HBA of Columbia | News & Resources

Major EPA Refrigerant Changes Take Effect in 2025

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:43:48 GMT

The heating and cooling industry is undergoing a significant transformation as new Environmental Protection Agency regulations take effect to combat climate change. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming refrigerant changes and how they may impact you.

What's Changing?

Beginning January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new HVAC systems using R-410A refrigerant, the most common cooling agent in residential air conditioners and heat pumps. This phase-out is part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning away from high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, meaning it contributes significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. The new regulations require all refrigerants in new systems to have a GWP of 700 or less.

The New Refrigerants

Two environmentally friendly alternatives are replacing R-410A:

R-454B (Opteon XL41 or Puron Advance): Provides up to a 78% reduction in global warming potential while maintaining similar cooling performance to R-410A. Most major manufacturers including Carrier, Trane, and Lennox have chosen this as their primary replacement.

R-32: Offers up to 12% better efficiency than R-410A systems and has a GWP of approximately 675. Daikin and some other manufacturers have selected R-32 for certain applications.

Impact on Homeowners

If you have an existing system: You can continue using your current HVAC system without any immediate changes required. Existing equipment is not subject to EPA regulations and can continue to be used through equipment end-of-life. R-410A will remain available for servicing existing systems, though supplies may become more expensive over time.

If you're buying a new system: Systems manufactured before January 1, 2025, can still be installed through December 31, 2025, giving consumers a one-year transition period. However, new EPA-compliant systems are expected to cost at least 20% more than current models due to advanced technology and manufacturing requirements.

Safety Considerations

The new refrigerants are classified as A2L, meaning they have low toxicity but are mildly flammable—much less so than propane or natural gas. New systems include advanced leak detection sensors that automatically shut off the unit and activate ventilation if a leak is detected.

Benefits of the Transition

Beyond environmental protection, the new refrigerants offer several advantages:

Potential utility bill savings of 5-10% due to improved energy efficiency
EPA estimates this transition will result in emissions reductions equivalent to up to 876 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from 2025 through 2050
Long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption
Planning Ahead

While there's no immediate need to replace functioning systems, homeowners should consider their options carefully. If your current system is aging or inefficient, upgrading before 2025 might offer cost savings, while waiting allows you to invest in the latest environmentally friendly technology.

HVAC contractors are receiving specialized training to safely handle the new refrigerants, ensuring professional installation and service continue without interruption.

For more information about how these changes might affect your specific situation, consult with a qualified HVAC professional who can assess your current system and discuss your options.

What to Know about “No Tax on Overtime” and “No Tax on Tips”

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:13:11 GMT

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) marks progress on two key promises from President Trump’s campaign: eliminating taxes on overtime and on tips. NAHB members may be wondering how these tax changes affect them, whether they’re business owners or employees.

 Overtime Pay Exempt from Taxation

Effective retroactively from January 1, 2025, the new policy introduces an above-the-line tax deduction for qualifying employees who receive overtime pay. This provision is temporary and set to expire at the end of 2028.

Eligible individuals can deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime income as single filers or up to $25,000 for joint filers. However, the deduction begins to phase out for taxpayers with incomes above $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint returns). Itemizing deductions is not required to benefit from this rule.

The deduction applies strictly to the portion of pay above the standard hourly wage. For example, an employee who typically earns $20/hour and receives $30/hour for overtime can deduct the $10/hour difference.

However, not all overtime qualifies. The additional earnings must meet the criteria under Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA), which generally covers hours worked beyond 40 per week. Overtime compensation mandated by contracts or state regulations is excluded unless it also aligns with the FLSA’s definition.

These qualified overtime wages must be reported on an employee’s Form W-2. At present, overtime isn’t separated from regular wages on this form. For 2025, OBBBA allows a transition period where employers may use a reasonable method—approved by the Treasury Secretary—to estimate and report qualifying overtime. Further IRS guidance is expected.

Employers are encouraged to coordinate with their payroll services or tax professionals to properly track and report eligible overtime earnings.

Tax-Free Tips for Eligible Workers

While tipping is rare in the residential building industry, workers in certain roles like home maintenance or repair may receive gratuities.

Also effective from the beginning of 2025, the no-tax-on-tips provision allows qualifying employees to deduct up to $25,000 in tips from taxable income. Like the overtime provision, the deduction phases out above the same income thresholds and ends after 2028. Itemization is not necessary.

To qualify, the employee must be in an occupation where tipping is customary and frequent. Within 90 days of the bill becoming law (expected by early October), the Treasury Department is required to publish a list of eligible tipped occupations.

Tips must be freely given by the customer. Service charges added automatically to bills do not count.

Some professions are explicitly excluded under OBBBA’s rules. Individuals employed in a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) — as defined in Section 199A — are not eligible. This includes fields like accounting, health care, law, financial services, consulting, and the performing arts, among others.

As with overtime, tips must be reported on an employee’s W-2. A similar transition rule applies for 2025 reporting, and all tipped wages remain subject to payroll taxes such as Social Security and Medicare.

Beat the Heat with Summer Home Preparation

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:39:36 GMT

Before summer temperatures climb, it’s a smart idea to check that your home is ready to handle the heat. Catching small issues now, like a sluggish air conditioner, can help you avoid bigger problems when the weather really warms up.

The best part? Many of these tasks are simple enough to do yourself. Here are a few ways to get

your home ready for the warm season ahead:

Energy Efficiency.

Don’t risk having your air conditioner break down in the middle of a heat wave. Try to keep the unit clean and consider investing in a professional inspection. Also, take a look at all of your windows and doors for drafts and air leaks. Caulk any seams, re-glaze windows if needed and replace any worn weather-stripping around doors to help keep cool air from escaping.

Air Quality.

Have a professional clean your ducts where dust and air-borne particles are likely to build up. You may also want to have your fireplace and chimney inspected. There could be nesting animals or damaged areas that need to be addressed.

Water Damage.

Check the outside of your house to ensure proper drainage. Overhangs, awnings and downspouts are areas prone to collecting moisture that can cause materials to decay over time. Water that pools too close to your house can also attract insects like termites. Repairing leaks and properly ventilating those areas will help keep them dry and much less hospitable to pests.

General Safety and Maintenance.

Check the condition of stair railings, steps and sidewalks around your home to look for any loose connections, cracks or ridges in the walkways. Also, inspect your deck and any fencing for any worn or broken areas. Re-staining the exterior wood of your home not only improves its appearance, but also its resistance to the punishing weather in the seasons ahead.

Focusing on these small jobs now will save you time and money in the very near future. They’ll also give you added peace of mind so that you can enjoy a safer, cooler and healthier summer.

For more information about getting your home in shape for summer, contact the HBA of Columbia.

Remodeling Projects that Add Value to Your Home

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:29:27 GMT

Remodeling your home has many benefits. A home improvement project can modernize yourliving space, enhance your comfort level and add to the resell value of your home.

However, not all remodeling projects are equal when generating the greatest resell value for homeowners.

Zonda, a housing market research firm, recently released its annual Cost vs. Value Report, which tracks the value ratio over the cost for 23 common remodeling projects. The report’s authors note that there is more than one kind of value, such as increased accessibility or comfort. Still, this report focuses specifically on the value that leads to a higher sale price of an existing home.

More than half of the 23 remodeling projects listed in the report are exterior replacement projects. Here is a sampling of the home renovation projects from the report that recoup more than half of their costs:

Garage and Entry Door Replacement.

Curb appeal remains one of the most important aspects of attracting buyers to a home. One essential home exterior feature is a beautiful garage door. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can recoup 193.9% of the garage door replacement cost. If you choose to replace your garage door, experts recommend focusing on function and design. A new garage door that complements your existing exterior style, such as craftsman or contemporary, is sure to be a head-turner.

In addition, a functional and stylish steel door is an easy way to draw the attention of home buyers to your home. So, it is no surprise that homeowners are likely to recoup a generous 188.1% of their investment. This type of upgrade not only adds value to your home, but it's also durable and engineered with material to withstand the outdoor elements.

Manufactured Stone Veneer.

An exterior refresh does not always mean a simple coat of paint or landscaping. Instead, homeowners should explore different types of eye-catching materials to draw buyers in. Stone in and around homes, from fireplaces to facades, is generally popular among home buyers. Manufactured stone veneer exhibits the look of natural stone and is available in various colors and sizes. Homeowners that tackle this remodeling project are estimated to recover 153.2% of their investment.

Minor Kitchen Remodel.

Sometimes, a major overhaul of a specific room is not necessary to reap the potential financial rewards. According to the report, homeowners who invest in a minor kitchen remodel are likely to recoup 96.1% of their investment. This type of remodeling is generally smaller and involves replacing dated materials and fixtures instead of knocking down walls or reconfiguring plumbing and electrical.

Window Replacement.

Another eye-catching investment is upgrading to vinyl or wood windows. Homeowners investing in this project can expect to recoup 67.1% of the cost of a vinyl window replacement and 62.9% of a wood window replacement. Like other exterior upgrades, wood and vinyl windows offer various design options to complement your home. In addition, energy-efficient options are available, so you can realize savings before you sell your home with lower heating or cooling bills.

To learn more about remodeling projects that prove their value or to find a remodeler in our are, contact the HBA of Columbia.

Gen Z, Millennial Home Buyers Willing to Compromise on Square Footage

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:19:17 GMT

As the home building industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, new research shows that more than half of Gen Z (53%) and millennials (52%) are progressively more open to having a smaller home with higher-quality products and amenities versus a larger home with fewer amenities.

“Builders are responding to home buyer preferences and constructing homes with less square footage, which are generally more affordable and easier to maintain,” said Austin Hall.

The median home size dropped from 2,200 square feet in 2023 to 2,150 square feet in 2024, the lowest in 15 years, after holding strong at 2,300 square feet from 2019-2022, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The same thing is happening to median lot sizes, which has dropped about 1,000 square feet in the last 15 years to 8,400 square feet.

There are several consistently popular features among home buyers across all generations, such as a great room, laundry room and garage storage. Other top amenities and design options include drinking water filtration, special storage racks for wine/spices in the kitchen and both a shower stall and a tub in the primary bath.

“New home buyers enjoy the ability to choose design features that suit their preferences,” said Hall. “Whether you are looking to buy your first home or upgrade to your dream home, newly constructed homes can offer a personalized aesthetic inside and out.”

Join us for the 2025 James Hardie Spring Parade of Homes on April 26-27, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day! This is your chance to explore some of the finest new homes in the area, meet top builders and developers, and get inspired by the latest trends in home design and construction.

We’re excited to showcase a variety of beautiful homes in cutting-edge communities, giving you a firsthand look at what’s possible in modern homebuilding.

For more details about new homes in Columbia, Missouri, reach out to us at the HBA of Columbia! Visit columbiahba.com or give us a call at (573) 443-8622.

We can't wait to see you there!

A Closer Look at the Costs of Building a New Home

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:08:43 GMT

If you're in the market for a new home, you may wonder about the factors contributing to the home's total cost. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently published a Cost of Construction Survey, which details the various costs of building a typical new single-family home. Many of the results show that the percentage contribution of each component has remained relatively consistent in recent years.

According to the 2024 survey of home builders, the biggest single component of a new home’s total sales price is construction costs, which accounts for around 64.4%. For example, the sales price of a $665,298 house would likely factor in construction costs of approximately $428,215, or 64.4%.

Survey respondents broke down construction costs into eight major construction stages:

• Interior finishes (e.g., cabinets, drywall, flooring): 24.1%

• Major system rough-ins (e.g. electrical, HVAC, plumbing): 19.2%

• Framing: 16.6%

• Exterior finishes (e.g., roofing, windows): 13.4%

• Foundations: 10.5%

• Site work (e.g., architecture, building/permit/impact fees): 7.6%

• Final steps (e.g., driveway, landscaping): 6.5%

• Other costs: 2.1%

The share of construction costs to the total price of a new home is the highest since NAHB first produced the survey in 1998. Some of the factors that contribute to the construction costs are the ongoing skilled labor shortages and building material price increases.

The average single-family home size in the 2024 survey was 2,647 sq. ft. of finished floor space, an increase of 86 sq. ft. from 2022. From 2015 to 2022, the average square footage of a home trended downward. Constructing homes with smaller square footage in recent years is a response by builders to meet the current housing affordability challenges buyers face.

Though building practices and the cost of labor, land and materials can vary widely across the country, these national averages provide an overall snapshot for the building industry.

To learn more about the home building process in Columbia, MO contact info@columbiahba.com or visit columbiahba.com

Ready to Buy in 2025? Five Steps to Help You Plan

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:27:51 GMT

If 2025 is the year you have decided to purchase a new home, whether as a first-time buyer or a seasoned home owner, the best time to start preparing is now. Following these five simple strategies will help place you in an ideal position to find a home that is a good fit for you and your family.

Take a Closer Look at Your Credit Score. The first step toward purchasing a new home is to examine your finances closely. Start by making sure you know your credit score. Your credit score will help determine the interest rate and associated costs you pay on a mortgage loan. In general, the higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you will qualify for.

Examine Your Finances. Before you search for a home, you must know how much house you can afford. Experts recommend talking to a qualified lender to help you determine your price range. As the buyer, you are the best judge of what you can realistically afford, so you should not set your home buying budget based on your maximum loan approval amount.

Plan for a Down Payment and Associated Costs. Once you figure out how much you’re willing to spend, you need to set a down payment goal. The longstanding myth is that you must put down 20 percent to purchase a home. You can move forward with a home purchase with a much lower down payment. Two factors that primarily impact your down payment amount are the home’s price and the type of home loan you secure. In addition to your down payment, you must budget for loan fees and closing costs.

Evaluate Your Needs. Put pen to paper, outline what you need and want in a new home and create a “must have” list. Start by thinking about why you’re ready to purchase a new home. Maybe you need a bigger space or want to move to a school district that fits your family’s needs. Creating a list of what you need in your new home will save you time when you are ready to start looking. Your next home may not meet every item on your priority list, so you must decide what factors you can compromise on and how you can stay within your budget.

Sell Your Current Home. If buying your home this year is contingent upon selling your home, you should be prepared if the timing doesn’t align perfectly. Another consideration is to ensure you have sufficient funds on hand if you cannot have concurrent home closings. A real estate agent can help you navigate the transitions. A buyer or seller market makes a difference in timing the transaction, and a real estate agent and HBA of Columbia can shed light on local market factors.

Contact Jami Clevenger (jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com) to learn about homeownership opportunities in the Columbia, MO area.

Holiday Season Safety Tips for Your Home

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:19:17 GMT

The holidays can be the most wonderful and busy time of year. When traveling or decorating your home, what might not be at the top of your mind is how safe your home is this holiday season. For example, holiday lights can pose a fire hazard without proper oversight. To help you address potential safety hazards during a bustling holiday season, here’s a quick list of safety precautions to help you keep your family and home safe during the holiday season.

Home Security

• If you’ve been considering a security system, now is a great time to install one. At a minimum, ensure your front door is secured and always locked.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to watch your house and take in your newspaper, mail and any packages if you plan to spend the holidays away from home.

• When traveling, put lights throughout the house on timers according to your usual living pattern.

• Make sure to keep any gifts in a safe place that cannot be seen from the outside of your home.

Christmas Trees

• Place Christmas trees at a safe distance from stoves, radiators, vents, fireplaces and any other heat source that may dry the tree.

• Water your Christmas tree daily. A tree can burn very hot and fast when it is dry.

• Keep a fire extinguisher near your Christmas tree. Ensure your family has a fire emergency escape plan and your tree doesn’t block any exits.

Lights and Other Decorations

• Inspect all holiday light wiring. Safety experts recommend throwing away defective, worn or frayed electrical wiring. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.

• Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Also, don't run electrical cords under rugs. Be sure all lights are turned off before you go to bed or leave the house.

• The USFA also recommends placing candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns, ensuring they are in stable holders and cannot be knocked down easily. Never leave burning candles unattended, and always supervise children when burning candles.

• When buying artificial decorations, check for "flameproof" or "fire retardant" qualities.

Following a few safety precautions will help ensure your holiday celebrations remain festive for your entire family.

Learn more about home safety at HBA of Columbia ( columbiahba.com ).

What Buyers Expect to Pay vs. Actual Home Prices

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:21:44 GMT

Home Price Expectations Clash with Reality, According to NAHB and Census Bureau

There is a major gap between buyers’ expectations and home prices, according to recent surveys from NAHB and the U.S. Census Bureau.

While 38% of buyers expect to pay less than $250,000 for their next home, only 5% of homes that started construction in 2023 are actually priced under $250,000.

In contrast, the share of new homes being built that sell for above $250,000 is often far greater than the share of buyers seeking homes in that price range.

The chart below illustrates this contrast.

Single-Family Prices vs Buyer Expectations

For new homes priced below $250,000, the red bars are longer than the blue bars, indicating that the share of prospective and recent buyers exceeds the share of new homes being built in those price ranges. Above $250,000, the opposite is true. The blue bars are longer than the red bars, indicating that the share of homes being built exceeds the share of buyers in the market at those prices.

While existing homes in the starter market have traditionally consisted of the bulk of sales for buyers with modest incomes, the supply of homes in the resale market have been running at historically low levels for several years and prices of existing homes have been setting record highs. Indeed, the median price of an existing home in May was well over $400,000. A major part of the reason for this limited existing inventory is due to the interest rate “lock-in effect,” where home owners are reluctant to sell their home because their current mortgage rate is well below market rates.

Another large part of the explanation for the actual versus expected price mismatch is the cost of new home construction. Residential construction wages continue to rise. Although prices of many residential building materials have been stable recently, the stability comes after massive increases in the two years following the onset of the COVID pandemic. A shortage of lots has been a chronic issue since the home building industry started to recover from the Great Recession.

Moreover, regulatory costs can be substantial. NAHB’s latest study on the topic shows regulation accounting for $93,870 of the cost of an average new single-family home. The largest regulatory cost impact, $24,414, comes from changes to building codes over the past 10 years. This is followed by $12,184 in fees paid by the builder after purchasing the lot, $11,791 in regulatory costs incurred by the developer during site work, $10,854 in the value of land that must be purchased and dedicated to the government or otherwise left unbuilt, and $10,794 in required architectural details that exceed what the builder would ordinarily do.

Sneak Peek of the 2025 IBS Exhibit Home: Innovations in the Walls

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:09:14 GMT

Experience Innovation with The New American Home 2025 at IBS

The New American Home 2025 will be the fourth showcase that Sun West Custom Homes has built for the International Builders’ Show (IBS). However, even with all that experience, the build team must continually find creative ways to deliver an extraordinary home within a relatively tight timeframe.

“This is my second [time overseeing a] New American Home, and it is absolutely challenging,” said project superintendent Mark Schlachter. “We’ve got a lot of moving parts going on here — we’ve got all mechanicals going, we’ve got a roofer on, we’ve got the outside Henry [Blueskin] product being installed on the walls, trying to get the house dried in, we have the window installer here … It’s consolidated, and it’s a fast-moving ship.”

Despite the scope and complexity of The New American Home 2025, Schlachter and his team are managing to keep the project on schedule. Completion is expected in October 2024, and the official unveiling of the home will take place Feb. 25-27 during the 2025 IBS.

IBS attendees who tour the home will see an expansive living space of 9,423 total square feet, including five bedrooms, a large multipurpose/game room and an in-law/guest casita. Other unique features include an interior courtyard, two garages (a three car and a two car), and an 800-square-foot underground wine cellar and lounge.

In addition to incorporating innovative products and designs, The New American Home program prides itself on continually achieving the highest ratings for performance — and the 2025 home will be no exception. Ultimately, the home is expected to achieve Emerald certification from the National Green Building Standard , as well as certification from ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS and the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program.

The following video offers a sneak peek at how the project is progressing and some of the innovative products being used.

What Americans Say About Housing Affordability

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:26:44 GMT

Nearly four out of five Americans (77%) agree that America is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis and that officials at all levels of government are not doing enough to address this vital issue, according to a survey conducted by the polling firm Morning Consult on behalf of NAHB.

More than half (56%) say that it’s important to create more medium-density housing that is affordable to moderate-income households, younger households and first-time home buyers.

So how do we ease the housing shortage and help create more affordable housing?

Policymakers Need To Do More

Regulations play a key role in housing affordability, and the majority of consumers think stronger efforts need to be made at both the local and the federal level to help alleviate the cost of housing:

80% said their city and county officials were not doing enough to encourage the production of housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

51% said their elected representative to the U.S. Congress is doing too little to address housing affordability at the national level.

Provide Incentives to Increase Supply

There are a number of initiatives that can help solve the housing affordability crisis, which NAHB has outlined in its 10-point blueprint. U.S. consumers agree that the following tactics would be most effective in easing the housing crisis in their area:

74% said government should provide incentives to builders and developers to create more housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
64% support incentivizing local governments to ease zoning regulations that prevent the construction of more affordable housing.

Consider Varying Housing Types and Consider Regulatory Impact

Eighty percent say policymakers should factor in housing affordability when considering new laws and regulations. This includes zoning reform, which would allow a greater variety of housing types to meet varying price points for potential home owners.

Most would support the development of the following housing types within a 10-minute walk of their home to help ease the housing supply shortage:

New single-family homes for sale (78%)
Senior living community (76%)
New townhomes for sale (68%)
Two-story apartment building with units for rent (64%)
Two-story condominium building with units for sale (62%)

More than half (59%) of consumers count the cost/availability of land as a significant barrier to housing affordability in their area.

This national online survey of 20,041 adults was conducted April 16-23, 2024, by Morning Consult. It has a margin of error of ± 1%.

Click the button below to see Missouri Congressional District 4 Responses.

How to hire a Professional Remodeler

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Wed, 22 May 2024 07:01:03 GMT

If you're ready to transform your kitchen and have gathered inspiration, budget ideas, and discussed your goals, it might be time to hire a professional remodeler. Here are some key tips to ensure you find the right remodeler for your project.

If you have collected photos of your dream kitchen, drafted a general budget, and talked with friends about how you wish your home was more comfortable or modern, you may be ready to hire a professional remodeler to get the job done right. HBA of Columbia has some helpful tips to guide you in finding the best remodeler for your project.

“Do your homework when hiring a professional remodeler,” recommends Orie Hemme. “A professional has training, experience, and references from satisfied clients to demonstrate their remodeling expertise.”

Check out these steps for hiring a professional remodeler:

Collect names of remodeling companies.

Start by searching the National Association of Home Builders’ Directory of Professional Remodelers at https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/nahb-directories/professional-remodelers-directory#sort=%40lastname%20ascending . You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.

Discuss your project with a couple of remodelers.

Call a few remodelers from your list to discuss your project. Describe what you envision for the home remodel, the styles you like, your estimated budget, and other ideas for the remodeling work. Ask the remodeler if they can provide background information on their expertise. They may have a website or brochure they can share that describes their experience and accomplishments.

Ask if the remodeler has general liability insurance.

Be sure to ask some important questions about the remodeler’s business that will help ensure you hire the best professional. Does the remodeler have a license, if required in your state? Do they have general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Do they guarantee their work? How do they handle any problems that may arise on the project? Having these answers in advance will prevent future problems and nail down the best professional remodeler for the job.

Check the references and background of the remodeler.

After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.

Don’t fall for the lowest bidder.

Many people may be lured by the lowest price to their remodeling project, thinking that they have found a great deal. But beware of these alluring low prices. These bids may be more costly in the end if the contractor is cutting corners, not taking into account certain costs, or is inexperienced. Professional remodelers have stories about coming into homes to fix remodels from unscrupulous contractors who did shoddy work or failed to complete the job. Oftentimes, the lowest price may not ultimately provide the best value for your home remodel.

Make the smartest investment in your home by hiring a professional remodeler like Hartland Homes Remodeling and Roofing . They’ll help you stay on budget, solve remodeling challenges, and provide a higher-quality service.

For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit https://www.nahb.org/Other/Consumer-Resources or contact us here .

May Publication

jami.clevenger@columbiahba.com (Jami Clevenger) — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:29:05 GMT

March New Home Sales Rise as Mortgage Rates Ease

We are launching our new logo!

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:59:09 GMT

The Home Builders Association of Columbia is proud to announce the launch of our new logo, which represents an exciting chapter in our organization’s journey.

As the premier advocate for home builders and remodelers in central Missouri, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new logo. Our new identity represents the strength and growth of our industry and our commitment to promoting the interests of our members. We are excited to share this new chapter with our members, partners, and consumers.

Our new logo features a bold, modern font with a stylized roofline and a fresh, vibrant color palette. The roofline represents our focus on the home building industry, while the new color scheme represents our commitment to innovation and growth.

We believe that our new logo will help us to better connect with our members and consumers, and to showcase the strength and professionalism of our organization. It will also serve as a visual representation of our mission and values, helping to elevate our profile in the local community.

As we launch our new identity, we are committed to continuing to provide exceptional services and support to our members. We are dedicated to promoting the interests of the home building and remodeling industry, and to advancing its strength and growth in central Missouri.

Commerce Department Cuts Lumber Tariffs from 20% to 9%

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:21:05 GMT

With lumber prices experiencing extreme price volatility this year and harming housing affordability, a final determination of the first administrative review by the U.S. Commerce Department to reduce duties on shipments of Canadian lumber into the United States by more than half is good news for American home builders and home buyers.

“The Commerce Department’s action to reduce duties from more than 20% to 9% on softwood lumber shipments from Canada into the U.S. is a positive development, but more needs to be done,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “Tariffs have contributed to unprecedented price volatility in the lumber market in 2020, leading to upward pressure on prices and harming housing affordability for American consumers. The U.S. needs to work with Canada to end the tariffs and achieve a long-term, stable solution in lumber trade that provides for a consistent and fairly priced supply of lumber.”

This latest development on the tariff front comes at a particularly opportune time, with the Random Lengths Framing Composite Price moving lower since mid-September but still up more than 60% since mid-April.

Lower tariffs would mitigate uncertainty and associated volatility that has plagued the marketplace, which could help ease upward price pressure on lumber prices.

Another positive development is that housing construction and new home sales have moved forward at a robust pace in recent months as lumber prices have receded from unprecedented highs. Lumber prices peaked above $950 per thousand board feet in September and are now down to roughly $560 per thousand board feet – which is still at an extremely high historical level.

NAHB continues to work on all fronts to find solutions that will ensure a lasting and stable supply of lumber for the home building industry at a competitive price.

For more information on the tariff reduction, contact Felicia Watson at 800-368-5242 x8229.

Suburban Shift for Home Construction Continues Into 3rd Quarter

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 00:22:59 GMT

A trend of higher demand for housing in lower-density areas reported in the second quarter NAHB Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) has persisted into the fall, as single-family and multifamily construction continued to overperform in lower cost markets like suburbs and exurbs.

The third quarter HBGI reveals that a suburban shift for consumer home buying preferences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating as telecommuting is providing individuals more flexibility to live further out within large metros or even to relocate to more affordable, smaller metro areas.

“The growing demand in lower density markets stems from the fact that housing is less expensive compared to urban areas and buyers can afford larger homes to accommodate home offices, exercise rooms and other specialty rooms which are in higher demand since the pandemic,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “However, builders continue to deal with affordability headwinds on the supply-side front, including the cost and availability of building materials.”

Suburbs of medium-sized cities posted the greatest single-family gains in the third quarter, with a 15% growth rate over the last four quarters. The worst performing region were large metro urban cores, with just a 5.7% gain. Similar results were observed in multifamily, with large metro core areas posting a 4% decline for apartment construction.

“The HBGI clearly shows that the geographic changes noted in the second quarter data continued into the fall, providing a boost to building in more affordable markets,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The ability of individuals and families to live further from urban cores is empowering consumers to acquire housing with more space at a lower cost. A key question is how long this effect will last. Our forecast assumes at least a persistent, partial effect beyond the deployment of a vaccine.”

Other third quarter HBGI findings show:

Since the first quarter, the market share for single-family construction in urban core areas fell from 18% to 17.2%. The small metro core and suburb single-family market share increased from 37.7% to 38.2%.
The share of apartment construction in large metro core and suburbs fell from 67.1% to 65.2%. Apartment construction in small metro core areas increased in market share from 21% in the first quarter to 22.4% in the third quarter.
These broader trends have extended to traditional vacation home markets as well. Single-family construction in second home markets expanded at a 13.6% average rate over the last four quarters compared to a 10.5% pace for other counties.
Apartment construction in second home markets was up as well — 11.1% compared to a 0.9% decline in other counties.

For more information, visit nahb.org .

Solar Panels on a New Home: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 00:19:29 GMT

In most residences, the first impression is the one made from the outside, not the interior. Rethinking outdoor spaces is important for creating the impression that lasts the longest.

Homes with solar photovoltaic panels (PV) can appeal to some new home buyers because of reduced electric bills and a lessened environmental impact. The decision to proceed with such a major investment, however, raises a question about the return on investment.

Home Innovation Research Labs recently completed a study analyzing the cost effectiveness of rooftop solar PV across five different markets: Phoenix; Tampa, Fla; Boston; Kansas City, Mo.; and Seattle.

The analysis was performed using the System Advisory Model (SAM) – a software developed by the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The software models the energy performance of the solar PV array at the specific location and for a specific house configuration to accurately calculate the expected electricity production and cost-effectiveness metrics for the system using local utility tariffs.

The model evaluated a new house construction scenario, which assumed that the solar PV system was installed prior to the house sale as part of the overall equipment package. The analysis did not incorporate any financial incentives because such measures are temporary and vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction.

The analysis indicates that the following factors are the primary drivers in determining how cost effective a rooftop solar PV system is:

Local electricity price
Utility tariff for purchasing excess electricity generated at the house
Solar resource at the site and panel orientation
Installed cost of the PV panels

Electricity prices vary widely across the United States , with some of the highest rates in Hawaii and Massachusetts at 29.2 cents/kilowatt hour (kWh) and 18.5 cents/kWh, respectively, on average, compared to 8 cents/kWh on average in Seattle. In more expensive electricity markets, using solar PV will be more attractive than in markets with lower electricity prices because the site generation will partially offset the need to buy electricity from the utility.

The utility tariffs for purchasing the excess electricity generated at the house also vary widely across the country. For example, in Boston, the utility purchase price is set at nearly the retail sale price that customers are paying for electricity on their utility bills, so the consumer can sell the excess electricity generated at the site for a high price and bank the revenue. However, many utilities around the country purchase excess solar electricity at a much lower rate, making payback periods longer. The utility purchase price is a less significant factor for smaller PV systems (e.g., 3 to 5 kilowatts) that do not overproduce electricity.

The availability of solar resource also varies with the location. Among the five analyzed cities, Phoenix has the highest solar resource averaging 5.79 kWh/square meter (m2)/day, and Seattle had the lowest at 3.47 kWh/m2/day. The PV panel compass orientation is another factor that impacts the amount of generated electricity and the cost effectiveness of the system. PV systems facing south, southwest or southeast result in shorter paybacks.

The installed cost of the PV system can vary from market to market and project to project. The study evaluated a range of costs that a home buyer can expect.

Surprisingly, it’s more cost effective to install rooftop solar PV in Boston than in Phoenix or Tampa. This outcome is the result of Boston’s high local electricity pricing and favorable purchasing tariffs that outweigh the difference in the available solar resource and other factors. The table below summarizes key results for the five cities, and the two example charts show simple payback (first cost divided by first year savings) for Phoenix and Boston. Depending on the configuration and the installed cost of the PV system, the simple payback in Phoenix varies between 15 years and more than 40 years. In Boston, the simple payback varies between 12 and 21 years. More detailed results, including other cost-effectiveness metrics, can be found in the full report .

In summary, the cost effectiveness of roof-mounted solar PV panels depends on a range of factors that are location specific (utility tariff, solar resource) and project specific (system cost, panel orientation). For the same location, the simple payback can range by a factor of two or more and may be outside the life expectancy of the solar PV panels if all factors cannot be optimized and assuming no financial incentives were used to offset the total system cost.