Building Barometer - July 19, 2016

Vertical Codes Committee Meeting - July 11

County staff reported that the inspection rollover percentage was 28 for building, 2 for electrical, 1 for plumbing and gas and 1 for mechanical. Mike Rimoldi is working with staff to be proactive in
reassigning Building Inspectors to the busiest areas in an effort to address the 28% rollover rate. Residential permit turnaround times are 17 working days at the South County office, 24 working days at County Center and 35 working days for commercial permits at County Center. There were 458 single family permit applications received in June.  In addition, there were 542 residential building
permits issued, 81%, or 439, which were single family. Permitting, plan review and inspection staffs are working overtime, many 7 days a week. 

Adam Gormly and Mike are considering hosting a series of sessions with the various construction trades to discuss inspector assignments/rollover percentage improvements, red tag trends, new code issues, builder inspection scheduling and other issues as identified.  These sessions will be very helpful for all parties, and it is hopeful that participation will be widespread.

Current vacant staff positions include 1 electrical Inspector, 1 Permit Clerk and 5 Building Inspectors, 2 of which are limited duration. There were 4 previous applicants for the limited duration positions which were unlicensed and unqualified at the minimum level, and 2 building inspectors that recently resigned. 

The Building Fund balance was $2,617,809 at the end of May, and $2,255,393 at the end of April. 

Mike discussed the increasing problem of incorrect installation of irrigation systems.  Currently, these installations are being monitored by the County’s Extension Services Office.  There is currently no inspection required for these installations, and we certainly do not want the County placed in a position of having to provide enforcement. Builders need to be aware of this growing issue.

Tom Legler, Chief Plumbing/Gas Inspector, discussed a new procedure that will combine the tub set and 2nd plumbing rough-in inspections into a single inspection.  Mike and Tom will determine shortly when this new procedure will be effective. 

Obviously, the percentages and time frames listed above are of great concern to our building industry.  TBBA leadership is actively involved, as are general members, in working with County representatives to reverse these trends through whatever means possible.  We welcome any and all participation in these endeavors.

Please contact Dave Ford at davef@hamiltonengineering.us to have new items added to the agenda, or to be addressed prior to the next meeting. 

Staff Contact: Jennifer

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Lunch & Learn - August 4th

Many boomers will decide to move or remodel existing homes to be more energy efficient, livable and marketable. Hear current trends, data and research from AARP and learn more on the housing needs of the 50+ home buyer.

Thursday, August 4 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Location: Ferman Chevrolet, 9751 E Adamo Dr, Tampa

Presenter: Laura Cantwell, Associate State Director, AARP

FREE for RC members code: RCMEMBER |$10 for TBBA

members, lunch provided.

Register Here

Staff Contact: Lauren

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The 2017 Parade of Homes planning is underway! 

The tentative 2017 Parade of Homes dates are March 11 - 26. With judging taking place on March 10. We heard your feedback and have extended the parade to include 3 full weekends again.

The Request for Proposals was sent for the 2017 Showcase Home Builder. Full RFP

Committee meetings will begin in the fall, please email Amy if you are interested in participating.

Staff Contact: Amy

Building Barometer - May 31, 2016

President's Message  - May 31, 2016

The Association continues to advance on many fronts. The governmental affairs work is particularly active in Tampa, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties and the Association continues to make a tangible difference for our industry in those and other jurisdictions. The Parade of Homes and Awards Banquet were rousing successes and Newland Commmunities and ICI Homes presented a great showcase home in FishHawk Ranch. 

The business of the Association is also moving forward as the Board for the first time has approved adding investment and reserve policies to best utilize our cash on hand and protect the association in future downturns. In addition our membership continues to grow and we encourage members who have suggestions for colleagues to join the Association to contact Lauren Morgan, Membership Director or any member of our leadership team.  

We continue to focus on adding value for our members and welcome suggestions from you on how the  Association can continue to improve your experience. We also encourage active member participation and contribution to committees and other activities. Involvement by members continues to be a key cornerstone in our ability to have the greatest impact on behalf of the Association and our membership.  

Thank you for attending the Presidents Reception last Wednesday, I was delighted.

- W. Stewart Gibbons, President, Tampa Bay Builders Association

Staff Contact: Lauren

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2016 Parade of Homes Feedback and Recap - May 11, 2016

Since the 2016 Parade of Homes ended on March 15, we have been diligently working to collect feedback from participants, sponsors, and volunteers. This year was especially important for us to gather this information having made changes to many aspects of the Parade including the entry system, website, marketing, dates, and more. The committee has made several calls out to participating builders, sent surveys to judges and participants, sat with Sales and Marketing Leadership, and held informal one-on-one sessions. As we look to 2017 we would still love to hear your feedback! Please contact amy@tbba.net 

As expected there was an extremely wide range of feedback received making a summary challenging to reflect all views however we do want to share the most common results. We are and will continue to take all views into consideration while planning 2017.

- Dates/Time Period: The time period was shorter this year, some participants enjoyed this and some felt that more traffic on a third weekend would have been beneficial. The dates should be released well in advance for builders to prepared for the Parade and have ample opportunity to submit 

- Entries: Overall the new online entry system was well received; improvements will continue to be made to make the proofing for printed and electronic descriptions of model homes.

- Marketing/Guidebook: The guidebook itself was favorably received with the new, convenient size however distribution could be improved. The number of potential buyers with guidebooks seemed lower to most builders this year. Most buyers that came through the showcase home were through digital marketing efforts. The other model homes saw traffic from snipe signage however indicated the traffic in most areas was not increased from previous years.

- Judging: The volunteers enjoyed themselves and appreciated the routes this year. For coming years the committee will consider options to include outdoor living spaces and pools. An electronic system for judging will also be looked into for coming years to streamline the process.

Staff Contact: Amy

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2016 Governmental Affairs: What is it and why is it important

Our mission is to serve as the recommending body for policy development and action on the Governmental Affair Issues of either local, state, or national impact to the building industry.  A seat at the table is critical to the future of our community. A cornerstone mission of the organization is to improve conditions for building a progress by working with those in the regulatory community to ensure policies and processes are not duplicated, contradictory or punitive in nature. 

Want to attend the next GA Meeting?

Hillsborough County GA Meeting - Friday, May 27th

Pasco County GA Meeting (New Location: Sioux City Steakhouse - 8515 Little Rd, New Port Richey, FL; New Price: $20.00 ) - Wednesday, June 8th

City of Tampa GA Meeting - Tuesday, June 21st

Hillsborough County GA Meeting - Friday, June 24th

Staff Contact: Kara