There's No Place Like Home!
We've just had a genuine Oregon winter complete with snow, rain, slush and wind gusts. Falling branches keep you on your toes, don't they? Winter weather really helps you appreciate how wonderful hot chocolate, warm slippers and a cozy fireplace can be. Cold weather can also remind you that you forgot to get the heater serviced, your old windows leak air like crazy and your uninsulated floor is like a sheet of ice in the morning. With winter in full swing, there are few feelings more satisfying than enjoying a warm and comfortable home with a book, a blanket and a brew (I prefer Good Bean coffee). There are few feelings more frustrating than having your old, noisy furnace run all day and night and still not keep you warm. Rivers of condensation run down the inside of your windows creating little pools of water that soak into your sheetrock and carpeting. It takes 5 minutes to get the hot water "hot". Not good. If your home isn't all you'd like it to be, I've got good news for you and it's the Southern Oregon Home Show!
The one place, once a year where you can find anything and everything for your home is the Southern Oregon Home Show, hosted by the Builders Association Southern Oregon. You'll find the products and services you want and need and you'll be able to talk face to face with the experts who can answer all your home improvement questions. Floor coverings, design, doors, windows, cabinets, counter tops, siding, roofing, solar panels, spas, plumbing, electrical, landscaping and more. Come on out to the Expo this February 17th, 18th and 19th and see the largest Home Show in Southern Oregon! There's No Place Like Home!
To your success,,
Brad Bennington,
Executive Officer
Builders Association Southern Oregon
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UPCOMING Builder Association EVENTS
-Mark Your Calendars-
2017 Membership Directory
2017 Southern Oregon Home Show
Feb. 17, 18 and 19
at the Jackson County Expo
2017 Builders Classic Golf Tournament
June 16
at the Eagle Point Golf Club
Give us a call if you have questions about any of our events
541-773-2872
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The 2017 Home Show is just around the corner!
This year's packed-out Home Show
is going to be a lot of fun!
SAVE THE DATE
FEBRUARY 17, 18 & 19
Come see Luxury Tiny Homes as seen on the HGTV and DIY networks. We have a ton of great indoor seminars, as well as outside seminars going on through the weekend. We will have your favorite Exhibitors there, as well as some new ones!
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Come see HGTV and DIY Networks: LUXURY TINY HOMES by Tiny Heirloom
at this year's Home Show!
You've heard ALL about Tiny Homes - now COME & SEE them!
At this year's Home Show (Feb 17-19) we will be featuring Luxury Tiny Homes by Tiny Heirloom!
Curious to see how your innovation and design can create these small works of art?
"At Tiny Heirloom we pride ourselves in challenging the "impossible". We assume that everything is possible until proven otherwise. We never throw an idea out just because it's never been done before and even while creating a new system or bringing to life a radical vision, our uncompromising pursuit of perfection drives us on to innovation."
Is a tiny home for you? Come learn all about them at the Home Show!
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News From the State
Jon Chandler, OHBA
The US Census Data - Building Permits For Oregon MSAs report OHBA gave at the NAHB meetings at the International Builders' Show in January saw our permit numbers growing, but we are still underbuilding relative to demand, which is exacerbating our already grim affordability situation.
In other news:
- A Republican was elected statewide for the first time since statehood! Ok, it hasn't been quite that long but it's been 15 years, and that was for the US Senate, not a state position. Dennis Richardson, a former legislator from southern Oregon, was elected Secretary of State in what was one of the most surprising (and welcome) electoral results this cycle.
- Voters rejected what would have been the largest corporate tax in the country. It only took over $20 million in campaign funds, mostly from businesses and business lobby groups, but the campaign against a government-union sponsored initiative was successful - the tax increase went down by almost 20 points.
- Republicans picked up a seat in the Senate, held serve in the House. Due to the tragic death of a D state senator, a special election was held and the Republican candidate won. The significance of that victory is that the Ds are now without super-majorities in either chamber, making their path towards tax increases a bit more difficult.
- OHBA's new political fundraising effort did very well. As reported earlier, we decided to hire a professional fundraiser to help us raise PAC money, and while we didn't get to our admittedly-aggressive targets, we did raise about $140,000 of new money, which allowed us to be much more effective in our state and local political efforts this past cycle. We were successful in six of the nine legislative races we targeted, and we also were able to contribute significantly towards the anti-tax campaign. Going forward, we will be continuing this effort with the objective of dramatically increasing our political presence on both the state and local levels.
- We will be starting our local association circuit rider in 2017. By the time caucus meets, we will know if we received a grant from NAHB to hire someone to work with three or four of our smaller associations to get them back on their feet. But even if NAHB declines to participate, we will be moving forward - using a dues increase and other funds - to put a state association staff person on the road to serve as a traveling EO. We think this will be successful in growing local and state membership and look forward to reporting on the program in the future.
- As stated before, Oregon politics continue to mostly suck. Our legislative session starts the first of February, and we know we'll be talking about:
- Increased regulations on diesel fueled off-road machinery
- More employer mandates, such as
- Mandatory family leave, to go with our already mandatory sick leave
- Flexible scheduling rules
- Wage theft
- Rent control, I mean, "rent stabilization", which of course is way different
- Limitations on no-fault evictions
- Taxes. The voters' rejection of the above-mentioned ballot measure notwithstanding, the Ds are going to be pushing for additional revenue, which will put the mortgage interest deduction into the crosshairs.
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The Buzz About Net Zero Energy Homes
Howard Asch, OHBA
California has set a target for all new homes built after 2020 to be net zero energy homes or net zero energy ready. What do they mean when they talk about net zero energy, and how will that impact us in Oregon?
A net zero energy home is one that generates about the same amount of energy on site as it uses, usually through energy efficient construction and solar electrical generation. Most net zero houses are connected to the electrical grid and at times use power from the grid and other times put power back into the grid. Energy can also be generated with on-site wind, geothermal or hydroelectric generation.
The reason for building net zero energy houses include a desire to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, improve disaster resiliency and improve comfort. A net zero house insulates the owner against future cost increases for fuel and lower monthly utility costs.
A net zero home will usually have extremely well insulated walls, floors and ceilings. They may reduce the size and number of windows, and the ones that remain are extra efficient. Design and orientation on the lot will take into consideration the potential to harvest passive solar heating in the winter and reduce it in the summer and to take advantage of sheltering from the wind. Skylights or solar tubes can reduce lighting needs during the day time. Careful attention will be given to reducing air leakage
Highly efficient appliances will be used that not only use less energy. Heat recovery systems for waste water and waste heat from appliances may be installed to use for supplement water heating.
Energy is most often generated from solar electrical panels on the roof. When the panels generate more electricity than is being used on site it is sent through the meter to the utility company. The solar panels will be sized to average enough generating capacity to equal energy usage throughout the day.
Technology to build a net zero house is readily available. But thicker walls, tighter construction and efficient design require different construction methods and skills. Special attention to detail is necessary to avoid moisture problems. A builder and their subs will need to clearly understand this is not an ordinary house and expect to take a little longer to complete the work when building their first net zero house.
What about net zero energy homes in Oregon? What California does is likely to trickle into Oregon. California's emphasis on reducing energy use and carbon release is likely to embolden energy conservation activists in Oregon. Well-funded groups are likely to push for new rules or regulations to require greater efficiency. It may not be a matter of if net zero gets to Oregon, but when.
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Oregon OSHA Adopts Changes to Recording Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
On Nov. 10, Oregon OSHA
adopted changes to its Division 1 requirements for reporting workplace injuries and illnesses to align them with the requirements in federal OSHA's unusually titled final rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. (As part of its state plan agreement with federal OSHA, Oregon OSHA's rules must be at least as effective as OSHA's.)
The key changes in Oregon OSHA's Division 1 rule - 437-001-0700, Recording Workplace Injuries and Illnesses - become effective May 1, 2017, and require employers to:
- Establish a procedure for employees to report work-related injuries and illnesses promptly and accurately.
- Inform employees about the procedure and tell them how they can report injuries and illnesses.
- Inform employees that they have the right to report work-related injuries and illnesses free from retaliation.
- Electronically submit injury and illness records to federal OSHA annually if they are in one of the following categories:
- They had 250 or more employees at any time during the previous calendar year and are required to maintain an OSHA 300 log
- They are in an industry listed in the rule and had 20 or more employees but fewer than 250 employees at any time during the previous calendar year. Read More.
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What do you do when you suddenly lose your RMI?
CCB January Newsletter
 This is a problem because the law says you need one of these at all times.
2017 Proposed Legislation
The Associated General Contractors (AGC) association will ask the 2017 Legislature
to give the CCB the authority to adopt rules to give you some time to get a new RMI
in place.
Specifically, the CCB could adopt rules to establish the notification process between
the contractor and CCB, and, the maximum period of time that a contractor may
operate after a sole Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) unexpectedly leaves the
business.
Meanwhile, here's how to avoid problems:
* When possible, replace an RM before they leave, or
* Have more than one RMI!
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Oregon OSHA Recording Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Changes
David Davidson, OHBA
On Nov. 10, Oregon OSHA adopted changes to its Division 1 requirements for reporting workplace injuries and illnesses to align them with the requirements in federal OSHA's unusually titled final rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. (As part of its state plan agreement with federal OSHA, Oregon OSHA's rules must be at least as affective as OSHA's.)
The key changes in Oregon OSHA's Division 1 rule - 437-001-0700, Recording Workplace Injuries and Illnesses - become effective May 1, 2017, and require employers to:
Establish a procedure for employees to report work-related injuries and illnesses promptly and accurately.
Inform employees about the procedure and tell them how they can report injuries and illnesses.
Inform employees that they have the right to report work-related injuries and illnesses free from retaliation.
Electronically submit injury and illness records to federal OSHA annually if they are in one of the following categories:
1. They had 250 or more employees at any time during the previous calendar year and are required to maintain an OSHA 300 log.
2. They are in an industry listed in the rule and had 20 or more employees but fewer than 250 employees at any time during the previous calendar year.
Informing employees about their rights
Informing employees about their rights to report workplace injuries and illnesses free from retaliation is easy. Meet the requirement by posting the current version of Oregon OSHA's It's the Law! poster or by telling the employees they have a right to report work-related injuries and illnesses free from retaliation - a written notice to each employee or an email will do.
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OHBA's Member Rebate Program: Free Member Benefit to Builder & Remodeler members of the Oregon HBA
There are currently over 50 of the country's leading Manufacturer Brands participating in the Member Rebate Program offering the same rebates as the "Top-5 Builders" receive regardless of your volume.
Builder and Remodeler Members:
- Register Below / File a Rebate Claim - Receive a Check
- No Receipts Needed to Claim
- Claim Quarterly, Receive a Lump-Sum Rebate Check
- Nationally, over 5,600 NAHB members participate.
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CCB Toolbox - Contractor Insurance Answers to your Questions
The CCB asked Oregon retired insurance broker Kelly Atwood some questions about liability insurance and bonds. Atwood specialized in contractor insurance during his 45 years in business. Here are some of the questions discussed:.
- Under what circumstances does my liability insurance cover workmanship claims?
- I'm retiring soon and want to make sure I have coverage for at least a few years in case a client files a claim. What do I need to know?
- Normally I paint houses but I'm thinking I might learn roofing. Do I need to notify my agent?
- If I switch insurance companies, what do I need to be careful about?
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Next Lead Based Paint Classes:
8-hr INITIAL Lead Based Paint Class
Need to become RRP Certified?
Do you work on structures,pre 1978, where you would be disturbing paint? If so, sign up now for this EPA-Certified class!
8-Hr INITIAL Course:
8am-5pm
Cost: $225 for Members and $299 for Non-Members
Qualifies for (8) Series B Credit Hours
Space is limited to register today!
Next Class: April 19
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4-hr REFRESHER RRP Lead Based Paint Class
Need to renew your RRP Certified?
Original Certificate is good for 5 years. Take the refresher class before your certificate expires.
4-Hr REFRESHER Course:
8am-12pm
Cost: $200 for Members and $275 for Non-Members
Qualifies for (4) Series B Credit Hours
We
must obtain a minimum number of students in order to hold the class.
Next class: June 7
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NAHB Member Discounts
As a benefit of being a member, you have access to discounts and savings opportunities offered by many top companies. All programs, rates and prices are subject to change without notice.
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Associate Member Directory for Member Rebate Program
-Sign your company up today!
Associate Members:
We are introducing the new
Member Rebate Program
Associate Member Directory
This is exciting news because now your company can get exposure to the builders and remodelers who use
these products
.
If you Supply or Install any of our 50+ participating Manufacturers, register for a free listing on our Associate Member Member Rebate Program directory.
All Associate Member Directory listings will be hyperlinked to your business w
ebsite.
Remember: The MRP Associate Member Directory is brand new - be the first business to be listed and help builders and remodelers find you!
If you have any questions about the Member Rebate Program call (541-773-2872) or
email us and we will be happy to go over it with you!
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Unlock The Value of Membership: NAHB
The National Association of Home Builders
exists to serve its members.
Fighting for housing on major policy issues, providing excellent educational programming, and creating outstanding networking opportunities are just some of the ways that NAHB fulfills that mandate.
And the proof of its success is in the numbers. In 2014, NAHB's actions on the legislative, codes, regulatory and legal fronts, as well as in other arenas, provided members an estimated savings of $6,882 per housing start as the association resolved numerous issues affecting home builders.
NAHB urges members to take advantage of the many resources that it offers.They are designed to help you build a better home, build a better business and work in a policy environment that enables your business -- and those of your associates in the home building industry -- to thrive.
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NEWS from the CCB:
Exemptions from continuing education
As of July 1, this is a summary of all contractors that are now exempt from continuing education.
This list applies to both residential and commercial contractors.
* Architects (if an owner or officer is a licensed architect)
* Developers
* Engineers (if an owner or officer is a licensed engineer)
* Electricians (if an owner, officer or employee is a licensed electrician)
* Plumbers (if an owner, officer or employee is a licensed plumber)
* Boiler contractors
* Elevator contractors
* Renewable energy contractor
* Pump installation contractors
* Limited sign contractors
* Landscape contractors who are construction contractors
* Home inspectors (must still complete continuing education for the home inspector certification but no longer for the CCB license) `
* Master builders (if actively licensed as such through the Building Codes Division)
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WHO WE ARE
We are Southern Oregon's primary resource for education, advocacy and policy for the Building Industry
WHAT WE DO
*Provide education to our community & professionals
*Advocate for Southern Oregon's construction industry
*Motivate public policy for a strong & sustainable community
WHY WE MATTER
*We provide comprehensive community outreach services
*We stimulate the economy with industry-leading events
*We support our community by creating policy that keeps construction safe, affordable and sustainable
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Jackson County Residential Statistics
Building Permits Issued
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Featured Company for January:
Ashley
HOMESTORE
Ashley is a family-owned business lead by president and CEO, Todd Wanek; and his father, Ron Wanek, chairman and founder of contemporary Ashley. Their passion and leadership are at the heart of the organization's success.
"The best thing about being in the home furnishings business is that it allow us to help our customers realize their dreams of a beautiful home."
Design, Build, Deliver:
Using our internationally acclaimed in-house design team, we create the look without paying expensive design fees. Then, by adhering to some of the most efficient production standards in the world, we are able to maximize productivity and minimize waste, generating additional savings for you. Finally, all orders are filled from strategically located regional warehouses and are serviced by our own fleet of trucks , the largest in the industry.
The Ashley Companies commitment to being the best furniture company in the industry continues to drive improvements in all phases of the operation, with the customer's complete satisfaction in mind. This has been the model measurement of success at The Ashley Companies and highlights a 50 year tradition of superior craftsmanship and innovative design in the furniture industry.
Local Contact Information:
Ashley HOMESTORE
Medford Center
851 Medford Center, Bldg H
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541.858.5501
Website:
www.AshleyFurniture.com
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Like us on Facebook!
Join us on Facebook for all the latest association news and activities.
Find out when the next Membership Mixer is or the next Lead Based Paint Class.
We would love to see what you and your company are up to. Send your pictures to
[email protected] with a small caption for us to post on our Facebook page.
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Builders Association
Southern Oregon
1006 East Jackson St., Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541-773-2872 Fax: 541-773-1189 www.buildso.com
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