July/August North Carolina Builder magazine

Vol. 40, No. 4, July/August 2010

The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association

NCHBA Members lobby in Raleigh and Washington, D.C.

supporting the Housing Industry

In the spotlight: Heath Clark

Your very own field expert can provide free individual consultation at the jobsite and help you control losses. Plus, our policyholders have unlimited access to our English/Spanish Fall Protection Certification, Builders University OSHA authorized safety courses, and toolbox talks. We even offer discounted “Safety Stuff,” like safety glasses, through our online store. Staying safe and productive is just a matter of having the right tools—and the right insurance company.

View our new and improved risk management website on www.buildersmutual.com/rm

Our WorkSafe program provides our policyholders with valuable information and safety training to avoid accidents like this one.

800.809.4859 www.buildersmutual.com

At A mOment like this, Aren

,t yOu glAd yOu hAve Builders mutuAl?

Construction debris can do irreparable damage to the unprotected eye.

Visit us at booth #834FeaturesVol. 40, No. 4, July/August 2010

Contest raises $30,000 for NC BUILD-PAC 4Find out which associations won the May is NC BUILD-PAC contest.

STARS Awards Gala salutes work of HBA members 7The deadline is quickly approaching for the STARS Awards. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that recognizes the professional performance of members across the Southeast.

21CBEC offers professional development courses 8The 21st Century Building Expo & Conference scheduled for September 15-17 in Charlotte, N.C., will offer more than 50 courses and seminars to help your business succeed and grow. Check out the education conference schedule and make plans to attend the Southeast’s premier builders conference and expo.

Builders lobby N.C. lawmakers, Congress 10Builders and associates visited Raleigh and Washington, D.C. recently to encourage lawmakers to act quickly on issues facing the housing industry, including the credit crisis, appraisal problems and regulations affecting housing affordability.

Contents4. President’s Message6. Knowledge Builder13. In the Spotlight: Heath Clark

On the cover: Center: A large group from North Carolina meets with Sen. Richard Burr at NAHB Legislative Day.Upper Left: Mike Carpenter, Julia Carpenter, Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton and Lucille Dalton at NCHBA’s Legislative Reception.Bottom Right: Rep. Ric Killian (R-Mecklenburg) (center) meets with Bill Daleure, Grady Thomas, Rick Shields, Terrence Llewellyn, Cathy Judson and Rick Judson.

The official magazine of theNorth Carolina Home Builders Association 2005 Communicator Award Winner

Dedicated to the advancement of the home building industry, North Carolina Builder (ISSN 1552-8685) is published monthly for the members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, P.O. Box 99090, Raleigh, N.C. 27624-9090. (800) 662-7129 • http://www.nchba.com

Mike CarpenterExecutive Vice President [email protected] and General Counse l

Lisa MartinDirector of Government Affairs [email protected]

Robert PrivottDirector of Codes and Construction [email protected]

Jessica HayesDirector of Political Affairs [email protected]

Kathryn AtkinsonDirector of Membership Services [email protected]

Deborah AlfordDirector of Exhibitions [email protected] and Education

Tracie GarrettDirector of Exhibitor Services [email protected]

Kep PaylorVocational Education [email protected]

Mike ElledgeController [email protected]

Erin JonesManager of [email protected] Political Operations

Heather CrewsDirector of Communications [email protected] Managing Editor

Brittany CarterAssistant Education Coordinator [email protected]

Beth GrayReceptionist [email protected]

Publisher Kevin NaughtonGraphic Designer Jason GabelAdvertising Sales Manager Brenda PoeAdvertising SalesJeff Pinwar: (800) 935-1592, ext. [email protected] Suwienski: (800) 935-1592, ext. [email protected] Poe: (800) 935-1592, ext. [email protected]

Published by:

2929 Davison Rd., Flint, MI 48506 • (810) 239-5763

Acceptance of advertising in North Carolina Builder does not imply endorsement of the product or service by NCHBA. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted and not necessarily those of NCHBA, nor does mention of specific products in editorial content imply endorsement by NCHBA. No material may be reproduced for further publication without the express permission of the association.

North Carolina Builder is published for the princi-pals and employees of all member firms of the North Carolina Home Builders Association and its receipt is included in the membership fee. North Carolina Builder is published six times per year. Since the mailing list used by North Carolina Builder is compiled according to membership records, address corrections should be directed to your local association. Dues paid to NCHBA are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. NCHBA estimates that the nondeductible portion of your 2010 dues — the portion that is allocable to lobbying — is 25 percent.

Affiliated with the National Association

of Home Builders.

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July/August 2010 NORTH CAROLiNA BuiLDER 3

AuGuST 3–7NAHB EOC Seminar Santa Fe, NM

SEPTEMBER 15–1721st Century Building Expo & ConferenceCharlotte, NC

SEPTEMBER 15STARS Awards Gala • Charlotte, NC

SEPTEMBER 18NCHBA 3rd Quarter Board Meeting • Charlotte, NC

SEPTEMBER 22–22NAHB Fall Board Meeting • New York, NY

NCHBA Calendar2010 Schedule of Events

4 NORTH CAROLiNA BuiLDER July/August 2010

As I continue to travel around the state, I have realized all of our 65 local associations are unique. Not only are we geographically different, we are different in size and staffing. There are some associations with as few as 18 members,

while another has more than 2,400 members. With this diversity you might ask, “How can the NCHBA

adequately serve all 15,000 of our members?” We are a trade association; therefore, our reason to exist is to promote and enhance our businesses. It is through our collective voice that we are able to have more impact on things that affect our individual businesses and our industry.

There are so many resources available to our members and local associations through the North Carolina Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. A few examples are educational opportunities, professional designations, political and governmental affairs assistance, building code assistance, vocational education programs, membership recruiting tools and association management. The greatest benefit our association offers is the collaboration and exchange of ideas that occur at the quarterly

meetings where builders meet other builders and associates meet other associates to discuss ideas of how to build their respective businesses.

In talking with the local presidents and executive officers/executive secretaries, one of their main concerns is that we lose a large number

of new members who do not renew their membership after their first year. When follow-up calls are made to the member who did not renew, the stories are always similar: “No one would talk to me; I did not get anything out of it.”

As a result of this finding, NAHB has developed a membership TOUCH program. The program provides a list of reasons and times that a new member should be called by someone from the membership committee or board of directors. Think about when you were a new member … it took someone to talk to you

and get you involved by offering an opportunity to join a committee or project. That is how one gets involved in a new organization. Whether it’s a new church or the HBA, a new member has to connect with someone.

If you think the TOUCH program will benefit your association, please call Kathryn Atkinson, Director of Membership Services, at (919) 676-9090. Try it; it will help membership retention tremendously.

President’s Messageby Lyle Gardner, 2010 NCHBA President

A Collective Voice

Gardner

Get a competitive advantage in today’s market. With Home Advantage from Progress Energy, you can stand out when you build ENERGY STAR® certifi ed homes that are 15 percent more energy effi cient than standard homes. You’ll also receive valuable cash incentives starting at $400 per home.

Plus, each home you build to Home Advantage standards comes with a 5 percent Progress Energy homeowner discount for the lifetime of the home.

The benefi ts of Home Advantage are

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home advantage For details on becoming a Home Advantage builder visitprogress-energy.com/CarolinasHA or call 1.800.327.8704.

©2010 Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc.

Contest raises $30,000 for NC BUILD-PAC

The May is NC BUILD-PAC Month contest raised more than $30,000 for the association’s political action committee! Twenty-seven associations participated in the contest this year with a whopping total of 600 people contributing—of those, 272 were new contributors! Great work in gaining member participation, which was at an all-time high! This contest helped us get one step closer to reaching our annual goal. Thank you to all of the participating associations for their hard work. The following associations led their groups in the three categories:

Group One($0-$700 Goal/>70

Members)

Group Two($710 - $2,000 Goal/71-

200 Members)

Group Three($2,010 - $4,000

Goal/201-400 Members)

Group Four($4,010 + Goal/401+

Members)

Highest Percentage of Goal

Scotland Co. HBA(333% of goal)

Prize: $100

Gaston Co. HBA(249% of goal)

Prize: $200

Craven-Pamlico Cos. HBA(148% of goal)

Prize: $300

HBA of Raleigh-Wake Co. (43% of goal)Prize: $400

Highest Percentage of Participation

Richmond Co. HBA(25% of members)

Prize: $100

Jackson Co. HBA (44% of members)

Prize: $200

Craven-Pamlico Cos. HBA (14% of members)

Prize: $300

Winston-Salem HBA(14% of members)

Prize: $400

Highest Percentage of New Contributors

Caldwell Co. HBA(3% new members)

Prize: $100

Jackson Co. HBA(27% new members)

Prize: $200

Brunswick Co. HBA(10% new members)

Prize: $300

Winston-Salem HBA(5% new members)

Prize: $400

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest and supported NCHBA BUILD-PAC. Congratulations to all of the winners. We hope you continue to make NC BUILD-PAC a priority in 2010! Questions about NC BUILD-PAC? Contact Erin Jones at NCHBA at 919-676-9090 or [email protected].

Get a competitive advantage in today’s market. With Home Advantage from Progress Energy, you can stand out when you build ENERGY STAR® certifi ed homes that are 15 percent more energy effi cient than standard homes. You’ll also receive valuable cash incentives starting at $400 per home.

Plus, each home you build to Home Advantage standards comes with a 5 percent Progress Energy homeowner discount for the lifetime of the home.

The benefi ts of Home Advantage are

easy to grasp

home advantage For details on becoming a Home Advantage builder visitprogress-energy.com/CarolinasHA or call 1.800.327.8704.

©2010 Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc.


Knowledge BuilderTips from your industry experts at Builders Mutual

What do you see when you look at these two snapshots of the same jobsite? A typical day at work? Opportunity to make a customer happy and turn a profit? True, but try looking at them with a risk management eye. Challenge

yourself to spot the hazards this contractor has abated using sound risk management techniques. Do any risks still exist? Find at least four of each, and earn yourself the title of genuine jobsite safety junkie.

Tried and True Techniques• Wearing hard hats to prevent head injuries from falling objects• Properly sloping the trench walls to reduce the possibility of cave-ins• Using yellow caution tape to alert workers and jobsite visitors of

the fall hazard (orange construction fencing functions even better, because it can hold more if someone accidentally puts weight on it)

• Erecting a sturdy, steady, protected walkway for access into the construction site over the trench

Safety Strategies for the Remaining Risks• Avoiding any work from the top three rungs of extension ladders

(or top two for A-frames); also, being mindful of the ladder’s angle• Keeping spoil piles or other construction materials a minimum of

2’ away from the top of the trench wall to reduce the stress on the soil and possibility of collapse

• Correctly assembling scaffolding—note the missing base plates which ensure proper weight displacement (cinder blocks won’t

suffice) and the missing top plank, which may cause the remaining two planks to shift under the weight of a worker from not being braced by a complete set

• Constructing engineered bracing instead of homemade bracing for bearing the load of the concrete, taping off the area so people walk around it instead of underneath it, and moving the debris when the workers finish for the day

Look for “Knowledge Builder,” compliments of Builders Mutual Insurance Company, in each issue of North Carolina Builder. Get access to even more free risk management resources at www.buildersmutual.com/RM.

Test Your Mind with Photo Find

Photos courtesy of Al Sartain, Senior Risk Management Consultant, Builders Mutual Insurance Company


Be whisked away to Italy for an evening during the 2010 STARS Awards! Enjoy a beautiful night in Venice on Wednesday, September 15, at the Hilton Charlotte Center City Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. No passport or

jet lag required! Join your colleagues and fellow HBA members to honor the achievements of the industry’s best from North Carolina and beyond.

The STARS Awards are a centerpiece of the 21st Century Building Expo and Conference—the premiere building expo and conference in the Southeast. Each year, the gala salutes the outstanding professional performance of HBA members throughout the region with the presentation of the prestigious STARS Awards. Mark your calendar now for a celebration that combines the suspense of an Oscar-style presentation with live music and an exceptional multi-media display of the winning entries. North Carolina’s own Ulysses Long is back by popular demand with his soulful vocals and fantastic keyboard skills.

The STARS Awards program honors the achievements of builders, associates, realtors, media and advertising professionals, and many others who make major contributions to the residential home building

industry. Local home builders associations are also honored for their outstanding achievements. With 47 categories to choose from, there is something for everyone. Category 17, Best Internet Marketing/Advertising Project, is back in 2010 after a popular debut last year!

Do you have a great project that deserves recognition? Do you need a creative way to make your product and company stand out above the competition? If so, enter the STARS Awards! To be eligible for consideration in the 2010 awards program, you must be a member of the National Association of Home Builders. Projects must have been completed between January 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010. Entrants can choose between two entry deadlines this year: • Early Bird deadline: All entries (fee and entry materials) must be

received no later than July 12, 2010; Fee: $100/entry• Regular deadline: All entries (fee and entry materials) must be

received no later than July 21, 2010; Fee: $150/entryThe official 2010 Call for Entries with complete entry and

event information can be accessed at www.21buildingexpo.com or by contacting Kathryn Atkinson at (919) 676-9090 or [email protected].

Experience the magic of Venice at the

2010 STARS Awards

Experience the Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Deadlines

of VeniceMagicat the 2010 STARS Awards Gala during the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference

www.21buildingexpo.com

Hilton Charlotte Center City HotelTickets are $75 each

Early Bird Entry Deadline: July 12 ($100/entry)

Regular Entry Deadline: July 21 ($150/entry)

For more information, contact Kathryn Atkinson at (800) 662-7129 or [email protected].

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Presented by the North CarolinaHome Builders Association

Information and Registration:www.21BuildingExpo.com1.800.662.7129

21st Century Building Expo & ConferenceLOOK at all the exciting products and services. — One new idea can make the difference!

LISTEN to seminars and classes taught by leading industry experts. — One new insight can transform your company!

LEARN from the experts and your peers as you network at the Expo. — One new contact is often all it takes!

Exhibits: September 16-17, 2010Conference: September 15-17, 2010Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC

• Door Prizes • Grand Prize • Golf Tournament • STARS Awards Gala• Builder Blast


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The housing market is showing signs of a much-needed recovery. Are you ready? Have you kept up with the latest in green technology or what older adults are looking for in a new home? Do you need new ideas for marketing your homes in the new

economy that is very different from that of three years ago? The 21st Century Building Expo & Conference held in Charlotte

Sept. 15-17 offers a line-up of more than 50 continuing education courses and seminars to ensure your professional growth and business success. The three-day educational conference offers courses and seminars for everyone in the home building industry—builders, remodelers, new home sales agents, marketing professionals, contractors, site superintendents and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from nationally renowned faculty who are experts in their fields.

North Carolina Builder institute CoursesCourses counting toward designations are listed in parentheses.

Sept. 15• Construction Contracts & Preventative Law–BM104

(AB, AA, ARS)• Moving Beyond Banging Heads–LD301 (AMB, AMA)• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Safety Course Part 1–

PM104 (AB, AA, ARS)• A Builder’s Guide to CAD–DS101 (AB, AA, ARS)• Building Energy Codes: An Introduction–BT203 (AB, AA, ARS)

Sept. 16• Advertising New Construction–MK102 (AB, AA, ARS)• Estate & Retirement Planning for Builders–BM304 (AMB, AMA)• Intermediate Wireless Field Communication Boot Camp–CA202

(AB, AA, ARS)• Blue Print Reading–DS102 (AB, AA, ARS)• Maximizing Your Profits: Cost Control–PM203 (AB, AA, ARS• Charting Your Path to Success–BM301 (AMB, AMA)• Intermediate Computer Construction Applications–CA201 (AB,

AA, ARS)• Fall Protection–Part 2–PM204 (AB, AA, ARS)

Sept. 17• Can Your Business Survive a Construction Defect Claim?–BM204

(AB, AA, ARS)• Active Listening, Coaching & Counseling–LD304 (AMB, AMA)• The Construction Industry & the ADA–PM207 (AB, AA, ARS)• Selling Service Excellence–CS102 (AB, AA, ARS)• Building Codes–PM107 (AB, AA, ARS)• Exceeding Your Customers’ Expectations–CS201 (AB, AA, ARS)

NAHB CoursesSeptember 15 & 16 • Green Building for Building Professionals (2-Day Course) (CGA,

CGB, CGP, GMR)

Sept. 15• Project Management, (CGA, CGB, CGR)• Negotiating Skills (CGA, GMB)

Sept. 16• Marketing & Communication Strategies for Aging & Access

(CAPS, CGA, MCSP)• Scheduling (CGA, CGB, CGR)

Sept. 17• Business Management for Building Professionals (CGA, MCSP)• Essential Closing Strategies (Master CSP)

Educational opportunities at 21CBEC

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General Session SeminarsSept. 16• Sales Solutions for Builders on the Comeback• Understanding Building Science: Your Key to Making Good

Product Selections• The Ins & Outs of Energy Efficiency Programs for New Construction in NC

• The Art of Rediscovering Value• Social Media for Home Builders • Regaining Your Leadership in the Market • Cost Effective Wall Systems That Meet NC Energy Code

Requirements• Meet the Buyers: Margo, Elise, Claire and Maggie• Beyond Preservation: 16 Things to Remember• How to Raise Credit Scores• Generational Identity Markers: One Key to Sales &

Marketing Success• Survival of the Fittest• Selling to Women through the Social Media Grapevine• Residential Code Updates

Sept. 17• QuickBooks Made Easy for Contractors• Stupid is Forever, Ignorance Can Be Fixed• Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Economy• North Carolina’s Requirement for Lead Based Paint Renovation,

Repair & Painting Program• You Can’t Swing a Hammer with Both Hands Tied Behind Your Back: Marketing Self-Help for Builders

• First and 10 or Third and Long: Reading the Economic Keys to Score Big

• Sell More with Government Loans• Trends in Retiree Housing and Communities• Tall Wall Considerations • Interior Design Boot Camp: Targeting Tomorrows Market

Here Today• Building Trust: From Contacts to Contracts to Cash• Lateral Wall Bracing• Preparing for Work in the Existing Home: A New Model for

Getting the Job Done Right

21st Century Building Expo & ConferenceCharlotte, North CarolinaSeptember 15-17, 2010Visit our website for complete details, including instructors, course descriptions, fees and times for each seminar or course.Go to www.21buildingexpo.com and click on “Attendees.”

Sponsor ClubMembers

Sponsor ClubMembers

ElectriCities of North Carolina

Lowe's

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Progress Energy

Stuart Law Firm, PLLC

BuildLinks, Inc.

Cranfill, Sumner & Hartzog, LLP

Lewis & Roberts, PLLC

The North Carolina Home Builders Associationwould like to recognize these companies

for their generous support in 2010.

THANK YOU!

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Members of the North Carolina Home Builders Association made visits to both the state and national Capitols in recent

months to talk with lawmakers about issues facing the home building industry.

On April 21, more than 80 builders and associates visited Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress on critical issues such as the lack of credit for building projects and appraisal problems.

At the NCHBA Legislative Conference, members from across North Carolina gathered June 8 at an evening reception at the N.C. Museum of History in honor of the state’s senators and representatives. On June 9, members rode a bus to the Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh to meet with lawmakers in their offices, sharing with them how critical the home building industry is to getting the economy back on track.

Following is a brief synopsis of issues discussed at the legislative conferences.

National issuesThe overwhelming message at NAHB

Legislative Day was that the national economy will not recover until housing recovers. Now

Capitol Insider

Members lobby General Assembly, Congress on behalf of industry

s U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre (D-7th District) visits with members in his office on Capitol Hill.

s (l-r) Rick Judson, Rep. Harold Brubaker (R–Randolph), Rep. Dewey Hill (D–Columbus), Mike Carpenter and Rep. Jerry Dockham (R–Davidson) at NCHBA’s Legislative Reception.

s U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-6th District) (center) visits with NCHBA members, (l-r) Lyle Gardner, Rhonda Gardner, Robert Kraay, Rob Weintraub and Erik Anderson.

s Rep. Bill Owens, House Rules Chairman, and Marshall Knight pose for a photo at the NCHBA Legislative Reception.

s Rep. Pete Brunstetter (R-Forsyth) (5th from left) meets with members of the HBA of Winston-Salem and the Asheville HBA.


is the time for Congress to reaffirm the vital part housing plays in the overall economy and its critical role in a national economic recovery. Once built, the new residents’ spending and the ripple impact from that spending increases economic activity by $3.1 million a year and increases local government taxes and revenues by $743,000 per year.

As housing recovers from the worst recession in the post World War II period, it faces significant challenges that need immediate attention from Congress. These include:• Difficulty in obtaining affordable

mortgages despite low interest rates for all but those with the best credit ratings;

• Lenders turning builders’ performing loans into non-performing loans by increasing required equity in projects and/or raising required monthly payments;

• Regulators putting pressure on banks to re-categorize performing loans as non-performing loans and to require greater equity from builders;

• Appraisers scuttling deals due to inappropriately low appraisals that do not properly adjust for sales of foreclosed properties and short sales; and,

• Continued competition from foreclosed properties and short sales.

State issuesWhen talking with legislators on the state

level, members brought attention to four bills that are important to the home building industry:• H 683—Extend Land Development

Permits: Last year, the General Assembly approved S 831 Extend Permits Regarding Land Development, which tolled permits until December 31, 2010. Due to the lending crisis continuing longer than expected, it is necessary to extend S 831 tolling deadline until at least the end of 2012.

• H 1701/S 1333 NC Sustainable Communities Task Force: The bill, which NCHBA opposes, would create an 11-member task force that, likely, would not contain a single representative from the private sector. The duties of the task force would include, among other things, applying for funding from various sources; promoting regional partnerships; identifying federal funding opportunities related to sustainable development; recommending policies that support sustainable communities; and, developing a common local government sustainable practices scoring system. NCHBA maintains that land-use planning and land-use decision-making should remain at the local level and should not be usurped by state or federal government.

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s U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler (D-11th District) meets with a large group of NCHBA members in his office on Capitol Hill.

(See CAPITOL INSIDER on page 12)


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• H 1870 Safe Artificial Slope Construction Act: NCHBA opposes this bill. Before a reasonable and effective program for regulating artificial slope construction can be implemented, there must be accurate, understandable, parcel level maps available to all Western NC residents. Without it, it will be impossible for Registers of Deeds to inform property owners whether or not their land is regulated under this Act. Also, NCHBA supports effective enforcement of existing sedimentation control laws.

• S 829 Regulation of Appraisal Management Companies: The bill, which NCHBA supports, would require AMCs to be registered by the N.C. Appraisal Board and to have a managing principle that is a certified general appraiser. Regulation will help ensure that homeowners will have accurate valuation of their residences and lenders will have accurate valuation of their collateral. Regulation will also potentially result in fewer foreclosures, which will protect banks and consumers.

• In addition, NCHBA is a strong advocate for affordable housing. Members urged lawmakers not to increase regulations that could derail affordable housing to the citizens of the state. Land costs represent 25 percent of the final home price, with the development process and site improvement accounting for half of that. No growth, slow growth, moratoria and other programs that limit supply directly increase the cost of raw land. Land development regulations, impact fees, permit costs and process delays significantly increase the cost of site improvement. Regulatory costs add 10 to 20 percent to the final home price and that does not include additional costs due to high prices for materials and labor, and as a result of unnecessary and burdensome building code requirements.

Capitol insider(continued from page 11)

s U.S. Rep. Brad Miller (D-13th District) meets with members from his district.

s (l-r) Ann Crenella, Cabarrus Co. BIA Executive Officer, Rep. Jeff Barnhart (R–Cabarrus), Linda Johnson (R–Cabarrus), Mary Ann Brafford, Anna Helms, Chelsea Cote and Sen. Fletcher Hartsell (R–Cabarrus) visit at the NCHBA Legislative Reception.

s U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick (R-9th District) poses with members from her district at NAHB Legislative Day.


Bill Clark Homes got its start over 30 years ago in Greenville, N.C. The company is still going strong today, consistently ranking among the Top 100 builders in the nation. In the most recent Top 100 list, they were one of only four North Carolina-based

companies on the list and the only one based in eastern North Carolina. While the headquarters are located in Greenville, Bill Clark

homes builds throughout eastern North Carolina including Raleigh, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Fayetteville and New Bern, and also in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Throughout its three-plus decades in existence, the company has remained a family-owned and operated business. Each of Bill Clark’s three sons is involved in the business.

The Wilmington office, which is the largest volume producing office within the company and the largest builder in New Hanover County, is run by son Heath. After graduating from East Carolina University in 1995, he went straight to work for his father’s company.

Fifteen years later, Clark is faced with the biggest challenge of his career: the lack of available credit to builders and developers. Clark says the severe credit crisis, coupled with strict government regulations, makes the home building industry a tough business to be in right now, but he knows that Bill Clark Homes will remain a family business and ride the economic crisis by staying true to the values they’ve held for more than 30 years.

According to Clark, one of the main things that separates Bill Clark Homes from other home builders is their ability to communicate with the buyer quickly. They have many house plans of their own that can be customized to the customer’s desires by their in-house design team. With more than 100 employees, they’re able to get the plans drawn up, priced out and to the buyer in a very short amount of time.

“We’ve got the knowledge and talent level to do it all here at Bill Clark Homes and that’s a huge benefit to us,” says Clark.

One of the most-discussed topics in home building—green building and energy efficiency—is something that Clark hasn’t seen take hold in his area.

“I haven’t seen a big green push in my price range,” Clark said. “There will be a point where green will be the standard. We’re not quite there yet, but it will be soon.”

Clark says his company is ready with the knowledge and tools when customers start asking for green features. He is working toward his Certified Green Professional designation with NAHB, and most Bill Clark inventory homes are ENERGY STAR® certified. They also work with Progress Energy through their Home Advantage Program.

HBA involvementHeath Clark is an active member of the Wilmington-Cape Fear

HBA, where he serves on the board of directors. HBA membership and involvement in the association is something he would encourage of everyone in the industry. “Past and future leaders of this industry are all members of the HBA,” he said. “I don’t see how anyone in the home building industry could not join their local HBA.”

Clark is also on the board of the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE), which is the governmental affairs arm of the WCFHBA. Governmental affairs is an area Clark is passionate about, knowing that it is one of the largest factors affecting his business and other builders.

“We all have the same fight: new regulations to hinder our growth,” Clark said. “It’s simple to build a house, but very difficult to run a business when you are dealing with government regulations, environmental regulations and banks. It’s hard to stay focused on your customer.”

Clark is thankful for both organizations that keep him and other builders well-informed and ahead of what’s happening in the industry.

In the Spotlight

Builder Profile: Heath Clark of Bill Clark Homes

s Home located in River’s Edge subdivision in Wilmington, N.C.


North Carolina builders win at green building ceremony

Fifteen builders, remodelers and other home building industry professionals were honored May 17 at a gala dinner by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) at the 12th annual NAHB National Green Building Conference in Raleigh, N.C.

Congratulations to the following North Carolina recipients:• In the Multi-family Luxury category, the award went to

Circle at Concord Mills in Concord, N.C., developed by Crescent Resources LLC of Charlotte, N.C.

• Chapel Hill, N.C. builder Michael Chandler of Chandler Design-Build was honored as the Builder Advocate of the Year.

• The Green Home Builders of the Triangle, hosts of this year’s conference events, took home the Program of the Year honors.

Mullen honored by Chamber of Commerce

NCHBA Past President Charles Mullen and his wife Pam, owners of Mullen & Co. in Rocky Mount, were recently honored as the 2010 Small Business of the Year by the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce. Mullen & Co. was selected as this year’s Small Business of the Year based on staying power, growth, innovation, increased sales volume and community involvement, according to a chamber press release.

The Mullens launched into the green scene as builders of the “first ever certified green home” in the Rocky Mount area, and did so at a time when the economy and building industry were challenged. Mullen & Co. was also the first construction company in Eastern North Carolina to build an ENERGY STAR®-qualified home and, to date, has completed more site-built certified homes than any builder east of the Raleigh market, according to the release. Presently, they are the only contractor in the area to develop an “all ENERGY STAR® community.”

NCHBA NewsCouncil renovates youth runaway and homeless shelter

s Remodelers Council of Raleigh-Wake Co. renovates the Wrenn House, a homeless/runaway/crisis intervention shelter for youth.

During the week of June 7, Wrenn House Crisis Intervention Program, the only homeless/runaway/crisis intervention program and shelter for youth in the Triangle, got an extreme makeover by the Remodelers Council of the HBA of Raleigh-Wake Co. Builders from across Wake County came together to provide labor and donated items for necessary repairs including the removal of lead paint, replacement of 27 windows, plumbing updates, wood repair throughout the house, and interior/exterior painting. They also prepared the Wrenn House for a future expansion to accommodate more youth. The renovation improves the safety and energy efficiency of the house and will reduce operating costs.

Glenn White, the 2010 chair of the Remodelers Council, led the organization of the project and brought together all of the remodelers and companies who donated labor and materials for this renovation. “One of our priorities at the Remodelers Council is to serve the community, and this project allows us to do something for our kids. This project started out simple. However after the first visit to the facility, we realized that the council could have such a huge impact on these kids’ lives just by doing what we do every day. The original scope of work for this project was a short list, but now we are doing almost a whole house remodel! We believe it’s so important to make this house a home for these children.”

High schools compete in building contest

The Moore Co. HBA once again sponsored the Home of the Year Competition: Battle of the Schools, a competition among Union Pines, Pine Crest and North Moore high schools to build a new home. Union Pines took first place this year, and three of the school’s students have received job offers as a result of their work on the house.

Each year the schools’ architectural drafting and construction technology students construct a home to provide the students with practical, hands-on experience in the world of construction. Some of the criteria for judging include presentation of package, appearance, craftsmanship, custom features, creativity and overall quality. The students works on the projects throughout the year and upon completion in the spring, the homes are auctioned to the highest bidders. These funds are then used to continue future projects.

s The winning home in the Home of the Year Competition: Battle of the Schools.


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2011 NAHB International Builders’ Show®

Registration for the 2011 International Builders’ Show opens August 2 with two great offers for NAHB members only.

During the month of August, the IBS 4-day exhibit pass will be free for NAHB members and members can also register their spouses for free.

This is your one chance to see more than 1,000 building industry exhibitors spread over 500,000 net square feet at no cost!

You must register by August 31 to get your free exhibit pass and register your spouse for free; starting September 1 the pass will be $50 and spouse registration will be $20. Register in August and save!

January 12-15, 2011 | orlando | buildersshow.com/august

ONLY FOR NAHB MEMBERS / ONLY IN AUGUST

Documents

July/August North Carolina Builder magazine