J U L Y2015 Rochester Area Builders, Inc.a publication of

F O U N D A T I O N S

A&A Electric & Underground, Inc. + AB Systems, Inc. + Abbco Company + ABC Supply Company, Inc. + Above All Roofing of Rochester, Inc. + Accord Electric, Inc. + Action Plumbing, Heating & A/C + Adair Electric Company + Adamson Motors + Advanced Builders & Remodeling + Advanced Builders, LLC + Advanced Building Center, Inc. + Advanced Disposal + Advantage Cabinets, Inc. + Ag Services, Inc. + Alexander & Sons Builders + All Craft Exteriors, LLC + Mike Allen Homes, LLC + Allen Outdoor Solutions, LLC + All-Star Basements + Alpha Video & Audio + Altra Federal Credit Union + American Engineering Testing, Inc. + American Fence Company of MN, LLC + American Waterworks + Ames Construction, Inc. + Amirco, LLC + Andersen Windows, Inc. + Anderson Construction + Appliance Village Company + Arcon Development, Inc. + Arrow Building Center + Associated Bank + Athelon Enterprises, LLC + B&C Plumbing & Heating, Inc. + BARK.L Consulting Engineers, LLC + Al Barker Custom Homes, Inc. + Barrier Free Access, Inc. + Basement Water Control + Batzel Builders, Inc. + BBHA Rochester, LLC + Beckley's Office Products + Beetles Bar & Grill, Inc. + Alvin E. Benike, Inc. + Scott Berberich Construction, LLC + Scott Berg Construction, LLC + Bessler Management + Beyond Kitchens, LLC + Bigelow & Lennon Construction, LLC + Bigelow Homes + K.W. Billman, Inc. + The Blue Book of Building & Construction + Bobcat of Rochester + Bob's Construction, Inc. + The Boldt Company + Bouquet Builders, Inc. + Bowman's Door Solutions + Brandrup Builders + Brauer Roofing, Inc. + Braun Intertec Corporation + Brekke Fireplace Shoppe + Bremer Bank + Brennan Companies + Bricewood, LLC + Briese Iron Works, Inc. + Bright Ideas + Brinkman Builders, LLC + Brock White Company + Tom Brogan Heating & Air Conditioning + Brooks Excavating Company, Inc. + C.O. Brown Agency + Bruce Bucknell Construction, Inc. + Budget Blinds + Building Products, Inc. + Burdick Builders, Inc. + Byrne Electric, Inc. + Cachiaras Building & Remodeling + Cambria + Carpet One + CarpetsPlus of Rochester + Castlewood Homes, Inc. + Centurion Ridge, LLC + Charter Communications/Media + Chladek Construction, LLC + Chosen Valley Testing, Inc. + Christian Brothers Cabinets + CHS, Inc. + City Auto Glass + City of Byron + City of Chatfield + City of Eyota + City of Preston + City of Spring Valley + Citywide Insulation, Inc. + Clarey's Safety Equipment + Clayton Thomas Blinds of Rochester + Clear Channel Radio (Laser/Fox/KFAN) + Clements Chevrolet Cadillac Subaru + CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP + Coldwell Banker Burnet + Commercial Leasing Services + Consolidated Communications, Inc. + Construction Partnership, Inc. + Coordinated Business Systems, Ltd. + Corban Homes, LLC + Cordes Construc-tion + Cornerstone Builders & Real Estate, Inc. + Cornerstone Designs of Rochester, Inc. + Corporate Web Services, Inc. + Counselor Realty of Rochester, Inc. + Countryside Builders, LLC + Cravath Homes, LLC, dba Accessibility Solutions + Creative Hardwood Floors + Crescent Electric Supply Company + CRW architecture + design group, inc. + Culligan of Rochester & Kasson + Curry's Custom Cut Gutter, LLC + Curtin Drywall, Inc. + Custom Alarm / CCI + Custom Homes by Bradley, Inc. + Custom Retaining Walls & Landscaping, Inc. + D2E, LLC + Dahl Home Builders, Inc. + Dakota Supply Group, Inc. + Data-Smart Computers, Inc. + DeGeus Tile & Granite + Derby Construction LLC + The Design Connection + Design Studio B + Destination Building Center + DeWitz Home Builders, Inc. + DiNicola & Pestka Appraisals + Distinguished Homes by Mitch Hagen, LLC + DMC Plumbing & Heating, Inc. + Dolan's Landscape Center, Inc. + DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen + Dunham Associates, Inc. + Dunlap & Seeger + JE Dunn Construction + Dura-Oak Kitchen Make Overs + Dynamic Masonry Products, LLC + eci, llc + Eckert Construction, Inc. + ECSI System Integrators + Edel Construction, LLC + Edina Realty Home Services + Todd Eidem Construction, Inc. + Elcor Construction, Inc. + Elcor Realty of Rochester, Inc. + Electrical Solutions & Service + Elgin Economic Development Authority + Elias Construction, LLC + Jason Elsmore Plumbing, LLC + Emergent Networks + Energy Panel Structures + Energy Products & Design, Inc. + EO Johnson Business Technologies + Excel Homes + The Excelsior Group, LLC + Exclusive Home Builders & Remodelers + Expert Insulation, Inc. + Express Employment Professionals + Extreme Panel Technologies, Inc. + Fairway Outdoor Advertising, LLC + Fat Willy's Bar & Grill + Ferguson Enterprises + Fieldstone Family Homes, Inc. + Final Cut Construction + First Alliance Credit Union + First Choice Homes, LLC + First General Services of SE MN + First Security Bank + R. Fleming Construction, Inc. + FloCore + Ford Metro Glass, Inc. + Foster Construction, Inc. + Franklin Energy + Chris Fritsch Custom Homes, LLC + GAF + Gander Plumbing & Heating, Inc. + Dale Gathje Construction, Inc. + Steve Gentry Construction, LLC + Gerhards - The Kitchen & Bath Store + Gift Book Plus + Robert Gill Builder, Inc. + Godwin Law Office + Goodin Company + Great River Overhead Door + Green Lawncare Irrigation & Service Co. + GulfEagle Supply + Habitat for Humanity - Rochester Area + Haley Comfort Systems (Authorized FireSide Dealer) + W.L. Hall Company + Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc. + Hammer Homes, Inc. + Hanson Construction & Specialty Cabinets, LLC + Harmony Economic Development Authority + Hartman Complete Lawncare, LLC + Hayfield Window & Door Company + HDR Architec-ture + Heartland Security + Heartman Insurance + Heartwood Homes of Rochester, Inc. + Brandon Henderson's Construction Plus, LLC + Hentges Glass Company + HG Electric, LLC + HGA Architects and Engineers + Hicks Electric, Inc. + Higgins Custom Cabinetry + High Definition Homes, LLC + Hiller's Flooring America + HiMEC at Home + Jeff Hinkle Custom Homes + Hirshfield's Decorating Center + Holiday Inn Downtown + Holt Title Guaranty Company, Inc. + The Home Depot + Home Federal Savings Bank + Home Improve-ment Professionals, Inc. + Home Systems Installation, LLC + Howe Countertops + Hunt Electric Corporation + Hutch's Custom Cabinets + Int'l Brthrhd of Electrical Wrkrs Local 343 + Innovative Surfaces, Inc. + Insty Prints + IntegraSpec Central/Jeff Mueller Construction + Michael Jack, LLC + JNS Builders, LLC + J.P. Johnson Custom Builders, Inc. + JP's Construction Remodeling & Repair, Inc. + K&M Glass Company + K&S Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical + Kahler Hospitality Group + Tom Kalmes Construction, Inc. + Keller Williams Premier Realty + Key Builders, Inc. + Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. + King's Flooring, LLC + Kirkland Enterprises, LLC + The Kitchen Design Studio + Kitchens Plus + Gary Kline Roofing, Inc. + Knutson Construction Services + Koball's Poured Walls, Inc. + Kraus-Anderson Construction Company + Kreofsky Building Supplies + Kruger Electric, Inc. + Kruse Lumber + KTTC/KXLT-TV + Kuehn Motor Company, Inc. + Kuntz Electric, Inc. + Kwik Trip, Inc. + Lacina Siding & Windows, Inc. + Laitala Tile Company + Larsen Industries, Inc. + Larson Siding & Windows + L e a f G u a r d Gutters & Roofing of Rochester + Legends Concrete, Inc. + Leitzen Concrete Products, Inc. + Lewiston Economic Development Authority + Leyendecker Homebuilders, LLC + Lodermeier's, Inc. + Low Voltage Contractors + Lowe's Home I m p r o v e - ment + Luxury Bath Remodeling + Maas Companies, Inc. + Maier Tree & Lawn + Majestic Homes, Inc. + R.J. Manemann Custom Homes + Manufacturer's Bank & Trust + Maple-wood Homes, LLC + Markham Homes, LLC + markit + Marvin Windows & Doors + Massey Land Surveying & Engineering + Master Builders, Inc. + Mavo Systems, Inc. + McGladrey + McGough Construction + MDH, Inc. + Meadow Lakes Builders + MEC Construction, LLC + Med City Builders of Rochester, LLC + Menards - South + MEP Associates + Merchants Bank + Merit Contracting, Inc. + MetLife Premier Client Group of the Upper Midwest + Michael's Custom Cabinets, Inc. + Midwest Walls, LLC + Minnesota Energy Resources Corpora- tion + Minnwest Bank + MLT Group + Morris Concrete, Inc. + Larry Newman Drywall + North Central States Regional Council + North Star Stone & Masonry + Northern Lights & Furnishings + Northgate Chiropractic Clinic + Nuss Truck & Equipment + Ohly Law Office + Olmsted County Planning Dept, Insp. Div. + Olmsted County Public Health + Olmsted National Bank + On Site Companies + Otis Custom Homes, LLC + Overhead Door Co. of Olmsted County + Owner's Plumbing, Inc. + Oxi-Fresh C a r p e t Cleaning + Paape Energy Services + Pace International + Pahl & K a y e , Inc. + Palmer Soderberg, Inc. + Paramark Corporation + PC Appli- cations Consultants, Inc. + Pearson Builders, Inc. + Pebble

Creek/Western Walls + Pegram & Dexter Construction & Design + Pella Windows & Doors + Pendle Hansen Bagne

Insurance + Penz Custom Homes, Inc. + People's Energy Cooperative + Peterson Well Drilling, Inc. +

Phantom Screens + Pine Island Lumber + Pompeii Painting, Inc. + Post-Bulletin Company,

LLC + Powers Ventures + Prehn Building Sales, Inc. + Premier Bank Rochester +

Premier Builders of Rochester, Inc. + Prime Time Painting of Rochester, LLC + PrimeLending + Priority Claims

Service + Pro Image Promotions & Apparel + ProBuild Company, LLC +

P r o - fessional Education Resources, LLC + P r o s - cape of Rochester, LLC + Quality Overhead Door Company, Inc. + Quality Siding & Window, Inc. + Michael Quinn Law Office + R&M Development Compa-ny + Radcliffe Homes & Remodeling + Range Custom Homes, LLC + RCON Homes, Inc. + RCTC Carpentry Program + RE/MAX of Rochester + Region Millworks, Inc. + David Reiland Building Contractor, LLC + Reliable Contractors, Inc. + Renters Warehouse Rochester + Reynolds Design and Construction + Rochester Area Appraisals, LLC + Rochester Area

Chamber of Commerce + Rochester Area Econ. Development, Inc. (RAEDI) + Rochester Area Foundation + Roches-ter Asphalt, Inc. + Rochester Building Safety Department + Roches- ter Concrete Products, LLC + Rochester International Event Center + Rochester Plumbing & Heating/Roto Rooter + Rochester Public Utilities + Rochester Public Works + Rochester Ready Mix Concrete Co + Rochester Sign Service, Inc. + Rochester Title & Escrow Company, Inc. + Ronningen Roofing, Inc. + RSP Architects + Ryan & Grinde, Ltd. + Ryan Electric, Inc. + Ryan Windows & Siding, Inc. + Rymark Construction, LLC + S&S Overhead Door, Inc. + Sargent's Landscape Nursery, Inc. + Sawyer Construction Services, Inc. + Schad Tracy Signs, Inc. + Schmidt Goodman Office Products + Schoeppner, Inc. + Schwickert's Tecta America, LLC + Seavey Builders, Inc. + SEH Yaggy + Dan Severson Builders, Inc. + Shanahan Building & Remod-eling, LLC + Shingobee Builders, Inc. + Sign Here, Inc. + Simonson Builders, LLC + SL Contracting + Smart Home Innovations & Engineer- ing, Inc. + Smith Schafer & Associates, Ltd. + Solar Connection, Inc. + SOLO plumbing & ResSprinklers, LLC + Somerby Golf Community + Space Concepts, Inc. + Spahn & Rose Lumber Company + Greg Speedling Contracting, Inc. + Spring Valley Overhead Door, Inc. + Stadsvold's Lawn & Landscape + Stantec + Steel Constructors, Inc. + Stencil Homes + Sterling State Bank + Stevens Heating, Inc. + Stewartville Economic Development Authority + Stier Construction, Inc. + Stimets Home Building & Remodeling + Stone Expressions + StoneBridge Builders + Structural Design Group, Inc. + Struve's Paint and Decorating + Robert G. Suk Law Office, PA + Summit Custom Homes, LLC + Summit Fire Protection Company + Superior Mechanical + Craig Swanson Builders, Inc. + Swenke Ims Contracting, LLC + Kenny Sylvester Construction, LLC + Synergy Products + Tag's Drywall, Inc. + Tamarack Materials, Inc. + Thatcher Pools & Spas, Inc. + Thermo-Tech Windows + Thiemann Construction, Inc. + Thimijan Custom Homes, LLC + Think Mutual Bank + Thomas Tool & Supply + Thompson's Garage Door and Openers + Tile Superstore & More + Tonna Mechanical, Inc. + Top Shop of Roches-ter, Inc. + Total Electric of Rochester, Inc. + Townsquare Media Rochester + Tradesmen International, Inc. + Traditional Wood Builders + Tri Star Insulation + Tri State Insulated Concrete Forms + TSP Architects & Engineers + Tub MD, LLC + Turri Crane Service, Inc. + Turtle Creek Construction, Inc. + Ultimate Surfaces + United Heating & Cooling + United Products/Allied Building Products Corp. + United Rentals + The Urban Studio, LLC + US Bank + Valor Mechanical, Inc. + Val-U-Blinds + Vector Windows + Veit Companies + Vennehjem Building Corporation + Vertical Limit Construction + Viking Automat- ic Sprinkler Company + Viking Electric Supply + Vision Homes & Remodeling, LLC + WA Insurance + Warners' Stellian Appliance Co., Inc. + Waste Management + Wausau Homes + Wausau Supply + Weis Builders, Inc. + Greg Wellik Construction + Wells Concrete Products, Inc. + Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota NA + Wells Fargo Home Mortgage + Wendland Utz + Werner Electric Supply + West Bank + Jim Whiting Nursery & Garden Center, Inc. + WHKS & Company + Widseth Smith

Nolting + Wildwood Sports Bar and Grill + Wilson Tibor & Maves, Ltd. + Wintrust Mortgage + Women Communications, LLC + Workforce Development, Inc. + Wright Homes, Inc. + WSB & Associates, Inc. + WT Lighting + Xcel Energy + XRG Concepts, LLC + Rick Yerhot Builder + Your Home Improvement Company + Zen Custom Homes + Zumbro Haven, LLC = RAB

2 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

Put your membershipto work now.Money-saving discounts that benefit yourbusiness, your employees, and your family

www.nahb.org/MA

National Association of Home Builders

R

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 3

June 24, 2015 I wanted to readdress a topic I covered a couple of months ago, career opportunities in the building trades. RAB submitted a letter to the editor recently on this topic and we have received positive feedback from the community regarding our organization being a leader on this issue.

The problem is particularly acute here in Southeast Minnesota. With the growth that is occurring, and that will continue to occur from DMC, it is especially critical that we encourage young people to identify a job in the construction industry as a viable career option. To meet the construction needs of a growing population, attitudes

must change. Parents, teachers, counselors and students need to understand and believe that a vocational education is just as worthwhile as a conventional four-year college education and that both routes offer satisfying career paths and financial gains. Area school districts can help encourage young people by providing curriculum that includes industrial arts classes.

My employer, Boldt, takes an active role company-wide to address this issue. I will share a story that Casey, one of our lead foreman/superintendents shared with recent graduates at a local trades hiring fair. Two weeks after Casey graduated from high school, he decided to forgo college and get formal training as a carpenter. Many of the friends he graduated with went to college. Fast forward 5-6 years later, several of Casey’s friends could not find a job with their college degree or were underemployed. Now they are beginning a career as a carpenter, burdened with thousands of dollars of college debt. Meanwhile, Casey has five years of experience making a good wage with great benefits and no debt. At a time when countless college graduates are finding they are underemployed and saddled with crushing student debt, it is time for educators and policymakers to reexamine the widely held belief that a college degree represents the only road to success.

I encourage you to attend the July 28th Networking Night at the Stone Barn in Rochester. Our own Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) President Mike Paradise is bringing BAM’s quarterly meeting to Rochester that day. Part of their agenda is to attend our networking night. This is a good opportunity to network with construction leaders from across the state. It should be a great evening. And don’t forget to attend this month’s Networking Night at Widseth Smith Nolting’s new office in the old Home Design Studio building. Hope to see you there!

Have a great month!

John Eckerman 2015 RAB President

Index NAHB Member Discounts ........................ 2News from the President ......................... 3RAB Golf Outing Review ........................... 4June Networking Night ............................. 5Association Scrapbook ........................6-9Featured Member:Solar Connection, Inc .............................10BAM Update ............................................11Building Permit Reports ................... 14-15Membership Information .......................16

Executive Director/Editor John Eischen

Production Ryan Kling-Punt

The Rochester Builders newsletter is the official publication of Rochester Area Builders, Inc. This newsletter is published and distributed monthly to its members and others associated with the building industry. Neither the advertisers, nor RAB will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained.

108 Elton Hills Lane NW Rochester, MN 55901 Phone: 507-282-7698 Fax: 507-282-6351E-mail: RAB@RochesterAreaBuilders.com

News from The President

We are pleased to announce that we have hired a new Public Affairs Director.

Taylor Ridderbusch joined RAB on June 8, 2015. Taylor attended Carthage College in Kenosha, WI where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He also gained valuable government affairs experience while working with Ducks Unlimited in their Washington, DC office. Taylor looks forward to working with RAB members and city and state officials on behalf of the builders association. We here at Rochester Area Builders are excited to welcome Taylor to our team.

Meet Taylor

4 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

RAB Golf Outing Review

LUNCH SPONSOR:Think Mutual Bank

PUTTING CONTEST SPONSOR:Minnesota Energy Resources

CLOSEST TO THE FLAG:The Builders Group

BREAK THE GLASS:Larson Siding & Windows

CIGAR CART SPONSOR:Tradesmen International, Inc.

DRINK CART SPONSORS:Carpet OneValor Mechanical

KEEP IT IN PLAY SPONSORS:Schwickerts Tecta America

APPETIZER SPONSORS:CRW architecture + design groupKnutson Construction Services, Inc.

CART SPONSORS:Bremmer BankCRW architecture + design groupEO Johnson Business TechnologiesKnutson Construction Services, Inc.

TEE & GREEN SPONSORS:ABC Supply Company, Inc.Braun Intertec CorporationC.O. Brown AgencyCambriaClements Chevrolet Cadillac SubaruCliftonLarsonAllen, LLPCustom Alarm/Communications, Inc.Data-Smart Computers, Inc.Destination Building CenterDunlap & SeegerEnergy Products & DesignHaley Comfort SystemsHeartman InsuranceHome Federal Savings BankKnutson Construction ServicesKreofsky Building SuppliesMerchants BankMinnwest BankOlmsted National BankPine Island LumberPompeii Painting, Inc.Post-Bulletin Company, LLCPremier Bank RochesterProBuild Company, LLCRochester Title & Escrow Co.Smith Schafer & AssociatesSomerby Golf CommunityWarner’s Stellian ApplianceWendland UtzWSB & Associates, Inc.XRG Concepts, LLC

Thank You to our wonderful Sponsors!Gold Tee Sponsor:

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 5

President John Eckerman, The Boldt CompanyVice President Christy Buchan, Energy Products & Design, Inc.

Secretary Delbert Feenstra, Knutson Construction Services

Treasurer Carla Kilpatrick, Home Federal Savings Bank

Past President Kevin Worden, Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity

Directors Mike Allen, Mike Allen Homes, LLC Karen Blissenbach, Design Studio B Mickey Elias, Elias Construction, LLC Rob Jones, Superior Mechanical Levi Kaiser, Alvin E. Benike, Inc. Sam Peyton, King’s Flooring, LLC Jon Range, Range Construction, LLC Lindsey Rippentrop, Premier Bank Rochester Brian Sheehan, Weis Builders, Inc.

Builders Exchange Council Representatives

Jake Schleusner, Merit Contracting, Inc., Chair Tom Leimer, Knutson Construction Services, Vice Chair J.J. Webster, Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, Past Chair

Commercial Builders Council Nick Leimer, Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, Chair Dana Hlebichuk, Widseth Smith Nolting, Vice Chair

Development Council Chair Jill Mickelson, Braun Intertec Corporation

Remodelers Council Chair Jerry Jensen, Valor Mechanical, Inc.

National Life Directors Joe Weis, Weis Builders, Inc.

National Directors Steve Buss, Cornerstone Builders & Real Estate, Inc., Rep. David Kane, Widseth Smith Nolting

State Directors Jim Gander, Superior Mechanical John McGuine, Schoeppner, Inc. Mike Paradise, Bigelow Homes David Pederson, Dunlap & Seeger Dan Severson, Dan Severson Builders, Inc., Rep.

Executive Director John Eischen

JEischen@RochesterAreaBuilders.com

Staff Audra Bolduan

ABolduan@RochesterAreaBuilders.com Marketing, Builders Exchange Trustees

Taylor Ridderbusch TaylorR@RochesterAreaBuilders.com Government Affairs, Commercial Builders Council, Development Council, Building Safety Advisory Group, Public Works Advisory Group, Community Relations, Green Building, Marketing

Sharill Mueller SMueller@RochesterAreaBuilders.com Home Show, Showcase Committee

Rebekah Nielsen RNielsen@RochesterAreaBuilders.com Ambassadors, Education, Membership,

Program, Spike Club, Remodelers Council -Executive-Home Tour-

Ryan Kling-Punt RPunt@RochesterAreaBuilders.com Golf Outing, Sporting Clays, Directory, Newsletter, E-News Update

Join us at the JuneNetworking NightTuesday, June 30th

4:30 - 6:30 pmat Widseth Smith Nolting

3777 40th Ave NW(old Home Design Studio building)

Hosted By:

WHO WE AREWSN is a multi-disciplined firm with experts in civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering; architecture; landscape architecture; land surveying; environmental services; and water resources.

WHERE WE AREWe focus our efforts in the outstate communities of Minnesota, North Dakota, and surrounding states.

WHAT WE DOOur goal is to develop a trusting relationship that will provide a strong foundation for working together on your project. Success is built one partnership at a time by listening to our clients’ needs, being proactive, and providing exceptional professional services.

WHY WE DO ITOur purpose is to be recognized as good stewards of public and private facilities, infrastructure, and resources; to preserve the quality of life in our region; and, to make our communities safer and better places to live, play, and work.

Check out the new WSN space as it is being built!

6 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

May Networking NightAssociation Scrapbook

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S T O K R U S E L U M B E R ON CELEBRATING THEIR 10 0 T H A N N I V E R SA RY ! HERE’S TO 100 MORE!

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 7

Association ScrapbookGolf Outing

8 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

Golf OutingAssociation Scrapbook

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 9

Association ScrapbookGolf Outing

10 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

S O L A RE N E R G YCONSTULTANTS& CONTRACTORS

3270 19th St NW, Ste 205Rochester, MN 55901Phone: 507.292.8400

SolarConnectionInc.com

Interstellar Energy,Stellar Service

watch this video to learn more about Solar Connection, Inc. >>>

ABOUT US

THE SYSTEM THE SAVINGSIs solar a good investment?Depending on the size of the installation, the return on investment is usually 10% or better. This is pretty good considering it’s a very reliable investment. The amount of sun only varies by +/- 4% per year so we can calculate the financial return with pretty good accuracy.How much will I save on my energy bills?Systems are modular so it depends on what size system you decide to go with. Some people choose a system size which covers 100% of their electricity while others may start with 50%. One thing for sure is that without solar, you will pay far more over the next 30 years. When you do the math you see that $200 in monthly utility costs will add up to more than $100,000 over the next 30 years (at 3% energy cost inflation).How long before I recoup the cost in savings?It depends on how fast energy prices rise over time (we all know energy prices are only going one way). As energy prices go up you are saving more and the payback continues to shorten. We help you estimate system payback based on your system cost and energy usage.

Solar Energy Systems are modular so the system size is very flexible. The size will be determined by factors such as your desired power production, budget, and available space. Often it will be a combination of these factors. We work with you to come up with a plan that makes sense for your situation. After the site visit, we take our notes and photos back to the office and put it all together. We come up with one or more options that might work for you. Sometimes there are no viable sites due to shading or lack of space. We will be very honest with you. Everyone loses if a system is built on a site with inadequate solar exposure.

Solar Connection Inc. is a Rochester-based solar energy company serving southern Minnesota since 2010. Solar Connection designs and installs solar electric and solar thermal systems for residential, farm, and

commercial applications. We tailor systems to each situation and work hard to make systems affordable. Our business is built on satisfied customers, and our guiding principles are honesty and attention to detail. We welcome the opportunity to show you what solar energy can do for your home or business!

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 11

What We’re Doing For You:CWGQ Insurance

TBG Insurance

Gov. Relations

Legal Action

Education

Online Forums

Action Center

Energy Payback

Visit www.bamn.org and log-in to the Members Only site for more information on these BAM initiatives!

BUILDERSASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA

T: 651.646.7959T: 800.654.7783W: www.bamn.org

Executive Committee

BAM Update: June 2015

President Mike Paradise

Builder VPKurt Welker

Associate VPGeorge Cundy

President ElectKC Chermak

TreasurerEric Peters

SecretaryGerry Traut

Past PresidentChad Compelien

NAHB RepresentativeKathe Ostrom

Required: Subcontractor RegistrationNow that construction season is in full swing, be sure you are complying with the Contractor Registration law. It’s important to comply as a subcontractor and as a general contractor. There are significant fines at stake. If you registered last year, you may be due to renew.

Under the law, which went into effect in 2014, contractors and subcontractors must hire registered contractors or face significant penalties and must be found to have hired an employee and not an independent contractor. Contractors who provide residential or commercial building construction or improvement services are required to register with DLI through the Construction Contractor Registration Program. Licensed residential contractors do not have to be registered because they already carry a license with the state.

Licensed contractors are required to make sure their subs are all registered. The law provides general contractors and subs that subcontract an improved nine-factor test “safe harbor” and a first-time violation “hall pass” (forgivable fine).

Registration is free and can be done online at:

https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/license/initialapp.aspx?code=IR

If a person does not register, he or she will be presumed to be an employee of the entity for which the work is performed. Also, persons must still meet the 9-factor test to be considered an independent contractor.

Contractors and subcontractors Must Hire Registered Contractors

Contractors who hire subcontractors to perform work as an independent contractor will need to continue to use DLI’s online license lookup tool to verify a subcontractor status as a “registered contractor.”

To look up a registration go to:

https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/lookup/licensing.aspx

There are two pull down menus. Select the discipline “Registered Contractors” in the first menu. Select “Contractor Registration” as the classification. Use the business name in the search block to search for and confirm registration.

If all else fails, call or e-mail DLI at: (651) 284-5074 or dli.register@state.mn.us

12 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 13

14 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

2015 VALUATION 2014 VALUATION

New Residential Single Family Dwelling 11 2,727,502 31 7,850,438

Townhome Dwelling 8 1,605,616 4 458,228

Two-Family Houses 0 0 0 0

Multi-Family Bldgs 0 0 0 0

Manufactured Home 0 0 0 0 Existing Residential Deck Addition 49 224,612 40 200,987

Room Addition 1 66,000 5 165,000

Porch Additions 1 10,000 2 78,163

Other Additions 1 38,000 3 16,900

Basement Finish 23 223,350 25 295,286

Alterations 30 146,783 36 237,570

Multi-Family Addition 0 0 0 0

Multi-Family Alterations 2 265,400 3 9,800 New Commercial Assembly (Church) 0 0 0 0

Assembly (General) 0 0 0 0

Assembly (Restaurant/Bar) 0 0 0 0

Business 0 0 1 7,665,700

Education 0 0 0 0

Factory/Industrial 0 0 0 0

Institution 0 0 0 0

Mercantile 1 36,000 0 0

Miscellaneous 0 0 0 0

Utility (General) 2 275,000 0 0

Residential (Care/Assisted Living) 0 0 0 0

Residential (Care/Hotel/Motel) 0 0 1 8,077,455

Storage (General) 0 0 0 0

Storage (Warehouse) 0 0 0 0 Existing CommercialAddition 1 2,200,000 0 0

Alterations 36 7,070,884 35 14,883,142

Structural Shell 0 0 1 7,000,000

“White Box” 1 345,000 1 12,500

Interior Demolition Only 2 3,000 3 25,250

Other Phased Permits 0 0 0 0

Other ConstructionBusiness Signs 20 124,630 19 97,141

Advertising Sign 0 0 0 0

Footings & Foundations 3 3,553,234 1 56,000

Demolition 0 6

Rochester Building Permits May 2015

January 39 27 20 3 13 3 6 19 11 21

February 31 19 13 1 8 8 20 15 14 19

March 37 30 29 16 27 24 32 29 28 30

April 58 44 27 29 25 19 29 39 25 22

May 69 50 30 33 20 14 22 27 35 19

TOTAL 234 170 119 72 93 68 109 129 113 111

June 59 43 36 40 12 26 32 33 47

July 36 60 23 22 23 8 39 39 38

August 36 43 28 26 15 18 38 21 60

September 31 33 28 33 10 19 22 22 23

October 49 34 19 31 14 16 23 34 35

November 38 23 26 32 21 20 22 26 26

December 23 11 16 15 12 16 14 22 27

TOTAL 506 417 302 281 200 191 299 326 369 111

Single Family Homes/Townhomes

Year To Date Statistics 2015 2014 NO. VALUATION NO. VALUATION

Building Permits Issued to Date 840 202,395,031 881 147,003,028

Single Family Dwelling 101 23,828,564 109 26,968,957

Multi-Family Buildings Total Units: 314 11 48,992,476 1 3,702,052

Trade Permits Issued to Date 3,168 51,143,533 2,978 30,568,713

Electrical 1,010 22,653,208 1,050 13,657,783

Electrical (Temp. Service) 103 44,550 103 30,950

Mechanical 782 14,146,534 731 6,606,354

Gas Piping 248 556,310 198 417,331

Fireplace 161 421,599 163 417,589

Hydronic System 61 5,310,646 69 3,689,975

Plumbing 803 8,010,686 664 5,748,731

Total Permits YTD 4,008 253,538,564 3,859 177,571,741

Information and downloads available at Rochester Building Safety Department’s Website: http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/bldgsafety/reports/building/index.asp

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

*total may differ as permits may have been voided.

www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com July 2015 FOUNDATIONS 15

May 2015

New Residential NUMBER VALUATION

Single Family Detached 3 870,000

Single Family Attached 2 150,000

Existing Residential

Deck Addition 1 1,500

Basement Finish 2 19,000

Commercial

New Commercial 2 1,335,900

ByronBuilding Permits

Natural gas is a great energy value — it’s cost-effective, convenient, clean and safe. Xcel Energy can help you with all of your energy-related building needs, including natural gas and electric. Rebates are even available for qualifying natural gas appliances.

To learn how we can help you, call 1-800-628-2121 or visit xcelenergy.com/EnergyPartners.

© 2015 Xcel Energy Inc.

Build in the Value of Natural Gas.

14-12-525_MN_Rochester_PRINT.indd 1 12/30/14 4:33 PM

16 FOUNDATIONS July 2015 www.RochesterAreaBuilders.com

NONE

Memberships Pending:NONE

The firms listed below have applied for membership in Rochester Area Builders, Inc.

WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS IN JUNE:

Membership InformationMembership Renewals as of 5/31/15

One Year

Ultimate Surfaces 2014Two to Four Years

Altra Federal Credit Union 2013GulfEagle Supply 2013Priority Claims Service 2012Energy Panel Structures 2011

Five to Nine Years

Chladek Construction, LLC 2010Wildwood Sports Bar and Grill 2010Insty Prints 2007McGough Construction 2006Med City Builders of Rochester, LLC 2006

Ten to 19 Years

Prime Time Painting of Rochester, LLC 2005Todd Eidem Construction, Inc. 2002Design Studio B 2001Habitat for Humanity - Rochester Area 2000Cornerstone Designs of Rochester, Inc. 1998SL Contracting 1998

25 Years & More

Radcliffe Homes & Remodeling 1988RE/MAX of Rochester 1988Thomas Tool & Supply 1987Larson Siding & Windows 1986Merit Contracting, Inc. 1982Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 1977Northern Lights & Furnishings 1976Heartman Insurance 1966

NEW APPLICANTS:

MEMBERSHIP TOTAL: 471RETENTION RATE: 93.4%

As of 5/31/15

EmErgEnt nEtworks3600 Minnesota Drive #150

Edina, MN 55435Phone: 612-213-2600Contact: Jon Eckhoff

Associate MemberTechnology

Sponsored by:Jean DeWitz, DeWitz Home Builders, Inc.

Space for Lease at Multiple Locations Downtown • Green Meadows • North Broadway & 37th Street

Contact Corey Heimer at 507-285-3700 or cheimer@premierbanks.com

Premier BankRochester