 |
| Roger Liska |
The Home Builders Association of Greenville are your neighbors and community leaders providing education and support for building industry professionals. We create jobs, encourage homeownership, and promote responsible growth throughout the upstate of South Carolina.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Congratulations Roger Liska
NAHB to hold briefings on Federal tax reform
Dear HBA Member:
The prospect of tax reform is becoming a reality, and I expect legislative action to begin in earnest this fall. Given the importance of tax reform to the NAHB membership, we want to make certain we accurately represent your concerns in this debate.
Please participate in an online discussion with your NAHB Leadership on what tax reform means to our industry. Bring your questions and concerns: We will cover business taxes, including the deduction for business interest, homeownership incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction, multifamily tax issues including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and provisions affecting remodelers.
We will hold three "Tax Reform and the Housing Industry" web briefings on Monday, Sept. 18. The three 60-minute briefings each cover the same information, so you only need to attend one session. The briefings will take place at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m, ET.
You must pre-register for this member-only event. Please make certain you are logged into nahb.org as this is members only content.
If you are unable to participate in the live webcasts, the recordings and staff contacts for more information will be posted to nahb.org after the sessions conclude.
This is an important time for the housing industry. Tax reform will shape the course of our livelihoods for the next several decades. We must get it right. Join me at one of the briefings on Sept. 18.
Granger MacDonald, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders
The prospect of tax reform is becoming a reality, and I expect legislative action to begin in earnest this fall. Given the importance of tax reform to the NAHB membership, we want to make certain we accurately represent your concerns in this debate.
Please participate in an online discussion with your NAHB Leadership on what tax reform means to our industry. Bring your questions and concerns: We will cover business taxes, including the deduction for business interest, homeownership incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction, multifamily tax issues including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and provisions affecting remodelers.
We will hold three "Tax Reform and the Housing Industry" web briefings on Monday, Sept. 18. The three 60-minute briefings each cover the same information, so you only need to attend one session. The briefings will take place at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m, ET.
You must pre-register for this member-only event. Please make certain you are logged into nahb.org as this is members only content.
If you are unable to participate in the live webcasts, the recordings and staff contacts for more information will be posted to nahb.org after the sessions conclude.
This is an important time for the housing industry. Tax reform will shape the course of our livelihoods for the next several decades. We must get it right. Join me at one of the briefings on Sept. 18.
Granger MacDonald, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders
Thursday, September 7, 2017
2017 Fall Southern Home & Garden Show Set for September 15-17
The Home Builders Association of Greenville’s fall Southern Home & Garden Show will be held at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C., from Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17. The show will be open to the public and tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Admission will be $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and free for children 12 and under. Learn more at SouthernHomeandGardenShow.com.
“We’re excited to continue the 56-year tradition of producing South Carolina’s largest home and garden show with a variety of exhibits and updates, making it a must-attend event,” Bob Barreto, HBA of Greenville’s Board of Directors’ President, said. “This year we’ll be featuring a wide array of exhibitors and resources for everything from small DIY projects to full home renovations.”
The 2017 fall Southern Home & Garden Show is sponsored by Approved Professional Builder, Davis Services, Ingles, All About Flooring, Progress Lighting, The Home Depot, Ultimate Gutter Guard and American HomePride.
The show will feature the following exhibitions:
Approved Professional Builder Program
HBA of Greenville has developed an Approved Professional Builder Program that consists of reliable and vetted building professionals that homeowners can choose from when they are in need of service. APB representatives will be available for consultation at the event and builders interested in recognition may apply.
Ultimate Garage: I Want That! | Sponsored by Davis Services
Davis Services partners with fellow exhibitors to show event attendees how to create the ultimate garage. Demonstrations will occur throughout the show.
The Chef’s Kitchen | Sponsored by Ingles
Ingles’ celebrity chefs will showcase signature recipes and cooking techniques for show attendees. Cooking demonstrations will take place every hour, and include table setting and décor.
Kid’s Corner | Sponsored by The Home Depot
Kid’s workshops will teach children how to work with age-appropriate tools and how to build their own projects.
About the Home Builders Association of Greenville
The Home Builders Association of Greenville was founded on January 16, 1960. The association was officially organized and chartered as an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders on that date in 1960. The association was formed so home builders and other professionals in the home building industry could work together and cooperate in promoting the industry, new homes, home remodeling, repairs and improvements, and other areas of interest to the home building industry. The association began with a few dedicated members and has grown to 350-member firms today. For more information, please call 864-254-0133, or visit http://www.hbaofgreenville.com.
Preparing for Hurricane Irma
Your Home Builders Association is closely monitoring the path of the approaching storm and the potential effects on our state and our members.
In an effort to provide you members with information on securing job sites throughout the state and protecting your families, friends, pets and personal property prior to any potential weather threat due to Hurricane Irma, the HBA of South Carolina has prepared the checklist and other resources below.
Your HBA is here to provide any assistance that we can in order to keep you safe.
CHECKLIST
1. Check with local building departments
Many local building inspection departments office hours/inspections schedules may have changed significantly relative to Hurricane Irma. Check to make sure you know their hours of operation and any amended inspections schedule.
2. Secure job site materials
Once it looks like a storm will be passing close enough to a project, it is time for job site personnel to perform critical tasks like securing materials, trash, tools or other debris that can take flight in heavy winds, including items like dumpsters and portable bathrooms. Please reduce your liability by securing any construction equipment and materials that can be thrown around in a heavy windstorm.
- Prepare to shut down all operations at least 36 hours prior to the storm's intended landfall
- Notify your subcontractors that you are calling a temporary halt to all work
- Store all construction equipment and supplies inside buildings if possible
- Tie down or band together all equipment, tools, supplies, and materials that cannot be secured indoors
- Secure construction debris
- Secure all signage safely indoors if possible or tie it down if it cannot be moved easily
- Take a few moments to double check that all heavy-duty equipment and scaffolding supplies are properly secured to withstand the conditions a hurricane or strong storm will bring
- Turn off the access points for all utilities.
- Make sure that the documentation for your valuables is securely locked awayConsider taking pictures on your phone for additional proof that you have certain possessions
Planning for water removal also is key. Consider placing pumps in excavations or basements in advance of the storm so that pumping can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Getting rid of excess water is not only important for project cleanup but also to protect adjacent properties.
4. Ensure the security of the structure
Now that the items on the periphery of the project are secure, it is time to safeguard the structure itself. If the work is a renovation, or if work has progressed on a new building to a point where water can significantly damage the interior, crews should board up any openings and accessible windows and place sandbags around the perimeter.
5. Post Storm Assessment
When the storm has passed and local authorities have given the go-ahead, it is time to return to the project site to assess damage and start to clean up. It is important to use caution when navigating every area of the project site, especially those with standing water, because sharp or jagged debris could pose a danger. It is also essential to use the same care when entering a building after a storm because, depending on the extent of the damage, some structural elements could be compromised.
Be sure to have your insurance agents contact information on hand.
- South Carolina Hurricane Guide
- South Carolina Evacuation Map
- S.C. Emergency Management Division
- American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness
- S.C. Road Conditions
- National Hurricane Center
- S.C. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Mark Nix, Executive Director, HBASC - 803-917-4846 (m) - mnix@hbaofsc.com
Marc Ellis - HBASC Disaster Preparedness Committe Chairman
You also may contact Michael Dey, HBA of Greenville CEO - mdey@hbaofgreenville.com - 803-917-1701 (m)
Friday, September 1, 2017
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma may pose challenges for Home Builders in the Upstate
By: Michael Dey, CEO, Home Builders Association of Greenville
Hurricane Harvey directed the bulk of its punch on Texas, and Irma is headed our way. However, Approved Professional Home Builders in the Upstate may not be free of the impacts of these hurricanes. Hurricane Katrina should be a guide to the potential impacts that Harvey may have in store for the Upstate in the coming weeks.
Fuel prices and availability
The first impact is already being felt, and may continue for days or weeks: gasoline availability and price. Half of the nation's oil refineries are located in Texas and Louisiana, and they are all closed. As a result of the lack of flow, the Colonial Pipeline, the means by which gasoline is shipped to the Southeast from the Gulf Coast, has been closed also. This is the source of half of our state's fuel. Gasoline prices have already jumped, and shortages may follow.
Building materials shortages
Following Katrina, building materials, particularly lumber and plywood, were in short supply for several months as these materials were diverted to devastated areas following Katrina. Approved Professional Home Builders can expect the same with Harvey and Irma. Texas and Florida get some of their lumber from the same suppliers as South Carolina. These suppliers are in Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia.
If you are not using an escalation clause in your contract with your customers, you should consider using one. Your attorney can help you add one to your contract. Your Home Builders Association can provide you with a sample. Simply email eo@HBAofGreenville.com.
Labor shortages
Another issue Approved Professional Home Builders experienced following Katrina was labor shortages as subcontractors traveled to hurricane-effected areas to help and in search of bigger pay days. No matter the reason, some of your labor may head to Texas and Florida to work on clean up and repair efforts there.
In a meeting yesterday with Federal Reserve officials, labor availability was front and center as the number one concern of business people in all industries. Labor availability is reaching crisis levels, and Harvey could be a catastrophe that pushes the labor problem for construction in the Upstate to a crisis situation.
Approved Professional Home Builders should plan for these contingencies, and prepare for the customers for possible delays in their projects.
Hurricane Harvey directed the bulk of its punch on Texas, and Irma is headed our way. However, Approved Professional Home Builders in the Upstate may not be free of the impacts of these hurricanes. Hurricane Katrina should be a guide to the potential impacts that Harvey may have in store for the Upstate in the coming weeks.
Fuel prices and availability
The first impact is already being felt, and may continue for days or weeks: gasoline availability and price. Half of the nation's oil refineries are located in Texas and Louisiana, and they are all closed. As a result of the lack of flow, the Colonial Pipeline, the means by which gasoline is shipped to the Southeast from the Gulf Coast, has been closed also. This is the source of half of our state's fuel. Gasoline prices have already jumped, and shortages may follow.
Building materials shortages
Following Katrina, building materials, particularly lumber and plywood, were in short supply for several months as these materials were diverted to devastated areas following Katrina. Approved Professional Home Builders can expect the same with Harvey and Irma. Texas and Florida get some of their lumber from the same suppliers as South Carolina. These suppliers are in Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia.
If you are not using an escalation clause in your contract with your customers, you should consider using one. Your attorney can help you add one to your contract. Your Home Builders Association can provide you with a sample. Simply email eo@HBAofGreenville.com.
Labor shortages
Another issue Approved Professional Home Builders experienced following Katrina was labor shortages as subcontractors traveled to hurricane-effected areas to help and in search of bigger pay days. No matter the reason, some of your labor may head to Texas and Florida to work on clean up and repair efforts there.
In a meeting yesterday with Federal Reserve officials, labor availability was front and center as the number one concern of business people in all industries. Labor availability is reaching crisis levels, and Harvey could be a catastrophe that pushes the labor problem for construction in the Upstate to a crisis situation.
Approved Professional Home Builders should plan for these contingencies, and prepare for the customers for possible delays in their projects.
IBS early bird discount extended to September 15
Organizers have decided to extend those incredible August deals to all who register by September 15. That means there is still time for HBA members to obtain a free expo pass (non-members save 50%) and save $100 on a full registration. Additionally, spouse registration is free before the September 15 deadline.
Savings like these can certainly help make the typical burdens of traveling seem much less onerous. Plus, registrants can rest assured that IBS 2018 will be well worth the effort.
Don’t miss your opportunity to save before the September 15 deadline. Register today at BuildersShow.com.
Federal judge overturns overtime rule
Yesterday a Federal judge in Texas struck down the U.S. Department of Labor's overtime rule that was set to increase the Federal minimum salary to be exempt from overtime from $23,660 to $47,476.
The Obama-era overtime rule, which was set to take effect December1, 2016, was stayed from enforcement by the same judge shortly before it was set to take effect.
The judge, in his ruling yesterday, said that the Department of Labor improperly considered salary in drafting its rule instead of considering job descriptions. The judge also ruled, "the salary level was set so high that it could sweep in some management workers who are supposed to be exempt from overtime protections." The National Association of Home Builders estimated that nearly 100,000 construction supervisors were affected by the rule.
Read more about the ruling at Fortune and The Hill.
The Trump Administration recently announced that it has directed the Department of Labor to review the overtime rule and the thresholds for exemption from overtime.
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson was one of 21 states Attorneys Generals who challenged the Obama Administration's overtime rule. The National Association of Home Builders weighed in with briefs making the home building industry's case on the rule.
The Obama-era overtime rule, which was set to take effect December1, 2016, was stayed from enforcement by the same judge shortly before it was set to take effect.
The judge, in his ruling yesterday, said that the Department of Labor improperly considered salary in drafting its rule instead of considering job descriptions. The judge also ruled, "the salary level was set so high that it could sweep in some management workers who are supposed to be exempt from overtime protections." The National Association of Home Builders estimated that nearly 100,000 construction supervisors were affected by the rule.
Read more about the ruling at Fortune and The Hill.
The Trump Administration recently announced that it has directed the Department of Labor to review the overtime rule and the thresholds for exemption from overtime.
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson was one of 21 states Attorneys Generals who challenged the Obama Administration's overtime rule. The National Association of Home Builders weighed in with briefs making the home building industry's case on the rule.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)