Remodeling Index at Five-Year High, Portland in Top 10
Good News for the Local Remodeling Industry

Remodeling sentiment rose to the highest level in five years, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the fourth quarter of 2011. Released Wednesday, the RMI increased to 46.6 in the fourth quarter from 41.7 in the third quarter. Click here for the NAHB article.

In even better local news, Portland ranked #9 on Remodeling Magazine’s list of the top 100 remodeling markets for 2012.  Last year, Portland ranked #17.  This view was echoed by leaders within the local Home Builders Association of Metro Portland (HBA) and its Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO).

“As more consumers remain in their homes rather than move in this economy, remodelers benefited from a gradual increase in home improvement activity,” said HBA Officer Steve Heiteen, a local remodeler. “2011 ended on a strong note for the remodeling industry.”

“Consumers seem to be feeling more optimistic that we are beginning to move in an upward direction,” noted HBA PRO Chair Steve Klingerman, also a local remodeler. “While high value projects like kitchens and baths are still leading the way, we’re beginning to see more activity in larger projects.”

An RMI below 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is lower (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is higher. The overall RMI averages ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity.

Current market conditions improved significantly in all four regions over the third quarter of 2011. The RMI reported higher market activity in two important categories: major additions 52.3 (from 45.2) and minor additions 50.1 (from 45.7).

“With several key components above 50, the latest RMI provides reason for guarded optimism going forward,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “The residential remodeling market has been improving gradually, mirroring the trend in other segments of the housing market.”

For more information about remodelers in Portland, Oregon, visit www.hbapdx.org.

About Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland
The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing almost 1,000 builders, remodelers, trade contractors, suppliers and industry professionals.  Since 1942, HBA has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents.

Over the past two months members of the HBA Government Relations & PAC Committees have been interviewing candidates for different key races around the Portland region.  Below is the list of candidates that have been officially endorsed by the HBA based on the candidate’s stances on key issues affecting our industry and their ability to possibly affect change in the jurisdiction.

Metro District 3 – Craig Dirksen

Metro District 5 – Sam Chase

Clackamas County Chair – Paul Savas

Clackamas County Commissioner Position 3 – Martha Schrader

Washington County Commissioner Position 1 – Betty Bode

Washington County Commissioner Position 3 – Roy Rogers

Portland Mayor – Charlie Hales

Portland Commissioner – Mary Nolan

Portland Commissioner – Steve Novick

In addition to the endorsement by the HBA, in many of these races a decision was made to contribute financially. In all, more than $14,000 was contributed on behalf of the HBA by our Political Action Committee (PAC) – Oregonians for Affordable Housing (OFAH). All of these candidates can use your support. Not only do candidates need financial assistance, but they need additional support such as sign locations, phone banking, and fundraising. If you would like to help in any of these races, contact Justin W. at the HBA to see what you can do.

NO COST TO YOU!* – Grant Funded**

January 6th 8:30am-4:30pm or January 25th 8:30am-4:30pm

Classes are located at the Home Builders Association at 15555 SW Bangy Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035.

EPA certification is required for firms that perform renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities, and schools. This class is taught by an EPA approved trainer who follows lead-safe work practices.

Upon successful completion of this course participants will receive a Certificate of Completion stating that they are trained in lead safe work practices and meet the requirements of EPA Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP).

FOR GRANT ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION INFORMATION, please contact:

Skye Feltz, (503) 594-3452 skyef@clackamas.edu

or Kim Hikade, (503) 594-6413, hikade@clackamas.edu

*The number of no-cost trainings is limited by the grant monies available, so please call soon to reserve your space.

** This project is sponsored by the Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County and is funded by an Oregon State Energy Sector Partnership grant through the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Worksource Oregon is an equal opportunity employer/program.
WorkSource Oregon es un programa/empleador que respeta la igualdad de oportunidades.

Special thank you for Clackamas Community College for making this grant happen.

The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Metropolitan Portland installed its 2012 officers and board members at the annual Builders Ball on November 18. HBA 2011 President Karl Finkelnburg handed over the reins to incoming President Gordon Root, owner of Root Holdings. January 26, 2012, marks the first Board of Directors meeting of the year. The HBA is proud to have a group of talented and dedicated professionals to guide it through the coming year.

Congratulation to the entire 2012 Board of Directors:

President
Gordon Root, Root Holdings
First Vice-President
Steve Heiteen, Portland Remodel
Vice President-Treasurer
Jan Lewis, Tryon Creek Construction
Vice President-Secretary
Nate Bond, ProBuild
Past President
Karl Finkelnburg Builder
Developer Directors
Keith Knowles, Robert Knowles Construction
Joe Robertson, JDR Contracting Alan
DeHarpport, Roundstone Development
Rich Bailey, Rich Baily Construction
Tony Marnella, Marnella Homes
Kevin Wann, Pacific Lifestyle Homes
Jeff Fish, Fish Construction
Jamie Harris, Elite Development
Phil Pahlisch, Pahlisch Homes PRO Directors
Thomas Payne, Craftsman Homes Group
Steve Stolze, SLS Remodel and Additions
Steve Frazier, Contract Furnishings Mart
PRO Chair
Steve Klingerman, T.H.E. Remodel Group
Associate Directors
Bill Joseph, Dunn, Carney & Tongue
Kimberly Wheeler, Bank of the West
Theresa Springer, Pacific Residential Mortgage
Angela Todd, Angela Todd Designs
Craig Zell, Zell & Associates
Victoria Garcia, Pacific NW Title
Political Action Chair
Laurie Butler, First American Title
Government Affairs Chair
Matt Wellner, Metro Land Group
Membership Council Chair
Brian Schmidt, Olsen Homes Inc.
Appointed Director
Kent Ziegler, Ziegler Enterprises
Past President Directors
Jim Standring, Westland Industries
George Lorance, Milgard Windows

Pictured: Steve Heiteen (First Vice-President), Jan Lewis (Vice President-Treasurer), and Nate Bond (Vice President-Secretary) were sworn in as officers of the HBA.

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland announced its annual award winners at the 2011 Builders Ball on November 18. HBA members are selected by a nominating committee who reviews candidates on the basis of leadership, participation in the HBA, support of the industry, and community involvement.  The awards winners include: Tim Breedlove, Builder of the Year; Steve Pruitt, Remodeler of the Year; Keith Knowles, Trade Contractor of the Year; Louise Farrar-Wegener, Associate of the Year; Pat Dignan and Bonnie Hayes, Lifetime Achievement recipients; Kimberly Wheeler, Spike winner;  and Nate Bond, President’s award.

Builder of the Year – Tim Breedlove, Renaissance Development

Tim Breedlove’s participation and involvement over the last few years is valued by the HBA. His perspective on key issues is a positive contribution to the Board and Committee meetings he attends. Tim consistently pitches in wherever needed and brings together different parts of the association. He served as a panelist at builder forums, supported HBA home tours and events, and promoted the work of PRO and remodelers.

Remodeler of the Year – Steve Pruitt

Steve Pruitt, founder of Cascade Restoration & Remodeling, is a constant presence at the Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) Executive and Marketing Committees where he regularly contributes his knowledge and experience. As an active participant in HBA/PRO programs, he was a big winner at this year’s Excellence Awards. He attended the remodelers roundtable discussions in addition to being the 2011 Chair for the Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Trade Contractor of the Year – Keith Knowles

Keith Knowles wears two hats these days as both a builder (Robert Knowles Construction) and a trade contractor (LiveLight Energy). Keith is a current HBA Board Member and the 2011 Building Green Council Chair. He was instrumental in the construction of the 2011 Smarthouse at the Spring Home & Garden Show by donating his time, his staff’s time and materials. He also donated time and product to the NW Natural Street of Dreams and the PAC House.

Associate of the Year – Louise Farrar-Wegener

As an active member who contributes greatly to the HBA, Louise farrar-Wegener of Z-3 Design Studio Inc. went above and beyond this past year by giving a lot of her time and expertise. Louise is a long-time participant on the PRO Marketing and Executive Committees, as well as the Tour of Remodeled Homes. This year Louise donated her time and energy to the NW Natural Street of Dreams VIP Outdoor Living Pavilion and the Fall Home & Garden Show Tweet Lounge.

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Pat Dignan

Pat Dignan, of NW Natural, began his involvement with the HBA in the 1970s when NW Natural started providing gas for residential construction.  Pat joined NW Natural as an administrative assistant to the Vice President. After a variety of positions with the gas company, he was elected Vice President of Marketing and continued in that capacity until his retirement in 1992. Pat was very active with the HBA as a board member in the 1970s. He also served for 6 years on the NAHB National Research Center Board. In 1997, Pat was chairman of the Street of Dreams. Because of Pat, a mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationship was created and continues to flourish between the HBA and NW Natural.

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Bonnie Hayes

Bonnie Hayes began serving the Oregon housing industry as a Builder Services Representative and Branch Manager for Trans-America Title Insurance Company.  As a member of the HBA, she was actively involved on committees and as a National Director.  Because of her involvement with the HBA, Bonnie recognized the home building industry needed representation in local government and ran for Washington County Commissioner.  Bonnie received the NAHB State & Local Government Affairs Government Official of the Year award and was inducted to the Oregon Housing Hall of Fame.

This recognition is in honor of Bonnie, who passed away in December of 1996. Her legacy lives on through the animal shelter in Washington County named in her honor and in the HBA Lifetime Achievement award.

Spike of the Year – Kimberly Wheeler

With a recruitment total of 16 new members in 2011, the HBA is pleased to present Kimberly Wheeler, Bank of the West branch manager, with the Spike of the Year award for the sixth consecutive year. The HBA thanks Kimberly for all the time and effort she gives to the association, especially as this year’s Membership Chair.

President’s Award – Nate Bond

Each year the President honors a member with an award for the support they provided during his year as President. Karl honored and surprised Nate Bond from ProBuild with the HBA President’s Award this year for his generous involvement in the HBA. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee as well as a major sponsor of HBA events.