s) with payment and check in prior to beginning of 1st round are awarded two (2) points per qualifying application toward your total score.

•Prizes:

•1st Place Prize: iPad. This will be awarded to the Individual member who wins all rounds of the overall tournament.

•2nd Place Prize: Double Shot Arcade Basketball System. This will be awarded to the individual member who comes in 2nd place in the overall tournament.

•Participation Raffle: Two (2) season tickets to BYU Basketball. Member must earn at least one (1) point to be eligible.

•Member must be present to qualify for prizes.

We will break to watch the BYU basketball game when televised. Special prizes and giveaways will be held throughout the BYU game… You want to make sure to be in attendance!

Membership

2011-03-09T10:17:00.001-07:00

Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to welcome the following New Members:

Brett Nuff, Brett Neff Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Randall Jones, CJC Foundations, Inc., Associate Member
Troy Riding, Riding Siding Inc., Associate Member
Jeff Southard, South Haven Homes, Builder Member

We want to Thank the following for their Membership Renewals this month:

Nick Vawdrey, B & B Specialties, Associate Member
Josh Walker, Rural Housing Development Corporation, Affiliate
Robert Metler, Builder Helper, LLC, Associate Member
Jason Beck, All Star Garage Doors, Inc., Associate Member
Heather Osmond, Osmond Designs, Inc., Associate Member
Spencer Lindsey, Designer Marble & Contractor Services, Associate Member
Richard Lewis, R.J. Lewis, Inc., Builder Member
Matt Workman, The Workman Company, Inc., Builder Member
Matt Nelson, Robert Nelson Construction, Affiliate Member
Matt Stewart, SGS Associates, Builder Member
Julie White, Beehive Brick & Stone, Associate Member
Bob Rasmussen, Whitewater, Associate Member

Events

2011-03-09T10:16:00.001-07:00

March Events:

UVHBA Membership March Madness will be a full day of NCAA basketball games on two big screens, food, membership recruitment, and big prizes. Lunch will be provided to all members, whether participating in recruitment or just watching the madness.

General Membership Meeting:

Utah Builders Conference:

Government Affairs

2011-03-09T10:14:00.003-07:00

Disabled Rights Action Committee v.Sundance Homes, LLC

The link below is to the Disabled Rights Action Committee v. Sundance Homes, LLC, a recent decision in the U.S. District Court in Utah. It holds that the Statute of Limitations in construction of disability housing runs from when the actions were discovered and are not extended by subsequent acts. This is not binding but it is persuasive to both Utah State Court Judges and to other Utah Federal Judges. Click HERE for more information.

NAHB Articles

2011-03-09T10:14:00.001-07:00

NAHB Updates
NAHB Weekly Action Report
Top 10 NAHB Actions to Benefit Our Members in the Past Month

Sign Up Today!

2011-02-04T12:37:00.001-07:00

Scolarships

2011-02-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

JOIN THE FAM CLUB AND HELP HABITAT BUILD A HOUSE A MONTH!

2011-02-03T09:34:00.001-07:00

Today, Habitat for Humanity of Utah County is introducing its new House-a-Month Campaign. The House-a-Month Campaign gives area individuals, households, and businesses a simple, inexpensive way to have a big impact in their community by providing safe and affordable homes for Utah County families. If our affiliate can recruit 20,000 county residents to donate $5.00 per month and become members of the affiliate’s new FAM (Five $ A Month) Club, the organization will be able to build or renovate a “house-a-month”, with mortgage payments providing the funds to build a 13^th home (baker’s dozen!) during the year. Those joining will receive a Habitat FAM Club Discount Card as well as additional incentives throughout the year. To join or for more information, look online at www.habitatuc.org/FAM_Club.html or call LeAnn at (801) 344-8527 x 114.

Membership

2011-02-01T16:21:00.001-07:00

Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to welcome the following New Members:

Mike Baker, Interstate Roofing Supply, Associate Member

Interstate Roofing Supply is a local roofing supply company serving Utah County for 19 years. We are proud to provide quality products service, and experience to the construction industry. We look forward to renewing our participation in the UVHBA.

Brent Hilton, Intermountain Electronics, Inc., Associate Member

Trent Maddox, Pepperdign Homes, Builder Member

Dave Koncar, Horizon Building Group, LLC, Builder Member

We want to thank the following for their membership renewals this month:

Jeff Wallentine, A.W.E HouseWrappers, Associate Member
Rob Metler, Builder Helper, Associate Member
Duane Long, C & L Erectors, LC, Associate Member
Bryant Christensen, C.L. Christensen Brothers, Inc., Builder Member
Joseph Salisbury, Candlelight Homes, Builder Member
Jim Jenson, Energy Inspectors, Associate Member
Kelly Stanworth, Excel Heating & Air Conditioning Services, Associate Member
Steve Ewing, Geneva Rock, Associate Member
William West, Knight West Construction, Builder Member
Paul Magleby, Magleby Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Ken Adams, Magleby Construction, Inc., Builder Member
Sam Dominguez, Magleby Construction, Inc., Affiliate Member
Jared Jones, Magleby Construction, Inc., Affiliate Member
Mark Watkins, MDW Electric, Associate Member
Steve Metler, Metler Homes, Affiliate Member
Klint Smith, Mountain Land Design, Affiliate Member
Eric Balazs, Mountain Vista Homes, Builder Member
Colton Peterson, Peterson Plumbing Supply, Associate Member
Doug Pinder, Provo Land Title Co., Associate Member
Thomas Seiler, Robinson Seiler & Anderson LC, Associate Member
Gene Robison, Robison Home Builders Inc., Builder Member
Brad Bishop, Rural Housing Development Corporation, Builder Member
Steve Densley, Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, Associate Member
DeWayne Erdmann, Utah Valley University, Builder Member

We are sad to see the following members go:

Evan Lee, Interpace Brick, Associate Member
Ralph Calder, Ridgeline Development Inc., Builder Member
Troy Kunz, Summit Ridge Communities, Builder Member
Todd Russell, Americom, Associate Member
Alan Johnson, IMS Masonry, Associate Member
Amilyn Gardner-Jones, Keller Williams, Associate Member
Edward Younica, Prominence Natural Stone, LLC, Associate Member
Barbara Twitchell, Utah Commercial Title, Associate Member
Paul Allen, Architectural Galleries, Builder Member
Kate Allen, EverEnergy Design, Associate Member
Darrell Thomas, Robert Nelson Construction, Affiliate Member
Nick Nelson, Robert Nelson Construction, Affiliate Member

Member Spotlight:
This month we are spotlighting the two newest members of the UVHBA Staff.

Bronwyn Hadlock is from Louisiana, and grew up in the area around New Orleans. She left the South after high school (you can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the Suth-en out of the girl), and moved to Utah to attend college at Southern Utah University. She graduated from SUU with a degree in Sociology. Bronwyn lives in American Fork with her husband and children. She is an avid reader and enjoys running with one marathon under her belt. After spending many years raising her children, Bronwyn recently resumed her film career and has been involved in a variety of productions as an actor, producer, and crew member. We welcome Bronwyn to the UVHBA.

Tiffany Biesinger was born and raised in Utah. She spent the first part of her life in Bountiful and her family now lives in Midway. Tiffany graduated from Wasatch High School in 2008 with Honors. Tiffany now lives in Orem and is currently attending Utah Valley University. She will have her Associate of Science Degree this April. Tiffany plans on going to Aesthetics School to become a Master Esthetician. She is excited to start working at the UVHBA, and we want to welcome her to our staff.

Special Thanks:

We want to give a special thanks to the following members for their outstanding service and volunteer work in the Habitat Builders Blitz and also the SubContractors for Santa.

A Good Brick Mason
A.W.E Siding Inc.
Ability Bath
AmBank
America First Credit Union
Anytech Electric
Bank of America Home Loans
Best Woods
BMC West
Build 4 Mobility
Cabinet & Closet Technologies
CJC Foundation
Davies Construction
DeLlamas Construction
Donahue Drywall
Far West Bank
Ferguson Enterprises
Five Star Painting
Galaxie Lighting
General Electric
Habitat for Humanity
Hatfield Homes
Interstate Brick
Interstate Roofing
Jones Paint & Glass
Knight West Construction
Kuhni Landscaping

Kyco
Lakeridge Construction
Les Allen
LKL Associates
Lowry Garage Doors
Magleby Construction
McCoy's Flooring
PowerHouse Electric
ProBuild
Questar Gas
Reed's Build In's
Robert Nelson Construction
Schaffer Homes
ServPro
Sherwin Williams
Sound Vision Signs
Springville City
Sterling Structures
Stock Building Supply
Strategic Staffing
Summit Development
Sunroc
The Daily Herald
Told Plumbing
Truss Works
UVHBA
UVHBA Community Service Committee
Warburton's, Inc.

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-TOP 10 NAHB ACTIONS TO BENEFIT OUR MEMBERS IN THE PAST MONTH-

1. Tackling one of the central issues behind the AD&C credit crisis, NAHB hosted an Appraisal Summit at the National Housing Center on Dec. 9 that once again brought together representatives of the federal regulatory agencies, major housing and financial institution stakeholders and appraisal organizations in an effort to improve the accuracy of new-home appraisals.

The summit offered a good opportunity to further explore ways to clarify and improve the methods used in valuing newly built homes, and was the third in a series of similar events we have held over the past year and a half. One specific topic of discussion this time around focused on communication with appraisers, and the importance of giving all stakeholders the opportunity to provide relevant information during the valuation process. Additional areas of discussion focused on appraiser education and qualification requirements, particularly for the valuation of new homes; the challenges of performing appraisals in distressed markets; and whether the appraisal system can take into account rising values as markets rebound. Summit participants also discussed the Interim Final Rule on Appraisals that was recently released by the Federal Reserve.

Inappropriately low appraisal values for new homes (often tied to appraisers’ use of distressed or short-sale properties as comps) have been a major factor behind banks’ reluctance to provide financing for construction of viable new residential projects, which is why NAHB is reaching out to the appraisal community to help resolve this issue. Going forward, NAHB members who are having difficulties accessing AD&C credit are encouraged to visit the NAHB Finance Forum at www.nahb.org/financeforum, which is an online service for builders and developers who are seeking debt and equity funding. Here, you can submit construction project applications and interact with traditional and non-traditional funding sources. The system is currently open to accept new project applications and new financial institutions. Access to the NAHB Finance Forum is complimentary to NAHB members only and is provided as a benefit of NAHB membership. Contact: Steve Linville (800-368-5242, x8597)
2. The final report of President Obama's bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, released Dec. 1, includes very concerning recommendations that would curtail or eliminate essential housing incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction (MID). NAHB was well prepared for this expected development, and immediately rolled out a new consumer-oriented website that will be a critical tool in our fight to preserve the MID as a cornerstone of American housing policy.

As NAHB had anticipated, the final report of the bipartisan commission recommends significant alterations to the mortgage interest deduction as part of an overall plan to cut the federal budget deficit. Proposed options include eliminating the MID, changing it to a 12% non-refundable tax credit, setting a $500,000 cap for eligible mortgages, and limiting its application to primary residences. (continued on next page)

While commission co-chairs Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles failed to garner the 14 out of 18 commission member votes required to issue a formal recommendation to Congress and the White House, the commission's report will nevertheless form the foundation for congressional discussions in 2011 about ways to bring down the national debt. NAHB responded to the report in several ways. In interviews with the The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, CNN.com and the Dallas Morning News, NAHB Chief Lobbyist Joe Stanton explained why tampering with the MID is bad public policy, and promised that NAHB will use "the full weight of our grassroots" to prevent any reduction of this critical tax break.

In addition, NAHB immediately launched a sophisticated, stand-alone new website at SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com. This site is designed to help us get the word out to consumers about the threat to the mortgage interest deduction, educate policymakers about the MID's importance and scope, and facilitate feedback to lawmakers about the importance of preserving this critical homeownership incentive. This powerful new resource represents weeks of advanced preparation by NAHB, and is a key part of our integrated advocacy strategy to aggressively defend housing incentives in the current tax code. For information on the website, contact: Gwyn Donohue (800-368-5242, x8447).
3. NAHB again told Senate leaders in December that the EPA’s lead paint regulations that apply to all jobs in homes built before 1978 need to be fixed – sooner rather than later.

EPA’s rules continue to “negatively impact small businesses that are dutifully trying to comply,” we said in comments delivered to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “During a time when unemployment tops 21% in the construction industry, heavily dominated by small businesses, it is inconceivable that EPA has subverted nearly every possible tool that remodelers have to help ensure their compliance with something as important as the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. EPA is redesigning the RRP into a regulatory nightmare that will essentially discourage critical efficiency upgrades and increase costs for older homes.” We asked the committee to join us in opposing the upcoming clearance testing proposal; require EPA to undertake a rulemaking and new economic analysis to demonstrate the full cost of compliance now that there is no qualifying test kit; and restore the “opt out” provision for home owners without small children. These changes, NAHB said, would allow small business members to “return to work and help consumers save energy and improve the value and efficiency of their largest store of personal wealth: their home.” Contact: Elizabeth Odina, 800-368-5242, x8570.

4. In an ongoing effort to give Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employees a basic understanding of new-home construction and key safety hazards typically present in residential construction, members of the Arkansas HBA and NAHB Labor, Safety & Health staff on Nov. 3 conducted a day-long "Building a House" seminar for OSHA staff members from Little Rock, Ark., and Oklahoma City.

The seminar itself was developed through the NAHB-OSHA Alliance, which focuses on providing NAHB members and others in the residential construction industry — including non-English and limited English speaking workers and trade contractors — with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers. The "Building a House" seminar trained OSHA personnel in the language and sequence of new-home construction; typical materials and methods used; the personnel, processes, techniques and trade contractors involved; and the safety hazards encountered and applicable safe work practices employed. Along the way, Arkansas builder members, NAHB staff and OSHA enforcement and compliance assistance staff had the chance to discuss difficulties associated with complying with some of the OSHA standards applied to the residential construction industry. For more information about this seminar, please contact Rob Matuga, 800-368-5242, x8507.

5. With policymakers increasingly casting a critical eye on key housing incentives within the tax code, including the mortgage interest deduction (MID), NAHB has developed numerous resources to help you learn about this issue and engage your community in the dialogue about the MID. We've put those resources at your fingertips at www.nahb.org/MIDresources.

Here you'll find background documents, analyses, press releases, links to NAHB's MID social media communities, and more. For example, check out the following items:

· The Mortgage Interest Deduction: Background and Statistics

· MID Banner Ads for Websites

· SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com Website

We encourage you to share these resources with your fellow members and make your voice heard by visiting Facebook.com/SaveMyMID. In addition, for up-to-the-minute news and analysis of the MID issue, follow Twitter.com/SaveMyMID or subscribe to Eye on Housing, NAHB's blog on economics and housing policy. If you have questions about any of our MID resources, call 800-368-5242, x8447.

6. The NAHB Finance Pavilion is an exclusive networking area where builders and developers can meet with representatives from financial institutions and other lenders onsite during the International Builders’ Show, Jan. 12 through 15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL

This highlight of the Builders’ Show is a special opportunity that’s open only to members who purchase the $50 Pavilion upgrade to their full IBS registration. The Finance Pavilion will be located in Hall F of the convention center and will be set up to facilitate meetings between financial institutions/lenders and builders/developers. Meetings will be scheduled using the NAHB Finance Forum online matching service, www.nahb.org/FinanceForum, a resource that is available to all NAHB members. Contact: Dave Ledford (x8265)
7. A special edition of Nation's Building News, published on Dec. 13, provides a great overview of what lies in store for you at the International Builders' Show this January. Check it out at www.nahb.org/nbn to find information on:

-Show homes to be built at the IBS; -The Finance Pavilion and its mission to connect builders with lenders for their projects -The New American Home and tour times; -Featured Exhibitors; -The NAHB Production Group's Search at IBS for the next TV personality; -Recommended Offerings; and more.

If you haven't seen this special edition and are planning to attend the 2011 NAHB International Builders' Show, you might want to check it out. It's a great resource for anyone who likes to be kept informed and ready for what comes next. If you have questions about the special edition, contact Tim Ahern at 800-368-5242, x8405.

8. A series of short videos posted on NAHB’s website and available to association members and the general public provides short introductions to a range of environmental issues of concern to the home building industry.

Videos that are currently available include:

· Clearance testing: www.nahb.org/clearancetestvideo

· Radon mitigation: www.nahb.org/radonvideo

· Clean Water Act: www.nahb.org/CWAvideo

· Endangered Species Act: www.nahb.org/ESAvideo

· Chesapeake Bay restoration: www.nahb.org/Chesapeakevideo

· Flood plains: www.nahb.org/floodmapvideo

· Water supply: www.nahb.org/watersupplyvideo

For more information, contact Calli Schmidt at 800-368-5242 x8132.

9. NAHB is providing online resources for remodelers who are concerned about how their businesses will be affected by new requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and how to best protect themselves from possible legal prosecution and exposure to potential lawsuits.

The rule covers many of the activities that remodelers undertake when performing their job — including certification, insurance, contract language, job pricing, work practices and record keeping. Remodelers can ensure that they are properly instituting the requirements of the rule and protecting their business by knowing the liability issues and the best ways to address them. Posted on NAHB’s website, an extensive list of frequently-asked questions provides this information.

One of the major liabilities may rest with the remodeler’s contract, which will need to be updated to reflect the rule requirements. To help with this, the NAHB legal team has developed members-only template contract language that can be used for this purpose. Remodelers should also consult with an experienced local attorney for assistance in drafting contracts because some states vary in their lead regulation and other legal requirements.

For more information on the lead rule, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint; or contact Matt Watkins at 800-368-5242 x8327. For information on legal and liability concerns, contact Amy Chai, x8232.

Events

2011-02-01T16:01:00.001-07:00

New Year, New President

The Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to thank Paul Magleby for a great 2010 year. He has contributed to the UVHBA in many ways. Paul is a fantastic leader. When he speaks people really listen. We are sad to see him go but we are excited for a new year.

The Utah Valley Home Builders Association would like to welcome Paul Ashby as the 2011 President. Paul has worked for Magleby Construction, Inc. since March of 2002. In his current position, V.P. of Operations, he helps manage the business and systems side of each of Magleby’s 6 divisions. Paul received his B. S. Degree in Construction Management from Brigham Young University, and went on to receive his MBA from the Marriott School of Management at BYU. He enjoys golfing, water skiing, house boating, exercising and continuing his education. Paul is eager to help make a difference in this industry and has some amazing qualities to contribute to the UVHBA. We know he will do a wonderful job.

February

Sponsor a General Membership Meeting
The benefits of sponsoring a GMM are:
~Company Name and Logo on publicity material advertising the specific General Membership Meeting.
~Exclusive rights to place marketing materials at each luncheon place setting.
~Opportunity to address all meeting attendees for 3-5 minutes at the beginning of the meeting.

GMM sponsorships are still available for April, August, September and November.

Student looking for work:

BYU student looking for a full-time, residential construction job for the summer (May-August). Contact Steven Wilson if interested.

Steven Wilson
4949 W Alpine Circle
Highland, UT 84003
801.602.7769 (cell)
stevenhalwilson@gmail.com

Education

2011-02-01T15:57:00.001-07:00

The Importance of a Seatbelt Policy
by Greg Summerhays

Implementing and enforcing a seatbelt policy can save lives, minimize injuries and protect your company against financial losses. A report from the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety shows that for every million miles of company travel, a safety program can save $50,000.

Follow these 7 simple steps to get started.
1. Establish a Seatbelt Policy
Develop a strict seatbelt policy that includes training and awareness, enforcement, evaluation — and even employee incentives.
2. Create Seatbelt Usage Rules
Establish the details of your policy. Make sure it requires employees (both drivers and passengers) to buckle up 100% of the time. This policy should apply regardless of how big or small the vehicle or how quick the trip.
3. Make Training Mandatory
Even though your employees probably know how to properly fasten seatbelts, don’t leave it to chance. Train all employees on proper techniques for cars, pickups and any other vehicles your company operates. This training lets you make sure all employees understand what’s expected of them.
4. Raise Internal Awareness
Create an annual or semi-annual awareness campaign. There are plenty of organizations that offer free materials on seatbelt campaigns. This is one of the easiest, cheapest and most convenient ways to support your seatbelt policy.
5. Enforcement
Be vigilant in enforcing your seatbelt policy. Let employees know that violating the policy carries the same consequences as violating any other company safety rule. Always take progressive disciplinary action for unbuckled drivers.
6. Evaluation
Create a baseline for comparison of current seatbelt use. Then regularly evaluate your company’s progress toward a 100% buckled-up goal.
7. Incentives
Rewards can also work toward promoting safe behavior. Why not use them to improve seatbelt use? Offer tokens toward prizes or even larger cash rewards. For more information on creating incentives programs, see the “Safety Incentives” safety topic on the WCF website (www.wcfgroup.com).
The following organizations offer a wealth of free resources that can help you create and enforce your seatbelt policy. You’ll find everything from training materials and posters to research and technical advice on these sites:

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)
www.nhtsa.dot.gov

National Institute for Occupational Health & Safety (NIOSH)
www.cdc.gov/niosh
National Safety Council (NSC)
www.nsc.org

Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Safety Division
http://highwaysafety.utah.gov

Utah Safety Council (USC)
www.utahsafetycouncil.org

Workers Compensation Fund (WCF) Safety Department
www.wcfgroup.com
Greg Summerhays is the Director of Public Relations for Workers Compensation Fund. WCF offers ongoing safety training and UHBA members are eligible for a 5% premium discount through a partnership with WCF. Visit www.wcfgroup.com for more information.

Government Affairs

2011-02-01T15:55:00.001-07:00

Government Affairs Report

Lindon City will be holding a meeting Friday, February 4, 2011 for builders and developers who will be building in Lindon in the near future. The meeting will cover the following topics: land development policy, specifications, and drawings. You must RSVP to 801-785-7687 or kmoosman@lindoncity.org.
Questar is raising their rates... but because of our friends at the SLHBA and Utah HBA, the increase will be substantially lower than originally planned. Main lines were proposed to increase 400%, but will now increase by 134%, and service lines will increase by 31%. Increase begins March 15th. Make sure you call their office for costs so there is no surprise.
Rocky Mountain Power is changing their specifications for subdivisions and this will have a huge impact on land development. Contact the following individuals with further questions: Mr. Scott Derrick, Director of Utah Central Field Operations, scott.derrick@pacificorp.com, 801-220-4671 or Ms. Jody Berger, Director of Southern Utah Field Operations, jody.berger@pacificorp.com, 801-756-1246.
Plan Check Fees have become a concern for many of you. Just to clarify, municipalities by law are able to impose Plan Check Fees. However, the charge must be the "actual cost of performing the plan review" (Utah Code Annotated § 10-9a-510 (1)(a)). If you are submitting plans that are identical to previously submitted plans, municipalities may impose and collect only a "nominal fee" for reviewing and approving "identical plans" (Utah Code Annotated § 10-9a-510 (2)(1)). The UVHBA is in the process of notifying cities, to ensure any imposed plan check fees are in accordance with Utah law. The following is a link to Utah Code outlining the municipality requirements to itemize fees http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE10/htm/10_09a051000.htm.

Lumber Pricing

2011-01-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Leonel E. Castillo Scholarship

2011-01-04T13:22:00.002-07:00

Leonel E. Castillo Scholarship Applications now available!

January 2011 Calendar

2011-01-04T10:26:00.001-07:00

Parade of Homes

2011-01-04T10:25:00.001-07:00

Builders,

The Parade Application DEADLINE has been EXTENDED. The new deadline is January 15, 2011. Please have all applications turned in by January 15, 2011 to avoid the $1,000 LATE fee.

The 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes® Builder Packet is available online! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in the most cost effective marketing event for builders, which is attended by thousands of consumers each year!

To view the 2011 Builder Packet click here.

IBS Power Up

2011-01-04T10:24:00.001-07:00

Spike Party & Director’s Reception

The New American Home

The 2011 New American Home

NAHB Star

Builders’ Night Out at Epcot®

Utah Builders Conference and Trade Show

2011-01-04T10:23:00.001-07:00

National Fenestration Rating Council

2011-01-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

Join the

National Fenestration Rating Council

for a workshop.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

9:00 a.m. – Noon

Sandy City Hall

10000 (South) Centennial Parkway (200 West)
Multipurpose room 3^rd Floor

Fenestration industry veteran and expert John Lewis, NFRC’s Director of New Programs, will address:

· Who is NFRC?

· What does NFRC do?

· Certification Programs for "Site Built" Program

o The "Site Built" Program

o The "Component Modeling Approach" (CMA) Program

· Compliance with State of Utah Energy Codes.

Audience:

· Code Officials

· Architects

· Glazing Contractors

· Contractors

Questions, Contact

Gilbert Gonzales at ggozales@murray.utah.gov or 801-270-2413 or Roger Evans at revans@parkcity.org or 435-615-5113

Federal Housing Administration

2011-01-04T10:17:00.001-07:00

FHA Extends Re-Certification Deadline for FHA Condominium Projects

The Federal Housing Administration announced on Dec. 8 that it was extending the expiration dates of condominium projects that previously had received agency approval, which is needed to allow homes in those buildings to be sold or refinanced with FHA financing.

The FHA in November of 2009 toughened rule standards for condominium approvals and required projects that were approved before October 2008 to submit new information by Dec. 7, 2010, or lose eligibility for FHA financing.

However, the extensions of current expiration dates are only until Dec. 31 for buildings initially approved between 1972 and 1985. Other projects — depending upon when they were initially approved — are set to expire next year as early as March 31 and as late as Sept. 30.

“Extensions were granted to reduce the impact of processing and reviewing the number of project approvals expiring at the same time, while recognizing current housing market conditions,” the FHA said.

In the aftermath of higher down payment requirements and stricter lending standards for conventional mortgages, in many markets FHA-insured mortgages are now being used for 75% or more of home purchases by first-time buyers. Without the availability of FHA financing, sellers and buyers of condo units can be at a severe disadvantage in the current marketplace.

“Lenders and/or other interested parties are encouraged to begin the re-approval or re-certification process as early as possible as it is not anticipated that any further extensions of project approvals will be issued,” the FHA advised.

For information on FHA condominium insurance and the new re-certification process, click here.

Lumber Prices

2011-01-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

January 2011 UVHBA Calendar

2010-12-28T11:19:00.001-07:00

2011 Parade of Homes

2010-12-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

Builders,

The Parade Application DEADLINE is December 31,2010 to avoid the $1,000 LATE fee.

The 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes® Builder Packet is now available online! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in the most cost effective marketing event for builders, which is attended by thousands of consumers each year!

To view the 2011 Builder Packet click here.

IBS Power Up

2010-12-28T11:06:00.001-07:00

Spike Party & Director’s Reception

The New American Home

The 2011 New American Home

NAHB Star

Builders’ Night Out at Epcot®

Utah Builders Conference and Trade Show DISCOUNT!!

2010-12-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

New Additions to the UVHBA Staff.

2010-12-28T11:04:00.001-07:00

We want to welcome Bronwyn and Tiffany to the UVHBA staff.

Kristen moved back to Texas to take over her Father's business. Bronwyn Hadlock will be taking over her position starting the beginning of January. If you have any questions regarding the Parade or any other event, please contact Bronwyn. If you have questions about membership please contact Caroline.

Acacia will be returning back to school, Tiffany Biesinger will be taking over her position.

Kristen and Acacia will be greatly missed, and we want to thank them for everything they have contributed to the Utah Valley Home Builders Association.

Check It Out

2010-12-28T11:01:00.003-07:00

Check us out!!! We were featured on the front page of the Daily Herald for our Subcontractors for Santa this year.

We want to thank the Community Service committee and all members who helped with the sub for Santa projects this year, without you, it wouldn't have been possible.

You Missed It!

2010-12-28T11:01:00.001-07:00

If you didn't make it to our Christmas Open House you missed out. We gave away many prizes. Some of them included: a wii, an ipod, many gift certificates, a blue ray player, and many more.

A Special Thanks to:
All Century Club members for your contributions.

Officer Elections

2010-12-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Election results are in! Officer installation will take place on January 20, 2011 at 12:00 pm at our January General Membership Meeting. Congratulations to the following incoming officers:

Board of Directors:

Matt Workman, The Workman Company
Jim Jenkins, Pella Windows and Doors
Cory Nielsen, Ability Bath and Sales

Associate Vice President:

Kiley Hix, Strategic Staffing

Trades Vice President:

Reed Snarr, Reed's Built-In's

Second Vice President:

Matt McEwan, McEwan Custom Homes

Treasurer:

· Kyle Standifird, Clyde Companies

A special thanks to the following outgoing officers for the time served and the many hours of service rendered. These individuals will be recognized at the January General Membership Meeting on the 20th as well. We are sad to see you go!

Board of Directors:

Karl Kuhni, Kuhni Landscaping
Doug Weight, Knight West Construction

Associate Vice President:

Ron Nielsen, UBIC

Trades Vice President

Steve Caldwell, High Country Sales

Treasurer:

· Kevin Baugh, VanCon Helical Piers

Lumber Pricing

2010-12-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

2011 UVHBA OFFICER ELECTIONS BALLOT

2010-11-22T21:13:00.001-07:00

For UVHBA Officer Election Ballot - Vote Here

Voting closes December 10th, 2010 at 3:00 PM

IBS News

2010-11-17T15:24:00.001-07:00

Builders Night Out at Epcot®

Attend the 2011 Builders’ Night Out at Epcot®. Tickets are $79.99 per person and include an evening inside Epcot® at your leisure, a complete.....

Save NOW on UBC Registration

2010-11-17T15:23:00.001-07:00

Early Registration - $145:

Must complete UBC Registration Form and return with Payment to Utah HBA NO LATER than December 31, 2010!!

Framing Lumber Pricing

2010-11-17T15:22:00.003-07:00

Per 1,000 Board Feet

NAHB Watch

2010-11-17T15:22:00.001-07:00

White House Programs to Promote Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Moving forward with the Administration's "Recovery Through Retrofit" agenda, Vice President Biden on Nov. 9 announced the roll out of four new initiatives.

First on the list is the Home Energy Score Program, which is designed to help inform homeowners about the existing energy performance of their home, and to recommend various energy improvements. Under this voluntary program, trained and certified contractors will use a standardized assessment tool to evaluate a home and generate useful, actionable information for home owners or prospective home buyers. DOE will launch the program this fall through a pilot initiative in select regions across the country before making it available everywhere. NAHB supports efforts to document energy performance gains in older housing and to account for such upgrades in a revamped valuation and appraisals process. To view the full article, go to click here.

Draft Report Proposes Limiting Mortgage Interest Deduction

President Obama's bipartisan Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform has just released a discussion draft of its co-chairs' proposals for reducing the federal budget deficit, and as we had anticipated, that report contains some very concerning proposals regarding the mortgage interest deduction. Specifically, the draft report by co-chairs Erskine Bowles and former Senator Alan Simpson lists options including completely eliminating the MID and limiting it to primary residences and mortgages under $500,000. Other concerning proposals in the discussion draft would eliminate or otherwise negatively affect other housing tax provisions, such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the deduction for real estate taxes for home owners, accelerated depreciation for rental housing, energy tax incentives and tax-exempt housing bonds. In addition, the proposals would result in significantly higher tax rates for capital gains and dividends. To view the full article, go to click here.

New OSHA Penalty Structure Includes Dramatically Higher Fines

2010-11-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

Now Accepting Parade Applications

To view the 2011 Builder Packet click here.

Now Accepting Sponsorship Applications

The 2011 Utah Valley Parade of Homes® Sponsorship Application is now available online! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in the most cost effective marketing of the year!

To view the 2011 Parade Sponsorship Application click here.

Join the Community Service and Help With SubContractors for Santa

2010-11-17T14:21:00.001-07:00

New OSHA Penalty Structure

2010-11-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

New OSHA Penalty Structure Includes Dramatically Higher Fines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is cracking down on employers who have been previously cited for serious, willful, repeat or failure-to-abate safety violations with a newly implemented penalty structure that raises fines by as much as 400% in certain areas. While the new penalty structure went into effect on Oct. 1, OSHA began stepping up its inspections and increasing penalties levied against builders of all sizes even before that date. Recent OSHA citations of home builders and contractors have included proposed penalties such as $57,600 for failing to protect workers from falls at a residential construction site in Ohio; $82,220 for failing to protect workers from falls, electrical and struck-by hazards levied against a framing contractor in Texas; and $106,400 for failing to provide fall protection on a residential construction site in Illinois. Read more about these recent citations and fines in Nation's Building News, or contact: Marcus Odorizzi at 800-368-5242, x8590.

Guidelines for Builders
To improve industry understanding of the OSHA inspection process, NAHB's Construction Safety & Health Committee has developed guidelines explaining this process and steps that builders should take as part of the process. These guidelines are available to our members online. In addition, a variety of NAHB safety training materials — including information on falls, scaffolding, trenching and excavation and a general job site safety workbook — are available from NAHB Builder Books at www.builderbooks.com/safety.

-NAHB Monday Morning Briefing

New Appraisal Guidance

2010-11-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

NAHB Welcomes New Appraisal Guidance From the Federal Reserve

Calling the Federal Reserve's new interim rule on appraisals a welcome step in clarifying the home valuation process, NAHB on Oct. 22 said it would work with the Fed and others to ensure that the final rule provides transparency in the appraisal process along with sufficient flexibility to address the unique aspects of valuing new homes.

"The interim rule makes it clear that home builders and others can ask an appraiser to consider additional information about a property, including information about additional comparable properties. That's critical to our members because in far too many cases we're seeing appraisals based on inappropriate comparable." said NAHB Immediate Past Chairman Joe Robson, who has been leading the association’s push for sound appraisal practices.

The Federal Reserve unveiled the interim rule on Oct. 18. The rule will take effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register, with the Fed accepting comments on the interim rule during this period. Compliance is voluntary until April 1, 2011. The Fed's action was required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law on July 21.

"Many appraisers do not understand the impact of new code requirements, new green building practices and other aspects of new construction that add value to a home," Robson said. "It is particularly important that home builders be allowed to provide appraisers with information to assist in appraising new construction.”

"Accurate appraisals are critical to the residential construction industry because flawed appraisals can jeopardize sound projects," Robson said. "In the current economic climate it is already difficult to find financing for acquisition, development and construction, or AD&C. One appraisal that doesn't represent the true value of a property can start a chain of events that can put a builder out of business."

The Fed's interim rule also includes conflict-of-interest guidance prohibiting loan officers and mortgage brokers from selecting appraisers. It requires negligent appraisals and appraiser misconduct to be reported to the appropriate state appraiser licensing authorities and it says that appraisers should be paid at a rate that is reasonable and customary in the geographic market where the property is located and that reflects the difficulty of the assignment.

"We think it's very important that the compensation standards attract the expertise needed for complex appraisal assignments, such as those involving new construction," Robson said.

"Builders, developers, lenders, appraisers and other stakeholders need a better understanding of what they can and cannot do," Robson said. "This interim rule offers much needed clarity, and NAHB will be offering comments in an effort to make sure the final rule provides guidance that recognizes all of the issues involved in appraisals of new homes and restores confidence in the appraisal process."

-NAHB Nation’s Building News

New Rule Effective Nov. 8th

2010-11-08T11:15:00.001-07:00

Attention, Builders: OSHA Cranes & Derricks Rule Effective Nov. 8

As Nations' Building News is reporting this week, the vast majority of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's complex and comprehensive Cranes and Derricks in Construction Final Rule will become effective next Monday, Nov. 8, 2010. This new rule applies to power operated equipment that can hoist, lower, and horizontally move a suspended load with a load rating capacity over 2,000 pounds when used in construction. Examples of such equipment include articulating cranes, crawler cranes, mobile cranes and multi-purpose machines that are configured to hoist and lower by means of a winch or hook. Residential construction equipment that is excluded from the rule includes forklifts, excavators, backhoes, track loaders, machinery that uses a come-a-long to hoist, and articulating/knuckle-boom truck cranes when used to transfer materials from a truck to the ground or when transferring materials or building supplies onto a residential structure.

Other aspects of the new OSHA cranes rule deal with general contractors sharing knowledge about ground conditions beneath a set-up, new qualifications for riggers and signalmen, certification of crane operators by a third party (to be phased in over a 4-year period), employer requirements to pay for all training required by the rule and for certification of equipment operators, and new procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines. For our members' convenience, NAHB staff have developed a Basic Overview of the Crane and Derricks in Construction Final Rule that is available on NAHB.org. Additional information is available on this page of OSHA's website.

Calendar-at-a-Glance

2010-10-25T15:42:00.001-06:00

UVHBA Benefits Directory

2010-10-25T15:41:00.001-06:00

Announcing… The UVHBA Benefits Directory!

The new UVHBA Benefits Directory is now available online, and outlines all benefits, discounts, and Member-2-Member offers available to UVHBA members. Save money on products and services your business uses every day. There are special discounts available for Parade builders too!

Just another benefit of UVHBA membership!

2011 Parade of Homes

2010-10-25T15:39:00.001-06:00

Builders,

Early registration discount of $1,000 expires on November 5, 2010. For questions, contact Caroline at caroline@uvhba.com or call 801-225-8893.

Transportation and Community Planning...

2010-10-25T15:36:00.001-06:00

Transportation & Community Planning Open Houses

Join Mountainland MPO, communities in Utah County, UDOT and UTA representatives to discuss roads, highways, air quality, buses, trains, trails, and community development.

Find out about:

· I-15 Core

· Geneva Road

· Commuter Rail

· Bus Rapid Transit

· North County Blvd.

· Lehi 2100 North

· Elk Ridge Drive

· Santaquin Main St.

· Murdock Canal Trail

· Lehi 2300 West

· SR-92

· Provo Westside Road

October 20, 2010
American Fork Senior Center
54 East Main Street, AF
4:30-6:30 pm

October 21, 2010
Spanish Fork Senior Centre
167 W. Center St., SF
4:30-6:30 pm
October 27, 2010
Orem Senior Friendship Center
93 North 400 East, Orem
4:30-7:00 pm

Fall Membership Drive

2010-10-25T15:34:00.001-06:00

Burdensome 1099 Reporting Requirements Expanded to Independent Landlords

2010-10-25T15:32:00.001-06:00

In addition to providing tax breaks that will benefit small businesses this year and next, the recently enacted Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 expands Form 1099 information reporting requirements for independent landlords as of Jan. 1, 2011. This is the most recent change to the 1099 reporting requirements, which were expanded by the health care reform law to require businesses to provide information on corporations they paid $600 or more in a given year. It is estimated that this could increase the number of 1099s small businesses must file from approximately 10 to almost 100 per year. NAHB has submitted comments opposing the new rule, and is working within a large coalition of business groups to seek congressional repeal. Unlike the independent landlord provision, the health care reform legislation's requirement does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2012.

The new 1099 requirement in the small business legislation expands 1099 reporting to independent landlords. Under prior law, taxpayers whose primary trade or business was rental real estate — such as owners of multifamily apartment buildings — were subject to standard reporting requirements. However, taxpayers whose primary trade or business was not rental real estate — such as owners of a second home used for rental purposes — were not subject to 1099 reporting requirements. The small business legislation changes the law so that independent landlords must now submit 1099s to businesses with which they have more than $600 of annual business. Moving forward, NAHB will continue to oppose all the expansions of the 1099 requirements because they are administratively burdensome for small businesses.

Housing Snapshot

2010-10-25T15:30:00.001-06:00

IBS Hot News!

2010-10-25T15:29:00.001-06:00

Spike Party & Director’s Reception:

Being held at Universal’s CityWalk^®, the 2011 Spike Party will go down in history as the rockin’est time we’ve ever had in Orlando! With seven hot venues, great bands and incredible food, this celebration will have you tearing up the dance floor. Headlining the party will be “Fifty Amp Fuse”. Billed as “the ultimate live music experience,” the band will perform your favorite music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The Spike Party is always a memorable experience and 2011 promises to be the best yet!

The New American Home:

The 2011 New American Home showcases the latest breakthroughs in green building and construction technology. The 2011 Home features a state-of-the-art energy efficiency package. In keeping with increasing demand for energy- and resource- efficiency, TNAH 2011 is being built to attain “Emerald” status under the National Green Building Standard. Visit BuildersShow.com/TNAH for more information. You can’t afford to miss the future of green building technology!

Vote NAHB Star:

Voting is open for NAHB Star, our national NAHB vocal competition. In the first 48 hours NAHB had over 6,400 votes! The winner kicks off the 2011 IBS by performing our national anthem during the Grand Opening Ceremonies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a star out of one of our own! Vote here!

Green Day will be celebrated on Thursday, January 13:

IBS once again celebrates Green Day, in honor of Green Building’s impact on our industry. Come participate in multiple green-related education sessions on Green Day. Sessions are open to those with a full registration or a one or two day education pass only. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy will be displaying the 2011 Solar Decathlon model homes in the Orange County Convention Center.

Builders’ Night Out at Epcot^®:

Attend the 2011 Builders’ Night Out at Epcot^®. Tickets are $79.99 per person and include an evening inside Epcot^® at your leisure, a complete buffet dinner, IllumiNations light show and transportation. Visit BuildersShow.com/BNO for details.

Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans

2010-10-25T15:27:00.001-06:00

Many of you may be concerned about Medicare Plans for yourself or for a family member. Please come learn about the basics of Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans. We will also discuss the new Long Term Care rules as they pertain to the “Class Act”. Please feel free to extend this invitation to a family member, friend or work associate.

~November Lunch 'n Learn~

When:
November 3^rd
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Where: Brick Oven

111 E 800 N
Provo, UT

(801) 374-8800

Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans

Learn about Medicare and the plans available to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. We invite you to join us for our November2010 Lunch ‘n Learn!

Special NOTE: Lunch will be provided at Brick Oven in Provo starting at 11:45 AM!

The Topic: Medicare Plans 101

Book it Today:
November 3rd(Wednesday) at Brick Oven in Provo

Space is limited.
Please RSVP asap by contacting Libby Ericksen at libby@millerwade.com
Please feel free to invite a spouse, work colleague, or a friend...

MillerWade Group
1031 W. Center St. #302
Orem, UT 84057

MillerWade and Fader Financial is a diversified team of professionals in insurance, business, and financial services. In each of these areas, we have a specialist that can address virtually every area of your personal or business life.

FREE LUNCH

At Brick Oven

We encourage you to register early for the November Lunch 'n Learn session. Space is very limited. Call 801-377-1990 to "Register Now" or email libby@millerwade.comTODAY!

Offer Expires: November 3, 2010

Fall Construction Forecast Conference

2010-10-25T15:25:00.001-06:00

The Fall Construction Forecast Conference (CFC) Webinar will broadcast Wednesday, October 27 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT. The first CFC webinar, held in the spring, was a great success. We hope to build on that success with our fall speakers: Eric Belsky, Managing Director, Joint Center For Housing Studies at Harvard University and Maury Harris, Managing Director and Chief U.S. Economist at UBS. As always, I will present and moderate.

In our presentation, we will address:

Recovery? Where is it going? How long will it take? What does it mean for builders, suppliers and buyers?
The effect of the housing inventory overhang on the market
What housing policy issues loom? What will the Fed do?
Regional highlights—where are housing prospects strongest?

It is my hope that this new format makes the Construction Forecast Conference even more accessible and ensures that the event continues to provide the most relevant, useful housing market analysis. I encourage you to register for the webinar today. This new format allows us to bring you the most current and accurate content in a streamlined, time-efficient manner at a more affordable price—only $29.95 for members. As always, participants are encouraged to ask questions and will be able to do so directly via the webinar setup. You may register online at www.nahb.org/CFC.

Thank you, and I look forward to answering your questions on October 27!

David Crowe, PhD
Chief Economist, NAHB

UPDATE: EPA Lead Rule Enforcement Facts

2010-10-25T15:23:00.001-06:00

The Environmental Protection Agency’s schedule of fines for violating the federal Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule demonstrate that the federal government is serious about its intentions regarding enforcement: Penalties can range from $130 to as much as $37,500 per violation, per day.

The regulation applies to contractors working in pre-1978 homes on projects that disturb more than six square feet on an interior or 20 square feet on an exterior painted surface. The rule dictates pre-renovation education of the home owners and residents, containment of work area, lead-safe work practices, clean up, cleaning verification, and record keeping. The responsible contractor must be employed by an EPA-certified firm and be trained as a Certified Renovator by an EPA-approved training provider. (More details on the rule are available at http://www.nahb.org/leadpaint.)

All complaints will be referred to EPA’s regional offices for investigation, and if the office determines that a violation has taken place, it can do one of four things:

Notice of Noncompliance. This solution may be used for first-time violators or in cases where the contractor has substantially followed the regulation. The notice may require corrective action from the contractor and proof of the change. This action would not result in a fine.
Civil Administrative Complaint. EPA sends written notice and the contractor has 15 days to request a hearing. The complaint usually includes a penalty calculated on the severity of the charges.
Civil Judicial Referral. EPA seeks relief in the United States District Court to order the violator to comply.
Criminal Proceedings. If the civil case team has reason to believe that the violator knowingly violated the regulation, criminal charges may be filed.

Penalty Calculation

The EPA will consider many factors when assessing a fine for violation of the lead rule, including

the number of rule violations by the contractor
the economic benefit or how much the contractor profited by non-compliance of the regulation and his or her ability to pay the fine
the nature and circumstances of the violation, plus any harm caused by non-compliance. This penalty can also take into acount the violator’s ability to pay the fine and stay in business, history of prior violations, and degree of responsibility
the attitude of the violator – whether he or she is taking steps to comply and cooperate with the lead rule

Penalty Examples

If a contractor fails to maintain the required records in a home with no child occupants, the fine may be $130. The fine increases if children and/or pregnant women live there. Failure to conduct pre-renovation education by distributing the Renovate Right pamphlet to residents and posting signage at the job site carries heavier fines.

Download the EPA’s entire enforcement guidance document at http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=1826&genericContentID=144456.

White House Assures Employers That Health Care Costs on W-2 Forms Are Not Taxable

2010-10-25T15:21:00.001-06:00

Moving to squelch rumors that employees will have to pay taxes next year on the health insurance expenditures paid by their employers, the Obama Administration on Oct. 12 announced a one-year delay on requiring employers to report the cost of providing health coverage for their workers. While it is not the case that employer-provided health insurance will become taxable when reported on the W-2, certain plans will be taxable starting in 2018 if they are particularly expensive ($27,500 or more for families).

Under the health care law, employers would have been required to report what it costs them to provide health coverage for each employee on the W-2 statements they receive in 2012. The reporting requirement is part of an information effort to determine who purchases health insurance for rules that begin in 2014. Beginning in that year, individuals and families not purchasing health insurance will be assessed a penalty.

In posting its notice, the IRS said the reporting will be optional for W-2s issued for 2011 that are distributed to employees in 2012 in order to "provide employers with additional time to make any necessary changes to their payroll systems or procedures in preparation for compliance with the reporting requirement." As a result, the health care cost information will have to be reported on 2012 W-2s, which employees will not actually receive until 2013.

Builder Confidence Improves for First Time in Five Months

2010-10-25T15:20:00.001-06:00

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose three points to 16 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for October, released this week. This was the first improvement registered by the index in the last five months, and according to Chief Economist David Crowe, it indicates that the market is finally moving past the lull that occurred when the home buyer tax credits expired and economic growth stalled this summer. With more builders reporting the first flickers of interest among potential buyers, the hope is that the new calls and buyer traffic through model homes will soon translate to more sales activity. Gains were reported for all three components of the HMI in October, as well as for all four regions of the country. The index gauging current sales conditions rose three points to 16, while the index gauging sales expectations in the next six months rose five points to 23 and the index gauging traffic of prospective buyers rose two points to 11. Regionally, the HMI gained four points in the South and West, to 18 and 12, respectively, and one point in both the Northeast and Midwest, to 17 and 13, respectively.

The Federal Reserve this week issued an interim rule that NAHB hopes will further clarify appraisal requirements.

2010-10-25T15:19:00.001-06:00

Having called on regulators to issue rules that will provide greater clarity in the appraisal process and sufficient flexibility to address the unique aspects of valuing new homes, NAHB now welcomes a newly released appraisal rule from the Fed that moves toward these goals. The interim rule makes it clear that home builders and others can ask an appraiser to consider additional information about a property, including information about additional comparable properties — a critical clarification in view of the inappropriate comparables that have often been used in new-home appraisals. The Fed unveiled this rule on Oct. 18. It will take effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register, with the Fed accepting public comments during that time. Compliance will be voluntary until April 1, 2011. The Fed's action in this instance was required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law this July.

In addition to the clarification regarding comparable properties, the interim rule also includes conflict-of-interest guidance that prohibits loan officers and mortgage brokers from selecting appraisers. It also mandates the reporting of negligent appraisals and appraiser misconduct to the appropriate state appraiser licensing authorities and requires those seeking an appraisal to pay the appraiser at a rate that is reasonable in the geographic market where the property is located and in accordance with the skill level needed to perform the assignment. As NAHB Immediate Past Chairman Joe Robson noted in our official response to the rule's release, builders, developers, lenders, appraisers and other stakeholders need a better understanding of what they can and cannot do, and the interim rule offers much needed clarity. It also provides the flexibility necessary in terms of compensation rules to ensure the use of more highly skilled appraisers for the complex assignments often associated with valuating newly constructed homes. Going forward, NAHB will submit comments in an effort to make sure the final rule provides guidance that adequately recognizes all of the issues involved in appraisals of new homes and restores confidence in the appraisal process.

NAHB Members to Advise EPA on New Storm Water Regulations

2010-10-25T15:17:00.001-06:00

Several NAHB members have been selected to serve as advisors to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as it begins to prepare new regulations for storm water management of sites where builders have completed their work. The members include Dave Carter of David C. Carter Consulting in Winter Haven, Fla.; Rob Weintrub of Ammons Development Group in Wake Forest, N.C.; Tom Farasy of Terra Verde Communities in Burtonsville, Md.; Bobby Bowling of Tropicana Homes in El Paso, Texas; Matt Belcher of Belcher Homes in St. Louis, Mo.; Carl Harris of Carl Harris Company in Wichita, Kan.; and Jeffrey Parisi of Parisi Construction Co. in Verona, Wis. They, along with other industry representatives and local government stakeholders, will serve on a panel that will provide advice and recommendations on minimizing the financial impact of the proposed rule on small businesses. EPA employees and representatives from the Small Business Administration and the Office of Management and Budget will also serve on the panel. The first meeting takes place next month in Washington.

Oct 21 General Membership Meeting

2010-10-20T10:15:00.001-06:00

Have you registered yet? Join us and register here.

Calendar – at – a – Glance

2010-10-13T11:41:00.001-06:00

UVHBA Benefits Directory

2010-10-13T11:37:00.001-06:00

Announcing… The UVHBA Benefits Directory!

Just another benefit of UVHBA membership!

To view Benefits Directory click here.

Framing Lumbar Prices

2010-10-13T11:33:00.001-06:00

Date	Random Lengths – Composite Price	CME Futures Price	Contract Delivery Date
2010
October 8	$248	$223.0
October 12, 2010	$251	$227.0
September 24	$251	$230.5
September 17	$250	$217.8
September 10	$249	$217.8	November 2010
September 3	$248	$222.6
August 27	$247	$207.5
August 20	$244	$215.6
August 13	$242	$199.9
August 6	$247	$206.5
July 30	$250	$201.5
July 23	$253	$209.0	September 2010
July 16	$255	$198.0
July 9	$251	$202.0
July 2	$248	$205.0
June 25	$247	$182.0
June 18	$257	$194.2
June 11	$272	$209.2
June 4	$291	$232.0

2011 Parade of Homes

2010-10-13T11:23:00.001-06:00

Builders,

Early registration discount of $1,000 expires on November 5, 2010. For questions, contact Caroline at caroline@uvhba.com or call 801-225-8893.

To view Builder Packet click here.

Builder Tax Breaks

2010-10-13T11:19:00.001-06:00

Tax Breaks Available to Builders Under Small Business Lending Law

There are several tax incentives included in the newly enacted small business legislation (H.R. 5297) that should help home builders. While the law does NOT include the language that NAHB fought for to expand housing production loans for small builders, we continue to push for new legislation that will correct this critical omission. What IS included in the current law, however, are $12 billion in tax breaks designed to help the small business community. Items of note to home builders are listed below:

Increased Section 179 Expensing. For 2010 and 2011, the bill increases the amount of investments that businesses are eligible to write off to $500,000 and raises the level of investments at which the write-off phases out to $2 million. Prior to passage of the bill, the expensing limit was $250,000 this year and only $25,000 in 2011.

A New Deduction of Health Insurance Costs for Self-Employed. Making an exception to current law, this provision allows small business owners to deduct the cost of health insurance incurred in 2010 for themselves and their family members when calculating their self-employment taxes.

Tax Relief and Simplification for Cell Phone Deductions. The legislation changes rules so that beginning this year, the use of cell phones can be deducted or depreciated like other business property, without onerous recordkeeping requirements.

Five-Year Carryback of General Business Credits. The new law allows certain small businesses to carry back their general business credits up to 5 years — including the Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the Section 45L New Energy Efficient Home Credit — to offset taxes paid in prior years, providing them an immediate refund this year by filing an amended tax return. The provision also allows these credits to offset Alternative Minimum Tax liability in prior tax years. This applies to general business credits for those sole proprietorships, partnerships, S Corporations, LLCs and C corporations with $50 million or less in average annual gross receipts.

Zero Taxes on Capital Gains From Key Small Business Investments. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 75% of capital gains on key small business investments this year were excluded from taxes. The latest legislation temporarily puts in place a provision for the rest of 2010 to eliminate all capital gains taxes on these investments, if they are held for five years.

Extension of 50% Bonus Depreciation. Under the Recovery Act, Congress temporarily allowed businesses to recover the costs of certain capital expenditures made in 2008 and 2009 more quickly than under ordinary depreciation schedules by permitting those businesses to immediately write off 50% of the cost of certain depreciable property (rental residential real estate, in general, is excluded) placed in service in those years. The new law extends the provision for 50% bonus depreciation through 2010.

Increase in the Deduction for Start-Up Expenditures. Under current law, taxpayers may deduct up to $5,000 in business start-up expenditures. The amount that a business may deduct is reduced by the amount by which start-up expenditures exceed $50,000. For 2010 only, the new law increases the amount of start-up expenditures that entrepreneurs can deduct from their taxes to $10,000, subject to a $60,000 phase-out threshold.

Please note: Many of these provisions apply to investments or costs expended in 2010, and businesses should work with a tax professional to ensure that they gain the appropriate tax benefit for actions that they may have taken earlier this year.

Transportation & Community Planning

2010-10-13T11:15:00.001-06:00

Transportation & Community Planning Open Houses

Join Mountainland MPO, communities in Utah County, UDOT and UTA representatives to discuss roads, highways, air quality, buses, trains, trails, and community development.

Find out about:

· I-15 Core

· Geneva Road

· Commuter Rail

· Bus Rapid Transit

· North County Blvd.

· Lehi 2100 North

· Elk Ridge Drive

· Santaquin Main St.

· Murdock Canal Trail

· Lehi 2300 West

· SR-92

· Provo Westside Road

October 20, 2010
American Fork Senior Center
54 East Main Street, AF
4:30-6:30 pm

October 21, 2010
Spanish Fork Senior Centre
167 W. Center St., SF
4:30-6:30 pm
October 27, 2010
Orem Senior Friendship Center
93 North 400 East, Orem
4:30-7:00 pm

NAHBA Top 10 Actions

2010-10-13T11:14:00.001-06:00

NAHB’s Top Ten Actions on Behalf of the Members.

This “Top 10” list highlights the most important NAHB actions benefiting our members from the past month. We hope this helps communicate the true value of NAHB/UVHBA.

-TOP 10 NAHB ACTIONS TO BENEFIT OUR MEMBERS IN THE PAST MONTH-
1. At NAHB’s Fall Board of Directors meeting in New York, Chairman-Elect Bob Nielsen provided a full update on the multitude of actions that NAHB has taken to help resolve the critical lack of funding for residential acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) loans.
These actions have included working with members of Congress to support key legislation designed to expand the flow of credit to housing development; meeting with the Federal Reserve Chairman and other top policymakers to emphasize the severe drag that the credit crunch is generating on the housing and economic recovery; and urging bank regulators to allow more housing production loans for viable projects. Nielsen showed the board a short video detailing our AD&C strategy to date; this video is now available for member viewing on NAHB.org. Bob also recounted
five key additional strategies for combating the AD&C crisis that NAHB is currently undertaking as a result of recent member input. Going forward, the AD&C problem will continue be a top advocacy priority for our association, Nielsen said, and members of the NAHB Board can expect to be contacted by NAHB about ways that they can help in the fight to resolve this issue. Contact: Blake Smith, 800-368-5242, x8583.
2. NAHB's Senior Officers and a cross-section of our members seized the opportunity to bring the builder's viewpoint regarding ongoing challenges in the housing market to two of the nation's most important policymaking organizations on Sept. 16.
In a meeting with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and other top officials at the Federal Reserve Board, our members shared their first-hand accounts of the experiences they have had in trying to obtain financing for viable projects. We also voiced concerns about the impacts that this problem continue to have on the fragile housing and economic recovery. The discussion was solely an information opportunity in which no promises were expected or received, but was nonetheless an important part of our outreach to every possible regulator, bank agency and legislator who has the ability to help restore the flow of credit to our industry.
On the same day, the Senior Officers also met with leadership and staff of Fannie Mae to discuss a variety of topics, including appraisals, NAHB’s position on GSE reform, single- and multifamily mortgage credit availability, the housing outlook and builder problems in obtaining AD&C financing. Fannie Mae's representatives expressed interest in working further with NAHB to develop improved appraisal and financing treatment for green building, and in hearing from NAHB multifamily members about financing challenges in different housing markets. Fannie Mae and NAHB agreed to continue to share information on emerging housing and housing finance issues. Contact: David Crowe at 800-368-5242, x8383
3. A nationwide survey commissioned by NAHB highlights the strong support that housing incentives such as the Mortgage Interest Deduction have among members of the American public.
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Amidst calls for reduction of the mortgage interest deduction and other housing incentives
in the tax code that have been raised in the media and political forums in recent days,
NAHB’s study shows that politicians should continue to be wary about challenging
housing’s status as a top national priority. Nearly 80 percent of those polled support
retaining federal tax incentives to promote homeownership. National voter support for the
mortgage interest deduction was shown to cut across gender, age, partisan, ideological,
educational and regional lines. Asked to rate the importance of preserving tax deductions
in the current tax code, 81 percent said it is important to keep the deduction of mortgage
interest on a primary home, nearly tied with the importance of deductions for medical
expenses (82 percent). In addition, more than three quarters of respondents cited the
importance of keeping the deduction for state and local taxes, including property taxes.
“As the mid-term elections draw near, voters are sending a resounding message to
Congress and the Administration,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones in our press release
announcing the poll results. “Don’t meddle with the mortgage interest deduction or other
tax incentives that support homeownership.” At the same time, NAHB called attention to
research showing that housing tax incentives benefit younger households and first-time
home buyers more than any other group. Our study counters opponents’ arguments that
the mortgage interest deduction primarily benefits the wealthy. Contacts: Blake Smith,
(800-368-5242, x8583) Rob Dietz (800-368-5242, x8285)
4. In the face of increasing attacks on key housing incentives such as the mortgage
interest deduction and other tax treatments for housing and small business, NAHB is
stepping up its defensive strategy in the court of public opinion.
On Sept. 7, CEO Jerry Howard traveled to New York to meet personally with TIME
magazine editors in the wake of their ill-informed cover story that questioned the
importance of homeownership. While there, he emphasized the many benefits of
homeownership that have been well documented through history and recent research. He
also spoke with representatives from The Wall Street Journal about the state of the housing
market and our projections for the future. As reported previously, NAHB also sent a
blistering letter to the editor in response to Time's attack on the American Dream, and
in the latest edition of Nation's Building News, we called attention to the comments
posted by many readers of the Time magazine story who thought it was way out of line,
and far from the typical reporting standards of that publication, when the author actually
referred to homeownership alternatively as a "cult" and a "fetish."
Nation's Building News also ran an authoritative piece by Karl Case, an economics
professor at Wellesley and co-creator of the S&P/Case-Shiller housing price index, who
unequivocally states that homeownership is a solid investment in a family's future and that
now is a good time to buy a home. This piece originally ran in the Sept. 1 edition of The
New York Times. NAHB is also coordinating with the National Association of Realtors,
which reacted with its own response to the Time story. In addition, we've encouraged our
local HBAs to reach out to their local media, and have developed numerous reports,
articles and studies on the benefits of homeownership that are available to all of our
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members in the homeownership resources section of www.NAHB.org. Our Opportunity Knocks brochure also provides excellent arguments to help deliver the message that homeownership is still a great choice for many Americans, and members can use these resources to respond to the Time article individually. For more on NAHB's efforts to defend homeownership in the media, contact the NAHB Public Affairs office at 800-368-5242, x8409.
5. NAHB First Vice Chairman Bob Nielsen was on hand for a Sept. 15 meeting held by the White House Domestic Policy Council, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, HUD, and the Treasury Department to discuss strategies for expanding the investor base for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. LIHTC syndicators, tax attorneys, intermediaries and several other developers were also included in the mix. In the absence of traditional major investors, for some time now, industry stakeholders have sought ways to open the LIHTC program to non-traditional investors. Hoping to help this process along, the Administration brought together industry participants to identify current aspects of the LIHTC program that are particularly attractive to non-traditional investors and explore ways in which these benefits can be enhanced and more widely communicated. The Administration also sought to identify programmatic barriers to greater participation by non-traditional investors and explore ways to lower or eliminate them. This week's discussions focused on seven major options, including: 1) revising the Community Reinvestment Act; 2) directing more LIHTCs toward the preservation of existing government-assisted housing; 3) creating a secondary market for purchases of LIHTCs; 4) addressing accounting issues related to the effective yield; 5) shortening the compliance period; 6) shortening the tax credit delivery period; and 7) increasing the carry-back period. A majority of participants in the White House meeting primarily favored the options of revising the CRA and addressing accounting issues related to the effective yield in order to encourage broader investor participation in the LIHTC program.
Going forward, "The good news is that the Administration recognizes the value of the LIHTC and will be working to enhance its acceptance in the marketplace," said our First Vice Chairman. NAHB continues to advocate for an extension of the LIHTC exchange program for 2010 allocations as well as legislative changes to increase the participation of non-corporate investors in LIHTCs. For more information, contact Claudia Kedda, (800-368-5242, x8352).
6. NAHB’s Quick Issues Index document, newly updated for the Fall Board of Directors meeting at the end of September, provides a quick summary of the latest NAHB actions on our top Advocacy issues.
The Quick Issues Index can be accessed by all NAHB members who are logged into NAHB.org with their username and password. Simply visit www.nahb.org/issuesindex for the latest edition highlighting NAHB’s efforts on such topics as AD&C financing, appraisals,
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effluent limitation guidelines, tax reform, federal sustainability initiatives, OSHA’s long-anticipated crane rulemaking, and more. Contact: Samantha Silver (800-368-5242, x8450)
7. NAHB's Business Management & Information Technology Committee and Builder magazine, with the generous support of Simonton Windows and Therma-Tru Doors, is sponsoring four free webinars focusing on areas critical to the success of your business.
Each hour-long program features industry experts discussing the ways your business needs to work in these areas as the housing market continues its recovery. You’ll gain insight into emerging trends, new practices, and ways to position your business to succeed. A webinar focusing on “business operations” took place on Sept. 16; the next planned offering will focus on financing and occur on Oct. 27, followed by a design trends and market trends webinar on Nov. 18 and a webinar on “marketing in a new business environment” on Dec. 16. All of these programs are offered free to NAHB members. To get more information and register to take part, visit www.nahb.org/newhorizons or contact Agustín Cruz at (800) 368-5242, x8472.
8. A recent article in Nation's Building News provides a good overview of the kind of local market data that is available to help builders as they chart a course for future success, and provides links to the data online.
On the supply side, builders are pointed to building permit and vacancy rate data that is regularly provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Information on building permits is available at the national, state and metropolitan statistical level, while information on vacancy rates is available at the national and state levels, with local numbers limited to the 75 largest metros. The building permit data includes figures on the total number of units, single-family vs. multifamily units and unit valuations. Vacancy rates are calculated separately for rental and owner-occupied properties, with data published on a quarterly basis. The latest available data for the second quarter shows Akron, Ohio with the highest rental vacancy rate of 21.9%, while Raleigh-Cary, N.C. has the highest home owner vacancy rate, at 8.8%.
Focusing on the demand side, the Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes data on personal income, with national and state-level data available on a quarterly basis and data at the metro and county level available on an annual basis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes data on employment and unemployment rates at the national and state levels, as well as for selected metro areas, on a monthly basis. And, the Census Bureau publishes annual population figures at the national, state and metro levels. Finally, looking at prices, the Federal Housing Finance Agency publishes a broad measure of change in single-family house prices that is referred to as the House Price Index. At the national level, this information is available on a monthly basis; at the state and metro level, it is available on a quarterly basis. Builders can use the above helpful data sources to get valuable insights into ongoing trends as well as deviations from trends, to assess the balance of supply and demand, and help gauge the current consumer mindset. Contact: Peter Grist (x8697)
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9. “Residential Construction Performance Guidelines,” the industry’s most widely accepted reference on how homes should perform, has been revised and updated to help builders and remodelers successfully manage customer expectations while delivering high-performance homes. Available from NAHB BuilderBooks.com, the 4th edition is more comprehensive than earlier editions and more consistent with current building science advancements.
The guidelines were initially created and reviewed by more than 300 builders and remodelers as well as representatives of specialty trade organizations. A consumer reference version of the guidelines is also available to help home buyers and home owners understand the basics of a properly constructed home and how it should perform during the warranty period. Builders and remodelers can distribute it to customers as an integral part of their warranty claims process. For more information or to order the new construction guidelines, visit BuilderBooks.com or call 800-223-2665.
10. NAHB is reaching out to help our state and local HBAs whose members and communities have been affected by the devastating fires that have occurred in Boulder, Colo. and San Bruno, Calif. in recent weeks.
With hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed due to the wildfire in Boulder and the gas line explosion in San Bruno, our focus has turned to supporting those who are dealing with the aftermath. Our Public Affairs team has offered resources such as radio PSA scripts to warn consumers about unscrupulous contractors following a disaster and relayed information about government assistance from FEMA, the Red Cross and the Small Business Administration. All of these resources are available online at www.nahb.org/disasterresources and can help HBAs in assisting local consumers and building industry members. Contact: NAHB Public Affairs at 800-368-5242, ext. 8447. Meanwhile, all NAHB members are reminded that even in these difficult times, the Home Building Industry Disaster Relief Fund continues to do outstanding work in communities across the country. If you live or work in an area that has been impacted by disaster, please contact NAHB to find out about the resources available to help your community rebuild. Meanwhile, if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Home Building Industry Disaster Relief Fund, you can do so online at NAHB.org/hbidrf. Contact: Jessica Lynch (800-368-5242, x8401)

Orem Family In Need

2010-10-13T11:10:00.003-06:00

UVHBA Members Encouraged to Assist Orem Family in Need

Thirteen-year-old Madison Mecum was killed by a 13-year-old driver while waiting for her bus Thursday morning, just down the street from the UVHBA offices.

In 2005, Madison's father was killed when he lost control of his car and hit a barrier. Paige, Madison’s mother, received some insurance money from his death and put her trust in a financial planner to invest that money. Unfortunately, the entire investment was lost to a well-publicized Ponzi scheme.

This family is in desperate need of financial assistance. If you would like to help the family financially, a donation account has been set up at Zion’s Bank under the name of Madison Mecum.

Services for Madison Mecum will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at an LDS meetinghouse at 965 W. 2000 North in Orem.

UVHBA Fall Membership Drive

2010-10-13T11:10:00.001-06:00

October GMM

2010-10-13T11:08:00.001-06:00

Banking Industry Open House

2010-10-13T11:07:00.001-06:00