Join our mailing list!
 |
July Renewals
Amoskeag Woodworking Incorporated
Avalon Pool & Supplies
Chevalier Drilling Co., Inc.
Chittenden Solid Waste District
Cloverdale Construction Company, Inc.
Craig Hervey Housewright Construction, Inc.
Gordon's Building Services
Hegeman Electric, Inc.
Kitchens by Design
Moore Design Builders
North Woods Joinery
Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets Inc
Portland Glass
Pride Builders
Roberts Electric
S R Smith Real Estate
Snyder Homes
Windows & Doors by Brownell
Worth's Seamless Rain Gutters, Inc.
|
|
Greetings!
This is the HBRA E-Builder August edition. Below you will find upcoming events, new member profiles, renewing members, and much more. Thank you for taking the time to find out what's new and happening at the HBRA. If you have any thoughts or items you would like to see in upcoming issues please contact Connie at cbrigham@vtbuilders.com. |
|
|
_______________________________________________ |
Green Council Thursday, August 18 @ Noon - 1:30 PM Topic: Low VOC paint and finishes - the products available and their performance.. Presenter: Dave Leclerc from Benjamin Moore. Location: HBRA Office, Williston Cost: $15 per person (includes lunch) Click Here for more information / RSVP.
Remodelers' Council
Friday, August 19th @ 8:00 AM Click here for Remodelers Council Page Topic: Managing Client Expectations & Creating "WOW FACTOR".
Presenter: Bestselling author and communications expert, Dr. Steve Taubman
Cost: Free (includes breakfast) Click Here To RSVP |
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Victory for Housing!
South Burlington City Council
Defeats Interim Zoning Proposal
Last night the South Burlington City Council defeated an interim zoning proposal by a 3-2 vote.
This was a HUGE victory for housing and the economy and we want to thank ALL our members for their efforts.
Well over 100 people turned out at the last public meeting, most to voice their opposition to this proposal, and City Councilors received over 89 written comments.
Housing is the backbone of the economy, and when proposals like these arise that threaten the very foundation and stability of the industry, the HBRA will be there in full force.
Whether it's publicly voicing concerns through opinion-editorials and letters, mailing over 9,000 postcards to residents to alert them to the issue, or rallying our members, the HBRA will be there to work tirelessly on behalf of all of you and housing.
Thank you again for all your hard work on this very important issue.
Last night, was indeed a victory for the future of Vermont.
Sincerely,
Joe Sinagra
Executive Officer
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Welcome New Members!
Nathaniel M. Hayward
Hayward Design Build
302 Mountain View Drive, Suite 300
Colchester, Vermont 05446
(802) 578-3078
Residential & Commercial Design Build
Sponsored by: John Hoehl
Jeff Teplitz
Everbank
234 Lyman Drive
Williston, Vermont 05495
(802) 233-3672
www.everbank.com
|
|
_______________________________________________ | New Member Profile
Metruk's Electrical Contracting, Inc. Business Description: Full service electrical contractor. Residential, Commercial & Industrial. Services offered: Solar Electric, wind power automatic stand by generators, surge protection, motor controls, whole house wiring and rewiring, service upgrades and power quality metering. Been in business 12 years. Who people should contact: Paul Metruk - Owner. "I've been an electrician for 29 years. I teach the 4th year apprenticeship program am a certified climber/rescue instructor and certified high voltage splicing instructor. I am also a Master Electrician." Carlene Metruk - Office Manager. "Our philosophy is to treat the customer with respect. Do the job right the first time. Quality workmanship is the key to success. When the customer is happy, we're happy. Integrity is very important. If you don't have integrity, you've got nothing." Metruk's Electrical Contracting, Inc. 32 Lower English Settlement Road
Underhill, Vermont 05489
Phone/Fax: (802) 999-1103
metruks@comast.net
www.metrukselectricalcontracting.com
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
New Member Profile
DEXTER ELECTRIC PC was started in 1991 in East Barre Vt. By Benjamin & Gail Dexter. We are a small but complete electrical contractor service, we can do as small a job as repair a loose outlet or as big a job as the electrical system for complete building. I have worked in the Barre-Montpelier area for over 30 years as an electrician. Dexter Electric PC is listed with the State of Vermont as a professional corporation ( PC ). I have been a Master electrician since 1982 . Our intent when we started was to provide a quality, reasonable priced, local electrical service. We have done that for 18 years growing to as many as 8 employees when needed. Our son has joined us and is now also a Master electrician with the same values. It is our intent to continue to grow slowly and stay in contact with the local people to hire good electricians and young area people as needed.
Thank you from the staff at Dexter Electric PC
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Member Appreciation Day
@ The Lake Monsters
A Success!
The Association had our own section along the 3rd base line for the Lake Monsters game against the Lowell Spinners on July 21st. We had a small crowd of HBRA members, employees and family attend. Despite the scorching heat that evening, it was still a fun night out at the ballpark. The kids enjoyed a visit from Champ - the Vermont Lake Monsters mascot and (free!) Lake Monster treats as well! Click Here to see pictures of this event!
Thanks to Neal Speer Construction Company; Prime Renovation Group and Vermont Housing Finance Agency for sponsoring this event!
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Central Vermont Summer Event
A Success!
Another successful Thunder Road event was held on July 14th with over 80 HBRA members joining us to enjoy a BBQ dinner and the races. One of our members brought his whole crew and their families! Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Prime Renovation Group
Hutch Brothers Concrete Corporation
Allen Lumber Company
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Save the Date(s)!
Thursday, September 22nd - HBRA 21st Annual Golf Tournament at Rocky Ridge Golf Club. Please contact Amanda Ibey @ 876-6200 x12 or
aibey@vtbuilders.com for more information.
Tuesday, October 18th - 34th Annual Better Homes Awards at the Sheraton in Burlington.
Click Here for more information. |
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Residential Building Energy Standards Update
After completing a public and legislative review of Vermont's residential energy code- the Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) - the State of Vermont recently adopted a new residential energy code on July 1 that will go into effect on OCTOBER 1, 2011 and "shall apply to construction commenced on and after [that] date...". The State of Vermont Department of Public Service in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont will be providing a series of energy code trainings throughout the state this summer and fall.
For more information on trainings, contact Jeff Gephart: vtwise@together.net or call 800-893-1997.
Click Here for up to date information on energy code trainings. Newly revised RBES Handbooks will be available in late July/early August - click here. Handbooks will also be available at trainings and through the Energy Code Assistance Center (855-887-0673).
Workshop attendees are eligible for continuing education self-reported credits through the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Building Performance Institute (BPI).
There are significant changes in RBES as a result of this update. Major changes include, but are not limited to:
· Expansion of RBES jurisdiction to include alterations, renovations, & repair of existing buildings (previously RBES only applied to new construction & additions > 500 sq. ft.)
· Increases in insulation levels that exceed current conventional construction practice
· Basement/crawlspace walls R-15 continuous insulation or R-20 if thermally bridged
· Slab - R-15 slab edge & under slab (under slab insulation required for radiant slabs only)
· Walls - R-20 for 2"x 6" or R-13 (cavity) + R-5 (continuous insulation on exterior) for 2"x 4" walls
· Ceilings - R-49 (with some exceptions)
· Windows - weighted average U-factor of U-0.32 or less
· Explicit & increased requirements for air sealing
· 50% of the bulbs in permanently-installed lighting fixtures must be high efficacy (ex. screw-in CFLs, dedicated pin-based fluorescent fixtures, or LEDs).
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Radon Resistant
New Construction
The Home Builders & Remodelers Association (HBRA) held Radon Resistant New Construction classes in 2010 and 2011 through a grant from the Vermont Department of Health's Radon Program that is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). About 30 HBRA members took advantage of this great opportunity to learn about radon resistant building techniques. Vicki Gabert of Homestead Design was among the participants. "The instructor was very knowledgeable and had hands on experience with radon systems," she explained.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless and odorless radioactive gas that enters homes from underlying soil and bedrock. It is estimated that in the U.S. about 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by radon exposure each year.
When considering the construction of a new home, there are two ways to combat the radon issue. Unfortunately, there is no pre-construction test available that will determine whether radon entry into a home will be of concern once the home is built.
The potential homeowner and builder have two options:
The first option is to wait until after construction of the home, and then have it tested. If radon levels are high, then the homeowner could install a mitigation system. This option could cost the homeowner anywhere between $800 and $2,500.
The second choice, and the one that more builders seem to be utilizing, is to simply incorporate radon resistant construction techniques in the construction. "It is less expensive and much more effective if the safety measures are built in while building the house versus after the fact," says Malcolm Gray with Montpelier Construction, another HBRA member who took advantage of this course offering.
Constructing a new home using radon resistant materials and techniques could cost between $350 and $500, and by utilizing those construction practices, many would-be radon problems are simply built right out of the home.
This choice seems to be gaining traction across the country, as the National Association of Home Builders Research Center reported that approximately one in every six homes built in the United States over the past 10 years was radon resistant.
In high radon areas, the percentage is greater, with one in three homes built with radon resistant features.
Jeff Feussner of Homestead Design says, "Taking measures while building a home, to minimize the possibility of radon and to aid in the mitigation of radon should it occur, is negligible."
Both Gray and Feussner use these radon techniques in the building of their homes for the same reason, "To make housing a little safer, help with mitigation and avoid liability."
There are number benefits to incorporating such techniques as Gray explains, "Being aware of all health and safety issues is beneficial both for being able to reduce any concerns the homeowner has, as well as just being good business."
All of the building materials and techniques to construct a radon resistant home are already commonly used in construction. Installing radon resistant features in a home anticipates a high radon level, and allows for the easy activation of a sub-slab depressurization system in the home.
Active sub-slab depressurization dissipates the pressure difference between the lower levels of a house, such as the basement or first floor (if there is no basement), and soil gas due to the natural stack effect.
Radon resistant features include:
· Gas Permeable Layer - usually clean coarse gravel under the slab to allow soil gas to move freely underneath the house;
· Plastic Sheeting - polyethylene sheeting placed on top of the gas permeable layer to help reduce the movement of soil gas into the house;
· Vent Pipe - a 3 or 4 inch PVC pipe that runs from the gas permeable layer through the house and roof to vent radon-containing soil gas above the house;
· Junction Box - an electrical junction box wired in the attic to power a radon reduction fan, if one is needed, following a radon test after the home becomes occupied; and
· Sealing and Caulking - closure of all openings in the concrete floor and foundation to prevent radon-containing soil gas from entering the house and reduce stack effect.
Radon can be a serious problem, but there are a number of resources for a builder to learn more about mitigation efforts, for pre and post construction.
"I often recommend getting the free radon test kits from the Vermont Department of Health. They are also a great resource when I need my questions answered," says Gray.
To learn more click on the links to the EPA and VT Department of Health's website as well as "Building Radon Out" - A Stet-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon Resistant Homes.
Click Here for more information.
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Prouty ~ 100 Mile North
Country Wild Women
The Craig Hervey Housewright Construction, Team Wild Women rode in the Prouty bike race again on July 9. Team Wild Women has successfully raised money for the Friends of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center for the last three years and this year set a new team record by raising $2500. The Norris Cotton Cancer Center provides high quality care in patient-centered environments throughout our region. NCCC is establishing new pathways in the biomedical frontiers of nanotechnology, cancer imaging, immunology, and cancer prevention.
The Prouty bike ride begins in Hanover, NH. The Wild Women began their day at 4 a.m., poised for unpredictable weather, competition with riders from all walks of life, and the occasional flat tire.
Team Wild Women includes members Tara Kaplan of Littleton; Sheryl Loveland of Littleton; Jill Fineis of Craftsbury, VT and Jodi Ovens of Bethlehem, NH. The women found the strength to endure their 100 mile ride by remembering friends and family who did not survive cancer.
Tax-deductible donations to the Friends of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center are welcome. Checks payable to Friends of NCCC can be mailed to The Prouty Office, Attn. Catherine Rentz, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756. To support Team Wild Women's fundraising efforts, write the team name in the memo line of the check.
|
|
_______________________________________________ |
Thank you to the following members who have helped to recruit new members since
January 2011:
Joe Doro, ProTect Painters
Rick Fournier, Interior Creations, Inc.
Patty Geraghty, Portland Glass
Byron Gokey, Wallboard Supply Company, Inc.
Mark Groleau, Groleau Construction Co., Inc.
John Hoehl, Main Street Property Services
Scott Hutchins, Hutch Brothers Concrete Corp.
Chris LeBlanc, Champlain Building Specialties
Pat Malaney, Upon This Rock
Tom Moore, Tom Moore Builder, Inc.
John Olson, Beacon Wealth Management
Jodi Ovens, Craig Hervey Housewright Construction
Chris Quinn, Red House Building
George Richard, Safeguard Bus Systems of VT/NH
David Ritzer, David Ritzer & Associates, Inc.
Bob Schwartz, Great Northern Construction, Inc.
Annie Small, Safeguard Bus Systems of VT/NH
Ward Smyth, Turtle Creek Builders Ltd.
Robert Tourangeau, Durocher Auto Sales
Dave Turner, Electronic Connection
Carolyn Weaver, Geri Reilly Real Estate
Thank you for helping us stay strong in 2011!
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Member to Member
Discount Program
If you are interested in being a part of this program - and offering a discount off your goods/services - please complete this FORM and mail or fax (876-6204) it back to me.
To see the current list of discounts - click here.
Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to advertise your company and invite your fellow members to try out your services!
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
The National Association of Home Builders
Member Advantage Discount Program
www.nahb.org/ma
Please contact the HBRA office if you need your
NAHB log-in information.
The National Association of Home Builders
Online Courses
Click Here to learn more about NAHB's online
"Customer Service" course and their "Webinar Wednesdays" series.
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Directive to protect residential
construction workers from falls went
into effect on June 16, 2011.
Starting June 16, residential construction employers will have to provide workers with the conventional fall protection required by the construction fall protection standard, issued in 1994 (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13)). Falls are the leading cause of death for workers in construction and this directive will provide residential construction workers with greater protection from being injured or killed on the job.
For more information - click here.
As a member of the HBRA and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), you can find a "Residential Fall Protection" Webinar online, free of charge. **If you haven't logged into NAHB before, you'll need your membership number to log-in the first time - contact the office for this information.
The HBRA will be offering this as a course in the Fall as well. |
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Job Opening
Subcontract framers, fully equipped and insured. Call Brian @ 373-4130 for more information.
|
|
|
_______________________________________________ | |
Thank you for reading our
August E-Builder!
Regards, HBRA Staff
~
Home Builders & Remodelers Association
136 James Brown Drive
Williston, Vermont 05495
Phone: (802) 876-6200
Fax: (802) 876-6204
|
|
|
