The official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association Vol. 36, No.

10,
October 2009

NCHBA enjoys
legislative success
What’s new in building systems
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Features
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V ol . 39, N o . 9, O ctober 2009 The official magazine of the

North Carolina
Home Builders Association 2005 Communicator Award Winner

Dedicated to the advancement of the home building industry,

North Carolina Builder (ISSN 1552-8685) is published
monthly for the members of the North Carolina Home Builders
Association, P.O. Box 99090, Raleigh, N.C. 27624-9090.
(800) 662-7129 • http://www.nchba.com
Mike Carpenter
Executive Vice President mcarpenter@nchba.org
and General Counsel
Lisa Martin
Director of Government Affairs lmartin@nchba.org
To be named
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Robert Privott
Director of Codes and Construction rprivott@nchba.org
Jessica Hayes
Director of Political Affairs jhayes@nchba.org
4 14 Kathryn Atkinson
Director of Membership Services katkinson@nchba.org
Deborah Alford
Director of Exhibitions dalford@nchba.org
Budget dominated session but industry prevailed on most issues 4 and Education
Because of the wide range of issues affecting home builders, no other trade association is impacted by Tracie Garrett
Director of Exhibitor Services tgarrett@nchba.org
as many bills as NCHBA. Despite the challenge of staying abreast of 531 bills, when the 2009 General
Kep Paylor
Assembly finally adjourned, it was clear that NCHBA had achieved most of its legislative goals. Vocational Education kpaylor@nchba.org
Linda Hall
NCHBA’s top legislative issues 10 Controller lhall@nchba.org
Erin Jones
Find out at a glance what ranked among the top issues to the building industry during the 2009 legislative Manager of ejones@nchba.org
session. Political Operations
Heather Crews
Director of Communications hcrews@nchba.org
Building systems continue to carve niche 14 and Managing Editor
Find out what building systems manufacturers are offering in this issue’s product roundup. To be named
Assistant Education Coordinator
Beth Gray
NCHBECF lends students a helping hand 18 Receptionist bgray@nchba.org
Five students have been awarded scholarship assistance from the North Carolina Home Builders Educational
Advertising Sales Executive Sharon Freeman
& Charitable Foundation (NCHBECF). (888) 364-5271
freemanfour4@cox.net
Graphic Designer Paige Takach

Contents
Publisher Association Publishing Inc.
www.associationpublishinginc.com
Sandra Amidon and Joyce Hearn, APR (757) 420-2434

Acceptance of advertising in North Carolina Builder does not

imply endorsement of the product or service by NCHBA. Opinions
2. President’s Message expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted
and not necessarily those of NCHBA, nor does
4. Capitol Insider mention of specific products in editorial content
imply endorsement by NCHBA. No material may
be reproduced for further publication without the
18. Build-Pac Contributors express permission of the association.
North Carolina Builder is published for the
16. Knowledge Builder principals and employees of all member firms of
the North Carolina Home Builders Association Affiliated with the
19. Spike of the Month and its receipt is included in the membership fee. National Association
of Home Builders.
North Carolina Builder is published monthly except
20. NCHBA News for January. Since the mailing list used by North Carolina Builder is
compiled according to membership records, address corrections
should be directed to your local association. Nonmember subscrip-
tions are available from the publisher for $30 a year. Dues paid to
NCHBA are not deductible as charitable contributions for income
tax purposes. However, they may be deductible as ordinary and
necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as
On the cover: a result of association lobbying activities. NCHBA estimates that
the nondeductible portion of your 2009 dues — the portion that is
Gov. Perdue signs the permit extension bill into law, while Mike Carpenter, Jessica Hayes, Frank Wiesner and Lisa Martin look on. allocable to lobbying — is 28 percent.
(Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor.)

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   1

 2009 NCHBA President’s Message
Leadership by Frank Wiesner, 2009 NCHBA President

A year of growth and survival

President
Frank Wiesner

President-Elect

Lyle Gardner
First Vice President
Bill Daleure
Secretary/Treasurer
Rick Shields
Executive Vice President
Mike Carpenter
Immediate Past President
& NAHB Executive Committee
State Representative
Ray Rhodes
NAHB Executive Committee
Rick Judson
Vice President, Region I
Patrick Mann
Vice President, Region II
Glenn Morrison
Vice President, Region III
Barry Tutor
Vice President, Region IV
Ralph Doggett
Vice President, Region V
Jackie Trinchitella
Vice President, Region VI
Brian Robinett
Vice President, Region VII
Erik Anderson
Vice President, Region VIII
Darrel Hamilton
Vice President, Region IX
Kevin Annas
Vice President, Region X
Zac Koenig
Presidential Appointee
Elizabeth Cubler
Presidential Appointee
Larry Howard
Presidential Appointee
Mike Gerber
Chair,
Associate Members Committee
Tammie Smoot
President, EO/ES Council
Caroline Sutton
President,
Professional Women in Building
Tammie Smoot
2   North Carolina Builder
W
hen we look back on 2009, I believe we can agree that this year will be indelibly
burned into our memories as a year that, for most of us, has tested our abilities and
preparedness to deal with many difficult circumstances. I know that I will never
forget 2009, as it has certainly been a year that I have encountered opportunities for
growth in all aspects of my life.
My wife, Laura, and I recently celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary,
and we were the guests of our McDowell, Mitchell & Yancey HBA for our
anniversary dinner at the HBA’s monthly meeting. First, let me state that my
wife has enthusiastically supported my work representing you, our NCHBA
membership, in my travels and time away from home over the past few years but
especially this year.
Before you feel sorry for her and angry
Wiesner I have recognized that
at me for dragging her around the state on
survival in all areas of
such an important day in our lives (or perhaps you are thinking
I forgot it was my anniversary and scheduled the meeting and our lives requires good
couldn’t get out of it), shame on you for thinking such things! and wise decisions, a
I scheduled the meeting as an anniversary gift for my wife … willingness to learn
as we had delivered our youngest daughter to Appalachian State
from our mistakes, and
University to begin her freshman year a week or so before.
As I had scheduled this August meeting in Marion back in sometimes having to let
May, I had made a decision that proved wise in the end. I thought go of things that have
that our little girl would be ready for a visit from Mom and Dad become a big part of
and the HBA meeting gave us a great excuse to be in the Boone
our lives.
area.While the decision was right, I was wrong. It was definitely
Mom and Dad who were in desperate need of a visit. As we
made the drive from Marion to Boone that evening, I reflected back on the many experiences of
this past year that I will only go through once in my life.
I had the experience of grilling my daughter’s first official “boyfriend.” While I was striving
for, in culinary terms, a “well-done crisp,” I believe I fell short and settled for “medium-well.” I also
experienced the emotion of my little girl’s heart being broken for the first time by this same boy. I
saw the pain that for so many years I was able to protect her from, but I knew inside she needed to
experience this pain. There will be other boys, and I will be better next time in my grilling, partly
because I have seen the pain.
We also saw our little girl graduate from high school. Laura and I passed into a new phase of
our lives that we felt was way premature, as we are too young to feel this old. I realized that our
daughter was prepared for this phase of her life even if we weren’t. Then came the week we took
her to Boone and moved her into a dorm and had to make the long, lonely drive home that was
reminiscent of her first day of kindergarten since both days included tears, sadness and separation.
I am happy to report that Amanda is doing well and her parents are getting a little better each day
knowing that we did our best to prepare her to make good and wise decisions as she embarks on
the journey of her own life.
Through it all, I have grown this year and seen many parallels in my endeavor to survive the
“pain” that life brings. I have recognized that survival in all areas of our lives requires good and wise
decisions, a willingness to learn from our mistakes, and sometimes having to let go of things that
have become a big part of our lives. Amanda will always be my little girl and while I know I have
to let her go to become the woman she will become, I am very thankful for our many HBAs in the
western part of North Carolina that can give Laura and I an excuse to be driving through Boone
for a quick visit.
Frank
October 2009
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October 2009 North Carolina Builder   3

 Capitol Insider
by Lisa Martin, NCHBA Director of Government Affairs
2009 legislative session successful for NCHBA
despite economic challenges
T
he North Carolina General Assembly
adjourned just after noon on Tuesday,
Aug. 11, bringing to a close a very
challenging and, at least on budget issues,
contentious session. The NCHBA Government
Affairs staff was present
for every day of the 2009
session, working to protect
the interests of the home
building industry.
While the state budget
dominated committee
Martin discussions and news reports,
other battles waged. Issues such as annexation, a
smoking ban in public places, public campaign
financing, changes to the Beach Plan, a ban
on texting while driving, railroad corridor
management, bullying in schools, revision of
public school sex-ed curriculum and procedural
changes to cases involving the death penalty were
some of the hot topics deliberated by General
Assembly members over the seven-month
session.
A total of 2,767 bills were introduced in
both the House and Senate. Because of the
wide range of issues affecting home builders, no
other trade association is impacted by as many
bills as NCHBA. Of the bills introduced this
session, 531, or 19 percent, affected or had the
potential to affect the residential construction
industry. Despite this challenge, when the
General Assembly finally adjourned, it was clear
that NCHBA had achieved most of its legislative
goals.
The 2009 session was both an offensive
and a defensive struggle. NCHBA’s Legislative
Committee, under the leadership of Chairman
Eric Beaver, directed staff to oppose any measure
that would adversely affect the home building
industry. As a result, most of the bills opposed
by NCHBA were stopped or amended to make
them acceptable. More importantly, NCHBA
was successful on offense as all of our proactive
priorities for 2009 were enacted or remain
eligible for consideration in 2010. In spite of
the economic downturn and a “nonbusiness-
friendly” atmosphere, NCHBA achieved
more success than any other industry or trade
association.
Topping the list of NCHBA’s successes are
two bills that directly affect builder members.
Legislation that extends state and local permits,
4   North Carolina Builder
Rep. Margaret Dickson (D-Cumberland) poses
with HBA of Fayetteville Executive Officer Natalie
Woodbury. Rep. Dickson was the primary sponsor of
the builder inventory tax deferral bill.
and legislation that defers property tax on builder
inventory both passed and were signed into law
by the Governor.
In addition, NCHBA was able to enact
legislation that:
• requires cities, counties and sanitary districts
to provide electronic notice of fee increases
prior to their consideration;
• clarifies the law regarding appeals of quasi-
judicial land-use decisions;
• makes acceptable changes to the N.C. Beach
Plan; and
• provides relief from costly, burdensome water
quality requirements in the Jordan Lake
watershed.
NCHBA also supported an appropriation
of $10 million to the Housing Trust Fund and
positioned several bills for enactment in 2010.
NCHBA priority bills eligible in 2010 include
bills to stop moratoria abuse and to limit
developer responsibility for street and highway
construction.
In addition to a proactive agenda, NCHBA
was successful on defense:
• stopping requirements for photoelectric
smoke detectors,
• stopping requirements for builders to use the
federal E-verify system,
• vigorously opposing two bills authorizing
use of tax dollars for campaign financing,
• opposing four workers’ compensation bills
that would have significantly increased the
cost of workers’ compensation premiums,
• opposing a minimum wage increase,
• opposing bills that would establish a state
green building code and legislation that
would allow local governments to enact
their own energy codes,
• opposing bills banning mobile phone use
while driving, and
• stopping local bills authorizing liberal
adoption of tree ordinance, transfer of
development rights and county authority to
collect additional fees to fund cultural arts
and recreation facilities.
The success of NCHBA’s 2009 legislative
session would not have been possible without
the strong support of many individual legislators
in both chambers who defended the interests of
the home building industry on a variety of issues.
Highlights of the session are included in the
chart appearing on page 12 entitled, “Top 2009
Legislative Issues.” The following summarizes
the highlights of NCHBA’s efforts during the
2009 session by category of interest.
Building code legislation
NCHBA has consistently fought attempts by
the General Assembly to unnecessarily amend the
State Building Code. NCHBA works to develop
and support cost-effective and affordable building
codes, standards, regulations and legislation.
While safety is our top priority, legislation must
be examined according to a cost-benefit analysis
and for practicality.
NCHBA worked with Rep. Jean Farmer-
Butterfield (D-Wilson) and staff from the N.C.
Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) to craft HB 1151 Residential
Lead-Based Paint Hazards/Renovations
(enacted as S.L. 2009-488), which establishes
a state program for certification of persons
performing renovation work in homes where
lead-based paint is present. NCHBA received
assurances from DHHS that the fees authorized
in this bill are considerably less than the federal
program, and following the recommendation
of the NCHBA Regulatory Affairs Committee,
NCHBA supported a state certification program
as opposed to a federal one.
NCHBA vigorously opposed HB 1125
Require Photoelectric Smoke Detectors,
which would require photoelectric smoke
detectors to be used in new or renovated homes
or when homes are sold. Using information
October 2009
provided by NCHBA Director of Codes and
Construction Robert Privott, NCHBA was able
to convince the bill sponsor to remove the bill
from committee consideration this session.
NCHBA supported HB 749 Use of
Cisterns in Construction/Renovation
(enacted as S.L. 2009-243), introduced by Rep.
Kelly Alexander (D-Mecklenburg). This bill
directs the state Building Code Council to adopt
rules allowing the use of cisterns for flushing
toilets and for outdoor irrigation.
NCHBA also supported HB 1409 Building
Code Exclusion/Certain Wiring (enacted
as S.L. 2009-532), introduced by Rep. Carolyn
Justice (R-Pender).The bill provides that a permit
shall not be required for repair or replacement
of electrical lighting fixtures or devices or for
the connection of an existing branch circuit to
an electric water heater that is being replaced,
provided that the replacement water heater is
placed in the same location and is of the same
or less capacity and electrical rating as the
original and that the electrical lighting device
replacement is with a fixture or device having
the same voltage and the same or less amperage
as the original.
Construction and
business legislation
NCHBA is made up primarily of small
business owners; therefore, the association is
concerned about the wide range of issues that
face the business community in general.NCHBA
is particularly concerned about issues that are
unique to the construction industry, including
containing the cost of workers’ compensation
insurance and other insurance-related issues.
Home building requires a well-trained and
readily available workforce, which NCHBA
believes should be addressed through improved
education and vocational training. Continuing
education/accreditation and licensure issues are
also important to our members.
Five workers’ compensation bills were
introduced this session and NCHBA opposed
four of the five. Bills opposed would have
significantly increased premiums for builders and
were bad for small business in general. NCHBA
opposed the following bills: HB 805 Workers’
Comp/Calculation of Income introduced
by Rep. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland), which
would have counted an employer’s contributions
to an employee’s retirement account in the
calculation of “average weekly wage”; HB
843 Workers’ Comp/Medical Diagnostic
Testing introduced by Rep. Darren Jackson
(D-Wake), which carries a high potential for
abuse as it would require the employee’s physician
to choose the provider of diagnostic services; SB
781 Workers’ Comp/Choice of Physician
October 2009
introduced by Sen. Doug Berger (D-Franklin)
that would allow the employee to choose their
physician regardless of cost; and SB 930 Workers’
Comp/Firefighter Occupational Diseases
introduced by Sen. Doug Berger (D-Franklin)
that would create a presumption that certain
infectious diseases, hypertension, heart disease
and certain cancers are occupational diseases
for firefighters and are covered by the Workers’
Compensation Act. The latter bill would set a
bad precedent for later workers’ compensation
claims. None of these bills made the crossover
deadline, thus they are presumed ineligible for
consideration in the short session.
The one workers’compensation bill supported
by NCHBA and other business interests was
introduced in the House by Rep. Bruce Goforth
(D-Buncombe) and in the Senate by Sen. Tom
Apodaca (R-Henderson). The bill, HB 1022/
SB 975 Workers’ Comp/Duration of Total
Disability, would limit an employee entitled to
receive disability compensation services to either
65 years of age or 300 weeks from the date of
injury, whichever is longer. While NCHBA and
a coalition of business interests worked hard to
advance the House bill, it was re-referred to
the House Judiciary II Committee right before
the crossover deadline; thus, it is technically not
eligible for consideration next year. However, a
provision in HB 945 The Studies Act of 2009
authorizes a Legislative Research Commission
(LRC) study of the issues related to the duration
of compensation for temporary total disability.
The LRC may recommend legislation, and thus
a similar bill could be introduced and would be
eligible in the short session.
One highly contentious bill, HB 1305
Beach Plan Changes, (enacted as S.L. 2009-
472), introduced by Rep. Hugh Holliman
(D-Davidson), took a number of twists and
turns during the session. The topic of Beach
Plan stabilization was examined by a select
Sen. Dan Clodfelter (D-Mecklenburg) (center) meets
with constituents Tom Pearson, Bill Daleure and Rick
and Cathy Judson. Sen. Clodfelter sponsored the
permit extension bill in the Senate.
committee consisting of coastal and other
legislators and insurance industry representatives.
The committee met bimonthly after the close
of the 2007-2008 session and crafted a series of
recommendations that were subsequently put
into legislation.
Following the recommendation of NCHBA’s
Legislative Committee, as the bill moved through
the House Insurance and House Finance
committees, we were able to amend the bill
more favorably and the bill passed second and
third reading in the House by a large margin.
HB 1305 finally was heard in the assigned Senate
committee in the last few days of session. As in
the House, HB 1305 pitted legislators from the
east against legislators from the west.
In the Senate, NCHBA worked on the
last remaining issue, the cap on coverage. The
House approved lowering the existing coverage
limit of $1.5 million to $750,000, which was
the recommendation of the select committee.
NCHBA vigorously opposed this reduction.
The Senate Commerce Committee raised
the coverage limit to $1 million, but when
the bill was on the Senate floor for a vote, an
amendment was proposed by Sen. Phil Berger
(R-Rockingham) that put the limit back to the
$750,000 approved by the House. In spite of
lobbying by NCHBA and the North Carolina
Association of Realtors, the lower limit imposed
in the House was restored.
Overall, NCHBA was able to successfully
amend the bill to incorporate the NCHBA
Legislative Committee’s recommendations into
the final bill.The final bill requires:
• the accumulated surplus of the Beach Plan
be retained;
• locks surcharges in at the current rate of
5 percent for wind and hail coverage and
15 percent for full homeowners policies
(not applicable to dwelling and commercial
(See CAPITOL INSIDER on page 6)
North Carolina Builder   5
Capitol Insider
(continued from page 5)
policies);
• states that the higher Beach Plan deductible
(1 percent statewide) applies only if there is a
named storm event;
• applies mitigation credits to both the Beach
Plan and the voluntary market;
• enacts a payment installment plan;
• reduces maximum contents coverage to
40 percent of the replacement value of
the structure (currently 70 percent) and a
corresponding premium decrease; and
• authorizes the member companies to be
assessed up to $1 billion in the event that
losses to the Beach Plan exceed available
surplus, reinsurance and other funding
sources, followed by a “catastrophe recovery
charge” not to exceed 10 percent of the
annual policy premium on policies written
statewide.
In addition, there were significant
accountability/disclosure requirements added
such as a study of all aspects of the Beach Plan’s
operation and the insurance ratemaking process,
annual audits, public notice for an increase in
rates and to evaluate and revise rate territories
to provide more fairness in the establishment of
rates.
NCHBA strongly supports maintenance and
expansion of vocational education programs
across the state. As such, HB 1176 Reorganize
Schools with High Dropout Rate introduced by
Rep. Lorene Coates (D-Rowan) was supported
by NCHBA.This bill would require local school
boards to reorganize high schools that have a
graduation rate of less than 60 percent for two
6   North Carolina Builder
consecutive years. This would include adding
career clusters with work experience courses and
technical training. This bill remains eligible for
consideration in the short session.
NCHBA also joined a coalition of business
interests to work on bills that affect business
in general and small business specifically. An
important bill to businesses across the state is
HB 813 Uniform Apportionment of Tort
Responsibility introduced by Rep. Rick
Glazier (D-Cumberland).This bill would replace
the current use of contributory negligence with
a system of comparative fault in personal injury
cases.While there is a trend nationwide for using
comparative fault, the concern is the additional
cost to small businesses for liability protection.
This bill passed the House and is eligible for
Senate consideration in the short session.
NCHBA was instrumental in defeating a
proposal that would require all employers to use
the federal E-Verify system. SB 32 Employers
Must Use Federal E-Verify Program
introduced by Sen. John Snow (D-Cherokee)
failed to receive a favorable report from the
Senate Appropriations Committee, due in large
part, to NCHBA’s work on the bill. NCHBA
opposed the bill, not for what it attempted to
do, but because the federal E-Verify system as
it exists today is unreliable. NCHBA asked the
sponsor to phase in the E-Verify requirement for
small businesses, to provide liability protection
in case the system gave an incorrect response,
and to delay implementation until the federal
government established a firm policy on
immigration. The sponsor was willing to work
with NCHBA and other business groups, but
only to make changes to the bill when it crossed
over to the House. Many Senators had concerns
Mike Carpenter, Rick Judson, Sen. David Hoyle
(D-Gaston), Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton
(D-Rutherford), and Lucille Dalton pause for a photo.
about the bill, and consequently, the bill did not
get out of the Senate.
Additionally, NCHBA opposed three bills
related to public financing of elections because
they are an ill-advised use of tax dollars and could
be a restriction on free speech. Neither SB 938
Municipal Public Campaigns introduced
by Sen. Don Davis (D-Greene) nor SB 966
Expand Voter-Owned Elections introduced
by Sen. Martin Nesbitt (D-Buncombe) were
reported favorably out of their respective
Senate committees. However, HB 120 Public
Municipal Campaigns did pass the House and
remains eligible for consideration. NCHBA will
continue to watch for and oppose all efforts to
expand public campaign financing.
Environment and
land-use legislation
When considering environmental protection
measures, NCHBA urges lawmakers to consider
economic costs as well as environmental
benefits; urges environmental agencies to base
requirements on sound science; supports just and
timely compensation to private property owners
when land acquisition or restriction is necessary;
and prevails upon agencies to remain within
their statutory authority when making rules. It is
important to recognize that growth is absolutely
necessary for a healthy economy.
In spite of the recent economic downturn,
North Carolina is still growing, albeit more
slowly than in the past. Builders respond to
housing demand—we do not create the market.
NCHBA supports planning and broad-based
funding for infrastructure improvements and also
supports the revitalization of older suburban and
inner-city housing markets.
One of the highlights of this session was
the passage of SB 831 Extend Certain
Development Approvals introduced at
NCHBA’s request by Sen. Dan Clodfelter
(D-Mecklenburg). The bill extends certain
permits, certifications and approvals at both the
state and local level until at least Dec. 31, 2010.
The bill was signed by the Governor on Aug. 5,
2009 and became Session Law 2009-406.
Two additional bills were subsequently passed
that clarify parts of this session law. The first is
SB 838 Amendments to Environmental
Laws 2009 (enacted as S.L. 2009-484), which
adds that a person may voluntarily surrender a
permit that is “resurrected” or extended due
to the passage of SB 831. The second bill, HB
1490 Land Development Permit Changes
(enacted as S.L. 2009 572), (introduced originally
at NCHBA’s request by Rep. Ty Harrell
(D-Wake) as the House companion to SB 831)
contains language that specifies a process for
local governments to follow when the extended
October 2009
Rep. Julia Howard (R-Davie) (sixth), Sen. David Hoyle
(D-Gaston) (seventh), Sen. Jim Forrester (R-Gaston
(sixth from right), Rep. Grey Mills (R-Iredell) (fourth from
right) and Rep. Darrell McCormick (R-Yadkin) (right)
pose for a group picture at NCHBA Legislative Day.

or “resurrected” permits cause a water or sewer

capacity problem.
If awards were given for the most bills in-
troduced on one issue, the winner for the 2009
session would be annexation reform. At least 22
bills, including local and statewide bills, were
introduced for the purpose of changing North
Carolina’s annexation laws. Two statewide and
four local bills proposed annexation moratoria;
four bills required a referendum before the an-
nexation could be completed; four required
proof that the annexing municipality was provid-
ing “meaningful services” to the annexation area;
and the rest were complete overhauls of current
annexation procedures and requirements.
Supporters of annexation reform were vocal
and visible the entire session.Numerous rallies were
held and committee hearings on all the bills were let us help you
grow your
standing-room only.The most contentious issues business .
pertained to involuntary annexations. NCHBA Visit one of
generally supports annexation and supported the these locations :

N.C. League of Municipalities (NCLM) in the

reform provisions they were willing to accept.
Stop Fishing Around.
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704)377-5443 (800)438-5908
Both NCHBA and NCLM opposed all bills Fax(704)376-3559
dealing with annexation referenda. However,
elizabeth City, NC 27909
Once You See Our Products
there were other reforms that were incorporated (252)338-2737 (800)841-0408 You'll be Hooked!
into HB 524 Annexation-Omnibus Changes Fax(252)338-3123

that NCHBA did not oppose. Unfortunately, an Fayetteville, NC 28306

(910)483-3360 (800)542-7448
amendment was added to the bill in committee Fax(910)483-3499 That’s because Norandex Building Materials Distribution
that did require a referendum.The bill is eligible
FletCher, NC 28732 offers builders the largest selection of top name, top quality
for consideration next session, and we will assist (828)654-8953 (888)809-8181
exterior building products.
NCLM in attempting to remove that provision. Fax(828)654-8957

In an effort to curb the abuse of moratoria GreeNsboro, NC 27406 Our name is catching on with leading builders around the
provisions incorporated in the 2005 rewrite (336)273-8681 (800)722-2200
country because we offer value, unmatched service, and
Fax(336)273-0521
of North Carolina’s planning and zoning strongly back every product we sell.
hiCkory, NC 28601
statutes, SB 117 Clarifying Development (828)322-7080 (800)236-5607
Moratoria Authority was introduced by Sen. Fax(828)322-7274
See us for:
David Hoyle (D-Gaston) at NCHBA’s request. SIDING & SOFFIT WINDOWS SKYLIGHTS
New berN, NC 28560
While this bill was opposed by the N.C. League (252)672-8900 (800)548-1610 DOORS STORM PRODUCTS VINYL FENCE
Fax(252)672-8904 GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS SHUTTERS
of Municipalities, the N.C. Association of
County Commissioners and the N.C. Chapter raleiGh, NC 27603 SPECIALTY ROOFING ACCENT PRODUCTS
(919)772-6220 (800)262-1394
of the American Planning Association, it received Fax(919)772-8782
DECK & RAIL MANUFACTURED STONE and MORE!
overwhelming support in the Senate Commerce
rural hall, NC 27045 Norandex. When you hook-up with us you’re landing what
Committee and on the Senate floor. (336)969-2201 (800)633-0842
Fax(336)969-2301
you’ve always wanted in an exterior building
SB 117 simply states that cities and counties
products supplier.
may not use moratoria for the sole purpose wilmiNGtoN, NC 28405
(910)815-0501 (888)868-4695
of writing or adopting plans and ordinances. Fax(910)815-0105
The bill sponsor attempted to calendar the bill
wiNterville, NC 28590
in the House Commerce Committee, but was (252)321-5632 (888)643-0120
informed that Speaker of the House Joe Hackney Fax(252)321-5682

(D-Chatham), presumably at the request of his

home county, put a hold on the bill. It is still www.norandex.com
eligible to be heard next session, and NCHBA
(See CAPITOL INSIDER on page 8)

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   7

Capitol Insider
(continued from page 7)
will work very hard to resolve issues with the
opposing parties and move the bill through the
House.
NCHBA tracked several bills pertaining to
local planning and zoning. SB 44 Appeals of
Quasi-Judicial Land Use Decisions (enacted
as S.L. 2009-421) has been introduced in at least
two previous sessions and sets forth the procedures
for land use permit appeals. NCHBA opposed
the bill in previous sessions, but worked with
the bill sponsor, Sen. Ellie Kinnaird (D-Orange),
and stakeholders to ensure that the rights of
builders and developers were not compromised.
Ultimately, a compromise bill was agreed upon
by all parties, and NCHBA actively supported the
bill as it moved through the House and Senate.
NCHBA also strongly opposed local bills that
would have resulted in extraordinary authority
to regulate land use. The towns of Cornelius,
Davidson and Huntersville attempted to expand
their authority to adopt ordinances regulating
the planting, removal and preservation of trees on
private property in HB 771Towns/Ordinances
Regulating Trees introduced at the towns’
request by Rep. Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg).
NCHBA soundly defeated this bill in the House
Local Government I committee, thus preventing
its eligibility in the short session.
NCHBA opposed two bills granting authority
for Transfer of Development Rights (TDR).
Currituck County requested TDR authority in
HB 954 Currituck Development Rights
introduced by Rep. Bill Owens (D-Currituck)
at the county’s request. NCHBA was successful
in defeating this bill in the House Local
Government II Committee. The second TDR
request came from Chatham County in SB 547
Chatham TDR introduced by Sen. Bob Atwater
(D-Chatham). This bill was heard in the Senate
State and Local Government Committee at
the request of the bill sponsor. Due to strong
opposition from NCHBA and the N.C. Farm
Bureau, a vote was never taken on the bill. The
General Assembly did authorize a Legislative
Research Commission study of TDR in both
Currituck and Chatham Counties as part of HB
945 The Studies Act of 2009.
NCHBA vigorously opposed steep slope
requirements in previous legislative sessions, and
as expected, a bill was introduced again in 2009.
HB 782 Safe Artificial Slope Construction
Act introduced by Rep. Ray Rapp
(D-Haywood) would require local governments
to adopt ordinances and regulate site planning,
design and construction of artificial slopes in
mountainous areas and require disclosure of
slope information to property buyers. NCHBA
8   North Carolina Builder
Rep. Ric Killian (R-Mecklenburg) speaks on the
House floor.
and other groups vigorously opposed the
unnecessarily stringent and costly requirements
in this bill, and subsequently, the bill was never
heard in committee. Some provisions of the bill
were included as one of the studies authorized by
HB 945 The Studies Act of 2009.
In the waning days of the session, SB 968
Mountain Resources Planning (enacted
as S.L. 2009-485), introduced by Sen. Joe Sam
Queen (D-Haywood) managed to pass through
both the Senate and the House. This bill will
create a Mountain Resources Commission to
identify issues affecting western North Carolina
and will specifically address “growth that protects
resources.” NCHBA will be closely monitoring
this new commission and the associated
technical advisory committees to ensure that the
Commission does not become the vehicle to
implement costly, unnecessary regulatory hurdles
for builders and developers. NCHBA is also
concerned that this Commission will attempt to
implement steep slope requirements or attempt
to get yet another steep slope bill introduced.
NCHBA also monitored SB 1068
Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities
introduced by Sen. Steve Goss (D-Watauga),
which sets out information required for
consideration of a wind energy facility permit
application, including studies on noise impacts,
shadow flicker impacts, avian and bat impacts, and
viewshed impacts and establishes an application
fee of $2,000. This bill passed the Senate and is
eligible for consideration in the short session.
As stated earlier, NCHBA supports
broad based measures to fund infrastructure
improvements and thus supported HB 148
Congestion Relief/Intermodal Transport
Fund (enacted as S.L. 2009-527), introduced
by Reps. Becky Carney (D-Mecklenburg) and
Deborah Ross (D-Wake). This bill authorizes
cities and counties across the state to raise sales
tax by a half-cent, subject to approval by voters,
to fund regional mass transit.
Two other bills pertaining to transportation
were supported by NCHBA. SB 761 Street
Construction/Developer Responsibility was
introduced by Sen. Harry Brown (R-Onslow)
and would limit developer responsibility for street
and highway construction to the proportional
amount necessary to serve projected traffic
generated by the development. This bill passed
through the Senate and remains eligible for
consideration in the short session.
NCHBA supported HB 569 DWQ/
Bridge and Culvert Standards (enacted
as S.L. 2009-478), introduced by Rep. Pryor
Gibson (D-Anson), which directs the N.C.
Department of Natural Resources (DENR)
to allow the use of three-sided open bottom
or bottomless culverts on private property.
This bill, introduced in at least one previous
session, originally allowed these culverts for
all driveway access, but DENR was reluctant
to agree to a blanket approval. NCHBA hopes
that eventually these culverts will be allowed in
public right-of-way.
Railroad corridor management has been the
topic of several bills in past sessions; however,
those bills never moved through committee.
This session, at the request of the North Carolina
Railroad Co., CSX and Norfolk Southern, Reps.
Ray Rapp (D-Haywood), Margaret Dickson (D-
Cumberland) and Ronnie Sutton (D-Robeson)
introduced HB 116 Railroad Corridor Man-
agement, which proposed changes to the state
law concerning railroad corridor management,
protection, expansion and mapping. Unlike the
previous sessions, railroad corridor management
got some momentum in 2009.
The House Select Committee on a
Comprehensive Rail Service Plan for North
Carolina held a number of public meetings
between the 2008 and 2009 sessions in an effort
to resolve the issues of affected parties. NCHBA
attended the meetings, but our issues were not
resolved. NCHBA opposed the bill in the House
Transportation Committee and the House
Judiciary III Committee. Eventually, the bill
sponsors were amenable to making changes that
would better protect developers from having to
get approval from the railroad companies prior
to local government approval. NCHBA did
not oppose the compromise bill that passed the
House, and HB 116 is eligible for consideration
in the Senate next year.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a General Assembly
session without NCHBA’s involvement in water
quality issues! This year the battle was for more
reasonable water quality rules in the Jordan Lake
watershed. In May 2008, the Environmental
Management Commission (EMC) approved
189 pages of rules for the watershed that were
technically complex, prohibitively expensive,
based on marginal science, and difficult to comply
with. Thanks to the efforts the Triad Real Estate
October 2009
and Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC),
which is comprised of members and local
HBAs in the Greensboro area as well as the local
governments tasked with implementing the rules,
more reasonable rules will be implemented.
NCHBA supported HB 239 Restore
Water Quality in Jordan Reservoir (enacted
as S.L. 2009-216), introduced by Rep. Lucy Allen
(D-Franklin).While HB 239 did take care of the
existing development rule and other issues, it did
not address the unreasonable nutrient buydown
limits developers would have to meet if the
EMC’s rules went into effect. At the request of
NCHBA and TREBIC, combined with support
from DENR, Rep. Allen introduced a provision
into SB 838 Amendments to Environmental
Laws 2009 (enacted as S.L. 2009-484), that
corrected the Jordan Lake nutrient buydown
limits such that the water quality results are the
same, but required treatment could take place
off-site.
Water quality, this time in the Falls Lake
reservoir, was the topic of SB 1020 Improve
Upper Neuse Basin Water Quality (enacted
as S.L. 2009-486), introduced at the request of
the city of Raleigh by Sen. Josh Stein (D-Wake).
NCHBA was initially opposed to this bill, but
was able to work with the sponsor, the HBA
of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties
and other stakeholders to craft an acceptable
compromise that did not impose burdensome
requirements for builders and developers.
Tax and revenue legislation
NCHBA supports efforts to increase hous-
ing opportunities and opposes any proposal
that unnecessarily increases the cost of housing.
NCHBA encourages passage of tax credits for
energy-efficient homes and tax incentives for
home ownership. NCHBA strongly supports
green building and incentives for both home
builders and home buyers. In keeping with our
long standing support of initiatives that support
affordable housing, NCHBA applauds General
Assembly for the appropriation of $10 million to
the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.
NCHBA also strongly supported SB 810
Affordable Housing/No Discrimination
(enacted as S.L. 2009-533), introduced by Sen.
Floyd McKissick (D-Durham).This bill makes it
a violation of the North Carolina Fair Housing
Act to discriminate in land-use decisions
or permitting if the development contains
affordable housing for families or individuals
below 80 percent of area median income, among
other criteria.The bill does allow decisions to be
based on considerations of over-concentration
of affordable housing and other criteria such
as traffic and environmental concerns. This is
landmark legislation, as North Carolina is the first
October 2009
Rep. Ty Harrell (D-Wake) addresses members
at a Raleigh-Wake HBA meeting, where he was
recognized for sponsoring the permit extension bill in
the House of Representatives.
state in the nation to include affordable housing
as a protected class in its fair housing law.
One of NCHBA’s priority issues was deferral
of tax on builders’ inventory, and HB 852 Defer
Tax on Builders Inventory was introduced
by Rep. Margaret Dickson (D-Cumberland).
This bill allows the deferral of the portion of
tax imposed on real property that represents
the increase in property value attributable to
construction of a residence on the property. HB
852 was enacted as Session Law 2009-308 and
becomes effective in January 2010.
NCHBA, assisted by the Wilmington-Cape
Fear HBA, actively pursued requirements for
local governments and sanitary districts to notify
the public of their intentions to raise fees. In
spite of considerable pushback from the N.C.
League of Municipalities and N.C. Association
of County Commissioners, SB 698 City/
County/Sanitary District Fees/Internet,
was introduced at our request by Sen. Julia
Boseman (D-New Hanover). This bill requires
cities, counties and sanitary districts that have
a Web site to post notice on that site of their
intention to increase fees at least seven days in
advance of the meeting where the increase is
first discussed. After much negotiation, all parties
eventually agreed on the bill and it was enacted
as Session Law 2009-436.
NCHBA was pleased to see a number
of bills introduced that would provide a tax
credit to buyers of either a new or existing
home. Unfortunately, the state’s $1.4 billion
budget deficit prevented any of these provisions
from being enacted. NCHBA appreciates the
efforts of a number of home building industry
champions in the legislature who introduced
or co-sponsored tax credit legislation. NCHBA
supported the following bills: SB 912/HB 1240
Home Purchase Stimulus introduced by Sen.
David Hoyle (D-Gaston) and Rep. Michael
Wray (D-North Hampton); HB 663 North
Carolina Ten in Ten Plan introduced by Rep.
Ric Killian (R-Mecklenburg); and SB 818 New
or Existing Home Purchase Tax Credit
introduced by Sen. David Rouzer (R-Johnston).
The same budget woes that stopped
enactment of home buyer tax credit legislation
also stopped enactment of energy efficiency and
green building tax credits. NCHBA appreciates
the additional lobbying and legislator education
effort put forth by the NCHBA Green Building
Council and remains optimistic that in better
budget times the momentum is on our side to
get these important incentives in place. NCHBA
supported SB 147/HB 504 Tax Credit for
Energy Efficient Homes introduced by Sen.
A.B. Swindell (D-Nash) and Reps. Susan Fisher
(D-Buncombe), Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford),
Bruce Goforth (D-Buncombe) and Ruth
Samuelson (R-Mecklenburg).
While this tax credit was not included in
the recommendations forwarded to the House
Finance Committee by the House Energy and
Energy Efficiency Committee, a provision was
added to HB 945 The Studies Act of 2009
that authorizes broad examination of renewable
energy and alternative fuel tax credits, including
incentives for energy conservation.
Conclusion
In spite of this challenging time for the
economy and for businesses, the 2009 session will
be remembered as one of the most successful for
NCHBA.The secret to NCHBA’s success was, is
and always will be the visionary leadership of its
officers, the hard work of its legislative lobbying
team, the support of its members, the legitimacy
of the cause, and the invaluable help of Senators
and Representatives who champion the cause of
the home building industry in North Carolina.
In times of economic stress, it is all the more
important that NCHBA and its members remain
vigilant to guard against those who, however well-
intentioned, would impose additional barriers to
homeownership and to ensure that our friends
in the General Assembly remain in office and
occupy positions of leadership and responsibility.
You can help preserve home ownership and the
viability of the residential construction industry by
being a BUILD-PAC contributor, participating
in NCHBA’s Legislative Conference in 2010,
and taking the time to be a “legislative contact”
locally on issues that affect the home building
industry.
Together, NCHBA and its members have
made and will continue to make a difference
for future generations of North Carolinians
striving to attain the American dream of
homeownership!
North Carolina Builder   9
 TOP 2009 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

O
ur Government Affairs staff actively monitored 531 “new” bills introduced into this year’s “long” session. Because the resi-
dential construction industry has so many diverse interests that can be affected by legislation, this total represents 19 percent
of the entire number of “new” bills (2,767) introduced. The following compilation summarizes the top legislative issues of
interest to NCHBA and is organized by category, bill number, short description, NCHBA position, and disposition. THE
NUMERICAL LISTING IS BY CATEGORY AND NOT BY ORDER OF PRIORITY. For more detailed information about these
or other bills not included, please contact NCHBA at (800) 662-7129.

Bill Number/Short Title/Description NCHBA Position DISPOSITION

I. Building Code
1. H 749 Use of Cisterns in Construction/Renovation—Directs Supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-243)
the state building code to allow the use of cisterns in construction
and to be used for flushing toilets and outdoor irrigation.

2. H 1151 Res. Lead-Based Paint Hazards/Renovations— Worked with bill sponsor to ensure the Enacted (S.L. 2009-488)
Establishes a state program that meets EPA requirements for state program was not more stringent than
certification of persons performing lead-based paint renovation federal requirements. As amended, supported
work in certain residential housing where children are present. by NCHBA.

3. H 1125 Require Photoelectric Smoke Detectors— NCHBA strongly opposed legislation and Stopped. Presumed ineligible for 2010.
Requires photoelectric smoke detectors be used in new or convinced sponsor not to calendar bill for
renovated homes or when homes are sold. The code would consideration.
require the installation of either battery operated or electrical
smoke detectors in every dwelling unit that is either used as
rental property, or that contains a fossil fuel-burning heater or
appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.

4. H 1409 Building Code Exclusion/Certain Wiring— Supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-532)
Provides that a permit shall not be required for repair or
replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices or for the
connection of an existing branch circuit to an electric water
heater that is being replaced, provided that the replacement
water heater is placed in the same location and is of the same
or less capacity as the original and that the electrical lighting
device replacement is with a fixture or device having the
same voltage and the same or less amperage as the original.

II. Construction and Business

5. H. 1176/S. 424 Reorganize Schools with High Dropout Supported by NCHBA. Passed House. Eligible for consideration
Rate— Requires local school boards to reorganize high in 2010.
schools that have a graduation rate of less than 60% for two
consecutive years. Includes adding career clusters with work
experience courses and technical training.

6. H. 813 Uniform Apportionment of Tort Responsibility NCHBA opposed. NCHBA is working with Passed House. Eligible for consideration
—Would replace the current use of contributory negligence a coalition of business interests to defeat or in 2010.
with a system of comparative fault in personal injury cases. reasonably modify this bill in 2010.

7. S. 32 Employers Must Use Federal E-Verify Program— Opposed by NCHBA. Stopped. Presumed ineligible for
Requires all employers to use federal E-Verify system. Contains consideration in 2010.
substantial penalties for non compliance.

8. H. 1305 Beach Plan Changes—Addresses concerns regarding NCHBA successfully lobbied for several Enacted (S.L. 2009-472)
Beach Plan insurance availability. Requires accumulated surplus significant changes to the legislation in
of the Beach Plan to be retained; locks surcharges in at both the House and Senate.
current rate; applies higher Beach Plan deductible only if there
is a named storm; applies mitigation credits to Beach Plan and
voluntary market; enacts an installment plan; reduces maximum
contents coverage to 40% with corresponding premium
decrease; authorizes member company assessments up to $1
billion if Beach Plan losses exceed available surplus, reinsurance
and other funding sources and sets maximum coverage limit
for homeowners and dwelling policies at $750,000. H. 120 passed House. Presumed eligible
for consideration in 2010. Stopped
9. H. 120 Public Municipal Campaigns, S. 938 Municipal NCHBA strongly opposed these bills. Senate Bills. Presumed ineligible for
Public Campaigns and S. 966 Expand Voter-Owned consideration in 2010.
Elections—Expands the offices eligible for public financing.

10. H. 1022/S. 975 Worker’s Comp/Duration of Total Supported by NCHBA. Did not pass; however, authorization for
Disability—Limits an employee’s entitlement to receive a Legislative Research Commission study
disability compensation services to either 65 years of age or of these issues was included in the
300 weeks from the date of injury, whichever is longer. Studies Act of 2009.

10   North Carolina Builder October 2009

TOP 2009 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Bill Number/Short Title/Description NCHBA Position DISPOSITION
II. Construction and Business
11. H. 805 Workers’ Comp/Calculation of Income, H. 843 NCHBA strongly opposed all of these bills. Stopped. Presumed ineligible for
Workers’ Comp/Medical Diagnostic Testing, S. 781 consideration in 2010.
Workers’ Comp/Choice of Physician, S. 930 Workers’
Comp/Firefighter Occupational Diseases—All include
workers compensation requirements that would significantly
increase insurance premiums.

III. Tax and Revenue

12. H. 176/S. 125 Housing Trust Fund Appropriation Strongly supported by NCHBA. Appropriation included in S.L 2009-451.
(Appropriations Act of 2009)—Appropriates $10 million to
the N.C. Housing Finance Agency.

13. S. 810 Affordable Housing/No Discrimination—Makes it Strongly supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-533)
unlawful to discriminate in land-use decisions or in permitting
of development based on the fact that a development contains
affordable housing units for families/individuals with incomes
below 80% of the area’s medium income.

14. S. 447 No Monetary Exaction for Development— Introduced at the request of and strongly Currently held in Senate Finance
Clarifies that a local government may not impose a tax, fee supported by NCHBA. Committee.
or monetary contribution for development or a development
permit that is not specifically authorized by law.

15. S. 698 City/County/Sanitary District Fees/Internet— Introduced at the request of and strongly Enacted (S.L. 2009-436)
Requires entities to post notice at least seven days in advance supported by NCHBA.
of the discussion of new fees or increases on their website.

16. H. 1240/S.912 Home Purchase Stimulus, H. 663 North Strongly supported by NCHBA. Not included in Appropriations Act of
Carolina Ten in Ten Plan, S. 818 New or Existing 2009.
Home Purchase Tax Credit—Various tax credits for the
purchase of new or existing homes in North Carolina

17. H. 1385 Water Conservation Tax Credits/Reforms, H. Supported by NCHBA. Study of renewable energy and
1596 Tax Credit/Water Con. Products and Property, H. alternative fuel tax credits, including
504/S. 147 Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes— incentives for energy conservation,
Various tax credits for purchase or installation of energy authorized in Studies Act of 2009.
efficient products and for construction of energy efficient
homes.

18. H. 852 Defer Tax on Builders Inventory—Allows Introduced at the request of and strongly Enacted (S.L. 2009-308)
deferral of the portion of tax imposed on real property that supported by NCHBA.
represents the increase in value of the property attributable to
improvements resulting from the construction of a residence on
the property.

19. H. 1431 Repeal Land Transfer Tax, S. 915 Repeal Supported by NCHBA. Bills were not calendared in assigned
County Land Transfer Tax—Repeals 2007 Session committees.
authorization of county referendum for 0.4% land transfer tax.

IV. ENVIRONMENT AND Land Use

20. S. 866 APA Rules: Increasing Costs Prohibition— Supported by NCHBA. Passed Senate. Eligible for consideration
Prohibits agencies from adopting rules that result in additional in 2010.
costs to persons subject to the rule.

21. H. 524 Annexation – Omnibus Changes—Makes Most provisions supported by NCHBA. Passed House. Eligible for consideration
significant changes to North Carolina annexation laws. Amendments needed in short session. in 2010.

22. S. 1068 Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities—Sets Monitored by NCHBA. Passed Senate. Eligible for consideration
out information required for consideration of a wind energy in 2010.
facility permit application and establishes $2,000 application fee.

23. S. 831 Extend Certain Development Approvals, H. 1490 Introduced at the request of and strongly Enacted (S.L. 2009-406 and S.L. 2009-
Land Development Permit Changes—Extends certain supported by NCHBA. 572)
permits and approvals affecting land development superseding
all statutory and regulatory requirements. H. 1490 contains
clean-up language that specifies a process for local governments
to follow when the extended or “resurrected” permits cause a
water or sewer capacity problem.

(See TOP ISSUES on page 12)

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   11

 TOP 2009 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Bill Number/Short Title/Description NCHBA Position DISPOSITION
IV. ENVIRONMEnt AND Land Use
24. H. 782 Safe Artificial Slope Construction Act—Requires NCHBA opposed these unnecessarily Stopped. Eligible to be studied.
local governments to adopt ordinances and regulate site stringent and costly requirements.
planning, design and construction of artificial slopes in
mountainous areas; directs Sedimentation Control Commission
to assist local governments in implementing safe slope
construction programs; requires slope information disclosure to
property purchasers. H. 954 stopped in House Local Government
II Committee. S. 547 remains in Senate State
25. H. 954 Currituck Development Rights, S. 547 Chatham NCHBA strongly opposed these bills. & Local Government Committee. TDR
TDR—Authorizes the transfer of development rights from study for Currituck and Chatham counties
sending zones to receiving zones. authorized in Studies Act of 2009.

26. S. 117 Clarifying Development Moratoria Authority— Introduced at the request of and strongly Passed Senate. Eligible for consideration
Clarifies that a local government may not impose a moratorium supported by NCHBA. in 2010.
on development approvals for the purpose of developing and
adopting a new or revised development ordinance.

27. S. 968 Mountain Resources Planning—Creates Mountain Monitored by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-485)
Resources Commission to identify issues affecting western NC.

28. H. 116 Railroad Corridor Management—Relates to NCHBA opposed introduced bill. Passed House. Eligible for consideration
management, protection and expansion of railroad corridors, Compromise bill supported by NCHBA. in 2010.
it defines “railroad corridor” and sets up requirements for
mapping such corridors and abandonment certificates.

29. S. 44 Appeals of Quasi-Judicial Land Use Decisions— NCHBA opposed introduced bill. NCHBA Enacted (S.L. 2009-421)
Sets forth procedures for land use permit appeals from quasi- worked with bill sponsor and stakeholders
judicial decisions. and supported compromise bill.

30. H. 148 Congestion Relief/Intermodal Transport Fund— Compromise bill supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-527)
Authorizes referenda for half-cent sales tax to fund regional
mass transit in Triangle area; authorizes other funding measures
for transit across NC.

31. H. 569 DWQ/Bridge Culvert Standards—Directs DENR Supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-478)
to authorize the use of 3-sided, open bottom or bottomless
culverts on private property that adhere to professional
engineering standards and sound engineering practices.

32. S. 761 Street Construction/Developer Responsibility— Supported by NCHBA. Passed Senate. Eligible for consideration
Limits cost to developers for street or highway construction in 2010.
to the proportional amount necessary to serve projected traffic
generated by the development.

33. H. 771 Trees/Ordinances Regulating Trees—gives Towns of NCHBA strongly opposed. Stopped. Presumed ineligible for
Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville authority to adopt ordinances consideration in 2010.
regulating tree removal and preservation on residential lots.

34. H 239 Restore Water Quality in Jordan Reservoir— Compromise bill supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-216)
Provides for improvements in water quality management of Worked with bill sponsor to amend new
Jordan Lake watershed. development requirements in S. 838.

35. S. 838 Amendments to Environmental Laws Amended at the request of and strongly Enacted (S.L. 2009-484)
2009—Contains Jordan Lake new development amendments supported by NCHBA.
and clarification to S. 831.

36. S. 1020 Improve Upper Neuse Basin Water Quality— NCHBA opposed introduced bill. NCHBA Enacted (S.L. 2009-486)
Directs the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) worked with bill sponsor and stakeholders
to credit local governments and landowners for pollution and supported compromise bill.
reduction in Falls Lake watershed; requires EMC to adopt
sedimentation strategy for Falls Lake watershed.

37. H. 945 The Studies Act of 2009—Authorizes numerous Monitored by NCHBA. Presented to Governor on 8/11/09.
studies during the interim.

38. H. 1007 Harnett/Subdivision Recreation Facilities— NCHBA strongly opposed. Stopped. Presumed ineligible for
Authorizes the imposition of impact fees up to $500/lot in consideration in 2010.
Harnett County and expands the purposes for which the
funds may be used to include construction and development
of recreational facilities.

39. H. 1011 Raleigh Stormwater Assessment—Permits Supported by NCHBA. Enacted (S.L. 2009-293)
the City of Raleigh to levy assessments against owners of
stormwater facilities for repairs to damaged or failed controls.

12   North Carolina Builder October 2009

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   13
 Product Roundup: Building Systems
Stimulating in more ways than one
Tradition lives on A new stimulus package
To help celebrate 50 years in business, Nationwide Custom Homes In response to builders asking for cost-efficient houses to suit so many of
commemorates the milestone with the Tradition model home. The their customers in these penny-pinching times, Cardinal Homes has “value”
2,540-square-foot, two-story home is designed specifically to capture the engineered some of its most popular models and reintroduced them to the
historical elements of Southeastern heritage, while capturing the latest in market in a cost-savings line the company calls its “Stimulus Housing.”
today’s design trends. To make the homes more affordable, Cardinal has made changes such
As part of Nationwide’s Mainstreet Collection, the Tradition offers as using double windows where several
a very pleasing exterior look with a nod toward Jeffersonian elements. single windows may have been and
On the inside, the model includes the company’s anniversary package offering the standard 2-by-4 exterior
with such notable features as a full ceramic backsplash with electrical walls at 16 inches on center at
outlets mounted below the overhead cabinets, a craftsman trim and the same price as the 2-by-6
stair railing package, and engineered hardwood flooring. The plan walls at 24 inches on center.
includes a media room, a small sitting area at the top of the stairs that’s To date, there are a ranch
perfect for a mini-office or reading area, four bedrooms and two- priced less than $34 a square
and-a-half baths. foot, a two-story going for
As part of the Mainstreet Homes collection, builders can about $30 a square and
market the house as “what-you-see-is-what-you-get.” The a cape for less than $40
rendering shown on the cut sheet is what customers can expect per square, not including
when ordering the home. All elements shown in the rendering and freight or taxes. Soon to
corresponding photo are included in Nationwide’s anniversary package, s The Oakridge is an come is a much larger ranch-style home.
even the porch materials for on-site completion. affordable 2,352-square-foot Currently, Cardinal is taking suggestions
For more information, visit www.nationwide-homes.com or call four-bedroom, four-bath house from its builders on what they would like
(800) 216-7001. that’s part of Cardinal Homes to see in this more affordable line. The
Stimulus Housing line. company plans to re-engineer about one
To commemorate plan a month.
s

50 years in business, For more information, visit www.cardinalhomes.com or call (434)

Nationwide Custom 735-8111.
Homes, which since June
2002 has operated as Log home dealers wanted
a Palm Harbor division, Contrary to recent economic trends, the log and timber frame home is
added the Jeffersonian- a steadily growing industry.With increasing concerns about finite resources
influenced Tradition to and the impact of global warming,“green build” is not only fashionable but
its Mainstreet Homes is becoming necessary.
collection. As far as sustainability goes, logs are obviously a renewable resource. Plus,
thick log exterior walls mediate temperature differentials, improve energy
efficiency, reduce potentially hazardous waste products and provide a healthy
interior finish with no off gassing of VOCs. Traditional joinery techniques
have been refined to develop an airtight and energy-efficient log building.
1867 Confederation Log Homes, a Canada-based manufacturer who
has been in the business for more than 30 years, is not experiencing any
economic downturn. “Due to the natural choice of wood for green build,
we’re seeing a healthy demand for product,” says Mark Dunn, director of
business development. In fact, the company is seeking people interested in
joining its team of international dealers.
1867 Confederation Log Homes’ credentials include being the
An affordable charmer manufacture to receive Energy Star approval for a log home in Canada. Each
s From a nearly 1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch-style home to a five- of its homes is engineered and prebuilt in shop, assembled and inspected to
bedroom Cape Cod that encompasses nearly 2,500 square feet, the new Timberland consistently maintain top quality.
series from Handcrafted Homes can be configured to fit the needs of a wide variety of “It’s definitely a growth market with a lot of income potential,” says
North Carolina families. There are seven standard models to choose from — including Dunn. “We have an internationally recognized product with a solid
one with an in-law suite — with compact footprints that work great on small lots. reputation and we back our product with a 50-year guarantee.”
Standard features include timber posts, corner post braces and porch railings. For more For more information, visit www.confederationloghomes.com or
information, visit www.handcraftedhomes.com or call (877) 424-4321. call Dunn at (877) 462-5647.

14   North Carolina Builder October 2009

NCH194 Builders Ad 9/11/09 5:10 PM Page 1

We’ve spoken.

Green Made Easy Appraisal-friendly

Mainstreet Collection

Now take the Nationwide challenge.

Results speak louder than words. That’s why Nationwide’s promise of Custom Made
Easy has helped hundreds of builders survive these challenging times.
Beyond product, Nationwide offers our builders a sales and marketing system that
grows sales. Nationwide's Independent, Authorized Builders get leads and the support
necessary to turn them into sales.
Are you ready for change? Take the Nationwide challenge and schedule a visit. See for
yourself how we can help you build and sell the successful way.
Call 1.800.216.7001 to learn about the many benefits of building with Nationwide.

www.nationwide-homes.com

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   15

 Knowledge Builder
Tips from your industry experts at Builders Mutual
Manufactured or real risk?
F
or consumers and contractors
accustomed to “site-built” and “stick-
built,” the factory-built housing industry
introduces a host of unfamiliar terms. It
brings with it competitive advantages because
of the controls a manufacturing environment
offers, but it subsequently inherits risks unseen
in its stick-built counterpart.
Maybe you’re looking to get into the business.
Maybe you’re looking to stack your business up
against it. Or, maybe you’re a manufacturer or an
employee in the factory-built housing industry.
Regardless, you have a stake in understanding
the advantages and disadvantages of the systems-
built side of housing.
Learning the lingo
Let’s start with the terminology. When the
HUD code went into effect in 1976, the term
“mobile home” made way for “manufactured
housing.” These factory-built homes get
constructed on a permanent steel chassis and
get delivered on their own wheels to the home
site.
Not to be confused with manufactured
housing, “modular homes” also get constructed
in a factory, yet these homes get built and
transported in sections. Site contractors join
these modules together at the marriage walls.
Picture a home complete with appliances and
carpeting getting spliced together with finishing
trim work.
Known as “panelized” in the systems-built
world, you’ll also find floor or roof trusses or
even wall systems, which are engineered at the
factory and delivered to the home site. Log
home kits fall into the “pre-cut home” category
and serve as yet another variation in the factory-
built housing industry.
Each method differs based on factors such as:
• Cost
• Quality controls
• Amount of factory vs. site construction
• Total construction time
• Applicable building code (local, regional or
state vs. HUD)
• Transportation methods
• Foundation permanency
• Likelihood of appreciation
16   North Carolina Builder
Using universal language
The language of risk management brings
the world of stick-built and factory-built homes
together. While the hazards are different, the
concept of identifying and analyzing risks and
selecting, implementing, and reviewing risk
management techniques doesn’t change. So,
what unique risks does the factory-built housing
industry encounter?
Facility maintenance. Factory mainte-
nance personnel are a must-have. They should
be highly responsive both in fixing broken
equipment and actively operating a preventative
maintenance program. Safety features should be
regularly tested, such as the E-Stop buttons on
automated equipment. Management’s creation
of an employee incentive program for reporting
and tracking maintenance issues demonstrates
true company-wide support.
Employees working in close proximity.
With multiple homes under construction in a
factory in tight quarters, crews will be working in
close proximity, whereas a stick-built home will
likely have no more than two subs on a job site
at the same time. This increases a manufacturer’s
chances of one crew’s work injuring another
nearby, especially when they’re using nail guns or
power tools.
Manufacturers may want to periodically
review if an underlying cause of accidents could
be prevented by reconfiguring workflow. It also
reiterates the importance of caution, proper
PPE and each crew’s responsibility for good
housekeeping.
Repetitive motion. Employees, while
experienced from specialized training, may find
themselves repeating the same task their entire
shift. For example, one employee’s sole job
required him to bolt doors to pre-assembled
door frames for eight hours each day.
In the interest of ergonomics, avoiding
repetitive motion injuries, and engaging
employees’ attention, employers can require pre-
shift stretching. Some companies insist upon
micro-breaks, where employees stop work for
2-3 minutes each hour, rehydrate and perform
prescribed stretches. Pair this with employees
who specialize in doing three to four different
tasks for two to three hours each, and you’ve
not only exemplified a strong risk management
technique, you’ve cross-trained your employees
so they can cover for one another if an employee
cannot work a scheduled shift.
Powered industrial trucks. Who has the
right-of-way? Are traffic lanes marked and stop
signs and speed limits posted? Rely on both a
formal written and hands-on training program
to comply with established policies for the safety
of operators and other employees onsite.
Visitors. Employees aren’t the only people
at the factory. Visitors of all kinds, including
curious consumers, need to be accounted for in
a company’s safety program. With a few simple
steps, they’ll be well protected. Maintain and light
the parking lot properly, remove tripping hazards,
and provide safe entryways with clearly-marked
steps and adequate handrails. Welcome them to
the office area and direct them away from the
plant floor using high-visibility signage. You
may even consider locking doors to the plant
in compliance with the life safety code by using
plant doors that have no visitor-facing handles,
but have crash bars on the inside.
Shipping/receiving. Provide the same
kind of direction for truck drivers. Establish
policies where they can and can’t park. Include
expectations for wheel chocking and the use of
stabilizer jacks to protect forklift drivers, who
offload the trailers.
Then, when the product (whether a fully
finished home, module, panel or kit) leaves the
manufacturer, it becomes exposed to a host of
transportation hazards far different from the
controls in the factory environment. Finally, the
manufacturer or site contractor takes it to turn-
key with site setup.
While factory-built homes might be
manufactured, the risks are real.That’s exactly why
a company’s commitment to risk management
will help protect its employees, its customers and
its profitability.
(Look for “Knowledge Builder,” compliments of
Builders Mutual Insurance Co., in each issue of North
Carolina Builder. More risk management resources
are available on www.buildersmutual.com.)
October 2009
 At ,A mOment like this,
Aren t yOu glAd yOu hAve Builders mutuAl?

Construction debris can

do irreparable damage to
the unprotected eye.

O ur WorkSafe program provides our policyholders with valuable information

and safety training to avoid accidents like this one.

Your very own field expert can provide free individual consultation at the jobsite and help
you control losses. Plus, our policyholders have unlimited access to Builders University
800.809.4859
www.buildersmutual.com
OSHA-approved safety courses, English/Spanish Fall Protection Certification, and our risk
management CD containing valuable safety reference material. We even offer discounted
“Safety Stuff,” like the attractive safety glasses above, through our online store. Staying safe
and productive is just a matter of having the right tools.
October 2009 North Carolina Builder   17
 2009 NCHBA build-pac NCHBECF awards
Major Contributors five scholarships
T
(Pledges/Contributions received as of Aug. 12 2009)
he North Carolina Home Builders Educational & Charitable Foundation
selected five students as recipients of education scholarships in 2009.
Knights of the Round Table ($4,000/year) The scholarship awards are presented annually to four-year college
Tom Gipson Pauline McLean Frank Wiesner students entering their junior or senior year or two-year technical school students
Raleigh-Wake County Wilkes County HBA Durham-Orange- entering their second year who have declared a construction-related major.
HBA Chatham Cos./ Scholarships are based on a combination of need and merit, and are awarded
Raleigh-Wake County to NCHBA family members. Preference goes to students attending college or
HBAs
technical school in North Carolina.

Capitol Club ($2,500/year) The following students each received $3,000

Andy Ammons Lyle Gardner Debby Van Tassel scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year:
Raleigh-Wake County Raleigh-Wake County Raleigh-Wake County
HBA HBA HBA Zachary Hussey of Robbins
Zac Koenig Hussey is continuing his education at the University of North
Jackson County HBA Carolina at Charlotte. He graduated in spring 2009 from Hussey
Sandhills Community College with a degree in civil engineering
President’s Circle ($1,000/year) technology and surveying technology, and is pursuing a degree
in civil engineering technology at UNC-C.
Danny Adams Don Fraley Charles Mullen Hussey has worked with his father, a 30-year veteran home
Moore County HBA Raleigh-Wake County Rocky Mount HBA builder, and enjoys the exposure of the various trades involved
Linda Lee Allan HBA Paul Mullican
in seeing a construction project from start to finish. In his spare
Fayetteville HBA Charles Gore Winston-Salem HBA
time, he enjoys archery/hunting, water sports, ATV trail riding, Mounie
Dent Allison Fayetteville HBA David Pressly
Hickory-Catawba Val- Tom Granger Iredell County HBA weight lifting and playing guitar.
ley HBA Hickory-Catawba Val- Lisa Reason
Jeff Ammons ley HBA Craven-Pamlico Cos. Matthew Mounie of Marvin
Raleigh-Wake County Sam Hagedon HBA Mounie studies construction management and business at
HBA Outer Banks HBA Ray Rhodes Appalachian State University. Each summer he works for his
Kevin Annas Karl Haslinger Sanford HBA father’s company, New Wave Development, which he hopes to
Caldwell County HBA Charlotte HBA Steve Royster run some day with the help of his brothers. Smith
Rex Bost Gary Hill Asheville HBA Mounie says his biggest accomplishment was earning the
Raleigh-Wake County Greensboro BA John Schlichenmaier
Eagle Scout award because of the hard work, determination
HBA Joseph Iannone Raleigh-Wake County
Bunny Boyd Raleigh-Wake County HBA and leadership skills needed to achieve the goal.
Iredell County HBA HBA Rick Shields
Donald Smith Jr. of Matthews
Harold Brewington Rose Iannone Lake Norman HBA
Fayetteville HBA Raleigh-Wake County Warren Smith Smith is majoring in construction management at the
Kurt Burger HBA Raleigh-Wake County University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has gained
experience in the building industry helping his father with his Willis
Raleigh-Wake County Rick Judson HBA
HBA Charlotte HBA Craig Stevens construction company, Embassy Homes Inc.
Mike Carpenter Lisa Martin Wilmington-Cape Fear Smith is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and enjoys sports. He
North Carolina HBA North Carolina HBA HBA was named “Most Dedicated Runner” during his freshman year
Elizabeth Cubler Frank McLawhorn Jim Stuart
Outer Banks HBA Greenville-Pitt County Raleigh-Wake County on the cross country team at UNCC.
Jim Derrickson HBA HBA Jacob Willis of Morehead City
Raleigh-Wake County Tim Minton Nick Tennyson
Willis is majoring in mechanical engineering at the Page
HBA Raleigh-Wake County Durham-Orange-
Nadine DiIorio HBA Chatham Cos. HBA University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He plans to get
Charlotte HBA Craig Morrison Jackie Trinchitella his master’s degree and enter the HVAC industry to design economically and
Ralph Doggett Durham-Orange- Fayetteville HBA ergonomically acceptable commercial and residential HVAC systems.
Alamance-Caswell Chatham Cos. HBA In his spare time, Willis enjoys drag racing, sports and working on cars. With the
HBA help of his dad and brother, he recently built his own drag racing car to race at the
NHRA tracks.
VIP ($500-$999)
Carolyn Armstrong Stephen Eastman Larry Howard The following student received a $1,500 scholarship:
Fayetteville Raleigh-Wake County Durham-Orange- Donald Page of Pfafftown
Grant Bridges HBA Chatham Cos. HBA
Winston-Salem Rick Frye Joe Tarascio Page received a scholarship for the fall 2009 semester, as he completes his
Dohn Broadwell Raleigh-Wake County Carteret County HBA construction management degree at East Carolina University in Greenville. Page
Fayetteville HBA Lance Youngquist came to the decision to enroll in construction management from his past experience
Jay Burke Darrel Hamilton Raleigh-Wake County building homes for impoverished families with his church group and also through his
Alamance-Caswell Ashe County HBA HBA experience working at West End Construction in Winston-Salem.
HBA Wayne Holt He is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and serves
Bill Daleure Raleigh-Wake County
Charlotte HBA as the Vice President of Sigma Lambda Chi (Construction Management Honor
Fraternity/Society).

18   North Carolina Builder October 2009

Spike of the Month BMIC course
offers timely
Name: Nicole L Gossage
Company: Fuquay Floor to
advice to
Ceiling Interior Design builders

B
Showroom uilders Mutual Insurance
Position: Design Consultant Co. successfully piloted a
/Kitchen and Bath new policyholder course
Specialist called “Building for the Future” Aug. 18 at its Raleigh headquarters. 
Gossage “In celebration of Builders Mutual’s 25th anniversary, we felt that it was important to give
How long in business:
16 years something back to our customers,” Mike Gerber, Builders Mutual SeniorVice President and Chief
Spike credits: 57.5 Marketing Officer, told the 32 participating builders.“We are here today to help you position your
HBA: HBA of Johnston County business so that you’re ready when the market recovers.” 
HBA involvement: Board of Directors – six The all-day session began with Ed Dunnavant of Metrostudy Corp., who provided an overview
years; Co-Chair of Parade of Homes; Co- of the current Triangle area housing market. Participants then heard personal success stories from
Chair of Associate Committee, Membership Virginia builder Vince Butler of Butler Brothers Corp., who stressed the importance of planning
Committee - Spike Chair; Associate of the for the future of your business and varying your business strategies for new opportunities. 
Year Harnett County HBA 2000; Associate The day ended with a comical overview of “Leadership Land Mines,” written by local author
of the Year HBAJC 2004-2008 Marty Clarke.  Through a mix of humor and real life examples, Clarke shared a variety of tips to
Marital status: Married to Scott L. Gossage help builders delegate, motivate others and communicate in tough times. 
for 4 ½ years According to Michele Hemric, director of training and development for Builders Mutual,
Favorite food: Any type of chicken and pasta post-class survey results showed that builders who attended the program felt it was full of timely
Favorite movies: “Sweet Home Alabama,” and useful information. Many felt the class helped them think in different directions and provided
“Dirty Dancing,” “Steel Magnolias” clarity on what to try going forward. 
Favorite magazine: NKBA Kitchen & Bath Raleigh builder Warren Smith of L and L of Raleigh Inc. commented “Building for the Future
gives me one more reason to be a member of my HBA and a client of Builders Mutual.” 
Design, Good Housekeeping
Builders Mutual is considering future offerings of “Building for the Future.”  All current
Ideal vacation: Any place warm with sand and
Builders University course offerings are available at www.buildersmutual.com/bu.
no cell phone service
Hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends,
raising money for American Cancer Society,
singing and, of course, any type of design
Pets: Daisy, a 4-year-old Beagle
First job: Lighting consultant at “ The
Lighthouse” in Dunn
If you had 15 minutes in front of the
NCHBA membership, what would you
say about recruitment/retention?
If you truly believe in any type of
organization, recruiting is easy. I wholeheartedly
believe in being a member of the NCHBA and
do my best to pass the enthusiasm I have for the
organization along when in a “recruitment or
retention” situation.
For me, as an Associate Member, the
opportunities to network with builders and
other associates are priceless.The knowledge I
have gained through educational seminars has
become a part of my everyday work system.
Just getting a check and a membership
application does not mean that the new
member will be active member, I make sure to
personally invite and attend the new member
orientation and general membership meeting
with my new “recruits” so they have an
opportunity to see exactly what the association
has to offer. Retention is making sure that
they know they make a difference and that the
association can make a difference for them.

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   19

 NCHBA News
HBAs honored at EOC conference country with three years or less experience. • Lake Norman HBA University received

L ocal home builders associations in North

Carolina took home seven Association
Excellence Awards at the 2009 Executive
Officers Council Seminar in Louisville, Ky., this
past August.
Caroline Sutton, executive director of the
Asheville Home Builders Association, received
the David G. Lloyd Memorial “New Executive
Officer of the Year” Award, which honors
the most outstanding executive officer in the
s Caroline Sutton of the Asheville Home Builders
Association, the newly named New Executive Officer
of the Year, receives congratulations from Tim Minton
of the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County, last year’s
recipient of the prestigious award.
Since coming to the AHBA, Sutton and her
staff have doubled the membership, added
unique networking events and added an
extensive education program for those in the
home building industry.   The Asheville HBA took home honors
This year marks the second consecutive
year a North Carolina executive officer took
home the prestigious award, with Tim Minton
of Raleigh-Wake County HBA receiving the
award last year.
The Lake Norman HBA received an
impressive five awards:
• Best of the Lake Design Competition, an
annual competition that allows designers,
builders and trade craftsmen to showcase
their talents and projects, received the Best
Member Recognition Program/Event
award.
• LNHBA Parade of Homes Plan Book was
recognized as Best Communication to
Members–Special Events Publication.
• The Big Hunter 2008 LNHBA
Membership Drive won for Best
Membership Recruitment Plan
Implemented;
the Best Education Plan Implemented
Award; and
• LNHBA’s Web site, www.lnhba.com, was
honored for Best HBA Web Site
for the Best Communication to Members –
Newsletters/Newspapers for it monthly AHBA
Blueprints newsletter.
Congratulations to Sutton and the Lake
Norman and Asheville HBAs for their
dedication and hard work.
Heat pump rebate offered
D uke Energy is currently offering a $300
rebate on high-efficiency heat pumps (at
least 14 SEER with an ECM motor). 
In new construction, the rebate goes to
the builder.  In an existing home, the rebate is
split between the homeowner ($200) and the
HVAC contractor ($100).  Builders and dealers
who sign up as a Trade Ally will be listed as a
participating vendor on the Duke Energy Web
site.  For more information, visit the Web site at
http://www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina/
savings/smart-saver.asp.

Tankless water heaters Hot water on demand

take up less floor space. means reduced energy bills.

What makes tankless propane water heaters ideal for you

and your clients? Let’s count the ways: Compact design
frees up room. Hot water on demand means lower water
heating bills (up to 60% less). Innovative construction gives
them a longer life expectancy. And they’re easier to install.
Smaller and more energy-efficient, tankless water heaters
are an ideal way to increase cash flow. For more details,
They also contact your local propane retailer or visit usepropane.com.
last longer.

North Carolina Propane Association

5109 Hollyridge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612 919-787-8485

20   North Carolina Builder October 2009

 The benefits of Home Advantage are

easy to grasp

Get a competitive advantage in today’s market. With Home Advantage from Progress Energy, you can stand out
when you build ENERGY STAR® certified homes that are 15 percent more energy efficient than standard
homes. You’ll also receive valuable cash incentives starting at $400 per home.
Plus, each home you build to Home Advantage standards comes with a 5 percent Progress Energy home-
owner discount for the lifetime of the home.

For details on becoming a Home Advantage builder visit

home advantage progress-energy.com/CarolinasHA or call 1.800.327.8704

©2009 Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc.

October 2009 North Carolina Builder   21

5580 Centerview Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606

Route to: l President l Purchasing l Sales/Mktg. l Superintendent

22   North Carolina Builder October 2009