CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association June 2015|Volume 28|Number 6
FEATURES 12 President’s Message: I’m Not an Economist, But... 14 Government Affairs: Advocacy Report
We are in the midst of the selling season, and from talking to builders around town, single family seems to have surprisingly stable sales. Why stable sales? Low inventory. Why would sales be surprising? Low crude prices. Is it that simple?
Your GHBA government affairs team actively monitors codes and legislation that affect the homebuilding industry. Take a closer look at the City of Houston’s proposed changes to the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) and the EPA’s contentious Waters of the U.S. rule.
18 Houston Remodelers Council Renovates FamilyTime Crisis Center
“Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, I will try again tomorrow,” is the wisdom that hangs above the door of the FamilyTime Crisis Center. In April, volunteers from the GHBA Remodelers Council renovated two kitchens and a large bathroom for the Crisis Center.
20 Amping Up the Curb Appeal
The GHBA has been doing some outdoor renovations to spruce up the place, including a beautiful outdoor kitchen and pergola. The latest project was resurfacing the walkway leading up to the building, by Surface Systems of Texas.
22 Benefit Homes Project: A Home for Good 25 Crudely Speaking
Land Tejas is donating its 14th homesite to the GHBA Benefit Homes Project, in the master-planned Miramesa community in Canyon Gate.
Dr. Elliott Eisenberg explains how to raise badly needed revenues for oil exploration and production and simultaneously reduce gas prices at the pump. The solution, get rid of the export ban on crude oil signed into law more than 40 years ago.
26 Trending Styles for a Grand Entrance
The front door says a lot about your home, and it’s one of the biggest make-or-break curb appeal factors. Explore the top six entry door trends in the hot Houston market.
30 “Take a Minute” for HomeAid Houston News
HomeAid Houston has been named one of three charities that will benefit from the 2015 ClubCorp Charity Classic Weekend fundraiser hosted by The Club at Falcon Point. Also, take a peek at the results of the annual Charity Golf Tournament.
38 How to Address Negative Comments on Facebook
When it comes to social media sharing, not all posts will be positive, and some are downright nasty. What’s a builder to do?
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, professional development, and valuable services to its members and the homebuilding industry.
www.ghba.org
9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 970-8970 phone; (281) 970-8971 fax
HomeAid Houston thanks Highland Homes and the dozens of generous sponsors who made Highland Hill Country Playhouse possible! Come by Minute Maid Park Section 105 on the Concourse level to see this fantastic Hill Country style playhouse from May 29 through July 1.
Raffle tickets are sold for $5 each, for a chance to win the playhouse in a drawing that will take place during the Astros game on July 1. Learn more and purchase tickets at
www.homeaidhouston.org.
See page 29 to find out more.
Departments 12 President’s Message 14 Government Affairs 16 HOME-PAC Roster 28 Bay Area Builders Association 34 Education Calendar 36 New Members & Renewals 38 People & Projects 40 Montgomery County Division 41 Remodelers Council 42 Custom Builders Council 44 Sales & Marketing Council 46 Associate Council 47 GHBA Partners / SAMs 48 Officers & Leadership 49 Calendar of Events 50 The Network
Upcoming Events 13 Houston’s Best PRISM Call for Entries 15 Texas Bash 24 Sunbelt Builders Show 29 HomeAid’s Project Playhouse 43 Product EXPO 45 SMC Diaper Drive
Photo Album 18 RMC Charity Project 28 Bay Area Fishing Tournament
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.
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