|
|
Industry News
Your sources for the latest information on the industry, association, educational programs, conventions, events & more from your local, state and national building associations.
TRAKiT Training - Thursday, January 14th 9:30 - 11:00 am
City of Ann Arbor will demonstrate their new TRAKiT system and show you how to more easily schedule and record your inspections in the City of Ann Arbor.
This session is free to all BRAGA2 members. City staff will be available to walk you through the process and answer your related questions. Bring your lap top (if you have one) for more hands-on training! RSVP to Christine, chill@bragannarbor.com, by January 12th.
Need a Builders License & the Required 60 Hours of Approved Training?
 The Builders & Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor has partnered with AAA Builders Licensing Education to provide the required 60 hours of training that is now required before you can sit for the builders licensing exam. If you work in any of the following trades you MUST also have a Michigan Builder's or Contractors License: Painting, Excavation, Windows, Insulation, Concrete, Demolition, Doors, Waterproofing, Masonry, Roofing, Siding, Tile, and Pools. There is a series of classes being offered right here at the BRAG A2 between January 18th and February 5th that will give you the necessary 60 hours needed to sit for the exam. CALL TODAY - 877-345-3072 to register or for more information visit www.ABLE.US.COM.
BRAG Ann Arbor Building Rental
Whether it's a business meeting, seminar, networking group, or social function - the BRAG A2 facility is a great option. Tables, chairs, kitchen facility, AV equipment is all included. The BRAG A2 Lower Level is available for members to rent at a relatively low cost, as well as to non-members for a higher non-member cost. Check it out! Contact Zaidee Yates, zyates@bragannarbor.com to learn more.
  
PBS NewsHour Segment on Ann Arbor:
"In Ann Arbor, Michigan Finds Its Life Preserver" - video, audio or transcript
Extension and Expansion to
Home Buyer Tax Credits Passed!
• The $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers is extended until April 30, 2010.
• Repeat buyers, (who have resided in their current residence for 5 of the last 8 years,) are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit, also up until April 30, 2010.
• Contracts for purchases must be signed by May 1, 2010 and closings must occur prior to June 30, 2010 for both credits
• The tax credits do not have to be repaid and can be claimed in either the 2009 or the 2010 tax year
• The buyer must live in the home at least three years or face credit recapture; Income eligibility for both groups is up to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples
• Price of the home must be under $800,000
• Remember that some buyers may also qualify for an additional $7,500 that can be used as a down payment. For more information on that credit visit the www.michigan.gov/mshda web site.
All of this is good news for the housing industry. As the existing home inventory has gradually been decreasing in the Ann Arbor area, this should speed our recovery along and get the new home market moving again!
You can obtain more information on both these credits at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.
Firms Can Now Apply for EPA Lead Paint Rule Certification
Remodelers can now apply to have their companies become certified to work under the new lead paint rules by filling out a downloadable application and paying a $300 fee to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This certification for firms will be required, in addition to individual training for remodelers themselves, which must be completed by April, 2010, when the federal Lead: Renovator, Repair and Painting rule goes into effect.
Lead Paint Rule Website and Classes offered at the BRAG Ann Arbor
Members who do any kind of construction or installation work in homes or child care facilities built before 1978 need to know about the EPA’s new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. NAHB has a number of resources to help members comply with the new lead paint rule. Any company doing work in these homes must be certified, follow specific work practices and keep detailed records. At least one employee in these companies must be trained in these new requirements by April 2010.
Visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint for the latest news on the rule, requirements of the rule, training and preparing your firm for the rule, and how to educate consumers about it. The BRAG Ann Arbor is offering three opportunities to obtain this RRP certification, January 11th (class full), February 11th (class full) and March 1st (class full), 2010. We are working to schedule more dates in the spring.
Please contact Christine hill at 734-996-0100 or email her at chill@bragannarbor.com. For more about the classes and to register, go to www.bragannarbor.com/mr_about_education.cfm
Mandatory Fire Sprinklers Legislation
MAHB's Reasons for Opposition to Mandatory Fire Sprinklers (Public Handout)
Sample Letter to the Director of the Bureau of Construction Codes
More Information on the debate over Mandatory Fire Sprinklers is included in the President's letters in the August Builder Informer
Licensing Requirements for Qualifying Officers
Builder Professionalism Bills Signed Into Law
Economic Links
www.capitolconnect.com/builderlink
Contact your legislators through NAHB's new online tool.
The Foundation for Economic Recovery
Stay informed of MAHB's 6 key points for recovery.
Fix Housing First
Detailing the Need for Housing Stimulus and what to do about it.
|
