Miami Valley NARI’s Doubleheader–

Go Two For Two!In our last issue, I spoke of the CotY awards, the showcase of our members’ best and most unique projects. There are 29 2014 CotY categories you can enter, and they’ve been expanded to include award opportunities for less expensive Residential Baths and Kitchens, plus new categories for commercial construction - facility additions below and above 4000 square feet. Many of our members are very experienced in multiple construction industry segments – those who shine in the commercial realm should also be acknowledged.

This recognition takes place early in the year at our annual CotY Awards banquet, which in 2014 will also pay tribute to the suppliers and vendors who contribute to the winning entries.

The second half of our “doubleheader” takes place shortly after the CotY awards. It’s our Homeworld Exposition, held at the Airport Expo Center in partnership with Miami Valley NARI, the Cox Media Group, and Universal One Credit Union.

It features 100,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with participants representing our entire industry -- remodeling contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and vendor partners. This year’s event featured a revised floorplan, creating easier access for all and better sightlines for attendees in order to more easily see all the exhibitors. And in spite of dicey weather for part of the show, this year’s attendance was up - a great trend!

Why is this important? NARI National studies show a priority shift by homeowners considering projects – they’re moving from performing necessary repairs, to active consideration of how to make their homes more attractive and livable. While the new home market is picking up steam, so is remodeling

– and there isn’t a better venue to show off your capabilities and experience than at Homeworld.

So, just like your CotY entry packet, you’re going to soon receive an invitation to exhibit at Homeworld 2014. Give strong consideration to going ‘two for two’ – the CotY’s to recognize your achievements, and Homeworld to tell the world about them!

Side Note: I want to thank all in our Miami Valley Chapter - members, Board members, Committee chairs and all associate members for all the input and passion that you bring to the organization. It takes real dedication and self-motivation to plan and execute those ideas. Keep up the good work, and always remember you’re not alone.

“Making the difference” is all in the team that we put together.

John A. PuslatPresident – Miami Valley NARIOwner of Window & Door Designs LLC

PRESIDENT’SCOLUMN

AUGUST 2013

Member Benefit: Office DepotThe National Association of the Remodeling Industry has partnered with Office Depot to bring you a FREE national discount program. Members can save up to 80% off preferred products. 3,000 of the most commonly used product are 15% off Retail Web Pricing, and 93,000 products are discounted below retail. In addition, there is next-day delivery with free shipping on orders over $50, and terrific copy and print pricing. To receive your savings online, go to www.ctcshares.com/nari or call the chapter office at (937) 222-6274 for more information.

ManageMent – DATE TIME LOCATION PRESENTER TOPIC

August 27th 7:30 AM NARI Office Michael A. Pope, CEDIA Practical Guide to Incorporating Technology into Your Next Project

September 24th 7:30 AM NARI Office Michael Sandner, Attorney Mandatory Inclusions for Proposals and Bid Submissions

October 22nd 7:30 AM NARI Office TBA – Obamacare/Healthcare Update

November 7:30 AM NARI Office TBA – Roundtable Symposium Challenges for Today’s NARI Company Leaders

December 7:30 AM NARI Office TBA – Building Code Updates

tOPICS –The Chapter will also be presenting these topics in 2014:

1. Ohio OCIEB Refresher Training for contractor licensing renewal

2. Classes in Tech Training, designed toward meeting the needs of field personnel

3. First Aid and CPR Training

4. Hilti Training

5. Lift & Ladder Training

6. The STARS Program – A NARI orientation for new chapter members

BUILDIng BaSICS –Site SurveyingLayoutTrussesFramingStair construction

Education:

It was a beautiful, sunny May day in the low 70s, and Keith Stivers and his brother Ryan Stivers were hard at work removing parts of a damaged roof on a 90-year-old home in Lakewood.

The roof was actually the floor of an uncovered, second-story “airing” porch situated above the home’s breakfast nook and half-bath. After years of unsuspected water seepage underneath the shingles, the ceiling inside had partially collapsed during Hurricane Sandy’s drenching rains. When called in for a consultation, Keith, 27, president of Stivers Design LLC of Columbia Station, told the homeowner he suspected the roof held all sorts of hidden problems that had to be addressed before tackling the ceiling repair.

In May, the homeowner felt the weather was finally nice enough to start a project that could potentially open a portion of the kitchen to the elements. A couple of hours into the project, Keith and Ryan, 24, were busily removing rotted shingles. As they worked, they both noticed something odd. A newly uncovered support beam started moving. On its own. Swarming out of the opening were ants. Hundreds of carpenter ants. Big, black and creepy.

“I had never seen so many of them,” said Keith. He made the dreaded call to the homeowner, who was at work.

“Have you been experiencing a problem with ants?” he asked, mildly.

Before the two-week job was over, Keith had uncovered a family of mice, a nest of centipedes and – as he suspected – lots of rotted wood and crumbling plaster walls. Miraculously, however, Keith was able to stay within the homeowner’s $6,000 budget -- and didn’t get creeped out again by “moving” wood beams.

Unexpected discoveries, whether they are ants, termites or badly executed prior renovations, are quite common in home renovations. Some of them are fun -- historical newspapers, or old beer bottles from when workers might have had a beer on a work break. Others, such as creepy critters or bad electrical systems, are not fun.

This time of year, as improvement projects hit cruising speed, it’s more important than ever for homeowners to be prepared for all contingencies -- emotionally and financially. Surprises can be expensive and plan-altering.

According to a survey for American Express conducted from February 27 to March 1 of this year, 72 percent of homeowners have “at least one home-improvement project on their to-do list this year, expecting to spend an average of $4,000,” up from $3,500 in 2012.

Some 63 percent of those projects are interior remodels costing $3,300, and 39 percent are redoing a single room for $2,900.

In April, the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University predicted that spending by homeowners on improvement projects will continue to grow this year. “On top of the almost 10 percent growth reflected in U.S. Census Bureau figures for 2012, the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projects strong gains in homeowner remodeling spending continuing throughout 2013, with some moderation in the pace of growth toward the end of the year,” the report stated.

Those predictions are proving true in Northeast Ohio.

“This year is our biggest year ever,” said Patrick G. Hurst, vice president and project consultant for Hurst Design-Build-Remodeling of Middleburg Heights. Hurst is president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Northeast Ohio Chapter, Northeast Ohio Chapter, and estimates he has worked on thousands of homes throughout the years. He’s seen the business ebb and flow with the economy.

“There is a lot of pent-up demand,” he said, adding that part of that increase is based on the fact that people are staying in their homes longer. Another factor, said Hurst, is that “selling is a little tougher.”

Continued on next page

Budget for the Unexpected with Home Improvement Projects

By SuSan Condon Love – The Plain Dealer, 6/13/2013

Quoted: Patrick Hurst, CR, GCP, Hurst Design-Build-Remodeling, president NARI of Northeast Ohio

Thank You for Joining Us for Another Fantastic Happy Hour!Chapter members met at the Dark Horse Tavern in Miamisburg for food, fun, fellowship and fantastic times at our second-quarter Miami Valley NARI Happy Hour on June 27th. The event was hosted by Keith Lester of the Carr Insurance Agency at one of the most unique and colorful locations in the Miami Valley area.

Budget for the Unexpected Cont’d from previous page

While he and Keith Stivers enjoy the historical aspect of working on old homes, both are acutely aware that with history and character can come expense. Both recommend that homeowners set aside 5 percent to 10 percent more than their budget for those unexpected discoveries.

“It’s amazing to me how much we encounter and have to repair previous home-improvement projects,” said Hurst. “I’m always asking myself, ‘What were they thinking?’ Lots of things have to be corrected.”

Occasionally, the surprises Hurst has encountered aren’t creepy crawlies or support beams compromised by willy-nilly wall removals.

“One time, we were working on a house built in the early 1920s,” shared Hurst. “We got down to boards and found a penciled note from probably the original carpenter. It was a riddle! Nobody could figure out the answer, either.”

And yes, they preserved the riddle so it could be rediscovered, and possibly solved, by a future generation of remodelers.

Most discoveries, however, aren’t so amusing. A homeowner can avoid a project being sidelined with a little common sense, according to Cheryl Reed, spokeswoman for Angie’s List, which provides members with lists of customer-recommended service companies.

“Even the most carefully planned project can change, especially if hidden problems are found,” said Reed. “Never pay for a project with cash. Always use a credit card so you have recourse in case something goes wrong. Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that the work is complete to your satisfaction.”

Stivers has been working in construction and renovation since he was 16 and estimates he’s worked on hundreds of projects. “If your project involves taking down walls or removing any part of your structure, there are going to be surprises,” he added.

Stivers may still shudder a bit at the thought of thousands of carpenter ants swarming out toward his hand, but he primarily remembers the joy of home renovation projects.

“My favorite part of any renovation job is seeing the reaction of the homeowner to the final project. I love helping people fall in love with their homes,” he said.

Miami Valley NARI members:As you know, we recently sent a survey to each member requesting input on the current and potential future educational offerings from the Chapter. We’re very interested in your opinion, so if you haven’t completed and returned your survey, please go to this https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3QWB9GW and share your thoughts with us.

Thanks you!

Your Miami Valley NARI Education Committee

How can I get an iPad without spending big $$$$?

With Miami Valley NARI’s New Membership Campaign!In November, Miami Valley NARI launched its new membership campaign. Though we want new members to keep our industry and association strong, drawings based on recruiting new members are getting all the buzz. Steve Jobs may be gone, but you could own part of his

legacy if you’re able to recruit new members. What’s the story?

For each new member you recruit, you’ll be entered to win an iPad; the more you recruit, the more you’re entered to win. The iPads will keep coming throughout the campaign, and a drawing will be conducted at the Membership Meeting immediately following the sign up of the tenth new member. So, if you recruit two of the ten new members, you‘ll be entered twice – and so on. Recruit your industry friends; tell them the advantages we enjoy as members, and you don’t have to

tell them that you could win an iPad - keep that one to yourself until they are an eligible member and begin recruiting! This campaign continues through November 2013.

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678910 Let’s Nail It!

2013 Miami Valley NARI Golf Outing

Golf, Everyone!The 2013 Miami Valley NARI Golf Outing will be held thursday, September 26 at the Beavercreek Country Club. Dust off your clubs, re-calculate your handicap and make plans now to join us on September 26!

Get your name in front of Miami Valley NARI’s biggest remodeling companies! Each year, over 70 decision makers from Dayton and Cincinnati are a part of this great event. Sponsoring Miami Valley NARI’s golf outing is the perfect chance for you to market yourself and your business to a ideal target audience.

Sponsors are encouraged to staff (if necessary) their sponsored area (hole, registration tables, etc...) Participating sponsors are allowed to put their personal touch on whatever area they are working at. Bring whatever you want to make your hole the most exciting, interesting and memorable stop on the entire golf course!

Miami Valley NARI’sAnnual Golf Outing

Miami Valley NARI | (937) 222-NARI | info@naridayton.org | www.naridayton.org

Event Date and LocationThursday, September 26, 201311:00 a.m. Shotgun Beavercreek Golf Course

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Type: _______________________________________ Total enclosed: $

Check: Make check payable and return to Miami Valley NARI 136 South Keowee Street Dayton, OH 45402

Invoice my company (members only)

MasterCard Visa Name on card Account # Signature Expiration date

Sponsorship Benefi tsPresenting Sponsors - $800• Name affi liation: “Miami Valley NARI Golf Outing presented by Your Company Name”• Premium logo/name placement on all promotional materials including: Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org) Logo/Name and link in emails/online promotional materials from Miami Valley NARI Logo/Name in Miami Valley NARI’s newsletter “The Remodeler” Logo on specifi ed on-site signage and visual presentations• One hole sponsorship at event ($100 value)• Registration for foursome included ($340 value)

Dinner Sponsor - $600• Secondary logo/name placement on all promotional material including: Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org) Logo/Name in emails and online promotional materials from Miami Valley NARI Logo/Name in Miami Valley NARI’s newsletter “The Remodeler” Logo on specifi ed on-site signage and visual presentations• Sponsorship of the pre-event networking cocktail reception($100 value)• 1/2 off of Foursome Registration ($170 value)

Hole-in-One Insurance Sponsor - $375• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Logo/Name on specifi ed on-site signage/visual presentations at prize hole

Registration Table Sponsor - $300• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Logo/Name on specifi ed on-site signage/visual presentations

Golf Carts - $300• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Logo/Name on golf cart signage

Box Lunch Sponsor (2) - $200• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Onsite signage

Drink Cart Sponsor (2) - $150• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Logo/Name and drink cart signage/drink tickets

Hole Sponsor (18) - $100• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Name/Logo on signage at specifi ed hole

Longest Drive Sponsor - $100• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Name/Logo on signage at specifi ed hole

Closest to the Pin Sponsor - $100• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Name/Logo on signage at specifi ed hole

Putting Green Sponsor - $100• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Name/Logo on signage at Putting Green

Leader Board Sponsor - $100• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Name/Logo on leader board

Split the Pot Sponsor -$100• Logo/Name and link on Miami Valley NARI website (www.naridayton.org)• Name/Logo on specifi ed signage