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Volume 5: Issue 6 June 2021
June 2021
Builder Confidence Steady in May Despite Concerns
Builder confidence held stable in May, despite growing concerns over the price and availability of most building materials, including lumber. The latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) shows that builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 83 in May, unchanged from the April reading. “Builder confidence in the market remains strong due to a lack of resale inventory, low mortgage interest rates, and a growing demographic of prospective home buyers,†said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “However, first-time and first-generation home buyers are particularly at risk for losing a purchase due to cost hikes associated with increasingly scarce material availability. Policymakers must take note and find ways to increase production of domestic building materials, including lumber and steel, and suspend tariffs on imports of construction materials.†“Low interest rates are supporting housing affordability in a market where the cost of most materials is rising,†said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “In recent months, aggregate residential construction material costs were up 12% year over year, and our surveys suggest those costs are rising further. Some builders are slowing sales to manage their own supply chains, which means growing affordability challenges for a market in critical need of more inventory.†With labor and lot availability a challenge in many markets, Dietz cautioned that “home buyers should expect rising prices throughout 2021 as the cost of materials, land and labor continue to rise.â€
most materials is rising,†said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “In recent months, aggregate residential construction material costs were up 12% year over year, and our surveys suggest those costs are rising further. Some builders are slowing sales to manage their own supply chains, which means growing affordability challenges for a market in critical need of more inventory.†With labor and lot availability a challenge in many markets, Dietz cautioned that “home buyers should expect rising prices throughout 2021 as the cost of materials, land and labor continue to rise.â€
Commerce Secretary Pledges Lumber Help Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo acknowledged the depth of the lumber price crisis and its effects on the residential construction industry, home buyers and renters during a May 28 meeting with NAHB’s senior officer team. Secretary Raimondo and NAHB CEO Jerry Howard discussed working together on convening a summit that would include representatives from the U.S. government, the lumber supply chain and the home building industry.
What to Know about Vaccinations NAHB is urging home builders to encourage their work- ers and subcontractors to get vaccinated. Resources are available on nahb.org. But there is some complexity around businesses urging vaccination. If an employer incentivizes its employees to get vaccinated (with time off, money or other reward), employees who are not able to receive the vaccine should still be eligible to get the incentive, otherwise it could be seen as unequal treatment and give rise to discrimination claims.
New GFCI Requirement Causing Problems The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation recently voted unanimously to delay until Jan. 1, 2023, requirements of section 210.8(F) of the 2020 National Electrical Code. A new requirement in the 2020 NEC requires a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker to be installed on connections between a new home’s electrical system and the air conditioning condenser unit. Home owners and builders in Texas immediately began reporting issues with the GFCI breakers tripping when the air conditioner ran, sometimes tripping multiple times each day.
Emergency Rental Assistance Released The Treasury Department in May announced it is releasing $21.6 billion in funding for the second allotment of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). NAHB had urged White House officials to release the funds. The Treasury released its first $25 billion in rental assistance earlier this year. The Treasury also released a fact sheet that cites steps the Biden administration is taking to disburse the rental assistance.
 Indiana Water Rule
Helps Home Builders Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed a state wetlands bill that ensures developers and builders in Indiana benefit from NAHB’s 2020 regulatory victory under the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). The measure is a victory for the Indiana Builders Association (IBA) and its members. The NWPR removes from federal control, and thereby federal wetlands permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act, all ephemeral features, such as streams and ditches.
Regulations imposed by all levels of govern- ment account for $93,879, or 23.8% of the current average sales price ($397,300) of a new single-family home, according to a new study by NAHB. Of the $93,870, $41,330 is due to regulation during development, and $52,540 is due to regulation during construction. The study illustrates how overregulation is exacerbating the nation’s housing afford- ability crisis and that policymakers need to take bold steps to reduce or eliminate unnecessary regulations that will help builders increase the production of quality, affordable housing to meet growing market demand. While NAHB’s previous regulatory estimates in a 2016 study were fairly similar, the price of new homes increased substantially in the interim. The data show an estimate that regulatory costs in an average home built for sale went from $84,671 to $93,879 — a 10.9% increase during the five-year span between NAHB’s 2016 and 2021 estimates.
Biden EO Affects Housing President Joe Biden on May 21 signed a sweeping executive order on climate change entitled “Executive Order on Climate-Related Financial Risk.†Of note to the housing community, the executive order (EO) will reinstate the 2015 Obama-era Federal Flood Risk Manage- ment Standard (FFRMS) which was revoked by the Trump administration. NAHB opposed the 2015 FFRMS because it would dramatically expand regulated floodplain areas without congressional oversight. The EO also requires the secretaries of Agriculture, HUD and Veterans Affairs to consider approaches to better integrate climate-related financial risk into underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions, as related to their federal lending policies and programs.
EPA Proposes New CGP The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on May 12 published the proposed 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP) in the Federal Register. The current 2017 CGP permit is in effect until Feb. 16, 2022, when the final 2022 CGP will become effective for five years. Public comments on the proposed 2022 CGP will be accepted until July 12, and NAHB will submit comments on behalf of the home building industry. EPA’s CGP authorizes stormwater discharges from land development and construction activities. They are the most common environmental permit residential developers and builders must obtain. The proposed 2022 CGP includes new notification, recordkeeping, and documentation requirements.
Regulatory Costs Add $93,870 to Price of New Home
The NAHB/NAR Home Performance Counts: Virtual Green Home Tour Series continues in June from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Join Mark and Leslie Giorgetti of Palo Santo Designs LLC on June 17 at 3pm ET for a tour of their stunning home, featured in the 2020 SFAHBA Hacienda Parade of Homes. A live Q&A with Mark and Leslie, joined by former SFAHBA Executive Officer Kim Shanahan, will take place immediately after the tour. Register at nahb.org/greentour. About the home: “Sustainability seamlessly fuses with high architectural design and exceptional craftsmanship in this 5,415 square foot Modern Farmhouse. Features include a super-insulated shell, pumice- 
crete walls, passive-solar design, solar photovoltaics, food production as part of the landscape design and rainwater reuse for both irrigation and toilet flushing.†Registration is free to all for this monthly series showcasing high-performance homes across the country. In addition to the showcase of homes, builders, real estate agents and others will discuss how housing industry professionals can work together to increase sales and provide added value to consumers. A replay library is available if you miss a presentation. The series is a product of Home Performance Counts, a joint educational 
initiative between NAHB and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Home Performance counts is designed to help members of both associations work together and succeed in the rapidly growing marketplace for high- performance homes.
Virtual Green Home Tour Continues in Santa Fe
Upcoming Meetings
& Events
July 14, 9:00AM Associates Committee 
Hybrid Meeting 
(Zoom link or at the FABA office) July 14th, 10:30AM Membership Committee Hybrid Meeting
(Zoom link or at the FABA office) July 15th, 5:00PM Hard Hat sponsored by MidSouth June 15th, 8:30AM Legislative Committee 
(Zoom Link) July 23rd, 5:00-:900PM BINGO Luau, Knights of Pythias July 28th, 2:00PM Community Service Committee 
Hybrid Meeting 
(Zoom Link or at the FABA office)
Get your tickets here!
Calendar at a Glance
FABA's first priority has been, and will continue to be, the safety of our members. Both on the job site, at the work place and at social events.
TICKETS ON SALE July 23, 2021 Knight of Pythias
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee brings builder and associate members together to focus on recruitment of new members and retention of current members. This committee hold a hybrid meeting (in-person or zoom) every 2nd Wednesday at 10:30AM.
Verify your contact information here
Chair - Marc Simes, msimes@tricordinc-va.com
We are updating our membership directory this month
Current Membership - 262 New Members in May - 2 Member Renewals in May - 10
Know someone who is interested in joining FABA? We want to help you help the building industry. 5 steps to join FABA 1. Speak to a current member about the association 2. Attend Hard Hat and get to know our members 3. Fill out an application 4. Welcome to the FABA family 5. Start taking advantage of all our member savings and opportunities
The Associates Committee plans member events to promote doing business with members. These volunteers coordinate networking and social events for business connections. This committee has a hybrid meeting (in-person or zoom) every 2nd Wednesday at 9:00AM.
Chrair- Mike King- Rayssiddingcompnay@gmail.com Rays
Associates Committee
2021 Events FABA Awards Spring Golf Clay Shoot Bingo Crab Feast and Auction Disc Golf President's PAC Reception Twilight Golf Legislative Fall Golf Holiday Party Dates and details to comply with COVID regulations
Associates Committee Hybrid Meeting Zoom Link: June 9th, 9:00 AM
FABA's first priority has been, and will continue to be, the safety of our members. 
Both on the job site, at the work place and at social events.
Orange County
Quarterly Zoom Meeting July, 2nd, 3:00 PM King George County 
Quarterly Zoom Meeting July 16th, 9:00 AM Caroline County 
Quarterly Meeting Zoom July 27th, 11:00AM Spotsylvania County
Bi-monthly Meeting Zoom August 2nd, 3:00PM Culpeper County
Quarterly Meeting Zoom August 5th, 9:00AM Fredericksburg County
Bimonthly Meeting Zoom August 6th, 9:00AM Stafford County
Bimonthly Meeting Zoom August 9th, 9:00AM
Legislative Committee
Upcoming County Zoom Meetings
April 2019, the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD) initiated the 2018 Code Development Cycle to consider amendments to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), and other codes. Clickhere for an overview of the significant changesto the Virginia Construction Code, Virginia Existing Building Code, Virginia Maintenance Code, Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Manufactured Housing Safety Regulations, and Virginia Certification Standards.
Latest updates from your three in one membership hard at work for BUSINESS
Developers Council The working mission of the Council is to stay on top of land development issues affecting local builders and developers in our region and work together to advocate for our positions as needed. The Council is open to Builder and Developer members of FABA. 
Jeh Hicks, Jarrell Properties , Inc., is the chairman of the Developers Council. This group meets every other month. For more information contact Chrissy Urian at c.urian@fabava.com
Chair - Bruce Reese, bruce@legacy-eng.com
The Legislative Committee meets monthly to discuss the status of local and state level legislation that affects the building industry. For more information from each county, plan to attend the Legislative Committee meeting. This committee meets virtually every third Thursday at 8:30AM. Next Meeting: Thursday, 07/15/21, 8:30 AM - Zoom Link
Chair - Greg Schmidt, greg@pestsolutionsva.com
Community Service Committee
The Community Service committee seeks to increase civic engagement among the members of FABA and utilize professional skills to actively benefit the Fredericksburg area. This committee holds a hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual/zoom) every 4th Wednesday at 2:00PM. The next hybrid meeting is June 23rd at 2:00PM. Zoom link
We are always looking for new charities and events to support on behalf of FABA. Submit your charity or event idea here!
Enter your ideas here
Join us for our next Community service event on Friday, September 17th with 516 Project.
Sign up to volunteer here
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Your Picture Here
Chair - TBD
The Education Committee coordinates workshops and virtual learning opportunities focused on industry safety, marketing, and personal growth.
Access training and educational materials on YouTube
Education Committee
For more information on NAHB Young Professionals click here
Young Professionals Committee
Young Professionals committee is for individuals in the 21-40 age group to connect, and provides opportunities for professional development, social networking, mentoring, and personal growth for our members. To join the FABA Young professionals committees email Meghan@fabava.com
Cornerstone 2021
FABA works to educate, promote and represent the building industry while enhancing the region’s quality of life.
This month the FAB foundation awarded 7 grants to students in the area! Along with 2 HVAC students who were placed in their field and are now working to grow their skills. We are so proud to be a part of the next generation of the building industry! FAB Foundation provides grants to students pursuing careers in the home building trades. Now offering internships and apprenticeships to gain real world experiences in the building industry. If you are interested in making a donation to FAB Foundation please contact Maria at mmoore@fabava.com. If you know of a student pursuing a career in the building trades, please have them visit our FAB webpage to fill out a FAB grant application.
FAB Foundation Workforce Grants
FABA Student Chapters Spotsylvania Career and
Technical Center Stafford High School Spotsylvania High School Gladys H Oberle School Caroline High School James Monroe High School James Monroe HS
FAB Foundation
FAB Board of Directors Greg Schmidt Glen Raymond Eddie Payne Guy Miller-Richards Emily Hall Christine Singhass Mike King Ricky Robinson Tim Thompson Gary Parker Scottie Davis
The FAB Foundation board of directors meets monthly to discuss ways to involve the association with local workforce educators and help promote workforce development in our area. If you would like to be involved with these students, contact FABA for more information.
Join FABA for our BINGO event to benefit the FAB Foundation on July 23rd. Register now!
Reserve your spot here
Register Now Crab Feast August 20th Rod and Gun Club 5:00-9:00
2021 FABA Board of Directors
President Scott Hine Assurance Financial Group 1st Vice President Marc Simes Tricord Companies 2nd Vice President Jeh Hicks Jarrell Properties Secretary Michelle Hall J. Hall Homes Treasurer Jeremiah Horstick CORELOT Immediate Past President Stacey Lampman Spaces Design Studio Associate Vice President Michael King Ray's Siding Executive Officer Maria Moore FABA Legal Counsel Charlie Payne Hirschler NAHB State Representative Shawn Callahan Metwood Building Solutions Builder Director Tim Hall Tricord Companies Builder Director Sean Halsey Halsey Homes Builder Director Allen Harrison Battlefield Homes Builder Director Pete McGuire Triple Crown Homes Builder Director Dan Sandoval Republic Home Builders Builder Director Teressa Taylor-Griffis Foundation Homes Associate Director Sara Fila Legacy Engineering Associate Director Rick Furnival Sullivan, Donahoe & Ingalls, PC Associate Director Emily Hall Spotsylvania Career & Tech Center Associate Director Bruce Reese Legacy Engineering, PC Associate Director Greg Schmidt Pest Solutions