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Over the past nine years, the Charitable Foundation of the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBA) has awarded $197,000 in scholarships to children of HBA members who meet criteria set for the program. This month, the HBA Charitable Foundation awarded $27,000 to 26 students. The scholarship program is funded by annual events, including the HBA Golf Classic and through private contributions to the Charitable Foundation. Congratulations to the following HBA Charitable Foundation Scholarship recipients:
The Green Building
Council of Greater Columbia presents the first Green
Home Expo this July 16 at the
Medallion Center in Columbia, SC. The event will feature exhibits from local companies focusing
on green products and services for the home.
In addition to exhibits, the Green Home Expo will have break-out
sessions for attendees and door prizes. One of the main goals of
the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia is to educate builders and
consumers to the practice of green residential construction.
With over 80 different green home certification programs on the
local, state, and national levels, there is a lot of confusion in the
marketplace as to what is and is not green.
The council hopes to clear up some of that confusion with this
expo. Along with the one-day
expo, two education classes will be offered on July 15 – 17 that offer a
more in-depth look into green homebuilding. Upon completion of the classes, a student will qualify for
the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation through the NAHB
University of Housing. Anyone
who is interested in signing up for the classes is invited to do so.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has put together information for consumers on the new $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit. Follow the links below to see this information on Facebook, YouTube or at federalhousingtaxcredit.com. Facebook Link YouTube Link Website Link Interested in buying a new home? Contact one of our member companies to find your next home in the greater Columbia area and take advantage of this new tax credit! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEW! - HUD Action Allows Home Buyers To Use $8,000 Tax Credit For Downpayments On FHA-Insured Loans HUD
Secretary Shaun Donovan’s decision to allow consumers to use the $8,000
first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover their down payment and
closing costs on FHA-insured mortgages will be a big boost to the housing
market, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The measures announced by HUD would allow FHA-approved lenders; federal, state and local government agencies; and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to supply home buyers short-term or “bridge loans” up to the amount of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit. Longer term loans secured by second liens can also be used by government agencies and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to facilitate home sales. Several state housing finance agencies have introduced such programs and a number of agencies are considering that possibility. More information about these programs can be found on the National Council of State Housing Agencies Web site at www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/3/34/2920. Previously, the home buyer would have been unable to access the tax credit until they filed their next annual tax return or an amended 2008 tax return and received the refund from the IRS. Robson and others NAHB leaders discussed this matter and other housing-related issues with Secretary Donovan last week. “Secretary Donovan shares our view on the need for a housing and economic recovery,” said Robson. “We appreciate his leadership in moving swiftly to help first-time home buyers to access the tax credit up-front at the time of closing. The timing could not have been better as we are in the midst of the crucial spring home buying season.” The next step is to see how FHA-approved lenders use HUD’s new guidelines to actually monetize the tax credit for first-time home buyers and structure the payback provisions of the loans. NAHB encourages lenders to act promptly to put these provisions into place. To qualify for the tax credit, first-time home buyers must actually close on their home purchase by Dec. 1, 2009. Buyers can take the credit on their 2008 or 2009 income tax return. For further information about the tax credit – including a detailed question and answer section and a number of home-buying resources for consumers – log on to NAHB’s consumer Web site at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. A Spanish version is also available to provide detailed information on the tax credit to Spanish-speaking first-time home buyers.
An informal poll of professional remodelers revealed five tips for maintaining your home to keep it in top condition and support home value. Proper home maintenance should start with a regular inspection of the home’s exterior and the heating and cooling system to ensure the home is running smoothly. 1.
Inspect the roof. An
examination of the roof will reveal spots that need repair, preventing
leaks that ruin home interiors and valuables. Regular roof maintenance
prevents roof problems leading to structural damages and other expensive
emergencies. 2.
Add insulation. Most
houses can benefit from installing or repairing the insulation barrier in
the home. Adequate attic insulation, in particular, keeps the home from
losing energy with wasted heating and cooling. A better insulated home
means less work for the heating and cooling system and lower energy bills. 3.
Repaint surfaces. A
fresh coat of paint does wonders for a home by updating the color palette
and giving the home a shiny new start. Quality paint jobs also protect
surfaces and prevent problems like rotting wood. Consider using no- or
low-VOC paints for reducing fumes while drying and keeping the home air
quality more comfortable. 4.
Monitor flashing and caulking. Worn
window flashing and caulking allows water to penetrate the walls, causing
damage to drywall and framing. Asking a professional to inspect windows
can prevent water intrusion, saving thousands in major repairs down the
road. Additionally, examine caulking and sealing in bathrooms to ensure
water isn’t leaking into walls or floors. 5.
Check the water heater and heating and cooling system. Waiting
until the water heater, furnace, or air-conditioning fails will cost more
in emergency repairs. Bring in experts to assess these units to ensure
they are functioning and receive needed repairs. Newer water heaters and
HVAC systems can increase home efficiency, bringing down water and energy
bills. Click here to find a local home improvement professional to help you with your next project.
The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia Remodelers council recently awarded the Remodeler of the Year and Remodeler Associate of the Year, and also completed the 2008 Columbia Remodelers Awards program.
Chuck Grimsley of Grimsely Builders (left) was awarded the Remodeler of the Year Award by 2009 Columbia Remodelers Chairman, Tommy Hollingsworth. Chuck has been a long-time member of the HBA of Greater Columbia and the Columbia Remodelers, and held the position of Chairman of the council in 2008.
The Remodeler Associate of the Year Award was also voted on by members of the Columbia Remodelers, and the winner is Judy Phipps of Foam Insulation Company, Inc. Judy recently joined the Executive Committee of the council and took the position of REDO/REMIX Home Improvement Show Chairperson for 2008 and 2009. The HBA of Greater Columbia Remodelers was formed in 1986 by members of the HBA of Greater Columbia and currently has 115 members. The goals of the group include the education of professional remodelers, their associates and the general public to ethical and up-to-date, best practices in the industry. Learn more at their website, www.ColumbiaRemodelers.com.
In addition to these awards, the council also held its annual Columbia Remodelers Awards (CRA) program which recognizes the quality of work performed by members of the council. This year 15 entries were received in the program and ten awards were given. The CRA program accepts entries in a variety of categories including Best Bathroom Remodel, Best Kitchen Remodel and Best Renovation/Room Addition. Professional remodelers from outside of the Columbia area then visit each entry and judge them on a variety of criteria to determine the winner in each category. See the entries and winners of the 2008 Columbia Remodelers Awards on-line at www.ColumbiaRemodelers.com. You will also be able to visit and speak with some of the award winners at the upcoming Home & Garden Show this March 13 - 15 at the Fairgrounds. Winning projects will be featured in the June issue of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.
Barry
Davis of Barry Davis Homes, Inc. will serve as President of the Home
Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC)
in 2009. He
has been a member of the association since 1989 and has been on the HBA
Board of Directors since 2006. Davis
has presented homes in many Parade of Homes and Tour of Homes events over
the years. He is a member of
the Builder/REALTOR Joint Legislative Committee and the HBA Political
Education Committee. Davis
attends many HBA meetings as well as the HBA of South Carolina and
National Association of Home Builders annual conventions.
Barry was born
in Charleston, SC and raised from the age of three in Columbia, SC, where
he attended A. C. Flora High School.
He then attended the University of South Carolina for a few years
and then entered the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Upon completion of his time in the Reserves, he continued his
education at what is now Charleston Southern University where he attained
a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Economics.
After college Barry worked as a buyer for Rockwell International,
Materials Manager for Owens Steel, and with Cooper Air Tools. Today, he is
owner and president of Barry Davis Homes, Inc.
He and his wife Earline have two children, Alan S. Davis, a Civil
Engineer in Columbia, and Craig C. Davis, Band Director at York High
School. Barry and Earline are members of Lexington United Methodist
Church. Serving as the 2009 HBA Board of Directors are: David Hilburn, South Capital Group, Inc. as Vice President; Bennett Griffin, Frank B. Norris & Co. as Associates Vice President; Wade McGuinn, McGuinn Group as Treasurer; and Tony Thompson, CMB, CGR, CAPS, CGP, Remodeling Services Unlimited, Inc. as Secretary. In
addition, the HBAGC elected two Associates Directors and two Builder
Directors to the board for terms of two years each.
Associate Directors are Clark
Gregory of RBC Bank and Ron Roe of Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors.
Builder Directors are Patrick
Dunbar of Dunbar Builders, Inc., and David Watkins of Shumaker
Homes, Inc. Chairpersons
of HBA councils also have a seat on the Board of Directors.
Included here are Steve Corboy of SB Communities, LLC serving
as Chairman of the Land Development Council;
Robin McLeod of McLeod Construction as the Chairperson of
the Kershaw County Chapter; Beth Gardner of RMS-Realty & Marketing
Services serving as
Chairperson of the Sales and Marketing Council of
Greater Columbia; Tommy
Hollingsworth of T & H Construction Company, Inc. representing the
HBA of Greater Columbia
Remodelers; and, Mike Lowman of Mike Lowman Homes, Inc.
serving as Chairman of the Green
Building Council of Greater Columbia. Davis was installed as President of the Home Builders Association at the association’s Annual Holiday Ball on December 6, 2008. All new board members will begin their terms in January 2009.
Each
year the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) holds its
annual Holiday Ball in Columbia. It’s an evening of fun and celebration, and recognition of
those who have helped the home building industry throughout the year. Prior
to the Holiday Ball, the HBAGC membership votes for their choice of
nominees for the Byron Crosthwaite Builder Member of the Year and the
Award William H. Peters Award recognizing the Associate member of the
year.
His
family moved to Pontiac, SC from Whittier, CA when he was only one year
old, and he has lived there ever since.
George attended Spring Valley High School and then started in trim
work with his father. He
found steady work with Carl Brazell, a homebuilder in Elgin, who
encouraged him to build his first spec home.
In 1987, George founded Delk Homes, Inc. of which he is currently
owner and president. He and
his wife Cathy have 2 children, Adam and Aubrey, and are members of Spring
Valley Baptist Church.
The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia would like to commend the award winners on their hard work throughout the year. They have not only served the home building industry well, but the Columbia community and the entire state have benefited from their dedication and work.
The
Home Builders Association of South
Carolina began the Certified Master Builder Designation program in
2005. The Master Builder
designation is assurance that the builder has a level of professionalism
together with the knowledge and skill to meet customer expectations and
ensure homeowner satisfaction. Certified
Master Builders must complete rigorous training and education
requirements, satisfy specific licensing and insurance requirements, have
completed at least three major construction projects in the past two
years, and are recommended by their peers. Nine
members of the HBA of Greater Columbia are currently Certified Master Builders:
Carl
Berry, B & B Master Builders Keith Berry, B & B Master Builders, Inc. Thom Chumney, Mungo Construction, LLC Chris
Condon, Mungo Homes, Inc. Kay Evans, Treasury of Homes Builders, Inc. James G. Graves, Colony Builders of Carolina Steve Kimmett, Benchmark Builders, LLC Ken King, P & K Construction, Inc. Steven
Mungo, Mungo Homes, Inc. Tony
Thompson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, Remodeling Services Unlimited Although
South Carolina has one of the most rigorous licensing requirements in the
country, the Home Builders Association of South Carolina has begun this
program to allow builders to go up even higher. “This
program is good for our builders,” says A.P. Neal, Master Builder
Committee Chairman, “but it is even better news for consumers.”
Neal says only twenty states require a person to take a written
test to be licensed. “Although
we are one of those states, we have felt we could do even better.” Congratulations
to these members on their accomplishment.
We hope to see more Master Builders in our ranks soon. For more information on the Master Builder program, please contact Mark Nix at the HBA of SC at (803) 771-7408. Click here to see the complete list of SC Master Builders.
Quarterly Economic E-newsletter Another new feature this year is our Economic E-newsletter that we compile and send to members every quarter. See the current edition below. Advertising is available in this e-newsletter. Click here for information. See the latest issue here (February 2009)
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The
Byron Crosthwaite Builder Member of the Year is George Delk of Delk
Homes, Inc.
The
Home Builders Association also gives an award for Associate Member of the
Year.
The
Gordon A. Harrison Award is given each year to an outstanding home builder
in the spirit of the man it is named after.
The
association also awarded Essex Homes, SE as Corporate Member of the
Year.