BUILDERS FRAMEWORK
FREDERICKSBURG AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
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In another indicator that housing continues to lead the economy forward, sales of newly built, single-family homes in August topped the 1 million mark and reached their highest pace since September 2006. Sales increased 4.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.01 million units, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The August rate is 43.2% higher than the August 2019 pace. “Surging sales are consistent with record builder confidence levels stemming from higher buyer traffic, historically low interest rates and a shift in demand for lower density markets,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “However, higher lumber costs and limited building material availability in some markets signify we could see higher prices down the road.” “New home sales are now 15% higher on a year-to-date basis, with gains in all regions,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “But with inventory at just a 3.3 months’ supply, more construction is needed. The challenge will be whether materials and labor are available.” That 3.3 month's supply means just 282,000 new single-family homes are for sale, 40% lower than August 2019. The current months’ supply is the lowest in the history of the data series, which goes back to 1963. Of the inventory total, just 54,000 are completed and ready to occupy.
Volume 4: Issue 10 October 2020
FREDERICKSBURG - STAFFORD - SPOTSYLVANIA - CAROLINE - KING GEORGE - ORANGE
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New Home Sales at Highest Pace Since September 2006
ICC Board Agrees with NAHB on Appeal The ICC Board of Directors on Sept. 23 agreed with NAHB’s appeal related to a proposed change to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that dealt with the efficiency of water heaters. NAHB and others argued, and ICC agreed, that the changes would have preempted federal law or would have exposed adopting jurisdictions to potential litigation related to the proposed requirements. The ICC Board decided to reject RE126-19 (and RE107-19) on the basis that “potentially preempted provisions in the I-Codes are inconsistent with the spirit, intent and mission of the Code Council.”
Apartment Absorption Rate Falls to 45% The absorption rate of unfurnished, unsubsidized apartments (the share rented out in the first three months following completion) fell to 45% in the first quarter of 2020 (from 53% in the first quarter of 2019), according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Market Absorption. This is the lowest absorption rate for the first quarter since 1986. The decline in the absorption rate is related to the emergence of COVID-19 in the US.
HUD Secretary Carson Speaks with NAHB HUD Secretary Ben Carson on Sept. 24 participated in an exclusive webinar that more than 1,000 members and invited guests registered to attend. He discussed the need to address the lumber crisis as well as HUD’s actions to address housing needs in response to COVID-19. Carson told the NAHB members that lumber prices are “a big roadblock” and that he would seek to “elevate” this issue by engaging with other top administration officials. IBS Registration Is Now Open Registration is open for the 2021 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the premier event in the resident- ial construction industry. The in-person show will follow all safety protocols set forth by the CDC and federal, state and local government agencies. IBS will move back to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Feb. 9-11, where it will again co-locate with the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS).
CDC Imposes Eviction Moratorium The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a nationwide order that will halt millions of U.S. renters from being evicted through Dec. 31, 2020. The CDC said halting residential evic- tions of any covered tenants for failure to pay rent is necessary to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. NAHB is deeply concerned the CDC’s rental eviction moratorium through the end of the year will result in negative economic consequences without dedicated funding for rental assistance.
EPA Finalizes Reg Guidance The EPA has finalized a rulemaking that establishes regulatory standards for all EPA regulatory guidance documents. EPA’s final rule, intended to increase transpar- ency and access, has four key elements: Establishes a regulatory definition for the “guidance documents” and “significant guidance documents” that are subject to the rule’s requirements. Responds to President Trump’s directive under Executive Order 13891, “Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents.” Requires “significant regulatory guidance documents” to be subject to public com- ment before being finalized by the Agency. Creates a process by which anyone can petition the agency to modify or withdraw any existing regulatory guidance document.
Video Highlights 2020 NGBS With so many green rating systems available, understanding how each one compares to the others is imperative for making a choice that works best for your project, climate zone and market. The recent release of the 2020 National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS) provides a great opportunity to conduct a side-by side comparison, starting with energy performance — an easy element to measure. Buyers also can relate to energy perform- ance without difficulty; they desire energy efficiency, whether it’s the numbers they see on their electric bill or the familiar ENERGY STAR label. NAHB has produced a two-minute video highlighting the strengths of the 2020 NGBS that members can share on social media.
The White House recently joined NAHB in opposing House energy bill H.R. 4447 due in part to problematic language regarding building codes that would harm housing affordability. NAHB has come out in strong opposition to the legislation because it would needlessly raise home construction costs while doing little to boost energy efficiency in the housing sector. NAHB ran a strong grassroots campaign asking members to reach out to their congressional members and urge them to oppose the legislation. Over the past two years, NAHB has also met with the White House to discuss concerns about the building code language. NAHB's leadership was pleased to see that the administration shares the association's concerns. The full Statement of Administration Policy can be viewed on the White House's website.
White House Joins NAHB in Opposing House Energy Bill
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry issues emergency regulations governing employers’ obligations regarding Infectious Disease Prevention This emergency temporary standard is designed to establish requirements for employers to control, prevent, and mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to and among employees and employers. On July 15, 2020, Virginia became the first state in the country to adopt an Emergency Standard effective July 27, 2020. Although now in effect, employers will not have to do training with their employees on infectious disease preparedness and response plans until 60 days after the Emergency Standard is adopted. Virginia employers will need to comply with the Emergency Standard and, in some cases, revise policies and procedures for dealing with their workforces as soon as possible or potentially face VDOLI enforcement actions. HBAV will host a webinar in the next few weeks to provide further information as to how this affects the Building Industry. Click here for more information. Additional details and the complete emergency standard can be found at the links below: https://www.williamsmullen.com/news/emergency-virginia-department-labor-and-industry-regulations-governing-employers-obligations-0 Here are the regulations. The following resources have been collected to help you navigate these new regulations. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RESOURCES: A Link to the Department of Labor and Industry’s Resources Page A Link to the Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan Template (Required of all employers with eleven (11) employees or more that are considered “Medium Risk,” which is a majority of employers. A Link to the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program’s Key Information Guidance. HBAV RESOURCES: Williams Mullen Legal Briefing Text of Regulation DOLI Outreach, Education and Training LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE EMERGENCY REGULATIONS AFFECT YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES FABA/HBAV MEMBERS ONLY WEBINAR: HBAV Webinar on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufhDbVdiamg Join HBAV and David Burton, partner at Williams Mullen, who will cover the requirements to comply with the Virginia Department of Labor’s Emergency Regulations. You must register in advance for this members only webinar.CLICK HERE to register. The following topics will be covered: Outline of DOLI Emergency Regulations Virginia Employer Requirements to Comply Resources for Compliance Deadlines for Employer Compliance ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FROM THE FREDERICKSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: A webinar from the Virginia Chamber of Commercediscussing the final regulation and its impact on Virginia Businesses. A PowerPoint brief prepared by the Chamber’s Government Affairs team walking you through the basics. Disclaimer: This is not intended to be or should be construed to be legal advice.On August 4, 2020, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a webinar answering questions about the regulations and walking through the requirements, including the Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan. You must register for that event here.
2020 Virginia Dept of Labor Update
The Associates Advisory Council meets the second Wednesday of each month at 9 am. This committee is chaired by the Associate Vice President and plans and organizes several FABA events, and keeps the association focused on the needs of all members.
Stafford County Bi-Monthly Meeting October 12th, 9:00AM Spotsylvania County Bi-Monthly Meeting December 7th, 3:00PM Spotsylvania County Builders Roundtable TBD Caroline County Quarterly Meeting TBD Orange County Quarterly Meeting TBD King George County Quarterly Meeting January 8th, 10:00AM Fredericksburg City Quarterly Meeting December 4th, 9:00AM
Calendar at a Glance
Upcoming County Meetings
Please save these dates and register: October 15th - Hard Hat Networking Wilderness Run Vineyards 5-7PM Sponsored by Central Park Insurance October 22nd - Red Cross Blood Drive October 27th - 1st Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Shady Grove Sporting Clays 12PM October 29th - FABA Young Professionals Committee Zoom meeting 5PM November 5th - Annual Meeting 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.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association and the Building Industry in Virginia.
New and Renewed FABA Members (September 2020) New Associate Members Coastal Insulation Cutco Business Gifts Employment Resources Inc – Gladys H Oberle School Green Donation Consultants Kearns Electrical Services Renewed Builder Members Cobb Custom Builders Eastern Virginia Land Company Hour Homes Quality Built Homes Signature Series Construction Silver Companies Renewed Associate Members Alexcom & Associates Annandale Millwork Bulldog Solutions IDesignGranite MSI Surfaces Premier Insurance Agency Purvis Ford Virginia Community Bank
Membership Report
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FABA works to educate, promote and represent the building industry while enhancing the region’s quality of life.
FAB Foundation Workforce Grant
FAB Foundation
The FAB Foundation is chaired by group of voluntary directors who work to help the Fredericksburg area community through several initiatives. FAB financially supports non-profit organizations in the Fredericksburg region that specifically coordinate and provide home repair and safer living conditions for those in need. Helping make repairs and improvements related to home ownership affordable. With a greater emphasis on the growing need for Workforce Development in our region, FAB has partnered with local educators and has established three local NAHB Student Chapters in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties, and will continue working toward the establishment of student chapters in all the municipalities that we serve. FAB Foundation has grant opportunities available for those looking to learn a trade and to potentially partner with member mentors and job placement opportunities. For more information on all the good that FAB Foundation does, call Maria Moore, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association Executive Vice President, at 540-898-2730, email at mmoore@fabava.com, or go to www.fabava.com and select FAB Foundation tab.
FAB Foundation provided 3 grants to students for them to be able to purchase tools and equipment to further themselves in the building industry. Good luck to these students in their careers! If you know of a student pursuing a career in the building trades, please have them reach out to find out more about these FAB Foundation Workforce Grants.
2020 FABA Board of Directors
President Stacey Lampman Spaces Design Studio 1st Vice President Scott Hine Assurance Financial Group 2nd Vice President Gene Brown Atlantic Builders Secretary Jeh Hicks Jarrell Properties Treasurer Jeremiah Horstick CORELOT Immediate Past President Marc Simes Tricord Companies Associate Vice President John Reid Embrace Home Loans Executive Officer Maria Moore FABA Legal Counsel Charlie Payne Hirschler Builder Director Michelle Hall J. Hall Homes Builder Director Tim Hall Tricord Companies Builder Director Sean Halsey Halsey Homes Builder Director Allen Harrison Battlefield Homes Builder Director Dan Sandoval Republic Home Builders Builder Director Teressa Taylor-Griffis Foundation Homes Associate Director Sara Fila Legacy Engineering Associate Director Michael King Ray's Siding Associate Director Bruce Reese Legacy Engineering, PC Associate Director Greg Schmidt Pest Solutions Associate Director Frank Sigmon Builders FirstSource
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 - third Thursday of the month at 8:30 am. 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 invoived with these students, contact FABA for more information.
Legislative News
Why Volunteer? Part of being a great volunteer is loving what you're doing. Find something that you're passionate about or something that inspires you, and then find a need in your community. There are dozens of reasons why you should volunteer - you just need to find the one that feels right. 20 GREAT REASONS TO VOLUNTEER - Help others - Make a difference - Find purpose · Enjoy a meaningful conversation · Connect with your community · Feel involved · Contribute to a cause you care about · Use your skills in a productive way · Develop new skills · Meet new people · Explore new areas of interest · Meet good people · Impress your mom · Impress yourself · Expand your horizons · Get out of the house · Make new friends · Strengthen your resume · Feel better about yourself
Community Service
The Community Service Committee plans and organizes FABA's outreach and service in the local community and partners with members and non-profit groups to find ways to give back.
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS Send us your press releases, news, and event information! We can post it here in our newsletter and on the Member Happenings page of our website! Contact admin@fabava.com for more information.
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