February Newsletter

Sticks & Bricks
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GREATER BRAZOS VALLEY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
February 2016

Paid Advertising for Armstrong Air

President's Letter 4­5
21
Howdy and welcome to this month's edition of
"Sticks and Bricks"

It’s that time of year again where many will be receiving a tax rebate

and are wondering how they will spend it. A great way to spend your

return can be home remodeling projects. Or perhaps you’re

preparing your home to be sold during the spring and summer 368

season. Which leads to the question “What is the best way to add
value to my home?” Value can be different things to different people.

For instance when trying to sell your home, updating a kitchen,

bathroom or any primary areas in your home can attract more buyers.

New hardwood flooring or replacing outdated or worn carpet is

always a good idea. And while repainting rooms with new colors can

look nice or change the feel of a room, it won’t necessarily make your

home more valuable when it sells. 11

The most typical areas to remodel are kitchens and bathrooms. Since 2 Presidents Letter
these are areas that people spend a lot of time in, it makes sense that 3 Calendar of Events
these areas would hold the most value in a home. Granite 4-5 Home & Garden Expo
countertops and tile backsplashes are easily the most popular 6 Builders BBQ Cook-Off
improvements in kitchens. In master bathrooms, the elimination of 7 Announcements
the tub and adding the large walk in shower is popular as well. These 8 Remodel or Relocate?
improvements not only give your home a fresh new look, but also give 9 Committee Information
a better sense of value to potential homebuyers. Even if your home is 10 Business with a Member
20 plus years old, refreshing these areas can make all the difference. 11 NAHB NOW
12 Products & Suppliers
While a homeowner can perform small home improvement projects, 13 NAHB Member Advantage
14 Building Permit &
seeking the guidance and oversight of a professional remodeler is a Inspection Activity
15 Member Updates & Spike
wise move. Beginning in 2015 the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Report

Association formed its Remodeler’s Council. To be a member of the Sticks & Bricks is the official publication
of the BCS Home Builders Association.
council, you have to fulfill the ethical standards of the GBVBA. Any opinions expressed in the articles
are thise of the authors and do not
Members of the council also have the opportunity through classes neccessarily reflect the viewpoints of
BCSHBA. Contact Rose Selman for
and seminars to stay up to date with remodeling trends and codes. article reprint permissions

This means that when you do business with a remodeler council www.gbvbuilders.org.

member, you not only get someone you can trust, but quality service

as well. Weber

Mark MARK WEBER
HBA President, Weber Custom Homes

STICKS & BRICKS | 2

STICKS & BRICKS | 3 www.gbvbuilders.org

STICKS & BRICKS | 4 EcoZapp
Premium Sponsor

Preview Party Ticket Sponsor:
BCS Regional Association of

Realtors
Preview Party Food Sponsor:

Windham Construction Inc.
Stylecraft, Redtail Rental

Armstrong Air 
Preview Party Drink Sponsor:

Sunspace Texas
Contributors: 

Aggieland Title Company, 
Brittany Cadwell­ BCR Realtors

BCR Realtors
Wood Group ­Fairway Mortgage

www.gbvbuilders.org

Title Sponsor: Brazos Valley Floor & Design
Premium Sponsor: EcoZapp Pest Control

Indoor Seminar Sponsor: Southwest Homes
Outdoor Seminar Sponsor:

Brazos County Abstract Company
Kids Activity Sponsor: Coufal-Prater

Exhibitor Lounge Sponsor:
University Title Company

5

Brazos Valley Flooring & Design

Title Sponsor

STICKS & BRICKS | 5 www.gbvbuilders.org

5

STICKS & BRICKS | 6 www.gbvbuilders.org

STICKS & BRICKS | 7 www.gbvbuilders.org

Remodel or Relocate? 8 Critical Questions to Consider

Home buying and home remodeling television programs
aren’t just a fad; their enduring popularity indicates that
they’re here to stay.  If you’re among the growing masses
of dedicated viewers, you might begin (if you haven’t
already) to look around and notice some of your own
home’s shortcomings. Inadequate storage, limited cooking
space or simply an outdated design might conjure thoughts
of one day remodeling your kitchen, bathrooms or living
spaces. Or instead, perhaps you’ll begin to consider
moving into a bigger or newer home.
Whether you decide to remodel or relocate, your decision
will involve a great deal of logistics, emotions and, of
course, finances. Thoroughly weighing the pros and cons
of each option now will help you feel more prepared to act
when the time is right.

Start by Asking Yourself These Questions:

1.     What’s in the budget? The first step is the most obvious: you’ll need to crunch some numbers to determine what is     
        financially feasible. Remodeling can be a great investment and save you the hassle of moving. But it requires a great 
        deal of patience and flexibility. On the other hand, buying a home can be instantly gratifying, but the true costs of       
        buying (and selling) – such as commissions, closing costs and moving fees – need to be part of the equation, as that 
        is money you won’t get back.
2.     Is it a simple fix that you can do yourself? Or a bigger project that will require a professional? Some home owners are 
        especially handy and want to tackle the job themselves. But most others like having the assurance of knowing a         
        professional – who has the necessary equipment, expertise and resources – will get the job done right the first time.
3.     What is the current value of your home compared to similar homes in your neighborhood? If your home is already the 
        most expensive one in the neighborhood, you might not see a significant return on your investment if you remodel.     
        But if comparable home values are greater than your home’s value, you’re much more likely to see a strong return by 
        making improvements.
4.     How might your decision impact your taxes? Remodeling your current home or moving to a new home will have an     
        effect on your property taxes. The change may or may not be significant, so it’s good to keep it in mind.
5.     How might your needs change in the next 3, 5 or 10 years? A growing family, kids going off to college, an aging family
        member moving in – all are examples of factors that can significantly impact your future requirements for a home.
6.     Is the layout of your current home conducive to a remodel? All other considerations aside, if you have limited options 
        to alter your home in a way that will address your needs (such as load­bearing walls that can’t be removed, or space 
        constraints that will not allow for an addition), you may need to consider moving.
7.     Are there any zoning restrictions that would affect the remodeling project(s) you envision? These laws vary widely by 
        area, so go to your local zoning office and ask for a copy of your local ordinance.
8.     How do you feel about your current neighborhood? Even if you changed everything about your home, there are many
        things outside of your home over which you have no control. Give some thought to the school district, proximity to       
        work, parks and shopping centers, and the overall look and feel of the community.

The answers to these questions are different for everyone, which is why it is important for you to carefully consider each

one while keeping in mind your unique situation. This will help you effectively determine which step is right for you so that
next year, you can be confident in your home’s ability to not only survive the holidays, but to also keep up with the

demands of your everyday life.

STICKS & BRICKS | 8 www.gbvbuilders.org

Thinking about joining a committee?

Being an active member in the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association means business.   Working with
builders and associates in areas that serve the community and support the construction industry is the best

way to ensure that your dues are being utilized. Take a moment to sign up for a committee today!! The
GBVBA has several committees that you can participate on. 

Builder/Realtor Committee: Melanie Becka Government Relations/Legislative Rally Committee:

Attend committee meetings. Plans, organizes and  Buck Prewitt­Chairman, Michael Schaefer Co­Chair

implements committee decisions, in conjunction with the  Attend committee meetings, attends specific meetings with

B/CS Realtors Association, two (2) events for the Builders, the cities as appointed and/or Government Authorities.

Realtors and Affiliates.  Attends and volunteers at both Attends Rally Day (every other year). Implements strategies

events. Solicits participation/sponsorship for events. Works as approved by committee and/ or Board of Directors. Works

within event budget. within budget.

Builders Bowl Committee: Vacant Chairman Home Expo Committee:Randy Ripple

 Attend committee meetings prior to the tournament to plan  Attend committee meetings prior to the show to plan and

and organize the event. Implements committee decisions. organize the event. Implements committee decisions.

Attends and volunteers at the event. Solicits Attends and volunteers at the event. Solicits participation/

participation/sponsorship for the event. Works within the sponsorship for the event. Works within the event budget.

event budget. Hospitality/Monthly Meetings Committee: Melanie Becka

Builders BBQ Cook Off: Matt Ratliff Plans and organizes monthly general membership meetings.

Attend all committee meetings prior to event to plan and Obtains sponsors for monthly membership meetings.

organize the event as well as volunteer at the event. Attends committee meetings. Attends and volunteers at the

Solicits participation/sponsorships for the event. events.  

Community Service Committee: Pending Membership/Services/Directory Committee:

Attend committee meetings quarterly. Review community Jason Marek, Mark Weber

service requests from charitable organizations. Determines  Attend committee meetings. Plans and organizes

whether to submit donation requests to the Board of membership events and member services. Solicits and

Directors for approval of donation. Works within budget. recruits new members. Works on membership retention.

Education Committee:  Jason Marek Works enthusiastically with committee to create and

Attend committee meetings as needed. Review and implement new ideas for membership and membership

determine programs to be offered designed to inform services. Works within the budget.

Builders, Developers, Remodelers, Associates and Spring Parade of Homes TM Committee: Jimmy Pitman

community partners of current trends, safety, regulatory  Attend committee meetings prior to the Parade to plan,

and best business practices. Work within the event budget. organize and implement the Parade of Homes. Solicits

Fall Parade of Homes TM Committee: Jimmy PItman participation/sponsorship for the Parade. Helps out during

Attend committee meetings prior to the Parade to plan, both weekends of the Parade. Works within the event

organize and implement the Parade of Homes. Solicits budget.

participation/sponsorship for the Parade. Helps out during Skeet Shoot Committee:  Pending

the weekend of the Parade. Works within the event  Attend committee meetings prior to the Skeet Shoot to plan,

budget. organize and implement the annual Skeet Shoot. Attends

Golf Tournament Committee: Gene Joyce and volunteers at the event. Solicits participations/

 Attend committee meetings prior to the tournament to plan sponsorships for the event. Works within the event budget. 

and organize the event. Implements committee decisions.

Attends and volunteers at the event. Solicits

participation/sponsorship for the event. Works within the

event budget.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH COMMITTEE AS WELL AS HOW TO SIGN UP
STICKS & BRICKS | 9 www.gbvbuilders.org
CONTACT OUR OFFICES AT (979)696-0272

Kelly Milligan
klm@mlaw­eng.com

(979)229­2647

5

STICKS & BRICKS | 10 www.gbvbuilders.org

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How to Stay Profitable When Competing w36ith Large

Volume Builders

Small­volume builders who are feeling boxed in by large production builders in their area should take heart.
Daniel Levitan, MIRM, IRM Fellow, CMP, CSP, owner of Levitan & Associates in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who
recently spoke at the NAHB International Builders’ Show, said there are numerous ways to push back and stay
profitable.

Levitan conceded that large production builders have
 a lot of advantages over small­volume builders.
To list a few:

– Easy access to capital
– Economies of scale
– Favorable treatment from subcontractors
– Library full of home plans with known costs
– Market visibility
– Sales and marketing efficiency
– Ability to survive market conditions

The upside for small­volume builders, however, is that most production builders are resistant to change, typically
unable to respond rapidly to new opportunities or create new housing products, and find it challenging to take on
smaller jobs or sites or atypical developments. “And as most of you know, some of the small projects are more
profitable than the large ones,” Levitan said.
Large volume builders also struggle to market outside of their established comfort zone, and are rarely able to
accommodate requests for customization.
So if you want to stay competitive with the big builders, Levitan recommends the following:
Develop a significant Web presence to make yourself stand out.
At a minimum, do some limited customization.
Build in a sub­market. Go where the big builders won’t go.
Directly target their weakness. For example, if they build quality, build to price or vice versa.
Fill in the holes they leave behind. “If they’re doing all brick, you do stucco. If they’re doing one­story
houses, you do two­story houses,” Levitan said.
Partner with other small­volume builders.
Find private investors.
Pursue urban infill housing opportunities.
Interested in learning more? Search NAHBNow.com or visit NAHB.org for additional tips, strategies, articles and
resources.

STICKS & BRICKS | 11 www.gbvbuilders.org

Products & Service Suppliers

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36
48

STICKS & BRICKS | 12 www.gbvbuilders.org

Membership Update February

Growing Our Strength Through Member Recruitment, New M20e16mbers
Retention, and Involvement
Bolfing Construction, LLC
Recruiting new members to your local association is an activity recognized and Diamond Flooring Plus, LLC
rewarded through the Spike Club. Those who participate are called Spikes, and
Irongate Custom Homes
they are among the most valued members of the association. KC Services
Member-to-member recruitment and retention efforts are the largest source of
growth for the federation. Spikes bring grassroots growth and stability. These Landmark Landscape Group
efforts lend to the development of the general membership and our leadership Snyder Energy Services
pipeline, keeping the face of the federation true to that of our industry and the
February 2016
scope of interests we represent. Spikes are the membership leaders of our
federation, building the voice, power and influence on every level, in every state. Membership
We would like to say Thank you! to all of our wonderful members, without whom Renewal

we could not do all that we do. 2D Homes
ABC Supply
American Momentum Bank
BCR Realtors
BCS Regional Assoc of Realtors
Brazos County Abstract Co.
BV Floor & Design
Bryan Broadcasting
CGM Homes
Chapman's Paint Company
James Hardie Building Products
Stylecraft Builders
Suddenlink Media
Surety Contractors, Inc.
Texas Commercial Waste
Thompson Custom Homes

STICKS & BRICKS | 15 Pending

Cancellations

Amy Supak
Bayer Homes
CRC Cabinets
Hancock Homes
Handy Homes
Norris Contracting Services
Seigert Heating & Air

www.gbvbuilders.org

21

BUILDERS, REMODELERS, ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Your annual membership dues gives you access to three legs of the builders association; National Association of

Home Builders, Texas Association of Builders and the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association.  Your

membership also entitles you to many benefits that could more than pay for your annual dues.

Need assistance or have a question; Contact Phyllis Fukuda, GBVBA Member Services Coordinator at

[email protected] or by calling 979­696­0272.

STICKS & BRICKS | 13 www.gbvbuilders.org

Development News

   27             $ 5M            27             $5M           21          $ 4.1M
   73             $11.1M         73          $11.1M        84          $16.7M
    100           $16.1M       100          $16.1M      105         $20.8M
 

    523             303           305          232             45              17

City of College Station—JANUARY 2016  Population Estimate 106,541
City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month

City Council Workshop begins at 5:30 pm, regular meeting at 7 pm Planning & Zoning meets on the 1st and
3rd Thursday at 7 pm

City of Bryan—2013 Census Number 78,709 citizens
City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 3:30 pm

Planning & Zoning meets 1st and 3rd Thursday
Workshop at 5:00 pm, Regular at 6:00 pm

Building & Standards Commission meets on the 4th Monday at 6:00 pm

College Station is accepting applications for the Impact Fee Advisory Committee.  Applications are due to the
City Secretary by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23.  Council will make appointments to this committee at

the March 31 Council meeting.  Please contact the office if you would like the application. 

STICKS & BRICKS | 14 www.gbvbuilders.org

Greater Brazos Valley Builders
Association
230 Southwest Pkwy East

,College Station Texas 77840