meet dr. dietz SEE PAGE 5 hurricane warning SEE PAGE 10 call for entries SEE PAGE 13
My fellow GCBA Members and Friends, In the dynamic world of homebuilding, where trends shift and challenges evolve, the Gold Coast Builders Association remains a steadfast community of builders, developers, and trade professionals looking out for our industry and members. Our collective strength lies in our diverse membership, driving collaboration, knowledge sharing, mutual support, and advocacy for our industry's interests. While our membership has been stable over the past few years, it's imperative that we aim for more than just maintaining the status quo. Growth should be our objective to ensure that our association continues to represent the breadth and depth of our industry. A larger and more diverse membership base equips us with the financial, intellectual, and human resources needed to make a significant impact on policy and industry developments. We are fortunate to have an impactful staff and a Membership Committee in place, but the responsibility to expand our association falls on each of us. Consider the vast network of consultants, advisors, and tradespeople you interact with regularly – they all benefit from the advocacy and support provided by our association. It's only fair that they contribute to the collective effort. A simple ask to join us can yield surprising results, as many will recognize the value of protecting our industry and choose to join our ranks. I encourage you to reach out to your professional contacts and invite them to join us in shaping the future of our industry. Share with them the benefits of membership and the positive impact our association has on our profession. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem where innovation flourishes, challenges are met head-on, and opportunities abound. Let's embrace the spirit of growth and collaboration. By working together, we can ensure that the Gold Coast Builders Association remains a driving force in our industry, enriching the lives of its members and safeguarding the future of our industry in South Florida.
Best,
GCBA President’s MessagE MAY 2024
Michael Nunziata GCBA 2024 President
GCBA 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS
Executive OFFICERS PRESIDENT Mike Nunziata, 13th Floor Homes 1ST VP Michelle Mockenhaupt, D.R. Horton 2ND VP Mark Richards, Stock Custom Homes ASSOCIATE VP Sam Yates, Yates & Associates Public Relations 2nd Assoc. VP Anthony Macaluso, Integrity Development Group VP FINANCE Steve Karp, Melamed & Karp IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Frank R. Coppola III, Coppola Brothers Board of Directors Builder REPRESENTATIVES Scott Hughes, CSCI LLC Matt Ellish, Ellish Builders Stefanie Mogull, 13th Floor Homes Anna Meyers, Lennar Homes ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVES Lauryn Calvert, LocaliQ, USA Today Network Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof
If you are interested in serving on the Board and/or Becoming an Officer please contact GCBA at: 561-228-6137 or info@GCBAFlorida.com
Ask the Economist Wednesday, May 15, 2024 3rd Annual Hurricane Preparedness Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Hard Hat Happy Hour (Drive Shack/Golf) Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) 7/24/2024 - 7/25/2024 Building Official Association of Palm Beach County Joint Annual Industry Association Luncheon Thursday, August 15, 2024 2024 PRISM AWARDS Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Hard Hat Happy Hour (Ax Throwing) Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Annual Meeting / Halloween HHHH Thursday, October 24, 2024 Holiday Luncheon Monday, December 2, 2024
GCBA 2024 Leadership List
Andy Wyman, Esq. founded Wyman Legal Solutions in Boca Raton, Florida, and holds a Martindale-Hubbell rating of “AV-Preeminent” – the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. An avid golfer, Andy resides in Boca Raton, Florida, with his wife and two children. You can learn more about Andy athttps://wymanlegalsolutions.com/about-us/. Email Andy atandy@WymanLegalSolutions.com with any thoughts you would like to share concerning this article.
LEGAL ROUNDUP
Advancements in construction technology are reshaping the home building industry, promising efficiency and sustainability. However, these innovations also bring forth a host of legal challenges. Let’s explore the key legal implications home builders must navigate amidst the rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Intellectual Property and Patents Home builders must secure patents to protect their proprietary technologies while avoiding infringement on existing patents. Prioritizing intellectual property safeguards will foster innovation and avoid legal disputes. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Integrating IoT (Internet of Things) devices and cloud-based platforms raise data privacy and cybersecurity concerns. Builders must comply with data protection regulations to prevent breaches and liabilities. Building Codes and Regulatory Compliance New construction technologies may challenge existing building codes. Collaborating with regulators is crucial to ensure projects meet safety standards and obtain necessary permits. Liability and Insurance Determining liability for errors or accidents involving technology requires revising contracts and insurance policies. Adequate coverage will protect builders from unforeseen legal claims. For example, drone usage often requires Commercial Drone Hull Insurance. Workforce Adaptation and Training A skilled workforce is essential for efficient technology adoption. Homebuilders must invest in training to comply with labor laws and maintain a productive workforce. Embracing construction technology offers vast opportunities, but legal integrity is paramount. Homebuilders must address intellectual property, data privacy, regulatory compliance, liability, and workforce training to ensure a successful and compliant future.
What’s The State of our Economy?
What’s on the horizon for our national and regional economy as we wrap up the First Quarter of 2024? Builder sentiment was flat in April as mortgage rates remained close to 7% over the past month and the latest inflation data failed to show improvement during the first quarter of 2024. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 51 in April, unchanged from March, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This breaks a four-month period of gains for the index, which nonetheless remains above the key breakeven point of 50. “April’s flat reading suggests potential for demand growth is there, but buyers are hesitating until they can better gauge where interest rates are headed,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “With the markets now adjusting to rates being somewhat higher due to recent inflation readings, we still anticipate the Federal Reserve will announce future rate cuts later this year, and that mortgage rates will moderate in the second half of 2024.” The April HMI survey also revealed that 22% of builders cut home prices this month, down from 24% in March and 36% in December 2023. However, the average price reduction in April held steady at 6% for the 10th straight month. Meanwhile, the use of sales incentives ticked down to 57% in April from a reading of 60% in March. If you want more of the economic story straight from the NAHBs Chief Economist, you will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Dietz in person on May 15th. This is your opportunity to Ask the Economist,Dr. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders important questions about our state of the economy while mingling with movers and shakers in our regional industry in special joint event presented jointly by the Gold Coast Builders Association and the Treasure Coast Builders Association. Your Ask the Economist investment gives you an inside look at the NAHB’s economic forecast for the nation with a focus on Florida and our Treasure and Gold Coast region. Lunch will be served prior to Dr Dietz presentation.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Legal Implications of Advancing Construction Technology in Home Building
What you’re about to read is a familiar tale for Florida locals, with some added inside perspective from one of Florida’s largest roofing contractors, who has, as much as one can, mastered the art of hurricane preparation and response. Picture this, it’s a balmy evening in mid-July, local news stations start buzzing about a pressure system in the western Atlantic, you briefly acknowledge it before your attention drifts elsewhere. Florida natives know best, hurricanes are a ratings grab bag for local news stations… Not to worry. Fast forward two weeks— the once “blip” on the radar is now barreling towards the Caribbean, developing from Category 1, then 2. Those same news stations are now broadcasting their own prediction models on what region of Florida is set for “life-threatening destruction.” Fast forward again 3 days, and the direction of impact is clear. Evacuation orders are in place for coastal towns, sandbags are being filled by the thousands. Do you have a plan? Many Floridians, myself included hear this news and beeline to Publix for some water and batteries, maybe stock the liquor cabinet and buy some candles, and hope for the best. In summer of 2022, collectively as Floridians, we learned the hard way the absolute wrath that can be quite literally “rained” down by a Category 4 hurricane— is nothing to be taken lightly. Now two years later, Southwest Florida families are still recovering the loss of loved ones, pets, prized possessions, and homes. Can destruction of this magnitude be prevented? No. Can it be prepared for? Loss mitigated? Yes. This is what you’ll learn here and in detail at NAHB & GCBA’s upcoming Hurricane Seminar on May 29th, 2024. If you’re an employee at Nations Roof, like me, you know that hurricane prep is a year-round affair. Not because hurricanes are an opportunity to capitalize on destruction, but because Nations Roof Sunshine State has made a commitment to its customers, employees, and community that we WILL respond, and we WILL rebuild. Many existing customers are enrolled in preventative maintenance programs, where the roof is inspected bi-annually, before and after hurricane season. The condition is documented, minor breaches are patched, debris is removed, more significant damages are quoted, and expertly repaired and water tested. Customers who are not enrolled, are reminded of Nations Roof’s 24/7 Emergency response hotline, where responses will be queued and dispatched as soon as its safe. As hurricane season approaches, our personal networks and prospective customers are reminded of a familiar message “We’re Here for You.” Back to our story – a week out from impact. Nations Roof employees are alerted for a mandatory, company-wide conference call. The call opens with a thunderous message from our President, Al Brenner. “Safety. First. We cannot help our customers if we ourselves and our homes are not prepared.” Superintendents are instructed to instruct their crewman to stay safe, stand at the ready. All trucks must have full tanks, with gas cans on deck, chainsaws and generators gassed up and at the ready. Office staff ensure the home base is stocked with water, batteries, flashlights et cetera. Should the impact effect employees or their families, refuge can be found. Staff distribute hurricane prep lists to their contacts with instructions on what to do if your home/roof is damaged. Project managers ensure job sites are fully secure; all materials, heavy machinery, dumpsters, port-o-potties, and staging equipment are cleared from the site. When the storm passes, the rain stops and the clouds clear, our team at Nations Roof Sunshine State employees hopes that the year-round prep, messaging leading up to, and immediate preparation has a direct effect on the mitigation of destruction of property and safety of those in our network. What comes next is a long road of hard work and dedication to rebuilding the homes and businesses affected. We hope that business leaders take a page from our book; prepare your staff to prepare their families, provide solace for those affected. Spread awareness and preparedness guidance to your customers, prospects, and personal networks. Take what you learn at the hurricane seminar and directly apply it to a standard operating procedure within your organization, and let’s come together as Floridians to learn and get better each year as we attempt to minimize destruction in our communities.
Avoid the Blue Tarp Blues
Chelsea Swanson Marketing Manager Nations Roof Sunshine State cswanson@nationsroof.com
And The Winners Are...
Everyone who attended the recent Hard Hat Happy Hour and Casino Night at Cacti Stadium was a winner -- networking and having fun winners! Casino style games took center stage with Mark Welch of Lennar Homes winning a two-night staycation at The Boca Resort and Peggy Miller winning a night out in Miami and two Brightline tickets. Mary Kate Nelson- Heritage Carpet & Tile and Meloni Joseph- Meloni Joseph Real Estate won amazing door prizes! As you can see from a sampling of the photos here, whether it was food and cocktails or rolling the dice and flipping aces, this was a very special Hard Hat Happy Hour.
Picture a scenario where the National Hurricane Center is maxing out its ability to come up with new and improved hurricane and tropical storm forecasting tools. That scenario is not make believe. It is real. The news came from Jamie Rhome, the Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center during a just recorded GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast with Jonathon Falk, Disaster Director of the National Association of Home Builders and podcast host Sam Yates. The National Hurricane Center’s Deputy Director says his agency is hoping to create a partnership with the NAHB and local associations to create more local awareness of the dangers of tropical storms and hurricanes. And would work jointly to help sell homebuyers on the cost benefits of hardening their homes. With no new forecasting tools on the horizon, joining forces with home builder associations is a new priority for the Hurricane Center going forward. Deputy Director Rhome also tells out GCBA audience that there are new protocols now in effect for hurricane evacuations. Instead of encouraging residents to leave the state of Florida en masse, residents may only need to move inland a few miles. This potentially means tens of thousands of Floridians could remain in their homes if they were not in a flood or surge zone. Residents of manufactured homes would still need to seek shelter during a hurricane. For our friends and neighbors on Florida’s west coast, there was a nightmare scenario of what could happen to Tampa should a major hurricane hit the port city head on. When asked by Builders Spotlight host Sam Yates, what keeps him up at night, Rhome explained his nightmare scenario (and that of his co-workers at the Hurricane Center) would be a Tampa Bay area devastated by hurricane winds and storm surge. A horrible scenario that could leave thousands dead, one of the nation’s major ports crippled for months with a ripple effect on the nation’s economy, and hospitals unable to care for the injured in the region for days. This is definitely a podcast you will want to hear in advance of the GCBA’s 3rd Annual Hurricane Preparedness Seminar on May 29th. The NAHB’s Jonathon Falk along with insurance expert David Burstein of Atlantic Pacific Insurance, and representatives from FEMA will conduct the seminar with news that could save your property and protect lives.
Hurricane Warning
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
Our Board of Director spotlight this month is on Sam Yates, Yates & Associates, Public Relations & Marketing, Executive Board Member, and Communications Chair. A fifth-generation Florida native, Sam Yates is a veteran broadcaster, Public Relations expert and Crisis Communications Specialist. With more than 30 years’ experience in all phases of journalism, Yates has assisted corporations and individuals including celebrities survive the harsh light of critical review by the media. Yates is also a Media Trainer who has helped corporate spokespersons, shopping mall marketing representatives, CEOs, and the rank-and-file members of law enforcement and first responders learn how to win with the media and turn every media encounter into a marketing opportunity. As a Public Relations professional Yates invented the Coquimba Gourmet Banna; named Black Hole Technology for the printed wiring board industry; and helped The Iams Company position The Iditarod Sled Dog Race as a proving ground for Eukanuba Dog Food products. Yates also has a strong foundation in construction through Yates Construction, a company owned by Yates’ father specializing in land development in the Treasure Coast region. Under the Yates Construction umbrella, Yates managed his father’s business and was an adept heavy equipment operator.
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IT"S PRISM TIME!
A familiar face is at the helm of the GCBA’ s Annual PRISM Awards. Maya Simhon-Chocron is the 2024 PRISM Chair and will be the more than willing resource for any questions about entering or about sponsorship packages for this year’s prestigious event. Maya has even provided her cellphone and e-mail for those eager to enter and receive recognition for their outstanding work. Her cell 954-695-4047. And email mschocron@gmail.com. To say that Maya has brought an excitement to PRISM this year would be an understatement as she and the PRISM Committee have been hard at work over the past few months adding Categories and areas where the best-of-the-best may be showcased for all to recognize. We caught up with Maya to capture a few words about what promises to be one of the most spectacular PRISM Award events ever! “Join us for an extraordinary evening on Wednesday August 28 as we pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of our region's builders, developers, architects, marketing professionals, planners, interior designers, landscape architects, salespeople, and other luminaries who have showcased excellence across every aspect of the building industry in South Florida. By becoming a PRISM 2024 Sponsor, your company will enjoy prominent recognition in front of a distinguished audience of top leaders from the Association and the building industry at large. This is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your brand and network with key decision-makers. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your company's profile and be part of an evening that celebrates excellence and innovation in South Florida's building industry!” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Mark Your Calendars: Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Venue: Farmers Table, Boca Raton Attire: Cocktail Attire For complete information about the PRISM Award Entry Requirements and Sponsorship opportunities visit Prism Awards - Gold Coast Builders Association (gcbaflorida.com)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOCUS
Sam Yates Yates & Associates
NAHB recently released its NAHB/ Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2024, posting a reading of 66, down one point compared to the previous quarter. The NAHB/ Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers to rate five components of the remodeling market as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” Each question is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where an index number above 50 indicates that a higher share view conditions as good than poor. The overall RMI is calculated by averaging the three components of the Current Conditions Index and the two components of the Future Indicators Index. The Current Conditions Index averaged 74. The Future Indicators Index averaged 59.
Despite higher interest rates, new home sales rose in March due to limited inventory of existing homes. However, the pace of new home sales will be under pressure in April as mortgage rates moved above 7% this month, which is expected to moderate sales and increase the use of builder sales incentives this spring. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in March rose 8.8% to a 693,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly revised reading in February, according to recent data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in March is up 8.3% from a year earlier. A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of consruction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the March reading of 693,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months. New single-family home inventory in March remained elevated at a level of 477,000, up 2.6% from February. This represents an 8.3 months’ supply at the current building pace, which has been supported by the ongoing shortage of resale homes. Inven- tory of newly-built single-family homes is up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. The median new home sale price in March was $430,700, up nearly 6% from February, and down 1.9% compared to a year ago. Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up 15.1% in the Northeast, 17.8% in the Midwest and 28.1% in the West. New home sales are down 6.6% in the South.
Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains Positive in Q1
March New Home Sales Up Despite Higher Rates
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) newly issued final energy efficiency rule for distribution transformers explicitly heeds NAHB’s call to ensure that it would not impede the production of badly needed trans- formers. DOE’s original rule would have effectively required all distribution transformers to shift from the industry standard grain- oriented electrical steel (GOES) cores to amorphous steel cores and marginally increased energy efficiency standards for transform- ers. DOE significantly amended the final rule to ensure that 75% of transformers can continue to use the industry’s standard GOES cores.
DOE Heeds NAHB Concerns In Final Transformer Rule
NAHB Offers Jobsite Safety App
Legal Victory on Impact Fees
The U.S. Supreme Court in April handed down a unanimous ruing that California home owners, builders and developers may challenge improper local impact fees for housing development even if the fees are authorized by legislation. The decision in the case of Sheetz v. El Dorado County is a major victory for the home owner involved in the case as well as home builders and developers, especially in California. NAHB and the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) submitted two amicus briefs in the case supporting the home owner.
NAHB has launched a new Offsite Construction Video Series that explores essential topics in modular, panelized, concrete, log and timber frame home construction. Subscribers will gain access to a new 15-minute on-demand video examining a foundational aspect of prefabricated building systems. The first installment features Sam Rashkin, author of Housing 2.0: A Disruption Survival Guide, discussing zero-energy homes and how to integrate critical components to achieve energy performance targets. Register to receive each video via email as soon as it’s available. This series is free for NAHB members and $50 for non- members.
NAHB, a leader in safety and health education and compliance assistance for residential construction, has released a new mobile tool called the NAHB Jobsite Safety Handbook. This application — available in both the Apple and Google Play app stores — was built to help home builders, contractors and workers identify safe work practices. The app features resources for both classroom learning and on-the-job compliance, such as NAHB’s full Jobsite Safety Handbook, more than 50 safety video toolbox talks, all NAHBNow safety content, and an interactive quiz for users to test their safety knowledge. The app’s content is available in 15 languages.
Offsite Construction Video Series