CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association August 2015|Volume 28|Number 8
FEATURES 12 President’s Message: The National Team and a Common Goal 14 Government Affairs: Advocacy Report
A look at how GHBA advocacy team, in cooperation with the National Association of Builders, is working to protect builders and homeowners from the potentially devas- tating effects of the EPA’s new Waters of the U.S. rule, which goes into effect Aug. 28.
City of Houston builders, take note that new Chapter 42 requirements are now in effect. Also, on the national front, industry players team up to combat the Waters of the U.S. rule in court.
16 Home Automation: Responsive Technology Changing How We Engage with Our Homes
The dramatic increase in consumer spending and adoption of home technologies says it all, smart homes are here to stay. Get ahead of the curve.
18 Benefit Homes Project: A Home for Good
Numerous GHBA members including vendors and trades, gathered at the homesite to help mark the official groundbreaking of Castletree’s GHBA Benefit Home. The cere- mony was held on a lot in the new Canyon Gate community of Miramesa, donated by Land Tejas Co.
20 Your Association in Review: GHBA’s Q1 2015 Report Card 25 A Single, Possible a Double, but No Homeruns 30 “Take a Minute” for HomeAid Houston News
The GHBA staff is always busy looking for ways to improve member services, advocacy and education. Following is a quick look at what the association has been up to lately.
Dr. Elliott Eisenberg offers his economic forecast for the second half of 2015. He’ll touch on stalling GDP growth, bad weather, the port strike, a rising dollar and falling oil prices, and how all of this will impact the industry in the near term.
This month’s issue is dedicated to our dear friend, Lea Pipitone, and the HomeAid projects near and dear to her heart, including HALO (HomeAid’s Amazing Ladies Or- ganization), which has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings in 2009.
TEXAS BUILDERS BEST ONE STOP SHOP
The GHBA would like to thank Sudhoff Companies for supporting the association again as a 2015 Pinnacle Partner.
Sudhoff is Texas Builders’ one-stop-shop for planning, architecture, sales, marketing and consulting. Sudhoff Companies is an industry leader aimed at successful results for high-density residential projects around new construction. They excel at developing customized marketing and sales strategies for developers with results that speak for themselves. Sudhoff’s experienced team works together collaboratively, bringing market- specific knowledge encompassing everything from single family homes to luxury high rises.
Learn more about the Sudhoff Advantage - pg. 15
Departments 12 President’s Message 14 Government Affairs 28 Education Calendar 33 People & Projects 34 New Members & Renewals 37 HOME-PAC Roster 38 Associate Council 39 GHBA Partners / SAMs 40 Montgomery County Division 42 Remodelers Council 44 Custom Builders Council 46 Sales & Marketing Council 48 Officers & Leadership 49 Calendar of Events 50 The Network
Upcoming Events 21 Houston’s Best PRISM Awards 32 Product EXPO 43 RMC Charity Garage Sale 45 Custom Builders Charity Project 47 SMC Diaper Drive
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, professional development, and valuable services to its members and the homebuilding industry.
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.
ON THE COVER
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