Washington County Chair Andy Duyck joined other HBA members at the 2013 PAC PRO Texas Holdem Poker Tournament

Our 1st place finisher Kris Disbrow and 2nd place finisher Karl Finkelnburg

On Friday May 10th the PAC – PRO Texas Holdem was held at the HBA.  Over 30 HBA members, guests and elected officials including Washington County Chair Andy Duyck State Representative Julie Parrish and Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas were in attendance. By the end of the evening over $1,600 was raised for the PAC for use in the upcoming 2014 elections.  Congratulations to our winner Kris Disbrow from Lifetime Exteriors for his 1st place finish which netted him a $1,000 visa gift card of which Kris was gracious enough to donate a portion of back to the PAC.  Special thanks to members from the Professional Remodelors Organization for their help in spreading the word about the tournament.

For more information please contact Justin Wood at the HBA.

CEO, Dave Nielsen and Past President, Tim Breedlove of Renaissance Development recap the highlights from the national webinar, add local flavor and data and condense it down to a 15 minute Q & A.

This video is FREE and covers the following topics:

• What impacts are changing demographics and household formations having on the market?
• How is housing price-to-income affecting home sales?
• To what extent are labor costs, material costs and land availability impacting growth?
• Recent activity and projected trends for remodeling, single-family and multi-family construction.
• Industry growth based on historic trends – e.g. what is “normal?”

More people continue to be found alive, and the number of confirmed dead has actually gone down over the last 24-48 hours. However, there are still families dealing with the pain of loved ones lost, hundreds who are injured and many families who are now homeless.

The  Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association (COHBA) in Oklahoma City is the primary collection point for donations to the Moore tornado victims. The Tulsa HBA is the collection point for the Northeastern part of Oklahoma. In addition to collecting food, water and clothes, those HBAs are also collecting things to help families sift through the rubble of what used to be their home to find cherished items. This includes shovels, rakes, gloves, dust masks, buckets, tote bags and so forth.

COHBA also has a charitable foundation which is receiving monetary gifts. Checks can be made to “Oklahoma Home Builders Foundation”, noted “for Oklahoma Disaster/Tornado relief” and mailed to P.O. Box 14005, Oklahoma City, OK 73113.

For more information on how to safely and effectively make your donations count, visit the Natural Disaster Preparedness Resources at NAHB.org.

Background Information

Title/Company: Global Security & Communication, Inc. President/CEO & Co-Founder

Years with the HBA:I would guess 10.

Activities involved in with the HBA: Street of Dreams. Plus working with Building Connections Marketing Group, 100+ spikes with BIA of Clark County, Ex- PAC Chair, WA State Board, etc.

Business Basics

Education: University of Portland, BA Business Administration Marketing/Management

How’d you get started: I answered an ad that said “Crime Pays.”

Secrets to success: Work hard, adjust, work hard. Keep the store open.

Measuring success: Helping others get what they want. And repeat.

Business mentors or heroes: Too many!  Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Napoleon Hill, Authorized Intergrators Network of Alarm/Home Technology Dealers…

Making the Call

Business decision you’re most proud of: Sticking our necks out to begin with!

One you’d like to have back:  Opening an office in Kansas City that we ended up selling after years of challenges.

Principals you use for big decisions: What outcome do we desire? Win-win. As far as products go, I measure them on these principles – the product has to be “Good to Great” number 1. Then, “can we be good at it?” is number 2. Third is “are we passionate about it?” And finally, “can we make money at it?”

The best business advice you’ve received:  My Dad told me “there is lots of room at the top” and “everyone needs good people.”

Where I’ve Been, Where I am Going

What you learned from your first job: The grass might actually be greener elsewhere!

First “career” job:   Selling signs to businesses on commission only – this was great training.

As a kid, I wanted to be: A kid!

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be:  Selling something that benefitted the customer!

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know:  I’m the son of a migrant farm worker.

If I could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be:  Job training.

Famous words I wished I’d said: There ain’t no free lunch. (Wisdom of the ages!)

I need more time on weekends for:  My wife, dog, golf, chores, travel, relaxing, socializing and working. Can we make the weekend 96 hours long?

Image courtesy of INCBLOT, Motivational Psychology at incblot.org

Guess what? Most of the reasons people feel motivated to work have nothing to do with money. Sure, you might be paying your employees well, but if you don’t include encouragement, caring, empowerment, recognition and other “soft” incentives in your human resources bag-of-tricks, you probably aren’t seeing the best work product you could. Your employees must perceive some value in what they do for you beyond just a paycheck.

Sherry Jordan of The Northwest Coaching Group shared some truths about motivating people – which ones need motivating and when and how to do it in a way that is beneficial to their sense of personal value and your bottom line. One truth is, “You can motivate without money.” Want to learn more? Check our Coaches Corner on page 17 of April’s edition of the Home Building News.

This Garrison Hullinger design showcases porcelain tile to mimic travertine - a form of limestone. The tile is easier to maintain and has a longer lifespan.

Our staff writer, Jon Bell, recently spoke with some of our top Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) members about the current trends in remodeling and how they are feeling about the market in general.

Overall, many are celebrating this year’s Remodeling Month as business is picking up from what appears to be pent-up demand from consumers who no longer want to put off a project. The Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies Remodeling Futures Conference forecasted a 20 percent growth for the industry across the nation this year. The popular remodeling and design website, Houzz.com just came out with a survey that garnered over 1000,000 respondents. Fifty-three percent of them believed that now is a good time to remodel – with 58 percent planning on projects in the next two years.

Tom Kelly of Neil Kelly and Patrick Richardson of Murrayhill Remodeling are seeing this renewed interest in Portland and are cautiously touting the recession to be behind them.

Along with this renewed interest, Garrison Hullinger of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design, is seeing a trend toward practicality  – using practical surfaces and materials to get beautiful results that are easy to maintain. Instead of flash, people are looking for real quality. Our Portland housing stock has a dearth of quality architecture which allows homeowners to blend the new and old, preserving vintage craftmanship with practical and efficient design. Lane Cooper of Cooper Designbuilders thrives on blending the new with the old. Other PRO remodelers and designers such as Arciform, Z3 Interior Design Studio, Dual Purpose Construction and T.H.E. Remodel Group also shared how they are incorporating the new with the old on their projects. Read more about Portland Remodelers thoughts on the state of the industry and current design trends in May’s Home Building News.

Read more of Bob’s thoughts on the multi-tool on page 14 of May’s edition of the Home Building News.

Background Information

Title/Company:  Producer / Vice President with WB Adams Insurance

Years with the HBA:  15 years

Activities involved in with the HBA: I am currently a PRO member, involved with PRO meetings and the Associates Roundtable, I was past chair of the Benefits Committee, previously on the Membership Committee and I am a Lifetime Spike Member. I have coordinated various seminars for HBA members. I have volunteered with the Home & Garden Shows and golf tournaments, and was also a Santa House Elf last year!

Business Basics

Education: I have wo associate degrees:  Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI), and Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

How’d you get started:  I was working at a state-wide insurance carrier, and got bored with doing the same thing all of the time, so I went to work at Contractors Insurance Services, which was in the HBA building. I was involved with various programs for HBA members and did new member orientation for several years, along with other activities with the HBA.

Secrets to success:  Hard work, an open mind, and the ability to look outside the box.

Measuring success: REFERRALS!  It is such an honor to have my clients refer me to other business associates as well as their friends and family.

Business mentors or heroes: I worked with a lady, Jean, many years ago who took the time to make me think about what I was doing and why I was doing it. If it didn’t make sense, why do it?

Making the Call

Principals you use for big decisions: Ethics, and consideration of the well-being of all those who would be affected by the decision.

The best business advice you’ve received:  In life and business, there are two cardinal sins. The first is to act without thought and the second is not to act at all.

Where I’ve Been, Where I am Going

What you learned from your first job: If it’s worth doing, do it right.

As a kid, I wanted to be:  Alright – it’s ok to laugh… When I was really young, I wanted to be a trapeze artist, and then later a heavy equipment operator. (Both seem to be a really long way from insurance!)

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be: Laying on the beach somewhere, sipping a Long Island Iced Tea, or at a car show.

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know: I’m a car person – Corvettes and older cars – we have Corvettes and ’63 T-Bird.

If I could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be: It would be a difficult choice to make –I’m passionate about the Cancer Society, March for Babies, volunteering at the Beaverton Elks for Christmas Baskets for the needy, and activities that benefit Veterans.

Famous words I wished I’d said: Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

I need more time on weekends for: Just being together with my husband.

“As a business owner for almost 20 years, the most important piece of advice I can share is to brand yourself and remain consistent with your messaging across all marketing, PR and social networking platforms. Let’s say a prospective client sees your ad, then goes to your website, then calls or emails you, then eventually meets you. If, at every interaction they are getting the same, consistent message about you and your company, it will automatically instill confidence about the process to come. Consumer confidence comes when they believe in the philosophy and attitude that is your brand.

Also, today’s savvy consumer not only wants to know who you are and what you do, but “why” you do it and “how” you plan on executing it. Personality plays a huge role in the type of client you will attract and eventually work with. I believe that friendly and professional is the best mix and as Michael Stone once told me “Use that great personality of yours to create some business. Everyone likes doing business with friendly, hardworking people, so just get out there and get after it!”

The new form requires additional data, and expands the form from one page to two. Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new format and instructions. The USCIS is conducting several free I-9 webinars to provide answers to any questions about the new form. 

There is a Spanish language version of the new Form I-9  available for download at: Formulario I-9. However, please note that only employers and employees in Puerto Rico are permitted to use the Spanish-language form for employment eligibility verification purposes. Elsewhere, the Spanish language version can be utilized for only for reference to facilitate completion of the English language version of the Form I-9. Except in Puerto Rico, employers must complete and retain only the English language Form I-9.

For more information, email David Crump at NAHB or call him at 800-369-5242 x8491.

2013 HBA Excellence Awards Intent to Enter forms due May 31. Final applications due June 21.

This year the HBA Excellence Awards will feature enhancements to the application process as well as increased recognition opportunities for award recipients within the industry and  the general public.

New for 2013: Award entrants will be featured at the 2013 Fall Home & Garden Show

Award winners and entrants will be on display all four days of the Fall Home & Garden Show, October 3-6, in a heavily trafficked area seen by hundreds of industry professionals and thousands of consumers. In addition to having each entry and related images showcased in a large display, a video featuring the photos and descriptions from the projects will be shown for the duration of the show.

New for 2013: Entrants and winning projects will be recognized at a complimentary After Hours award recognition program at the Fall Home & Garden Show on October 3, 2013.

At this highly anticipated and attended event, HBA and the Presenting Sponsor, ProBuild, will recognize all of the Excellence Award winners and entrants in a short presentation. This means that there will no longer be the added cost and time commitment to entrants and winners to attend a formal banquet. Award winners will be contacted prior to the show so that they can be sure to be in attendance.

New for 2013: Applications will be submitted through an online entry system.

In an effort to make the application process easier for everyone involved, all entries will be processed online this year. The new system will allow you to fill out the entry form online, upload your photos directly to the HBA site, and submit and pay for your entries all in one place. Members that submit an Intent to Enter Form will be given directions and support on this new entry system in the time leading up to the entry deadline.

New deadlines: Intent to Enter Forms due May 31 | Award Entry Forms due June 21.

As the recognition program has been moved to October, the deadlines for Intent to Enters and Entries have moved approximately two months later in the year. This adjusts the contest qualifying time to projects built or developed during the contest period from May 1, 2012 – April 31, 2013.

For further questions about the changes to the HBA Excellence Awards Program, please contact Helen Lewis, 503-684-1880. For a list of entry categories, click here.

HBA of Metro Portland most awarded HBA in the country

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBAMP) has once again been recognized for its outstanding performance.  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) just announced that HBAMP has been awarded four national Association Excellence Awards.  HBAMP continues to grow, increase its prominence and receive accolades in an industry poised to resume pre-recession vigor.

“HBAMP competes in the top size group against over 50 other large HBAs,” said HBAMP CEO, Dave Nielsen. “To be recognized on a national basis by your peers for doing some of the best work is a big honor.  The bottom line is that we want to be seen as a successful, influential and valuable builders association for our industry.  Our growth – we are now the ninth  largest HBA in the country and had the third highest member growth of any metro HBA last year – shows the industry sees that value and is responding to it.”

Winning categories included:

Communications: Best Social Media Effort – Ultimate Open House App

Membership: Best Council Development Program – Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) of the HBA of Metro Portland

Operations: Best Association Operations Program Administered – Membership Concierge

Operations: Best HBA Partnership/Coalition – 2012 BUILD Retreat

The Association Excellence Awards is an annual program designed to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of state and local home builders’ associations and executive officers in the field of association management. EOC membership is comprised of the staff executives who direct more than 750 NAHB-affiliated state and local home builders’ associations representing more than 140,000 home builders in communities across the United States.

“Over the last eight years, HBAMP has won more AEA awards (36) than any other HBA in the country,” said Steve Heiteen, HBAMP President. “It is truly an honor for the hard work and professionalism of the HBAMP staff and member volunteers to be recognized with these Association Excellence Awards.”

The winning entries will become part of the online EOC Idea Loan File so that other executives and associations across the country can access and learn from them in order to provide better service to their own members and community.

To learn more about the Association Excellence Awards, go to www.nahb.org/aea.

Bryan Erickson

Background Information

Years with the HBA: Verizon has been with the HBA for 10 years and I have been a member for two years.

Activities involved in with the HBA: Assisting HBA members with their wireless needs

Business Basics

Education: Master’s in Marketing with a BS in Finance from University of Southern New Hampshire.

How’d you get started: I knew someone who worked for Verizon.

Secrets to success: You have to enjoy helping folks.

Measuring success: I measure success by being a leader in my office.

Business mentors or heroes: My father.

Making the Call

Business decision you’re most proud of: Working for a leader in the industry – Verizon is the best at what we do out there.

Principles you use for big decisions: I try not to let my emotions impact big decisions.

The best business advice you’ve received: Be honest, even if the truth is uncomfortable.

Where I’ve Been – Where I’m Going

First “career” job: I was a staff accountant for Princeton Properties in Lowell, MA.

As a kid, I wanted to be: A professional baseball player!

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be: Nothing – I love being a professional sales person.

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know: I grew up on the east coast in New Hampshire.

If I could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be: I would coach youth sports.

Famous words I wished I’d said: “Don’t find fault. Find a remedy” – Henry Ford

I need more time on weekends for: My family

Basics of the ordinance:

-          Requires all employers to provide protected sick time to all their employees, including temporary, part time and seasonal employees.

• Firms with 5 or fewer employees must provide unpaid leave
• Firms with 6 or more employees must provide paid leave

-          Applies to all employees who work more than 240 hours inside the city of Portland during the year.  Benefits must be calculated retroactive to start of employment once they reach the 240 threshold.

-          Both paid and unpaid sick time accrues at one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked in the city.

-          Employees who are traveling through Portland but do not stop to conduct business do not earn sick time for the time they are in the city.  However, employees who stop for work do earn sick time while in the city.

-          Employees can earn up to 40 hours of sick time during a year.  Employers must “roll-over” a maximum of 40 hours of unused sick time at the end of the year.

-          Employers who provide at least 40 hours of PTO that is earned and can be used in the same way sick time in the ordinance can be used are not required to provide additional sick time.

-          Employees can only use sick time for shifts they were scheduled to work.  If employees work both inside and outside the city they can only use sick time when their schedule would have them working in the city.

-          Paid sick time is paid at the regular earnings rate of the employee.

-          Employees can use sick time for a wide range of issues including illness for themselves or family members and domestic violence issues.

-          Employees can not use sick time in the first 90 days of employment.

-          Employers can not require employees using sick time to find a replacement worker or work additional shifts.  However, shift swapping is allowed at the employees discretion.

-          Employees are not required to provide documentation for absences of less than three days.  An employer may require documentation after three days but the employer must pay any out of pocket cost associated with obtaining that documentation.

-          Employers are not required to cash out unused sick time on termination.

-          Employers are prohibited from taking retaliatory action against employees who use their sick time.

-          Employers must provide information to their employees about their sick leave benefits.

-          Employers must retain records for at least two years.

-          Complaints will probably go to BOLI.  Complaints about paid sick time will be handled by BOLI under their Wage and Hour rules.  Complaints about retaliation will be handled under the Civil Rights rules.

-          The ordinance contains no provision to exclude employers who have collective bargaining agreements in place and represented employees can not “bargain away” their sick time.

To find out more about how Tony Marnella of Marnella Homes and Linda Evans of
L. Evans Design Group are taking advantage of their special training, check out the article on Professional Designations on page 13 in the April edition of the Home Building News online. To talk to the HBA about offering the designation course that would be most beneficial to you, talk to HBA education manager, Shaina at (503) 684-1880.

Join now and you could save up to $500 in immediate discounts, plus a chance to win near $1000 in free advertising!

Already a member? Bring a guest to some fun FREE social events this month and let us do the talking while you enjoy yourself. If your guest(s) become a member you’ll be rewarded with a gift certificate – for every new member you introduce to the HBA you’ll get another reward- up to $400 in accumulated prizes! Our signature event is a “Slam Dunk” Social with Voice of the Blazers – Bill Schonely on May 28, courtesy of Standard TV & Appliance. Click here to RSVP.

Want to find out more about our fun May events and the extra incentives for becoming a member in May? Click here!

“Providing safety and health resources for workplace activities is a key value of our Association. Let’s celebrate the annual Safety Break with the rest of the Oregon Workers as we all work together for a safer workplace,” says David Davidson, HBA Safety Consultant.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) coordinates Safety Break for Oregon, designed to raise awareness and promote the value of workplace safety and health in preventing injuries and illnesses. The event – which occurs on the second Wednesday in May – takes place in workplaces across Oregon.

When businesses involve employees, they can manage workplace safety and health just as they manage any other part of their business. To find out more about the state-wide initiative and how to schedule a Safety Break event at your business, click here or call David at the OHBA Office at (503) 399-1500.

For the latest safety meeting pages you can use at your business, visit hbapdx.org/ohba-safety-pages

If you are guilty of poorly treating your screwdriver – don’t worry, you’re not alone! But there is a solution to your abusive relationship. Fall in love all over again with a dual purpose screwdriver made for both prying and chiseling. The Klein Tools screwdriver recently brought in to me by Thomas of Classic Electric won’t get bent out of shape when you want your relationship to go further. Check out more about this Cool Tool in April’s edition of the Home Building News online.

Click the image above to view and download the proclamation

The HBA Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) celebrates Oregon and National Remodeling Month

Governor Kitzhaber proclaims May 2013 to be Oregon Home Remodeling Month, in conjunction with National Home Remodeling Month, and encourages all Oregonians to join is this observance.

If you have collected photos of your dream kitchen, drafted a general budget, and talked with friends about how you wish your home was more comfortable or modern, you may be ready to hire a professional remodeler to get the job done right. May is Oregon Home Remodeling Month and National Home Remodeling Month and the HBA Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) has some helpful tips to guide you in finding the best remodeler for your project.

“Do your homework when hiring a professional remodeler,” recommends Steve Stolze of SLS Remodel & Additions, 2013 Chairman of the PRO. “A professional has training, experience, and references from satisfied clients to demonstrate their remodeling expertise.”

Check out these steps for hiring a professional remodeler:

1. Collect names of remodeling companies.
   Start by searching the HBA Professional Remodelers Organization’s Directory of remodelers, designers, contractors, subs, and suppliers at http://hbapdx.org/member-directory/  and  look for the PRO logo. You can search a list of nearby remodelers to contact or find the best electrician to fix that porch light. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project and your personality.
2. Discuss your project with a few remodelers.
   Call a few remodelers from your list to discuss your project. Describe what you envision for the home remodel, styles you like, your estimated budget, and other ideas for the remodeling work. Ask the remodeler if they can provide background information on their expertise. They should have a website, brochure, or project book they can share that describes their experience and accomplishments.
3. Ask if the remodeler has their license and general liability insurance.
   Be sure to ask some important questions about the remodeler’s business that will help ensure you hire the best professional. Does the remodeler have a license from the CCB (this is required in Oregon and Washington)? Do they have general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Do they guarantee their work? How do they handle any problems that may arise on the project? Having these answers in advance will prevent future problems and nail down the best professional remodeler for the job.
4. Check the references and background of the remodeler.
   After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as the Professional Remodelers Organization- PRO or the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland – HBA). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.
5. Don’t fall for the lowest bidder.
   Many people may be lured by the lowest price to their remodeling project, thinking that they have found a great deal. But beware of these alluring low prices. These bids may be more costly in the end if the contractor is cutting corners, not taking into account certain costs, or is inexperienced. Professional remodelers have stories about coming into homes to fix remodels from unscrupulous contractors who did shoddy work or failed to complete the job. Often times, the lowest price may not ultimately provide the best value for your home remodel.

Make the smartest investment in your home by hiring a professional remodeler. They’ll help you stay on budget, solve remodeling challenges, and provide a higher-quality service.

To find a professional remodeler, visit the HBA Member Directory  and look for the PRO logo, or contact the Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) at 503-684-1880. For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit www.nahb.org/remodel

The Ultimate Open House presented by NW Natural and Standard TV & Appliance and produced by The Home Builders Association of Metro Portland is an annual event, which runs two weekends, April 27-28 & May 4-5, and is free to the public.  It brings hundreds of savvy home buyers though newly constructed homes in the five-county area.

The four PEEHP case studies are now complete and are posted on the bureau’s web site. The documents are in pdf format and can be printed in double sided, horizontal (landscape) layout, on 11×17 paper. Click here to view the case studies.

The PEEHP won the Best Partnership/Coalition 2009 National Home Builders Association Excellence Awards’ HBA Operations Pillar; was presented at the 2011 EcoVative Building Conference and Expo; Building Green Council Steering Committee in June, 2011; the 2011 Excellence in Building Conference in Las Vegas; and the 2012 OAME Sustainability and Equity Resource Fair. The application to showcase PEEHP findings at the 2012 Green Build made it to a second review, but was ultimately not accepted, however, there is a renewed interest in the findings of the program. The data will serve as a reference for the OHBA’s Energy Code Committee as they review proposed code changes during the 2013 Legislative Session.

BDS offeres a special thanks to their industry partners: Energy Trust of Oregon, Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, the National Association of Home Builders, NW Natural, Pacific Power, and Portland General Electric; and also to participating builders: Fish Construction NW, Habitat for Humanity Portland Metro East, and Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives with Terrafirma Bldg. Inc.

Inquiries should be directed to Colleen Poole, Assistant Program Specialist at the Bureau of Development Services, 503-823-7889, Colleen.Poole@portlandoregon.gov

Are you looking to hire a builder (or remodeler) to make your home dreams come true? Doing your homework will help you to have a successful experience and choose the professional with the reputation, style, price and communication style that works best for you. You can check out this helpful Checklist for Finding and Hiring a Builder or Remodeler.

Then check out our Home Builder Association members through our easy online directory. You can even search by your zip code to find the right professional near you!

And don’t forget – our flagship new home show, The NW Natural Street of Dreams is already taking shape for this summer. Like our Street of Dreams Facebook page to keep up with all the exciting activity.

Last year this event was great fun and raised over $2,000 for our PAC.  If you would like to participate you can register here  - https://builderfusion.hbapdx.org/bf/website/simple/eventView.jsp?event_id=14122

If you have any questions or would in interested in sponsoring a table, please contact Justin Wood at the HBA.

In Portland, about 45,000 people are defined as “homeless” in the Portland Metro area on any given night. A large percentage of these people are women and children. They are our neighbors. With help, these families, just like yours and mine, can find safe shelter.

Michelle, a 19 year old girl in Portland has personal experience with homelessness. Through a transitional living program with Boys & Girls Aid, Michelle not only found shelter, but resources and support to get on a path she wanted to be on for her future – essentially teaching her how to be the grown-up she wants to become – self reliant, responsible and educated. The transitional living program facility run by Boys & Girls Aid was made possible by the generous support of the Home Builders Foundation and HBA builder members who gave of their time and resources.

Last night we celebrated Michelle’s success at the Home Builders Foundation’s annual auction, The Black & White Gala. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the HBF – with your help, we can truly make a difference in the lives of people like Michelle.

The Home Builders Foundation works on many projects to provide safe shelter for the most vulnerable members of our communities. To find out how you can get involved. Visit buildhopepdx.org.

Rendering courtesy of Stonebridge Homes at Pacific Crossing

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment you will likely ever make in your lifetime and making sure you have picked the right builder is very important.  Researching building professionals, requesting referrals from previous clients and asking the right questions will not only protect your investment but begin the journey of bringing your new home to life.

By asking a home builder the following questions, you will have a better understanding of the steps involved and decisions you will make during construction and give you confidence in the builder you have selected.

1. How long have you been in business and in that time how many homes have you built?
2. Are you licensed (where required) and insured? (Required of all HBA members!)
3. Can you provide me with references from previous home buyers?
4. Is there a model home I can tour? If not, can you help me make an appointment to see a home you built for another customer?
5. What are the most important benefits of the homes you build and how would you compare yourself to other builders in this price range?
6. What type of warranty do you offer?
7. Do you build only from home plans you supply or can I provide my own set of plans?
8. What are the major energy-saving features in your homes?
9. What are the standard features in your homes and what options and upgrades are available to me?
10. What is the process for making changes or upgrades throughout the construction process?
11. Who will supervise the construction of my home and who should I contact with any questions I may have?
12. How often will I have access to the home during the building process?
13. How and when will the final price for my home be determined?
14. Does the community have a Home Owners Association and/or an Architectural Review Committee and may I get a copy of their rules and regulations as well as the amount of any fees?
15. How long will it take to complete my home?
16. What is the process for inspection at key points of construction, at final walk-through, and to address any matters that need to be corrected or finalized?

Many experts agree this list is a great starting point in finding the right professional to build your home – and you’ll probably have other questions to ask once you start the process. You can take a look at some HBA member new homes at the HBA new home source, or search our HBA Member Directory for new home builders (and Remodelers!) in the greater Portland Metro area.

Want to find out more about the benefits of buying a new home? Visit Start Fresh, Buy New and enter for your chance to win a $10,000 Grand Prize Giveaway.

Of additional interest to the HBA and our members was a possible consideration to make these changes an emergency ordinance which would implement the changes immediately.  This would have impacted any projects that were in the pipeline or potentially some projects that had already begun construction.  The HBA and many others provided strong testimony that it was not right to change the rules for development in the middle of a project and without providing ample notice.  Ultimately the council did not have enough votes to pass these amendments as an emergency ordinance.  Now the amendments will move to a 2nd reading next Wednesday April 10th.  If the amendments pass on April 10th, they will become effective in 30 days.

For a full recap story courtesy of the Oregonian you can click on the following link :    http://www.oregonlive.com/front-porch/index.ssf/2013/04/portland_city_council_parking.html#incart_river_default