We are the Rochester Home Builders’ Association, so naturally we support homeownership for all Americans. And we do still believe that homeownership is the American Dream. But there are some threats to homeownership that are unprecedented you should be aware of.
Homeownership’s importance to local, state and national economies is well documented. But legislative and regulatory proposals now under consideration would greatly harm home owners, home buyers, the housing market and the nation’s economy.
Be informed. Visit www.ProtectHomeownership.com or visit these links to join social media communities on Facebook.com/ProtectHomeownership and Twitter.com/4Homeownership.
Speak up before it’s too late. Spread the word.
Embarking on a home remodeling project is an exciting and creative process. When considering your home remodel, take time to imagine, brainstorm, and plan. Design ideas can be found in lifestyle magazines, online, and from experienced professional remodelers. While researching ideas for your home remodel, think about some of the most popular room requests remodelers receive from customers.
Kitchens
No resource on home remodeling would be complete without a discussion of the most talked about room in the house–your kitchen. You may want to replace aging cabinetry, modernize appliances, update the style of your kitchen, or improve the floor plan for better flow. Today’s home remodelers are experts in creating efficient kitchen layouts.
Bathrooms
Following a remodel, home owners can enjoy a spacious and more lavish bathroom. Possible bathroom elements include modern cabinets, multiple vanities, and differently shaped showers.
Bedrooms
Dreaming of a master bedroom suite? Home remodeling can update cramped and dark bedroom spaces, or refresh a child’s bedroom into a more sophisticated space. Consider these questions:
- What will you use the room for?
- What other types of furniture do you want to include?
- Do you have adequate storage?
- Do you need an office or study space?
- Do you need space for overnight guests?
Other Remodeling Options
Home remodeling projects are practically limitless. Don’t fear creative thinking and soliciting others for advice. Here are some other potential remodeling ideas:
- Home Office — If you’re self-employed or a telecommuter, you may need an efficient office space in your home. Think about the type of work space you need, including equipment, meeting space, furniture, lighting, and your preferred working conditions.
- Vacation or Second Home — You may want to turn a weekend retreat into a more permanent residence. What type of renovation work needs to be done to create a comfortable living environment year-round?
- Recreation Areas — Home owners are increasingly interested in spaces for recreation and socializing. Do you want to add a home theater, exercise room, library, sound system, or other features to enjoy recreationally?
- Closets and Storage — When you assess your need for storage, look beyond closets. Every room in your house has the potential to deliver needed organization and structure. Maximizing all your space will help manage your storage needs.
- Household Systems — Home owners are increasingly remodeling to improve energy efficiency. Traffic flow and floor plan improvements are another popular consideration. And others remodel to install security systems.
- Remodeling for Accessibility — One reason for remodeling is the need to make room for an aging family member or person with a disability. Consider the needs of the individual, talk with them, and investigate solutions using universal design.
There is an RHBA member professional for every remodeling project you can dream up! A number of our member remodelers have earned designations from the National Association of Home Builders. Check out the designation directory online and look for Certified Graduate Remodelers and Certified Aging in Place Specialists for starters. Get your project started today!
This article provided by NAHB. For more information visit our website or www.nahb.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Improving Markets Index: Rochester, NY MSA
NAHB recently unveiled an index that tracks housing markets on the mend, the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI). The IMI is intended to draw attention to the fact that housing markets are local and that there are metropolitan areas where economic recovery is underway. The index measures three readily available monthly data series that are independently collected and are indicative of improving economic health. The three are employment, house prices and single family housing permit growth.
For the seventh release 101 markets are currently classified as improving under a conservative examination of local economic and housing market conditions. Among these areas is the Rochester, NY metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
The health of the Rochester housing market is due to its highly skilled workforce and diversified economy. Rochester is not only a large regional healthcare center but also benefits substantially from the presence of the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of technology. Moreover, because of the substantial amount of local imaging and optical research, many start-up firms in those areas deliberately choose to locate here. Finally, Rochester is the headquarters of expanding regional and national firms like Wegman’s Food Markets and Paychex.
According to home builder David Riedman, President of Riedman Development Corporation, “new high-tech firms are what makes Rochester special. High paying jobs in lasers, lenses, wireless communications, nanoparticles and more is what has allowed us to do surprisingly well.” He went on to say that “executives and senior managers are moving their families here and more often than not these households not only want nice housing but because of the dearth of inventory that means new housing.”
Comparing 2010 American Community Survey data for Rochester to the US offers strong evidence that Rochester is doing well and some insight into why. The unemployment rate is about 2.5 percentage point lower in Rochester than in the rest of the country, and the percentage of persons employed in manufacturing and in educational and healthcare services are 35 percent and 33 percent higher respectively than the national average. Because the local economy is doing well, the number of vacant housing units, be they owner-occupied units or rental units, is 30 percent lower than what it is for the nation as a whole and the percentage of owner-occupied units stands at 68.5% versus 65.4% for the entire country. Lastly, the percentage of persons with a bachelor’s degree or higher is about 20 percent higher in Rochester than it is for the rest of the US. Part of the reason for this is that the percentage of the population with a graduate or professional degree is almost 40% higher in Rochester than it is nationally.
According to Scott Fields, President of Matthews and Fields Lumber Company, “our house prices never rose like they did in many places and thus have not fallen either and as a result, few have lost money on their home. In part it is because there was little if any increase in spec building back on ’04, ’05 and ’06 and in part it’s due to Yankee frugality.” Whatever the cause, house prices have held up well over the past few years. Prices are up 4.7% since the trough in March 2011 and have now surpassed the previous high set in August 2009.
Improving economic conditions have resulted in payroll employment being down just 0.5% from its 10-year high in July 2008 and up by 3.3% since the trough in September 2009. Single family permitting activity is up 2.7% on a seasonally adjusted monthly average basis from the trough set in March 2011. While new homes are being built in many parts of the Rochester MSA, activity has been primarily centered in the towns of Greece, Henrietta, and Penfield in Monroe County as well as southeast of Rochester in the Town of Farmington and the Town of Victor, both of which are in Ontario County. There has also been a small but noticeable pick-up in multifamily activity in downtown Rochester.
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The Rochester Home Builders’ Association (RHBA) has nearly 400 business members. Incorporated in 1934 the Rochester Home Builders’ Association is one of the original eight associations that helped to form the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Washington, D.C. Seventy five years later NAHB has more than 800 chapters across the country, and the Rochester Home Builders’ Association is one of the strongest and most active of the 16 chapters in New York State. The RHBA is a trade association of home builders, remodelers, general contractors, trades, suppliers, lending institutions and many other businesses that support the building and remodeling industries. Find out more at www.rochesterhomebuilders.com.
Rochester Home Builders’ Association § 20 Wildbriar Road, Suite D § Rochester, New York 14623
Phone: 585-272-8222 § Fax: 585-272-8206 § www.RochesterHomeBuilders.com
There’s nothing like spring in Rochester. That’s because we appreciate it so much! Even though it was a very mild winter for us, it’s still those spring flowers and budding trees that get us excited! It’s spring time! Time to get outside, spruce up the yard, clean stuff. I don’t know about you, but exploring all of th e exhibits at The Home & Garden Show sure put me in the mood to start digging… hammering… painting… anything outside! (Even if it might require a heavy sweater most days)
We want to hear from you! What is your spring project? Inside, outside… it doesn’t matter. We want to know what other Rochesterians are doing around their homes and yards! Post photos. We love photos! We look forward to hearing from you!
We hope you were among the many thousands of people that were able to attend The Home & Garden Show this past weekend at the Convention Center. The 250+ exhibitors out did themselves with fantastic displays and exhibits. The exhibitors provided home owners with expert information and a variety of products no matter what the project or job was they had in mind. What a great way to see all of the latest in home building, remodeling and improvement all in one place!
And of course the outdoor living exhibits were popular as always. Whether its pools, spas, patios, grills, or garden ideas you were looking for, there was a ton of great stuff to see at the show. The culinary demonstrations, seminars, and wine tastings were a big hit and helped to make it more of an ‘experience’. Even the kids had a great time in the Wegman activity area!
The ‘hidden benefit’ of the show is the boost to the area’s economy. Whether it’s necessary repairs to your home you are doing this spring, or perhaps that much awaited new patio project, it generates business. Generating business helps the local economy and that helps our entire community. So, again, we thank you.
Check back soon to view photos from this year’s show and mark your calendars for March 23rd and 24th of 2013 for the next Home & Garden Show at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center!
The Home & Garden Show at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center is by far the most anticipated show of the season! Sure – there are more than 200 exhibits with absolutely everything for your home & yard, but there so much more to see and do at The Home & Garden Show! You can get a look at all of the exhibitors at www.thehomeandgardenshow.com
Back by popular demand are the live culinary demonstrations on stage! Ten area Chefs will produce one of their favorite dishes right before your eyes! And there are seminars each day – one each day focuses on your garden, and then there are two more seminars each day focused on decorating and design! You can’t miss those.
 And what to do in between times…. Yes, please do stroll the aisle and get great new ideas and inspiration for your home and yard, but how about a tasting from a local winery? This year our guest wineries will greet you at the top of the grand staircase! (Might want to bring your wallet, they’ll even sell you bottles to take home with you!) And of course this year’s Interior Design Showcase will again feature professionals from AIDP who have decorated room vignettes for great home decorating ideas!
Have the kids with you? Stop for face painting and magic, and be sure to visit Wegmans kid’s activities too. Wegmans is joining The Home & Garden Show this year and will have great displays and activities to offer.
And don’t forget to check the schedule for the visits from Dan Eaton of Time Warner’s Cooking at Homes and Mike O’Brian, The Getaway Guy!
Oh, there’s more… but you’ll have to visit The Show to see it all!! Go to www.thehomeandgardenshow.com to see all the schedules and activities, and check back just before the show for last minute updates and additions! Be sure to purchase advance tickets at Wegmans for $6, or get the $2 coupon online to present at the gate. See you at The Home & Garden Show!
Since we love education at the RHBA – the opportunity to expand our minds… we thought we would share this with you. Let’s face it. How many of you have gone to a great seminar or education program – or even a motivational talk, and been so pumped up only to let all that knowledge and enthusiasm waste away? Here’s some advice from Dennis DuRoff. (Visit him at www.dennisduroff.com )
Education – Maximize your ROI
Over the past decade and a half, I have had the privilege of coaching and working with some of this country’s best and brightest small business owners. Whether large companies or small, these entrepreneurs share a common commitment to education. They seek constant improvement in themselves and their companies.
Unfortunately, many who attend expensive out-of-town seminars and workshops learn new strategies but fail to execute them. Enthusiasm is not the problem. During the seminars, attendees harvest new ideas and can’t wait to put them into action. But, upon their return, they are swept-up by the daily grind and their best-laid plans begin to fade.
In failing to execute their plans, dollars and valuable time are lost.
Here are several strategies I use with clients to help insure they maximize their educational R.O.I.
Commit to your staff before the seminar— The purpose of this step is to make a public commitment to a course of action. Promises to ourselves are easily broken. Promise to others and the likelihood of keeping our word increases.
Before you leave town, let the staff know that you plan to conduct a “debrief” for them upon your return. Tell them you will review what you learned and exchange ideas on how to implement the new strategies into the business.
Create a list of campaign candidates– While at the conference, at the end of each day, invest a few minutes and review your notes. Highlight the key points and begin a list of strategies and ideas that would add value to your business.
Prioritize your list—If you breeze through airport security on your way home, invest the dead time to prioritize your list of topics. This can be done on the flight home as well. The object is to identify and commit to a list of campaigns before you get back to the office.
Pick your top three candidates—Go through your list and think “implementation”. You may have a long list of great ideas that you just can’t wait to implement. Don’t let your enthusiasm sabotage your results. It is better to get one system in place than it is to start ten that do not get executed. Limit yourself to three top systems and commit to put them in action.
Debrief your staff—As promised, hold a meeting and share your enthusiasm for what you learned and what you’ve committed to implement. If you have a great plan of attack, share it with your staff. A better strategy might be to ask staff what would be the best possible way to put this strategy into action in your business. When employees take part in system creation, buy-in becomes much easier.
Follow up—Don’t stop now! Once your ideas are implemented, make sure they are producing the desired result and continue to innovate them to improve performance.
The time and energy you invest in education can only be justified by the results produced in your business. Put these strategies in place to maximize your education R.O.I.
Warmest regards,
Dennis DuRoff
More than 65 RHBA members made the trip to Orlando this February to take advantage of the more than 165 educational programs and hundreds of exhibits showcasing the latest in building/remodeling materials.
We are very fortunate to have such a supportive and active membership here in the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region. There are more than 600 like associations nationwide – all affiliated with NAHB – the National Association of Home Builders. But we would dare to say that the Rochester Home Builders’ Association was one of the best represented at the show of any other affiliate across the county. That says a lot about our members in so many ways.
Our members are the professionals in the industry who are interested in the latest and greatest in building materials and techniques – and they also take advantage of the opportunity to attend seminars and increase their professional knowledge.
If you are considering a remodeling project, need home improvements, or want to build your dream home, look to a member of the RHBA!
For pictures of some of the ‘after hours’ networking from the show, visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RochesterHomeBuilders
The Rochester Home Builders’ Association partnered with the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association yesterday to present the Economic Outlook Breakfast held at Locust Hill Country Club. More than 230 people attended this event. Mr. Joel Seligman, President of the University of Rochester, and Mr. Gary Keith, Vic President and Regional Economist for M&T Bank were Guest Speakers.
More on the event can be found at this YNN News link and on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RochesterHomeBuilders
  
The Rochester Home Builders’ Association and the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® gave their combined press release this past Thursday. Both the builders and the Realtors are optimistic about 2012. Consumer confidence is up, and that’s what is needed to get the economy back on track! Read on….
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 20, 2012
For More Information Contact:
Rick Herman, Chief Executive Officer
585-272-8222
585-230-8677 (Cell)
rick@rochesterhomebuilders.com
Local Builders Optimistic
Rochester, NY – January 20, 2012 – Despite a lower number of houses being built in 2011, most area builders are upbeat.
“We are only off by a few permits and most of our builders are seeing good activity in their model homes and spec homes,” said Dan Viola, 2011 Chairman of the Rochester Home Builders’ Association and President of Viola Homes. “Good weather this fall and early winter has helped bring in potential new buyers,” Viola added.
The Rochester Home Builders’ Association today released its year end totals for 2011 building permits. There was a slight decrease of only 31 permits or 4% in Monroe County. Ontario County had a higher decrease of 69 building permits, and Wayne County was even with 2011. The total number of residential building permits in the three counties was 1020 for single family and the multifamily homes total was 361, for a total of 1381 new residential units.
“We are seeing some changes in the housing market,” said Rick Herman, Chief Executive Officer of the Rochester Home Builders’ Association. “The area of the market where we see the most interest is in the ‘downsizing market’.” Herman added, “Homes are being designed smaller today than in the past, and the empty nester’s are looking at all the advantages of a new home and decide to build.”
“I spoke with many of my peers this past year, and everyone is optimistic. Some builders have had their best years because they have been in the right location, building the right product and at the right price,” said Viola.
The Rochester region has been highlighted many times this past year as being a leader in the housing market and the builders remain optimistic for the future in our region.
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For more information, read the article from the Democrat & Chronicle,
or the Rochester Business Journal.
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