CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association August 2010|Volume 23|Number 8
FEATURES
6 President’s Message: The Time to Buy is Now! 8 Government Affairs Update
12 RRP Rule Violators Beware! The EPA's new lead-based paint rule and how it affects you. 16 Realtor® Corner: Recalculating Route! The Road to New Home Sales 18 Houston's Best Awards: Be Recognized
Yesterday's tried and true route to new home sales is rapidly changing. So what is the safest, most secure route for builders moving forward?
Enter the Houston's Best Awards, and gain well-deserved recognition for yourself and your company. Multiply your exposure by adding a sponsorship package.
24 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News 26 Post-Show Wrap Up
Bridgeland hosts Project Playhouse at community event, and HomeAid Houston dedicates the Covenant House remodel.
GHBA's 18th annual New Home & Remodeling Show was the most successful in recent history, as the show nearly doubled its attendance from last year. All the excitement was spurred by a huge promotion through Best Buy and a gorgeous showcase home by Frontier Custom Builders. But that's not all...
28 Benefit Homes Update
Friendswood Development makes a generous donation to charity by offering a lot in its Oakhurst at Kingwood community for the 2010 Benefit Homes Project.
36 Low Impact Development: The Wave of the Future? 44 "It's the Economy..."
Could bioretention cells ultimately replace detention ponds? New low impact development techniques could potentially allow developers to reclaim land once allotted to stormwater management, and save money in the process.
Dr. Mark Dotzour sees definite signs of hope for the economy.
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, and meaningful services to benefit its members and the housing industry.
www.ghba.org
9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 970-8970 phone; (281) 970-8971 fax
With mortgage rates below 5%, let your clients know that now is the time to buy.
Update on AD&C lending, the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the National Flood Insurance Program, financial reform and more.
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 15 Custom Builders Council 20 People & Projects 29 Sustaining Associate Members 30 Education Calendar 32 New Members & Renewals 33 New Member Profiles 34 HOME-PAC Roster 36 Montgomery County Division 38 Remodelors Council 40 Sales & Marketing Council 41 Housing Activity Survey 43 Associate Council 43 Bay Area Builders Association 43 MultiFamily Council 44 CEO's Final Thought 46 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 2 Project Playhouse 11 Emerging Builders Speed Selling 15 Building Science with Dr. Joseph Lstiburek
18 Houston's Best Awards 23 GHBA Product Expo 31 Lead-Safe Certified Courses 31 Sunbelt Builders Show 37 9th Annual BBQ Cookoff
Photo Album 26 New Home & Remodeling Show 38 RMC Vendor Showcase
Advertising/Editorial Information: Contact Brittany Feldmann at (832) 215-7232 or
bfeldmann@ghba.org. Houston Builder encourages members to submit articles for publication. Articles should relate to members and to the homebuilding industry. For questions or to submit a letter to the editor, email
bfeldmann@ghba.org.
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | AUGUST 2010 3
ON THE COVER
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