In Memory: The TBA family mourns the deaths last week of 1978-79 President Bill Van Landingham and local businessman Ted Rodrigue, the father of 2009 TBA President Mark Rodrigue.
 

Celebrate Remodeling Excellence
With TBA Members on Wednesday

City Gas – Your Own Utilities® is your sponsor. Hi-Tech System Associates, Inc. in your host. Sieneyard is your caterer. And the 2013 Remodelers Showcase Awards is the reason for it all when the Tallahassee Builders Association welcomes members to a social event this Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm. The location is Hi-Tech’s new showroom at 2498 Centerville Road (north of Capital Circle NE) where Jason Wester and his Hi-Tech team will provide hands-on demonstration of home theaters, security systems, intercoms, and other exciting electronic applications for the home. At 6:30 pm, the TBA Remodelers Council will present its Showcase Awards to four of the area’s top remodelers: Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS; Brian Will, CIP, CAPS; Jerry McFarland, CIP; and Kip Carpenter, CIP, CAPS. Please RSVP to Lori Baird () by Tuesday morning. Dress is casual and spouses/guests are welcome. 
 
  

 

Brian Will’s Redesigned Kitchen
Stars in 2013 Remodelers Awards

For an experienced professional remodeler like Brian Will of New South Homes, Inc., “opening up” kitchens by removing walls is a common practice. But that may be the only “common” thing he did in redesigning a kitchen that won the Tallahassee Builders Association’s “Best Kitchen over $75,000” in the 2013 Remodelers Showcase Awards competition. According to Will, using an exposed beam and a ductwork chase as an architectural feature rather than a budget concession is the type of challenge that turns good remodeling design into great and makes it so rewarding.  A two-step soffit with crown molding at each of the three angles creates symmetry and is stunningly beautiful.  Integrating the soffit step with the island hood location provides an additional seamless connection. Three decorative columns “anchor” the island, providing visual balance for the bearing point and a convenient raceway for utilities.  Coordinating two stain colors diminishes the boxed-in look of a monochromatic palate enhancing the furniture quality appearance of the custom cabinetry.  Pro-style appliances include double ovens, gas cooktop, two icemakers and built-in microwave.  Multiple lighting options provide task and mood lighting for every kitchen activity. This successful lifestyle transformation is a testament to what can be achieved with patience, creativity and cooperation between client and remodeler.  
 
 

 

2013 Remodelers Showcase Award Winners

Best Bathroom

Under $25,000

Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS

Capital City Builders
 

Best Bathroom

$25-50,000

William Carpenter, CIP, CAPS

Carpenters Construction
 

Best Kitchen

$35-75,000

William Carpenter, CIP, CAPS

Carpenters Construction

Best Kitchen

Over $75,000

Brian Will, CIP, CAPS

New South Homes, Inc.
 

Best Home Rehabilitation

Over $150,000

Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS

Capital City Builders
 

Best Room Addition

Over $150,000

James “Jerry” McFarland, CIP
James McFarland, Builder  
 
 

 

TBA Member Alert: Important
Deadline for Healthcare Notice

While Employer Shared Responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act were postponed by the Obama Administration until 2015, HBA members should know that the mandate for individuals and their dependents will still go into effect as planned on January 1, 2014. This rule mandates that all individuals and their dependents must either have health care coverage, qualify as exempt, or pay a penalty. In preparation for this mandate, the state and federal health insurance marketplaces created under the Affordable Care Act will officially open on October 1 to allow individuals and businesses to shop for health insurance plans. To help employees with their insurance selection decisions, the Department of Labor (DOL) is asking all employers, regardless of size, to furnish each employee with a written notice of health insurance options by October 1. Employees hired after October 1 should be provided with the notice within 14 days of their hire. Model notices can be downloaded and printed below: Model notice for employers who offer health insurance (PDF) and Model notice for employers who do not offer health insurance (PDF). There is no penalty for a failure to provide this notice. Small businesses with less than 50 employees do not have to provide health insurance, and businesses with more than 50 employees now have until 2015 to provide coverage or face penalties. But to reaffirm, ALL businesses, regardless of size, are asked to furnish the written notice of health insurance options. For more information, visit the DOL website or contact NAHB staff specialists  (800-368-5242 Ext. 8491) or  (Ext. 8407).
 
 

     

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeBuildersAssociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

BUILDER OF YEAR

ALAN WEEKLEY Alan Weekley Homes

ASSOCIATE OF YEAR

ALAN ROBISON Capelouto Termite & Pest Control

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

BILL KIMBERL, IV, CIP Kimberl Construction, Inc.

HALL OF FAME

MARK WORLEY, CIP, GMB Worley Construction

Hear Gillum Speak
At Thursday Meeting

Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum will be the featured speaker at the Tallahassee Builders Association’s general membership meeting this Thursday (September 19) at 11:30 am at Killearn Country Club. Gillum was first elected in 2003 and he has been a champion for streamlined code enforcement, commercial utility deposit rebates, and seven-day guaranteed permitting. Gillum will offer insights into the City’s budget deliberations and key economic development issues like Blueprint 2000. The cost to attend is $15 and is payable at the door by cash, check or credit card. 
 
 

Hi-Tech Showroom Hosts
2013 Remodelers Awards

There are lots of reasons to attend the 2013 Remodelers Showcase Awards Social on Wednesday evening, September 25. First, you’ll view the latest in new-home technology as High-Tech System Associates, Inc. hosts the social at it new showroom at 2498 Centerville Road. Individual tours of the showroom will be available to view home theaters, security systems, intercoms, and electronics. Second, thanks to the generosity of TBA Platinum Sponsor City Gas, a superb seafood dinner catered by Seineyard is complimentary to all participants. And third, you can view the Remodelers Showcase Award winners (on display boards) courtesy of by four world-class TBA remodelers: Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS; Brian Will, CIP, CAPS; Jerry McFarland, CIP; and Kip Carpenter, CIP, CAPS. The event begins at 5:30 pm with awards to be presented at 6:30 pm. RSVPs (email ) are required.  
 
 

 

Lane Offers Insights
At Green Luncheon

Participants in last week’s TBA Green Building Council meeting were treated to some excellent insights on the local housing market from Greg Lane of Timberlane Appraisal. The luncheon meeting was hosted by Hancock Bank at its Mahan Drive location and Hancock’s Deborah McClellan said she and her team are committed to meeting the financing needs of TBA members, including portfolio lending on new homes and remodeling projects.  Lane offered an optimistic view of the market with inventory down and sales up but warned that buildable lots in desirable neighborhoods are in short supply. He said the excitement surrounding the opening of Whole Foods on Thomasville Road was huge. “In some people’s minds, it’s like we landed a Ford plant with hundreds of jobs.”  Lane sees home prices firming, returning almost to pre-recession levels. Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Executive Director Suzanne Cook chairs the TBA Green Building Council. FGBC recently honored TBA members Bill Kimberl, CIP, CAPS, of Kimberl Construction and Tom Asbury of Premier Fine Homes as being among the most energy-efficient builders in the state. The next Green Council meeting is set for October 10 (check the TBA web site at tallyba.com for subject, time and location).
 
 
     

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeBuildersAssociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

BUILDER OF YEAR

ALAN WEEKLEY Alan Weekley Homes

ASSOCIATE OF YEAR

ALAN ROBISON Capelouto Termite & Pest Control

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

BILL KIMBERL, IV, CIP Kimberl Construction, Inc.

HALL OF FAME

MARK WORLEY, CIP, GMB Worley Construction

Andrew Gillum to Speak
At September 19 Meeting

One of Tallahassee most exciting young elected officials – City Commissioner Andrew Gillum – will be the featured speaker at the Tallahassee Builders Association’s September 19 general membership meeting at 11:30 am at Killearn Country Club. Gillum was first elected in 2003 and he has been a champion for streamlined code enforcement, commercial utility deposit rebates, and seven-day guaranteed permitting. Gillum will offer insights into the City’s budget deliberations and key economic development issues like Blueprint 2000. The cost to attend is $15 and is payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.
 

Hancock Bank to Host
Green Council Meeting

Get the latest and best information on green building trends by attending this Thursday’s TBA Green Building Council meeting hosted and sponsored by Hancock Bank at their 2453 Mahan Drive branch. The meeting begins at 11:30 am and lunch is complimentary, thanks to Deborah McClellan and our friends at Hancock Bank. The green building insights will cover code issues, certifications, and Energy Star® updates presented by energy raters Jane and Randy Conn of ES Green & Company and Suzanne Cook, CAE, who chairs the Green Building Council and is the Executive Director of the Florida Green Building Coalition. The Conns and Cook will have fresh insights from the FGBC-sponsored GreenTrends Conference & Tradeshow held recently in Sarasota.  
 

City Gas and Hi-Tech
Host Remodelers Event

Members of the TBA Remodelers Council and their spouses are invited to attend the 2013 Remodelers Showcase Awards social event on Wednesday evening, September 25 at the new 2498 Centerville Road showroom of Hi-Tech System Associates, Inc. The event, which features catering by Seineyard, is sponsored by City Gas – Your Own Utilities®. Four veteran members of the TBA Remodelers Council will be honored for their success in the 2013 Remodelers Showcase Awards. The top winners are Florida 2012 Remodeler of the Year Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS; Brian Will, CIP, CAPS; Jerry McFarland, CIP; and Kip Carpenter, CIP, CAPS, who was recently honored with a prestigious Aurora Award (for a bath remodel) at the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC). Hi-Tech System Associates provides home theatres as well as security, intercom, and electronics for residential and commercial applications. The event begins at 5:30 pm with awards to be presented at 6:30 pm. RSVPs (email ) are required.
 

Nationally, Lot Prices
Jump Amid Shortages

A shortage of buildable lots, especially in the most desirable locations, has emerged as one of the key factors holding back a more robust housing recovery, according to the latest survey on the topic conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “In our August 2013 survey, 59 percent of builders reported that the supply of lots in their markets was low or very low, up from 43 percent September of last year, and the largest low supply percentage we’ve seen since we began conducting these surveys in 1997,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “One reason is that many residential developers left the industry, abandoned certain markets or simply stopped buying land and developing lots during the downturn,” said Crowe.  At the same time, lot prices are increasing. In 27 leading housing markets, the average price of a finished lot ready for building was up 40 percent in the second quarter from a year ago, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting. The big jumps are "making up for lost ground" during the housing downturn when lot prices fell, according to Crowe, who added that finished lots represent almost 22 percent of a new home's price.  
 

FHBA Will Honor
2013 Top Achievers

The Florida Home Builders Association will honor its top achievers of 2013 when it hosts the FHBA Fall Leadership Conference on October 17-19, 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. Winners of the Builder, Associate and Remodeler of the Year Awards will be named at the Installation/Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, October 19. Last year’s winners were Builder of the Year John Wiseman of Sarasota, Associate of the Year Arlene Stewart of Gainesville, and Remodeler of the Year and TBA member Larry Wayne Strickland of Tallahassee.  There is a no registration fee to attend the conference. To make hotel reservations at the Tampa Bay Grand Hyatt, click here:  https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_gi_new&groupID=18027868, or call the hotel at (813) 874 1234 and ask for the FHBA room block. In order to receive the group rate of $139, reserve your room by the cutoff date of October 8, 2013. To register for the conference and purchase tickets for conference events, go to this link: https://fhbaleadershipconference.eventbrite.com/. Questions about the Fall Conference should be directed to Pati Jackson, Director of Conferences & Education, at 800-261-9447, ext. 116, or .  
 

IBS Opens Registration
For 2014 Show in Vegas

Residents in a Tallahassee neighborhood found a sinkhole had opened up close to their The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) officially opened online registration this week for the 2014 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the largest annual light construction tradeshow in the world. The 2014 megashow, to be held in Las Vegas, February 4-6, is part of the first Design & Construction Week,™ a co-location with the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), hosted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). With more than 70,000 anticipated attendees, 1,500 exhibitors and 600,000-plus net square feet of exhibits, this new mega-event is the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design professionals. While the shows will remain separate and distinct, all registrants will have access to the exhibits of both IBS and KBIS as well as the exhibits of a third show, the International Window Coverings Expo.  “Design & Construction Week is already generating a lot of excitement,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, NC. “Now more than ever, industry professionals can find everything they need under one roof from an expansive exhibit floor with the top products to comprehensive education programs, networking opportunities and special events. Attendees will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind event.” During September, IBS registrants can take advantage of several discounts and incentives, including a Free Expo Pass for all NAHB members or a $100 discount for NAHB members on early full conference registration, which includes access to 100+ education sessions in addition to the expo floors of all three shows. Building industry professionals and their affiliates are invited to register by visiting the show’s website at www.buildersshow.com.  

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeBuildersAssociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

BUILDER OF YEAR

ALAN WEEKLEY Alan Weekley Homes

ASSOCIATE OF YEAR

ALAN ROBISON Capelouto Termite & Pest Control

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

BILL KIMBERL, IV, CIP Kimberl Construction, Inc.

HALL OF FAME

MARK WORLEY, CIP, GMB Worley Construction

TBA Remodelers Wins
2013 Showcase Awards

November Busy Month
For TBA Special Events

NAHB Scores Big Win
In Mortgage Financing

If you want to know what your National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is doing for you, look no further than last week’s national news headlines. NAHB – working in concert with its allied national associations – won a HUGE victory when federal regulators walked away from a proposed rule that would encourage mortgage lenders to require a 20 percent down payment from home buyers. I don’t have to tell you how hard it would be for first-time home buyers if they had to save for a large upfront cost, especially in an economic environment that is not back where it should be just yet. Not long after the ruling was announced, I spoke with NAHB Immediate Past Chairman Barry Rutenberg, the CEO of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, who personally testified before Congress and regulatory agencies on this issue numerous times over the past year. “This is really what NAHB is all about,” said Barry. “The (new home) sales that would have been lost had this rule gone into effect would have been a devastating blow to our industry. Thankfully, the message was delivered, received and responded to in a positive way.” There are lots of reasons that the $150 annual dues investment in NAHB (along with the portion of dues that goes to FHBA and your local HBA) pays off many times over. But you can put last week’s victory at or near the top of the list. – Suzanne Graham, President, Florida Home Builders Association.
 

NAHB Concerned
About Silica Rules

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a coalition of construction industry groups is concerned about a proposed rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that’s intended to protect workers from inhaling dust containing silica, created by activities such as cutting brick or block, and sawing, grinding or drilling concrete. “We need practical, science-based solutions that protect workers in all facets of construction,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a builder and developer from Charlotte, NC. “Unfortunately, OSHA’s initial announcement about this proposed rule indicates we aren’t there yet.” Announced August 23, 2013 in a press conference that laid out few details, the proposed rule seems to call for one-size-fits-all measures that contradict existing safety and quality assurance practices for different types of contractors. For instance, spraying water to reduce dust may be practical in some construction projects, but using it inside a home while cutting granite counters can cause mold. Ventilation and dust-capture systems can inhibit the safe operation of tools. And if prescribed measures are not practicable, contractors might be forced to eliminate products with silica altogether, including concrete, brick, granite, and other common construction materials. Independent studies have estimated costs for construction industry compliance will exceed $1 billion per year.  
 

Montford Won’t Demand
Septic Tank Inspections

State Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) hasn’t changed his position: he does not favor a mandatory statewide inspection program for septic tanks, according to a report last week by Bruce Ritchie, editor of the Florida Current. Support for the program was inaccurately attributed to Montford last week at a Senate committee meeting focused on how the problem of septic tanks at Indian River Lagoon can be addressed. The Legislature in 2012 approved HB 1263, which repealed a statewide septic tanks inspection requirement adopted by the Legislature in 2010. Montford said this week he only wanted clarification on how many septic tanks are affecting Indian River Lagoon. "I believe what we passed in 2012 is sufficient local governments make that decision," Montford said. Keith Hetrick, a legislative consultant to the Florida Home Builders Association, said he doesn't think that an inspection requirement will pass the Legislature so soon after it was repealed. The association supported the requirement in 2010 and the repeal two years later.  
 

Leon County Sinkhole
Not Considered a Trend

Residents in a Tallahassee neighborhood found a sinkhole had opened up close to their homes, but Leon County officials say everything is fine. "[It] gives us more opportunity to get flood water in here," said Timberlake Homeowners Association President Gerald Bell, looking at a sinkhole that opened up in a stormwater lake close to the neighborhood. "It seems to have stabilized enough that it doesn't seem to be a problem to the neighborhood." There is a protective area around the 15-foot wide sinkhole, but Leon County Public Works officials say that the houses across the lake have nothing to worry about. Theresa Heiker, Leon County Stormwater Management, said "We have no reason to believe that there's any risk to the homes from the sinkhole that's developed at the pond."  
 

Welcome These Firms
To the TBA Family

Remember to friend and follow TBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeBuildersAssociation

   -- Paul M. Thompson, Executive Officer
 

View the 2013 TBA
Membership Directory
 

BUILDER OF YEAR

ALAN WEEKLEY Alan Weekley Homes

ASSOCIATE OF YEAR

ALAN ROBISON Capelouto Termite & Pest Control

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

BILL KIMBERL, IV, CIP Kimberl Construction, Inc.

HALL OF FAME

MARK WORLEY, CIP, GMB Worley Construction