What HOMEBUYERSatwaterforhouse.weebly.com/uploads/2/3/9/9/... · 4 South Carolina Builder Journal • 2014 • P resident’s L e tt er President’s Letter by William “Harry”

Setzler Honored with HBASC’s Highest Award

HBA Member Spotlight

Volume 7 • Issue 3 • 2014

HOMEBUYERSEthnic Preferences

Really Want:

What

South Carolina Builder Journal is now ONLINE! • Visit www.buildermags.net/sc

Calendar of Events & EducationFor more information about these events and more, please visit our website at www.hbaofsc.com. GMM stands for General Membership Meeting.

Feature Articles

Departments

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HBA Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Recognizing the accomplishments of HBA members around South Carolina.

What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Analyzing data to compare how housing preferences are affected by the ethnicity of home buyers.

Setzler Honored with HBASC’s Highest Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12State Senator Nikki Setzler honored with Hammer and Trowel Award.

HBASC Convention on Hilton Head Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Who said you can't mix business with pleasure? Early bird registration and discounted room rates available now!

President’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SC Building Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Knowledge Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

For an updated list of education classes given around the state, please check the online education calendar at www.hbaofsc.com. SCBJ

June2-6 Habitat for Humanity Project –

HBA of Aiken3-7 NAHB Legislative Conference –

Washington, D.C.10 New Member Orientation/Meet the

Board – HBA of Greenville11 Member Luncheon – Hilton Head

Area HBA12 GMM – HBA of Greater Columbia12 HBASC District 2 Leadership

Meeting – Columbia17 GMM – Horry/Georgetown HBA

19 GMM – Charleston HBA19 HBASC District 1 Leadership Meeting

– Charleston21 HBA Boat Poker Run – Hilton Head

Area HBA24 HBASC Membership/Leadership

Training 25 HBASC District 3 Leadership Meeting

– Anderson July

9 Member Luncheon – Hilton Head Area HBA

33

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA625 Taylor Street, Suite A, Columbia, SC 29201803/771-7408 • Fax: 803/254-5762

PRESIDENT: Harry Dill, Murrells Inlet

VICE PRESIDENT: Calvin Snow, Greer

TREASURER: Andy White, Lexington

SECRETARY: Jim Garman, Hilton Head

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Darryl Hall, Florence

DISTRICT #1 VICE PRESIDENTAndy Barber, Charleston

DISTRICT #2 VICE PRESIDENTEddie Yandle, Columbia

DISTRICT #3 VICE PRESIDENTJohnny Uldrick, Greenwood

DISTRICT #4 VICE PRESIDENTRick Quinn, Greenville

DISTRICT #5 VICE PRESIDENTLawrence Langdale, Myrtle Beach

ASSOCIATES VICE PRESIDENTBennett Griffin, Columbia

EO COUNCIL CHAIRMANRuss Price, Oconee

AREA IV VICE PRESIDENTJames “Bugsy” Graves, Lexington

STATE REPRESENTATIVEMarc Ellis, Hilton Head

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mark Nix

DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS:Matt Niehaus

ACCOUNTANT: Kim Halter

INTERN: Alex Martindale

PUBLISHER: Kevin Naughton

MANAGING EDITOR: Joel Meredith

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jason Gabel

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERBrenda Poe

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Marsha Suwienski: (800) 935-1592, ext. [email protected] Poe: (800) 935-1592, ext. [email protected]

PUBLISHED BY:

2929 Davison Rd., Flint, MI 48506(810) 239-5763South Carolina Builder Journal is published six times annually and is mailed to all active HBASC members plus every career home builder statewide. Any reproduction or duplication of this publication or any part thereof must be done with the publisher's written permission. The publisher or the Home Builders Association of South Carolina is not responsible for the claims made by the advertisers. Editorial comment is always welcome.

Find Us On Facebookwww.hbaofsc.com • South Carolina Builder Journal • 2014

South Carolina Builder Journal • 2014 • www.hbaofsc.com4

President’s LetterP

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by William “Harry” Dill, 2014 HBASC President

I am happy to report that the S.C. residential building industry is showing steady improvement and, I believe, will continue to only get better. While it may not be growing as fast as we would like, I’m sure everyone will admit that the

future is looking brighter than the last few years. Interestingly, my upbeat forecast is inextricably tied to the continued growth of our association (national, state and local).

Our association provides the tools required to ensure that our industry’s interests (affordable housing and battling needless regulatory barriers) would always have a vigilant defender. Our association continues to be recognized as one of the best and most influential trade associations in our state and around the country. This success directly relates to an active and informed membership. To this end, the HBASC Board has instituted several new benefits and opportunities to encourage continued success.

First, we have brought back the S.C. Builder News Network (BNN), a weekly electronic newsletter, and we will be holding five statewide district meetings. The BNN will provide our members a weekly review of industry related news and trends from around the state and region. The district meetings will allow greater representation from all local associations and leadership and to allow the local associations/regions to be better informed and more involved in the decision making of the association and the future of our industry.

We have also included in the Builder Journal the agenda and registration form for the state convention. The convention will include cutting-edge educational opportunities, HBA Member Beach Olympics, live crab races (cash prize), induction of new Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing the Pinnacle Awards for the best in S.C., Monte Carlo night, and what I am told is a new member benefit for our members. Join your friends and colleagues at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort from August 3-5 for a few days of business and pleasure and don’t forget that SUMMER ATTIRE IS REQUIRED!

Once again, thank you for showing that your chosen profession is important to you by being a member of the HBA. SCBJ

William DillPresident HBA of South Carolina

Building on Success

by Dave Wachter

Dave Wachter is publisher of Construction Week, a subscription-based service that provides building permit data to nine markets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Since 1987, Wachter has been supplying customers with reports detailing recent permit activity. In addition, Construc-tion Week reports mechanic lien activity to protect your company against losses. For more information, visit www.constructionweek.net or contact Dave Wachter by calling 800-358-7602 or by email at [email protected]. SCBJ

SC Building PermitsThru April 2014 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Aiken CountySingle Family Starts 203 184 214 234 252Commercial Permits over $25K 29 20 42 30 28Single Family Renovations over $25K 30 45 40 37 48

Charleston: Berkeley, Dorchester, Charleston CountiesSingle Family Starts 1243 1208 990 779 947Commercial Permits over $25K 189 327 225 267 230Single Family Renovations over $25K 341 432 362 362 350

Columbia: Richland/Lexington CountiesSingle Family Starts 831 829 812 618 940Commercial Permits over $25K 163 143 193 150 142Single Family Renovations over $25K 172 153 157 171 166

Grand Strand: Georgetown/Horry CountiesSingle Family Starts 937 900 655 430 531Commercial Permits over $25K 189 202 271 185 94Single Family Renovations over $25K N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Upstate: Anderson/Greenville/Spartanburg/Oconee/PickensSingle Family Starts 1868 1259 1008 592 753Commercial Permits over $25K 257 287 332 371 199Single Family Renovations over $25K 288 278 300 275 272

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by Matt Niehaus, HBASC Director of Government Affairs

I had anticipated giving an update on the legislative session in this issue of the Builder Journal; however, due to the timing

of the session and our print deadline, this article was due a month prior to the end of the session. Needless to say, I have will have a complete wrap up of the session in our next edition. Fortunately, Rep. Todd Atwater agreed to sit down with me as we continue our series of interviews with influential elected officials in South Carolina. Rep. Atwater is a member of the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee which handles most of the legislation important to the HBASC. Rep. Atwater also has a unique perspective due to his background and his job outside of the Statehouse.

Matt Niehaus: Representative Atwater, thank you for agreeing to participate in this series for our Builder Journal. Let’s start with the basics about district you represent.

Todd Atwater: Thank you for the opportunity to talk to your members. I represent the 87th House District in Lexington County which gives me a very short commute to the Statehouse.

MN: Tell us a little about your background, and what you did before joining the legislature and what keeps you busy when you are at home in your district?

TA: I grew up in Lexington and completed my education in South Carolina. I graduated from Wofford College and USC School of Law. After law school, I worked for Sen. Strom Thurmond in Washington, D.C. for 3 ½ years. I moved back to Columbia in 1995 to work as Vice President of Government Affairs for the SC Chamber of Commerce. I also worked as Legislative Director for Governor David Beasley, as Chief Operating Officer for Resolution Re, President of the SC Manufacturers Association and finally, in 2003, I took the position of CEO of the SC Medical Association (SCMA).

More importantly during those years, I married my wife, Beth, and we have two beautiful children, Caroline and Jim, with whom I like to spend as much time as possible. I stay exceptionally busy with my job at SCMA. The medical profession has been changing at a rapid pace over the last decade and we have a full plate in managing the impact of these changes on doctors and their patients. I serve on various medical-related boards that require a great deal of travel across the country. I also participate in community organizations and have previously served my church, First Presbyterian of Columbia, as a deacon. Between family, work and the Statehouse, I gave up hobbies although I enjoy golf, exercise (I have run four marathons), and being outdoors, especially when I can enjoy my outdoor fireplace!

MN: I like your plug for the outdoor fireplace. You clearly have a strong background working in the business community with trade associations. What was it that led you to venture out and run for the House of Representatives in 2010?

TA: I grew tired of shouting at the television and decided I needed to act. I sincerely wanted, and still want, to make a

difference in South Carolina. I want to create a pro-business, pro-family, low tax, common-sense regulatory environment. When people have jobs and freedom, they are productive and happy.

MN: You are the CEO of the SCMA which gives you a unique position within the General Assembly. How do you balance the priorities that come from being a leader of a trade association and your role as a State Representative?

TA: The true balance is in the workload not the supposed “conflict” of the General Assembly and the SCMA. SCMA does advocacy work – yes – but I have separated myself from much of it, so there would not be an appearance of a conflict. My daily duties include managing four subsidiary companies: a health insurance company with nearly $40 million in premium; a large insurance agency; a practice management company; and our foundation. In addition, I serve on numerous boards. Unlike some in the legislature who seem to have little problem serving themselves and their profession, I work hard to veer away from measures that come close to the advocacy of physicians.

The balance of a citizen-legislator is hard work and a huge time commitment, but I believe a part-time legislature is best for the people of South Carolina because it puts politicians in the position of having to live under the laws they pass. It helps us to remain representatives of the voice of the people and hopefully prevents us from becoming a ruling class.

MN: How do you view the importance of the housing and construction industry to South Carolina’s continued economic growth?

TA: It is fundamental to our economy! To own a home is a part of the American Dream! The federal interference in home mortgages is THE prime example of how government can destroy that dream. My purpose is to limit government. That sounds cliché, but I believe my voting record and the bills I have introduced reflect that. One of my bills that would have a tremendous impact is the bill to require all regulations from the date of passage to automatically sunset in five years. I don’t want to tinker with laws and regulations; I want to see real reform. It’s not the size of government that’s the problem; it is the scope of its activity.

MN: From your perspective, what are the most important issues facing our state and what is the effect on business owners in South Carolina?

TA: 1. Taxes: Lower taxes, then stand back and watch the economy not just grow but thrive.

2. Regulatory burdens: Reduce regulatory burdens and see the economy explode with growth. It is the largest tax but it is simply hidden and therefore hard to feel. Do we need regulations? Yes. But not the “forever and ever” voluminous regulations that don’t protect society but rather do the opposite and hold back creativity, opportunity and entrepreneurship.

3. Infrastructure: Our infrastructure is crumbling beneath us. Our government taxes us for it but diverts so much of it to

Interview with S .C . State Representative Todd AtwaterGovernment Affairs


Continued on page 9

www.hbaofsc.com • South Carolina Builder Journal • 2014 7

HBA Member SpotlightMark Weizenecker of Weizenecker Homes jumped in and organized the return of an HBA Spartanburg tradition - The 2014 Showcase of Homes. Mark spearheaded the Showcase effort and the media campaign by organizing television ads, publication & distribution of 7,000 magazines, and full page newspaper ads. Our gratitude goes to Mark and

all the members who participated in the 2014 Showcase of Homes and made it a success. We also want to recognize Cheryl Floyd of the Pee Dee HBA who was very generous in consulting with the HBA of Spartanburg from start to finish and always willing to share her materials and knowledge. It was very common to hear “Cheryl said” around the HBA office.

R.B. Gallup of Gallup and LaFitte, Inc. is the newest home builder to earn the designation of Certified Master Builder. “This means that R.B. has gone far beyond merely holding a state builders license,” said Master Builder Chairman Edward Friend. In order to reach this level, Galloway had to participate in 20 hours of continuing education, provide reference letters from customers and business associates, assure a one-year warranty on all his homes and show at least five years’ experience in home building. For more information on the Master Builder program please visit the website www.MasterBuilderSC.org.

The Home Builders Association of Greenville’s Annual Golf Classic was held May 8 at The Preserve at Verdae. Thirty two teams played in the captain’s choice-format tournament. The winning team, sponsored by Carolina Fresh Farms, split $400 and bragging rights until next year.The winning team, sponsored by Carolina Fresh Farms, with President Mike Freeman, GMB, and David Ellenbaum of The Deck Store, sponsor of the Awards Dinner.

The HBA of Greenville recently honored Scott Lynch, Hollison Custom Homes; Tom Dillard, Dillard-Jones Builders; and Jimmy Dias, Dias Home Repair and Renovations with the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award for their contributions to the improvements to Martha Childress’ homes. Pictured: Jon Statom, Jimmy Dias, Tom Dillard, Rick Quinn and Scott Lynch

Eddie Howard, Howard Custom Builders, is the newest Greenville homebuilder to be recognized as an Approved Professional Builder by the HBA of Greenville.

Michael Dey, EVP of the HBA of Greenville stated, “this program was conceived by the members to help set them apart from others in the industry who are not members, and has been a significant success for our association.”


Homes For Hope, a Dallas-based charity and member of the Home Builders Association, works with builders to raise money that funds microloans in economically-challenged countries. Small business people in those places use small loans to build their businesses and make a better life for themselves and their families. Rosewood Communities, and its industry partners, recently dedicated its third home that has sold and contributed the proceeds to Homes For Hope. Their most recent contribution has brought Rosewood Communities’ contribution to Homes For Hope during the last several years to more than $160,000, an amount that will help more than 4,000 small businesses in places like Haiti.

HBA of York County salutes their terrific golf committee! HBA members and their guests enjoyed a great day of fun, food and golf on May 8th thanks to the efforts of the golf committee. Pictured are: Bill Landers, Janet Gaglione, Mel Loflin, Tena Cornwell, Scott Grigg, Amy Cassidy, Jason Grant and Catherine McKnight.


Dottie Lafitte, BUILD PAC Trustee for SC, and HBA members present Senator Tim Scott with a PAC check and thank him for all his hard work on behalf of the building industry, the HBA and the citizens of S.C.

HBA of Greater Columbia President John Covert and Executive Director Earl McLeod presented a painting to NAHB CEO Jerry Howard in recognition of James Graves’s service as NAHB National Area Chairman. The painting by Renee Wilder was donated to the NAHB Housing Center in Washington during the Columbia Bus Trip to Washington, D.C.

Home Builders Association of Greenville staff Tammy Krimm, Leigh Ann DeYoung, and Crystal Yanes enjoyed a day away from the office. SCBJ

Government AffairsContinued from page 6

other things that we cannot keep up with population growth and infrastructure deterioration. We must be mindful that addressing infrastructure is about long-term priorities and not short-term “vote pandering.”

MN: Do you have any closing remarks you would like to make to our members?TA: Sincerely, thank you. Not as a legislator, but as someone who understands the jobs

you create and the dreams you help fulfill. You are not building structures – floors, roofs and walls. You are building dreams and undergirding one of the keystones to liberty – property ownership. Always know you can reach out to me with concerns or solutions. I am here to serve you, not the other way around. SCBJ


by Rose Quint, Assistant Vice President for Survey Research Economics and Housing Policy

I n the 2013 study What Home Buyers Really Want, NAHB presented detailed data on the

housing preferences of all home buyers combined. While a representative sample of all types of buyers is the first place to start when trying to analyze what is important to buyers in general, it is also a fact that not all buyers want the same things, and therefore further analysis is necessary to identify any relevant differences that may exist between distinct groups.

Among other demographic variables, such as age, income, or stage of life, a buyer’s race or ethnicity can play a significant role in how he/she evaluates the characteristics and features of a prospective home. The 2014 study What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences further analyzes the data from the 2013 study to compare and contrast how housing preferences are affected – or not – by the racial/ethnic background of the home buyer, after controlling for factors such as age and income. The analysis focuses on four separate groups of buyers: • White (Non-Hispanic), • African-American (non-Hispanic), • Hispanic, and • Asian

This latest study analyzes the data to provide NAHB members the most accurate and detailed information on what home buyers of these different racial/ethnic

backgrounds really want, so that builders can deliver the home (and community) their target market is looking for.

Survey data show there are significant demographic differences among the four racial/ethnic groups. For example: • Minority home buyers are younger

than White (non-Hispanic) buyers. The median African-American buyer is 39, the median Hispanic buyer is 37, and the median Asian buyer is 36. The median White buyer is 43 years old. This age difference can be largely explained by the fact that minority home buyers are more likely than White buyers to be first-time buyers, who are typically younger than trade-up buyers.

• The share of buyers who are married varies significantly across the four groups: 80 percent of White buyers are married, 79 percent of Asians, 74 percent of Hispanics, but only 50 percent of African-Americans.

• Asian home buyers have the highest median household income of all four groups, $72,797, compared with $67,747 for Whites, $50,221 for Hispanics, and $43,774 for African-Americans. Asians also expect to pay the most for their next home: $283,469, compared with $205,775 among Whites, $181,444 among Hispanics, and $176,397 among African-Americans.

• It is well known that characteristics like age, type of household, and income often make a difference in housing preferences. This raises a question about whether these factors

may be responsible for apparent racial differences in the survey data. For the first time in the history of NAHB’s buyer preferences research, a special analysis was conducted to reveal if any differences in preferences among these groups are statistically significant after controlling for factors such as age, income, region, and household type.

Differences in Housing Preferences Due to Race/Ethnicity • White buyers want a median of 2,197

square feet, about 14 percent more than they have in their current home. African-Americans want 2,664 square feet, 49 percent more; Hispanics want 2,347, 32 percent more; and Asians want 2,280 square feet of finished space in their next home, about 25 percent more than they currently have.

• Minorities are less likely to want large lots. Whereas only 38 percent of White buyers consider the lot size irrelevant or would be satisfied with a small 1/8 acre plot, that share is significantly higher among Asians (64 percent), African-Americans (49 percent), and Hispanics (44 percent).

• Most buyers of all racial/ethnic groups want an open kitchen-family room arrangement, particularly White buyers (77 percent) and Asian buyers (71 percent), but also 61 percent of African-Americans and 64 percent of Hispanics.

• Sixty-three percent of White buyers will be satisfied having up to three bedrooms, compared to 51 percent

Most Wanted Features Across Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds Rank White African-American Hispanic Asian

1 Laundry room Laundry room Laundry room Energy-Star rated appliances

2 Energy-Star rated appliances Exterior lighting Energy-Star rated appliances Living room

3 Exhaust fan Energy-Star rated appliances Exterior lighting Exterior lighting

4 Linen closet in bathroom Energy-Star rating for whole home Patio Energy-Star rating for whole home

5 Energy-Star rating for whole home Both shower stall & tub in master bath Ceiling fan Laundry room

6 Exterior lighting Living room Dining room Energy-Star rated Windows

7 Ceiling fan Energy-Star rated WindowsEnergy-Star rating for whole home

Double sink

8 Energy-Star rated Windows Dining room Living room Exhaust fan

9 Garage storage Linen closet in bathroomTable space for eating in kitchen

Patio

10Walk-in pantry/table space for eating in kitchen/insulation higher than code

Double sink/table space for eating in kitchen/patio

Both shower stall & tub in master bath

Walk-in pantry/linen closet in bathroom /dining room/water efficient features

What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences


of African-Americans, 49 percent of Hispanics, and 56 percent of Asians.

• Given a choice of single-story, two-story, or split level, a majority of White buyers (61 percent) and a plurality of Hispanic buyers (45 percent) prefer a single-story home. In contrast, pluralities of Asians (48 percent) and African-Americans (44 percent) prefer two-story homes.

• Compared to White buyers, significantly higher shares of the three minority groups consider the dining room essential (unlikely to buy home without this feature): 49 percent of Asians, 46 percent of African-Americans, and 45 percent of Hispanics. Among Whites, the essential share is 30 percent.

• Comparing results on the sources buyers use to find and hire contractors shows that positive word of mouth remains the most effective marketing strategy a company should strive for. A recommendation from friends, relatives, and neighbors is how the majority of buyers would go about finding the right contractor for a job – but more likely so among White buyers (73 percent) than African-Americans (53 percent), Hispanics (56 percent), and Asians (68 percent).

• A majority of buyers from all racial categories prefer all amenities (including electronic systems and technology features) included in the base price of the home, particularly African-Americans (65 percent), but also Asians (56 percent), Hispanics (52 percent), and White buyers (52 percent). The remaining shares would prefer a basic home with amenities offered as options instead.

• Understanding that home buyers will naturally tend to say they want most of everything in the absence of any constraints, the survey asked them which of seven items they would be willing to accept to make the home more affordable. For 50 percent of White buyers, and 42 percent of both African-Americans and Hispanics, the best option is to allow some space to remain unfinished. Forty percent of Asians would also accept unfinished spaces, but only as the third option, as 44 percent would rather buy a smaller lot and 42 percent a smaller house.

• Faced with the option of a smaller house with high quality products and amenities vs. a bigger house with fewer amenities, 65 percent of White buyers

would choose the smaller house, as well as 58 percent of Asians, and 51 percent of Hispanics. Among African-Americans, on the other hand, a majority of 53 percent would prefer the bigger house with fewer amenities.

Differences in Housing Preferences Due to Other Demographic Factors, Not Race/Ethnicity• In the kitchen, table space for eating, a

walk-in pantry, and a double sink are the top three features most likely to be

rated essential or desirable by buyers from all racial/ethnic groups.

• In the bathroom, an exhaust fan, a linen closet, and both a shower stall and a tub in the master bath are the three features most likely to be rated essential or desirable by buyers from all racial/ethnic groups.

• When rating windows, the top two features have to do with energy savings: an energy-star rating and triple-pane glass are first and second most wanted, respectively, for buyers in each of the four groups.

Continued on page 12


• Around 80 percent of buyers from all racial categories consider garage storage essential or desirable.

• The two most wanted outdoor features are exterior lighting and a patio, both rated essential/desirable by more than 80 percent of buyers across all racial backgrounds. Minority groups do tend to have stronger preferences for patios than White buyers, however.

• A full bath on the main level is the highest ranked accessibility feature among White and Hispanic buyers. Wide hallways at least 4 feet wide claim the top spot among African-American and Asian buyers.

• A wireless home security system is the most wanted technology across all groups: 63 percent of African-Americans would like to have it in their next home, as well as 57 percent of both Asians and Hispanics and 48 percent of White buyers.

• Another way to get buyers to reveal what they really want is to force them to trade-off between two alternatives for the same amount of money. When put in this position, over 80 percent of buyers in each of the four racial and ethnic groups would choose a highly energy efficient home with lower utility bills rather than one costing 2-3 percent less without those features.

• When asked in broad and generic terms about the impact that building their homes may have on the environment, most buyers of all racial groups report being concerned for the environment and even wanting a “greener” home, but not to the point of being willing to pay more for such a home. Only small minorities of each group (Whites: 14 percent; African-Americans: 15 percent; Hispanics: 15 percent, and Asians: 10 percent) would be willing to pay for a home broadly defined as helping the environment.

• Although most buyers are not willing to pay more for a home simply to help the environment, most are quite concerned about a tangible benefit they would receive from a “greener” home, i.e. lower utility costs. The latter is gleaned from the 70 percent or more of buyers in each of the racial groups who agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements: “projected utility costs are very important,” “projected utility costs would influence purchase decision,” and “prefer to purchase from a builder providing energy ratings.”

• So how much extra are buyers willing to pay to achieve their desired energy savings? In order to save $1,000 a year in utility costs, White buyers are willing to pay an additional $6,774 in the upfront price of the home; African-Americans $7,578; Hispanics $9,146, and Asians $8,251.

• Neighborhood green areas are very important to buyers of all racial/ethnic backgrounds. In fact, a park area and walking/jogging trails are the top two community characteristics that would seriously influence White, African-American, and Asian buyers to move to a new community. For Hispanics, they rank first and third, with an outdoor swimming pool in the number two spot.

• Home buyers see value in professional designations, as more than 70 percent of buyers in all the racial categories agree that contractors with specialized designations “provide better quality work and craftsmanship,” and “provide better service levels.”

• Seventy-eight percent of White buyers want up to 2½ baths. Seventy percent of African-Americans and 75 percent of Hispanics will be satisfied with up to 2½ baths, as well as 77 percent of Asians. SCBJ

Setzler Honored with HBASC’s Highest Award

S outh Carolina Senator Nikki Setzler (D-Lexington, Aiken, Calhoun and Saluda Counties), was honored with the Hammer and Trowel award at the 44th

Annual Bird Supper in Columbia recently. Senator Setzler received the Home Builders Association of South Carolina’s (HBASC) highest award for a public official for his outstanding service and committed support of the state’s home building industry.

“Senator Setzler has always been a strong supporter and a friend to the Home Builders Association and to our industry,” said Harry Dill, president of the Home Builders Association of South Carolina. “He has been instrumental in supporting legislation that promotes the residential building industry, and more importantly, home ownership for all South Carolinians.”

For more than 35 years years, Setzler has worked to protect small business and to stand up for affordable housing. “Sen. Setzler understands that the housing industry is the catalyst for economic growth in our state,” said Earl McLeod, executive officer of the Greater Columbia HBA. “His door is always open to his constituents, and he’s always willing to support the small business owners of our state.”

Some of his legislative accomplishments on behalf of home builders include insuring the passage of the Home Occupancy bill; Permit Extension bill, removing the mandate for residential fire sprinklers in residential construction, the Statute of Repose bill and significant Workers’ Compensation Reform. All of which benefited the citizens of S.C.

The Hammer & Trowel Award is given annually to a public official (elected or appointed) or to any government employee who has had the greatest positive impact on the State’s housing industry during the previous twelve months. Selection is determined by an endorsement from a local home builder association and secret ballot from the HBASC executive committee. SCBJ

Andy White and Harry Dill present Sen. Nikki Setzler the Hammer & Trowel Award at the 44th Annual Bird Supper

Ethnic Preferences Continued from page 11

HBA of Aiken CountyGary Miller .............................................................................Miller’s Land Clearing & LevelStan Yohe ................................................................................... Yohe Plumbing of Aiken IncJonathan Donald............................................................................. Cherokee Brick and TileJonathan Long ........................................................................................Augusta Ready MixWesley (James) Parker ......................................................................Arrow ExterminatorsJeremy Walling ...............................................................................Grayco Window & Door

HBA of AndersonDale Looper.............................................................................Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Charleston Trident HBABrian Climer............................................................................ Southeastern Custom HomesSteven Fleming...........................................................Parksite Residential Building ProductHap Lempesis ............................................................................................SC Electric & GasJohn Moxley .............................................................................Charter One Bank MortgageGeorge Reavis ...........................................................................Reavis Comer DevelopmentTimothy Smith .........................................................................................Windward ShuttersErin Anderson ........................................................................Eastern Aluminum Supply Inc.Mike Bennett ...........................................................................................Prospect MortgageDavid Brand .......................................................................................... Low Country ElectricJames Brown ............................................................................... J. Brown Contractors LLCStacie Brown...................................................................................Great Southern BuildersTrip Bull ........................................................................Renaissance South Construction Co.Billy Campbell ........................................................................................ Campbell PlumbingBrent Campbell ...............................................................................Great Southern BuildersJules Deas ............................................................................................................... SunTrustMichelle Farmer .....................................................................................Prospect MortgageSteve Gaddy .................................................................Renaissance South Construction Co.Michael Gobin.........................................................................................Prospect MortgageCharles Goolsby ......................................................................ServiceMaster of CharlestonSue Gordon ...............................................................Charleston Regional Business JournalScott Gorman ...................................................................................................AIS InsuranceDave Herring................................................................Renaissance South Construction Co.Andy Jacobs ........................................................................................................Pulte GroupZach Larichiuta .......................................................................................Prospect MortgageZachary Mahosky ...............................................................................................Pulte GroupRob Payne ....................................................................Renaissance South Construction Co.Jim Richmond..............................................................Renaissance South Construction Co.Carden Seamon ...........................................................Renaissance South Construction Co.Aaron Smith .......................................................................................New Leaf Builders LLCDavid Teague ..........................................................................Oakwood Construction Group

HBA of Cherokee CountyKen Pangel ......................................................................................................... MP Services

HBA of Greater ColumbiaTony Armstrong .....................................................Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises Inc.Scott Bailey ............................................................................................Southern First BankBrandi Barnhill.................................................................................. Barnhill’s Services Inc.John Beerman .......................................................Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises Inc.Alicia Blevins ....................................................................................................Ameris BankWade Caughman .......................................................................................FOS DevelopmentKristen Gordon ......................................................Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises Inc.Robert Haas .....................................................................Robert Haas Construction Co. Inc.Jeff Holman............................................................Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises Inc.Daniel Hudson .................................................................Contractors Express & AssociatesLibby Hunt ....................................................................................................Brand MortgageGreg Lehman............................................................................................Mungo Homes Inc.Trent Long ............................................................................................. Long & Sons UtilitiesCory Lorick ...............................................................Nationwide Insurance - The Pitts TeamJerry Reynolds ......................................................Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises Inc.William Satterfield ....................................................................Great Southern Homes LLCKimberly Sexton..................................................................Crown Communities / SC PillonMarvin Shipman....................................................Homeowners Mortgage Enterprises Inc.Lauren Taylor ................................................................................Exit Real Estate SolutionsGeorge Trull Jr. ............................................................................. Cabinets By Design of SCDaniel Turner Jr. .................................................................Crown Communities / SC PillonTommy Wilson ............................................................................................. G-T-G InsulationJohn Zunker .........................................................................................Wilson Parker Homes

March/April 2014 New Members

Deborah Burke ........................................................................ Lake Carolina Properties LLCOwen Edwards .................................................................................... Guaranteed Rate Inc.Tom Hoult ......................................................................................................Kitchen ReworkKirk Litton ..................................................................................Hometown Columbia MediaBruce Loveless...............................................................................Loveless & Loveless Inc.Willie Lyles ..................................................................................Lyles & Lyles ConstructionEd Maag........................................................................Grow Financial Federal Credit UnionChris McKenzie ................................................................. Watts & Associates Roofing Inc.Kris Pound .................................................................................................................. ValsparAndrea Powell ....................................................................EZ HomeSearch.com MagazineDaniel Spencer ..................................................................................................CPI SecurityJosh Turner .....................................................................................................Mungo HomesMike Wetzel ......................................................................................Eagle Home MortgageDonna Wheeler .................................................................................................Ameris Bank

HBA of GreenvillePedro Arguedas .........................................................................Arguedas Construction LLCDean Benton ........................................................................................ Benton Green EnergyAmanda Dumont.............................................................The Haro Group of Keller WilliamsLisa Gilstrap............................................................................................Southern First BankLew Grass ........................................................................................All About Flooring of SCCasey March...................................................................................GBS Building Supply Inc.Chad Mercer ...................................................................................GBS Building Supply Inc.Chet Smith ......................................................................Berkshire Hathaway C. Dan JoynerTim Sterr ..........................................................................The Haro Group of Keller WilliamsRobert Haney ................................................................................. Prudential C. Dan JoynerJamie Pimentel ................................................................... HomeBridge Financial ServicesTom Terrana .....................................................................................NHance Wood Renewal

HBA of Greater Pee DeeDonna Lawson.....................................................................................Movement MortgageJean Leatherman .....................................................................ERA/Leatherman Realty Inc.Shayla Bolen .................................................................................................... Hanson BrickBill Haire ............................................................................Creative Homes of the CarolinasKevin Hammond ..........................................................................Pee Dee Electric Coop Inc.Preston Lee ...............................................................................................Suburban Propane

Lakelands HBA Michael Carpenter ...................................................................................Gutter CarpentersBarron Burch .............................................................................. Servpro of Greenwood Inc.John Cobb ...............................................................................................Smith Plumbing Co.Michael Mosley .................................................................................Sherwin-Williams Co.

Hilton Head Area HBAJosh Casson...................................................................................Association Services Inc.Eric De Weerd ..................................................... Intercept/All My Sons Moving & StorageJay Holloway..................................................... OCS Garage Doors & Hurricane ProtectionTerry Meenach ..............................................................................................Garage ExpertsJohn Watts ..................................................................................... W Construction ServicesAinsworth Zeagler...................................................... Zeagler Farms Handcrafted FlooringR. Lamar Acuff ............................................................................................Acuff Homes Inc.Daniel Anderson ........................................................................Diamond Pools & Spas LLCRandy Giles ...............................................................................................Contractors DepotAlan Perry ................................................................................................Synovus MortgageBrian Saul ................................................................................Moss Creek Village Furniture

Horry-Georgetown HBAEllen Calhoun ............................................. WHCI-Warren & Harmon Commercial InteriorsRickey Ray Doyle ....................................................................................Palmetto ChevroletKendall Elvis ............................................................................................Palmetto ChevroletGary Hilborn Jr. ................................................................................ Myrtle Beach AuctionsSue Morich ................................................................................... John T Cook & Assoc Inc.Trey Trembley .........................................................................Building Industry Synergy Inc.Rob Clemmons..........................................................................................Dawol Homes Inc.Bryan Daavenport ....................................................................... Gateway Mortgage GroupTasha Gaddy ...................................................................................Palmetto Patio & HearthWilliam McCourt ............................................................................................................GAF

HBA of OrangeburgSkip Welch .....................................................................................Skip Welch Construction

HBA of York CountyAmy Maxiel........................................................................................BB&T Home MortgageTim Seller ........................................................................... The Sherwin-Williams CompanyRyan Burkett ......................................................................... Ryanco Construction CompanyJulie Carnes...................................................................................... Union Mortgage GroupEd Robinson .................................................................................... Carter Lumber CompanyTim Scism ................................................................................ York Electric Cooperative Inc.Joe Self................................................................................................ Stock Building Supply



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I f someone asks about your safety program, would you answer by paging through a rarely used safety manual that sits on a

dusty bottom shelf somewhere? Let’s hope not! Ideally, your safety program lives and breathes with every action you and your employees take. Documenting your safety program is only part of your larger risk management strategy. Empowering your employees and even subcontractors to own it persists as your chief challenge.

Refuse to fall victim to the saying, you don’t know what you don’t know. Take pride in periodically reviewing your strategy and incorporating new risk management methods.

In that spirit, how familiar do these safety basics sound? Put your safety sense to the test, and see how your memory measures up!

1. PPE designed specifically for hearing protection, such as ear plugs, should be used at or above how many decibels (dB)?

a. 25 dB b. 90 dB c. 360 dB d. 1,500 dB

2. Never climb higher than the ___ step from the top on a stepladder or the ___ step from the top on a straight ladder.

a. 2nd, 3rd b. 3rd, 3rd c. 3rd, 2nd d. 2nd, 4th

3. Unlike General Industry, construction workers and jobsite visitors must be protected from exposure to falls of:a. 3 feet or

moreb. 4 feet or

morec. 5 feet or

mored. 6 feet or

more

4. OSHA requires that mid-rails be placed at ___ inches and guardrails at ___ inches.

a. 20, 40 b. 21, 42 c. 24, 48 d. 25, 50

5. Stairways and ladders must be used when the elevation break is greater than ___ inches at points of access.

a. 19 b. 24 c. 27 d. 36

6. When does cord-connected, electrically operated equipment not need to be grounded?

a. When the equipment is double insulatedb. When the cord is shorter than 10 ft

c. When the voltage is less than 110Vd. When the voltage is less than 220V

7. At all times, trench access and egress must be provided no further than ___ feet from workers.

a. 5b. 15

c. 25d. 35

8. A contractor working in warm weather, whose body completely loses its ability to regulate its core

temperate, may be experiencing the condition known as:

a. Core fatigueb. Heat strokec. Temperature regulation disorderd. Heat exhaustion

9. When working near overhead power lines, a dedicated observer should ensure that the boom operator keeps the boom tip at least ___ feet from the power lines.

a. 2 b. 5 c. 10 d. 15

10. Which of the following techniques will help prevent back injuries while lifting heavy objects?

a. Twisting at your stomachb. Lifting with your backc. Keeping the load as far from your body as possibled. None of the above

While sometimes in life, ignorance is bliss, when it comes to construction safety and the livelihood of your employees, there’s a lot on the line. So, applaud yourself for your interest in keeping your safety program fresh and comprehensive. If you need to brush up on some tips, download toolbox talks from buildersmutual.com/RM that expand on each of these questions to help you enhance your ever-evolving safety strategy.

Answers(1) B (2) A (3) D (4) B (5) A (6) A (7) C (8) B (9) C (10) D

For more free risk management resources, visit www.builders-mutual.com/RM. SCBJ

Knowledge BuilderTips from your industry experts at Builders Mutual

Safety Program Pop Quiz

Chris Sizer ................................................................................................. Artistick SouthernSherry Visbeck .........................................................................................Park Sterling Bank

HBA of Greater Spartanburg Wren Barnett .............................................................................. Henson Building MaterialsJason Edmonds ................................................................................. Ashmore Brothers Inc.Larry Hagerman................................................................................Hagerman Builders Inc.Angie Pearson .........................................................................Cleaning Under ConstructionPhillip Smith ...............................................................................Smith Grading and HaulingJosh Walkonen ........................................................................................Concrete SupremeJeff Watson ................................................................................ Watson Furniture CompanyRonald White .........................................................................................All In One InsulationJason Blodget .........................................................................................The Palmetto BankBob Burnett .................................................................................................Bob Burnetts Inc.

Alex Chertovskoy................................................................................European Granite LLCBrian Forcier........................................................................................Five Star FoundationsFrank Garrett.........................................................................................Builders First SourceJoan Heintz .....................................................................Joan Heintz Insurance Agency Inc.Steve Johnson ..........................................................Johnson Heating and Air ConditioningKipp Jolley ......................................................................................................K & M ElectricJim McMahon .................................................................................................Carter LumberChuck Stark ..........................................................................Palmetto Granite & design Inc.David White .................................................................White and Sereque Real Estate LawDonald Wildman ..............................................................Johnson Smith Hibbard Wildman

HBA of OconeeTim Medlin ...............................................................................Medlin Roofing & Repair LLC SCBJ




Documents

What HOMEBUYERSatwaterforhouse.weebly.com/uploads/2/3/9/9/... · 4 South Carolina Builder Journal • 2014 • P resident’s L e tt er President’s Letter by William “Harry”