NRVHBA PRESS RELEASES
The New River Valley Home Builder Members Association, Inc.
August 5, 2010 - Reinventing Home for Empty Nesters
By Chris Pfohl, President, (Home Builders Association)
It’s official! You’ve dropped your youngest child off at college and are returning back to an empty nest. While it is can be bittersweet to see your child leave home in search of independence and adulthood, it can also be a joyous time for you now that you finally have the house all to yourself.
Your home was once centered around your family’s hectic schedule. Now that you are no longer spending time carpooling and helping with last minute science fair projects, it’s time to figure out how you want to change your home to reflect your new lifestyle and interests.
Click here for some ideas that might get your creative juices flowing. (DOC)
June 21, 2010 - NAHB Applauds EPA’S Decision to Delay Lead Paint Certification Enforcement
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to delay enforcement of the new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule will provide much-needed time to get more remodelers and other contractors trained – and for EPA to get the word out to consumers about the importance of hiring a certified remodeler, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
"EPA listened to our concerns and did the right thing," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
In revised guidance released on Friday, EPA acknowledged that remodelers in many parts of the country have been unable to obtain the required training to comply with the rule – a problem that NAHB has urged the agency to solve since the rule was announced two years ago.
The issue came to a head in May after floods devastated parts of Tennessee and there weren’t enough certified remodelers to complete much-needed home repairs. NAHB and its state home builders association proposed a delay in enforcing the rule -- a decision EPA consented to in its letter on Friday.
While remodelers, electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians and other contractors must adhere to lead-safe work practices, including special equipment filters and a ban on open flames, EPA will not take enforcement action against firms that have been unable to obtain certification until Oct. 1 of this year. Individual contractors must apply to enroll in a training class by Sept. 30 and complete the training by Dec. 31, 2010.
"This rule potentially affects about 79 million homeowners. That’s how many homes were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned," Jones said. "We need significantly more contractors certified than the 300,000 who have taken the training course, and we also need to make sure that affected homeowners understand the importance of hiring a certified contractor."
Homeowners can find a certified firm at http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm. Remodelers can contact the New River Valley Home Builders Association at 443-0090 or www.nrvhba.com to find Certified Renovator training sessions.
April 20, 2010 - "Better Building. Safer Homes." Campaign Raises the Profile
The New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) in partnership with the Virginia Building & Code Officials, Region II (VBCOA) wins national award for building safety
CHRISTIANSBURG, VA. - The "Better Building. Safer Homes." Campaign received the International Code Council’s (ICC) 2010 Raising the Profile Award for outstanding commitment to building safety. This is the first time that a partnership between two organizations has been awarded this honor.
The award is given to an individual or organization whose acts or contributions have raised the public awareness of the work accomplished by code enforcement personnel to improve public safety in the built environment.
Launched in January 2010, the campaign is a joint venture by the Virginia Building & Code Officials Association (VBCOA) Region II chapter, and the New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) to raise public awareness of the importance of building codes and building safety.
"The mission of the "Better Building. Safer Homes. " Campaign is to promote better construction practices and safer homes for all those who live in the New River Valley. "Cathy Cook, VBCOA Region II Chair said. "Our goal is to work together with citizens, contractors, and local government to ensure that our buildings and communities are as safe as possible. In a nutshell, we’re promoting better building and safer homes. "
The goal of the “Better Building. Safer Homes.” Campaign is to create a more informed general public when it comes building safety and protection from contractor fraud. Part of the campaign is the "Better Building. Safer Homes" blog at betterbuilding-saferhomes.blogspot.com. The blog provides Virginians with useful information on laws and regulations that ensure their safety during the building and construction process.
Through community outreach projects, such as free how-to clinics, the campaign educates the general public on issues involved in new construction, remodeling and home improvement, and how to locate professionals that can guide and protect them during the process. The campaign also focuses on educating local government and the building profession about building safety and codes, in order to protect people and their property.
"By partnering together, our two organizations can fill in the gaps for anyone who is building, remodeling or in the beginning stages of planning," Chris Pfohl, NRVHBA president said. "Together, we’re building homes that are safe, healthy and will grow in value."
Representatives for the "Better Building. Safer Homes." Campaign, Cathy Cook and Chris Pfohl, will accept the award at the ICC’s national reception in Washington D.C. on May 4.
About VBCOA:
The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA) is a statewide organization of building safety professionals dedicated to the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of all persons who live, work, or visit the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since 1929, we have worked to foster partnerships among all groups associated with the construction industry. By working together we can build better buildings and safer communities.
April 26, 2010 - Update Your Home Safely with a Certified Remodeler
by Chris Pfohl, President
New River Valley Home Builders Association
You’ve made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home. But if you live in a house built before 1978, a new federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project.
In 1978, the use of lead paint was officially banned from residential construction. Before that, however, lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
> Read more
March 10, 2010 - Christiansburg, VA - The New River Valley Home Builders Association, a professional trade organization dedicated to being the respected voice of the residential and commercial building industry, recently recognized new executive officers and outstanding members at its annual Inaugural Gala:
| 2010 NRVHBA Executive Officers | |
| President | Chris Pfohl, Rome Mechanical |
| 1st Vice President | Shelia Stump, SAS Builders, Inc. |
| 2nd Vice President | Jason Boyle, Green Valley Builders, Inc. |
| Associate Vice President | Wendy Morefield Swanson, Simon and Associates, Inc. |
| Treasurer | John Neel, Gay and Neel, Inc. |
| Secretary | Rob Simmons, Brown Insurance |
| 2010 NRVHBA Awards | |
| Builder of the Year | SAS Builders, Inc. |
| Associate of the Year | Jeff Porter, 84 Lumber Company |
| Design Excellence | James Oliver, Highlander Construction & Development, Inc. |
| Association Service | Debbie Clay, NRV Loans |
| Committee Person of the Year | Shelia Stump, SAS Builders, Inc. |
| Community Service of the Year | Shelia Stump, SAS Builders, Inc. |
| Johnny Haynes Memorial Award | James Oliver, Highlander Construction & Development, Inc. |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2010
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper, Executive Assistant
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
Christiansburg, VA - The 2010 Home Expo, sponsored by the New River Valley Home Builders Association, The Roanoke Times, and Christiansburg Parks and Recreation, has a limited number of booths still available for the show. The popular annual show, with over 100 vendors and 2,000 of visitors, is March 12-14, 2010, at the Christiansburg Recreation Center. Exhibitors can include both builders and vendors that serve contractors in some way, such as subcontractors, mortgage companies, landscapers, and even decorators. For more information on exhibiting at the Home Expo, visit the New River Valley Home Builders Association website located at www.nrvhba.comor call 381-0180.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010
Heat Your Home Efficiently This Winter Season
By Chris Pfohl, President, New River Valley Home Builders Association
As temperatures drop this winter season, one thing inevitably rises — your home fueling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), families spend on average $1,400 a year on home utility bills — with home heating and cooling making up 46 percent of the cost. With this winter’s forecast, ensuring your home is energy-wise is essential for your comfort and budget.
Here are some ways that you can keep the cold out and the costs down this winter:
Caulk and seal air leaks in your house. By reducing air leaks, an average household can cut 10 percent of their monthly energy bill. While sealing windows and doors can help, usually the worst culprits are utility cut-throughs for pipes (plumbing penetrations), unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets, and gaps around chimneys and recessed lights. Your local builder or remodeler can recommend an energy auditor to help spot the inefficiencies.
Check your insulation. The DOE recommends you check and replace insulation in your home if you:
The places to check include the attic, ceilings, exterior walls, basement walls and crawlspaces. When replacing insulation, look at the R-value of the product — the higher the R-value, the better. If you cannot afford to replace the insulation in all areas of your home, choose the attic as it is the most cost-effective. For attic insulation, make sure the R-value falls between 30 and 60.
- Have a home built before 1980
- Are uncomfortably cold in the winter
- Build an extension or new addition onto your home
- Pay high energy bills
Upgrade your thermostat. You can easily lower electricity bills by choosing to upgrade to a programmable thermostat, which automatically lowers the heat at night or when you are not home, which can save up to 10 percent on your annual heating bill.
Perform routine maintenance. Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as indicated by the manufacturer. Make sure radiators, baseboard heaters and warm-air registers are clean of debris and are not being blocked by furniture or draperies.
As an added benefit, some energy-efficient improvements may qualify for a federal tax credit. Find more information about what qualifies at www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. For more tips on how to efficiently heat your home, as well as guidelines based on your type of home and climate, visit DOE’s Web site at www.energysavers.gov.
To find a builder or remodeler in your area that can help you with these upgrades, contact the New River Valley Home Builders Association at 381-0180 or visit our website at www.nrvhba.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper, Executive Assistant
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
Christiansburg, VA - The 2010 Home Expo, sponsored by the New River Valley Home Builders Association and Christiansburg Parks and Recreation, is still accepting booth registrations. Vendors can save money with registration postmarked by January 31. The popular annual show, with over 100 vendors and 2,000 of visitors, is March 12-14, 2010, at the Christiansburg Recreation Center. Exhibitors can include both builders and vendors that serve contractors in some way, such as subcontractors, mortgage companies, landscapers, and even decorators. For more information on exhibiting at the Home Expo, visit the New River Valley Home Builders Association website located at www.nrvhba.comor call 381-0180.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper, Executive Assistant
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
Christiansburg, VA - The New River Valley Home Builders Association, a professional trade organization dedicated to being the respected voice of the residential and commercial building industry, will soon award its annual Richard S. Whitney Memorial Scholarships of $1,000 each. Scholarships go to graduating seniors from New River Valley high schools who are interested in entering the building profession. The awards will be announced in the spring; the application deadline is April 15. Applications can be downloaded from the New River Valley Home Builders Association website located at www.nrvhba.com. Contact the HBA office at 381-0180 or info@nrvhba.com for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2009
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper, Executive Assistant
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
Housing Tax Credit Now Open to More Home Buyers
By: Chris Pfohl, President, New River Valley Home Builders Association
Christiansburg, VA - If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, and weren’t eligible for the first-time home buyer tax credit, here’s some good news: the housing tax credit has been expanded and extended.
On Nov. 6, President Obama signed into law the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which enables many more Americans to take advantage of new government incentives to buy a home. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that close to 70 percent of all potential home buyers should now qualify for some form of the housing tax credit.
The new law extends the popular first-time home buyer credit, which more than 1.4 million taxpayers have already claimed, through April 30, 2010. Buyers who have signed a sales contract by that deadline have until June 30 to close on the home. First-time home buyers—who the IRS defines as someone who has not owned a home in the three years preceding the purchase—can qualify for a credit of 10 percent of the cost of the home, up to $8,000.
Existing home owners, or those who recently sold their home, may also now qualify for a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the cost of a new principal residence. This new credit is capped at $6,500. "Repeat" home buyers must have been living in the home they currently own (or previously owned) for five consecutive years out of the eight years prior to buying the new home.
Many buyers in markets with a higher cost of living didn’t qualify for the earlier tax credits due to the income limits. Those have been increased and now single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples earning up to $225,000 may be eligible for a full credit. Home buyers earning up to $20,000 more than the limit may be able to claim a partial credit.
Both first-time and repeat buyer credits can only be used with the purchase of a home that will be the buyer’s principal residence. It cannot be claimed for the purchase of a vacation home or property to be used as a rental. Homes purchased for more than $800,000 are not eligible.
NAHB has created a Web site at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com to provide information about the housing tax credits. It provides basic information about the first-time and repeat buyer credits, detailed question and answer sections, and links to additional home-buying resources.
The new tax credits, combined with today’s near record-low interest rates and competitive home prices, make it an ideal time to buy if you’ve been considering moving up, downsizing, or just moving into a home more suited to your current lifestyle.
Find your new home in the New River Valley through www.nrvhba.com!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2009
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper, Executive Assistant
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
2010 Home Expo
Christiansburg, VA - The 2010 Home Expo, sponsored by the New River Valley Home Builders Association and Christiansburg Parks and Recreation, is now accepting booth registrations. There is a significant discount for early registration by September 30. The popular annual show, with over 100 vendors and 2,000 of visitors, is March 12-14, 2010, at the Christiansburg Recreation Center. Exhibitors can include both builders and vendors that serve contractors in some way, such as subcontractors, mortgage companies, landscapers, and even decorators. For more information on exhibiting at the Home Expo, visit the New River Valley Home Builders Association website located at www.nrvhba.com or call 381-0180.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2009
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
Extending Home Buyer Tax Credit Will Create Jobs in Virginia, Move Economy Forward
Christiansburg, VA - Chris Pfohl, President of the New River Valley Home Builders Association and owner of Rome Mechanical, Inc., today issued the following statement on the need to extend and enhance the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit:
"Despite the notoriety being given to the Cash for Clunkers program, the most effective way to stimulate the economy and create jobs is for Congress to extend and enhance the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, which is due to expire on Dec. 1. Extending the program for an additional year and making it available to all home buyers would create an additional 9503 jobs in Virginia."
"As people buy more homes, this creates a positive ripple effect across our community. In the first year alone, new-home buyers typically purchase more than $12,000 on appliances, televisions, furnishings, carpets and other upgrades for their house. All of this translates into increased economic activity up and down Main Street. "
"On a national level, extending and enhancing the home buyer tax credit would spur an additional 383,000 home sales, generate the production of more than 80,000 homes and perhaps most importantly, create nearly 350,000 jobs in the coming year. That’s just the right prescription to get the American economy back on track."
"Housing accounts for more than 15 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product and can serve as the catalyst to put America back to work. One of the best things that Congress can do to restore a full-fledged recovery is to work to restore the health of the housing industry. We are calling on lawmakers to do their part by taking action on the home buyer tax credit, helping to resolve appraisal problems that have been slowing home sales and urging regulators to restore the flow of credit so that builders can get back on the job."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2009
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
The New River Valley Home Builders Association, a professional trade organization dedicated to being the respected voice of the residential and commercial building industry, has awarded its annual Richard S. Whitney Memorial Scholarship to Juilan D. Iford of Christiansburg High School. The association presents a scholarship of $1,000 to a graduating senior from a New River Valley high school who is interested in entering the building profession. The mission of the NRVHBA Scholarship Committee is to promote the future growth of the construction industry by providing aid to deserving students enrolled in construction-related studies at Virginia’s colleges, trade schools, and within working internships. The New River Valley Home Builders Association website is located at www.nrvhba.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2009
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Cooper
540-381-0180
info@nrvhba.com
Christiansburg, Virginia – The New River Valley Home Builders Association, a professional trade organization dedicated to being the respected voice of the residential and commercial building industry, has achieved third place in its division of a recent state-wide membership competition. During the campaign period of March, April, and May, the NRVHBA recruited 18 new members, reaching 139% of the goal set for it by the Home Builders Association of Virginia. Said President Chris Pfohl, "139% of goal is something to be proud of. I look forward to welcoming our new members into the fold."
NRVHBA serves residential and commercial builder members, developers and remodelers, as well as suppliers, subcontractors and related service providers, representing their interests with powerful legislative representation, networking opportunities, member discounts, educational programs, insurance programs, and access to many more benefits. The New River Valley Home Builders Association website is located at www.nrvhba.com.
