April 6, 2018
TOP STORIES
SBCC Code Change Proposals
As is typical during the State Building Code Council (SBCC) three-year adoption process, BIAW has been monitoring code change proposals and will be submitting comments as the process continues. 

So far, the first review of the Group 1 codes is nearly complete. At the last meeting of the SBCC, the deadline for submitting amendment proposals was set for May 25. The Group 1 codes include the International Building Code (including the International Existing Building Code), the International Fire Code, and the Washington State Energy Code (commercial).

There are a few significant changes, however, many of which fix changes from the 2015 edition. Round two of the review will be looking at the state amendments, which is where BIAW expects the deeper debates to happen. BIAW will continue to keep members informed on the rulemaking process and future opportunities to comment on the Group 1 codes. 

The Group 2 codes will begin this fall. This group includes the International Residential Code (IRC), Washington State Energy Code Residential (WSEC-R), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and the International Mechanical Code (IMC).

If members would like to be involved in the upcoming Technical Advisory Groups for Group 2 codes, please apply directly by emailing SBCC or contact BIAW Codes and Regulations Manager Al Audette at (360) 352-7800. 

The 2018 model codes are anticipated to have an effective date of July 1, 2020.
Update on Respirable Crystalline Silica in WA
Below is information on a recent rule change by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for BIAW members: 

Respirable Crystalline Silica - Effective April 23, 2018

Respirable crystalline silica final rules were filed for the state of Washington last month. These rules have a number of provisions, including reducing the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica, requiring employers to use engineering controls and respirators to reduce worker exposure, and providing medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers. To see a list of requirements, click here »
Paid Family and Medical Leave
ESD Survey for Employers

Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) will be implementing the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave system. On Jan. 1, 2019, premium assessment will begin for the program and eligible employees can take benefits starting Jan. 1, 2020.

To help Washington businesses understand aspects of the program, ESD is asking employers to provide information about what they know (and may want to learn more about) concerning the new leave system. To participate in the brief survey, click here » 

Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Proposed Rules Open for Comments

Also, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program has filed proposed rules (form CR-102) for phase one of four of the rulemaking process. Phase one proposed rules cover premium assessment and collection, collective bargaining agreements, and voluntary plans
 
A hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. for proposed rules. Join in-person at 640 Woodland Square Loop, Lacey, WA 98503 in the Park Place Conference Room on May 23, attend remotely, or submit your comments via their online portal. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 23, at which time the comment period on this phase of rules will close.
NAHB Tax Reform Webinar Slides Now Available
Did you miss NAHB's March 5 webinar, “Tax Reform and Your Bottom Line”? 

If you did not have an opportunity to attend, NAHB has provided slides for members to assist with understanding the tax reform legislation. Click here to access the slides (member login required).

The March 5 webinar focused on the specific changes that will most directly impact small businesses, including the 20% pass-through deduction, limitations on the business interest deduction, and new depreciation guidelines. 
BIAW Seeks Candidates for Executive Vice President
BIAW is conducting a search for a new Executive Vice President (EVP) of the state association, which represents nearly 8,000 members in Washington's home building industry. The search comes after Executive Vice President Art Castle announced his upcoming retirement. Castle has served as BIAW's EVP for seven years. 

The EVP serves as chief administrative officer, recommends and participates in formulation and implementation of new policies and makes decisions cooperatively with senior officers, executive committee, and board of directors. The successful candidate will lead a team of over 35 professional staff as well as contract lobbyists, attorneys, and other consultants.

Karras Consulting, an executive search firm, is leading recruitment for the Executive Vice President position. Deadline to submit résumé and cover letter is April 27. Read the job recruitment notice for more information or visit www.biaw.com »
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SBA of Washington Names BIAW Member
Encore Entrepreneur of 2018
The owners of Cabinets by Trivonna, a BIAW and Olympia Master Builders member, were named the Seattle District Encore Entrepreneur of the Year for 2018 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA Seattle District serves Washington state and Northern Idaho.

Ross and Trivonna Irwin were recognized not only for their custom designed cabinets but also for their commitment to keeping all construction work local by hiring within their community.

The Encore Entrepreneur award honors small business owners who started their companies after the age of 50 and who have created established businesses that remain operational in their communities for at least three years.  Read more »
BIAW AWARD PROGRAMS
Only Three Weeks Away!
Submit Your Remodeling Projects before Apr. 27
BIAW’s annual Remodeling in Excellence Awards (EIR) competition is now open for entries. Submit your outstanding project before April 27!

Winning entries will be announced during the EIR reception during the BIAW summer board meeting on Wednesday, June 20 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco. 

Download the EIR application or click here for more information.
Now Accepting BIAW Hall of Fame Entries!
Honor those who have made lasting contributions and who have dedicated a lifetime of achievement to the building industry and BIAW by nominating them to our revered Hall of Fame.

If you'd like to submit a nominee for a BIAW member, industry leader, or legislator you believe is worthy of entry, please contact Brenda Kwieciak at 360-352-7800 or click here to download the application packet. Submission deadline is May 4.
2018 Spike Party
Join us as we celebrate our Spike's at the 2018 Spike Party on June 21 at 7 p.m. Everything you need for a good Spike Party will be there: food, drinks, karaoke, dancing, prizes and - as always - great company.

To get our engines going, we'll also be having our first annual BIAW Belt Sander Race to kick off the night. Be sure to get your racing team ready!

Want to be a part of all the fun? Become a Spike Party Sponsor today »

Special thanks to our current Spike Sponsors: HBA of Tri-Cities, New Tradition Homes, JB Consulting Systems, Print NW, Sockeye Homes, and Kevin Russell Construction.
Social Snapshot
ICYMI: WA STATE NEWS
BIAW EVENTS & CLASSES
How to Profit Using the WSU UA Alt. Worksheet

This class begins with an over-view of the new UA Alternative Worksheet, then continues to instruct attendees on the basic functions of the Worksheet, and how to energy-model a house. After the basics are covered, attendees will learn how to use the UA Alternative Worksheet to select more cost-effective solutions to the 2015 WSEC, and how to optimize their plans for the most cost-effective energy efficiency measured beyond code. Prior attendees have described savings of up to $2,000 per house by using this valuable tool. Learn more »
12 Steps to Designing and Building Zero Energy Homes
 
This 12-step class is the definitive course for designers and builders who want to learn the intricacies of designing and building zero-energy homes.
 
FRIDAY FUN
Building Industry Association of Washington  
111 21st Avenue SW | Olympia, WA 98501
360.352.7800 |  www.BIAW.com

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