ReNews -- Remodelors Council News - 06/25/2003 (Plain Text Version)

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Laundry Rooms Now Win Prime Locations

Despite being one of the most heavily trafficked areas of the home, the laundry room historically was banished to the family basement. Now, however, conveniently located, spacious and aesthetically pleasing laundry rooms have emerged as a selling point for new and renovated residences. In fact, research conducted by the NAHB places the laundry at the top of the list of must-haves for home owners.

Some prefer to have the clothes-washing area near the kitchen with a mudroom, while others want it on the same level as the bedrooms; regardless of the location, however, functionality has become increasingly important. "People want fancier laundry rooms with double sinks, kitchen cabinets and places to put away and hang everything," explains NAHB Vice President of Research Gopal Ahluwalia. Other desirable upgrades for the laundry room include laundry drawers for dirty garments or cubby holes for sorting, open shelves for folding and built-in ironing boards. On top of that, home owners want their modern wash spaces to double as something else, such as a sewing station, hobby area or planning center equipped with a desk. Basically, according to Ahluwalia, "people are looking for comfort and convenience. They don't want to run around the whole house to do their laundry." (www.washtimes.com)
Washington Times (05/30/03) P. F1; Chappell, Carisa

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Deadline Approaching for Remodeling Hall of Fame Nominations

America's Best Remodeling Hall of Fame was created by the NAHB Remodelors Council to honor individuals from all walks of life who have made significant and lasting contributions to the remodeling industry. The Hall is filled with people who helped shape the industry during its early history, and who continue to lead the professional development of remodelers across the country.Induction into America’s Best Remodeling Hall of Fame is open to members of any public or private sector entity or institution. Areas of contribution may include industry image, governmental affairs, education, business management, or any other contribution that has helped advance the remodeling profession. We encourage you to nominate individuals who have made a positive impact on the remodeling industry. Completed applications must be received by July 11, 2003. The induction ceremony will take place at the Remodelors Council Gala during the 2003 Remodelers’ Show. You can download the application from here. [return to top]

Rep. Kelly Cites NAHB’s Contribution to Economic Stimulus Package

In an address on the floor of the House of Representatives on May 22, Rep. Sue W. Kelly, chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, praised NAHB for helping to shape a historic $350 billion tax-cut bill that included provisions to ensure that all segments of the housing industry would continue to lead the national economy forward.

Rep. Kelly made her remarks after the House had passed the economic stimulus package, and the full text appeared in the June 3 Congressional Record.

“Numerous business groups have been part of the process and I want to acknowledge the testimony of the National Association of Home Builders before my subcommittee on the president’s package and their contribution in supporting the overall effort,” Kelly said.

“I am also aware and want to acknowledge the effort of the home builders in working with the administration in the same manner, particularly the Department of Treasury,” she said. “I very much appreciate their expertise, economic research and analysis to ensure that no part of the legislation had any unintended consequences for low income housing. As a result, we are now able to pursue an economic stimulus plan that is good for all segments of the housing industry and all segments of the economy of these United States.”

Since early this year, NAHB had been working with the Administration and the Congress in support of legislation that would provide a significant boost to the economy, including housing, and create new jobs quickly. The association also worked steadily to ensure that President Bush’s proposal to eliminate double taxation of corporate earnings would not do any unintended harm to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

In the final bill that was signed into law by President Bush on May 28, the dividend exclusion proposal had been replaced by a reduction in ordinary long-term capital gains tax rates that also applyies to dividend income. This provision actually created a new incentive for corporations to invest in the tax credit.

As the U.S. economy has been recovering from the past recession slowly and fitfully, housing has attracted particular attention from economic policy makers in Washington because it is the one sector that has demonstrated full-blown strength and that has been especially responsive to the Federal Reserve’s low interest rates. Housing accounted for about one-third of growth in the Gross Domestic Product during this year’s first quarter.

“For the past two years, home building has been a leader in moving America’s economy forward,” said Kelly. “Where many sectors of the economy have faltered, housing has remained a source of strength.

“Enactment of the economic stimulus package that is about to emerge from this Congress will ensure that housing continues to create the jobs and stimulate the economic growth that are needed to restore full prosperity for our nation’s families and businesses.” [return to top]

NYC Mayor Endorses International Building Code

The International Building Code (IBC) received a strong endorsement from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who recently accepted a mayoral commission's recommendation to adopt the IBC.

In its comparison of the benefits of the NAHB-favored International Code Council's IBC and the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 5000 building code, commission members rated the IBC as preferable in every category they measured. They examined the two codes on the basis of their formats and also for the ease with which they could be adapted to meet the city's needs.

This is a significant victory for the International Code Council and the NAHB-supported effort to adopt a single coordinated set of building codes nationwide. [return to top]

Dream Kitchen Debuts at Upcoming Remodelors’ Show

This year’s Remodelors’ Show will feature Dream Kitchen 2003, a showcase of all the latest in kitchen products and the latest design practices. Remodelers’ Show attendees will be able to walk through Dream Kitchen, review product specifications and obtain information on the latest products from companies such as Whirlpool, Delta Faucet, HomeCrest Cabinetry, Eagle Windows & Doors, and Georgia-Pacific. In addition to getting an up-close look at the completed kitchen, attendees can sit in on product clinics, which demonstrate the latest installation techniques used for kitchen remodeling projects.

The creativity behind Dream Kitchen 2003 is designer Christopher Coleman, who has owned his own interior design firm for the past 10 years. Coleman is a renowned designer who is known for his state-of-the-art projects that have been featured on “CNN-Style with Elsa Klensch” as well as in New York magazine, The New York Times, House Beautiful, In Style magazine and other popular publications.

To witness Dream Kitchen’s debut at The Remodelers’ Show 2003, register online at www.RemodelersShow.com or call 800-681-6970 to request a brochure. The Remodelers’ Show 2003 takes place October 23-25 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland. [return to top]

Learn Something New at the 2003 Southeast Building Conference

Quality education for professional remodelers is one of the many highlights of the 25th anniversary Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) scheduled July 24-26 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

Sponsored by the Florida Home Builders Association, the SEBC will present eight programs for remodelers, including all three courses in the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) series and a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) course on estimating.

Other courses designed specifically for remodelers include a Mold and Mildew Workshop, Using Client Retention as a Solid Sales Base, the Art of Negotiation, Getting Paid for Professional Services and Growing Your Remodeling Business.

Nationally recognized mold and mildew expert Dr. Joseph Lstiburek of the Building Science Corporation in Westford, MA heads the speaker line-up for the remodeling education, which includes Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CAPS, Brookfield, CT; Jud Motsenbocker, CGR, CAPS, Muncie, IN; Beverly Koehn, San Antonio, TX; Mike Weiss, CGR, CAPS, Carmel, IN; Larry Murr, CGR, CAPS, Jacksonville, FL; and Stephen Gidus, CGR, Winter Park, FL.

The SEBC offers over 750 exhibits of building products and services as well as comprehensive education for residential and commercial builders, developers, superintendents, trades professionals and sales and marketing specialists. SEBC's keynote speaker is William J. Bennett, one of America's most influential and respected voices on cultural, political and educational issues.

For details on the remodeling education and all the events and activities at the 2003 SEBC, visit www.sebcshow.com. [return to top]

Member Advantage: Save Up to 20% on Postage Costs

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To order online and for details on more than a dozen other money-saving Member Advantage discount programs click here, or send a blank e-mail to membersavings@nahb.com.

Go to www.nahb.org to explore the numerous advantages associated with membership in your local, state, and national home builders association. [return to top]