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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.

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com @hbraffc (203) 335-7008

PHOTO CREDIT: Davidson McCulloh

DESIGNER: Cheryl Amodeo, California Closets

DESIGNER: Mid East Design

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,

Welcome to the March edition of Building Connections. As we move closer to spring, there’s a renewed sense of momentum across our industry and throughout the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County.

Spring is a time when projects begin to ramp up, plans turn into action, and the pace of our work accelerates. It’s also an exciting time within our association, as our calendar fills with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. From engaging events to valuable educational programming, there are countless ways to stay involved and make the most of your membership.

As always, we remain committed to supporting your success through advocacy, education, and meaningful networking. Your continued participation and dedication are what make this association thrive, and we are grateful to have such a strong and collaborative membership. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and working together to make this a productive and successful season.

Wishing you a busy and rewarding Spring, Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn

Executive Officer

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County M I S S I O N

Upcoming Events - Register Now!

Wednesday April 1 : General Membership Meeting st

County TV, Stamford | 5:30pm-8:30pm

Networking - Food - Drinks

Tuesday April 21 : HBRA Volunteer Day at the CT Foodshare st

Connecticut Foodshare Bridgeport | 8:30am-11:30am

Join your fellow HBRA members for a day of giving back to our community! We’ll be volunteering together at the Connecticut Foodshare in Bridgeport, helping sort, pack, and distribute food to families in need. This hands-on event is a great way to make a meaningful impact while connecting with other members in a rewarding and collaborative setting. No special skills are required, just a willingness to help and a positive attitude! Come ready to roll up your sleeves and support a great cause.

Wednesday April 22 : Seminar: AI Made Simple nd

East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply - Ridgefield | 9am-10am

Discover how AI can give you back hours in your week so you can focus on the creative work you love. Whether you're a first-time AI user or already AIsavvy, this fast, engaging session will show you simple ways architects and designers can use AI to spark ideas, tackle time-consuming tasks more efficiently, and communicate more clearly with clients—without changing your tools, your workflow, or your signature design style.

Saturday April 25 : “Pathways to Construction Trades”

Lunch th

HMTX Industries, Norwalk | 12pm-1pm

Meet your future employees - join us for lunch to meet students in the HBRA’s “Pathways to Construction” training program, introducing high school juniors and seniors to careers in the construction industry.

Wednesday May 6 : Member Mixer th

Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford | 5:30pm-8:30pm Food, local craft beer & wine, and table display opportunities! We’ll also have a CEU class immediately before the Member Mixer at Ring’s End on Residential Walls. Registration for both now open!

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

Weds. May 6 , 2026 | 5:30pm-8:30pm

Join the HBRA of Fairfield County for our May General Membership Meeting and annual Member Mixer. Enjoy local craft beer and an appetizer spread, and network with the HBRA board of directors, committee members, and the businesses who make up the HBRA of Fairfield County.

Get ready to play the Member Mixer Scavenger Hunt! Grab a scavenger hunt card at registration and find our sponsors’ table displays around the room to complete the scavenger hunt and get entered in a raffle for a gift card!

MEMBERMIXER SPONSORSHIPS

Bar Bites Sponsor - $1300

Delicious apps to feed the hungry crowd!

Premium signage at the food table

Opportunity to speak at the event

Logo on all marketing materials

Logo on event banner

Scavenger Hunt Square - attendees have to find you during the event!

10 extra drink tickets to hand out

5 attendees

Featured & tagged in Instagram story

Full page spotlight on your company in Building Connections E-Magazine

Imperial Sponsor - $1000

Premium table display!

Table to display literature and other marketing materials (prime placement)

Opportunity to speak at the event

Logo on all marketing materials

Logo on event banner

Scavenger Hunt Square - attendees have to find you during the event!

10 extra drink tickets to hand out

3 attendees

Featured & tagged in Instagram story

Craft Beer Sponsor - $1200

Premium signage on the bar

Opportunity to speak at the event

Your logo on cups used at the bar

Logo on all marketing materials

Logo on event banner

Scavenger Hunt Square - attendees have to find you during the event!

10 extra drink tickets to hand out

4 attendees

Featured & tagged in Instagram story

Full page spotlight on your company in Building Connections E-Magazine

Top Hop Sponsor - $500

Table Display

Logo on all marketing materials

Logo on event banner

Scavenger Hunt Square

5 extra drink tickets to hand out

2 attendees

Event Sponsor - $250

Logo on all marketing materials

Logo on event banner

1 attendee

5 extra drink tickets to hand out

Membership Raffle Sponsor - $365

Signage at the event

1 attendee

Draw the winning raffle ticket & announce the winner!

MEMBERMIXER

Contractorshowtoconstructabetterperforminghomethatcomplieswith today'senergycodes,maintainstheoccupant'scomfortandhealth,and considersbudgetaryconstraints.

LearningObjectives:

#1What'sinaResidentialWall?Interiorvaporbarriersthroughtotheexterior cladding?

#2WhataresomeKeyDesignFactorstoconsiderwhendetailingaresidentialwall?

#3WhatarethePerformancerequirementsofaresidentialwallassembly?

#4Whataresomeoptiontomanagecostandperformanceexpectations? Thisprogramisapprovedfor1HSWcredit. Presented by: Ring's End

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

March

General Membership Meeting Brings Members Together at Clarke South Norwalk

HBRA of Fairfield County members and guests gathered on Wednesday, March 4 at the Clarke showroom in South Norwalk for our March General Membership Meeting. The evening provided a great opportunity for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships while enjoying beer, wine, and a variety of delicious appetizers in Clarke’s beautiful showroom space. th

The program featured a presentation from luxury real estate expert Jennifer Leahy of Compass, who shared insights on the current state of the luxury residential real estate market. Jennifer highlighted key trends shaping today’s housing landscape, including the evolving preferences of downsizers as well as the priorities of younger buyers entering the market. Her perspective offered valuable takeaways for builders, remodelers, and industry professionals navigating today’s changing marketplace.

Plus, Peggy Rubens-Duhl, AIA from Fresh Architect won our $250 membership raffle, generously sponsored by Loewen Windows & Doors!

Thank you to Clarke for hosting us, Loewen Windows & Doors for sponsoring the raffle, and Jennifer Leahy for sharing her expertise with our members.

Photos by Kirt Washington Photography

EVENT RECAPS

Builder Home Tour Showcases High-Performance Design in Fairfield

On Wednesday, March 11 , builders gathered in Fairfield for a special Builder Home Tour hosted by the HBRA in partnership with Leigh Overland Architect. Attendees were invited to explore the Ash Creek House. Completed in late fall 2021, the Ash Creek House was designed as a living example of a high-performance, resilient home. During the tour, builders had the opportunity to see firsthand how advanced building techniques and thoughtful design come together to create a structure that prioritizes durability, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Attendees learned about several innovative features throughout the home, including Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) wall construction for exceptional strength, fire resistance, and energy performance, as well as an SIP roof system that works seamlessly with the ICF structure to create a continuous high-performance building envelope. The tour also highlighted triple-pane European tilt/turn windows and doors for enhanced airtightness and sound reduction, along with radiant heating and cooling systems that provide efficient and quiet comfort. Additional highlights included the home’s non-combustible interior construction using metal framing and strategies for ventilation and indoor air quality designed to support a near–net-zero-ready home.

Participants left with a deeper understanding of how these building methods are not just theoretical concepts, but proven approaches that can be implemented today to create safer, more efficient homes.

The Ash Creek House project has also gained national recognition and was featured on Next Great American Homes. The HBRA thanks Leigh Overland Architect for opening this inspiring home to members and for sharing valuable insight into the future of highperformance residential construction. This event helped to support the CT Foodshare.

EVENT RECAPS

2026 Builders’ Show Spotlights

Innovation, Demand for Home Building

Nearly 75,000 registrants filled the exhibit halls of the Orange County Convention Center as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) hosted the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the largest annual light construction show in the world, Feb. 17-19.

IBS and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) combined for the 13th annual Design & Construction Week® (DCW), which drew close to 117,000 registrants for the final show in Orlando.

“This year’s attendees have been excited and engaged a reflection of the overall industry’s desire to get out there and build,” said Geoff Cassidy, NAHB chief revenue officer. “Orlando has been a great partner for the show, so we’re thrilled to host such a strong final event here.”

“The [exhibit] floor was buzzing, and the vendors really showed out,” said Zeke Keel of Webb Building Essentials in Birmingham, Ala. “I’ve come to every IBS since 2017, and the vendors keep upping their game every year. There was a large focus on new tech and AI, which tells you where peoples’ interest is. It’s always cool at IBS to see how our industry is changing.”

EVENT RECAPS

Exhibit space for IBS totaled 679,000 net square feet, where 1,650 exhibitors displayed the latest in building products and technology. One of the new features this year was the AI & Tech Studio, which spotlighted cutting-edge tools transforming the home-building industry with hands-on demos and real-world case studies.

In all, DCW featured 2,250 exhibitors occupying 1.15 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

“The turnout, the energy, the buzz in Orlando has been incredible,” said Jessica Bazzi, brand and channel marketing lead for Owens Corning, a 75+ year IBS exhibitor. “We feel it’s one of the best shows we’ve had in years. We launched a new product, which has been exciting to showcase.”

In addition to meeting suppliers and seeing product demos throughout the three-day show, attendees networked with peers and attended any of more than 120 education sessions led by experts on a wide range of industry topics.

Next year, DCW will return to Las Vegas Feb. 2-4, 2027.

Photos by Oscar Einzig Photography

LUXURY APPLIANCE TRENDS RESHAPING

TODAY’S HIGH-END KITCHENS

Insights from Clarke Showrooms

Luxury kitchens continue to evolve beyond aesthetics alone. While finishes and layouts still matter, today’s homeowners are increasingly focused on how their kitchens perform how efficiently they cook, how flexibly they entertain, and how seamlessly appliances integrate into daily life. For builders and remodelers working in the high-end residential market, understanding appliance trends is no longer optional; it’s essential to delivering kitchens that feel current, functional, and futureready.

Two appliance categories in particular are shaping the direction of luxury kitchen design: induction cooking and convection steam ovens. Both represent a shift toward precision, efficiency, and versatility values that resonate strongly with today’s discerning homeowners.

Performance Over Flash

One of the most notable changes in luxury appliance selection is a move away from purely visual statements toward performance-driven decisions Homeowners still want beautiful kitchens, but they also want appliances that actively make cooking easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable. This mindset has influenced everything from appliance placement to fuel choice. Instead of defaulting to traditional professional-style gas ranges, many clients are asking deeper questions: How fast does it heat? How controllable is the temperature? How easy is it to clean? How does it fit into a modern, openconcept home?

These questions are driving interest in induction cooktops and advanced oven technology solutions that quietly elevate everyday cooking while aligning with modern design priorities.

InductionCookingGains Momentum

Inductioncooktopshavemoved firmly into the luxury mainstream. Once viewed as a niche or European trend, induction is now widely embraced by homeowners who value speed, precision, and safety.

Unlikegasortraditionalelectric cooking, induction uses electromagnetic energy to heat thecookwaredirectly.Theresult

is immediate temperature response and exceptional control attributes that appeal to serious home cooks as well as busy families. Water boils quickly, delicate sauces are easier to manage, and heat adjustments happen instantly.

From a design perspective, induction cooktops offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic Their smooth glass surfaces integrate effortlessly into contemporary kitchens and work especially well in open layouts where visual continuity matters. The absence of open flames and bulky grates also makes the kitchen feel calmer and more refined.

There are practical benefits as well. Induction surfaces stay relatively cool, reducing the risk of burns and making cleanup easier For households with children or for clients prioritizing safety and energy efficiency these advantages can be compelling.

For builders and remodelers, the rise of induction also opens new conversations about electrical planning and infrastructure early in the design process. When addressed proactively, induction becomes a differentiator rather than a complication.

The Rise of the Convection Steam Oven

If induction represents precision on the cooktop, convection steam ovens represent versatility in baking and roasting. These ovens combine traditional convection heat with controlled steam, creating an appliance that supports a wide range of cooking styles.

Homeowners are drawn to convection steam ovens because they deliver professionallevel results at home. Steam helps food retain moisture while convection ensures even browning, making it easier to roast meats, bake bread, reheat leftovers, or cook vegetables without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Another key driver is healthconscious cooking. Steam allows for cooking with less oil while preserving nutrients and natural flavors an increasingly important consideration for today’s clients.

From a layout standpoint, convection steam ovens fit well into luxury kitchens that emphasize flexibility. Many homeowners pair them with traditional wall ovens, gaining multiple cooking zones that support entertaining and multi-course meals. For smaller households or secondary kitchens, a convection steam oven can even serve as the primary oven, reducing the need for oversized appliances.

Designing for How People Actually Cook

Perhaps the most important trend underlying these appliance choices is a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven kitchen design. Homeowners are no longer designing kitchens solely for resale value or visual impact; they are designing for how they live right now

That means appliances must support weeknight meals, weekend gatherings, and everything in between. Builders and remodelers who understand how induction and convection steam appliances fit into real-world cooking habits are better positioned to guide clients toward choices they’ll appreciate long after the project is complete

It also reinforces the value of collaboration between builders, designers, appliance specialists, and homeowners. Seeing appliances in action, understanding their capabilities, and planning around them early leads to better outcomes and fewer compromises later.

Looking Ahead

Luxury appliance trends are not about novelty for novelty’s sake. They reflect a deeper demand for kitchens that work smarter, cleaner, and more intuitively. Induction cooktops and convection steam ovens exemplify this shift, offering performance advantages that align with modern lifestyles and evolving design sensibilities.

For professionals in Fairfield County’s high-end residential market, staying fluent in these trends is a powerful way to add value - for clients, for projects, and for the long-term success of every build or remodel.

Clarke is New England’s Official Showroom and Test Kitchen for Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf cooking appliances, and Cove dishwashers. Clarke also represents the highperformance brands Best, The Galley, and Scotsman Clarke has showrooms in Boston Seaport, Milford, MA, and South Norwalk, CT.

Schedule an appointment today! Visit clarkeliving.com/showrooms

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:

How Old is Today's Housing Stock?

Currently, new home construction faces headwinds such as rising material costs, a persistent labor shortage, and elevated interest rates. These challenges have contributed to an insufficient supply of new construction, making the nation’s owner-occupied housing stock significantly older over time.

Fed Holding Pattern Continues

The Federal Reserve continued its current pause for rate reductions at the conclusion of the March meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank’s monetary policy body. The Fed held the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%, the level set in December of last year. This marked the second policy pause since the Fed resumed easing in September 2025.

Best Year for Multifamily Missing Middle Construction Since 2007

Although not a huge jump, 2025 featured the highest construction volume for multifamily missing middle housing starts since 2007. The missing middle construction sector includes development of medium-density housing, such as townhouses, duplexes and other small multifamily properties. However, the multifamily segment of the missing middle (apartments in 2to 4-unit properties) has generally disappointed since the Great Recession. This subsector of residential construction continues to underperform relative to its potential, due in part to zoning restrictions.

Builder Sentiment Inches

Higher but Affordability

Concerns Persist

Builder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.

Affordability Crisis

President Trump on March 13 issued two executive orders on housing to remove regulatory barriers and provide better access to mortgage credit that will help ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis.

Single-Family Starts Remain Soft in January on Affordability Concerns

Elevated construction costs and constrained affordability conditions led to a reduction in single-family housing starts in January.

Supreme Court Ruling Raises New Concerns About Cluster Mailboxes

Late last month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that illustrates the potential risks associated with the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) push for centralized mail delivery. The ruling has important implications for home builders and developers who are ncreasingly pressured to install cluster mailboxes in new residential communities.

Builders Identify Key LongTerm Forces Shaping Housing Demand and Industry Health

Results from special questions included in the recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) reveal that home builders expect a mix of demographic, economic and technological forces...