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September 03, 2010 |
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| You may have heard of the new rules for the Michigan Residential Builders License continuing competency law. There has been a lot of questions and talk going around that you can fulfill your continuing competency requirement for your building license by attending meetings or using some class you took a couple years ago. Be careful – there is more to it than that.
As you recall, newer licensees (licensed after January 1, 2009) must fulfill 21 hours of continuing competency, while all other builders (licensed prior to January 1, 2009) have to fulfill just three hours. For both groups, according to Lee Schwartz and Bob Filka of the MAHB, the continuing competency law has a mandatory minimum requirement that three hours of this has to be devoted to the topics of Code, Safety and Legal.
(OCCUPATIONAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 299 of 1980, Section 339.2404b):
“At least 3 hours shall be devoted to those activities designed to develop a licensee's understanding and ability to apply state building codes and laws relating to the licensed occupation, safety, and changes in construction and business management laws.” Click here for the link to the full text of the law
There will be a wide range of activities that will count toward continuing competency. Two examples: Any licensee who has taken the EPA-required lead classes can count that class as a safety continuing competency activity. Any licensee who participated in either the July 22, 2009 of July 20, 2010 Bureau of Construction code hearings on the 2009 MRC can count that participation as a code continuing competency requirement.
For the hours beyond the three hours for code, safety, & legal, there is still a wide range of activities that fulfill your requirements - including HBA events, HBA classes, University of Housing classes, etc. But everyone must fulfill the minimum requirement as stated in the law.
So, before May 31, 2011 when every builder's license will expire in the State of Michigan, make sure you fulfill your continuing competency requirements. Don’t wait until the last minute! The HBA has a 3 hour class that will fulfill your required continuing competency coming up on September 8 held from 9am to noon with Bruce Frost. It's only $49 for members and you will walk out of the class with the proper certificates to fulfill your license requirements.
Please call me to register for one of these classes or go on-line by clicking here. Also, if you could tell your builder friends about our classes that would be greatly appreciated.
The Board of Directors is pleased to present a new process for accepting new members!
The new process is as follows: All new member applicants will be published in the West Michigan Builder Newsletter with the preface being “The following companies are applying for membership with the HBAGGR. If there is any reason they should be removed from consideration for membership or should not be approved, please submit a complaint in writing to the HBAGGR by the end of [publication month]. Any complaints received will then be required to follow the HBAGGR’s Official Complaint Procedure, which requires facilitated communication and to come to a resolution by either, mediation, arbitration or to proceed to litigation. It will not be until a resolution of the complaint is submitted to the HBAGGR, that the applying member will be approved” The Board of Directors from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek have all submitted a resolution to NAHB strongly opposing the raise of membership dues and are pleased to announce that a proposed dues increase is not anticipated for consideration at the Fall Board of Directors Meeting. Congratulations to our Board Members and the Michigan Association of Home Builders! The Dell Membership Purchase Program (MPP) is back! Dell is now offering discounts on Home AND Office systems as a part of the NAHB Member Advantage program. Find out more online or call 1-866-695-8133. Use your Dell NAHB member ID number, PS11576262, to shop and save today.
Members-only Deals from Dell Fall is the season of savings that you'll appreciate all year long when you use your NAHB Member Advantage discounts from Dell. Whether you need to outfit a student for another school year or just want to upgrade your own home or work computer, Dell lets you find success for less.
Look for great deals on Latitude laptops and Optiplex desktops, as well as members-only discounts on top-of-the-line models such as Adamo™ and Alienware™. You can get Dell's popular systems loaded with security, connectivity and other features for your personal computer or for workhorse systems for your entire family or firm.
Best of all, NAHB members get the best price on all consumer PCs from Dell. If you find a better price on your day of purchase, contact a member sales specialist and they will match that price. Choose a FastTrack offer and your PC will ship within 24 hours (weekends and holidays excluded; other restrictions apply).* Contact us today at 1-866-695-8133 or go online at www.dell.com/mpp/nahb. Use your Dell NAHB member ID number, PS11576262, to shop and save today. *Limited system quantities available. Orders typically ship out from our factory the next business day, but may be delayed by payment processing or other issues. 5-7 day shipping method standard. Not available for APO/FPO orders. Electronics and accessories may ship separately. See dell.com/fasttrack for details.
Hunt & Sport Night is the Foundation’s annual premier fundraising event and combines the best of an entertaining evening among friends while raising money to be given back to the community. Grand Prize Raffle Tickets are for sale today for $5.00 each available at the HBA Office. The members of the Hunt & Sport Night Committee have tickets for sale now. The HBA Foundation Board of Directors and the HBAGGR Board of Directors will soon have tickets to sell too.
Blue Raffle Ticket $5.00 Traveler’s Dream Travel Voucher for $1000 sponsored by Standale Interiors and Wrigley & Hoffman, PA.
Yellow Raffle Ticket: $5.00 Hunter’s Choice Browning BAR ShorTrac Stalker 270 wsm Semi-Automatic with a Leupold Scope valued at $1400 sponsored by Klaas Kapteyn and his wife Norma of Stegenga Funeral Chapels.
Be on the lookout for the Hunt & Sport Night Committee! They’re hunting for donations to be won at Hunt & Sport Night, October 28th at the Bluff Banquet and Conference Center. Thank you! Have some good news to share? Email Emily.lubbers@hbaggr.com and we will share your good news with the HBA Membership!
The Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids (HBAGGR) is excited to present the 19th annual Fall Parade of Homes, kicking off September 24 through October 9. The Parade will feature 25 new homes, 5 condos, 5 remodeled homes, and 2 conceptual homes open for viewing in many parts of West Michigan.
“We are excited to announce this year’s Fall Parade of Homes! The Fall Parade has a 19 year long tradition in this community because of the craftsmanship of our members and the public’s continued desire to see their great work.” says HBAGGR President Rich Kogelschatz of Heartland Builders LLC.
Hours & Ticket Prices The Parade begins at 1 p.m. on opening day, Friday, September 24. Parade hours of operation are Fridays, Saturdays and Wednesdays from 1-8p.m. Visitors should note the addition of remodeled homes during the last weekend of the Parade, Friday, October 8 & Saturday, October 9 from 1-8 p.m. Also new this fall, the Parade will feature “Conceptual” homes, viewable completely online throughout the entire Parade. For more information, visit www.ParadeOfHomesMi.com.
Admission is just $12 for adults ages 13 and up -with children receiving free admission. Tickets can be purchased for $12 at any of the Parade homes on tour and the HBAGGR office or for $10 at any Lake Michigan Credit Union branch. Each ticket allows entry for one into each of the homes on the tour and visitors may revisit homes with a valid ID. Tickets include an official Parade Guidebook with map, coupons for $5 in gas from map sponsor, Meijer Inc. and 20% off dining at any Gillmore Collection Restaurant. Other discount coupons are available at www.ParadeOfHomesMi.com.
Guidebooks & Special Features Homes from 10 different communities including Ada, Allendale, Belmont, Byron Center, Caledonia, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Hudsonville, Jenison and Rockford are featured this fall. They range from $100,000 to nearly $1 million. Features include trends in building styles, specialized painting, unique floor coverings and wallpapering techniques, quality products, and impressive landscaping.
As seen during the Spring Parade, oversized suggested route maps will be available for pick up at every Parade home. You can also access maps and features of each of the homes on the web site at www.ParadeOfHomesMi.com. Be sure to watch for the official Parade Guidebook in your Sunday Grand Rapids Press on September 9, 2010.
For more information on the Fall Parade of Homes, you can contact the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids at (616) 281-2021, or view the Parade online at www.ParadeOfHomesMi.com.
Fall Parade of Homes - September 24 - October 9 Remodeled Homes - October 8 & 9 Friday & Saturday: 1-8 p.m.
Order Your Complimentary Ticket Vouchers - Members have another opportunity to order complimentary ticket vouchers to send to their customers or potential clients! Vouchers will be printed with your company name/logo on them and you are only responsible for payment for those vouchers returned and at half price $6! It’s an excellent way to say "thank you for your business". Contact Danielle at (616) 2812021 ext. 254 to submit an order!
The HBAGGR is pleased to introduce to the membership a change for the Parade of Homes going forward. Starting in 2011, the Parade of Homes will now become an exclusive event for all HBAGGR members – both builders and associates. This change will require a membership for all companies advertising within a Parade home (i.e. Landscapers with a yard sign, business cards of interior decorator, etc.)
Although builders are not required to use only a member as subcontractors when building their Parade Homes, this new policy strengthens the Association and directly promotes the philosophy “Use a member.”
More information will be available to both Builder &
Associate members at the Parade Table Top Breakfast in December.
Questions? Please contact Danielle at (616) 281-2021 ext. 254. By Smart Energy Remodeling
Date: October 2, 2010 Place: Wege Ballroom & Loutit Room, Aquinas College Time: 9am -4pm
Objective: To enhance public awareness of energy conservation efforts by Energy Star Programs on New Homes/ Home Performance with Energy Star and Energy Star Products along with Green Jobs for Contractors & Energy Rater and Do-It-Yourself.
Cost: $25 per participant with RSVP and $50 at the door College Students - Free Admission
Click here for more information!
Come to see all the new things at Woodways! New Showroom, CNC, edgebander, door styles, finish options, and much more.
Date: Friday, September 17, 2010 Place: 665 Construction Court, Zeeland 49464 Time: 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring the family, for food, drink and games! Visit the kids station: Learning to Build.
Register today for the September 16 Webinar on Construction Heat
Don’t miss this FREE Webinar that will show you how to save money on your construction site temporary heat needs. Using natural gas for construction heat will keep you ahead of the pack. Natural gas … •is the smart choice for temporary heat at your construction sites •saves you money and time •improves job site safety
Presented by Doug Koessel and Eric Burgis.
Doug is the marketing programs administrator for MichCon, a DTE Energy Company. He has more than 30 years experience in the natural gas industry working with residential, commercial and industrial markets with builders, developers, contractors, architects and municipal leaders. Doug previously held positions as a natural gas marketer for alternative energy suppliers in Michigan. Doug earned a bachelor of communication arts and science degree from Western Michigan University and Gas Technology Institute’s RCGC-certification.
Eric is the director of commercial and residential markets for the Energy Solutions Center in Washington D.C. He has more than 20 years experience in the natural gas industry working with residential, commercial and industrial markets with numerous customer groups. Eric earned a master of management degree from Penn. State University and a bachelor in electrical engineering degree from Drexel University.
Who should attend: Project owners and developers Builders, contractors and construction managers Design professionals, including architects, engineers, and consultants
Don’t miss this free opportunity to see how you can add profit to your bottom line.
See our full schedule of energy efficiency webinars for you to participate in -- register today for one or all!
Register today https://www.dteenergy.com/businessCustomers/saveEnergy/events/webinarRegister.html
full schedule http://www.dteenergy.com/businessCustomers/saveEnergy/events.html
The
continuing competency requirement became effective in 2009. During
future renewal periods, individuals will be required to certify the
number of continuing competency hours earned according to the number of
years the individual has been licensed. Courses taken prior to becoming
licensed cannot be used or counted toward meeting the continuing
competency requirements. Note:
Builders who have obtained their license after January 1, 2009 are
required to have six hours of continuing competency before the 2011
licensing cycle. After the 2011 license cycle, 21 hours are
required per license cycle. Date:
September
8, 2010 Time:
9am - noon OR 1pm - 4pm Location: HBAGGR Office Cost:
members [$49] nonmembers [$99]
Confused about the new rules and what
counts towards your required continuing competency?
Don't miss the article "Continuing
Competency Clarified" featured above. At the very heart of the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids is an amazing community. To show our appreciation to a community that supports us, the HBAGGR, in partnership with Home Repair Services, will be hosting the 19th Annual Community Repair Day on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Volunteers will work on home repair projects that are imperative to low income and elderly homeowners in our community.
The HBAGGR is looking for volunteers to help make as many repairs as we possibly can. If you're available and would like to help we'd love to have your added support! If September 11 doesn't work, but you would still like to contribute to this worthwhile cause, we can set up a project for you on a different day. Financial and material donations are always appreciated. For more information contact Danielle Latack at (616) 281-2021, ext. 254 or by email.
More and more homeowners are seeing the need for green and a growing number of homebuyers are asking for green building technologies and techniques. In a recent survey, homebuyers rated location, floor plan, and energy efficiency as the three most important criteria in selecting a home. Learn how you can increase home value, reduce operating and maintenance costs, and increase quality of living, all while having a smaller impact on the environment. Date: September 14 Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Location: HBAGGR - 3196 Kraft Ave. SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids Cost: [$60] (including lunch at 12 p.m.) Instructor: Arn McIntyre of McIntyre Builders
Green Built Michigan has created a the Advanced Builder Training, offering anyone who is already familiar with the basics of Green Built Michigan and green building an opportunity to delve deeper into the science of residential green construction. An in-depth course offering specific applicable building practices to build greener, better homes. All members of Green Built Michigan are strongly encouraged to attend the Advanced Builder Training. Date: September 14 Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Location: HBAGGR - 3196 Kraft Ave. SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids Cost: [$85] Members and [$105] Nonmembers (including lunch at 12 p.m.) Instructor: Arn McIntyre of McIntyre Builders
09/09 - Cost of Doing Business Date: Thursday, September 9, 2010 Cost: Members - $24.95 & Nonmembers - $34.95
Comparing how similar-sized builders across the country fared during the market upheaval of 2008 can help your members benchmark their own businesses and plans for the future. Register today for the September 9 Cost of Doing Business webinar gives you access to this valuable information!
During the Cost of Doing Business webinar, one of the authors of NAHB's biannual "Cost of Doing Business Study" and two expert panelists will discuss the most recent study's results and explain how builders can benefit from comparing their own financial results against the industry as a whole.
-Topics to be discussed during the webinar include: - Highlights of the results of the 2010 edition of NAHB's "Cost of Doing Business Study" - How builders can use the survey results to gauge the health and efficiency of their business - The importance of benchmarking - What the survey's results mean for the home building industry
Speakers: - Chuck Shinn, principal of the Shinn Group of Companies: Builder Partnerships, Shinn Consulting and the Shinn Group. For more than 35 years, Shinn has provided management consulting services and educational seminars exclusively to the housing industry.
- Rose Quint, Assistant Vice President for Survey Research at the National Association of Home Builders. Quint's responsibilities include planning and conducting industry surveys, specifically in the areas of builder sentiment, remodeling, housing affordability and AD&C financing issues.
- Bill Allen, CEO William A. Allen Consulting. Since 1987, Allen has served as a consultant to the homebuilding industry improving builders' controls and profitability.
Register now and earn one hour of NAHB professional designation credit.
TO REGISTER: To
register for any of the events listed above, call (616) 281-2021 ext.
249, or e-mail homes@hbaggr.com.
Payments may also be made online at www.hbaggr.com.
Reservations made after the RSVP date are subject to a $5 late fee. Thank you for your membership and support of the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids! Sincerely, Emily Lubbers, Member Services & Development Director Danielle
Latack, Events & Communications Director Bobbie Talsma, Office Coordinator
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