Mid-Atlantic Builder November/December 2008

PLUSBenefi ts of Solar Technology

Tile and Stone Trends

Show Buyers Technology in Model Homes

KITCHEN, BATH AND TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

Vol. 50 Issue 6November/December 2008www.homebuilders.org

MID-ATLANTICMID-ATLANTIC

From popular colors and fi nishes to new materials and appliances

DESIGNTRENDS

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Departments12 Publisher’s Message14 President’s Message16 Events42 New Members50 Notable Products55 Industry News

Corners46 Affordable Housing48 Remodelers

November/December 2008 Vol. 50 Issue 6

PublisherJohn Kortecamp

editorKristin Josephson Hogle [email protected]

designNetwork Design GroupJen Smith, Art DirectorHeather Winkel, Graphic Designer

AdvertisingNetwork Media Partners, Inc.Irene Hatzigeorgalis, Account Executive410-584-1962 [email protected]

Chris Martin, Account Executive410-584-1964 [email protected]

Megan Crawford, Advertising Coordinator 410-584-1907 [email protected]

hbAM legAl counselLinowes and Blocher

Mid-AtlAntic Builderis a bi-monthly publication of HBAM Member Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Home Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., 7127 Ambassador Road, Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21244410-265-7400, www.homebuilders.org.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Home Builders Association of Maryland, Inc., 7127 Ambassador Road, Suite 150 Baltimore, MD 21244.

custoM Publishing services Provided bYNetwork Media Partners, Inc. and Network Design Group, Executive Plaza 1, Suite 900, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031, 410-584-1900

34 Green BuildingGetting to Green

38 Journal of Light Construction ReprintBuying a Compact Excavator

eco boX

Mid-Atlantic Builder text and cover pages are printed on forest-friendly Anthem Matte paper using soy ink.

Using this combination of papers saves the following:Paper: 6 tonsTotal Energy: 73,000,000 BTUsGreenhouse Gases: 11,021 lbs. Co2Wastewater: 34,127 gallonsSolid Waste: 4,437 lbs.

Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmen-tal Defense Paper Calculator.

18 The Kitchen Goes NaturalThe trend toward natural materials in the kitchen goes well beyond design.

20 Benefits of Solar and Other Energy-Efficient TechnologiesA home evaluation can point out a variety of areas where energy-efficient solutions can be implemented. By Bridget Weston

22 Tile and Stone Trends in Home ImprovementConsumers are more exposed to the natural tile and stone industry than ever before. Which products do home owners prefer?

24 Buyers Want Technology, Let Them See It in Model HomesBuilders need to feature technological enhancements prominently in their models where buyers will notice them.By Andrea Reiner

26 Land Development Council Awards

30 CASA de MarylandTo meet the increasing need of both the low-income community and today’s business economy, CASA is developing a 21,000 square foot CASA Multicultural Center that will provide the space to expand its programs.By Jennifer Freedman and Maria Elva Maldonado


18 The Kitchen Goes NaturalThe trend toward natural materials in the kitchen goes well beyond design.

20 Benefits of Solar and Other Energy-Efficient TechnologiesA home evaluation can point out a variety of areas where energy-effi cient solutions can be implemented. By Bridget Weston

22 Tile and Stone Trends in Home ImprovementConsumers are more exposed to the natural tile and stone industry than ever before. Which products do home owners prefer?

24 Buyers Want Technology, Let Them See It in Model HomesBuilders need to feature technological enhancements prominently in their models where buyers will notice them.By Andrea Reiner


30 CASA de MarylandTo meet the increasing need of both the low-income community and today’s business economy, CASA is developing a 21,000 square foot CASA Multicultural Center that will provide the space to expand its programs.By Jennifer Freedman and Maria Elva Maldonado


You may think that 1.) with the economic shock we’ve been experiencing of late, 2.) all the doom and gloom media reports on the housing market and 3.) the signifi cant defi -cits in county budgets due to the shortfall in housing related receipts, the industry might be getting some consideration (i.e. relief) from local governments to help stimulate the market.Well in some cases you’d be right…• The Anne Arundel County Council, for

instance, is making a whole hearted effort to recalculate a pending impact fee proposal to make it more palatable to local builders. At least three members of the council would prefer putting any fee increases off indefi -nitely or until the market begins to rebound.

• There was talk by a vocal member of the County Council in Harford County about temporarily halting impact fee collections in order to assist new home buyers. Unfor-tunately, with a budget shortfall nearing projected impact fee revenues for FY ’09 that plan fi zzled, but at least someone was trying.

• Howard County Executive Ken Ulman re-cently appointed a new DPZ Deputy Director to oversee a 50 percent reduction in the time it takes a builder to navigate the Department and get a plot plan. The County Executive’s goal is to clear the log jam of backed up projects thus allowing builders to move forward when ready.

But in Others… Not So Much!• Baltimore City could win a “Golden Os-

trich Award” for ignoring the soaring high end vacancies in the city. Property taxes remain the highest in the state and a new Visitability ordinance which requires most new residential construction in the city to have at least one accessible entrance, bathroom and reception room was the fi rst of a series of disincentives. There is

now an ordinance requiring commercial construction to meet LEED silver stan-dards with a residential component not far behind. These two mandates along with the recently enacted Inclusionary Housing element will do nothing but drive up the cost of residential development.

• While we can be appreciative of the efforts of the Anne Arundel County Council to keep impact fee hikes to a minimum, the current County Executive, John Leopold, feels otherwise. He insists that the fees currently under consideration are far too low and that we, the home building indus-try, need to pay more for infrastructure. It apparently hasn’t dawned on him that the reason his revenues are down is because of bad APF policies, lengthy review sched-ules and some of the highest connection fees in the state. Despite a down economy and a county overburdened with age restricted developments, Mr. Leopold in-sists on emulating Montgomery County’s recently adopted $30,000 + impact fees. Note to County Exec Leopold: Montgom-ery County just found itself in a $240 mil-lion defi cit position in the third quarter.Bottom line: regardless of the economy,

we’re here in the trenches to bring the mes-sage home that, as leading economists have repeatedly said, “The recovery starts with housing.” (Business Week 10/5/08) Unless and until the housing market starts to improve, things will effectively remain as they are and that is unacceptable.

publisher’smessage

Some Get It ... Some Not So Much

2008 HBAM LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Lou BakerPresident-Elect Mike OwingsFirst Vice President Eliot PowellAssociate Vice President Pete BaxterSecretaryJack OrrickTreasurerTheresa LeatherburyImmediate Past PresidentChris Rachuba

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Anne Arundel County Eric DeVitoBaltimore County Evan MorvilleBaltimore City Sandy MarenbergCarroll County Paul KotsherHoward County Scott ArmigerUpper Chesapeake Bill Luther

COUNCIL PRESIDENTS Land Development CouncilSteven RubinHBAM RemodelersDonald LynchSales and Marketing Council Shawn FortneyCertifi ed Master Builder/Remodeler Jeff PowersBuilder Mart Jerry Hoover

HBAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ALTERNATE DIRECTORSPat CostelloGeorge DeckerPatti FreemanJay HergenroederMartin K.P. HillBarbara MagillMary Beth Taylor

David AltfeldSteve BartenfelderSteve BreedenTim BurkardChickie GraysonDover HankinsJoe HikelJim HunterJim JoyceChip LundyCynthia McAuliffe

John MeadeDavid MillerPaul MuellerTim NaughtonHoward PerlowScott PetersonJake RuppertRich PezzulloDale ThompsonWilliam Zahler

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John KortecampHBAM Executive Vice President



Hey everyone. As this is my last message in my year as HBAM president, I thought I’d share a few thoughts with you.

1. First and foremost, this downturn will end. As I write this, the Dow just dropped 700+ points today, consumer confidence is extremely low and Maryland is on track to have a mere 16,000 housing permits this year, the state’s lowest since 1981. While it doesn’t feel like we will ever dig out of this, we most definitely will. Looking back at 1981, we had ridiculously high interest rates and extremely low consumer confi-dence sapping the demand for housing. In fact, in the 1980-1982 window, we averaged just over 19,000 permits per year, the same number we will average from 2006 through 2008. But those times, too, passed and the state came roaring back, with an average of more than 40,000 starts over the next three years (1983-1985). While I don’t expect that kind of rebound, we will bounce back as an industry. We always do. As I have said before, we are closer to the end of this downturn than the beginning.

2. As you keep “fighting the fight” during these challenging market conditions, here are some pieces of unsolicited advice for you to consider. Nothing new, but reminders never hurt: a) Know your costs like never before, b) Focus on cash flow, c) Take care of your customers and d) Take even better care of your

employees, as they are your most important asset.

3. Having spent a year “on the inside” at HBAM, I cannot emphasize enough how impressed I am with the folks on the team here. Let’s start by pointing out that we most likely will end 2008 as one of the very few associations in our industry that breaks even, or possibly even records a small profit. In addition, the successful efforts we receive from this team during the legislative sessions, along with the educational and networking events they conduct throughout the year, make this organization simply invaluable to our businesses. We are truly fortunate to have these folks there for us, especially in difficult times like these. Many, many thanks to John and his extremely dedicated team! You are an outstanding group of people, and I enjoyed working with you this year.

Lastly, thanks to all of you for allowing me to serve as HBAM president this year. Even though the market conditions have been difficult, my experience has been extremely rewarding, and I hope I added a little value along the way.

My best to all of you and thanks for your continued support of our association.

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Appliance Dist. Unlimited 50 AZEK Building Products

Back Cover BASCO Shower Enclosures 15Bay National Bank 5BGE 6 BGE Outdoor Lighting 51 Bonded Builders 16 Bradford Bank 41 Broan-Nutone 2 Builders Advantage

Centerspread California Closets 33Chaney Enterprises 1Columbia Bank, The 54 Coover & Barr, LLC 49Electrolux 11 EP Henry Corp. 3 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 25Floors Etc. 21 GE Contract Sales 31General Shale Brick 7HTG Insurance Group 46 KAWG & F 41 Lennox Industries, Inc. 37 Lubrizol Advanced Materials

33, 35Mid Atlantic Control Systems 56 Mid Atlantic Propane and Gas 53 Potomac Valley Brick & Supply 49 Premier Lifts, Inc. 9 ProSource Wholesale Flooring 37 Provident Bank 56 Reeb Millwork Corporation 13 Reico Kitchen and Bath

Inside Back Cover Rexel Branch 55 Sound Structures 35 Southern Pacific Supply

Inside Front Cover Susquehanna Bank 31 Swift Flooring Distributors 48 Tyco Fire & Building Products 4Verizon Wireless 17Walbrook Mill/Lumber Company 52 Weyerhaeuser 8

Thank you and farewell

president’smessage

Visitwww.homebuilders.orgforan

on-linelistingofMid-Atlantic Builder

advertiserswithhotlinks.There,you

canalsoviewMABarchivesandfind

informationonupcomingeventsand

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Lou Baker2008 HBAM President


MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER��NOVEMBER/DECEMBER�2008� www.homebuilders.org16

Real Estate & Construction Forecast ConferenceNovember 6, 2008Martin’s WestDo you want a close up look at today’s housing market and insight on what to ex-pect in 2009 and beyond? Join us to fi nd out. Experts in the real estate industry will review recent trends in real estate and look to the future for opportunities. They will point out emerging hot spots and fi ll us in on when to expect a rebound.

ICON AwardsNovember 20, 2008Turf Valley ResortDon’t miss this association wide celebration atTurf Valley Resort where the Builder of the Year, Lou Baker; Associate of the Year, Judy Borns; and the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dwight Hikel, will be honored.

Governor’s Annual Housing ConferenceDecember 9, 2008Baltimore Convention CenterThe Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Homebuilders Association of Maryland have partnered once again to bring you The Governor’s Annual Housing Con-ference. This year’s focus is building sustainable communities and securing our future. Governor O’Malley and other leading authorities will be presenting the sessions to update you on the home building industry in Maryland.

www.homebuilders.orgEventsCALL 410-265-7400 for information on registration for our events or visit www.homebuilders.org.FOR INFORMATION on sponsoring any of our events, please call Carey Swift at 410-265-7400, ext. 118.

Key ConnectionsFebruary 18, 2008The Westin BWIDon’t miss the KEY opportunity to open the doors to connect with over 300 invited HBAM builder and remodeler members at this reverse trade show. Members Do Business With Members and this is your chance to get on the vendor list.

Builder MartMarch 25, 2009Maryland State Fairgrounds Mark your calendars now for the East Coast’s largest building industry trade-show to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Are you READY FOR THE REBOUND? Reserve your booth today! To book your space, call 410-265-7400, ext 118 or email [email protected]. ■

Take a lookwww.homebuilders.org

• You’ll be able to register for events online, update your membership information, pay dues and more.

Redesigned to meet the needs of builders, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers and home owners.

• Easy to navigate, both consumers and industry professionals can instantly gain access to membership lists, statistical information, government affairs updates, event calendars and more.

www.homebuilders.org� NOVEMBER/DECEMBER�2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER 17


The Kitchen Goes Natural

Design a kitchen that’s both natural and earth-friendly. Discover natural textures and materials.


More homeowners than ever are choosing to use natural materials in their kitchens. Rich wood, textured stone and the soft hues of nature help blur the line between outdoors and inside, transforming kitchens into invit-

ing spaces for nurturing the family and reconnecting with friends. The trend toward natural materials in the kitchen goes well beyond design, however. Kitchen design professionals say that the natural kitchen also signals the convergence of several broader trends in society:

Consumers are getting olderBaby boomers are aging, but they are doing it gracefully by stay-ing healthy and active. As their taste in products gains sophisti-cation, they are embracing the beauty, as well as the little imper-fections, that come with aging. They want authentic and durable products that will last—if not forever, for a good, long time.

The green houseAs more people become ecologically aware, the movement to reuse, recycle and refashion existing products whenever possible continues to grow. Since natural materials tend to last longer than synthetic ones, they’re a logical choice for the conserva-tion-minded. Designers across the country agree that increasing numbers of their customers are opting for chemical-free homes.

Product availabilityProducts of all kinds now come in a greater variety and are accessible to more consumers than ever before. For example, Kohler offers faucets and fixtures in a wide array of styles and colors made specifically to enhance natural materials.

How do these factors affect kitchen design? The answer can be found by taking a closer look at features that comprise a natural kitchen:

Sinks and faucets. Designers say the apron-front sink is a popular choice for natural kitchens. The sink gives the kitchen a histori-cal reference point and is beautiful, durable and multi-func-tional. Stainless steel is a popular material for apron-front sinks because it contrasts well with textured stone countertops.

The wide variety of sink and faucet styles and finishes avail-able these days give consumers lots of options for enhancing natural materials.

“Plumbing fixtures have become the little jewels of the space,” says Brian Gluckstein of Gluckstein Design Planning in Toronto. Soft faucet finishes, from antique brass to brushed nickel, are all the rage. And the same holds true for lighting fixtures, which are often available in finishes to match.

Countertops. Granite countertops remain a popular choice for their beauty and durability, but consumers are also showing interest in other natural materials. For example, wood and

butcher-block counter tops are making a comeback. Designers say that a growing segment of consumers relish the patina of mellow wood, as well as the cuts, scratches and indentations that develop over time and give it character. Other natural coun-tertop materials include marble, glass, copper, limestone and soapstone. Pewter is another durable but pricey option.

Man-made yet natural-looking materials such as concrete and quartz composite continue to draw plenty of attention. While some designers question the suitability of concrete for countertops because of its tendency toward surface cracking and staining if left unsealed, others credit the material for its patina and textured look. Concrete can also be stained or colored, or molded into shape.

Newer to the market are countertops comprised primarily of re-cycled materials, such as ground-up glass or metal shavings, sig-naling a trend toward lighter weight and increased environmental friendliness. Also popular for countertops and backsplashes are reclaimed marble slabs and antique tile plucked from buildings slated for demolition.

Floors and cabinets. Hardwood floors are a mainstay, particularly with the prevalence of open floor plans and consumers are opting for more exotic woods, including walnut, mahogany, hemlock, cork and bamboo.

Increasing numbers of companies are appealing to environ-mentally conscious homeowners by fashioning floors from wood grown on plantations according to environmentally sustainable methods. Heavily stained woods are on the wane, as the empha-sis shifts toward enhancing wood’s natural color and texture. Reclaimed wood planks, as well as antique cabinet and sink fix-tures, are real finds for natural kitchens. Glazed wood cabinets can lend kitchens a faux-aged appearance.

There’s no denying that natural materials require mainte-nance. Marble and glass scratch, wood gets wet or needs refin-ishing and stone and concrete need resealing. Is maintenance necessarily a negative? Gluckstein contends that it isn’t. He says consumers understand that upkeep is a small price to pay for the experience of enjoying the natural beauty of organic materi-als and adds that older consumers especially are quite forgiving of aged materials. A few nicks and scratches can provide a bit of personality and warmth—humanity, if you will—to a kitchen.

What’s next for the natural kitchen? Duval B. Acker of Kitch-ens by Design in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, says we’re just at the beginning of a trend toward “reinventing the natural” with state-of-the-art recycled materials made from crushed glass or scrap metal. After that, she says, the focus will be on sustaining materials for the next generation. n

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is a world leader in products for the kitchen and bath and one of the oldest and larg-est privately held companies in the United States. For additional informa-tion, contact Kohler at 800-456-4537 or www.kohler.com.


Solar Electric Systems Gaining Popularity

Residential homes consume 21 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States, according to the U.S. De-partment of Energy. That energy consumption is project-ed to increase 50 percent by 2030 according to the U.S.

Energy Information Agency and energy prices continue to rise.

With these trends, home owners are increasingly considering homes that allow them to conserve energy in any way possible, even if it means spending a little more upfront. Therefore, the natural step for any home builder to take would be to evaluate the different energy-efficient trends and determine if incorporat-ing them into the process would be beneficial.

An evaluation can point out a variety of areas where energy-efficient solutions can be implemented to reduce energy use and costs by up to 50 percent, reduce environmental impact and increase occupant comfort and health.

The areas of evaluation will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Insulation• Windows• Heating and cooling systems

• Water heating system • Refrigeration equipment • Indoor and outdoor lighting • Cooking equipment • Ventilation• Energy-generating systemsYour answers may help uncover some simple ways to reduce

your building’s energy consumption. Walk through your building with the auditors as they work and ask questions. They may use equipment to detect sources of energy loss, such as blower doors, infrared cameras, efficiency meters and surface thermometers. Be sure when choosing your auditor that you do your homework. Get several references, and contact them all. Ask if they were sat-isfied with the work. You can also call the Better Business Bureau and ask if there are any complaints against the company.

One energy-saving system that is becoming more common in buildings today is solar electricity. Solar Electric SystemsSolar electric systems, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert sunlight into electricity. A solar electric system can be used to supply some or all of a home’s electricity needs. Some people with very low electric bills or with buildings in remote areas use the electricity from their systems in place of electric-ity supplied to them by power providers (i.e. electric utilities). These are called stand-alone systems. Others connect their sys-tems to the grid and use them to reduce the amount of conven-tional power supplied to them through the grid from the utility provider. A grid-connected system allows you to sell any excess power you produce back to your power provider, if they have a program established to do so.

Here’s how it works: the sun shines onto the array of solar electric modules, and electricity is generated and delivered to the home’s inverter. In most cases, all of this power will be absorbed to serve the daily electrical requirements of the build-ing. Excess power generated by the solar system can be fed to the local electric utility company and may be used to off-set the rate paid for electricity. Wherever a tiered rate or variable rate of

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01940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Total US Residential Annual Electrical Energy (trillion watt-hours)

Watts per capita

Population (millions)

by bridget Weston


electricity exists, this off-set can result in substantial savings in the cost of midday power.

There are a variety of factors that cause variations in the system’s performance, such as geographic location, weather fluc-tuations, roof orientation and amount of direct sunlight. Other factors include roof condition, local code requirements, facility annual energy consumption and electric rate and the electric provider. However, there are a variety of ways these systems can be installed to maximize its efficiency. With most homes, the common location is on rooftops, but they can also be installed on facades or mounted to the ground.

These systems are high in cost; however, there are a variety of credits, rebates and tax incentives available at the federal, state and local government levels. Some installers help you wade through the paperwork, but it makes sense to do your own research to make sure you are getting the maximum in credits. These credits are available for both the home builder and the homeowner, so making the homeowner aware of the potential benefits can add to the builder’s competitive advantage. A website that outlines many of the incentives is www.dsireusa.org. Be sure to check on the funding available for those credits. Some are low or waiting for more to distribute. Along the lines of cost-saving for the homeowner directly, every kWH generated by the system means less energy needed for every utility bill. Depending on the size of the system installed and electric usage, the investment can be gained back in a few years (typical timeline is 15-20 years). The other obvious benefit is related to the environment. It is estimated that every kilowatt of installed solar generation prevents 14,000 pounds of CO2 and 30 pounds of NOx during its operating life.

In today’s world, it is important to be aware of the trends and technologies available to you. Doing your research up front with any energy-efficient system will maximize your short- and long-term benefits and give you the edge in the home buyer’s market. n

Bridget Weston is with Mid-Atlantic Control Systems, LLC. Mid-Atlantic Control Systems, LLC specializes in providing customers with advanced technological solutions and complete systems integration.


Tile and Stone Trends in Home Improvement

When it comes to the idea of home de-sign, individuality plays an integral part in the outcome of home design projects. The demographics of your customer,

the region in which they live and many other fac-tors play a role in the trends and habits of users of natural stone and tile.

With fashion trends ever-changing, individual-ity has a big infl uence on the way people represent themselves through any kind of design-whether that’s clothing or home design. People are confi dent in their design tastes and are not afraid to express them. People enjoy different colors, textures, pat-terns and sizes. They want variety.


Those in the industry have continued to see a trend where people are comfortable with hard, natural surfaces, such as granite. Consumers are more exposed to the natural tile and stone industry than ever before. Understanding the options of ceramic, stone, glass and travertine, for example, helps form opinions of which products home owners prefer. Such products give the impression of reliability, dependability and durability, which makes for a satisfying product to consumers.

Note that men are more involved in the purchase decision for home design products than ever before. This is true for two reasons.

In general, men are becoming more educated on design than they’ve traditionally been and they aren’t afraid to have their own opinions (or share them). They know what they like and they want to make sure their homes reflect their tastes, in addi-tion to their spouses’.

Often the purchase decision involves higher priced items, which typically requires the involvement of both spouses.

Master baths are designed as custom features in a home, more than in the past. Personalities tend to shine more in secondary baths, as well. This all could be due to the way everyone in the household uses the bath areas in the home, which are secondary to the kitchen area. Kitchens continue to be a main gathering area in the home and therefore a design focus.

In outdoor spaces, people are using more stone and in a greater variety of colors. Again, they understand the high level of durability of natural products, particularly in an outdoor setting. In addition, they’re no longer satisfied with colorless backyards. They want a retreat. They want color and often feel more com-fortable in their liberal use of it in an outdoor setting.

For home improvement, exposure is important to the home owner. Homes are extremely important to people, so design decisions are of great value to a homeowner, who take the time to make it a haven. Because of this, consumers are spending more time learning about the products they’re putting into their houses and the details involved with their home improvement projects. In an effort to provide customers with the information they want, the following items have been identified as the top points to communicate in order to provide the consumer with enough information to help them make informed decisions, without overwhelming them.

MeasuringWhen measuring for tile, calculate the square footage of the area to be tiled by multiplying the length by the width of the area and then adding 5 to 10 percent.

DurabilityKeep in mind that the durability of a particular type of tile is not always reflected in its price. Ceramic/porcelain tile is the most durable flooring and facing material available. It’s color-permanent, abrasion-resistant and cannot be cut, torn gouged or punctured.

VariationRemember that stone is a product of nature, so its color varies from piece to piece, as well as between lots. Thus, stone should be viewed and approved prior to installation.

CleaningThere’s no need to wax, polish or buff glazed tile. Simply wiping it with a damp sponge or mop is all that’s necessary to maintain its luster. Routine cleaning with a soapless detergent will keep tile looking new.

MaintenanceNatural stone, especially polished stone, is sensitive to harsh chemicals. Don’t use vinegar or any cleaners containing acids or strong alkaline agents. Wipe or mop stone surfaces with warm water or a pH-balanced neutral cleanser followed by dry wiping.

SafetyDon’t place hot items, such as pots and pans, on any surface oth-er than granite. Use coasters on countertops. If oils, acid juices, or alcohol spills onto stone, wipe it off immediately. Acid-based foods, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, can etch into the polish of more delicate stones, like marble and onyx.

TerminologyThere are a variety of terms to describe finishes and cuts of stone and tile, such as Cross-cut, Flamed, Gauged, Ungauged, Honed, Polished, Patinato, Sandblasted, Tumbled and Vein-cut. Helping your customers understand these terms will assist in the build-ing of your relationship with them.

Your knowledge of current trends, along with your efforts to educate your customers, is sure to lead to successful projects. n

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Consumers want and expect new technology in their homes so that they can add convenience and security to their lives, according to a recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association. They just don’t know what’s

available. Consumer demand for everything from faster Internet connec-

tions and monitored home security systems to flat screen TVs, iPods and other electronic devises has helped launch the con-sumer electronics market to an over $2 billion a year industry.

To help potential home buyers better understand the technol-ogy options available to them, builders need to feature techno-logical enhancements — the electronic amenities that will help turn a house into a home — prominently in their models where buyers will notice them.

What Builders Are InstallingAccording to the CEA’s sixth annual State of the Builder

Technology Market Study, a supplement to NAHB’s Annual Builder Practices Survey, the top six technolo-gies builders are installing include structured wiring, monitored security, multi-room audio, home theater, automated lighting controls and home automation.

Many builders believe that home technologies make a significant difference in the marketing of their

new homes, according to the study. About one-third of the builders reported that technology in the home

helped them increase their revenue.

Technology Benefits to BuyersBuilders also need to promote the benefits these and other high-tech products bring to their home buyers. The primary benefits include control, savings, value, comfort and flexibility.

Control — Using smart automation technology helps provide home owners with control of everything from lighting and heat-ing to audio and video systems.

Savings — Automating lights, thermostats, sprinklers and other household functions minimize waste and translate into long-term costs savings on energy bills.

Value — Homes enhanced with technology generally are more attractive to buyers and hold their value better than less-equipped homes.

Comfort — Automation helps make leisure time and entertaining more enjoyable by enabling home owners to control lighting, music and temperature with the touch of a button.

Flexibility — Structured wiring makes it easier and more cost-effective to add lighting control, a more advanced computer network, a higher-end audio system and other technologies.

Technology Is Ever-ChangingLike the times, technology is changing at a rapid pace. What was cutting-edge last year may not even be on the radar screen today.

Keeping pace with technology can be a challenge for builders. Technology is ever-changing.

Fortunately, builders don’t have to be technological experts to integrate the latest innovations into their homes. The key is to cre-ate close relationships with electronic systems contractors.

These professionals have the latest information in their field and they are familiar with the building industry. They can effec-tively advise builders on the newest technology trends and how they can be implemented to benefit their customers. n

Andrea Reiner is an owner and co-founder of InnerSpace Electronics, Inc., a custom integration company for high-end clients based in Port Chester, New York. IEI designs and installs home theater, multi-room audio/video, lighting control, home automation, automated window treatments, acoustical design, soundproofing, telephone/intercom systems, computer networks and boardrooms. For more information, visit the IEI website at www.innerspaceelectronics.com.

Buyers Want Technology, Let Them See It in Model HomesBy AndreA reiner


The Land Development Council of the Home Builders Association of Maryland announced the winners of its 15th Annual Community Development Awards of Excellence program

at the Center Club in Baltimore on September 25th. The Land Development Council Award of Excellence program offers recognition to development profession-als who provide superior and creative development projects that are sensitive to the community and make appropriate use of the existing natural elements. The LDC awards program serves three purposes:

(1) To promote positive public interest in (perception of) the land development industry;

(2) To recognize excellence in land development for design and quality; and,

(3) To recognize outstanding contributions by companies and individuals to the land development industry.


ConsulTanT of The Year Ernie Shepp, Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc.

Developer of The Year Sandy Marenberg, Marenberg Enterprises

ConTraCTor of The Year Jay Hergenroeder, Gray & Sons, Inc.

lifeTime aChievemenT awarD Martin K. P. Hill, Woodhaven Building and Development, LLC

awarD of exCellenCe project: Ashman’s Hope, Developer: Laurence Construction, Consultant/engineer: Alfred W. Berry III, A B Associates, location: Franklintown

awarD of exCellenCe project: Shipley’s Crossing, Developer: Koch Homes, Consultant/engineer: J. A. Chisholm, P.F., LLC, location: Millersville

awarD of exCellenCe project: Ashland Commons, Developer: Hord Coplan Macht, The Shelter Group, architect: Hord Coplan Macht, location: Baltimore

26 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 www.homebuilders.org


awarD of exCellenCe project: Railway Express, Developer: Hord Coplan Macht, Railway Express, LLC Consultant/engineer: Hord Coplan Macht, location: Baltimore

awarD of exCellenCe project: Avondell, Developer: Hord Coplan Macht, The Shelter Group Consultant/engineer: Hord Coplan Macht, location: Harford County

awarD of exCellenCe project: Tollgate Village, Developer: Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc., Toll Brothers, Consultant/engineer: Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc., location: Millersville

awarD of exCellenCe project: Carroll Vistas, Developer: Pulte Homes-Maryland Division, TRV, LLC., Consultant/engineer: CLSI, Inc., location: Taneytown

awarD of exCellenCe project: The Ritz Carlton Residences, Developer: Midtown Baltimore, LLC, location: Inner Harbor Baltimore

projeCT of The Yearproject: Gibson’s GrantDeveloper: Elm Street Development/ Whites Heritage Partners, LLClocation: Kent Island




Maryland’s largest Latino and immigrant organization, CASA de Maryland, Inc. began construction in Octo-ber, 2008, on a historic Multicultural Center located in Langley Park, Prince George’s County, Maryland.

CASA opened its doors in 1985 as a volunteer organization providing emergency relief services to Central American immi-grants fleeing natural disasters and civil wars. Today, from 6 of-fices located in Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Wheaton and Takoma Park, CASA’s services reach over 20,000 low-wage Latinos and immigrants and their families.

CASA’s programs focus on educating individuals, providing the immigrant workers with the tools necessary to raise and stabilize their economic status and to fully integrate them into Maryland’s workforce. They operate out of 5 workers’ centers, assessing the requests of employers and matching them with la-borers and skilled workers to meet their needs. CASA also offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, com-puter classes and vocational skills training courses in areas such as construction, drywall, tiling, moving, painting and electricity

to help improve workers’ employability and earning power. Over the last year, CASA placed workers in nearly 17,000 temporary and permanent jobs, the vast majority in the home building and construction fields.

“CASA provides what so many homebuilders need – qualified, dedicated workers ready to work. In a region where the home building industry depends heavily on Latino and immigrant labor, we owe CASA our gratitude for preparing workers to meet our companies’ needs,” said Mark Stevens, Vice President of HBAM member organization, Stevens Builders, Inc.

Meeting the Increasing Need: CASA’s Future Multicultural Center To meet the increasing need of both the low-income community and today’s business economy, CASA is developing a 21,000 square foot CASA Multicultural Center that will provide the space to expand its programs, in particular its educational and workforce development programs.

Maryland Non-Profit Group Integrates Historic and Green RenovationsBY Jennifer freedman and maria elva maldonado

The McCormick-Goodhart home, future site of the CASA Multicultural Center. PhOTO By ElMER ROMERO



The development of the CASA Multicultural Center project is a story of growing partnerships with community, non-profit, business and government leadership.

Over seven years ago, CASA began working in Langley Park with tenants in multi family apartments owned by Sawyer Re-alty Holdings. Sawyer quickly saw the benefit that CASA’s work was bringing to its tenants and they decided to make a contri-bution to the community. In 2005, CASA and Sawyer entered into a 99-year lease at $1 a year for the building known as the McCormick-Goodhart Mansion. In October 2007, they sold the building to CASA for $1.

The building was built in 1924 and designed by renowned architect, George Oakley Totten. Originally a 256-acre estate and home to the McCormick-Goodhart family, the building is listed as a Prince George’s County historic site. It is now surrounded by 600 apartment units that are home to hundreds of immigrant and minority families and sits 3 blocks from a bustling and dense commercial center. Peter Byrnes, former CEO of Winchester Homes and Phil Stevens, founder of Stevens Builders, have served as pro-bono project managers and owner’s representatives on the project through the planning stages. The project’s team includes general contractor Hamel Builders, civil engineers Loiderman Soltesz Associates, energy consultants EMO Energy, architects Bu-cher/Borges Group and historic experts O’Connell & Associates.

Investing in a Multicultural WorkforceThe CASA Multicultural Center will house the organization’s new regional headquarters and offer a wide variety of health, legal, education, leadership and economic development services to the ethnically diverse but drastically underserved communi-ties of Langley Park. The Multicultural Center is also located less than a mile from CASA’s newest workers’ center, scheduled to open in November, which will be the nation’s largest workers’ center and include a state-of-the-art vocational training lab.

Langley Park is one of the most ethnically, racially and cul-turally diverse regions in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. According to U.S. Census 2000 data, 64.5 percent of the population in Langley Park is foreign-born and 61.8 percent of the population migrated to the area since 1990. English is not the primary language spoken in 72.3 percent of residences in Langley Park and 55.9 percent of respondents in the 2000 cen-sus stated that they “do not speak English well.”

The creation of a Multicultural Center in the heart of the diverse communities of Langley Park will directly address a number of community needs. Workforce development programs, coupled with appropriate skills training, educational opportu-nities and direct services will increase the employability and economic self-sufficiency of low-wage Latino and immigrant families in Maryland.

Historic and GreenThe renovation planning is challenging – the building has been abandoned for many years and has suffered greatly from water damage and vandalism. Work will include the restoration of the buildings’ Georgian Revival exterior to its original historic appearance and a complete renovation of the interior, still within Maryland Historic Trust standards. CASA applied to the Mary-land Historic Trust and received an allocation of State Historic Tax Credits. The project will also receive Federal Historic Tax

Credits and New Markets Tax Credits. CASA’s tax credit and financing partners are Bank of America, Enterprise Community Investment and the National Trust Community Investment Cor-poration in its tax credit and financing package.

CASA is going for the Gold! CASA determined from the outset that it would seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Build-ing Council for this project. CASA’s architects, Bucher/Borges Group, are known for their expertise in both historic and green projects. CASA’s Multicultural Center presents the challenge of designing a renovation within the Maryland Historic Trust guidelines and with significant energy conservation features. Plans include an eye-level green roof on the basement addition, a geothermal HVAC system, controllable lighting and heating sys-tems, use of low-emitting materials and water-efficient landscap-ing. CASA will expand its community education work to focus on the appreciation and protection of our environment.

The Key to Their SuccessCASA forges partnerships with business and government leaders based on the reputation of its employment placement, English, citizenship, health education, vocational training and leader-ship and civic participation programs. CASA has reached out to individuals and businesses throughout the region to support this project as an investment in community building.

Last October, 2007, Governor O’Malley was the keynote speaker for CASA’s Building for the Future Campaign Kick-off event. Business and foundation leaders, many of whom are members of CASA’s Development Advisory Committee, acknowledge that their support for CASA’s Multicultural Center is in recognition of the tremendous contribution that workers from the Latino, immigrant and low-income community make to our regional economy, in particular in the construction and service industries.

CASA looks forward to partnering with business leaders from the Baltimore area. CASA will have representatives at the Home Builders Association of Maryland Builder Mart in March, 2009. n

To request more information about CASA’s programs or to request a tour of the future Multicultural Center, contact Maria Elva Maldonado at 301-270-0142 or [email protected].

Graduation at one of CASA’s ESOl classes. PhOTO By ElMER ROMERO


green building

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER�NOVEMBER/DECEMBER�2008 www.homebuilders.org34

Your success and reputation as a builder is the sum of many things you do for your customers, your community, your staff, your trade contractors, your suppli-

ers, your business partners (lenders, insurance providers, etc.) and yourself. You work hard to do the right thing, build a good product and maintain a fi nancially stable and profi table business. You probably lose some sleep thinking about the risks related to your business.

One construction defect claim could destroy your business and bankrupt you. As an expert in many construction disputes, I have seen the devastating outcome of some situations.

In this issue, I would like to share with you a few thoughts about construction risk manage-ment both as it relates to green building and in general. While I know my series is primarily about green building, the fabric of your busi-ness included threads of many types. You can’t focus on just one; if you do, the fabric will fail.

First, a bit of background:In 2007, construction defect (CD) claims cost the insurance industry $8 - $10 million PER DAY! That’s $3 - $4 BILLION for the year!In 2007, an average of 40 new CD claims were reported PER DAY! That’s about 14,000 for the year!Most of those claims are related to residential construction; both single family and multi family.Legal costs now EXCEED settlement costs in most CD litigation (CDL).Many law fi rms now specialize in CDL.Class action lawsuits are more common as HOAs, multi family projects and large subdivisions offer a bigger target, attrac-tive to some law fi rms who pursue such litigation proactively.

•

•

•

•

••

New rules for evidence make electronic fi les more vulnerable in the discovery phase of litigation.

Concurrently, homebuyer’s expectations are higher than they have ever been. That is driven both by the price paid for a new home and the general cultural expectation that any product we buy will, essentially, be defect free. Our automotive and electronic industries, among others, have set that standard.

You, of course, for many reasons, can’t build a perfect home. For reference, please visit our website (www.criteriumhomeinspection.com) for a series of essays I wrote on why we cannot build a perfect home.

So, you may be a target for CDL.

What puts you at risk?One big thing is creating “unfulfi llable expecta-tions” in your homebuyers. The following are some examples I have seen in your promotional material that is risky.

“Our homes are built to green standards” - unless you are specifi c about what stan-dard and what level and can document it, you are at risk.“Our homes will save 15 percent in your en-ergy bills” – 15 percent less than what? And do you control how your buyer uses energy?“We never use hazardous materials” – do you really know everything about what each of your trade contractors and employ-ees are doing?“We build green.” - Do you really mean that? Building green embraces much more than just energy effi ciency. Please see the summary below, as I offered in the last issue of Mid-Atlantic Builder.

•

•

•

•

•

GETTING TO GREEN! – IS THERE A RISK?

A Practical Guide to NAHB Model Green Building Guidelines

BY H. ALAN MOONEY, P.E.Low impact Work with the site, don’t remake it

Effi cient Conserve energy, water and materials, both on site and by minimizing shipping

Sustainable Use manufactured products instead of grown/organic products

Small Build a smaller home

Figure 1.�L-E-S-S�An�overview�of�GREEN�building�objectives


green building

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER�NOVEMBER/DECEMBER�2008 www.homebuilders.org36

The temptation is to over-promise, which, unfortunately is often followed by under-deliv-ering, if only because you have created unful-fi llable expectations. Your goal and discipline should be to under-promise and over-deliver.

What can you do?Here are the elements of a good risk manage-ment and quality assurance program you might want to consider (Figure 2). You may have some of these elements in place in your company now. If you do, some refi nement may be all that is needed to optimize that program.

1.0 A COMMITTED TEAM 1.1 Contractor 1.2 Owner/developer 1.3 Insurer 1.4 Third party consultant

Quality assurance and risk management should become part of your corporate culture.

2.0 STANDARDS 2.1 Defi ne how the work is to be done 2.2 Good construction practice 2.3 Construction documents

Without good standards, monitoring compli-ance is impossible.

3.0 PRE-QUALIFICATION 3.1 Consider potential risk of proposed proj-ects by:

Project type Design thoroughness Trade contractor track record Location Climate Regulatory intensity

Evaluate the risk in advance. If the project is too risky, don’t do it.

4.0 CONSTRUCTION MONITORING AND DOCUMENTATION

4.1 Third party inspections Document compliant work Flag non-compliant work Inform fi eld personnel Independence assures focus and credibility.

••••••

••••

5.0 RESOLUTION 5.1 Communicate non-compliant fi eld obser-vations 5.2 Record resolution 5.3 Identify trends 5.4 Provide training

Without resolution, a Quality Assurance pro-gram will increase your risk.

6.0 ONGOING LEARNING6.1 Access to all project data 6.2 Evaluate and share 6.3 Refi ne priorities and procedures 6.4 “Lessons learned”

We all make mistakes. It’s important to learn from them. Open communication is the key.

Risk management is important in everything you do. If it is nurtured as part of your compa-ny’s culture, you can minimize risk.

As I said in the last issue, your signature as a builder is lasting. Building green is important but no longer distinctive. In the future, build-ing green will probably be mandated. Effective-ly combining the two will serve you well for a long time and, for most builders, will be a con-tinuation of your already established reputation and commitment to quality construction. Don’t think of yourself as a green builder. Instead, think of yourself as a quality builder with a commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, all with a green background. ■

Criterium�Engineers�has�specialized�in�residential�construction�for�nearly�50�years,�with�more�than�60�offi�ces�in�more�than�30�states.�We�have�evaluated�more�than�600,000�buildings.�H.�Alan�Mooney,�P.E,�President�of�Criterium�Engi-neers,�is�a�licensed,�Profes-

sional�Engineer�in�8�states,�with�more�than�35�years�experience�and�has�been�the�author�and�presenter�for�various�NAHB�programs,�mostly�on�construction�quality.�For�more�information,�please�visit�www.criterium-engineers.com.�

Figure 2. Elements�of�good�risk�management.

Don’t think of yourself as a green builder. Instead,�think�of�your-

self�as�a�quality�builder�

with�a�commitment�

to�craftsmanship�and�

customer�satisfaction,�

all�with�a�green�

background.

1 A Committed Team

2 Standards

3 Pre-Qualifi cation

4 Construction Monitoring and Documentation

5 Resolution

6 Ongoing Learning



journal of light construction

Buying a Compact ExcavatorOwnership can reduce your dependence on subs and create new sources of revenue, but be sure to consider all the costs

by Dave Crosby

A s a custom builder, I used to take on about three new homes or large additions a year. Most of our work was done by

my employees, but like most builders I hired subcontractors for special tasks. Using subs has many advantages, but maintaining control over the building schedule is not one of them. If an excavation sub is late for any reason, your schedule is ruined, because all the subsequent trades are affected.

After calculating how much money excavat-ing delays were costing me, I realized I could no longer afford that approach, and I began doing much of my own dirt work. At first, I rented equipment as needed, which worked fairly well except during the busy season, when I had to wait for a machine. I also discovered that some of the overworked rental equipment wasn’t very reliable. So I started thinking about buying my own machine.

The Decision to BuySince heavy equipment is expensive, it has to pay for itself. To determine whether buying my own excavator made financial sense, I looked at budget vs. actual job costs on my projects. I wanted to see what the excavation delays were costing me in wasted crew time and how much money I was spending on my excavation sub’s services. On the other side of the equation, I added up what the machine would cost me, in-cluding the machine payment, fuel, insurance and maintenance.

The payment, in my case, was $785 per month. Insurance would go up by about $40 per month. Maintenance is related to use, but I guessed at an average of $100 per month. Fuel would run about $20 per day and would vary with use. I figured that a total of $1,200 per month ought to be pretty close. At first, I didn’t factor in an operator, because that would be me; as the site supervisor, I’m already there.

So, at the local going rate of $65 per hour for machine time, I needed to run this machine 19 hours a month to have it pay for itself. I was surprised to find that if I started three houses a year on time and did all of my own dirt work, the machine was essentially free.

That said, the monthly payment is nothing compared with the related expenses of own-ing a machine. For example, if the machine is abused or if a careless operator causes damage, the cost can quickly outweigh the benefits. Even with proper care, wear items like bucket teeth, tires and tracks need replacing. You will also need to store the machine and trailer somewhere, which can be a problem, depend-ing on where you live.

Choosing the Right MachineI already knew I didn’t want a full-size backhoe or excavator. What I needed was something inexpensive, small enough to fit through tight spaces and up against the walls of existing

Figure 1. Quick couplers make swapping buckets and accessories much easier. With the hook end already on the bucket (top), the threaded pin is inserted and tightened (middle). A whack with a hammer prevents vibration from loosening it, and a hitch pin keeps it from coming off if it should loosen.


buildings, and powerful enough to handle everything from footings and trenching to landscaping.

At a construction trade show, I happened to see several compact excavators in the 3- to 5-metric-ton class. Unlike little rental machines, these were functionally identical to a full-sized track excavator but small enough to make sense on a residential site. As I looked more closely at the compact excavators, I realized that beyond the obvious advantage of being able to put dirt behind you as you dig (something a backhoe can’t do), they could get into all kinds of places. Plumbed for auxiliary hydraulics, they could run a variety of accessories and with a hydrau-lic thumb, they could pick up or tear down almost anything on a residential site.

Best of all, these machines could be towed behind a pickup truck on a small tandem-axle trailer. I didn’t want a gooseneck trailer because I needed the use of my pickup bed. A little simple arithmetic told me the machine had to weigh less than 8,500 pounds and be no more than 6 feet wide. With that in mind, I went shopping for a compact excavator.

Picking a Model and BrandAfter price, rated horsepower and maximum dig depth are the first things a new buyer should consider. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that a bigger machine with more power and more reach is always the best choice. I have run 54,000-pound excavators with 35 feet of reach that pull dirt out of the ground a pickup-truck load at a time. Believe me, in no time at all, you still want more power and more reach.

A better approach is to match the machine to the job. The smallest machine that will do the majority of your work efficiently is the best choice. The old 80/20 rule applies here: If you can find a machine that will do 80 percent of your work effectively, you can deal with the other 20 percent as the need arises.

Quality of construction is a judgment call. Better machines tend to cost more, but you may not need the most expensive, best engineered machine. One quality I would investigate, no matter what machine you choose, is the competency and training of the dealer’s service department. Your best bet is a referral from a satisfied and impartial customer. Similarly, if customers have had a bad experience with a service department, they are usually not shy

about sharing that information.I’ve had great luck with my Caterpillars

— I’ve bought three Cat machines: a dozer, a skid steer, and a large excavator — in the past 15 months. These machines are reliable and rewarding to operate and I’ve paid for noth-ing more than oil changes. I’ve had only one occasion for warranty service, and that was handled in the field, within eight hours of my call, at no charge.

Conversely, my Volvo — the compact excava-tor I ultimately decided to buy — had some built-in maintenance problems that the dealer-ship charged me for, and on several occasions the company couldn’t provide on-site support when I needed it. Although the Volvo is a highly productive and generally well designed machine, the maintenance record reads like a sad story. Repairs and maintenance have cost me roughly 10 percent of the purchase price in only 1,000 hours of use, which is excessive.

My experience with these two brands of machine has shown me that the dealer can serve as either an active business partner who helps you be successful in your business or a roadblock to that success. If the company can’t be there when you have a problem, it’s going to cost you money.

Options and AccessoriesWhichever machine you buy, I recommend adding a quick coupler for the bucket and work tools. With a quick coupler, you can change buckets in a minute or two. Without one, you’ll need to drive bucket pins, which is such a slow process you’ll find yourself using the wrong bucket rather than changing it (see Figure 1). The $800 option will easily pay for itself in time saved swapping buckets or backfilling a bigger hole or trench than was necessary. (As with anything, though, you have to be careful: There have been several recent OSHA reports of operators seriously injured or killed while using a quick coupler.)

I’d also make sure to get a hydraulic thumb. Demolition, loading debris, placing large rocks and removing stumps are all easy with this tool. Unless all you ever do is trenching, a thumb is a wise investment (Figure 2).

If your machine does not come equipped with a block heater, ask the dealer to install one before delivery. These small diesels can be temperamental in cold weather. If there is an optional work-light package, I’d recommend

Figure 2. A hydraulic thumb makes it easy to pick up rocks and other large, odd-shaped objects that won’t fit into the bucket. It’s also a useful tool for demolition. When not in use, it folds against the boom.

Figure 3. A light kit is a worthwhile accessory, especially when you’re struggling to finish a job. The most useful kits have lights for the front and back of the cab for crawling in either direction, and on the boom to see inside a trench or hole.


journal of light construction

that, too. I try hard never to run machines in the dark or when I’m tired, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. When this happens — think bro-ken water line — you can never have too much light on the job (Figure 3, previous page).

Operator comfort is crucial. An uncomfort-able operator is unproductive and unsafe. When in doubt, spend the extra money for creature comforts like heat, air conditioning, suspension seats and extra lights.

If you’re planning to do your own routine maintenance, it’s also important to pop the hood and see if the fi lters and other common maintenance items are readily accessible. One frequent complaint about the newer compact excavators with little or no tail swing is that they’re tougher to work on because they have smaller engine compartments (Figure 4).

Learning the MachineWhile it takes only about fi ve minutes to fi gure out the controls of a machine, it takes a lot lon-ger to actually become skilled at operating one. Even more important than operator skill is an understanding of good construction practice. If the dirt work isn’t done properly, the results

can be expensive. Nobody wants to see a foun-dation failure.

Most important of all, of course, is an at-titude of alertness and concern for the safety of everyone else on the job. The fi rst three rules of heavy-equipment operation are safety, safety, and safety (see “Excavator Safety,” below). Withthis much power and weight, there is no such thing as “oops” or “sorry.”

New OpportunitiesThe fi rst few jobs I did with my new machine were for my own company, so pricing was not a concern. As long as I was getting the job done on time and covering my expenses, I didn’t give it a lot of thought.

I soon realized, however, that I had discov-ered a market niche. Calls from other contrac-tors started coming in when word got around that I had bought this unusual new machine that was faster than a backhoe and would fi t almost anywhere (Figure 5). Footings for com-plex building footprints are no problem with this smaller machine and I have received sev-eral calls to dig for infi ll houses that have 14 or more corners in a 2,500-square-foot fl oor plan.

Figure 4. Although the newer machines have smaller engine com-partments, manufacturers are doing a better job of keeping fi lters and other maintenance items easily accessible. This Caterpillar (top photos) has good fi lter accessibility despite its small engine compartment door. With the Volvo (bottom photos), the oil fi lter is mounted lower in the engine compart-ment, so it’s a little tougher to get to, but still reachable.

Excavator SafetyAn accident involving a piece of heavy equipment and a person will usually result in serious injury. Don’t let it happen

On the job, your primary safety asset is an alert operator. A comprehensive safety training program for everyone on the site is important, too. It doesn’t need to be anything more than a short discussion at coffee break once a week and a briefi ng for the crew prior to any unusual or dangerous tasks.

An operator has the responsibility to inspect his or her machine before every shift. A machine that does not function properly should not be used. Operators also must be aware of the particular hazards on a job, such as overhead or underground utilities, unstable soil, structural collapse, heavy objects rolling away or falling and unexpected behavior by onlookers or others at the site.

As far as I know, every state requires contractors engaged in excavation to notify local utility companies so that utilities can be marked prior to excavation. This free service is known by a variety of names — Miss Utility, Blue Stake, One-Call, Dig Safe. Where I work, if you don’t make that free call and you subsequently hit a gas or electric line, the fi nes start at $25,000.

Following a few simple rules will help keep everyone alive and working.Never step inside the swing of the boom while a machine is running. A shift in soil stability may result in fast and

unexpected movement of the boom. An electrical or hydraulic failure can also cause uncontrolled movement or the op-erator may just not realize that you are there. I have seen every one of these scenarios happen. The result can be fatal.

Never approach or walk behind an operating machine until you have made eye contact with the operator and the operator has acknowledged your intent with a signal that you have agreed upon in a safety meeting.

Laborers should always wear high-visibility clothing when working around equipment, including hard hats, safety vests, yellow or orange T-shirts — anything that helps the operator keep track of where the crew is.

No overhead lifting: Never swing a load over a person and never step under a load. Recognize that equipment hydraulics run at a pressure of several thousand pounds per square inch. Stay clear of

hoses. If high-pressure fl uid penetrates a person’s skin as the result of a pinhole leak or a failed fi tting, he will need immediate medical attention to save his life.


Pricing JobsSome excavation contractors price their jobs on an hourly basis. This is similar to building on a time-and-materials agreement and, like T&M, it’s okay when you’re getting started, but most business people soon abandon that approach. T&M is a lot riskier than it sounds, so I try to avoid it. I still work hourly for some contractors who prefer this arrangement, but we have a his-tory of working well together and they under-stand how long a job should take.

I prefer to price all my work on the basis of unit cost. From experience, I know that I can move dirt for a certain cost per yard, and I can trench for so much per foot to a certain depth (all of which varies with the soil conditions). With a little practice, you’ll learn to recognize the various soil types in your area. I watch for rock out croppings or dramatic changes in elevation across a site, indicating erosion patterns that expose hard soil. I also watch for especially soft or sandy soil, which can be far worse to work in.

I find that customers are almost always more comfortable with a fixed price, just as I am. On an hourly job, the customers will always won-der if they’re paying for the time you spent on break, performing maintenance, talking on the phone or pulling your machine out of the mud.

The Bottom LineAs a custom builder, owning my own equip-ment gave me a definite advantage. I had more control over the schedule and paying myself for excavation increased profits. Now I’ve made the switch to working as a full-time excavation sub, and I’m still making the same money I did as a GC, but with fewer headaches. n

David Crosby is an excavation contractor and the owner of Crosby Construction in Santa Fe, N.M.

Reprinted with permission from the Journal of Light Construction. For information on subscribing to the Journal of Light Construction, call 1-800-375-5981 or email [email protected].

Figure 5. A major advantage of compact excavators is their ability to get close to foundations, fences and obstructions. With the cab rotated and the boom angled to the left or right, excavators can dig in the offset position, which makes excavating for room additions and trenching next to foundations easier.


HOMEBUILDERSAssociation of Maryland

HBAM offers A vAriety of events And progrAMs eAcH yeAr tHAt provide BotH Business And sociAl foruMs to increAse your industry contActs.

Builder MartKey connectionsMAX Maryland Awards of excellenceinternational Builders’ showcelebrity chef night & AuctionHBAM Builders’ openHBAM remodelers Awards of excellencethe governors conference on Housing the Maryland Housing conferenceth e Maryland real estate & construction

forecast conferenceicon Awardspresident’s luncheonla nd development council community

development AwardsContact Kim Dresser at 410-265-7400, ext. 115 or [email protected] for more information.

Benefits of Membershiplegislative Advocacypublic relations and informationeducationevents and conferences

Do Business With Your Fellow HBAM Members. “Building Your Business Through Association” is our philosophy. HBAM members believe that they should support those who support the building industry.

NETWORK with other companies in the building industry to gain new contacts as well as strengthen your current ones at the Celebrity Chef Night & Auction, Golf Outing & Picnic, sporting events, chapter and council meetings and more.

KEEP UP-TO-DATE about pertinent legislative and regulatory issues on a local, state and national level.

INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE of the building industry through our educational programs and seminars.

TARGET YOUR MARKET with cost effective advertising in any of HBAM’s publications and receive a spreadsheet of HBAM members.

STAY INFORMED with HBAM’s publications. You will receive Mid-Atlantic Builder, HomeFront, HomeFront Online and the Buyers’ Guide.

ADD CREDIBILITY for your company in the building industry as well as with the general public by being associated with one of the largest building associations in the country.

WWW.HOMEBUILDERS.ORG is designed to serve both consumers and those in the building industry. You can access the latest legislative news, find out about member benefits, profile your company in the online directory or register for an event. Consumers can visit the HBAM home page to find you and other builders or suppliers in their area.The site received over 3 million hits in 2007.

ANNUALEVENTS& CONFERENCES


AssociAtes A & G DesignsMonica Read1933 Mark DriveEdgewood, MD 21040Phone: 410-538-4393Fax: 410-538-4393www.granititebalt.moremd.comSupplier - Flooring

A Touch of BrassJim Long9052 Chevrolet DriveEllicott City, MD 21042Phone: 410-461-8585Fax: 410-750-7275www.atouchofbrass.comSponsor: Theresa Leatherbury, The Rachuba GroupSupplier - Hardware

Atlas Stone Fabricators, Inc.Dusty Poore8274 Lokus RoadOdenton, MD 21113Phone: 410-672-4111Fax: 410-672-4116www.atlasstonefabricators.comSponsor: Richard Pezzullo, Koch Homes, Inc.Subcontractor - Stone, Marble & Granite

Birckhead Electric Inc.Elizabeth Birckhead2408 Crofton Blvd.Crofton, MD 21114Phone: 301-858-0373Fax: 301-858-1878Subcontractor - Electrical & Structural Wiring

Chesapeake Kitchen WholesalersDavid Wallace9631-P Liberty RoadRandallstown, MD 21133Phone: 410-922-1400Fax: 410-922-1401Sponsor: Samantha Kerr, The Rachuba GroupSupplier - Cabinets & Countertops

CMW Co. Inc.Mickey Waskey10226-3 Baltimore National PikeEllicott City, MD 21042Phone: 410-313-8227Fax: 410-313-8053www.cmwvacs.comSupplier - Central Vacuum

Creative Landscapes by Gregory Inc.Greg Kenel6126 Jefferson PikeFrederick, MD 21703Phone: 301-624-5525Fax: 301-624-5535www.creativel-scapes.comSponsor: D. Scott Peterson, Bozzuto Homes, Inc.Subcontractor - Landscaping & Lawn Care

Davenport Insulation/ Builder Services GroupJay Whitall15445 Depot LaneUpper Marlboro, MD 20639Phone: 301-627-1800Fax: 301-627-6999Sponsor: D. Scott Peterson, Bozzuto Homes, Inc.Subcontractor - Insulation & Drywall

Delmarva Trailer Sales & RentalsMelody Culotta7431 Washington Blvd.Elkridge, MD 21075Phone: 410-799-1185Fax: 410-379-0520www.delmarvatrailers.comSupplier - Mobile Buildings, Storage, Trailers

Executive Floors, Inc.Paul Eskew11400 Robertson DriveManassas, VA 20109Phone: 703-530-8535Fax: 703-530-8303Sponsor: Richard Pezzullo, Koch Homes, Inc.Supplier - Flooring

Genesis Flooring AmericaMichael Kaplan577 Johnsville RoadSykesville, MD 21784Phone: 410-552-6410Fax: 410-552-6411www.genesisflooringamerica.comSupplier - Flooring

Haven Custom HomesPaul Tashian1302 Concourse Drive, Suite 202Linthicum, MD 21090Phone: 732-216-5692Fax: 732-781-9784www.havenhomes.comSupplier - Modular Homes

J.A. Rice, Inc. - Land SurveyorStar ClarkP. O. Box 1288Millersville, MD 21108Phone: 410-987-4286Fax: 410-987-3633www.jarice.netSponsor: Richard Pezzullo, Koch Homes, Inc.Professional Services - Engineering & Technical

Leafguard & Beldon Home SolutionsRichard Ford2142 Priest Bridge Court #6Crofton, MD 21114Phone: 410-774-2000Fax: 410-774-2008www.guttersmaryland.comSupplier - Roofing & Gutters

M & T BankTim Reynolds305 W Chesapeake AvenueFourth FloorTowson, MD 21204Phone: 410-512-4713Fax: 410-512-4750Sponsor: Kevin Sapp, MetLife Home LoansProfessional Services - Banking & Mortgage

Mahon Plumbing Inc.Gregory Mahon6824 Ft. Smallwood RoadSuite ABaltimore, MD 21226Phone: 410-636-7944Fax: 410-636-8937Sponsor: Richard Pezzullo, Koch Homes, Inc.Subcontractor - Plumbing

Mars Group Inc.Monty Rahman8507 Horsehoe RoadEllicott City, MD 21043Phone: 410-480-2706Fax: 410-480-8066Sponsor: Steve Breeden, Security Development GroupProfessional Services - Engineering & Technical

Maryland Sign Design, Inc.Kimberly RentzPO Box 1957741 Woodbine RoadWoodbine, MD 21797Phone: 410-549-2390Fax: 410-549-2705Sponsor: D. Scott Peterson, Bozzuto Homes, Inc.Professional Services - Signs & Displays

Moscker Insurance Agency Inc.Peter Moscker302 Ritchie HighwaySeverna Park, MD 21146Phone: 410-544-6104Fax: 410-544-4374www.mosckerinsurance.comSponsor: Eliot Powell, Whitehall Development, LLCProfessional Services - Insurance

Preferred Elevator CompanyKen Gough9 Nashua Court #8Baltimore, MD 21221Phone: 410-893-1777www.preferred-elevator.comSponsor: D. Scott Peterson, Bozzuto Homes, Inc.Subcontractor - Elevator & Lift Systems

Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr, LLPKevin Kelehan10715 Charter Drive, Suite 200Columbia, MD 21044Phone: 410-740-4600Fax: 410-730-7729www.carneykelehan.comSponsor: Scott Armiger, Orchard Development CorporationProfessional Services - Legal

Rich and Henderson, PCTim Henderson51 Franklin StreetAnnapolis, MD 21401Phone: 410-267-5900Fax: 410-267-5901www.richlaw.comSponsor: Eric DeVito, Ribera Development, LLCProfessional Services - Legal

SAL’S LLCStephen Lopez14044 Harrisville RoadMt. Airy, MD 21771Phone: 443-398-4075Fax: 301-829-5642www.salsllc.comSponsor: Chris Rachuba, The Rachuba GroupSubcontractor - Excavating, Grading & Utilities

Southern Maryland Oil, Inc.Julian WillsPO Box 2810LaPlata, MD 20646Phone: 800-492-3420Fax: 301-932-3616www.smocomfort.comSubcontractor - HVAC

Trace Laboratories, Inc.Kara Waltimyer5 North Park DriveHunt Valley, MD 21030Phone: 410-584-9099Fax: 410-584-9117www.tracewatertesting.comSupplier - Water Condition, Mgmt., Proof. & Wells

Vertical Connection Carpet One, TheSteven Joss9150 Rumsey RoadColumbia, MD 21045Phone: 410-730-7423Fax: 410-730-1151www.verticalconnection.comSponsor: Theresa Leatherbury, The Rachuba GroupSupplier - Flooring

HBAM Welcomes new Members


BUiLDeR Alex Brown RealtyAaron Wade300 E. Lombard StreetBaltimore, MD 21202Phone: 410-547-3040www.abrealty.comSponsor: Theresa Leatherbury, The Rachuba GroupDeveloper

Fulco Development Group LLCKristen Marshall10517 York RoadCockeysville, MD 21030Phone: 410-316-1040Fax: 410-316-1040Developer

RexCorp RealtyGabe Pasquale801 Key HighwayBaltimore, MD 21230Phone: 410-727-4417Fax: 410-727-4415Sponsor: Morgan Gilligan, Residential Title & Escrow Co.Developer

ReMoDeLeR Bowman’s HousecraftPaul Bowman6400 Baltimore National Pike #538Catonsville, MD 21228Phone: 410-340-9876quareidfaciam.netSponsor: Scott Armiger, Orchard Development CorporationRemodeler- Kitchen & Bath

Foley Construction & Residential Services, LLCDavid Foley2400 Pelham AvenueBaltimore, MD 21213Phone: 443-677-0420www.foleycrs.comRemodeler

Goldstreet Partners LLCMatthew Moore3470 Olney-Laytonsville RoadSuite 312Olney, MD 20832Phone: 301-448-6802Fax: 301-260-8976Remodeler

HCC Contractors, Inc.Japp HaynesPO Box 4657Baltimore, MD 21212-0657Phone: 443-415-4642Fax: 410-366-1887www.hcccontractors.comRemodeler

Thomas Anthony Homes, Inc.Rich Hall702 Hickory Limb CircleBel Air, MD 21014Phone: 410-836-7008Builder - Custom; Remodeler

All Things FinancialFirewall Specialists

Allied Building ProductsExpect Excellence

ChesapeakeHome Magazine

IWIFInjured Workers Insurance Fund

K. Hovnanian HomesThe First Name in Lasting Value

Lansing Building Products

Provident BankThe Right Size Bank

Residential Title & Escrow CompanyDon’t Make a Move Without Us!

Ryland HomesAmerica’s Home Builder

Saratoga Insurance Brokers

Susquehanna Bank

T.W. Perry

WachoviaUncommon Wisdom

The Williamsburg GroupMaryland’s Award Winning Homebuilder

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS

2008SPONSORCLUBMembers do business with members

PRESENTING MEMBERS

Taking Care of Business

We Don’t Just Insure Builders, We Help Build a

Better Bottom Line

Since 2001, HBAM’s Policy Partners have been underwriting benchmark studies and policy initiatives that have been essential to our ability to make our case before state and local governing bodies. Recent Policy Partner initiatives include:• Reality Check and Reality Check PLUS (in cooperation with the

University of Maryland 2006-2008)• Analysis of impacts of APFO moratoria

(University of Maryland, 2005)• Maryland Coalition for Workforce Housing

(various partners, 2005)• Analysis of total local tax contributions derived

from residential construction (Optimal Solutions Group / RESI / Towson University, 2004)

• Baltimore County buildable inventory analysis (RESI / Towson University, 2001-2002

These fact based, objective studies and initiatives have been critical to our successes to date and they will continue to be essential to our ability to successfully advocate on behalf of the industry in the future. These ground breaking initiatives would not have been pos-sible without the generous fi nancial support of our Policy Partners.

Policy Partners are those members who have been willing to fi nancially support this essential work. Please review the list of our current Policy Partners. I encourage you to recognize and thank them for their leadership. We, and indeed all in the industry, owe them a debt of gratitude. We also must take the opportunity to encourage you, if your company is not on the list, to join them by becoming a HBAM Policy Partner. Please call Nancy Fox at 410-265-7400, ext. 122 or email [email protected]. ■

HBAM POLICY PARTNERS | 2008Beazer Homes+

Bob Ward Companies+ Clark Turner Signature Homes, LLC* Forty West Group, Inc.+

Gemcraft Homes, Inc.* Goodier Builders, Inc.+ Grayson Homes+Mister, Burton & Palmisano, P.C.+

Mueller Homes, Inc.Orchard Development*Owings Brothers Contracting, Inc.+

Powers Homes*Provident Bank+

Pulte Homes - Maryland/DC Division+

Residential Title & Escrow Company+

Ryland Homes+

Shelter Systems Limited+

Susquehanna Bank+

The Rachuba Group+

Thomas Builders, Inc.+

Whitehall Development, LLC+

Williamsburg Group,LLC+

Woodhaven Building and Development+

+ Received * Commitment Made As of 5/29/08

HBAM POLICY PARTNERS



corner�featuresaffordable housing

Can developers and builders create a sense of relief in a real estate environment which ap-pears weak? With the escalating costs of fuel and housing energy is there any relief for the fi rst-time buyer with median income?

The answer is “yes” to both questions. Founded in 2005, Community Solutions develops neighborhoods through conven-tional methods to include, but not limited to, buying and rehabilitating vacant units, general contracting, construction man-agement and partnership.

Its president and CEO is Luvon Dungee, who has developed or renovated more than 500 housing structures within the Baltimore metropolitan region.

Throughout his career, Dungee has earned a respected reputation in com-munity development, tenant and housing counseling, construction and construc-tion management.

Community Solutions is dedicated to creating communities for fi rst-time buyers to give them higher-end, environmental-ly-friendly homes that stabilize neighbor-hoods in need.

Not only does it go into defi cient neighborhoods and renovate dilapidated homes, it rebuilds the homes with charac-ter and provides the unexpected.

Community Solutions achieves this in-dependently, as well as in partnership with community development organizations.

NHS projectsTwo years ago, Neighborhood Housing Services was developing a pilot project in the Riverview community in Halethorpe, Maryland.

Funded through the Baltimore County Offi ce of Conservation, the project called for rehabbing homes into new and improved, environmentally-friendly and green homes which could be affordable to low- to moderate-income buyers.

NHS had learned that Community So-lutions was creating green housing units and sent them a scope of work. Commu-nity Solutions reviewed it and ultimately opted to push the envelope further with the use of product, space and design.

Creating High-End Homes for First-Time HomebuyersBY CARYN SAGAL

Rebuilding�the�neighborhood.


The Community Solutions plan called for developing a 90 percent green home using environmentally friendly building products.

What’s more, it increased the square footage, added a half bathroom, trans-formed the kitchen into the home’s social center and added a dining/family room.

Construction on the first unit began in August 2007. By the end of October 2007, the 900-square-foot space was completely renovated.

The project was so successful that NHS initiated the start of a second and third unit. Community Solutions proudly ac-cepted the charge of completely rede-signing these spaces to include: bamboo flooring, tank-less hot-water tanks, 90-plus high efficient furnace, granite coun-tertops, silver-coated roofing systems, solar tubes, low-e windows and fan fold exterior insulation.

Within one year, Community Solutions was well on its way to developing four environmentally-friendly units for sale. NHS and the office of Baltimore County Conservation invited Housing and Urban Development to review the project during all phases of development, ensuring the firm’s development capability and under-standing of green buildings.

Subsequently, Community Solutions has completed all four homes for NHS – all priced at $150,000 -- and is tak-ing requests from additional community organizations to create similar projects.

Independent projectsEmbarking on a new revolution of rehab, Community Solutions realized that the costs of creating a high-end home were just the same, regardless of the final purchase price of the home. Instead of the labor and finishes, it’s the design that truly provides the edge.

As part of its commitment to enabling first-time buyers to afford the higher-end homes of their dreams, Community Solutions only creates homes to be sold under $200,000.

In 2007, Community Solutions located a neighborhood in West Baltimore with a 40 percent vacancy rate, which fit the firm’s model for community development.

Further research of the neighborhood showed that current and past sales of single family residences were $75,000 to $85,000. However, several of the units

were not rehabilitated to a standard needed for the neighborhood to grow and prosper.

The average size of the neighborhood units varied from 1,600 to 2,100 square feet, creating a canvas on which to create an open space unit designed for the mod-erate income urban dweller.

Community Solutions knew it needed to provide a design that would create excitement from the moment you walk up to the porch fronts (curb appeal).

It also had to completely demolish the interior to create open floor plans and func-tional designs that would attract buyers from all cultures, including new urban pioneers.

During the first year, Community Solu-tions developed one unit using moderate green elements to reduce energy cost but increase efficiency.

Additionally, the firm purchased a corner unit and created a statement by erecting a 500-square-foot wrap around porch. The porch solidified Community Solutions’ presence in the community, as well as provided the momentum to buy and rehab several other units within a one-to-two block radius.

All Community Solutions units have the following amenities:

three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms,exposed brick,

•

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A-frame porch fronts with grand entrance,hardwood in-laid hardwood flooring,oversized master with super bath,first-floor powder room,custom kitchen with 42-inch cabi-nets and granitecostume lighting, vaulted ceilings,500-square-foot loft space overlook-ing the master bedroom,10-foot ceilings, high efficient hot water tanks and 90-plus furnaces andpre-wiring for telephone, Internet and cable.

To date, the firm has developed five units in West Baltimore with 15 slated for construction within the first year, increasing the out sale by 100 percent. It also is researching additional neighbor-hoods to transform.

The designs are a win-win for Commu-nity Solutions; for its buyers, who gain an increased sense of self worth; for the neigh-borhoods, which now have a layer of design and stability and the communities overall.

Buyers and builders beware: luxury liv-ing does not require big ticket prices! n

For�more�information�about�Community��Solutions,�LLC,�call�410-902-5920�or�visit�www.csolutionsdevelop.com.�

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A�renovation�with�focus�on�design.


Selling clients on the benefi ts of remodeling a bathroom is easy. Most home owners already know that remodeling a lackluster bathroom is a surefi re way to increase a home’s value.

Numbers are on their side, too. Ac-cording to the 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, the average nationwide return on investment for a bathroom remodel is 78 percent, one of the highest in the home.

When talking to clients about a bath-room remodel, go one step further and sell them on a water-effi cient bathroom.

It makes sense for them, for you and

the environment and WaterSense, EPA’s voluntary water-effi ciency labeling pro-gram, can help close the deal.

Toilets account for 27 percent of the water used indoors in the average home. Showers and faucets account for another 33 percent. Together, that’s nearly two-thirds of the water used in the house.

Replacing outdated, water-guzzling plumbing fi xtures with effi cient products is a simple way to help home owners reduce water consumption.

In fact, by offering a high-effi ciency bathroom remodel with WaterSense-la-

beled fi xtures, you can help a client save more than 11,000 gallons and about $70 on water bills annually.

Saving Water Saves EnergySaving water also means saving energy. As energy costs continue to rise, home own-ers will appreciate knowing that retrofi t-ting bathroom sink faucets with Water-Sense-labeled faucets can cut their annual electrical use by 70 kilowatt-hours. That’s enough to power a hair dryer for eight minutes a day for a full year.

The WaterSense label identifi es prod-ucts that not only save water and the en-ergy used to heat it, but that offer superior performance as well.

To earn the WaterSense label, products must undergo independent, third-party testing to ensure that they meet EPA’s criteria for effi ciency and performance.

Make the Next Bathroom Remodel a Water-Effi cient OneBY STEPHANIE THORNTON

WaterSense-Labeled Products by the Numbers

1.5Maximum fl ow rate of WaterSense labeled faucets and accessories in gallons per minute

32Percent decrease in fl ow rate from standard bathroom sink faucets

1.28 Gallons per fl ush used by a WaterSense labeled toilet

20 Percent decrease in gallons per fl ush from standard toilets

120 billion

Gallons of water per year that could be saved if just one in every 10 American households installed WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets in their bathrooms

corner�featuresremodeler


More than 145 toilets and 50 bathroom sink faucets and accessories have earned the label to date.

No Need to Flush Like It’s 1999The high-efficiency WaterSense-labeled toilets of today are not the ill-perform-ing low-flow toilets of the early 1990s. Double-flushing and clogging are no longer issues.

New technology and design advance-ments, such as pressure-assisted flushers and modifications to bowl contours, enable today’s high-efficiency toilets to perform much better than their predecessors.

Today’s WaterSense-labeled toilets meet stringent flushing standards and thor-oughly satisfy drain line requirements.

To find WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures, visit the WaterSense Web site. Also, search for WaterSense retailer and distributors on the Web site’s Meet Our Partners page.

Many manufacturers also sell Water-Sense-labeled products online.

For more information about Water-Sense and a full list of labeled products, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. n

Stephanie�Thornton�is�the�partner�outreach�coordinator�for�EPA’s�WaterSense�program.��For�more�information,�e-mail�Thornton�at��[email protected].

Look for Mid-Atlantic Remodeler in the next issue!Starting�next�issue,�there�will�be�a�special��pull�out�section�for�remodelers��in�Mid-Atlantic Builder�magazine.�Mid-Atlantic�Remodeler�will�include�a�profile�of�an�“Awards�of�Excellence”�winner,�events,�education�and�courses,�member�news�and�a�message�from�the�HBAM�Remodeler�president.�


notableproducts

Hilti CP 672 Fast Cure Speed SprayUp to four times faster than any other water-based spray on the market, the new Hilti CP 672 Fast Cure Speed Spray is a sprayable, fire-rated mastic for construction joints that is ideal for use where movement is required. Applicable by spray or brush, the Hilti CP 672 Fast Cure Speed Spray is paintable and designed for use with concrete floor assemblies rated up to three hours. Fast curing time means no worrying about weather and firestopping can be completed before the curtain wall is even installed. The spray contains no halogens, solvents or asbestos and meets LEED requirements for indoor environmental quality. For more information on the Hilti CP 672 Fast Cure Speed Spray go online at www.us.hilti.com or www.ca.hilti.com.

DeWalt Launches Corded & Cordless Tracksaws – Providing Enhanced Cut Quality and Jobsite Productivity DeWALT announced the launch of its corded and cordless TrackSaws (DWS520 and DC351). The new precision saw system allows users to quickly cut large sheet materials. The DeWALT TrackSaws provide a new option to finish carpen-ters, woodworkers and contractors looking for a portable tool to make straight, splinter-free, precise cuts. Winner of a 2008 International Design Excellence Award, the TrackSaws combine the precision and cut-quality of a table saw, the capacity of a panel saw and the portability of a circular saw.

Available in Q4 2008, the new TrackSaws are designed for cabinet makers, remodelers, finish carpenters, general contrac-tors, furniture makers, and hardwood floor installers. When cutting sheet-goods, paneling, or doors, the new TrackSaws will make straight, splinter free cuts at nearly any angle in practically any location.



Tradesberry Versatile 8-In-1 Multi Tool The ultimate all in one multi tool for anyone who appreciates convenience and portability. Perfect for the tradesperson, carpenter, tool kit suppliers, homeowner, executive, or student! Includes 8 indispensable all in one tools plus a spring-loaded clip for attaching to belt loops.

This essential tool features a: Digital Cal-culator, Digital Clock, Compass, White LED Flashlight, Phillips Head Screwdriver (#1 size)

with ACR®*, Stainless Knife (2” blade), Spirit Level with Laser and a Tape Measure (5ft./1.5m). For more information, visit us at www.phillips-screwinnovation.com.

Powers’ New SNAKE+ Overhead Anchor Saves Installation TimeThe new SNAKE™+ overhead anchor from Powers Fasteners, Inc. that speeds installation of threaded rods has received ICC-ESR2272 approval for strength design (Cracked Concrete). The patented proprietary anchor – one of the industry’s fi rst me-chanical anchors to meet the new more stringent International Building Code (IBC) – is simply set into a drilled hole and then tightened with a ½ impact wrench until fl ush with the ceiling and ready for the insertion of threaded rod. It eliminates the time consuming steps of banging in a drop-in and then using a special tool to set the expansion mechanism. For more informa-tion visit www.powers.com or call 1-800-524-3244.

Powers Tapper+ Screw Anchor Has New Thread Design, Lower Torque With a new thread design and lower installation torque, the new Tapper+ line of screw anchors from Powers Fasteners, Inc., can handle virtually any light to medium duty fastening application in concrete, block and brick base material and is tested to meet the 2006 International Building Code for strength design of anchors in uncracked concrete.

The Tapper+ fastening system is fast and easy to install; provides a neat fi nished appearance; and is ideal for a wide range of fastening applications including hand rails, shutters, fi xtures or window and door frames. Fore more information, visit www.powers.com. ■



“The HBAM program marks the 14th asso-

ciation/safety program IWIF has created. Each

program we develop focuses on the benefits

of workplace safety. Helping employers

improve safety on-the-job helps keep workers injury-free and healthy, reduces costs, and im-

proves productivity.”

George MatthewsIWIF Executive Vice President of

Insurance Operations

EAIG’s association program helps members gain access to competitive rates, stabilize pricing for year to year, access industry lead-ing claims handling. Stop paying premium for subcontractors that at least have $300,000 of general liability coverage by switching today.

HBAM, in conjunction with EAIG currently have over $7,000,000 in premiums in the program. This allows for buying power for pricing negotiations as well as the ability to absorb losses and stabilize pricing over time.

IWIF Workers’ Compensation Insurance (www.iwif.com) launched a program specially created for members of the Home Builders Association of Maryland. The IWIF/HBAM Program offers members five percent off IWIF’s standard rates and promotes workplace safety among participants.

To help participating members reduce workplace injuries, IWIF offers free, customized safety programs to meet the individual safety needs of HBAM members.

New Member Benefit

Eastern

HBAM Announces Workers Comp Programs through partnerships with both Eastern Alliance Insurance Group and IWIF offering builders, remodelers, suppliers, subcontractors and professional service providers the opportunity to enjoy significant rate savings by switching to our programs today!

IWIF

Visit www.homebuilders.org/page/moneysavesopportunities for full details.


Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Gives “Green Light” to Cabinet Industry SuppliersSuppliers Now Eligible for Environmental Stewardship Program Certification. The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association now will offer Environmental Stewardship Program certifica-tion to cabinet industry suppliers. KCMA’s decision to open the program to suppliers and associate members of the organiza-tion, in addition to cabinet manufacturers, is the latest step in its effort to continuously improve ESP, expand the program’s reach and advocate environmental responsibility within the cabinet industry. For more information on the association, visit www.kcma.org. For more information on ESP, visit www.greencabinetsource.org.

Delbert Adams Construction Announces New HiresDelbert Adams and Taylor Classen have teamed up to form Del-bert Adams Construction Group, a residential, commercial and historic restoration builder. They have recently added Project Managers, Fritz Eisenbrandt and Evan McGlone to the team. Both have years of experience in the construction industry and bring expertise and knowledge to the team.

Greenhorne & O’Mara Names Vice President to Lead Civil Engineering InitiativeEngineering consulting firm, Greenhorne & O’Mara, announces the promotion of Richard L. Gorman, PLS, AICP, to the newly created position of Vice President of General Civil Services at its Laurel, MD headquarters. Mr. Gorman will establish a new team structure in the G&O head-quarters General Civil Services group to enhance technical services and align the operations in this group with the evolving needs of G&O’s public and private sector client base. Greenhorne & O’Mara is a full-service engineering consulting firm that provides solutions in the areas of general civil, transportation, environmental, water resources, and hazard mitigation and security services to clients in the public and pri-vate sectors. Visit www.G-and-O.com for more information.

Eisenbrandt McGlone

industrynews


Sandy Spring Builders Announces Strategic AllianceBethesda, Md.-based Sandy Spring Builders, Haven Custom Homes and GTM Architects have announced a strategic alli-ance that will allow the companies to create high-end custom modular homes in the Washington, D.C., metro area. The three companies, each known as a leader in its respective fi eld, are creating homes that refl ect a commitment to architectural integ-rity, quality design and sustainability. The alliance will market the homes under the brand of Sandy Spring Classic Homes. There are many advantages of employing modular construction in a protected, climate-controlled indoor facility that relate to quality design control, building effi ciency and green building. The speed of modular construction also is a defi ning advantage in close-in suburban neighborhoods where families are often displaced while their homesites are being redeveloped and where neighbors are sensitive to disruptions to the community. Visit visit www.sandyspringbuilders.com, www.gtmarchitects.comor www.HavenHomes.com for more information. ■

www.homebuilders.org� NOVEMBER/DECEMBER�2008 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER �

MID-ATLANTIC BUILDER��NOVEMBER/DECEMBER�2008� www.homebuilders.org�

Documents

Mid-Atlantic Builder November/December 2008