Showing posts with label home owners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home owners. Show all posts

Monday, June 3, 2013

Home Builders Building Homes that Young Buyers Want, Says NAHB

NAHB Press Release

WASHINGTON, June 3 -- During National Homeownership Month in June, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is telling young people that the time is right to buy a home, and the nation's builders are building the homes they want.

"As the economy recovers and young people who had to live at home with their parents move forward with their lives and achieve their dreams of homeownership, home builders are delivering homes that cater to the floor plans, features and affordability that this generation desires," said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C.

More than 80 percent of Generation Y home buyers--people born in 1977 or later--said in NAHB's 2012 consumer preference survey they prefer a highly energy efficient home that results in lower utility bills during the home's lifetime over a lower-priced home without energy efficient features. Today's new homes feature ENERGY STAR-rated appliances; windows, doors and insulation that better control the home's interior climate; and other modern components such as tankless water heaters and HVAC systems that save costs on utility bills.

And cost-conscious young buyers will be happy to hear that a new home actually costs less to maintain than an older home. An NAHB study found that homes built before 1960 have average maintenance costs of $564 a year, while a home built after 2008 averages $241. Plus, mortgage rates are still very low, bolstering affordability for home buyers.

Generation Y buyers favor media and game rooms more than any other specialty rooms for their next home. New homes today not only contain these spaces, they are outfitted with the state-of-the-art electronic and wiring components that can accommodate high-definition televisions, full-house sound systems, hard-wired fire and security alarms and more.

Young buyers can check out many of the outstanding designs and features being included in homes built by NAHB members at our social media communities facebook.com/homebuildrs, pinterest.com/nahbhome and google.com/+nahb. They can also access home buying and home building information and resources on NAHB's website atnahb.org/forconsumers.

"The time has never been better for young people to become home owners, whether it be a new home or existing," said Judson. "There are outstanding opportunities in the current market, with near record low interest rates, competitive prices and new homes being built that include open layouts, energy efficient components and other features that cater to young buyers."

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

House Lead Paint Bill Would Help Remodelers, Consumers

NAHB Press Release

WASHINGTON, May 22 - Responding to concerns from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and affiliated trade groups, bipartisan legislation to make much-needed improvements to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today.

The Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2013 (H.R. 2093) is identical to legislation introduced in the last Congress. The bill would reinstate the opt-out provision to allow home owners without small children or pregnant women residing in the home to decide whether to require LRRP compliance, allow remodelers to correct paperwork errors without facing full penalties and provide an exemption for emergency renovations. It would also eliminate the requirement that recertification training be "hands on," so that remodelers would no longer have to travel to training facilities out of their region.

The bipartisan bill, companion legislation to S. 484, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), along with 21 original co-sponsors.

"H.R. 2093 will make common sense improvements to the EPA's lead paint rule for home owners and remodelers who must comply with the regulation's costly work practices and recordkeeping requirements," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bill Shaw, GMR, GMB, CGP, a remodeler from Houston. "Most importantly, it will continue to protect pregnant women and small children against lead hazards. I commend the bill's co-sponsors for their commitment to improve this burdensome regulation."

The LRRP rule applies to homes built before 1978 and requires renovator training and certification, adherence to lead-safe work practices and record keeping.

By removing the opt-out provision in July 2010, EPA more than doubled the number of homes subject to the LRRP rule, adding an estimated $336 million per year in compliance costs to the remodeling community - without making young children any safer.

For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

How to Speak Remodeling

By: Karen T. Nakamura, CEO
Building Industry Association of Hawaii


The home building industry celebrates National Remodeling Month in May, but remodeling is popular year-round, and the industry is growing every year. Whether it’s a small cosmetic remodel such as replacing bathroom fixtures, or a major down-to-the-wall-studs overhaul of your kitchen or adding new space to your home, understanding the terminology your professional remodeler is using can be very helpful to ensure you get the finished project you want.


As you interview potential contractors, this glossary of common terms used by builders and remodelers will help you understand the language of your remodeling project — and help you avoid miscommunication with your contractor.

Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.

Bid:
A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.

Building Permit: A document issued by the county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.

Call-back: An informal term for a return visit by the contractor to repair or replace items the home owner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty.

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR): A professional designation program offered through the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council™. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of continuing education courses and comply with a strict code of ethics.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): CAPS professionals have learned strategies and techniques to meet the home modification needs of home owners who want to continue living in their homes safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age or ability level. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending education programs and participating in community service.

Change Order: This is written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and home owner that is based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead — also known as a time-and-materials contract.

Draw: A designated payment that is "drawn" from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule is typically established in the contract.

Lien Release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials.

Mechanic’s Lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property — such as your home — can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier. If a subcontractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced.

Plans and Specifications: These are drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used.

Punch List: A list of work items to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project.

Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the general contractor to perform specialized licensed work at the job site.

To find a professional remodeler in your area, contact ktn@biahawaii.org.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Remodel Smart: Know the Language

By: Karen T. Nakamura , CEO
Building Industry Association of Hawaii


An educated shopper is a smart shopper. This especially hold true in the world of hiring and working with contractors to make improvements to your home.

As you interview potential contractors, being able to understand the terminology they use can help you avoid miscommunication and ensure a smoother remodeling experience so you and your family can enjoy your new or updated kitchen, bathroom or room addition even sooner.

Here’s a glossary of some of the common terms used by builders and remodelers to help you understand the language of your remodeling project:

Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.

Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.

Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.

Call-back: An informal term for a return visit by the contractor to repair or replace items the home owner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty.

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR): A professional designation program offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council™. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of continuing education courses and must comply with a strict code of ethics.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): The CAPS designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders and AARP. CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques to meet the home modification needs of home owners who want to continue living in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending education programs and participating in community service.

Change Order: Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and home owner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead — also known as a time-and-materials contract.

Draw: A designated payment that is "drawn" from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule typically is established in the contract.

Lien Release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials.

Mechanic’s Lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property — such as your home — can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier. If a subcontractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced.

Plans and Specifications: Drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used.

Punch List: A list of work items to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project.

Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site — sometimes referred to as a trade contractor.

To learn more about remodeling your home, visit www.biahawaii.org and plan on attending our next consumer show, the BIA Remodel It Right, Remodel It Green Expo August 9-11, 2013 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Springtime Home Organization Tips

By: Karen T. Nakamura, CEO
Building Industry Association of Hawaii


Spring has finally arrived, and it’s time to start spring cleaning and evaluate and organize your storage needs. The first thing you should do is make a list of everything you want to store. This list will both help you determine how much storage space you need and ensure that nothing gets lost once you start putting things away.

Shelving is one of the easiest ways to create more storage. It can be portable in the form of free-standing units, or permanent that is attached to your walls. Easy-to-install, heavy-duty shelving can be purchased at just about any major home supply store. Many of these units are designed so that you can leave as much room between the shelves as you like, making it easy to get larger and smaller items onto the same unit and saving you space.

Heavy winter clothing can take up lots of closet space, leaving you with little room for your entire wardrobe. One solution for storing out-of-season clothing is under the bed. Under-the-bed storage containers come in a variety of sizes and styles, including ones with wheels for easy access and to protect hardwood floors from scratches when you pull them out. You can also buy simple risers that elevate your bed off the floor additional inches to create even more space.

Garage storage has also gotten much more efficient. You can get built- in storage cabinets with doors so the space looks clean and orderly. There are also modular systems that enable you to choose what features are best for your needs; including hanging racks for sports equipment, hooks for tools, and more. Most garages have pitched roofs to keep rainwater from collecting on top, and this space is ideal for items you don’t use on a daily or weekly basis. Store them on platforms or racks that lower and raise either electronically at the touch of a button, or with an easy-to-use pulley system.

In newer or renovated homes, a mudroom or drop zone is a very popular feature. This area often has built- in benches, hooks and bins to neatly tuck away boots, jackets, gardening equipment and other items your family uses frequently. Another common feature is storage and charging stations for the modern family’s cell phones, tablets and other electronic equipment.

For more information about home maintenance or design trends, visit nahb.org/forconsumers or contact biahawaii.org

Sunday, March 31, 2013

What Do Home Buyers Want in Their Next Home?

By: Karen T. Nakamura, CEO
Building Industry Association of Hawaii


New Homes Month in April is a great time to think about what you want in your next new home. We’ve all seen a stunning hillside mansion and dreamed what it would be like to raise our families there. Or envied the amazing renovation makeovers depicted on television shows that give the home owners a sense of pride and accomplishment. But how does your dream home compare to what home buyers across the country are looking for in their new home?

A recent study from the National Association of Homes Builders, What Home Buyers Really Want, shared the results of a survey of the preferences of thousands of home buyers. On average, home buyers are looking for a home that is 17 percent larger than their current home, a median of 2,226 square feet. But, likely as a result of the ongoing challenges of the economic downturn, that size is 13 percent smaller than the average size of homes started in 2012.

The layout of the home is more important than the location to most buyers. Living space and number of rooms was ranked the most influential characteristic by 65 percent of buyers, while only 33 percent ranked proximity to locations they need to go as tops. A sense of open space continues to be popular, with about three-quarters of home buyers wanting a kitchen that is open to the family room, and nearly two-thirds looking for ceilings on the first floor that are 9 feet or more tall.

Some of the most wanted features in a home involve saving energy. Energy Star-rated appliances were rated as essential or desirable by 94 percent of respondents, and 91 percent wanted an Energy Star rating for the whole home. In fact, nine out of ten buyers would rather buy a home with energy-efficient features and permanently lower utility bills than one without those features that costs 2 percent to 3 percent less.

Convenient organization and storage is another home buyer favorite. More than 80 percent of the respondents said they wanted walk-in pantries and pull-out shelves in the kitchen, a laundry room and storage in the garage.

Today’s home buyers want the latest technology. While only 15 percent of home owners currently have a wireless home security system, 50 percent want one. Similar gaps in “have” versus “want” occur with security cameras, lighting control and wireless audio systems, and multi-zone HVACs.

The most unwanted home features include elevators, a location in a golf course, high density or gated community, and having only a shower stall and no tub in the master bath.

So whether you’re planning or dreaming about what your next new home will look like, or you’re making renovations to your current home so that it will appeal to its next owner, keep these home buyer preferences in mind!

Contact info@biahawaii.org to learn about the latest features available in new homes in Hawaii.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

What It Takes To Be a Home Builder

By: Karen T. Nakamura, CEO 

Building Industry Association of Hawaii 

 Today’s new homes reflect changing market preferences and integrate elaborate designs and consumer desires into the floor plans and construction of the homes. And successful home builders have the knowledge, organizational skills and drive to build them.

But what does it really take to build a house?

Like a CEO, a home builder relies on a number of workers to get the job done right. A home builder guides dozens of skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, painters and landscapers. The builder must understand all of the home’s complex systems and know enough about each contractor’s trade in order to coordinate this skilled team to build and sell a quality product.

Some home builders develop the land on which the homes are built. They look at a piece of land to determine whether it complies with zoning regulations, local planning laws and environmental restrictions, and whether it is suitable for development. The home builder studies the lot’s topography, searching for rock outcroppings, shallow depth bedrock, shallow groundwater, natural drainage sources and dense vegetation. Landscaping options and erosion control also have to be considered. Once a builder determines that a site is suitable for construction, they must navigate the permitting process.

Home builders serve as liaisons with their communities and local government officials. They research and study local building codes to determine what can be built in a given location. In most localities, building codes govern building, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems and fire safety. After studying the building codes, the builder collects all the required permits from various authorities before proceeding with construction.

Once the permits are obtained, the builder will prepare the site and select how the home will be situated on it. The home builder then oversees the entire construction process, which includes—but is certainly not limited to—laying the foundation; erecting the framing, roofing and siding; building the walls; and installing the plumbing, heating and electrical work.

A home builder acts as an inspector. The local building department will inspect the construction site for code violations throughout the home’s construction. But a professional home builder will make certain the home meets both code and warranty guidelines long before and after the officials show up. Once the house is finished, the builder informs the appropriate municipal departments that it is ready for final inspection and the approval that the home is safe for its new owners to move in.

Professional home builders strive to deliver a home that will make their customers happy. To meet this objective, they act as public relations professionals. The builder will discuss the construction process and building schedule with the buyer, and plan times when the buyer can tour the building site and ask questions about the status of their new home.

Home builders are also businesspeople who establish a network of reliable and quality materials suppliers and trade contractors with whom they conduct business on a regular basis.

Home builders are schedulers and record keepers. They must think on their feet, keep complex construction timelines and tackle multiple tasks simultaneously in order to keep the construction process moving forward and ensure the home is completed on schedule.

All in all, home builders must wear many, many hats in order to deliver a home where the new owners can hang their own hats, raise a family and build lifelong memories.

To learn more about the home building process or to find a home builder in Hawaii, contact BIA-Hawaii: info@biahawaii.org.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Fiscal Cliff: Updates for Homeowners


If you own your home, here are important facts that may affect you:

  • The mortgage insurance premium deduction now extends through 2013 and is retroactive for 2012 for people who make less than $110,000.
  • Mortgage cancellation relief now extends until January 1, 2014.
  • The Capital Gains Tax exclusion for the sale of a Main Home remains unchanged at $250K for an individual, and $500K for married couples, as long as you have lived in the home 2 out of 5 years prior to the sale.
  • The first $5M of an individual estate ($10M of a family estate) is now exempt from estate taxes. After those amounts, the estate tax is 40%.
  • The Energy Efficiency Tax Credit of 10% up to $500 was extended through 2013 for improvements to existing homes.
    (from the National Association of Realtors)
Single Family Nov '12 - Jan '13 Nov '11 - Jan '12 % Change
 Number of Sales 814 699 16.5%
 Median Price $610,000 $595,000 2.5%
 Condominium Nov '12 - Jan '13 Nov '11 - Jan '12 % Change
 Number of Sales 1,045 931 12.2%
 Median Price $330,000 $290,500 13.6%
                                                                Information Provided by Prudential Locations

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Checklist for Finding and Hiring a Builder or Remodeler


By: Karen Nakamura, CEO
      BIA-Hawaii


Doing your homework will help you have a more successful experience.


 Use this checklist to help you select a home builder or home remodeler to work on or build your home:

  • Contact the Building Industry Association of Hawaii for the names of member builders and remodelers: info@biahawaii.org or go to www.biahawaii.org. You can also ask family, friends or coworkers for recommendations.
  • Make sure the builder or remodeler has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
  • Find out how long they have been in the building business. It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. You want to make sure they will be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties.
  • Check out the company's rating and if there have been any complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org. or the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: http://cca.hawaii.gov/resources/
  • Make sure the builder has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
  • Ask the builder to provide you with names of previous customers. If they won't, beware. If they do, ask the customers if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
  • Ask if you can see the builders work, both completed and in progress. Check for quality of workmanship and materials and cleanliness of job site.
  • Do you feel you can easily communicate with the builder? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
  • Make sure the builder provides you with a complete and clearly written contract. The contract will benefit both of you. If you are having a new home built, get and review a copy of the home warranty and homeowner manual as well.
  • Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem. Keep in mind that less expensive does not necessarily mean better!
  • Make sure your payments are spelled out progress payments that identify when payment is due upon completion of the specific phase of the work.
  • Make sure you sign a lien disclosure statement with the contract.
  • Make sure the Notice of Completion is filed in the newspaper this starts the 45 days of the lien period.
  • Make sure you get a Certificate of Occupancy and the permit is closed out. When the permit is not closed the work is not recorded with the building department so your plans are not updated. When you need an appraisal, a loan or go to sell, you may have a problem because what is recorded does not match the existing as built. When that happens, there are permit fees, and penalties to get the records corrected.
For more information contact me: ktn@biahawaii.org or call 808-847-4666 x 7502

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

What Contractors and Home Owners Need to Know About Lead Paint

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes built before 1978 took effect on April 22, 2010.

The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home, due to possible lead paint contamination.

The EPA rule lists prohibited work practices, including open-torch burning and using high-heat guns and high-speed equipment such as grinders and sanders unless equipped with a HEPA filter. It also requires a cleaning inspection after the work is completed.

Additionally, the rule establishes required lead-safe work practices, including sharing a copy of Renovate Right with the home owner, posting warning signs for occupants and visitors; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course.

The full rule and brochures for consumers can be downloaded from the EPA’s Web site.

A 2006 NAHB study on lead-safe work practices showed that a home was better off after a remodel than before, as long as the work was performed by trained remodelers who clean the work area with HEPA-equipped vacuums, wet washing and disposable drop cloths.

Tips for Home Owners

  1. Hire a Certified Renovator for your home remodeling project.
    Professional remodelers who have achieved EPA Lead-Safe Certification are trained and prepared to work in pre-1978 homes for minimizing dust and potential lead paint exposures. These workers also have certified their firms and will carry an EPA seal verifying their qualifications to follow lead-safe work practices. Certified Renovators have the knowledge and tools to contain dust and keep your family safe. Do not attempt remodeling work yourself or hire an uncertified remodeler as this puts you at risk of lead poisoning.
  2. Read Renovate Right.
    Your Certified Renovator will provide you a copy of the
    Renovate Right brochure produced by the EPA. This brochure describes the dangers of lead poisoning and how the practices of the remodeler will be employed to contain dust, clean, and minimize the dangers of lead paint exposure.
  3. Pay attention to warning signs and do not enter containment areas.
    The Certified Renovator will post warning signs and set up areas of containment using plastic to keep dust under control. Pay attention to these notices and stay away from these areas. The remodeler uses these techniques and lead-safe work practices to minimize lead dust exposure.
  4. Consider testing for lead.
    You may ask the Certified Renovator to use LeadCheck test kits for testing certain surfaces for lead. If the test comes back negative, the remodeler will not need to use lead safe work practices because the component has tested lead-free. A home owner may alternatively hire a certified risk assessor or lead inspector to conduct testing in the home for lead. Any pre-1978 home can be tested for lead and if the results are negative, the EPA lead rule does not apply.
  5. Maintain records about your home remodel.
    After the remodeling job is complete the EPA Certified Renovator will share records with you, such as a checklist describing the work practices used and any results from lead testing. Be sure to keep these records and share them with the next home owner if you should sell your home.
Learn more about EPA's lead paint rule by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or by downloading the pamphlet, Renovate Right.


Sunday, February 17, 2013

The Hidden Risks and Liabilities to the Owner Builder

By: Karen T. Nakamura, CEO
Building Industry Association of Hawaii

HRS – 444 is the State Law that regulates Contractor Licensing. This law is meant to protect consumers from liability, fraud and workmanship that does not meet building codes and building standards. Contractor’s who are licensed are registered with the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, (DCCA). The State has their name, address, social security number or FEIN number and the State can find them to get restitution.

The Owner Builder Exemption fosters unlicensed individuals to shift liability on to the Owner without the Owner knowing the consequences. Complaints have been filed with Regulated Industries and Complaints Office (RICO) and in many cases it takes years of investigation to substantiate the cases. The result: Owners cannot get restitution for their losses and are left with a situation that devalues their investment.

Yes, we are all “related” in Hawaii or someone we know works in the construction industry.  Yes, building costs in Hawaii are the highest in the Nation. Is the risk worth taking when the values of our homes exceed $625,000? Is the risk worth it when the new building materials and building systems require specialized training?  Is the risk worth taking when your net worth and lives are impacted?

Steel wall studs and engineered wood floor joist, foam insulation in the walls, and the
 fiberglass insulation in the ceiling prior to drywall installation
Owners, please educate yourself before signing the Owner Builder Building Permit Application. When you sign this permit application, you are the contractor of record and you are liable for the safety of all workers as well as compliance to the environmental (EPA) and (OSHA) regulations. Violations of Federal regulations, (EPA and OSHA) are not excusable and the daily fines and penalties are expensive. The buck stops with you. The Owner Builder Exemption of the Contractor’s Licensing Law allows owners or lessees of property to build or improve residential, farm, industrial, or commercial buildings or structures on property for their own use, or for use by their grandparents, parents, siblings, or children and who do not offer the buildings or structures for sale or lease. When Owners are advised by individuals to sign the Owner Builder permit application, the Owner can hire employees and contract directly with subcontractors to construct the improvements on their property. The Owner then takes on all the responsibilities and the liabilities of a general contractor.

Do not be confused: The Contractor Licensing Law HRS-444, is regulated by the State Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO). RICO assists the public and licensees through education and through enforcement of the state’s professional licensing laws.

Building Permits are regulated by the City and County Department of Planning and Permitting, (DPP). A building permit is not required for repairs using similar or same materials for the purpose of maintenance and which are not more than $1,000 in valuation in any 12-month period and do not affect any electrical or plumbing installations.

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii has introduced SB-1077 to improve the ability of RICO to investigate violations of the Owner Builder Exemptions and to offer additional disclosures for Owner Builders when they enter into agreements with licensed subcontractors.

Please call or email your legislator to support SB-1077. For more information contact me at ktn@biahawaii.org