June 2026 Builders Framework

FREDERICKSBURG - STAFFORD - SPOTSYLVANIA - CAROLINE - KING GEORGE - ORANGE - CULPEPER June 2026 BUILDERS FRAMEWORK FREDERICKSBURG AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION Volume 9: Issue 6 June 2026 April Starts Decline Amid Economic Uncertainty Single-family housing starts declined in April as builders faced continued economic uncertainty and affordability challenges, including higher construction costs, ongoing labor shortages and elevated financing expenses. Overall housing starts decreased 2.8% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.47 million units, according to a report from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. The April reading of 1.47 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, single-family starts decreased 9% to a 930,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate and are down 2.4% compared to April 2025. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, increased 10.3% to an annualized 535,000 pace and are up 19.7% compared to April 2025. On a regional and year-to-date basis, combined single-family and multifamily starts were 16.6% higher in the Northeast, 2.9% lower in the Midwest, 1.8% higher in the South and 0.4% lower in the West. Overall permits increased 5.8% to a 1.44 million unit annualized rate in April. Single-family permits decreased 2.6% to an 872,000-unit rate and are down 5.5% compared to April 2025. Multifamily permits increased 21.8% to an annualized 570,000 pace and are up 9.2% compared to April 2025. The number of single-family homes under construction is at 588,000 units while the number of apartments under construction is at 687,000 units. EPA Finalizes Refrigerant Rule The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 26 published a final rule that will allow the continued installation in homes of HVAC units manufactured or imported prior to Jan. 1, 2025, that use R-410A refrigerant until existing supplies of these HVAC units are depleted. The rule becomes effective on July 27, 2026. For more information on the new refrigerants, read this explainer post from NAHB staff. NAHB Seeks Key Permitting Reforms  NAHB and industry partners responded this week to a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for recommendations to improve the efficiency of the Nationwide Permit (NWP) program in advance of a potential rulemaking. The NWP, which was reauthorized in March, authorizes activities that impact wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. NAHB provided key feedback on how efficient permitting directly impacts housing supply, affordability, and lot availability. Latest Look at Remodeler Cost of Doing Business BuilderBooks, NAHB's publishing arm, has released a new edition of its Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study, 2026 Edition, a national study of remodelers’ business practices and financial performance. Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study, 2026 Edition is available for purchase at BuilderBooks.com Soft-cover/75 pages, $149.95 retail, $79.95 for NAHB members. NAHB Applauds HUD for  Local Best Practices Report NAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement after HUD released its State and Local Best Practices for Home Construction report: “NAHB commends HUD for implementing President Trump’s March executive order to reduce barriers to new home construction. The State and Local Best Practices for Home Construction report provides state and local govern- ments a practical framework for removing unnecessary regulations that drive up housing costs. Steps such as streamlining permits, lowering taxes on new construction, making more land available for housing, and adopting sensible, cost-effective building codes can help boost the nation’s housing supply." HUD Rescinds Energy Code Mandate HUD and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on May 1 that they are rescinding a requirement that imposed the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the minimum energy-efficiency standards for certain single-family and multifamily housing programs. Since the rule was initially finalized under the Biden administration in 2024, NAHB has worked tirelessly on the legal, regulatory and legislative fronts to ensure HUD and USDA’s 2021 IECC mandate is never implemented. Multifamily Developer Confidence Holds Steady in Q1 The Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released by NAHB in May produced mixed results for the first quarter of 2026. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, unchanged year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 69, down 13 points year-over-year. The MOI is a weighted average of three built-for-rent market segments (garden/ low-rise, mid/high-rise and subsidized). Although all three components declined year-over- year, they all remained above the break-even point of 50. The component measuring garden/low-rise units fell 11 points to 71, the component measuring mid/high-rise units dropped 17 points to 59 and the component measuring subsidized units decreased nine points to 80. NAHB Offers 2 New Credentials Trust is vital in this competitive market, and to consumers, these credentials signify years of experience, commitment to industry best practices and knowledge validated by a national standard-setting organization. NAHB’s Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP) and Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) credentials are designed to set the most accomplished builders and remodelers apart from the rest. Learn more about the CMBP and CMRP credentials, requirements and exams. Why Young Leave Parent's Home  As of 2024, one in five adults aged 25-34 lives with parents or in-laws. NAHB’s analysis of the latest American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) evaluates a wide range of socio- economic and demographic factors that shape young adults’ path to independence. While the long-run demographic trends toward delaying marriage and childbearing are highly consequential, housing market constraints remain a significant barrier to leaving parental homes. NAHB looks at the circumstances that lead young adults to leave (or stay in) their parent’s home. Which Households Are Driving Remodeling Spending? With elevated mortgage rates and limited for-sale inventory making it harder to move, many home owners are choosing to invest in the homes they already own. In 2024, an estimated $670 billion was spent on remodeling projects, as roughly 20 million households (nearly one-quarter of owner- occupied homes) undertook home improve- ments ranging from large additions to smaller alterations and upgrades. NAHB analysis of the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) reveals how these remodeling expenditures varied across household characteristics. For example, married- couple households remain the dominant force in remodeling, accounting for the majority of both the number of projects and the amount of spending. Families with children, particularly those with kids ages 6-17, are investing heavily in larger-scale improvements like finished basements, kitchen upgrades, and home additions. Upcoming Meetings & Events July 8th Membership Committee Meeting 3:00 - FABA Office July 8th Associates Committee Meeting 2::00 - FABA Office July 18th Hard Hat - Sponsored by Contractor Websites plus July 18th - Twilight Golf Fredericksburg Country Club July 22nd Young Professionals Committee Meeting 3:00 - FABA Office July 28th FABA University 11:30-1:00 FABA Office Calendar at a Glance Membership Committee The Membership Committee brings builder and associate members together to focus on recruitment of new members and retention of current members. This committee hold a meeting every 1st Wednesday at 3:00 at the FABA office. Check the FABA calendar for all updates Chair - Luke Moss. Ryan Homes Learn more about the Membership Committee Here The Membership Committee has been hard at work helping FABA grow! From welcoming new members and reaching out to prospective companies to discussing new ways to increase member engagement, the committee continues to focus on building meaningful connections across our industry. If you've ever thought about inviting a colleague, trade partner, or industry friend to join FABA, now is a great time to help us grow our community. Have you considered joining a committee? Now is the time! View the committee meeting Schedule here! The Associates Committee plans member events to promote doing business with members. These volunteers coordinate networking and social events for business connections. FABA Summer Fest is back! this year we are excited to be adding more food, more entertainment, and more fun to this annual summer party! Sunshine, seafood, and summer networking! Summer Fest brings together the best of summer with fresh crabs, BBQ, drinks, music, games, and great company. Enjoy a relaxed beach club atmosphere while connecting with industry professionals, entertaining clients, or celebrating your team. Come hungry, bring your friends, and get ready for one of FABA's most anticipated events of the year! This will be the party you don't want to miss! This event is open to FABA Members, don't be shy! **Please do not drink and drive, plan for alternate transportation or bring a designated driver. Must register to participate! Associates Committee Get Your Tickets for Summer Fest Associates Committee Meeting Second Wednesday of each month at 11:00 Daniel Hudson - Holt for Homes Get Your Tickets Here! Krista Layman - Spartan Homes FABs Initiative is to provide opportunities to bridge the gap between future workforce and our member partners in several ways such as financially supporting students, connecting them with real-life experience and jobs. Glen Raymond - Atlantic Builders FAB Foundation Young Professionals Committee To join the FABA Young Professionals committee email Meghan@fabava.com "Last week, we joined the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank for a Summer Nutrition Program pack day, helping prepare boxes for children and families throughout our community. We didn't get as many pictures as we normally do, but we were just as full of spirit, laughter, and gratitude while working alongside so many others who showed up to serve. The goal was to pack 780 boxes in just two hours. Honestly, I don't know what the final count was, but I do know this: every person on that assembly line worked their tail off and showed up with a servant's heart to help neighbors in need. " Erika Gray - Chairman of the FAB Community Engagement Team Young Professionals committee is for individuals in the 21-45 age group to connect, and provides opportunities for professional development, social networking, mentoring, and personal growth for our members.   Dock Party Date Night Grab your spouse, significant other, or favorite plus-one and join us for an evening of networking, great views, and summer fun at Tim's II on the River! This year's Young Professionals Annual Celebration is all about taking a break from the jobsite, office, and daily grind to enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow industry professionals along the waterfront July 30th Tims II 5:00-9:00. FABA has been working with our exclusive, private partner, Small Business Growth Partners (SBGP) to help our members reach maximum growth and potential through their one of a kind BPA Process. This has been refined for over 10 years of working exclusively with Builders, Remodelers & HBA Associate Members. As an exclusive FABA member benefit, we are offering you the chance to register for and redeem your 2021 Business Diagnostic & Plan of Actions. An annual BPA is included 100% with your FABA Member Benefits (A $2,200 value). Learn More Here 2026 FABA Board of Directors President Jeh Hicks Jarrell Properties 1st Vice President Mike King Ray's Siding 2nd Vice President Luke Moss Ryan Homes Secretary Teressa Taylor-Griffs TTG and Associates Treasurer Jeremiah Horstick CORELOT Immediate Past President Marc Simes Tricord Homes Executive Officer Maria Moore FABA Legal Counsel Charlie Payne Hirschler HBAV State Representative Jeh Hicks Jerrell Properties Builder Directors Greg Gallagher Jimmy Whitman Stephen Taliaferro Allen West Mike Stonehill Todd Hardy Amanda Glover Gene Brown Krista Layman Tim Hall Associate Directors Scott Hine Rick Furnival Daniel Hudson Kathy Roscoe Shawn Callahan Sara Fila Life Directors James Carver Joel Bounds Richard Coleman Jules Elliot Robin Newhouse Gary Parker H.R. Steigleder Glen Raymond Dee Kitterman Eddie Payne Bruce Reese Dan Sandoval Sean Halsey Tammy Reid