Naples-Based EHC Sees Development Pipeline Rebound

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HBW subscribers in the Naples area will be excited to hear that EHC is experiencing a booming rebound in its residential services and construction projects. The pre-construction, earthwork, and infrastructure services company has seven residential projects currently underway and more in the works. This is great news for builders seeking residential construction and home building job leads, because it means that more residential lots will soon be through the entitlement pipeline and ready for building.

EHC’s current slate includes single- and multifamily communities in various stages of completion. Naples Square in Naples; Kalea Bay, TwinEagles and Orange Blossom in North Naples; Lindsford and The Coves at Estero Bay in Fort Myers; and Oak harbor in Punta Gorda. Some are being built by EHC from the ground up, and others are being picked up where previous companies left off. Regardless of the progress that has been made on the parcels, the builders, investors, and EHC are committed to making these lots available as soon as possible.

EHC’s downtown project, Naples Square, is being developed by The Ronto Group. Ronto Group has contracted for EHC to complete Phase 1 site prep services including demolition, clearing, earthwork, grading, underground storm drainage/storm water retention, brick paver roadways plus curbing, water and sewer installation, and off-site improvements for 7.5 acres of lots. Roads, fountains, landscaping, and signage are also underway, as is the installation of underground utilities. Vertical construction of the first 74 residences will begin immediately following Phase 1.

The high-profile, multimillion-dollar Kalea Bay development has been undertaken in conjunction with Soave Real Estate Group. The multi-tower aggregate of luxury high-rises spans 480 acres that include wetland green preserves and views of Wiggins Pass, Turkey Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. This gated community will feature rooftop terraces and pools, a resort-style clubhouse with a 5-star restaurant, tennis courts, and lap pools. Phase 1 is currently underway, with clearing, lake excavation, and water/sewer improvements slated for completion first.

The Ronto Group’s TwinEagles is an active community seeking to expand, EHC will complete lake excavation and expansion, earthwork, underground utilities, roads, curbs, building pads, and sidewalks for the three-block extension. This expansion will add 150 more units to the community, with is a 1,115-acre golf resort community.

Orange Blossom, another Ronto Group property, is an active community that is being reconfigured. EHC is finishing the roads, utilities, and sewer lines for the development.

EHC has completed Phase 1 of the Lindsford project. This multimillion-dollar project includes the earthwork and infrastructure for single-family and multifamily homes in this lifestyle community. In conjunction with the Ronto Group who are developing the subdivision, EHC will soon begin Phase 2, which see the company installing the tennis, basket, and bocce ball courts, pool deck and fencing, bike racks, benches, observation decks, and parking lots for the community. This work will involve clearing 118 acres of trees and 500,000 cubic yards of lake excavation. After Phase 2, EHC will continue with the build-out of the 260-acre community under Ronto Group’s direction.

KB Home contracted with EHC to proceed with the clearing and environmental site work for The Coves at Estero Bay in Fort Myers. The project scope for this brand-new subdivision includes mass clearing and exotic vegetation removal, erosion control, lake excavation, import fill, underground water/sewer installation, storm drainage, and final grading. EHC will also install roads, sidewalks, and pavers. The clearing for phases 1 & 2a is nearly complete, with the entry roadway also nearing completion. Underground utilities are currently underway with the site pads for the model homes have been poured. The Coves will include more than 200 single family homes, lakes, nature preserves, and an amenities center.

50 home sites for the Oak Harbour development in Punta Gorda are being readied by EHC. This commuter-geared community is being built by KB Home. The development features 125-foor-wide wooded homesites, a covered pavilion, and a gated entrance.

HBW serves building trades professionals in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. Building professionals who are proactive and informed can count on HBW’s newsletter to deliver the latest in building trends, construction technology innovation, and regulatory activity. To show you how we can help your business succeed, HBW is glad to provide you with complementary building data report or one of our specialized White Paper Reports. Contact us today and start making your business more profitable!

May is Building Safety Month

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This Friday marks the kickoff of Building Safety Month, the International Code Council’s annual safety awareness event. The purpose of the event is to bring safety professionals together with community members to promote an understanding of the building code, demonstrate the importance of building permits and inspections, and encourage communities to have a safer, sustainable structures.

Each May, a new theme is chosen, and this year’s theme is “Resilient Communities Start with Building Codes.” This year’s theme could not have been more timely, as the recent devastation in Nepal following the earthquake there was largely the result of a communities being unable to properly implement safety codes in their built environment. Building Safety Month is also divided up into focused weekly themes.

Week One (May 4-10) is “Don’t get Burned—Build to Code!” 2,855 Americans died in home fires in 2013, which cost the U.S. nearly $9.5 billion in property damage, because fire safety codes were ignored. Even something as simple as proper fire alarm installation and maintenance can save lives and lower property damage costs in the event of a fire.

Week Two (May 11-17) is “Bounce Back from Disaster–Build to Code.” In addition to having a disaster preparedness plan complete with supplies and evacuation routes, community members should make sure that their buildings are structurally sound enough to survive natural disasters. Areas prone to earthquakes, floods, avalanches, hurricanes, and tornados all have specific codes which address reinforcing the buildings to withstand these events. Stronger structures translate to huge drops in property damage and resident displacement in the wake of a disaster.

Week Three (May 18-24) is “Water Safe, Water Smart.” With drought conditions reaching epic levels in some parts of the U.S., it’s a good idea to follow the building codes and municipal conservation programs to save money and conserve a precious resource. This week also promotes backyard water safety through meeting the regulations and codes for backyard pools and spas.

Week Four (May 25-31) is “$ave Energy—Build to Code.” This week celebrates energy efficiency in all of its forms, as greener homes tend to have lower energy bills. Electrical system upkeep, gas leak prevention, energy efficient retrofits and more will be on tap for this final week of Building Safety Month 2015.

During Building Safety Month, the 57,000 members of the ICC partner with a diverse network of nonprofits, professional associations, corporations, and government agencies produce awareness and demonstration events in hundreds of cities across the globe. To learn more about participating in Building Safety Month events, or to find a potential partner for presenting events, go to the ICC website.

 

Montgomery Council Office Building Renovation Will Begin Soon

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HBW subscribers interested in institutional construction job leads in Alabama will be keen to know that the Montgomery County Council has finally approved a $32 million renovation project for the Council Office Building in the Rockville.

The measure was introduced by Council member Nancy Navarro last Tuesday. Navarro’s Government Operations Committee recommended the project, although it had not been featured in the proposed funding plan for this year. There was no discussion of the project prior to the vote being taken, Although Mary Beck, the director of Capital Projects for the County Executive’s Office of Management & Budget, had mentioned the possibility of “lower-cost options” for the renovation, no comment was offered before voting began. The vote follows a series of postponements that saw discussion of the project tabled repeatedly until necessary information could be gathered.

Although the much-needed renovation was approved by 8 of 9 Council members, Council member Marc Erlich, is concerned that the timing for the project is wrong. “The building really needs renovation,” he says, “but it is not clear to me given what is happening with school construction money and uncertainly with the budget that this rises to the level of being a priority over other capital projects.”

The project will address two large concerns regarding the Council office facility, whose current building is plagued by an aging, leaking, HVAC system and bathrooms that are not ADA-compliant. The Council passed up the option to relocate the offices to the county-owned Grey Courthouse and Red Brick Courthouse, both of which needed renovation to become viable locations for the Council offices. Instead, the Council chose to renovate and expand their current facilities, located at 100 Maryland Avenue. In addition to vital infrastructural changes, there will be a major interior renovation of the entire building that includes expansion of the first floor auditorium and new windows. It is expected that the project will be complete by early 2017.

The renovation is not without community detractors, the most vocal of which is the Montgomery County Board of Education. Board president Patricia O’Neill is disappointed that the renovations are taking place in the Council offices, because the County schools are in despearte need of repair and renovation. “We have been struggling for many years,” she says, “we have 9,300 children in portable classrooms and aging infrastructure and tremendous needs for heating and air condition and bathroom improvements.” O’Neill goes on to say that, “we have kids in situations that adults in the workplace would find unacceptable and as a board of education member my job is to advocate for the necessary resources for our schools.”

Top 4 Signs That a Remodel is In Order

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Sometimes it’s easy to know who needs a remodel. If there is shag carpet on the walls, chessboard linoleum in the bathroom, and a harvest gold refrigerator that hums like a riding lawnmower, then it’s certainly time for some updates and upgrades. But there are other situations when a remodel, instead of a relocation, may be in order. Here are the top four:

#1: The Crowded House is Becoming a “Hoarders” Episode

One sure sign that a remodel is in order is that it’s too small to accommodate all of the family members. If more children are added or parents move in, an otherwise perfect house can soon start bursting at the seams. Life-changing situations often demand more living space. A bedroom addition of mother-in-law suite might be exactly what is needed for a home to be comfortable again. A remodel is much more cost-effective than a relocation.

#2. It’s Home Sweet Home, Flaws and All

Homeowners choose to remodel because there is something irreplaceably special about their home: the layout, the location, the history or some other aspect are of key importance. What they long for is a change in their situation rather than a chance in their location. The debate over whether to move or to remodel is a key part of the remodeling process: Is there potential for the current home to give everyone what they need if it is remodeled? Can the remodeling goals be met within the current lot size and zoning ordinances? Is the budget feasible? Is the location of the current home uniquely beneficial or would another location be just as convenient? Each of these questions addresses a key consideration for drawing up those remodeling project blueprints. Sometimes, the current home won’t work, but neither will anything that is currently on the market, so homeowners will fold a remodeling project into their relocation to a new home.

#3. The Infrastructure is Inadequate

In cases where the house and its systems are in constant disrepair and the repair work is time-consuming and financially draining, but there isn’t sufficient money to move, remodeling is a necessity. Tackle the infrastructure while completing projects that demand opening the walls or the ceilings. Rusty plumbing, leaky ducts, bad wiring, and cracks in the foundation require attention, and can serve as a lead-in to remodeling. It is very cost-effective to roll remodeling and significant infrastructural upgrades into one major project, as it makes more sense to rip out a wall entirely during a home remodel than to tear into and patch a wall that will be torn down in next year’s remodel.

#4. Echoing Empty Nest

If the home feels hollow and empty, it’s probably because family members have moved out and left vacant space behind. This is the cue to remodel and repurpose that extra space to meet any new needs or interests that homeowners may have. Empty bedrooms can be combined to create a large den for hosting family gatherings. Or, it may be time for an extended master suite with a new bathroom. Sometimes, retirees need to revamp their home to include universal access features so that they can age in place. This usually involves consolidating a master suite and laundry room into a main floor living design. Lower and upper areas are turned into guest-oriented spaces, but the main daily living activities take place on the ground floor for convenience and access.

Alabama’s White-Hot March Residential Housing Market

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According to the Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE), Alabama’s housing market is exceeding all expectations, and 80 percent of the state’s housing markets have improved over March 2014. Sales for the month exceeded the market forecast for March by 5.4 percent. Home sales in Alabama totaled 4,289 units for the month, which indicates growth of 19.3 percent over the previous year. These figures are 25.2 percent above the five-year March sales average of 3,426 units. Year-to-date sales are up 13 percent from 2014.

Alabama’s housing inventory for March was 32.225 units, which was 1 percent lower than inventory levels for March 2014, and 22.2 percent lower than the peak March numbers in 2008. The housing supply was 7.5 months, which is on par with the NSA-determined equilibrium. Supply levels have favorably dropped 17 percent from the previous year (9.1 months), but the March inventory marks a 1.5 percent increase over the February inventory. This increase is in line with historical expectations which denote a 2.3 percent inventory increase between February and March each year.

Residential home sales increased 33.4 percent over February’s rates, which increase is consistent with the historical trend of 30 percent average increase in sales from February to March. The numbers are also consistent with the projections of industry professionals in the Center’s 2015 Q2 Alabama real Estate Confidence Index (ARECI). There was a slight slowdown in the Days on Market (DOM) rate, as the average number of days a house spent on market is was 162, which is 2.6 percent longer than the March 2014 DOM. Alabama sales outstripped national sales for March, as the broader US market only showed an increase of 10.4 percent over March 2014.

The median home price in Alabama is up 7 percent over last year’s numbers, an increase of 17 percent over the rock-bottom prices of March 2011. Although some have characterized house pricing activity as softer than expected, the sales pricing improved 7.9 percent over February’s prices, and 7.5 percent over rates in March 2014. 64 percent of the state’s local real estate markets saw year-to-date price gains. This increase nearly doubled the historical expectations for the month, which usually sees a 4.2 percent price increase between February and March.

 

Don’t Drown in Unexpected Pool Installation Expenses

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There are a number of good reasons to invest in a swimming pool for your backyard: they invite your family to spend more time together, provide a great backdrop for parties and gatherings, create a space for fitness and exercise, and are a cost-effective way to create a vacation experience right at home. But one of the biggest concerns that a homeowner has regarding a new pool is the cost to install and maintain it.

As Jason Hargraves of Angie’s List points out, asking a pool company to estimate the cost of installing a pool will only ever get you a partial answer, because there are a lot of hidden factors that might not be considered in the estimate. For an in-ground pool, it’s dead easy to factor in size, water features, enclosures, patio elements and heaters, and the typical estimate ranges widely from $25,000 to $50,000 for an in-ground pool of an average size in an average city.

According to Marcus Sheridan of River Pools and Spas, what rarely gets factored in to these estimates are the hidden costs. “I’ve seen examples of homeowners getting hit with such costs after the start of the project by their pool company many, many times,” he says, but that “most can and should be caught, or at least brought to light, beforehand.” There are six major costs that can balloon a pool-building budget: dirt, landscaping, e

Dirt Disposal: In-ground pools generate a lot of dirt. When the pool is built, a lot of dirt is taken from the ground, and that dirt has to go somewhere. Make sure that your pool builder has included the cost of hauling dirt with in the project budget estimates.

Pool Surround: pools need patio space around them. Usually, this means additional concrete for the patio. The extra cost of prepping and pouring a concrete deck is one of the more expensive hidden costs of pool installation, so ask the installer if this costs have been factored in.

Retaining walls: to ensure that the in-ground pool and surrounding decks are very stable, and to help with proper yard drainage, one or more retaining walls may be necessary. Talk to the contractor beforehand to make sure that the price of retaining walls has been settled and included in the budget.

Landscaping: The procedures used to dig out and install a pool require heavy equipment. The coming and going of these machines will wreck havoc upon your lawn, especially if some of your nicer flower beds and terracing have to be trampled or ripped out to accommodate the machines. Any grass that was disturbed during pool installation needs to be re-seeded, and any terraced plant beds will have to be reinforced and re-planted after the pool has been installed.

Fences: nearly all city ordinances require that a pool be enclosed within a fence of some form. It is better to add the fence while the pool is being installed rather than wait until the pool has been finished. In fact, the fence should be included along with the pool design and deck while the pool is being planned.

Electrical: the surprise expenses of this item can really shock homeowners (pun intended). Some pool builders include electrical hook-up as part of the pool installation package. Others invoice poolside electricity separately. The extend of the electrical hook-up will depend on the number of pool lights, spa jets, or water features that the homeowner requests. Be sure of the costs involved and how electric will be invoiced by your pool installer.

Major Multifamily Renovation for Downtown Jacksonville

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HBW subscribers seeking multifamily building permit leads in Jacksonville already know about the major multifamily renovation coming to Downtown Jacksonville. The Cathedral Terrace building at 710 N. Ocean Street will soon undergo major interior renovations and repairs to all 240 single-bedroom units as part of the Renew Jax urban redevelopment project.

The Cathedral Terrace project was built in 1974 for elderly and disabled residents with low incomes. The $27 million renovation will upgrade to the building’s infrastructure, including plumbing, HVAC, elevators, lighting, and security system. New windows and doors, and a new roof will also be part of the remodel.

Money for the project, which is sponsored by the Aging True nonprofit agency, comes from the State Housing Initiatives partnership program. $803,000 will come from the city, with the majority of project funding provided by the Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority. Loans totaling $3.93 million have been grated by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Aging True is currently accepting bids for a general contractor to oversee the renovation process.

The 5-year Renew Jax project is a partnership between LISC Jacksonville and the city. This public-private partnership is investing $35 million in private, state, and federal funding in East and Northwest Jacksonville with the goal of improving housing and stimulating economic development. LISC has invested $20 million, with municipal, state, and federal agencies contributing $15.5 million. In addition to renovation and construction, Renew Jax will improve the city’s aging drainage system and redevelop the city’s under-occupied historic neighborhoods.

Contact HBWeekly today to get information on Jacksonville’s incredible opportunities. HBWeekly has proudly served builders in Florida for more than two decades, providing the latest and best building permit data information, as well as building activity reports and market analysis. To see how HBW can help your business succeed, we are happy to provide you with complementary building data report or one of our specialized White Paper Reports. Contact us today and start making your business more profitable.

Top 3 Energy-Efficient Renovations

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With utility bills climbing ever-higher, many homeowners are wondering whether they can improve their home’s level of energy use. While the typical goal of renovation is to increase the beauty, style, and function of a home, builders should remind homeowners that increased energy efficiency can often be incorporated into those goals. Energy efficient, beautiful renovations not only raise the future resale value of a home, they also lower the current utility costs homeowners typically pay. The three best energy-efficient renovations that can be incorporated into a current remodeling project are increased airtightness, better insulation, and new windows and doors.

Airtightness: Energy efficient homes are made to be airtight because excess air exchange forces the climate control systems to work harder (and use more power). It’s much easier to regulate the inside temperature with the heated or cooled are isn’t escaping. During major renovations, take the time to wrap exterior walls with an air barrier before installing siding or masonry. If an addition is being added to the home, there is no reason not to make that room more airtight prior to installing the exterior façade.

Even though most renovations aren’t so major as to remove the exterior, there are still smaller-scale retrofits that can be done to make a home more airtight. Addressing the drafts and gaps in doorways, around windows, and exterior walls to reduce air leakage will go far in improving a home’s airtightness.

Insulation: Another excellent way to boost energy efficiency is to add extra or improved insulation to the home. Adding attic and wall insulation is a great way to stop heat exchange. Much like adding an air barrier to external walls, the complexities of adding more insulation to exterior or interior walls are daunting and often beyond the scope of even a major remodel.

Adding insulation to the attic is an easier project that still yields energy savings. In deciding whether to use blown-in loose fill insulation or classic rolled insulation, it is key to know if the attic will be “conditioned” space—that is, know whether the attic will be heated and cooled like the rest of the house. Loose fill can go anywhere, but rolled insulation between rafters should only be installed in conditioned space. It’s also important to note where conditioned space abuts or overlaps with unconditioned space, for example a mud room wall between the unheated garage and the heated kitchen. Floors build over crawlspaces also need insulation.

Portals: Replacing old windows and doors with energy-efficient models is a simple and effective way to increase a home’s energy efficiency. To make sure that the new doors and windows fit into the home’s design style, consult with a design expert who can guide the process and ensure that the new models fit into the home’s existing style and increase its curb appeal.

All new windows are double-paned insulated glass, and some models have special inert gas between the panes to increase the insulation value. They are also glazed with a low-E coating, which is a microscopic layer of metallic oxides that deflects ultra-violet rays and helps inhibit radiant heat transference through the glass. When replacing the doors and windows, it’s a good idea to patch any gaps and properly flash the openings to prevent excess moisture and air from seeping into the home.

 

Planning for Greener Use of 4 Common Construction Materials

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Whether you are building a LEED-platinum certified condominium downtown or a cozy eco-conscious vacation getaway in the country, it’s a good idea to plan the greenest materials usage possible when building your project. More and more clients demand green building in their new projects, because eco-consciousness adds marketing cache and resale value to homes.

As it turns out, some planning of how you will use and dispose of how common, everyday, not-especially-green materials during the building process can really bump up your green building credibility come certification time.

Concrete: One of the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and adaptable building materials is concrete. Although concrete is usually consigned to foundations, driveways, and sidewalks, larger numbers of homeowners are looking into poured concrete construction. Innovative outdoors use of concrete is popping up in terraced landscaping and fencing, but concrete is making major strides as a flooring material. Custom-poured concrete countertops are becoming quite popular as well. Concrete is impervious to climate and pests, and it weathers natural disasters quite gracefully. Maximize your green quotient by using energy-efficient, non-toxic autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) or concrete made with recycled content.

Wood: Another ubiquitous construction material, wood is a multi-purpose material that has also been used in home building for centuries. Softwood trees such as pine and hardwood trees such as maple will often be found in new homes as paneling, sheathing, veneer, siding, subflooring, and framing or for decorative trim, molding, and cabinets. Wood is a renewable resource, but some providers grow, manage, and harvest their wood in a more sustainable fashion than others. To use the most eco-conscious wood possible, look for a provider that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Brick and Stone: These materials are perennial favorites for flooring and facades. While the fine detail of clay brick and the natural beauty of stone add much to a home’s curb appeal, both materials are problematic for eco-conscious construction. Bricks have been made and used for millennia, but modern brick manufacture consumes massive amounts of non-renewable resources and generates a significant carbon pollution footprint. Stone is a more natural material that has a lower carbon footrpint, but it is classified as a non-renewable resource. The good news is that because of their durability and strength, both brick and stone are easy to salvage and repurpose. The Restoration Trades Directory can help you locate brick and stone salvage providers in your area. You can also look through your city’s demolition permits to find brick and stone structures that are slated for demolition.

 

National Housing Starts Underperform in April, Experts Still Optimistic

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The actual housing starts fell short of the projected numbers for March 2015, as the nation’s economic recovery hit a soft patch during the first three months of the year. A harsh winter, the West Coast port labor dispute, weak global growth and strengthening of the dollar created speed bumps in the path to America’s financial recovery.

Growth is expected to rebound in the next quarter, but lukewarm data released on Thursday by ITG Investment Research suggests that the momentum will lag too much for the Fed to start raising interest rates before September. Steve Blitz, ITG’s chief economist, says that the economy’s “tepid recovery in March makes it very unlikely the Fed signals a June rate hike at the April meeting. If housing doesn’t recover enough this spring, a September rate hike likely becomes equally improbable.”

The Commerce Department’s seasonally adjusted annual pace of 926,000 new housing units indicates a 2 percent increase over last year. The modest increase failed to offset the majority of Febrary’s decline in home building, which has been blamed on bad weather nationwide. This brief rise in stats for single-family housing did not mitigate the losses accrued in January and February. Multifamily starts fell short of the 1.04 million-unit pace predicted for March.

The new housing starts reflect the underwhelming trends in business activity and manufacturing for April. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank reports that its business activity index rose to 7.5 percent this month from 5.0 percent in March. JP Morgan in New York reports that orders for manufactured goods fell to the lowest level since May 2013. New York state factory activity has been soft in April. The dollar’s 13 percent appreciation combined with softer international demand have slammed the manufacturing sector. “Combined, the April reports are not signaling that manufacturing activity is picking up significantly following the weak first quarter,” said JP Morgan economist Daniel Silver.

A strengthening labor market provides some reason to predict that the housing outlook remains favorable despite the less-than-stellar performance during the first quarter. Although the Labor Department reports a rise in the number of new unemployment activity last week, the job market is tightening as the long-term unemployed find work. The four-week average of claims demonstrates only marginal growth in unemployment, which currently sets below the 300,000-claims-per-week threshold established in December of 2000.

Jesse Hurwitz, an economist for Barclay’s in New York, says that “we continue to view claims data as reflective of overall improvement in labor markets.” As more people receive a paychecks and lending standards ease up slightly, first-time buyers are entering the housing market, which will lead to gains in for 2015. March was the eighth straight month that permits for new residential construction remained above the 1 million-unit mark.