FHBAction News (June 1, 2015)
President's Report
A key requirement of the new building code is passage of a mandatory blower door test. This
is a major change in common industry practice, and at FHBA we understand the hardship this places on
our members.
On Thursday, May 28, I joined key FHBA staff to meet with SkyeTec Executive, Ted Nelson, and
SkyeTec staff member, Tommy Spain. At this meeting we discussed several educational opportunities
we could use to help builders get up to speed regarding new building code obligations. As a result of this
meeting, we are pleased to work with SkyeTec, a proud sponsor of the Southeast Building Conference
(SEBC), to provide you with a checklist that helps explain areas where builders need to verify air sealing.
Though FHBA continues to employ strategies to delay this code provision, we must be prepared for
enforcement by July 1. Print this checklist and take it on the job with you. To further prepare yourself for
compliance with the new Florida Building Code, click here to register for educational opportunities at the
SEBC. Contact your local Home Builders Association to learn more about the new building code
requirements. Don’t be caught off guard. The Florida Home Builders Association is ready, willing, and
able to prepare you for compliance. Put your membership to work and be ready.
Jerry Linder is a custom home builder and the owner the JL Linder Group in St. Augustine and Vintage
Homes in Tallahassee, a Past President of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, and 2015
President of the Florida Home Builders Association.
It’s BAAACK! Hurricane Season Begins Today!
Contributed by Leigh Mansfield - Vice President of Underwriting, FHB Insurance
The Wizard of Oz, The Great Carnac and
Nostradamus himself have put their heads together this year and storm number “predictions” are low;
very low. I won’t go into the whys or the why not’s…something about El Nino and butterflies flapping their
wings in the Everglades.
Despite having no super powers of my own, I can make you one virtual “guarantee” - when a storm has
been identified and/or named, heading your way, you will not be able to purchase, amend or increase
your property insurance. That means insurance which covers your offices, warehouses, buildings and
supplies and more importantly, your structures under construction and/or completed but not yet “sold”,
had better already be in place.
Contact your insurance agent TODAY and tell them you want to look into coverage from the FHB
Insurance Builders Risk program. Or, visit our website and find an agent at www.FHBInsurance.com.
Fire Resistance Ratings and the New Building Code
Confused about the fire resistance ratings of exterior ratings for zero lot line homes? Click here to review
a white paper written for FHBA by John Farinelli, Vice President of JC Code and Construction Company.
John is also available to answer specific code questions via our 411 Code program.
To learn more about the upcoming code changes, register for one of our classes by clicking here.
Florida Coasts Have Grown, but Hurricane Damage Risk Hasn't
Since eight hurricanes whipped through Florida during back-to-back seasons a decade ago, causing $33
billion in insurance claims, the state's coastal communities have added an additional 1.5 million people
and almost a half-million new houses, an Associated Press analysis shows…Read more
Meet Our SEBC Celebrity Guests!
We’re thrilled to announce that Chris Lambton and Peyton
Wright Lambton from HGTV's Going Yard and DIY Network’s Yard Crashers are coming to this year’s
Rockin’ New Show!
Chris Lambton transforms backyards, one house at a time, with the help of his wife Peyton in their HGTV
series Going Yard. The show highlights Chris’ landscaping skills and gardening know-how as he and
Peyton create outdoor living spaces including patios, arbors, and water features for deserving
homeowners.
Chris’ expertise includes landscaping, hardscaping, garden planning, lawn care, and maintenance for all
of these areas of your outdoor living space. Chris also hosts DIY’s Yard Crashers, HGTV’s Smart Home
Giveaway, GAC’s RV 2014, Best Ever Tree Houses and can be seen in Miracle-Gro’s ad campaign “This
is why we Grow” with Peyton.
Join them on the Main Stage on Friday, July 17th, for our Coffee & Donuts with a Celebrity Guest Event!
They'll be hosting their own presentation followed by a Q&A and Meet & Greet photo opportunity. Click
here to register for SEBC.
Book Your Stay!
While you’re registering for SEBC, hurry to make your hotel reservations. The Rosen Center room block
ends June 15. Don’t wait! Hotels surrounding the Orange County Convention Center are booking
fast. Click here to book your room today.
Federal EPA Releases Final Water Rule
Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency released final rules expanding its definition of “waters of
the US.” Why do we, as builders, concern ourselves with this Federal rule? The Army Corps of Engineers
have jurisdiction over “waters of the US,” typically navigable waterways (think the Mississippi River). This
rule is an encroachment of power, which will needlessly add more regulatory burdens on the permitting
process. Click here for more information on how this affects you and your business.
Energy Forum Education Session – SEBC 2015
Learn how to use energy efficiency to increase your business opportunities and bottom line. Click here to
register for the 2015 Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) Energy Forum, July 16 at the Orange
County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The Energy Forum, will cover these major topics:
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Blower door, ventilation, and other energy efficient code requirements
Techniques for selling energy code provisions
Media marketing for energy remodeling
The 2015 Energy Forum is presented by the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) and
the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) and our partners: Residential Energy Services Network
(RESNET), GBC (Green Builder Coalition), Florida Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors
Association (FRACCA) and Building Performance Institute (BPI).
Thank you to our sponsors: Icyene, FL Pace, and SkyeTec.
The Bottom Line
Ever made a challenge, never expecting the other party to meet it? Well, I did and I am very pleased to
report that not only the challenge of improving the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) was met, but
also that I am confident that my expectations will be surpassed.
Dramatic improvements to the SEBC occurred immediately after proposing the challenge to FHBA staff
members, Kimberly, Pati, Kay, Allison and Andy. They approached exhibitors with a professionally
designed prospectus and signed big name companies like Microsoft and Houzz.
A major sponsor, SkyeTec, also joined the team. And celebrity guests from DIY Network’s Yard
Crashers and HGTV’s Going Yard will make an appearance. Aside from that, the exhibit floor has been
re-designed and the new SEBC website has been getting rave reviews. Doug, Robin, and Kari have also
promised me an impressive showing of politicos. Oh, and did I mention that the hospitality suites are
back!?
Bottom Line: FHBA’s talented staff responded to the challenge to improve the SEBC. What you are
hearing about the show being revitalized is not just a marketing gimmick - this show will rock! Click here
to register today.