CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association October 2011|Volume 24|Number 10
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: News from NAHB
Updates on EPA storm water runoff standards, wetlands and navigable waterways, H.B. 1755 and AD&C lending, OSHA fall protection, and mortgage interest deduction.
8 Government Affairs Update: Covering Ground & the November Election
Politics starts at home. While the GHBA strives to protect the industry’s interests on all levels of government, we need your eyes and ears. With unemployment above 9% and predicted to stay at that level throughout 2012, and the polls revealing the overwhelming sentiment of dissatisfaction with Congress—Americans have more than a good reason to keep accountable the electives at all levels.
10 Universal Design & the CAPS Designation: Do You Really Need It?
Seventy-seven million baby boomers are reaching retirement age, and nearly half of them do not feel their home will fully meet their needs as they grow older. Universal design, also called barrier-free design, focuses on making a house safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability or stature.
14 SIRE Receives Donated Improvements from GHBA Remodelers
Beginning August 20, the Hockley SIRE facility began receiving a major renovation of the education buildings that will allow them to expand their instructor education and training efforts, courtesy of the GHBA Remodelors Council. SIRE, a 501(c)3 organization, is a rehabilitation charity that utilizes therapeutic equestrian riding to help disabled children, adults and wounded military veterans.
16 Benefit Homes Update
Bridgeland, an 11,400 acre community has, for the third year, donated a homesite for construction of a GHBA Benefit Home. This year, Bridgeland donated a lot in Lakeland Heights, where David Weekley Homes recently completed its Bernard Plan.
26 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News Project Playhouse winners receive key at Minute Maid Park. 30 Sunbelt Builders Show Offers Latest Products, World-Class Speakers 34 Dow and GHBA Host Houston Building Science & Energy Forum Forum addresses building in hot, humid climates and changing energy codes.
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
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 | OCTOBER 2011 3
Sunbelt is the best way to meet face-to-face with a wide range of residential building industry professionals.
Houston's Best Award Winners Announced! Join GHBA in congratulating the winners of the 2011 Houston's Best Awards, presented September 24 at the Hotel InterContinental. Awards recognize excellence in the categories of People, Product and Promotion. See page 20.
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 28 People & Projects 32 Sustaining Associate Members 35 HOME-PAC Roster 37 Education Calendar 38 New Members & Renewals 39 New Member Profiles 42 Associate Council 44 Bay Area Builders Association 46 Sales & Marketing Council 46 Housing Activity Survey 48 Custom Builders Council 48 Montgomery County Division
50 Remodelors Council 47 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 18 Product Expo 30 Sunbelt Builders Show 43 BBQ & Wild Game Cookoff 47 SMC "Battle of the Builders"
Photo Album 44 BABA Fall Fling Gala 51 Remodelors Council Networking
ON THE COVER P R E S ENT ED B Y
HOUSTON’S BEST AWARDS The 2011Winners List
GRAND AWARD WINNERS Trendmaker Development Allegro Builders Taylor Morrison
Trendmaker Homes
Greymark Construction
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