February 2026 Building Connections by HBRA of Fairfield County

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Your Monthly Newsletter

Building Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry. Contact

Builder: Breakwater Renovation and Design

Photographer: Landino Photo

2026 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President: John Hertz

Hertz Construction Inc.

President: Rob Michaud

Michaud Development Group

Senior Vice President: Brian Kurtz Interstate

Vice President & Treasurer: Chris Shea

Domus Contructors, LLC

Secretary:

Karen Bradbury

Closet & Storage Concepts

2026 DIRECTORS

Bepin Mgushi

Fixitup Building and Remodeling

Geoff Knapp

Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting

Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LifeDirectors:

AnthonyDeRosa,DeRosaBuilders

ChrisSteiner,SteinerInc.

GaryFanali,CompleteDismantlingServices,LLC

JerryEffren,TheGreyrockCompanies

JoanneCarroll,JMCResources,LLC

KimDiMatteo,CrossInsurance

MichaelPalumbo,ERIBuilding&Design

PeterFusaro,PreferredBuilders

PeterGaboriault,BearPawBuilders

EXECUTIVE OFFICER WELCOME LETTER

Dear Members,

The HBRA of Fairfield County remains committed to supporting you our builders, remodelers, developers, suppliers, and industry partners through education, workforce development, and government affairs engagement. With ongoing conversations around housing supply, permitting timelines, energy codes, and affordability, our collective voice continues to matter now more than ever.

This month, we are excited to highlight upcoming programming, committee initiatives, and opportunities for member involvement From professional development events to networking gatherings and community outreach efforts, there are many ways to stay connected and engaged. Your participation strengthens our association and reinforces the value we bring to the broader building community

We also continue to prioritize workforce development, ensuring the next generation of skilled trades professionals is equipped to meet the growing demand in our region. Thank you to those who have volunteered time, partnered on initiatives, and supported these critical efforts. As always, I encourage you to take advantage of the resources available through HBRA and our affiliation with the state and national associations. Together, we are building not just homes, but stronger communities throughout Fairfield County. Thank you for your continued membership, leadership, and dedication to excellence in our industry. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn Executive Officer

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

M I S S I O N

“ “

The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we are - independently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future.

Upcoming Events - Register Now!

Wednesday March 4 : General Membership Meeting th

Clarke Showrooms, Norwalk | 5:30pm-8:30pm

Join us for our March meeting at Clarke in Norwalk to network with your fellow members, guests and other industry professionals, plus Jennifer Leahy from Compass will speak on the state of the luxury residential real estate market and current trends that both downsizers and young buyers are looking for in a new home - registration now open on our website!

Wednesday March 11 : Step Inside Builder Home Tour th

Fairfield, CT | 9:30am

Builders are invited to join the HBRA and Leigh Overland Architect to tour the Ash Creek house, completed in the end of fall 2021, and help support the Connecticut Foodshare. The home, which serves as the architect's residence and office, designed as a living, working example of a high-performance, resilient home. For more

Pathways to Construction Trades

Introducing high school students to trade careers.

The HBRA has recently launched “Pathways to Construction”, our initiative to introduce High School juniors and seniors to trades careers by providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. We aim to address a critical workforce shortage in the trades, creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for industries facing aging workforces and increasing demand. We just held our second round of classes in October, and the program will continue in the spring.

Visit buildfairfieldcounty.com/pathways-to-construction to learn more!

NORWALK PUBLICSCHOOLS INTERNSHIPS 2025-2026

Helpusintroducehighschoolstudents totradecareersandbuildyour workforceoftomorrow!

The Norwalk Public Schools Workforce Development Program connects driven students with employers looking to offer real-world, hands-on job experience.

NPSWDP will connect students with employers from their career of interest, and interns will be paid directly from NPSWDP - all you as an employer need to do is offer the interns real-world job experience in your field.

To join the program and hire a student intern, please contact CarolWiltshireTothat wiltshiretothc@norwalkps.org with your name, company, and field (building, electrical, interior design, banking, etc.).

STUDENT INTERNS IN THE PROGRAM ARE: 16+ YEARS OLD 2.0+ CUMALITIVE GPA GRADES 10 - 12 SEEKING REAL-WORLD, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN THEIR FUTURE CAREER OF INTEREST

HaveyougottenanemailofferingalistofIBS attendees,localbuilders/tradespeople,orsimilar?

Outsidemarketingcompanieshavebeenemailing membersofferinglistswiththecontactinfoofIBS attendees,localbuildersortradespeople,andeven HBRAmembersforafee.

TheseemailsareaSCAM.

TheHBRAwillNEVERgiveoutour memberlisttoanoutsidecompany, andwouldcertainlynotallowthemto chargeforit.

Whilethemarketingcompanymay giveouttheirownlistoflocalbuilders claimingtheinformationisfromus,itis notourmemberlistandwehaveno controlovertheinformationincluded orwhotheyreachoutto. Ifyoureceiveoneoftheseemails, markitasspamanddelete.

EVENT RECAPS

HBRA Kicks Off the Year at February General Membership Meeting

On Wednesday, February 4 , HBRA of Fairfield County held our first General Membership Meeting of the year at Closet & Storage Concepts in Norwalk. Presented by the HBRA Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, the evening brought together members, guests, and industry professionals for a night of connection, collaboration, and celebration. We reconnected after the holidays, welcomed new faces, and learned more about the impactful work of the Professional Women in Building Council.

A highlight of the evening was the official swearing-in of this year’s PWB Council Board Members. We congratulate the incoming board and look forward to their leadership and continued commitment to supporting and empowering women in the building industry.

Plus, Michelle Hughes of Tile America won our $250 membership raffle, generously sponsored by Cardello Architects. Thank you to Jennifer Vangele and Cardello Architects for their support and contribution to a great evening!

The event also reflected HBRA’s commitment to giving back. In support of The Children’s Connection, attendees contributed to a diaper and baby wipe drive, donating diapers and wipes to help families in need throughout our community.

Thank you to Closet & Storage Concepts for hosting, to the Professional Women in Building Council for presenting, and to all who attended and donated. We look forward to a successful and engaging year ahead with our HBRA community!

2026ProfessionalWomeninBuildingCouncilBoard:

ChairWoman:TarraDelChiaro,AccurateLockandHardware

ViceChair:RebeccaSt.Germain,Tooher-FerrarisInsuranceGroup

Treasurer:LoraMazurak,TorrcoDesignCenter

Secretary:RachelLindemann,Ring’sEndInc.

Director:MichelleHughes,TileAmerica

Director:BridgetFlynn,DivineOrganizing

PastChair:RobinCarroll,KarpAssociatesInc.

PATHWAYS TO CONSTRUCTION TRADES PATHWAYS TO CONSTRUCTION TRADES

Introducinghighschoolstudentsto tradecareers

Inanerawhereskilledlaborisinhighdemand,introducinghigh schoolstudentstotradecareersthroughPathwaystoConstruction Tradesisbothtimelyandessential.Thisinitiativeaimstobridgethe gapbetweeneducationandindustrybyprovidingstudentswith hands-onexperienceandexposuretofieldssuchascarpentry, plumbing,electricalwork,andmore.Byengagingstudentsearly,this programnotonlyequipsthemwithvaluablepracticalskillsbutalso opensdoorstolucrativecareerpathwaysthatdonotnecessarily requireatraditionalfour-yearcollegedegree Theprogramis designedtomeettheneedsofstudentswithdiverseinterestsand learningstyles,fosteringasenseofaccomplishmentandpurpose throughreal-worldapplications.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW PROGRAM OVERVIEW SaturdayApril18 &25 ,8AM-12PM th th (lunchfinalday12PM-1PM)

Moreover,thisworkforcedevelopmentinitiativeaddressesacritical workforceshortageinthetrades,creatingasustainablepipelineof skilledprofessionalsforindustriesfacingagingworkforcesand increasingdemand Bycollaboratingwithlocalbusinesses,trades, andeducators,theprogramensuresstudentsreceiveindustryrelevanttrainingandmentorship.PathwaystoConstructionTrades notonlyempowersstudentstoachieveeconomicindependencebut alsostrengthensthecommunitybyinvestinginitsfutureworkforce

SPONSORS NEEDED! SPONSORS NEEDED!

Helpusbuildyourworkforceoftomorrow!

Format:

•Dailysessionswithguestspeakersfrom varioustrades(electrical,audio/video, mechanical,plumbing,lumber yard/wholesale,flooring,general contracting/homebuilding)

•Networkingbetweenstudentsand industryprofessionals

ClassesforHighSchoolJuniors&SeniorswillbehostedbyHMTX.This cohortwillfeatureinteractivesessionseachdayleadbyREALtrade professionals.Guestspeakerscomefromtradessuchaselectrical, audio/video,mechanical,plumbing,lumberyard/wholesaling,flooring,and generalcontracting/homebuilding. Studentswillalsohavetheopportunitytonetwork1:1withpresentersand otherattendeesandaskdirectquestions.

PCTwelcomessponsorshipsforthiscohort.Yoursupportwillhelp providegiveaways,snacks,lunch,andrefreshmentsforeachclass Additionally,anydonationstohelptheongoingPCTprogramandits expensesareopenlywelcomedandgreatlyappreciated.

SponsorshipNeeds:

•Fundingtoprovidesnacks,lunchandrefreshmentsforbothclasses& HBRAmembersmeet&greet.

•Donationstocoverfuturecohorts,events,andmisc.expenses

Founder / Chair: Rick Taylor

Founder / Chair: Bepin Mgushi

Secretary & Co-Chair: Mike Weiner

Marketing Director: Geoff Knapp

Application and Enrollment Director: Kendrick

Constant

Donation Committee Chair: Brian A. Clarke Jr.

Course Content Committee: Rick Taylor, Brian A. Clarke Jr., Mike Weiner

The HBRA of Fairfield County and "Pathways to Construction Trades" will be hosting a series of workshops in April for high school juniors and seniors to introduce students to careers in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more.

HBRA members and industry professionals are invited to joinusforlunchonthefinaldayofthe classto meet the students who have just completed the training program. You will be able to network with the students who are your potential future employees, answering their questions and encouraging them to enter fields where skilled labor is in high demand. $10perperson

Membership Discounts & Deals

Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. Members save big when they take advantage of these offers.

Steps to Access NAHB Discounts:

Please Note: Your nahb.org login is separate from your buildfairfieldcounty.com login.

If you do not have an NAHB account, select “Register” on the right side of the screen. You will need the PIN you received when you first joined the HBRA – find yours by logging in to your account at www.buildfairfieldcounty.com, or contact the HBRA office and we would be happy to let you know!

After you log in, go to www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Member-Benefits/Savings

Click on “Learn More” under the discount you want to use and follow the instructions.

See the NAHB "Member Savings Program at a Glance" handout for a full list of available discounts!

Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free.

Steps to Access NPP Discounts:

Visit www.mynpp.com/association/hbra-of-fairfieldcounty/

If you already have an account, select “Log In” at the top right to log in. If you do not currently have an NPP account, enter your information on the form on the right and follow the website prompts to create an account.

Click on the discount you would like to sign up for and follow the instructions.

See the NPP handout for a full list of available discounts!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit: buildfairfieldcounty.com/membership-benefits-discounts/

Membership Discounts & Deals

The HBRACT’s Member Rebate Program is a free member benefit available to Builder & Remodeler members of the HBRA.

There are currently over 50 of the country's leading Manufacturer Brands participating in the Member Rebate Program offering the same rebates as the "Top-5 Builders" receive regardless of your volume.

Steps to Access HBRACT Member Rebate Discounts:

Visit www.hbarebates.com/registration

Enter your company information. Select which products you currently use or which products you’d be willing to switch to. Fill out the Rebate Claim form and submit before the deadline each quarter.

See the "HBA Rebates" handout for a full list of available discounts!

The new HBRA member retirement plan is a real game changer for small businesses. A pooled group plan with over 2000 other businesses and 2 ½ billion of assets under management so members can access

the retirement benefits of a large company. At the same time, 90% of your administrative and investment oversight responsibilities are outsourced to a third party, which means it is simple to operate and has much lower liability than the typical 401(k).

As a business owner, the most important thing you can do is save for your retirement. The HBRA Retirement Program allows you to save for your future, provide a valuable tool for your employees and their families all while saving the overhead costs and liability of managing your own retirement plan.

Visit www.tagcobrand.com/hbra/ to get started today!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit:

2026 BATHROOM TRENDS: TEXTURE, TECH

AND TIMELESS TOUCHES

By: Bender, with insights from our showroom consultants

The bathroom has evolved from a purely functional space to one of the most thoughtfully designed rooms in the home. In 2026, the emphasis is on sensory design, smart technology, and material richness, creating spaces that feel lived-in, luxurious, and intuitively tailored to everyday life. Here’s what designers and homeowners are embracing this year.

Knurling, a pattern long associated with fine tools and luxury hardware, is now showing up on faucets a accessories. These tactile finish elevate ordinary fixtures into piec that feel crafted and considered.

Wood inlays on fixtures bring warm into inherently cool spaces. Wheth subtle accents on drawer faces integrated into faucet bodies, wo softens the palette and adds natural, organic feel.

Together, these layered textu make bathrooms feel curated lik space you want to touch.

TextureThatSpeaksVolumes

Say goodbye to flat, one-note surfaces.Texturesareattheforefront of bathroom design, adding depth, interest, and personality to every component.

Fluting - vertical ridges on vanities, cabinetry, or wall tile - creates dynamic shadow and light play, giving surfaces movement without overpoweringaroom.It’selegantyet playful and works with both classic andmodernstyles.

Bathroomsaregettingsmarter andnowhereisthismoreapparentthanwithsmart toilets. Long gone are the days when bathroom tech was limited to heated seats (thoughthat’sstillawelcomeperk).Today’ssmarttoiletsofferafullsuiteoffeatures:

Automatic lids and flushes.

Bidet functions with customizable water pressure and temperature

Self-cleaning nozzles and UV sanitation.

Integrated deodorizers and night lights.

These high-tech systems deliver comfort, hygiene, and convenience making every day routines feel unexpectedly luxurious. Smart toilets are no longer a novelty; they’re a key player in next-gen bathroom design.

Warm,NaturalElements

Minimalismismorphingintoa more grounded aesthetic in 2026.Peoplewantspacesthat feelwelcomingandtactileand that starts with natural materials.

Think stone with visible veining,warmwoodtones,and organic shapes that mimic nature’s imperfections. These elements bring calm and balance to what used to be stark, utilitarian bathrooms. Combined with thoughtful lighting and rich finishes, the resultisaspacethatfeelslived in,notstaged

IndustrialMeetsClassic

Twoenduringdesignaesthetics,industrialandclassic,arebeingthoughtfullyblended in today’s bathrooms to create spaces that feel both grounded and refined. The industrial influence brings structure through clean lines, exposed details, and purposefulforms,whileclassicdesignintroducesbalancewithtimelessproportions, gracefulcurves,andtraditionaldetailing.

This combination results in fixtures and spaces that feel substantial without being harsh, and elegant without feeling ornate. You’ll see architectural silhouettes paired with softer finishes, heritage-inspired shapes updated with modern restraint, and design choices that reference the past while fitting seamlessly into contemporary homes

ASofterReturntoStone

Natural stone is making a strong return in bathroom flooring and tile design, but with a softer, more lived-in feel than in years past Designers are gravitating toward tumbled finishesandgentlywornedges,anostalgicnod to classic stonework that feels warm and approachableratherthanoverlypolished.

What’sdrivingthisresurgenceistheversatilityof natural stone. Earthy, organic colors and expressiveveiningworkeffortlesslyacrossawide range of aesthetics from traditional and transitionalspacestoclean-linedcontemporary bathrooms Theresultisflooringandtilethatfeel grounded, timeless, and adaptable, creating a foundation that complements the layered texturesandwarmfinishestrendingthroughout today’sbathrooms.

SatinBronzeTakesCenterStage

Metal finishes are shifting toward warmthandsoftness.Satinbronze - a finish that sits beautifully between matte and metallic - is trendingforgoodreason:

It reads as timeless yet modern. It pairs seamlessly with both warm and cool palettes. It hides fingerprints and water spots better than high-polish metals

In2026,bathroomsaren’tjustpolished, they’re personal. The biggest trends reflectashifttowardspacesthat:

Engage the senses through texture and material contrast.

Incorporate smart comfort without obvious tech vibes

Warm up with natural, calming elements.

Show personality through thoughtful finishes like satin bronze.

Blend modern and traditional with confidence and flair.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a small refresh, these trends give you permission to mix the practical and the poetic and make your bathroom a space you love.

Bender is a trusted resource for kitchen and bath solutions, serving homeowners and trade professionals throughout Connecticut and beyond. With a network of inspiring showrooms, Bender offers expertly curated products, handson guidance, and personalized support to help bring every project to life from simple updates to full-scale renovations

An Interview With MEMBERSPOTLIGHT

Mike Ki

DIRECTOR OF SHOWROOMS

WHYSHOULDREMODELERS ANDBUILDERSSENDTHEIR HOMEOWNERCLIENTSTOYOU?

We have clients that have been with us for several decades and some that are new to the industry. The commonality on why they send their homeowners to Bender is that they trust us to help guide the homeowner through the process as well as being able to make the homeowners' design visions a reality. Most of our long standing clients will simply just send the homeowners to Bender and we do the rest. They trust that we’ll guide the homeowner in the decisions being made and that we’ll send all pertinent info to the client directly so that there is no gap in communication between Homeowner, Bender and the Client. Also, our showrooms are gorgeous and enable the designers or homeowners to feel/touch a variety of products, see finishes, check out hundredsoftiles,andmore.

WHYSHOULDABUILDERORREMODELERDOINGANEWPROJECT WORKWITHBENDER?

We understand the stress of the project from the end customer’s view AND we help communicate the customer’s wants and needs to the builder or remodeler and vice versatotheendcustomer.Ultimatelyit’severyone’sgoaltomakethedreamprojecta reality and we try and communicate to all parties involved so that everyone is on the same page. This is not something other companies do, and our clients choose us becauseoftheserviceandhelpweprovidethathelpsminimizeissuesdowntheroad.

MEMBERSPOTLIGHT MEMBERSPOTLIGHT

Westrivetobetheone-stop shopthatkeepsprojects streamlined,efficient,and ontrack.

DOALOTOFYOURPROFESSIONAL CLIENTSHAVEAFAVORITE SHOWROOMCONSULTANT?

100%yes,andtypicallyit’stheteammate thathasbeenwiththemfromthe beginning!Wetrytoactasanextensionof theirbusinesstomaketheirlivesandthe endcustomer’sliveseasier.Mostofour homeownercustomerswerereferredtous bytheircontractorsorafamilymemberor friendthathaddoneworkwithus previously.

DOESWHOLESALEANDRETAIL TEAMTOGETHERONJOBSFOR BUILDERS/REMODELERS?

Absolutely!!!Westrivetobetheonestop shopandalotofourcustomersutilizeboth theretailandwholesalesidestomaketheir projectseasier.Besidesthe“pretty”retail items,alotofourclientsalsoutilizeour wholesalesideforPVFandHVAC.Incases likethese,weareabletocoordinate internallyandkeepanaccurateclockof timelinesandexpectationssothatitallows everyone’sjobsandlivestobemore streamlinedandefficient.

Honestly,it’sourteam.Everyoneontheteamgenuinelycaresandtriestodo anythingtheycantomakeeverythinggosmoothlyandtoeveryone’sliking.The realityistheworldisn’tperfectandthingshappen,especiallyinthisindustry,but wedifferentiateourselvesbycomingupwithcreativesolutionsanddoingwhat wecantohelpsolvetheissue.ThereasonBenderhaswontopplacestowork locallyinCTandnationallyforthepast3yearsisbecauseofourteammates makingthatdifferenceinourcultureandhowweoperate.

House Approves NAHBSupported Energy Codes Bill

The House today approved the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, NAHB-supported legislation that would repeal burdensome provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, including a provision that provides states $1 billion to incentivize the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Is the Decline in Young Adult-Led Households a Cyclical Slip or the New Normal?

According to NAHB’s analysis of the American Community Survey (ACS) data, the headship rates among young adults (the share of adults ages 25-34 heading their own households) declined in 2024 to 43.7%. Declining headship rates mean that adults form fewer households and demand fewer housing units.

Home Owners Feel Stuck, Opt to Remodel Rather than Relocate

A major force behind America’s housing affordability challenge isn’t just a market issue — it’s largely a mobility issue. American households are relocating at the lowest rate ever recorded.

In 2024, only about 1 in 10 households changed homes, according to analysis from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. Moves within the same state, which make up the majority of relocations, also fell to a record low. Cross-state moves declined as well after their pandemic-era bump.

Across the U.S.

New NAHB analysis shows how widespread the housing affordability challenge remains across the United States.

Falling Mortgage Rates Make Homeownership Possible for Millions of Households

The average interest rate on a 30year fixed-rate mortgage fell to around 6% last week, the lowest rate borrowers have seen in close to three years. Borrowers will not only enjoy lower monthly payments at that rate, but it also makes homeownership possible for millions more.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs – But Uncertainty Persists

The Supreme Court on Feb. 20 ruled that President Trump’s attempts to use emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was not valid.

Impact of Affordability Challenges and Demographic Shifts on Housing Trends in 2026

Housing affordability has declined significantly in recent years. The deterioration in price-to-income ratio has been a key factor, as home prices have risen 53% since 2019, while median household income has risen only 24%.

Overall Housing Starts Inch Lower in 2025

Total housing starts for 2025 were 1.36 million, down 0.6% from the 1.37 million total in 2024. Single-family starts in 2025 totaled 943,000, down 6.9% from the previous year. Multifamily starts ended the year up 17.4% from 2024.