CV Home Builders News Feed

CVHBA Announces Community Project Recipient

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) announced its annual community involvement project today. In the coming months, CVHBA members will be helping the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic to prepare its new home at 836 Richard Dr. in Eau Claire. The free clinic has operated for the past 14 years out of donated space from the Valleybrook Church in Downtown Eau Claire. Due to space constraints from both the church and the clinic, it was necessary for the Free Clinic to move to a larger location in order to serve patients appropriately.

The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association members will be making a number of improvements to the Free Clinic’s future home. CVHBA will be acting as the general contractor for the renovations of the new space, and will donate time and negotiate material costs on behalf of the clinic. Some of the projects that will be taken care of by the CVHBA are to include drywall work, electrical work, painting, and the building of cabinetry and shelving.

Karen Rockwell, CVHBA’s executive director said that, “We are excited to be able to help out the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic. The clinic provides a great deal of support to our local community, and we want to make sure that the doctors, nurses and staff will be able to do their jobs in a well-appointed new location.” Rockwell also noted that when the proposal to help the free clinic was brought up at a recent board meeting, members enthusiastically and unanimously voted to take on this much-needed project.

The executive director of the Free Clinic, Maribeth Woodford, stated that the free clinic depends on most of its resources from community sources in order to keep its doors open. She said that “We are honored to have the Builders Association offer their leadership in this huge way to support the transition to our new medical home. It will make a very important impact in the community and in the lives of our patient’s health and well-being.”

Rob Bearrood, the Vice President of the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic and member of the CVHBA, was also excited about the new project. He said that, “We are thrilled to have the CVHBA step up to the plate and help us with this vital community project. Their donation of time, materials and expertise will really help us keep our limited funds focused on our patient’s needs.”

Every year, the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association selects one community project in its area of operation. Naturally, it is always a very tough decision in deciding which organization will be awarded the community service project. Last year, the CVHBA worked in a cooperative partnership with the city of Eau Claire in order to bring the community the Phoenix Park Restrooms.

Community members interested in the project can keep up to date on the progress of the work at the CVHBA Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CVHBA They may also visit the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic’s website at www.cvfreeclinic.org. The new building should be open and ready to serve patients around June 1^st.

The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association is a nonprofit trade association representing builder and consumer interests since 1972. Its mission is to build a better area housing industry through promotion, advocacy and education.

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Kozial Wins Construction Design Award

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A leader in their field, local vertical ICF builder, Kozial Construction Inc., has helped revolutionize the way one family protects their home. Owner David Kim Kozial along with his team of builders will be receiving the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association (WRMCA) ICF Award for their contributions to Dave and Diane Joswiak's home in Bloomer, Wisconsin in March. Among other advantages, vertical ICF's have left the Joswiak's house safer than ever from tornadoes, fire, and mold.

In it's 31st year, the WRMCA's Annual Concrete Design Award program commends excellence and innovation in the ready-mixed concrete industry. Including categories such as agricultural, decorative residential, commercial, and environmental management, award winners are able to showcase cutting edge applications of concrete that are being used.

“Concrete... Driving Wisconsin Forward” will be the theme of this year's award ceremony. Held on March 9, 2012 at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, award recipients will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and market their business in WRMCA publications.

Vertical Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are quickly growing in popularity. Made of foam insulation, the forms create a structure around which concrete is poured. Engineered to eliminate common issues in horizontal ICF building, vertical ICF is a minimal-waste building method which is easier, safer, and more efficient to install. Among the benefits of building with vertical ICFs are reduced energy costs, higher fire and storm resistance, and better noise control within the building.

Kozial Construction has been building commercial and residential buildings in the Eau Claire area for over 27 years. More than half of that time has been spent promoting and furthering the growth of vertical ICFs. As an environmentally responsible design and construction company, Kozial Construction is an Energy Star Certified home builder and the area's only supplier of ThermoForm System of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Owner and builder, David Kim Kozial, is so dedicated to the advancement of vertical ICFs, he has begun teaching the process to builders throughout the United States and Canada.

Local Member Receives Top Recognition from National Association of Home Builders

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

(MADISON-Feb. 9, 2012) Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis, Certified Aging-in-place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) and President/Owner of Archer Lion, Inc. was inducted into the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) elite Society of Honored Associates. The presentation took place in Orlando Florida. Three NAHB Associates were chosen from among tens of thousands for this tribute, which recognizes extraordinary service to the housing industry.

Monica was honored for her exceptional work at the local, state and national levels in the arena of political advocacy. She has participated in and led government affairs groups at all three levels of the federation, and has been a national leader in political fundraising.

Archer Lion has been a member of Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) since 1997. Sommerfeldt Lewis serves as a State and National Director, Build-PAC Alternate Trustee, and Government Affairs Director for CVHBA. She was awarded the Associate of the Year in 2008 by the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the CVHBA. She also received NAHB’s Bill Polley Build-PAC Award and Build-PAC Associate of the Year in 2009. From 2010-2012 Monica served as a WBA Senior Officer representing Associate members as an Associate Vice President and Associate Advisor.

By utilizing educational opportunities through the University of Housing, Sommerfeldt Lewis has earned her Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, her Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) designation, and has completed her Train the Trainer teaching qualification. Sommerfeldt Lewis has completed Lead Paint Certification and completed Madison Area Builders Association’s Contractor Series required for her Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential.

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Home and Garden Show Tickets Now on Sale

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Discounted tickets are now on sale for the 34th annual Chippewa Valley Home & Garden Show at area Gordy’s County Markets, Menards (East and West) and at the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA).

The Chippewa Valley Home and Garden Show is scheduled for Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26. Show hours: Friday: 1pm - 8pm. Saturday 9am - 5pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm.

This year’s show features over 220 booths – isles of inspirations offering from latest trends, innovations, products and services to showcasing the areas finest home builders and remodelers. In addition to the exhibits, there will be seminars throughout the weekend (visit www.cvhomebuilders.com for a complete schedule or pick up your free copy of Home Inspirations Magazine for more details).

Park and ride for free to this year’s event at the Gordy’s Birch Street or Hamilton Ave. locations courtesy of the Right Way Shuttle.

This year enjoy purchasing your flowers and plants all day on Sunday at the local garden centers located throughout the EC Sports Center. A portion of the proceeds from the sale benefit the CVHBA’s community service Foundation.

Spend the weekend with us! Advanced tickets cost $6 per person or $8 at the door (12 & under are free). New this year! Weekend passes are now available for $10 per persons ($12 at the door).

The 34th annual Home & Garden Show is sponsored by Menards, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, Gordy’s County Markets, ProBuild, Xcel Energy, Fergusons Bath & Kitchen Gallery and RCU.

For additional information, contact the CVHBA at (715) 835-2526 or visit our web site at www.cvhomebuilders.com. You can also get information about the event at www.facebook.com/cvhba

Voters Place High Value on Homeownership, Oppose Policies That Make It More Difficult to Own a Home

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

By an overwhelming margin, American voters strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a new nationwide survey gauging likely voters’ attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues.

“The American electorate is sending a clear message that owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream and preserving a federal commitment to homeownership is essential to maintain a thriving middle class and get housing and the economy back on track,” said Neil Newhouse, a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies.

Conducted on Jan. 2-5 on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders by the Republican and Democratic polling firms of Public Opinion Strategies in Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners in Washington, D.C., the comprehensive survey of 1,500 likely voters includes data from key political “swing areas,” including National Journal political analyst Charlie Cook’s swing House and Senate seats and Stuart Rothenberg’s presidential swing states. The survey, which has a margin of error of 2.5 percent, is a follow-up to a similar national poll conducted last May.

The poll shows that three out of four voters – both owners and renters -- believe it is appropriate and reasonable for the federal government to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership. This sentiment cuts across regional and party lines, with 84 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Independents agreeing with this statement.

Also, two-thirds of respondents say that the federal government should help home buyers to afford a long-term or 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.

Moreover, 73 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction. These figures held firm across the political spectrum, with 77 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Independents against doing away with the mortgage interest deduction.

Meanwhile, 68 percent would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who proposed to abolish the deduction, a figure that was virtually identical across all party affiliations (69 percent of Independents and 68 percent of Democrats and Republicans).

A majority of voters are also against proposals to reduce the mortgage interest deduction, eliminate the deduction for interest paid for a second home, limit the deduction for those earning more than $250,000 per year, scale back the deduction for home owners with mortgages above $500,000 and do away with the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans.

“With the 2012 election season in full swing, candidates running for the White House and Congress would be wise to heed the will of the American voters, who have expressed broad support for government policies that encourage homeownership and oppose efforts to make it more difficult to get a home loan and to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction,” said Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners.

Among the poll’s other key findings:

96 percent of home owners are happy with their decision to own and 84 percent who are “underwater,” or owe more on their mortgages than their home is worth, expressed the same sentiment.
79 percent of home owners would advise a family member or close friend just starting out to buy a home, and 69 percent of those who are underwater on their mortgage would offer the same advice.
74 percent said that despite the ups and downs in the housing market, owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make.
Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best long-term investments.
78 percent of respondents said that owning their own home is very important to them.
Nearly seven out of 10 voters who are not currently home owners (68 percent) said it was a goal of theirs to buy a home.
Job uncertainty and saving for a downpayment and closing costs are the biggest barriers to buying a home.

The survey findings are consistent with the results of other public opinion surveys. In a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in June, 89 percent said that homeownership is an important part of the American Dream and more than 90 percent indicated that it is important for the federal government to continue the mortgage interest deduction.

According to a Pew Research Study conducted last March, 81 percent of respondents agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make and 81 percent of renters surveyed said they would like to buy a house.

“Even in a down housing market, homeownership remains a core American value, with the vast majority of citizens who do not currently own a home saying they want to buy a home,” said Bob Nielsen, president of the National Association of Home Builders and a home builder from Reno, Nev. “Those running for office in November need to understand that voters will not look kindly on any candidates who seek to dismantle the nation’s long-term commitment to homeownership.”

Poll results can be downloaded at www.nahb.org/homeownershippoll.

CVHBA Installs New Leaders

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association recently installed new leadership at its annual Christmas Party and Installation Banquet. With over 200 members in attendance, the new board President Bill Albright of Heartland Homes and Vice President Billy Bergh of Lake Hallie Golf Estates took the oath of office. David Hopkins of Woita & Associates and Paul Madsen of RainMaster Lawn Systems were also installed as new directors.

Karen Rockwell, the executive director of the CVHBA said, “We are excited to bring Bill Albright on board as president. He has a great vision for our association, and is highly respected in the community.” Rockwell commended all 22 CVHBA board directors and their commitment to the organization and its mission.

Albright replaces Cody Filipczak of C&M Properties and Construction as the president. Filipczak has been a diligent president who oversaw the building of the Phoenix Park Bathrooms as well as a number of other initiatives. He will remain active on the board and is also head of the CVHBA’s government affairs committee.

2011 also saw the retirement of two valued CVHBA board members. Rick Parmeter of Clear Creek Log Homes and Bill Gautsche of Pella Windows and Doors. Rockwell said that, “The CVHBA has been humbled by the outstanding leadership that both Rick and Bill provided to the CVHBA.”

The CVHBA Announces Top Award Winners

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association awarded its winners for Builder of the Year and Associate of the Year at its annual holiday party held December 13. This year, Cody Filipczak of C&M Properties & Construction was awarded the Builder of the Year award, and Barb Oas of Royal Credit Union was awarded the Associate of the Year honor.

Filipczak and Oas were selected for these prestigious awards by the nomination committee of the CVHBA. Karen Rockwell, the executive director of the CVHBA stated that, “I was happy to learn of this year’s winners. Both Cody and Barb have done a great deal of work for both the association and the community at large.” Rockwell went on to explain that only the most engaged members are considered for these awards and that the competition is very rigorous due to the amount of involved members.

Filipczak was selected as the Builder of the Year for his tireless dedication to the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association. The Builder of the Year award is given to a builder member who exemplifies the CVHBA’s code of ethics and has made significant association contributions. Filipczak’s commitment to the association has been apparent. He was the 2011 Board President, the Co-Chair of the Phoenix Park Restroom Taskforce, a Parade of Homes Builder, an exhibitor at the 2011 Home & Garden Show, and a sponsor of a number of other association activities.

The committee selected Oas as the Associate of the Year due to her long-standing commitment to the association. The award is given to an associate member who has provided quality services or products to the building industry and enhanced the organization through their involvement. Oas has been involved in the CVHBA for almost two decades. She is a board member, active volunteer at the Builders Garage Sale, Golf Tournament, Summer Picnic and the General Membership meetings. She is most well-known as the chair of popular Chippewa Valley Home & Garden Show.

CVHBA Magazine Wins National Award

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently awarded the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) "Best Publication" for its Home Inspirations Magazine.

The award was announced at the 2011 NAHB Executive Officers Seminar/Association Excellence Awards held in Naples, Florida.

Home Inspirations is a regional magazine that features articles on home and garden. The publication, launched in 2010, highlights CVHBA’s Signature Events and is printed three times a year. The publication prides itself on featuring local articles and photos, which are contributed by CVHBA members.

Publisher: Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association

Printer: Badgerland Printing (Elk Mound)

Graphic Layout: Sarah Jensen Willger and Laura Goetsch

Past issues of Home Inspirations can be viewed online at www.cvhomebuilders.com. The current issue will be released mid-September to showcase the Fall Remodeling Home Expo on October 1.

Home Inspirations is free to consumers and is available at various locations throughout the Chippewa Valley, including Gordy's County Markets.

Builders Launch Website to Defend Mortgage Interest Deduction

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has launched a newly-designed consumer-oriented website, www.SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com, to provide up-to-date information on the threat to the mortgage interest deduction.

“Americans overwhelmingly oppose any action by Congress to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction, but it could be eliminated or scaled back as Congress and the Administration are looking at tax increases in light of deficit concerns,” said NAHB President Bob Jones, a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “The consequences would be devastating for home owners, the housing market and the nation’s economy.”

The website at www.SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.comseparates the myths about the mortgage interest deduction from reality, and shows why this cornerstone of American housing policy is essential for millions of middle-class home owners and families that aspire to own their own home.

The site contains fact sheets, frequently asked questions, statistics, and other important information to allow consumers to stay informed as debate on the mortgage interest deduction moves forward. Most importantly, SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com tells visitors how to remain engaged and make sure their opinions are heard on this important issue by connecting through NAHB’s Facebook and Twitter mortgage interest deduction communities and Eye on Housing blog.

One- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin need smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

As of February 1, 2011, there are Wisconsin requirements for both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in almost all one- and two-family dwellings, regardless of the building’s age. The new carbon monoxide safety net is for dwellings with fuel burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages.

Owners and Renters Have Responsibilities
Owners are responsible for alarm installations and occupants have responsibility to maintain the alarms. Owners must repair or replace alarms within five days of written notice from an occupant or an inspector. Authorized inspectors may enter dwellings to inspect alarms when requested by owners or occupants. Tampering with alarms is illegal, dangerous, and can cause serious liability concerns.

Where and What Kinds?
Alarms must be installed in the basement, and on each floor level. The alarms need not be installed in attics, garages, or storage areas. The alarms may be separate or combination units, powered by batteries, or in the case of new construction, tied into the home’s electrical system, interconnected with battery backup. Installation must follow manufacturers’ instructions. Those instructions are provided with new alarms and usually can be found on the manufacturers’ Web sites. The manufacturer should be identified on the alarm. Alarms used in Wisconsin must be approved by Underwriters Laboratories.

Code language is in Comm 21.09 and 21.097, Uniform Dwelling Code, and Comm 28, Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

For more information, or to read the rule, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-UdcAlarmsInfo.html#news

New Changes in Effect for WI Contractors

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600

On December 1, 2010, there was an expansion of the types of work covered by Wisconsin Safety and Buildings Division construction contractor regulations.Now there are also penalties created to put more teeth into enforcement of those regulations.

Construction contractor businesses, including one-person companies, need to have a license, certification, or registration when working under Wisconsin construction codes. There are twelve different types of contractor credentials by the Safety and Buildings Division of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

Contractor licensing provides identification for state departments to share info about who’s claiming contractor tax status, paying for workers compensation and unemployment insurance, to support fair competition.
Contractors can get codes and training info. - Property owners can find contractors who are not transient.
On-the-job identification of contractors helps protect against employers misclassifying employees as subcontractors.

December 1, 2010, changes to Comm 5, the Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Code, include:

An expanded set of codes under which contractors need to be sure they have appropriate credentials for the work.
Work on one- and two-family dwellings will be covered regardless of when the dwelling was built. Previously, work on dwellings built before 1979 was not involved.
There will be possible forfeitures of $250 to $1,000 for contractor companies which work without appropriate credentials or contractors which have the correct credentials but hire subcontractors which do not have the correct credentials. (See Comm 5.125)

The two most common contractor credentials in Wisconsin are the Dwelling Contractor Certification and the Building Contractor Registration. A Dwelling Contractor Certification is required for businesses to obtain a Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) building permit. A Dwelling Contractor Certification (issued to the business - $40) must be partnered with a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification (issued to the individual - $45) in order to get UDC permits. Both certifications are needed to pull UDC permits.

The Building Contractor Registration is needed if a construction business, including a one-person business, does not have any other contractor credential and works under one of the 13 building construction codes. The BCR is $100 for four years.

To apply for a Building Contractor Registration or for more information visit http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-BuildingContractorDec12010.html

Renovate Right! A Homeowner Advisory to the New Lead Law

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This summer, a new federal and state law kicked into effect requiring that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Why does it matter to you?

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. If ingested or absorbed, it can cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk.

The most common sources of lead poisoning include:

Deteriorating lead-based paint
Lead contaminated dust
Lead contaminated residential soil

Why does the new law target homes built before 1978?
Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. The new law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying a pre-1978 housing:

LANDLORDS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.

SELLERS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to ten days to check for lead hazards.

How can consumers protect themselves?
If you own a home prior to 1978, don’t do paint-disturbing projects yourselves. Be sure to hire a contractor that has the proper lead renovator training. In addition, before work starts the be sure to read the EPA booklet “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools” which can be found online at www.epg.gov/lead