May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 1
Natasha Reynolds HBA Associate of the Year!
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 20122 Home Builders Association of West Florida2
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 3www.westfloridabuilders.com 3
2012 Leadership
Board
2012 Home Builders Association of West Florida
Board of Directors
Builder MembersPam Caddell, Gulf+Atlantic Constructors
Brandon Edgar, Joe-Brad ConstructionChad Edgar, Holiday Builders
Renee Foret, Foret and Lundy BuildersJeff Godfrey, Paragon Custom Homes
Darrell Gooden, Gooden HomesRobert Harris, Adams Homes
Doug Henry, Thomas Home Corporation Doug Herrick, Coastal ICF Concrete Wall Systems
Clyde Jolly, Southern Building SpecialtiesRon Mangum, Residential Renovation Company
Scott McCartney, 1st Choice Home ImprovementsBilly Moore, Southern Home & Construction,
Bryan Moore, BRM Residential HomesLorie Reed, DR Horton
Jennifer Rigby, Gleaton & DeMaria Commercial Development
Brad Thompson, Deer Point ConstructionRon Tuttle, Bennat, Inc.
David Teague, Timberland ContractorsChris Vail, Urban Infill Corporation
Thomas Westerheim, Westerheim Properties
Associate MembersAngela Carter, Gulf Power Company
Bret Cornett, ProBuildBill Daniel, Mobile Lumber
Rick Endsley, Builders Specialty SupplyJill Grove, Energy Services of PensacolaTom Hammond, Hammond Engineering
Jim Harris, Coastal Bank and TrustTowana Henry, Keller Williams Realty
Pat Kozma, Jenkins Brick & Tile Company, LLCWilliam Merrill, Rebuild Northwest Florida
Bernie Mostoller, The Mostoller GroupRic Nickelsen, Whitney National BankDuane Nisewonger, Gateway Lighting
David Redmond, PrimeLendingGary Sluder, Gene’s Floor CoveringWilma Shortall, Mortgage America
Kevin Trusler, Emerald Coast Builders, Inc.,Remodelor’s Council Chair
Doug Whitfield, Doug Whitfield Residential Designer, Santa Rosa Chamber Liaison
Jayer Williamson, Williamson Electrical CompanyBrent Woody, Advanced Roofing and Waterproofing
Ex-Officio Members:Keith Furrow, Pensacola Association of Realtors
Kevin Russell, Russell Home Builders, Custom Builders Council
Natasha Reynolds, Energy Services of Pensacola, Green Building Council Chair
Janice Terrell, Energy Services of Pensacola, Auxiliary Chair
Eric Witt1st Vice President
Kenneth E, Witt Carpentry
Luke ShowsPresident
Shows Construction
Judy GundFinancial Officer
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Newman RodgersTreasurer
Newman Rodgers Construction
Rod Hurston2nd Vice President
Fisher-Brown Insurance
Stephen MoorheadLegal Counsel
McDonald, Fleming, Moorhead
CornerstoneThe official magazine of the
Home Builders Association of West Florida
4400 Bayou Blvd., Suite 45, Pensacola, Florida 32503
(850) 476-0318www.westfloridabuilders.com
Cornerstone is published for the Home Builders Association of West Florida by Nicholson Publishing and distributed to its members. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written authorization. Articles in Cornerstone do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the HBA of West Florida. Articles are accepted from various individuals in the industry to provide a forum for our readers.
Russ ParrisImmediate Past President
Parris Construction Company
Shelby johnsonSecretary
Johnson Construction
Steve GeciPast 2nd Vice President
Geci & Associates Engineers
John Hattaway3rd Vice President
Hattaway Home Design
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 20124
Cornerstone, the monthly publication of the Home Builders Association of West Florida serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, is published monthly, twelve (12x) per year. Send address changes to HBA of West Florida, 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 45, Pensacola, Florida 32503-1910. Cornerstone, is published in the interests of all segments of the home building industry and is distributed to its members and others associated with the HBA of West Flor-ida. HBA of West Florida and Richard K. Nicholson Pub., Inc. does not accept responsibility for, or endorse any statement or claims made by advertisers or authors of any articles. Every effort has been made to assure accuracy of information, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of Home Builders Association of West Florida, Copyright ©, 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 45, Pensacola, Florida 32503-1910, 850.476.0318. Advertisers and advertorials in Cornerstone do not constitute an offer for sale in states where prohibited by law.
In ThisIssue
Cover StoryNatasha Reynolds Garners 2011 HBA Associate of the Years ............................................................................. 6
CORNERSTONE COLUMNS
President’s Message: Mortgage Interest Deduction Is Important to the Home Building Industry ................................................................. 5
HBA of West Florida 2012 Parade of Homes: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ............................................................ 7 Thank You Sponsors! .................................................................... 7 2012 Parade Outstanding Home Award Winners ..................... 8, 9 2012 Parade Highlights & Photos .............................................. 10 Special Thanks to Jeff Godfrey, Mike Le Blanc, and Mark Porter! ......................................................................... 11
FEATURE STORIES
34th Annual SEBC Set for July 26th in Orlando .................................... 12
Builder Groups Partner to Spread Sustainable Construction Practices ..... 14
NAHB News: Home Builders Urge Congress to Provide Certainty & Permanency in Tax Code .................................................... 15
NAHB News; “All About Aging in Place” ........................................... 16
ASSOCIATION NEWS
2012 HBA of West Florida Leadership .................................................... 3
Mark Your Calendar ................................................................................. 5
HBA News: Member Profile, Boyett’s Portable Toilets ......................... 13
HBA Members Donate Swimming Pool to Wounded Army Vet .......... 13
CAPS Designation Courses Offered by Remodelor’s Council June 13th-15th ........................................................................................ 14
HBA Membership News, Welcome New Members, Thanks for Renewing, Time to Renew, & Don’t Lose Your Membership ................ 17
Spike Club Update .................................................................................. 18
DEPARTMENTS INDEX
Next Issue Deadlines ……..................................................……. 4, 10 & 15
Advertisers Index, Web, & Email Addresses ………….....…………… 18
Magazine Design & Layout by warren wight creative services
www.ww-cs.com
Cornerstone
David Peaden IIExecutive Director
Alecia OvermanAccounting [email protected]
Next Issue:
JUNE 2012Edit: May 4, 2012
Space: May 18, 2012
Materials: May 25, 2012
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 5
President’sMessage
Mortgage Interest Deduction Is Important
to the Home Building Industry
Luke Shows
Mark Your Calendar!
Auxiliary CouncilMeet QuarterlyCustom Builders CouncilMeet QuarterlyGreen Building CouncilMeet on the last Wednesday of each month.Membership CommitteeMeet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.Remodelor’s CouncilMeet on the 1st Thursday of each month.Board of DirectorsMeet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
June 13-15 CAPS Designation Courses
June25-29 Membership Week – Wahoo!
July 27-28 CE Courses (14 hours)
July 26-28 SEBC in Orlando, FL
Aug 24-26 Home & Product Expo
Oct 25 Fall Golf Classic
Interested in sponsoring a General Membership Meeting?Contact Alecia Overman at 850-476-0318 for more information!
For further event details, please visit our website:
www.westfloridabuilders.com Please note that dates and locations are subject to change.
When the April 17 tax-filing deadline came and went, I thought about the most impor-tant tax deduction for tens of millions of middle-class families could be on the chopping block as early as next year’s tax season if some policymakers get their way. The mortgage interest deduction has been in existence since the inception of the federal tax code nearly 100 years ago and is a cornerstone of U.S. tax and housing policy. The deduction is broadly used across income groups and geographic areas. Data from the Joint Committee on Taxation indicate that more than 33 million families benefitted from the deduction in 2010 and that these households saved a collective $83 billion on their tax bills. Though the mortgage interest deduction is the primary reason that taxpayers become itemizers, critics have unfairly attacked it as a tax loophole (despite the fact that more than 33 million households claim it) and a subsidy to the rich. Here are the facts. The mortgage interest deduction primarily helps middle class home owners and is consistent with the prin-ciples of a progressive income tax. Two-thirds of the benefits flow to working class American
households who earn less than $200,000 an-nually and nearly all those who own a home of their own will claim the deduction at some point during their tenure as home owners. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) research has shown that as a share of household income, the deduction is most important for younger home buyers, who typically have less equity, tighter household budgets and are paying mostly deductible inter-est and relatively little principal. I believe that curtailing or getting rid of the deduction to help lower the federal debt would result in a big tax hike on millions of middle-class home owners and that prospective buyers who are counting on its benefits to lower their monthly mortgage payments would remain on the sidelines. The collateral damage to the economy would be even more devastating, resulting in lower home values, which would leave more home owners underwater, trigger more foreclosures and prolong the housing slump for years to come. Changing the rules now would not only take money out of the pockets of those home buyers who rightfully counted on the deduction being there when they needed it, but also penalize millions of baby boomers nearing retirement and seniors who own their homes outright. A New York Times/CBS News poll conducted last summer reveals that nine out of 10 Americans oppose eliminating the mortgage
interest deduction and a nationwide survey of likely voters commissioned by NAHB earlier this year shows that 73 percent oppose abolish-ing the deduction. Further, the NAHB poll found that three out of four voters believe it is appropriate and reasonable for the federal gov-ernment to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership and 68 percent would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who proposed to eliminate the deduction, a sentiment that cut across party lines. For more information, visit www.savemymortgageinterestdeduction.com
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 20126
CoverStory
A Passionate and Energetic Leader in the Home
Building Industry Natasha Reynolds Garners HBA
Associate of the Year HonorBy Amber LaMarche
Home Builders Asso-ciation of West Florida 2011 Associate of the Year Natasha Reynolds was born and raised in the country of Panama. She attended a small private school with less than thirty people in her grade. Many of her classmates shared similar interests for math and science in an environment of strong academics and good competi-tion which only raised her chances for success. She was one of the few women graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from a university in Panama. When asked about the city of Panama, she describes it as a “cos-mopolitan and vibrant city thriving in international banking and trade.” Reyn-olds expands on the idea of diversity in Panama because of the amount of people from different cultures that have come to work and live there throughout centuries. She came to the United States the first time due to political turmoil caused by Noriegas’s dictatorship of the country. Her family’s safety was in jeop-ardy, since her father had been involved in politics for many years. They had no choice but to move to the United States. She lived in the U.S until her father felt that it was safe to return to Panama. After many years, Reynolds came back to the United States where her brother introduced her to Jeffrey Reynolds, her future husband. Natasha smiles and says, “It was love at first sight.” Today, she is a wife, a proud mother of two girls, and has a baby on the way. The Reynolds are expecting their newest addition to the family in July. Reynolds enjoys being a mother. When asked about her accomplishments the first thing she mentions is, “I love my family. I am proud of my chil-dren. I take pride in raising them and educating them. I am also thankful to have the support of my husband and parents. Working full time and being a wife and mother is not easy. I am fortunate to be able to fully rely on them when I need to, so that I can devote my full attention
to my work and career. I am very pleased with the work I have accomplished.” In her spare time, she also sings, plays the guitar, and has a musical album and a radio program. Reynolds has dedicated much atten-
tion, time and passion to the green building industry. She is the Green Energy Specialist for Energy Services of Pensacola (ESP). Reynolds is very proud to be an American citizen. She is also a certified Spanish-English translator and interpreter with federal clearance. She has developed several energy educational programs for schools as well as for community groups for ESP. Other achievements she is proud of are her National Association of Home Builders Certified Green Professional™ and LEED® Green Associate designations. She is currently working towards becoming a LEED® Accredited Professional.
Reynolds describes herself as a “pro-fessional, congenial, goal-driven and self-de-termined individual with unique and distinctive perspectives.” She also finds herself a bit nerdy at times. Her passion for sharing knowledge
in the home building industry and the environment were the qualities that earned her the coveted HBA Associate of the Year honor. She is also a member of the Green Building Council (GBC). Since 2010, when she became Chair of the GBC, she has worked with the coun-cil’s board of directors to provide many educational opportunities for the council, the association’s members and the com-munity. What’s next for Reynolds? “I am looking forward to contributing even more efforts in the green building indus-try with Energy Services of Pensacola. ESP Natural Gas has greatly supported the building industry in several ways as there are many energy efficient natural gas technologies available. ESP as a natural gas provider has consistently shown how natural gas is one of the most energy efficient, sustainable, affordable and reliable sources of energy, not only for our region, but also for the United States. Sustainability is an extremely important part of ESP’s image; one of our mottos is “Natural Gas, the natural choice…naturally.”
Reynolds’s long term vision in the home building industry is to make the
industry better. HBA has been able to bring her closer to her goal by means of participating in the GBC. Through her involvement with the HBA, Reynolds has been able to meet people in the building industry and strengthen relation-ships in the GBC. By working and connecting with HBA members, she has had the opportu-nity to gain their confidence, which in turn has helped build her credibility and reputation in the building industry.
Amber LaMarche, a student at the University of West Florida, is an intern with the Home Build-ers Association of West Florida.
The Reynolds Family from left, Ariela, Natasha, Jeffrey and Eliana Reynolds.
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 7
2012 Paradeof Homes
American Dream Home
Many Dream Home donors were on hand at the Ribbon Cutting event. The HBA truly appreciates their service for the betterment of the housing industry.
The Home Builders Association of West Florida would also like to thank the many companies who donated either their products or services to the American Dream Home. Without your support, the HBA would not be able to provide a vital governmental affairs program, membership services, education and business opportunities to its members. We sincerely hope that you will fully appreciate the time and effort that went into building the Dream Home. We would also ask you to support the companies that are listed. Tell them you saw their product or service at the Dream Home… and you want the same for your next dream home!
PLATINUM• Paragon Custom Home Group• CHB of Northwest Florida• Gulf Power Company
GOLD• Pensacola Ready Mix USA • Williamson Electrical Company • Atlas Roofing • ProBuild / Jeld-Wen Windows • Northwest Florida A/C • Coastal Insulation Company • Superior Granite • Mathes Lighting & Lamp • Gene’s Floor Covering • Blanco Construction • Amore' Plumping Company SILVER• Emerald Coast Building Materials• Sears Contract Sales • Panhandle Clearing • Four Star Drywall • Artie Keller Stucco & Stone
• Legacy Building Products • Norbord Wood Based Panels • Delta Faucet / Will and Pierce • Swift Supply / Delaney Locks
BRONZE• Uncle Sam's Irrigation System• Ply Gem Stone • Emerald Coast Masonry • B&C Nursery • Whexican Framing • Jenkins Brick • Fortners Home Improvements • Kasey Carruthers’ Building Maintenance• Evergreen Lumber & Truss • Joe Alverez Tile • Architectural Concepts Gulf Coast / Dryvit• American Alarm & Audio • RTS All American Garage Door• Wayne Dalton Fabric Shield
FRIENDS• Duncan Custom Gutter • Builders Specialties Supply • Pioneer Foam Plastics • Aqua Glass / Will and Pierce Agency • American Concrete • Mobile Lumber / Bosie Cascade • USA Block • Southeastern Door / Empire Moulding• Huttig Building Products • Simpson Strong-Tie • Roads, Inc. • KJM Surveying • Residential Cad Services • W.R. Taylor Brick • ABC Supply • Bryan Motts Vinyl Siding • Environmental Security • Alpha ProTech House Wrap• Gulf+Atlantic Constructors
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 20128
2012 Paradeof Homes
Category 1 - $ 125,000 - $150,000Mitchell Homes
3928 Willow Glen DriveWillow Glen
Category 2 - $159,900 - $180,900Celebrity Home Builders
2566 Fiddlers CircleFiddler’s Walk
Category 3 - $181,000 - $190,900Paragon Custom Home Group
6095 Dunridge DriveStonechase
Category 4 - $191,000 - $200,900Celebrity Home Builders
5903 Dunridge DriveStonechase
Category 5 - $201,000 - $235,900Paragon Custom Home Group
5915 Dunridge DriveStonechase
Category 6 - $236,000 - $250,900Adams Homes of NW Florida
2047 Stennis DriveSouthwoods
Category 7 - $251,000 - $280,900Celebrity Home Builders6120 Stonechase Blvd.
Stonechase
Category 9 - $301,000 - $380,900D.R. Horton
8989 Foxtail LoopNature Trail
Category 8 - $281,000 - $300,900Paragon Custom Home Group
5444 Madelines WayLaurelwood
2012 Outstanding Home Award Winners
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 9
Category 10 - $381,000 - $425,900K. W. Homes
8953 Foxtail LoopNature Trail
Category 12 - $711,000 - $1,500,000Newman Rodgers Construction
602 Via DeLuna DrivePensacola Beach
Category 11 - $426,000 - $710,900K. W. Homes
5924 Dahoon DriveNature Trail
Thank You! POH
SP
ON
SO
RS
!
Parade of Home Winners receive their Crystal Award and Outstanding Home signs for their efforts on building award winning homes.
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 201210
2012 Paradeof Homes
Over 200 people celebrated the kick off to the 2012 Parade of Homes with an event, sponsored by Hancock Bank, held in front of the American Dream Home in Stonechase on April 20th. Gary, Cindy, Kevin and Kyle Sluder provided the best shrimp and crawfish this side of New Orleans!
Parade of Homes Highlights
Over 200 members attended the Parade of Homes Ribbon Cutting event, sponsored by Hancock Bank, in front of the 2012 Dream Home.
To advertise, call Richard Nicholson
NEXT CORNERSTONE
ISSUE: June 2012
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 11
2012 Paradeof Homes
From left, Jeff Godfrey receives thanks from HBA Luke Shows for his role in marketing the Dream Home. The annual listing event hosted by the HBA has provided great oppor-tunities for the local real estate community.
Paragon Custom Home Group Superinten-dant Mike LeBlanc accepts congratulation from HBA Luke Shows for overseeing the 2012 Dream Home.
Paragon Custom Home Group’s Mark Porter receives a Parade of Homes Award from HBA President Luke Shows for designing and building the American Dream Home in Stonechase.
Above: from left, Cindy, Gary, Kyle and Kevin Sluder, of Gene’s Floor Cover-ing, did an awesome job of cooking the shrimp and crawfish for the Ribbon Cutting event.
Right: From left Sue Clear and David Denisiuk receive thanks from HBA President Luke Shows for their work on the donations and budgeting of the Dream Home.
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 201212
FeatureStory
34th Annual SEBC Readies Builders To Speed Up
Construction Rebound The question that the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) is posing to its 2012 attendees is “Are You Ready?” That’s because this year’s SEBC – pre-sented by the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) – will prepare build-ers and allied professionals to take full advantage of the housing/construction industry recovery. “The housing rebound is well underway in the
Southeast,” says West Palm Beach builder Ray Puzziti-
ello, who co-chairs the SEBC along with Orlando real
estate specialist Tony Martin of Wells Fargo. “The SEBC
is all about education, exhibits and networking that will
empower builders and associates to build momentum in an
improving market.”
Now in its 34th year, the SEBC (July 26-28) is
the largest regional building industry trade show in the
South, owing its success to world-class seminars presented
by some of the industry’s top experts, knowledgeable
exhibitors anxious to share news of products and services,
and valuable business-to-business and peer-to-peer inter-
action.
SEBC’s recent growth has been fueled through
strategic partnerships with allied industries and associa-
tions. This year, the event welcomes the Florida Masonry
Association with their annual Masonry Conference and
Masonry Live Competitions and the USGBC Florida
Chapter will sponsor the LEED Education and LEED GA
Exam Prep.
SEBC is also home to the New Southern Home,
which this year is produced by Orlando builder Greg
Hardwick; the Aurora Awards for design excellence; and
the Concept Awards, an onsite design competition spon-
sored by the American Institute of Building Design.
To reserve exhibit space at SEBC, contact Vice
President of Exposition Management Lynne Edwards at
800-261-9447, ext. 109 or e-mail her at
For more on SEBC, visit the show’s official web
site at www.sebcshow.com.
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 13
HBANews
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dustin Tuller and wife, Cheryl, of Santa Rosa County, who lost both legs in combat in Iraq, enjoy their new swimming pool that was fully donated and spearheaded by HBA member, Bill Hanson of Gulf Coast Pool and Spa. Other donors include Mike Miller Pentair Water, Latham Pool Prod-ucts, All Safe Pool Security, A Perfect Mix, Compass Solar, Liberty Electric, Mathes Electric, Poolcorp, Water Works, JRC Concrete, Woerner Landscape Pen-sacola, Summit Landscape Supply, Red barn Bar-B-Q, Amy and Company, All Service Pool and Spa.
Member Profile
Lynn BoyettBoyett’s Portable Toilets, Inc.
7300 Mobile Hwy.Pensacola, FL 32526
(850)[email protected]
www.boyetts.com
Boyett’s Portable Toilets, Inc. has been in the septic tank and portable toilet busi-ness since 1957. Lynn Boyett is a mem-ber of HBA of West Florida because it is part of Pensacola, he says. He says that getting involved in Pensacola has helped him stay in business this long. Boyett’s Portable Toilets, Inc. can be found online at www.boyetts.com.
HBA Members Donate
Swimming Pool to
Wounded Army VetTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 201214
Builder Groups Partner to Spread Sustainable
Construction Practices ORLANDO – Green home building will take another step forward this summer as two home building groups gather to educate residential builders on sustainable design and construction. The U.S. Green Building Council of Central Florida and the Southeast Building Confer-ence has announced today that it has reached a cooperative agreement to educate 2012 SEBC attendees in sustainable home building practices and the LEED for Homes green rating system. “We are very excited the SEBC has taken another step toward providing the residential building industry with education in more sustainable home construction techniques,” said John Riddle, Chairman of the USGBC-Central Florida. He added, “In what has been a difficult time to be a home builder, green home build-ing has been a bright spot and is expected to grow exponentially as the USGBC’s 2012 version of LEED for Homes is rolled out this fall.” With the SEBC providing the space, USGBC-CF chapter leaders will provide LEED Green Associate exam preparation courses and other green building education. “The resources the USGBC brings to the SEBC will be a valuable addition to our pro-gramming during our annual show,” explained an SEBC spokesperson. She added: “Energy efficiency is a hot topic and one that helps builders sell new homes and remodeling work.”
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 15
NAHBNews
To advertise, call Richard Nicholson
NEXT CORNERSTONE
ISSUE: June 2012
Home Builders Urge Congress to Provide
Certainty & Permanency in Tax Code
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in mid-April called on Congress to simplify the tax code as part of a comprehensive tax reform effort in order to help small businesses to contin-ue to serve as an engine of economic growth. Testifying on behalf of NAHB before the House Small Business Committee, Mary-land home builder Marty Mitchell said that given the huge complexi-ties in tax law, today’s complicated federal tax system acts as a burden and hindrance on small businesses, which serve as the backbone of the economy. “The home building com-munity supports simplifying the tax code as part of a comprehensive tax reform process,” said Mitchell. “Such an effort should only occur after a thoughtful and deliberate vetting process that examines proposed changes, necessary transition rules and economic impacts.” Most small businesses, including the vast majority in the residential construction sector, are organized as pass-thru entities and therefore report and pay individual tax rates on their net business income. Thus, for small businesses, which traditionally serve as the nation’s foremost job creators, individual income tax rates are business tax rates. “Therefore, NAHB strongly supports extending the 2001 and 2003 income tax cuts now scheduled to expire at the end of 2012 in order to improve the business environment in this country,” said Mitchell. “We need perma-
nency in the tax code and certainty for small businesses.” Absent congressional action, the top marginal tax rate will jump from 35 percent to
39.6 percent along with rate increases at the lower brackets. NAHB is also urging lawmak-ers to extend the current 15 percent rate on dividends and capital gains, which is important to small business owners. A higher capital gains tax rate could also affect the multifamily sector, as the sale of apartment buildings can give rise to capital gains as part of the develop-ment and operation process. “As many home building companies are family-owned like mine, it is also impor-tant that the present law estate tax rate rules
also be extended or the tax itself eliminated,” said Mitchell. He also stressed that it is critical that the mortgage interest deduction, which has been part of the tax system since 1913 and plays an indispensible role in promoting homeownership, should not be curtailed or eliminated as part of any tax reform effort. “Weakening or abolishing the mort-gage interest deduction would harm home val-ues, push more home owners underwater and exacerbate the foreclosure crisis just as signs are beginning to appear that scores of housing markets are showing signs of improvement following the worst downturn in decades,” said Mitchell. “Such changes would also act as a tax increase on the more than 30 million taxpayers who benefit from the deduction, and who made home financing decisions based on long-standing tax rules. In short, it would be unfair and economically destructive to tamper with the deduction.” As the fledgling economic recovery moves forward, Mitchell added that many home builders are still facing major tax liabili-ties on income never received as they work with lenders to restructure debt due to land and home price declines in recent years. For example, if a bank writes down a $50,000 construction loan to a home building firm, the company would owe the IRS taxes on that $50,000 of debt forgiveness. To help small businesses to continue to create jobs and generate economic growth, NAHB is urging Congress to provide a tax ex-clusion for business debt forgiveness and allow this exclusion to continue until the business economic climate substantially improves. “Such a tax policy change would enable small, family-owned firms to avoid bankruptcy and contribute to the economic recovery as individual local markets improve,” said Mitchell.
“To help small businesses to continue to create jobs and generate economic growth, NAHB is urging Congress to provide a tax exclusion
for business debt forgiveness and allow this exclusion to continue until the business
economic climate substantially improves.”
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 201216
All About Aging in PlaceNAHBNews Aging in Place means living in one’s home independently re-
gardless of age or ability.
How big is Aging in Place?• 89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their
own homes indefinitely (AARP)• 68% of remodelers already perform aging-
in-place remodeling (NAHB).• Over half of all 55+ households rate their
current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (Ameri-can Housing Survey).
• The aging population is the number two issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years, only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).
• Remodelers report that the most requested aging-in-place features include: grab bars, higher toilets, curbless showers, wider doorways, ramps or lower-thresholds, and task lighting.
What is NAHB doing to help the aging population?NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, developed the Certi-fied Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program – the leading national educational designation designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002 more than 3,500 have completed CAPS, making it one of the fastest-growing education programs at NAHB. NAHB Remodelers provides more information for consumers online at: www.nahb.org/aginginplace.
What should my home contain if I want to age in place?• A master bedroom and bath on the first
floor.• A low or no-threshold entrance to the
home with an overhang.• Lever-style door handles.• No change in levels on the main floor.• Bright lighting in all areas, especially
places like stairways.• A low-maintenance exterior.• Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.• An open floor plan, especially in the
kitchen/dining area.• Handrails at all steps.• What are some techniques CAPS-trained
professionals use?• Lighting from multiple directions – re-
duces glare and shadows.• Light sockets with more than one bulb –
redundancy in case one bulb burns out.• Stacking closets for a future elevator shaft.• Contrasting colors for depth perception
– use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps.
• Convenience shelf at an entry way to place your grocery bag while getting your keys.
To learn more about aging in place, contact Nissa Hiatt at 202-266-8451.
Auxiliary Council Meet Quarterly
Custom Builders Council Meet Quarterly
Green Building Council Meet on the last Wednesday
of each month.
Membership CommitteeMeet on the 3rd Wednesday
of each month.
Remodelor’s CouncilMeet on the 1st Thursday
of each month.
Board of DirectorsMeet on the 3rd Tuesday
of each month.
Get Involved in HBA Councils & Committees!
May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 17
Builder & Developer MembersCharter Development Corp.
Country Manor Homes, Inc.
Escambia Construction Co., Inc.
Florida 1st Home Construction
Foret and Lundy Builders, Inc.
Gulf Atlantic Constructors, Inc
Holiday Builders
John S. Carr & Company
Mayo Construction & Design, Inc.
Mitchell Homes
MSC of NWF, Inc.
Napier, Inc. of Pensacola
Old South Construction, Inc.
Robinson’s Mill Investments, LLC
Wible & Wible, Inc.
Associate MembersAll Risk Insurance, Inc.
Amore’ Plumbing Co., Inc.
B B & T (Branch Banking & Trust)
Reliable Land Title Corporation
Rels Title
Stonebrook Village, Ltd.
Surety Land Title of Florida, LLC
THANKS FOR RENEWING!
ABC Supply Co. Inc.Air Design Systems, Inc.Bloomer, Geri & CompanyEmerald Coast Utilities AuthorityEnergy Systems A/C ContractorsHattaway Home DesignMathes Lighting & LampMcCombs Electrical Co., Inc.Pensacola News JournalRicky Wiggins Builders, Inc.Roger Mosley Construction, IncTara Construction of N.W. FL., LLCThomas Home CorporationUnited Bank
TIME TO RENEWJune 2012 Renewals (Renewal invoice to be mailed 3rd week of May) Membership
News
DON’T LOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP(You still have time to renew)
JANUARY EXPIRATIONSBeach Community Bank
Coastal ICF Concrete Wall Systems
Gulf Atlantic Insulation, Inc.
Metal Roofing Center & Supply
Sherwin-Williams
Surplus Warehouse
MARCH EXPIRATIONS
Bank of America Home Loans
Carlson Construction LLC
Compass Solar Energy, Inc.
Ferriss Moving & Storage Co., Inc.
McMahon-Hadder Insurance, Inc.
Panhandle Alarm & Telephone Co., Inc.
Ruston C. Rood, Inc. Building Contractor
Samuel Stevens & Associates
The Rogers Group
Total Employee Leasing
Builder & Developer MembersNone To Report
Associate MembersBASF Corporation
John Thomas
3550 St. Johns Bluff Rd South
Jacksonville, FL 32224
T: (904) 616-8791 F: (904) 260-4623
www.basf.com
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
If you do business with or know anyone in the “Don’t lose your Membership!” section, please give them a call and reinforce
the value of membership as well as the importance of Members Doing Business with Members.
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 201218
Advertiser’sIndex Anchor Pest Control 19850.435.7696
Bonded Builders Home Warranty 14 800.749.0381, ext.800www.bondedbuilders.com
Energy Services of Pensacola 2850.436.5050www.espnnaturalgas.com
FHBI 16888.513.1222www.fhbi.com
Gulf Power Back Cover877.655.4001850.505.5338www.GulfPower.com
Norbord/Solarbord 19www.SolarbordOSB.com
warren wight creative services 17407.920.1478www.ww-cs.com
Advertiser’s IndexOliver Gore 111.5William “Billy” Moore 105
Green Spike 50 CreditsRicky Wiggins 90 Doug Sprague 79.5Ron Tuttle 77.5John Harold 76David Holcomb 71.5Kenneth Ellzey, Sr. 63 Wayne Underwood 58.5Millie Carpenter 56.5Chris Pate 55.5Kevin L. Ward 55.5 Paul Stanley 54Tina Monie 50
Life Spike 25 CreditsWest Calhoun 48.5Bob Price, Jr. 48.5Wilma Shortall 43.5Eddie Zarahn 38Thomas Westerheim 37Darrell Gooden 36Garrett Walton 28.5Russ Parris 27.5
Blue Spike 6 CreditsJames Dillaha 21.5Newman Rodgers IV 19Doug Herrick 18.5John Hattaway 18.5Ed Wonders 18 Doug Whitfield 18 Keith Swilley 17.5Jim Harris 17Steve Moorehead 16Todd Stafford 14.5 Michelle Bean 12Dean Williams 10.5Towana (Rudd) Henry 10 Brent Woody 8 Bernie Mostoller 8 Beth Shoemaker 7Bret Cornett 7
If you would like to join the
Spike Club or Desire
Additional Information,
please contact Alecia Overman
(850) 476-0318
In construction, a spike is a steel object that is essen-tial to making a building strong. As in construction, the HBA of West Florida sees a Spike as someone that works to keep our association strong. Spikes work on the recruitment and retention of members in addition to keeping members active with the association. Anyone is eligible for Spike status. On Spike credit is awarded for each new member recruited and an additional credit is awarded for that new member’s renewal on or before their anniversary date. If you help to retain a member, you are eligible to receive a half point for each member.
Spike Club LevelsSpike Candidate 1-5 creditsBlue Spike 6-24Life Spike 25-49Green Spike 50-99Red Spike 100-149Royal Spike 150-249Super Spike 250-499Statesman Spike 500-999Grand Spike 1000-1499All-Time Big Spike 1500+
Spike Club Members and their credits as of 04/01/2012
Super Spike 250 CreditsHarold Logan 500.5Rod Hurston 401.5Jack McCombs 273
Royal Spike 150 CreditsMike Blanton 206Ron Anderson 198.5Edwin Henry 193.5Rick Sprague 189Carlton Bowers 160.5Bob Boccanfuso 159Betty Evans 153.5
Red Spike 100 CreditsThomas Kennedy 145Collier Merrill 129Alan Brock 129.5Lee Magaha 124.5Don Suarez 117Dan Gilmore 113.5
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May 2012 • www.westfloridabuilders.com 19
Home Builders Association of West Florida • May 201220