OSHA Rule Finalized for Silica Dust Exposure

OSHA issued the final silica rule to limit exposure to crystalline silica, found in many common building materials. Popular remodeling jobs like kitchens and baths that involve cutting tile, bricks and other materials containing crystalline silica over the new limit will likely be impacted by this new regulation. Remodelers will be required to use specified engineering controls like water or ventilation and provide respiratory protection for many common remodeling tasks.

March 31 Deadline to Recertify Training for EPA Lead Paint Rule

Though NAHB continues to beat the drum on the importance of a reliable, easy-to-use and inexpensive way to test for the presence of lead-based paint in walls and trim as key to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, thousands of remodelers still face a March 31 recertification deadline. These remodelers are required to get refresher training either in-person or online through the new online class option.

Marketing In Your Local Media Market for Remodelers

You don’t have to spend the most money on advertising to beat the competition - just spend a little time on public relations. Former NAHB Remodelers Chair Robert Criner shares his keys to effective media relations that include recognizing the right opportunities and knowing who to contact. 

Tear Downs Constitute 8% of 2015 Home Starts

NAHB estimates 55,000 total tear-downs for 2015 single-family home starts. Anecdotal evidence suggests that tear-down construction has become a significant modus operandi in some parts of the country. Due either to local topographic or political constraints, replacing older structures with new ones can potentially be an important option.

21 Solutions From a CAPS Remodeler Who Wishes He'd Followed His Own Advice CAPS instructor and remodeler, Vince Butler, explains how he prepped an office above the garage for an in-law suite conversion. Here are 21 design ideas that even an expert should have included in the original office remodel to ensure a smooth transformation into his mother's living space.

Home Owner Seminars - Not a Thing of the Past Home owner seminars are evolving for a clientele who wants information ondemand and online. Professional Remodeler interviews remodelers for tips on organizing seminars to maximize leads and sales force resources.                                Students Ease Labor Shortage, Build Home A possible solution to the widespread labor shortage: Restock the low inventory of laborers with a new group of fresh (young) faces. 38 high school students in Montana are building a full-sized, two-story, four-bedroom house all on their own (with the oversight of Flathead Building Association members and skilled subcontractors). Membership Saves You Money Qualifying Leads May 11 Webinar Registration Open Don't waste your limited time and resources on leads that don't pan out. The goal of this webinar is to give attendees the information they need so that they never again go on a sales call with an unqualified prospect. NAHB Remodelers members get an additional $5 off registration.                            Free Resources for National Home Remodeling Month Happy clients and beautiful homes - that's what it's all about. Join us as we turn up the volume in May to celebrate all things remodeling. We've created public relations, social media and other promotional resources for you to use during National Home Remodeling Month, saving you money on your marketing budget. Profits Matter: Join NAHB Study on Remodelers Finances Knowing how much the competition is bringing in can help you better gauge your financial performance and further enhance your industry intellect. NAHB is confidentially surveying remodeler members to provide them with real-market benchmarks they can use to compare their business to others, pinpoint improvement opportunities and set budget targets. Survey participants will receive a free copy of the final report, the 2017 Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study. Discounted GenX-Change Conference Registration Join Professional Remodeler and industry peers for this exciting networking event. The inaugural GenX-Change event is in Dallas, April 13-15 and will provide a day and a half of interactive content for attendees to learn from those who have succeeded by taking risks to grow their businesses. The Professional Remodeler 40 under 40 winners will also be honored at this event. NAHB Remodelers members get $100 off the $325 registration cost. 3 Part Live Webinar on Building Technology in April Give your clients the best during foundation, framing and exterior finishing when you better understand selection criteria, properties of materials, application techniques and the long-term performance of each system. Building Technology: Structures and Exterior Finishes Live Online will be offered in webinar format from 1:00-3:00 PM ET over three consecutive Tuesdays April 5, 12 and 19. Register today! NAHB, Houzz Form Alliance NAHB has formed a strategic alliance with Houzz Inc., the online platform for home building, renovation and design, to help NAHB members use Houzz’s technology and marketing capabilities to connect with a community of 35 million users. Visit the Houzz NAHB member portal to create or update your free professional profile, which includes a verified NAHB badge. Members also have access to the Houzz concierge for assistance.

IBS 2016 was "Awesome," "Exciting," Unbelievable."

Check out IBS 2016!

Make plans right now to attend IBS 2017 in Orlando, Florida, January 10-12, 2017!

Rules & Regulations

Confined Spaces Regulation Now in Effect
NAHB resources offer helpful guidance to comply with the rule.

Connecticut Lawmakers Reject Sprinkler Mandates
High costs, few benefits favor smoke alarms over sprinklers in one- and two-family homes.

Industry Insight

Bringing Housing Home a Grassroots Success
Builders cement stronger ties with their lawmakers during in-district visits.

Fair Housing, Warranty Issues in Latest Liability Update
Also see what's trending with regard to OSHA enforcement activity and worker misclassification.

Home Building Gets Competitive in Lego League
It's never too early to get kids excited about a career in residential construction.

Multifamily

HUD Seeks Comments on AFFH State Assessment Tool
States will use this tool to evaluate fair housing choice.

6 LIHTC Expense Traps to Avoid

March 17 webinar will help protect your bottom line.

HUD Proposes Revisions to Risk-Sharing Program
NAHB to weigh in on this housing finance proposal.