WBSBA NEWSLETTERBuilding Today for a Better Tomorrow

FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 2

WBSBA MEETINGS:

DINNER MEETINGSTuesdays 6pm Feb. 21 2017April 18 2017

HOME SHOWMARCH 17-19

BOARD MEETINGSMondays

6:30 PM - WAHSFeb. 20 2017Mar. 20 2017April 17 2017

 

PBAPBA Winter Board

MeetingFeb. 23-25, 2017

2017 Installation &Awards Banquet

Feb. 24, 2017

PBA Summer 2017 Board Meeting

July 20-22

NAHBMid-Year MeetingJune 13-17. 2017 Washington, D.C.

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

Inside this issue:Penn College Students Compete at International Builder Show, pg 5New Survey: What do Buyers Prefer, Size or Amenities? pg 8Remodeling Market Eases Off the Gas, pg 9NATIONAL FRONT: Updates on the WOTUS Rule, pg 10CONSUMER CORNER: Your February Home Checklist, pg 14

PLUS!! Tips to make your homeshow experience successful, pgs 18-19

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2017 HOME SHOW! (deadline to guarantee listing in program: 2/10)

LOVECONTRACTOR!

How toyour

Page 16

Inside this issue:Letter from the President: IBS 2017 Student Competition .........................................................................3

Penn College Students Perform Well at National Competition..................................................................5

Survey: Buyers Prefer Amenities Over Size in New Homes ....................................................................8-9

Remodeling Market May Ease Off the Gas ........................................................................................................9

NATIONAL FRONT: Resolution to Vacate WOTUS Rule Introduced in Senate ...............................................10

STATE WATCH: PA Housing- Foreclosures & Housing Markets ...............................................................11

Do Business with a Member! ...................................................................................................................... 12-13

CONSUMER CORNER: February Home Checklist ................................................................................... 14-15

COVER STORY: How to Love Working with Your Contractor ............................................................. 16-17

FAST & EASY TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2017 WBSBA HOMESHOW! ............................................... 18-19

Installation of 2017 WBSBA Officers and Directors ..................................................................................20

2017 WBSBA HOMESHOW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES! ................................................................21

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association (WBSBA)323 Grammer Road, Suite 1 | Williamsport, PA 17701PH: 570.326.4211 | FAX: 570.326.0821wbsba@westbranchbuilders.org | www.westbranchbuilders.org

Congratulations to Our Penn College Students!

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association would like to congratulate the two- and four-year students from the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Construction and Design Technology who participated in the 2017 NAHB Student Chapters’ Residential Construction Management Competition (RCMC) in Orlando, Florida. A very special thank you goes to Barney Kahn, Instructor, and Co-department Head, Building Construction Technology, and Levon Whitmyer, Instructor, Building Construction Technology, for their roles with our Penn College Student Chapter program and leading the students to competition.

Since 1990, the NAHB Student Chapters’ Residential Construction Management Competition (RCMC) has been one of the highlights at the International Builders’ Show. The RCMC gives student members of NAHB the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the classroom to a real construction project. Teams do this by completing a management project and submitting it to construction company executives who act as judges. During the convention students defend their projects to a panel of judges in front of an audience.

The West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association is very proud to sponsor our students through our Student Chapters. Not only does the competition provide experience that few others will have, but it also gives the students and Penn College exposure to industry leaders that would otherwise not be accessible.

Their participation will propel their careers, and in turn, will continue to strengthen the roots and foundation of the Construction Trades Industry. However, we cannot make this happed without you, our members. Your membership and participation in WBSBA plays an important role in contributing to the success and future of our students and the trades. We continue to remain committed by looking to the futures of our best and brightest of the trades industry.

Once again... Congratulations to Levon Whitmyer, Barney Kahn, and all the students who participated in this year’s competition.

Brion HarlanPresident, WBSBA

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

2017 WBSBA Officers and Directors

PRESIDENT Brion Harlan

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Randy Williamson

SEC. VICE PRESIDENT James Hoffman

SECRETARY Hurley Kane

TREASURER Marvin Hurwitz

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Steven Sechrist

EXECUTIVE OFFICER Valerie Komarnicki

Board of DirectorsCortney Shupp Matt GreenawaltTony Komarnicki Keith RitterDavid Eakin Jody Harlan

Life DirectorsArnold Minnick Walter NymanJohn Schon Gary WilliamsonDon Karaffa Bill HarrisonMarvin Hurwitz Steve SmithSteven Sechrist Hurley KaneRay Venema

Dear Members: Due to increasing costs, WBSBA Dinner Meetings have realized a small increase from seven to $10/Members, and from thirteen to $16/Non-Member. We strive to hold any

increase as low as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 21, 2017

WHERE: The Williamsport Country Club, 800 Country Club Drive, Williamsport TIME: 6:00 p.m. Social 6:30 p.m. Round Table Discussion - TBA 7:00 p.m. Dinner Program Sponsor: Stanley Black & Decker/DeWALT

MENU: Sweetheart Dinner: Chicken Piccata wth Asparagus and Twice Baked Potatoes; house salad, rolls/ butter;lemonade,icetea,coffee;ChefChoiceDessert

COST: Members – (Builders, Associates, & Affiliates) - $10.00 : Guests - $16.00RSVP: DEADLINE, Thursday, February 16 (Final count submitted)

Complete the registration form below (please print legibly) and submit with payment/information via:

FAX: Form and Credit Card info to: (570) 326-0821EMAIL: Form and Credit Card info to: wbsba@westbranchbuilders.orgDOOR: Cash or Check payable to: WBSBA, 323 Grammer Rd., Suite 1, Williamsport, PA CALL: (570) 326-4211 with registration and credit card payment info or any questions

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Monthly Dinner Meetings

A pair of teams comprising students from construction-related programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology admirably met the challenge of competition at the recent National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Florida.

A team representing associate-degree majors placed fifth in a field of 15 entrants from across the country in the Residential Construction Management Competition, and their colleagues from bachelor-degree majors finished 16th out of 35 institutions.

“The teams worked all of the fall semester on the problems given to them,” said Levon A. Whitmyer, instructor of building construction technology, noting that competition preparation is undertaken 100-percent outside of students’ class time. “The problems typically are future, real-world projects within the construction industry.”

Whitmyer and Barney A. Kahn IV, instructor of building construction technology, co-advise the Penn College Construction Association. The organization is a student chapter of the NAHB, which is observing its 75th anniversary during 2017.

The construction problem for the four-year competition, sponsored by the Pulte Group, involved a 34-acre lot in suburban Atlanta. Teams were required to compile market and competitor analyses and show how their solutions could effect an 18-percent rate of return.

The two-year team was tasked with creating a full set of working drawings, materials-and-labor estimate, and construction schedule for a single-family dwelling in Eagle, Idaho. That contest was sponsored by Tresidio Homes.

The students then presented their findings to a panel of industry judges at the International Builders’ Show, held Jan. 7-14.

“Both teams did a fantastic job with their projects and an outstanding job on their presentations,” Whitmyer said. “Barney made the comment that the two teams had probably given two of the best presentations to date for Penn College.”

Team members, their hometowns and majors were:

Associate Degree

Everett B. Appleby, Wilkes-Barre, building construction

Students Perform Well in Prestigious Builders’ CompetitionPennsylvania College of Technology: Released: Jan. 27, 2017

technology; Lindsay A. Lane, McKean, architectural technology; Liam R. McGarvey, Cogan Station, building construction technology; and Jordan M. Scott, Cogan Station, and Ryan Z. Zwickle, Slatington, building construction technology.

Baccalaureate Degree

Nicholas D. Gieger, Dingmans Ferry, Robert G. Jackson III, Butler, and Carlos Rojas, Williamsport, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration; Casey L. Grim, Red Lion, residential construction technology and management; Chad W. Hawkins, Williamsport, civil engineering technology; and Hanna J. Williams, Marion, New York, industrial and human factors design.

Scott – who serves as a Student Government Association senator for the college’s School of Construction & Design Technologies and who helped draft a donation letter for a PCCA scholarship – was one of 28 Outstanding Student competitors chosen from among the representative Studentcolleges, universities and secondary schools. (continued next page...)

Left to right: Levon Whitmyer, Casey Grim, Hanna Williams, Chad Hawkins, Nick Gieger, Robert Jackson, Carlos Rojas.

Top left to right: Ryan Zwickle, Lindsay Lane, Jordan ScottBottom: Liam McGarvey, Everett Appleby

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“It was an honor and a surprise to receive this award because it made me feel like I made a difference in the school and in the PCCA,” she said.

The four-year competition was won by Kennesaw State University in Georgia; Brigham Young University-Idaho was the two-year team winner.

“Collaborating on the project and presenting the information has been one of the most challenging tasks I have faced in my college career, and I feel honored to have been a part of the team,” said Rojas, who already holds two Penn College degrees and is expected to graduate in December with a third.

While in Orlando, the students had the opportunity to walk the trade-show floor, looking at all of the new materials that the industry has to offer, and to staff the Student Chapter/National Housing Endowment booth – a “great opportunity to talk with builders from all across the country and the world,” Whitmyer said.

Faculty’s industry connections allowed Penn College students to tour Pulte’s Ruby Lake development.

“What a great experience for all,” Whitmyer said. “The students got to see different construction techniques, as well as look at a finished project. Thank you, Pulte Group, for a wonderful learning opportunity.”

The instructor also acknowledged support from the college, SGA, the West Branch Susquehanna and Central Susquehanna builders associations, and the National Housing Endowment for helping to fund the students’ trip.

For information about the School of Construction & Design Technologies at Penn College, visit www.pct.edu/cdt or call 570-327-4518.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222. ***

The average size of newly built homes decreased in 2016 – a sign that the home building industry is preparing for the coming wave of first-time buyers as millennials begin to dip their toes into the market, according to research and survey results released today by NAHB.

In 2015, the typical new home had 2,689 square feet. In 2016, it dropped to 2,634, U.S. Census data show. That’s the first drop in size since 2009, said Rose Quint, NAHB’s assistant vice president for survey research.

“The data on new home characteristics show a pattern,” she said. “2016 marked the end of an era that began in 2009 when homes got bigger and bigger with more amenities. I expect the size of homes to continue to decline as demand increases from first-time buyers.”

These homes must include specific amenities: Just as in 2015, a separate laundry room tops the list of must-haves across all income groups. Energy-efficient features like low-E windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, ceiling fans and programmable thermostats are also at the top of buyers’ wish lists. Home buyers also want their homes to include a patio, exterior lighting and a full bath on the main level.

Not as popular among buyers in 2017: cork flooring and solar and geothermal energy, as well as features such as pet-washing stations, outdoor kitchens and sunrooms. “Builders are not going to include them in the average home,” Quint said.

A majority of home buyers prefer a new home to an existing one, and 65% want that home to be in the

suburbs. Size preference goes up as income goes up, with buyers in the $150,000-plus income bracket preferring homes just under 2,500 square feet. No matter what the income, buyers overwhelmingly prefer a smaller house with more features and amenities over sheer size. “More than two-thirds are willing to trade size for high-quality products and features,” Quint said.

New research from Better Homes & Gardens targets a subset of these home owners: “First Millennials,” those between the ages of 22-39 who have purchased their first home.

These buyers generally purchase older housing stock in need of fixing up, said executive editor Jill Waage, which means “88% of them are very interested in learning about home improvement and repair.” They don’t want to spend too much money, and they are willing to compromise on high-quality products and finishes, saving them for their next home. “They’re scarred,” from the recent economic downturn, “but they aren’t scared.”

Surrounded by a culture that watches home improvement reality shows and how-to videos on social media – and remembering their parents’ experiences in the Great Recession – First Millennials overwhelmingly prefer do-it-yourself projects, said Waage, even if they ultimately have to turn it over to a professional to complete.

Watching these shows, seeing what’s shared on social media and learning from the experiences of

Buyers Prefer Amenities Over

Size in New Homes, Survey

ShowsNAHB Now • January 11

While elaborate outdoor rooms are beyond most millennials’ means, this gorgeous BALA award-winning space is one to aspire

to. Photography by Tim Burleson.

their friends and neighbors working on similar fixer-uppers inspires these young families to get out not only their paint brushes and hammers but even their mitre saws and other specialty equipment – and to work on these projects together. And they aren’t just making home improvements, Waage said. “They’re creating a style, a statement – decorating and remodeling at the same time.”

Amenities for outside living continue to be popular and increasingly include “she sheds,” stand-alone buildings from a kit or built onsite to be used for outdoor entertaining, crafting, reading or just to get away, Waage said. “Seventy-five percent of millennials want relaxing outdoor spaces,” and vegetable gardens, fences and decks top their list of projects.

But it’s all about value, as this group thinks ahead to building equity to enable them to purchase their next home. And when that happens, they aren’t looking for oversized master suites or over-the-top finishes. They want mud rooms, that important separate laundry room, and plenty of gathering space. “This generation likes being together. They don’t want to be separate,” Waage said.

***

A recovering economy is great news for the majority of Americans, though for many remodelers, it’s a sign they might need to adjust the way they do business … again.

The economic downturn forced remodelers to adopt new strategies to survive in a changing market — strategies that generally led to sustained profit growth:The newly released 2017 Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study shows that the average gross profit margin for remodelers increased from 26.8% to 28.9% between 2011 and 2015. Average net profit margin increased as well, rising from 3.0% to 5.3% during that same period.Now that spending is back up and consumers are increasingly interested in buying new (or newer) homes, remodeling expenditures are likely to grow at a more gradual pace than in recent years, according to comments made earlier today by NAHB economist Paul Emrath during a press conference at the International Builders’ Show.That means remodelers will have to identify new ways to maintain their share of the market.“Pacific Northwest consumers are tech-savvy and community-minded,” said NAHB Remodelers member Joseph Irons, CAPS, CGP, GMR, a remodeler from Shoreline, Wash. “We’ve reduced costs while growing our business by focusing on social media outreach and community service over traditional advertising.”The Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study assesses the growth, viability and demographics of the remodeling industry. The 2017 study was conducted through an online survey sent out to 5,700 residential remodeling/rehabilitation firms across the country in the spring of 2016. ***

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Remodeling Market Might Ease Off the Gas

NAHB Now: Filed in

Business Management,

Economics, Remodelers

on January 10, 2017

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THE NATIONAL FRONT: NAHB NEWS

A portion of your WBSBA member dues go to the front lines of Washington DC

and Harrisburg to fight misguided industry regulations and legislation that negatively

impact millions of businesses, jobs, and local economies?

YOUR MEMBERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE Spread the word. Help us keep up the fight.

DID YOU KNOW?

Resolution to Vacate WOTUS Rule Introduced in Senate

Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) have introduced a resolution to withdraw the Waters of the United States rule, which contains new and expanded definitions that NAHB has long held as the poster child of federal intrusion into states’ rights and an example of federal overreach on land-use decisions.“Congress left to states their traditional authority over land and water, including farmers’ fields, non-navigable, wholly intrastate water (including puddles and ponds), and the allocation of water supplies,” the resolution said.New definitions finalized in June 2015 turn that authority on its head. “By dramatically extending the areas in which home builders are required to get permits, the rule will lead to bureaucratic delays, increase project costs and mitigation fees, and harm housing affordability,” former NAHB Chairman Tom Woods said at the time.After the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay later that year, NAHB helped lead a

coalition of industry partners to challenge the rule, saying that it is deeply flawed, arbitrarily written, and provides no clarity or certainty to members of the regulated community.On Jan. 13, the Supreme Court agreed to examine the Sixth Circuit decision after a petition by NAHB and a coalition of industry groups affected by the rule.“As a business tht sometimes must challenge these rules in court, NAHB must know whether it is proper to bring these challenges first to district court or whether the challenges must be brought in a court of appeals,” said vice president for litigation Tom Ward.“We are seeking clear guidance from the Supreme Court so that businesses like NAHB aren’t forced to file two lawsuits to protect our interests,” he said.The Senate resolution seeks to stop the encroachment once and for all, asking that the rule and its new definitions of what constitutes the waters of the United States be vacated.For additional information, contact Courtney Briggs at 800-362-4252 x8459.

Filed in Capitol Hill, Codes and Regulations, Environmental, Land Development on January 12, 2017, updated Jan. 15, 2017

STATE WATCH: PBA NEWS & UPDATES

(Photo / Amy Spangler

PA Housing Market Ends 2016 On A Positive Note

The fourth quarter of 2016 experienced an increase in home sales, compared to the previous year, according to a report released today by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®. Existing home sales were up 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter with 33,188 sales, compared to the fourth quarter of 2015 and were up 7.2 percent overall in 2016 with 137,526 sales.

The median sales price rose in the fourth quarter as well, up 4.6 percent to $170,000, compared to the same quarter in 2015. The year ended with the median sales price up 2.8 percent higher than 2015.

Homes are selling quicker in many markets. Days on market dropped 6.3 percent from 80 days in 2015 to 75 in 2016.

“Sales and prices were up in most markets throughout the commonwealth,” said PAR President Kathleen McQuilkin. “Overall, we’re seeing healthy growth in the real estate market.”

The number of new listings entering the market continued to fall in the fourth quarter, down 7.5 percent, compared to the same period in 2015.

“We’ve seen a continuing trend of fewer listings entering the market, with an overall decrease of 4 percent in inventory in 2016,” McQuilkin said. “This has created a competitive market because there are fewer homes available. Inventory is lower and demand is growing. Homes that are in good condition and priced competitively are seeing multiple offers. This could continue to be a challenge in the new year.”

“Overall, Realtors® are positive about the market in 2017,” she added. “We’re continuing to see low interest rates and low unemployment rates which inspires consumer confidence.”

***

LEMOYNE, Pa., Jan. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/Jan 13, 2017,

U.S. foreclosure filings dropped to a 10-year low in 2016, but many areas, including parts of the midstate, saw an uptick in activity over 2015, according to ATTOM Data Solutions, a top source for foreclosure data.

According to ATTOM's year-end data for Central Pennsylvania, Dauphin and Lebanon counties saw decreases in foreclosure activity from 2015. Filings were down 18 to 20 percent in those counties.

But filings, which can be default notices, scheduled property auctions or bank repossessions, increased slightly in Lancaster and York counties. In Cumberland County, filings nearly doubled from 2015.

Pennsylvania is one of eight states where the average time to foreclose in the fourth quarter was more than 1,000 days, according to ATTOM officials.

"Foreclosures completed in the fourth quarter had been in the foreclosure process 803 days on average, a substantial jump from the third quarter and indicating that banks pushed through significant numbers of legacy foreclosures during the third quarter," said Daren Blomquist, senior vice president for ATTOM.

More than half of all active foreclosures nationwide are on loans that originated between 2004 and 2008, the company said.

There were 933,045 foreclosure filings in the U.S. in 2016, down 14 percent from 2015. Less than 1 percent of all U.S. homes had at least one foreclosure filing last year.

In Central Pennsylvania counties, foreclosure filings impacted between 0.5 percent and 1.1 percent of homes.

Pennsylvania foreclosure filings are down about 15 percent from the 2010 peak for foreclosures, according to ATTOM. ***

Foreclosure Activity Down Nationally, Direction Mixed in Central PABy Jason Scott, January 13, 2017 at 12:05 PM

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CONSUMER CORNER

To-Dos: Your February Home ChecklistHere’s how to keep your home cozy and organized this month while you plan for warmer days aheadFebruary is a perfect time of year to indulge in home comforts like cooking big-batch meals, reading

in the afternoon and watching movies with the family at night. Here are nine ideas to add to your to-do list this month, from the must-dos (clearing sidewalks of snow and ice)

to the just-for-fun (treating yourself to weekly flowers).

1. Keep sidewalks and entryways free of ice and snow (even while you’re away). Ice and snow can make walkways dangerous for visitors. Aim to shovel snow promptly, and sprinkle gravel, straw or wood chips to provide traction. And if you plan to be out of town during a winter storm, hire someone to clear the sidewalk and front steps of your home while you are away. Your neighbors and mail carrier will thank you!

2. Start planning for a spring or summer home sale. If you are considering putting your home on the market this year, it’s a good idea to start the process now. Set a timetable, interview potential real estate agents and make a list of home projects that need to get done to help your home show well.

3. Clean entryway floors. Road salt and melting snow can give entryway floors a beating. Pick up clutter and give floors a good mopping. To keep floors looking their best between cleanings, stash a few old towels in a basket near the door to wipe up messes.

4. Organize bookshelves. Pull volumes that you didn’t enjoy or are finished with, and sell or donate them, leaving a bit of extra room on each shelf for new titles. And if you get distracted by beloved old books you had forgotten all about, just roll with it. After all, there’s no better place to spend a winter afternoon than in a favorite chair with a good book.

5. Refresh your movie-watching zone. Winter is a good time to catch up on movies you missed in the theater or to binge-watch your favorite shows. So why not make your movie-watching zone as comfy and cozy as possible? Start by vacuuming the floors and upholstery (using a vacuum attachment) and by clearing away clutter. Next, assess your collection of movies and games, donating extras to charity. Finally, make sure there are plenty of comfortable pillows and throws, plus lighting that can be dimmed.

6. Cook to stock up your freezer. A few hours of cooking on a weekend can create major dividends if you focus your efforts on making big-batch suppers that can be frozen and reheated later. Knowing that you have homemade soup, stew, chili or casseroles in the freezer makes

facing weeknight dinners much less stressful. Just add crusty bread and a simple salad, and dinner will be ready with little effort.

7. Boost warmth. Stay toasty and save on energy bills by blocking drafty doors with door sweeps or door snakes, and warming up with rugs, throws and duvets. For even more energy savings, shut doors to unused rooms,

8. Check bathrooms for moisture, mildew and mold. It can be hard to give bathrooms enough ventilation when the house is closed up tight for winter. Unfortunately, that buildup of moisture can lead to mildew or even harmful molds. Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to grout, the ceiling and any other areas showing signs of excess moisture.

9. Indulge in weekly fresh flowers. With Valentine’s Day this month, the markets will be filled with fresh flowers at good prices. Treat your home to a bouquet of fresh-cut blooms once a week to add a little cheer — spring may still be a little way off, but that doesn’t mean your dining table can’t look like a garden in bloom! ***

move furniture away from heating vents, and close the chimney flue when it’s not in use.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring a contractor?A: Sometimes people hire a contractor only because he or she came in with the lowest bid. You should try to hire a contractor who has a good reputation, someone who comes to you through referral. There are contractors who will lowball a bid in order to get the job and then bury the client with change orders–a change to the original scope of work on the contract–that can be costly. Always ask for references and then interview the contractor’s previous clients if you can.

Q: How do you make the experience a collaborative thing and not just a business transaction?A: Yeah, this can be a tough transition to make, but I think it’s very important. The bottom line is the client needs work done on their home or business, and they have a limited budget. The contractor needs to earn enough to cover all of the materials, plus labor, insurance, etc, and still make a profit. During the bidding process, the client and contractor are figuratively sitting across the table from one another. But once the contract is signed and an agreement is reached, it is critical that they are now on the same side of the table and it becomes a partnership.

Q: How do you begin the process?A: I always try to have the initial meeting at the project site, even if it’s a bare patch of land. This helps put the client at ease because we’re meeting on their turf, and, of course, it’s necessary in order for me to get a real sense of the project. That first meeting is

Every woman (and man) should love their contractor. Why? Because the contractor is like the glue of a project. While an architect creates and oversees the design, the contractor and his team of workers–subcontractors–executes the vision. It’s the contractor who you will always find on site and he’s the person everyone turns to for help and problem solving as construction progresses. Below is a series of questions and answers to crucial things to consider and how to

find the contractor who is right for your job.

really to see if you have a connection, and that first impression is important. Also, if the homeowner signs the contract in the contractor’s office it’s very difficult to cancel. But if the contract is signed at the homeowner’s property, then you have three days to cancel.

Q: Do you work with your clients on site?A: This should be a real partnership and there should never be a problem with the homeowner coming by the job at any time. Many times the client will just walk around the job and then leave without saying a word. They may want to give their friends a tour. It also allows the contractor and homeowner to work together and really fine-tune the project. I am a big proponent of doing mock-ups that allow the homeowners to really see how how a design feature is going to look. It can be difficult to envision how something like window trim or a stair banister is going to turn out if you’re just looking at the plans. We keep a supply of materials on hand to do quick mock-ups.

Q: How do you navigate working with an architect and a client? A: This is another good question to ask a potential contractor. Smaller-scale projects can be handled by the homeowner and the builder. For a bigger remodel or a new construction, the homeowner will hire an architect and once the plans are complete, they’ll start to interview contractors. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes between the contractor and the architect, so I work to have a good relationship with

Article excerpts from www.Remodelista.com, by Sarah LonsdaleImage from www.localtradessearch.com

How to Love Working With Your Contractor

the architect. You can always ask your architect to recommend builders that he or she has worked with and who know how to build houses in the style in question.

Q: Things a client should consider ahead of time?A: Clients often wonder why they have to commit to so many details ahead of time. Sometimes they want to see the house framed and the drywall installed before they decide on what materials to select, but a lot of decisions need to happen early in the process. For example, we need to know what flooring material they would like because the thickness of the floor should relate to the door thresholds and built-in cabinets, which means the client has to decide what goes on the floor. If the tile is selected early in the process, then we can adjust the framing so that we’ll be able to use full tiles and not have odd cuts. This is important in showers and for kitchen backsplashes. And knowing the size of door and window trim means we know how to place light switches and outlets. It’s better to spend the time in the beginning than to fix it later. Spending some additional time in the beginning can save money down the road and you’ll end up with a much better project.

Q: Ideal/dream client?A: I really like to work with people who are excited about their project. This is their home and it is a very personal space, so I want them to be very involved. I spent many years working as a builder on feature films and TV, so I really like it when a client wants to try something ambitious or creative.

Q: Are there certain projects you won’t take on?A: That’s a tough question because many contractors don’t have the luxury of turning down jobs. Our industry has had it rough for the last few years. That said, I’ve turned down a number of jobs because something about the project didn’t work for me. Some jobs are too far away and mean I would spend too much time driving and not be able to give the project the time it deserves. That’s a good reason to hire a local builder. I just had to turn down a very interesting new house because the client and architect wanted to use a new building technique that I’m not familiar with, and I didn’t feel I could get the

project done on time and in budget.

Q: Do you ever work long distance with a client?A: We work long distance with clients often. It does slow down the project a little bit, because there can be a delay in decision making. But in this age of laptops and smart phones, it’s become much easier to work together from afar. I love being able to email or text photos right from the job site and have real time interaction with the client. FaceTime is invaluable.

Q: Final thoughts on finding a good contractor?A: Definitely aim to find someone through a direct referral or word of mouth. A contractor’s reputation is very important, and a reputable builder will work very hard to keep clients happy and not burn bridges. Ask friends or neighbors about who worked on their house, and about the whole experience. You want to find out if the project stayed on budget, if the work was done well, and if the contractor checked in after the job was complete. I don’t do any advertising and I am the first to admit that I’m terrible at self promotion; that’s why my reputation is so important: I only get jobs through client referral and I also rely heavily on real estate agents, architects, and designers. Yelp or Angie’s list can be good resources for doing some additional research after you’ve found a contractor you’re considering hiring. Check with State License Board, a site where you can make sure your potential contractor has a valid license that’s in good standing and is insured and bonded. [Each state has its own requirements and licensing board.] It can be tempting for a homeowner to hire an unlicensed builder because it might save some money, but hiring a licensed contractor really protects you as a homeowner. ***

To see a complete list of reputable local contractors, architects, builders, and service providers, please

visit us online at:www.westbranchbuilders.org/list

To download a free copy of “Hiring a Reputable Contractor in Pennsylvania, visit:

www.westbranchbuilders.org/hiring-a-reputable-contractor

BUSINESS BLOCKS

R Sets goals and objectives: what do you want to get from the show?

R Know the rules that come in your packet and make copies for your staff.

R Do trial setup for spacing and time.

R Does your booth design need to be updated?

R Are your in-booth items ready?

R Do you have enough literature?

R Are you using candy or giveaways?

R Are your signs clean and able to be hung up?

R Will the public know who you are and what you do?

R Do you and staff know your products and services?

R Do you need extension cords or a power strip?

R Do you have tape, table cloth(s), pens, lead form, literature holders, and place to keep extra items?

R Create checklist for setup.

R Have you decided on greetings?

R Get to venue early to setup.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOMESHOWPart 1 of 2

Presented by:Brion Harlan, WBSBA President and Home Show Chairperson

R Is your booth clean, professional and ready?

R Is your staffs’ appearance clean, professional and ready?

R Are boxes and totes hidden?

R Is booth safe for public – is carpet taped down?

R Know what you are talking about.

R Stand, smile, and greet attendees.

R Make eye contact.

R Arms down, not crossed or hands in pockets.

R No chewing gum.

R Stay off phone and computer.

R Be attentive to attendees.

R Offer any seating for attendees.

R Give people a business card or something to take away.

R Gather vital info for leads.

PRE-SHOW PREP DURING THE SHOW

West Branch SusquehannaBuilders Association

1610 Whitman Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 Phone: (570) 326-4211 | Fax: (570) 326-0821

www.westbranchbuilders.org/HomeShowwbsba@ westbranchbuilders.org

Check out these website links to help you make the most of your builder

show experience!

www.exhibitoronline.com/topicswww.tradeshowbuddy.net

www.brandwatch.com/2014/09/top-tips-trade-show-booth/

Installation of 2017 Officers and Directors. Congratulations to All!

Jim Brown, 2016 Past President of Pennsylvania Builders Association, Installs the 2017 WBSBA Officers and Directors as the January Dinner Meeting.

(Above) 2017 WBSBA Officers are installed. Left to right: Marv Hurwitz, Eagle Construction, Treasurer; Hurley Kane, Secretery; James Hoffman, R&R Seamless Gutter, 2nd Vice President, Brion Harlan, Bower Electric, President. Not Present: Randy Williamson, 1st Vice President. Congratulations!

(Above) 2017 WBSBA Director Arnold Minnick is installed as a Life Director, having served 10 consecutive years as a WBSBA Director. Congratulations!

(Above) 2017 WBSBA Directors are installed. Left to right: Jody Harlan, Weichart Realtors; Tony Komarnicki, Architrave Architecture & Design; Matt Greenawalt, 5 Star Custom Builders, Dave Eakin, Henry Dunn Agency. Not Present: Cortney Shupp, Deer View Homes. Congratulations!

323 Grammer RoadSuite 1Williamsport, PA 17701PH: 570-326-4211FAX: 570-326-0821wbsba@westbranchbuilders.orgwww.westbranchbuilders.org

WBSBAWe build more than just homes... we’re building local

businesses, communities, economies, and futures.

WE THANK OUR FEBRUARY DINNER SPONSOR: Brian Holmes @ brian.holmes@sbdinc.com or 443-904-1462.