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    Will Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) Beat Its Last Earnings Report? – Stock Watch 247 - February 25, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI), a Basic Materials Lumber & Wood Production corporation, saw its stock trade 56.99 shares, a spike against to its 10-day trading volume of 451.71k.Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) stock is trading at $56.99, up 6.88 cents or +13.73% on the day. Based on this we can see some traders are either waiting on the sidelines to get involved or perhaps some are taking profits.Total Revenue for Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) is $4.41B. Gross Profit is $592.89M and the EBITDA is $305.81M.

    The average 10-day trading volume of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) is 451.71k compared to 352.78k over the last 3 months which indicates a spike in trading activity. Right now, Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) has a 50-day moving average of $49.04 and a 200-day moving average of $45.40. These moving averages are popular technical indicators that investors use to analyze price trends of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI).Approximately 1.65% of the shares of the company are sold short from traders betting the shares might trade lower. The beta value of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) stock is 1.86, indicating its 7.04% to 3.32% more volatile than the overall marketplace.Technically, UFPIs short term support levels are around $51.75, $51.75 and $51.75 on the downside. Based on technical analysis, UFPI has short term rating of Bullish (0.26), Intermediate rating of Neutral (0.21) and the long-term rating of Bullish (0.42) giving it an overall rating of Bullish (0.29).UFPI is trading 96.52% off its 52 week low at $29.00 and -1.08% off its 52 week high of $57.61. Performance wise, UFPI stock has recently shown investors 13.93% a spike in a week, 18.68% a spike in a month and 14.25% a spike in the past quarter. Furthermore, Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) has shown a return of 19.48% since the 1st of this year.

    Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) is a mid cap company with a market cap value of $3.481B. UFPI insiders hold roughly 2.78% of the shares.On Aug-03-18 Seaport Global Securities Initiated UFPI as Buy at $47. On Feb-13-20 Wedbush Initiated UFPI as Neutral and on Feb-14-20 Wedbush Initiated UFPI as Neutral. There are currently 59.68M shares in the float and 63.39M shares outstanding. There are 1.65% shares short in UFPIs float.The industry rank for Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) is 149 out of 255 ranking it at the Bottom 42% .

    UFPI last 2 years revenues have decreased from $4,489,180 to $4,406,150 showing a downtrend. Wall Street expects Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) to report an EPS next Qtr profit of 0.59 and a profit of 8.97% next year.The growth rate on UFPI this year is 10.31 compared to an industry 13.00. UFPIs next years growth rate is -3.43 compared to an industry 6.50. The book value per share (mrq) is 20.20 and cash per share (mrq) is 1.29. Giving them a price/book (mrq) of 2.78 compared to an industry of 2.52 and UFPIs price/cash flow (mrfy) is 14.19 compared to an industry of 17.13. UFPI fundamental ratios shows an EPS growth vs. previous year 3.21 and EPS growth vs. previous quarter 0.54.

    Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, UFP Industries, Inc. is a holding company with its subsidiaries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company supplies wood, wood composite and other products in retail, industrial, and construction market.The company classifies its top-line results based on its end markets. A brief snapshot of the end market sales has been provided below:UFP Retail (accounting for 36.9% of third-quarter 2019 gross sales) includes Do-It-Yourself retailers, and distributors, pro-dealers and other retail customers.UFP Industrial (28.1%) consists of packaging, crating and other products for manufacturers.UFP Construction (35%) comprises Residential Construction, Commercial Construction and Concrete Forming and Manufactured Housing sales.Residential Construction includes builders of single and multifamily homes.Commercial Construction and Concrete Forming includes non-residential construction and concrete forming.Manufactured Housing includes manufactured housing and recreational vehicles business.

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    Will Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) Beat Its Last Earnings Report? - Stock Watch 247

    Bipartisan bill introduced to add protections for manufactured home residents – Iowa City Press-Citizen - February 14, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Zachary Oren Smith, Press Citizen Published 3:39 p.m. CT Feb. 13, 2020

    State Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, knocked on doors at West Branch Mobile Village to see if there was appetite to organize among mobile homes tenants in his district, on Friday, April 19, 2019.(Photo: Zachary Oren Smith)

    In 2019, Havenpark Capital, a Utah-based private equity firm, bought up manufactured housing parks in Johnson County and across the state. Residents of those parks quickly were hit with sharp rent increases, someas high as 58% in North Liberty's GolfviewMobile Home Park.

    It became clear to residents and their advocates that protections afforded to apartment renters and other consumerswere not extended to mobile home residents who might own their home but rent the parcel it sits on.

    On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of 15 Republican and 15 Democratic senators introduced S.F. 2238, a bill that aims to expand those protections for mobile home residents.

    More: Taskforce releases recommendations for manufactured homes

    State Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, knocked on doors at West Branch Mobile Village to see if there was appetite to organize among mobile homes tenants in his district, on Friday, April 19, 2019.(Photo: Zachary Oren Smith)

    Sen. Carrie Koelker, R-Dyersville, introduced the bill in the Iowa Senate. She could not be reached by press time.

    In the waning days of the last session, Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, attempted to pass legislation with similar aims but it was unable to clear both chambers.

    "I think the big difference is the amount of education that went on in the interim. For seven months now, we've been engaged in writing legislation with members of both parties and both chambers," Wahls said. Both Iowa Legal Aid, who represents some Golfview residents, and the Attorney General's Office have weighed in on the crafting of the bill. "And we've been keeping the Governor's Office in the loop."

    While he said the bill does not do all the actions he set out for, he said it takes two important steps. First, it aims to protect property and due process rights for people who own manufactured homes. Second, it provides legal protections that are at least as strong as people living in apartments."

    The bill as introduced would do the following:

    Candi Evans, the co-chair of the Golfview Residents Association, said that while the bill doesn't accomplish all she would like to see, she was heartened by the bipartisan support on the bill.

    "Not all of it came through that we wanted, but this important. It has real impacton our families who are in need," Evans said.

    Next week, she said mobile home park residents will head to the Capitol to share their stories. She said that Republican and Democrat lawmakers alike have been willing to listen before. She said she is hopeful to continue those conversations next week.

    Republican Senators signed on:

    Democratic Senators signed on:

    SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe to the Iowa City Press-Citizen.

    Zachary Oren Smith writes about government, growth and developmentfor the Press-Citizen. Reach himat zsmith@press-citizen.com or 319 -339-7354, and follow himon Twitter via @zacharyos.

    Read or Share this story: https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2020/02/13/bill-introduced-add-protections-manufactured-home-residents/4749798002/

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    Bipartisan bill introduced to add protections for manufactured home residents - Iowa City Press-Citizen

    Defective drywall lawsuit reaches settlement, a decade after Chinese product forced many from their homes – News-Press - February 14, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Make sure youre aware of these expert-approved tips before buying your first home. USA TODAY

    After a decade of litigation, more than 1,800Florida homeowners who bought homes made unlivable by drywall manufactured in China will be sharing in a $248 million settlement.

    Defective drywall that caused damage to property and health concerns hit people in 44 states, estimated at as many as 20,000 homes. Florida had the most. The drywall materials reacted to produce fumes that corroded fixtures. The gas smelled of sulfur and raised health concerns.

    The settlement approved by a federal judge in New Orleans last month resolves two suits and potentially more than 3,000 claims filed against Taishan Gypsum Ltd., the China-owned company that sold much ofthe defective drywall in the United States, beginning in 2009.

    The Biltz family, Shane, Darlene and their son Vincent, 1, pose for a portrait at their home, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Golden Gate Estates. The couple had to delay starting a family because of health issues caused by exposure to fumes created by drywall made in China that was used to build their home.(Photo: Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA)

    Victims includeShane and Darlene Biltzof Collier County, who thought they had found the perfect home to raise a family,a 3,300-square-foot residence in Golden Gate Estates.

    Darlene Biltz said the discovery was heart-breaking.

    "When we bought the house, we bought it as a forever home, we wanted to raise our children in that home, we wanted to have our animals in that home, we wanted to bring our family together in that home," she said."I mean its a beautiful home but its not one that we could have been in forever because of health issues."

    More: How to file a claim to be part of the $248 million Chinese drywall settlement

    Drywall installation became big business in Florida between 2004 and 2006. Abuilding boomspiked demand for drywall.Then, extensive repair and replacement damage tobuildings in Gulf Coast states inflicted by hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005 added to the pressure on supplies.

    With domestic inventory tight, builders and suppliers turned to China. Slowly, tales began to emerge of an odor of sulphur in the homes and unexplainable corrosion to fixtures.

    The Biltz family home is pictured, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Golden Gate Estates. The home was built using Chinese dry wall.(Photo: Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA)

    The gas began to cause damage to the homes and raise fears that the contaminated air was a threatto the health of residents.

    Government scientists blamed the drywallfor damaging buildings and causing health problems after its internal parts reacted and produced dangerous gasses.

    As the housing boom was replaced by the Great Recession, homes that had lost much of their value were abandoned. Crashing property values made walking away the choice for many.

    Previous coverage in The News-Press

    More than individual homeowners were affected.

    Lennar Corp., a major homebuilder in the state, said in a government filing that it had found the faulty drywall in hundreds of homes that it had builtand put $40 million aside to fix it, while pursuing legal action against subcontractors who used the drywall.

    WCI Communities Inc. of Bonita Springs, a prodigious builder of luxury homes in Southwest Florida,filed for bankruptcy in 2008 as claims against it mounted. The company cited the bottom falling out of the housing market in Lee County.WCI eventually discharged billions of dollars in debt, as well as its obligation for at least 100 homes with the drywall problem in a bankruptcy reorganization. Secured creditors took control of the company and sold it toLennar for more than $640 million.

    Worker removes China-manufactured drywall from a Southwest Florida home. The drywall is blamed for emitting hazardous fumes that made people sick and buildings uninhabitable. A federal lawsuit over the drywall has been settled.(Photo: News-Press file phoeo)

    Edwardo and Carmen Amorin filed suit in U.S. District Court in Miami in July 2009.Stephen and Diane Brookefiled suit inVirginia in 2015. Both cases were against Taishan.

    The cases were assigned to the federal court system's multi-district litigation docket, and were all overseen by a single judge in U.S. District Court in New Orleans.

    The victims will be notified of their settlement amounts by a court-appointed expert who will use factors such asthe size of the property and which of multiple class action suits the individual property owners joined in determining what they will be paid.

    Individuals who are covered in the Amorin suit may receive higher payouts because that suit was filed earlier. The judge's settlement decision said a lot more groundwork for the case was done in the class action led by the Amorins than the suit initiated by the Brookes

    As the case churned through the preliminaries toward potential trial, scientific evidence of health and safety issues raised by the drywall mounted.

    The Florida Department ofHealth had reported in 2009 that the fumes led to corrosion of evaporator coils in air conditioning units as well as corrosion of electrical connectors, copper wires and chrome-plated fixtures.

    A 2014 reportfrom the federal Agency for Toxic Substances found health issues caused by exposure to sulfuric gasses andhydrogen sulfide released by drywall imported from China. The report suggests the emissions were highest in drywall manufactured between 2006-2009.

    Exposure made some existing conditions worse, such as eye, ear, nose and throat problems. Some people who came in close contact withthe material sufferedrespiratory discomfort, and general malaise, the reportsaid.

    As the drywall plague deepened, theU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission called for replacement of problem drywall, and warned that the fumes couldeven damage smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, electrical switches and circuit breakers, even some types of fire protection sprinkler heads.

    Drywall made in China and imported to Southwest Florida during the building boom of the early 2000s was blamed for medical issues. A federal lawsuit over the use of the drywall has been settled.(Photo: New-Press file photo)

    Last month, U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon approved the settlement for people who sued in the cases started by theAmorins and the Brookes. Litigants said the settlement avoids the risk of long and costly trials with an uncertain outcome.

    Others think the lawyers could have done a lot better.

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    Cape Coral resident Russell Moody, in an-email to The News-Press, was critical of the judge for approving thenegotiated settlement.

    Moodyargues that in his case, it will pay only a fraction of the estimated $163,000 it would cost to remove the offending drywall and its effects from his home.He is among the people who sued that have not removed the drywall.

    "It is a cleverly worded rationale, obfuscated in legalese and based on faulty and mischaracterized information, for approving a settlement that deprives over a hundred SW Florida residents of hundreds of thousands of settlement dollars that they are legally entitled to," Moody said.

    Moody filed his objection to the settlement in November and claimed that the handling of the case was procedurally flawed and claimed that some representations by lawyers on the case were false.

    Judge Fallonoverruled the objections of Moody and 26 others in finding that the settlement was "fair, reasonable and adequate."He ordered payment of nearly $50 million in attorneys' fees and costs from the settlement proceeds.

    Attorney Pete Albanis, of Orlando-based Morgan & Morgan, said the ultimate decision to recommend settlement was based on weighing the risk and expense of further litigation against the chance of getting more money in a case that had been in court for more than a decade.

    Even winning a judgment had no guarantee ofsuccess.

    The Biltz family, Shane, Darlene and their son Vincent, 1, pose for a portrait at their home, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Golden Gate Estates.(Photo: Jon Austria/Naples Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK - FLORIDA)

    If we were to continue the case, meaning there would be no settlement and peoples cases would proceed to trial, there would be some serious concerns and potential problems that homeowners would face with respect to collecting in China, Albanis said. This is one of the most difficult class actions that has been ever been pursued.

    Ultimately, the victims of the Chinese drywall will be paid pennies on the dollar for the damage to their homes and possibly to their health. The emotional strain of a decade lost will not be compensated.

    The Biltzesdecision to move out was based on the expense of fixing their home. Instead, they disclosed the issues with the house and found a tenant who would rent it.

    The couple'splans to start a family had to beput on hold, on the advice of Darlene's doctor, because of the uncertain effect drywall fumes might have on an unborn child.

    "They said no, you may want to give yourself time to have your body detox, they didnt know what kindof effects it might have on a baby," she said. "We finally have a one-year-old son,he is healthy and happy."

    A federal judge has issued a final order in the$248 million drywall settlement thatincludes a master list of more than 3,000 drywall victims.

    If you're not on the list, thejudge has set Wednesday as thedeadlineto file a claim to be eligible for any money. Visit chinesedrywallsettlement.com for more information.

    The idea that youll save money buying a fixer-upper doesnt always hold true. Buzz60s Sean Dowling has more. Buzz60

    Read or Share this story: https://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2020/02/11/chinese-drywall-settlement-unlikely-make-all-florida-victims-happy/4557473002/

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    Defective drywall lawsuit reaches settlement, a decade after Chinese product forced many from their homes - News-Press

    Cracked Toilet Causes $190K Of Damage, Investigation Reveals Models Have Been Failing For Years – CBS Pittsburgh - February 14, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    ELK GROVE (CBS13) What toilet do you have? Its a question Nafisa Neabkhail wishes shed known to ask.

    When Neabkhail and her family returned home after a vacation, they walked into a nightmare.

    I hear water everywhere, said the wife and mother of three.

    The house was flooding. Light fixtures rained onto the carpet below, the alarm was squealing, the ceilings peeling.

    As if this whole house is a waterfall. My whole rug was floating on the water said Naebkhail.

    The result was $190,000 in damage to the familys Elk Grove home.

    You would never think something like this would happen. That flood is still running in my mind, said Naebkhail.

    READ:Newborn Charged $10,000 For Hospital Room And Board

    Her family of five was forced out of their home for more than five months, and their house has been torn down to the studs.

    They took out everything because of the water damage, she said.

    The flood was caused by a toilet in their second-story master bathroom. A steady stream of water poured through the crack in the tank of their Vortens toilet.

    No family deserves this, Naebkhail said.

    Weve learned the same model is failing in homes across the country including California, Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

    Texas resident Amy Etchberger says her Vortens model cracked in 2016.

    It was coming out and just dripping out the bottom. Its a faulty product on their part, and I think they should take responsibility, Etchberger said.

    ALSO:Roseville Mom Says Valet Gave Car To Crook Who Almost Burglarized Her Home

    Anne Altz says her cracked Vortens toilet caused $20,000 in damage.

    They know theyre going to fail. said Altz.

    The manufacturer has admitted Some tanks made in 2011 with model numbers 3464 and 3412 may have been affected by technical issues that allegedly caused the fractures.

    Sure enough one of those numbers, 3464, is etched in Nafisas toilet tank, but the company never recalled them. Nafisa said no one even warned them of the problem; not the toilet manufacturer nor the builder who installed the toilet in 2012.

    Thats what were really, really upset about, she said.

    How many of these toilets remain in homes in Naebkhails neighborhood and in homes across America? Vortens would not say. The company tells us, to date, all claims received have been addressed or are in the process of being addressed. Vortens full statement is included below.

    ALSO:Elk Grove Woman Claims Hospital Mistake Killed Her Mother, But No Attorney Will Take Her Case

    After a class-action lawsuit, Vortens has agreed to pay up to $300 to replace the toilet and, if theres flooding, up to $4,000 to help cover insurance deductibles.

    I just want it to be over, Naebkhail said.

    Nafisas insurance is covering the damage. Now living with relatives during the rebuild, she says this has turned her familys lives upside down.

    Im thinking after everything is fixed Im putting the house back on the market, she said. Because I cannot see myself living here anymore.

    The Naebkhails think it will be at least another month and a half before their house is done. They plan to sue over the inconvenience. After we reached out to the builder, Taylor Morrison, they sent letters to all homeowners in the Elk Grove, Franklin Crossings community. The letter, below, alerts homeowners to the issues with Vortens toilets and directs them to the class action settlement.

    Oct 9, 2019

    Dear Homeowners,

    It was recently brought to our attention that some homes in the [Franklin Crossings] community may have been built with a particular model of toilet tank manufactured by Vortens between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. The enclosed 10-page Notice was downloaded from the website link https://vortenssettlement.com/Content/Documents/Notice.pdf. The Notice provides a good explanation of the issue and what steps can be taken by affected homeowners. While Taylor Morrison has no involvement in the class action settlement, you may wish to inspect your toilet tank to see if it is one of the affected tanks, and if so, take the appropriate steps to address it.

    We asked Taylor Morrison how many of these toilets they installed across the county. They havent answered. Vortens statement, the models affected and a link to the settlement website are below.

    Vortens complete statement:

    In the past, Vortens acknowledged that some of our tank models #3464 and #3412 manufactured in 2011 may have been affected by certain manufacturing issues.

    To date, all claims received have been addressed or are in the process of being addressed to the satisfaction of our customers.

    Pursuant to a class action settlement being administered by a Texas court involving these tank models manufactured in 2011, we have established a program for certain remedies which include product replacement, reimbursement of certain costs, and in some cases, extended warranties. For more details the claims that are covered, the remedies available, and the process for pursuing claims, please reference the claims website at: https://www.vortenssettlement.com

    For other Vortens matters regarding issues not related to the settlement program mentioned above, customers may contact us directly at 866-821-2811 or via e-mail to claims@vortens.com.

    Vortens is committed to generating value for its consumers and offering the best experience possible, as our customers are at the center of everything we do. Solving any complaints and receiving suggestions is a priority for us. For these purposes, we may be contacted at customerservices@vortens.com

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    Cracked Toilet Causes $190K Of Damage, Investigation Reveals Models Have Been Failing For Years - CBS Pittsburgh

    Second phase of Northstowe and one of the UK’s largest modular neighbourhoods gets the green light – Famagusta Gazette - February 14, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    It is being brought forward by the innovative modern house builder House by Urban Splash, a new company backed by regeneration specialists Urban Splash, Homes England and Japans biggest house builder, Sekisui House.

    Inholm comprises a total of 406 modular homes sitting within the context of Northstowes masterplan and is inspired by the areas rich history and previous settlements. The new neighbourhood quarter will be defined by a perimeter of landscapes; country park, sustainable drainage swales, ecological zones and an education campus.

    Proctor & Matthews Architects is the lead architect and master planner of the site. The village will encompass a range of housing typologies, later living homes and mixed-use buildings. The modular homes will include designs by architects shedkm, which can be configured by the buyer to their own design before being built in a factory and delivered to site.

    With this expansion of Northstowe, House by Urban Splash is bringing its skill and expertise in world-class manufacturing to the East of England, choosing Cambridgeshire as its first location to deliver the homes on a new site. The majority of homes will be manufactured in the House factory in Alfreton, East Midlands.

    Mark Latham, Regeneration Director at House says:

    We are delighted to launch our first homes in this part of the country and are excited about the opportunities ahead at Northstowe as we contribute to this emerging town.

    We want to break new ground and surprise people using the latest building methods combined with bespoke designs. We are offering a range of customisable homes and apartments to suit a wide range of modern families, lifestyles and budgets. We cant wait to get going.

    Stephen Kinsella, Chief Land and Development Officer at Homes England, said:

    Im delighted that planning permission has been granted for the first homes to be built on Homes England land at Northstowe, which is a significant step forward for the new town and an important milestone for our joint venture with Urban Splash and Sekisui House.

    This is a really ambitious proposal for 406 homes using modern methods of construction, and the quality design of these homes really reflects our ambition to deliver outstanding places.

    Stephen Proctor, founder of Proctor & Matthews Architects says:

    As master planner and lead architect we are delighted to have secured planning permission for phase 2A of the Northstowe community. Our design for this contemporary mixed-use residential quarter is inspired by the form of traditional edge-of-fenland settlements and recent archaeological discoveries within the locality.

    Innovative clusters of homes employing offsite modular construction will help to deliver a visually distinctive narrative creating a new Inholm village for the 21st Century.

    Ian Killick, Director at shedkm commented:

    We are thrilled that the full range of our customisable, factory-built homes is soon coming to Northstowe. The Inholm urban village will feature the most up to date versions of our house and apartment designs, incorporating new technologies and Cambridgeshire inspired materials and details.

    Were working with a great team and have high hopes of creating an exemplar neighbourhood that sets a new benchmark for the use of modern methods of construction.

    The customisable homes will be launching officially late Spring/ early Summer 2020. For more information visit the Urban Splash website.

    Bidwells have been appointed as a local agent acting on behalf of House by Urban Splash and will be handling all initial sales enquiries.

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    Second phase of Northstowe and one of the UK's largest modular neighbourhoods gets the green light - Famagusta Gazette

    Concrete Formwork Alternatives Save Time, Money and Labor – ForConstructionPros.com - February 14, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Wood has been the concrete contractors formwork of choice for years. Its relatively inexpensive and easy to understand, light weight, can be easily cut to size, and easy to replace and dismantle.

    However, lumber formwork also has its disadvantages. It has limited usage and cannot be reused on one job to the next. Wooden formwork also been known to absorb water from concrete when dry, reducing the strength in concrete structure. On the other hand, lumber with too much moisture can compress wet concrete and cause cracks when shrinking occurs.

    These challenges have resulted in hundreds of formwork alternatives from steel, aluminum, manufactured timber, plywood, plastics and fabricthat claim to offer the trifecta: saved time, labor and money.

    Formwork is a crucial element to concrete construction, though, so selecting the right formwork is essential to any job. In fact, the right choice can greatly affect the schedule, labor requirements, quality and total cost of a project, says Michael Schaeffer, senior U.S. product manager with Doka USA.

    Formwork, the temporary or permanent molds used to hold wet concrete until it sets, is a crucial element in concrete construction. Just as important is selection of the right formwork, Schaeffer notes. Over the years, formwork molds have evolved from traditional job-built timber to pre-engineered systems composed of a combination of steel, aluminum, manufactured timber, plywood and plastics. These advancements in formwork molds have led to increased jobsite production and safety, with less labor, while producing a better-finished product.

    But with so many options, how can contractors choose the right one. Schaeffer suggests the following tips to consider when choosing a formwork system:

    Now lets look at a few of the newest formwork alternatives on the market:

    The Rapid Form Bracket from Innovative Concrete was designed to take the place of lumber supports in the construction of elevated slabs. The bracket is commonly used for work on foundations around a building, when constructing loading docks, or any job involving vertical work.

    Made of steel and then powder-coated to keep away rust, the brackets inventor Bob Kalbach says it eliminates the labor and costs involved in purchasing, layout, measuring, cutting, constructing and cleaning up after stripping of wood supports. He estimates that the traditional process takes about three times longer than the bracket does.

    When a slab is designed to turn down on top of a wall, you have to form the outer edges so that concrete doesnt go over the top of the wall. Traditionally, this is done by cutting two by fours that hold the form against wall. The pieces are layered on top of each other, the form is attached and then everything is braced. Once the concrete is poured, the supports then are removed and thrown away. Made of steel, the Rapid Form Bracket takes the place of lumber supports in the construction of elevated slabs.Innovative Concrete

    Why are we paying $1,200 for a pallet of wood, cutting it all up and taking these pieces and throwing them away when were done. Not just that, but you have to collect all of that. Hundreds of pieces collected and then thrown in the dumpster, asks Kalbach.

    The bracket was recently used during the construction of a four-story office building for LifeQuest, totaling 3,675 lineal feet of slab form. The project called for 925 brackets, which saved the company approximately 720 two by fours at a cost of $4,800. In addition, the contractor estimates a labor savings of $26,800.

    The use of fabric formwork began in the early 20th century with concrete architectural structures. Today, the formwork alternative is slowly gaining momentum in the construction industry as the publics focus on sustainability grows. The industry is increasingly being asked to address and lower its carbon footprint. While the use of wood and/or metal is not completely eliminated by using fabric, it can be reduced to essential components thereby saving natural resources.

    Using fabric formwork, such as a geotextile, offers several additional advantages, according to an article by Robert P. Schmitz, a registered professional engineer, with more than 35-years experience in architecture and structural engineering. Those benefits include:

    Schmitz notes that fabric formwork does have its disadvantages though. Those include:

    However, until new fabrics are developed, the benefits of using geotextiles far outweighs any disadvantages, Schmitz writes. In addition, unless standards and guidelines for use in precast and cast-in-place forming systems are developed, this method of forming concrete will remain a niche market exploited only by those brave and bold enough to challenge the status quo. To be of practical use to the design community, some standardization of systems and guidance are needed for contractors to feel comfortable using flexible formworks.Made of high-density polyethylene fabric, Fab-Forms markets its products as a green replacement of lumber and plywood for forming concrete footings.Fab-Form Industries

    Leading the charge for adoption in the construction industry, Richard Fearn, owner and founder of Fab-Form Industries, Ltd., has developed several fabric forming products, including Fastfoot for continuous and spread footings, Fastbag for spread footings, and Fast-Tube for piers and columns.

    Made of high-density polyethylene fabric, Fab-Forms markets its products as a green replacement of lumber and plywood for forming concrete footings.

    Force Concrete & Masonry Corporation of Piscataway, New Jersey, has been working with Fab-Form for nearly a decade. They recently used the Fastfoot product to form the footings of Rutgers Universitys new Health & Athletic Performance Center.

    The project had a tight deadlinejust six months. Because Force Concrete & Masonry was able to setup huge amounts of formwork before the pour took place, they were able to pour all the concrete in one day, keeping the project on track. In addition, because the fabric prevents the concrete from touching the lumber framework, the lumber framework can be reused and easily stripped, further increasing labor productivity.

    When you strip [the forms], you only remove the lumber framework, explains Bill Pavlic of Force Concrete & Masonry. The fabric conforms to the uneven ground, which makes it a lot easier. If youre using regular forms, you have to go back and patch in the bottom or other spaces.

    Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are not a new technology, but they are seeing a resurgence in popularity. In fact, before the collapse of the housing industry in 2008, many homes were built with ICFsa type of permanent concrete formwork that create the external wall envelope of a building. The alternative formwork has regained some of that traction in recent year, though, as the popularity of energy efficient and disaster resistant homes and buildings grows.

    In the past, single family residential accounted for about 70% of ICF construction compared to about 30% for commercial or multifamily uses, according to a report by the Portland Cement Association. (PCA). But, use in larger commercial buildings appears to be a growing market for several reasons. Chief among them is the potential for reducing energy to heat and cool the building.Shown here are Nudura Insulated Concrete Forms, which meet the demands of today's buildings, offering an energy efficient and eco-friendly construction option.Nudura

    According to the PCA report, some estimates place the savings at 20 percent or more. The R-value for a typical ICF is about 20, and the walls can often have high air tightness 10-30% better than frame-with compatible windows, doors and roof. As a result, assuming a 100-year service life, PCA estimates one single-family ICF home has the potential to save about 110 tons of CO2 compared to a traditional wood frame home.

    This more than offsets the CO2 associated with the production of the cement used to make the concrete, the report adds.

    In addition, ICF save natural resources by eliminating the structures wood frame. The forms also often contain recycled materials.

    See the original post:
    Concrete Formwork Alternatives Save Time, Money and Labor - ForConstructionPros.com

    Letters to the editor – Brantford Expositor - February 14, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Plastics ban

    The federal government says it plans to ban many single-use plastics in 2021. Be careful what you wish for. Many of the items banned could affect you more than you realize. I agree that a lot of waste is the result of plastic products. But do we need to ban everything? Maybe we should rethink how we use these products.

    Steve WhinesBrantford

    Re: Trailer park residents fear for their future (Jan. 29)

    I am the executive director of the Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of B.C., a non-profit business association serving, educating, and representing the owners and managers of manufactured home communities. About 45 per cent of British Columbias 900 communities are members of our association.

    Your article refers to trailer parks and trailers. While the story is a sad one and unfortunately not unique our industry is constantly working to remove these terms, particularly from lexicon of the media and politicians.

    The days of trailers and trailer parks are gone. Todays manufactured homes are built to a national building code. They have strong frames and roofs, 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 construction, insulation, Gyproc walls, etc. They dont have wheels or hitches any more.

    Most important manufactured home living is a desirable and affordable housing alternative for people looking to own their homes, but who dont have the $500,000 to $1 million to buy a fixed house.

    We would really appreciate your help in getting rid of the old stereotype by referring to manufactured homes and manufactured home communities or parks in any future articles.

    Al Kemp,Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of B.C.

    Why is there so much controversy over the teachers contract?

    The education of our youth should be our No. 1 priority, if the children are the future.

    Im a retired registered nurse. I volunteer in the elementary school to help children learn to read, the basis for all learning. The classes now that are inclusive do not benefit the students, the teachers or the students with special needs.

    Some top bureaucrats at Queens Park have enjoyed a 14 per cent increase in pay. This raise does not help our students when money is needed for education funding. The next generation will not have the tools to participate in the future.

    I totally support the teachers. In Brant, teachers work very hard with the limited resources they get from the government. I would encourage any retired person or person with some time to volunteer and see first hand the caring teachers at work in the classroom.

    Now is the time for the tired old Tories to elect someone new who has no ties to the regime. Well, Toronto lawyer Leslyn Lewis fits that bill; she is a person of colour, female and has a lot to offer. She speaks her mind and is extremely well educated. I sincerely hope she gets on the ballot, she would give Peter MacKay a run for his money. Besides MacKay will not beat Trudeau, but she would clean his clock.

    Stephen FlanaganOttawa

    I remember when I used to look to the Oscars now it is just a bunch of actors who think they have something to say politically. First diversity, not enough women directors, etc., not enough people of colour. Both have some merit, but isnt it about the person that does the best job on a film? Listening to people Sunday night like Joaquin Phoenix was so cringeworthy I had to mute it. The best part was the director ofParasite with limited English, he was amazing. For my wife and me, the best part was the pre-show and interviews. It is no wonder the ratings keep dropping. Time to stop talking about diversity, etc. and get on with show. These actors are not politicians, just very rich privileged people who think we give a rats behind about their limited view of the world.

    Jon GrosvenorBurlington

    Read more:
    Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor

    Paradise Rebuilding and Recovery: Nearly all water advisories lifted – Action News Now - February 7, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    PARADISE, Calif. - Paradise Irrigation District said they are close to lifting all water advisories at all standing homes in the town with only 72 home meters left to test.

    Additionally, almost all properties in the town are now eligible for public assistance funding to remove hazardous trees.

    Community Information Meeting: The meeting was held on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The focus of the meeting was manufacturedhousing and what that permit-approval process entails. People from the Building Resiliency Center were there to answer questions. If you missed the meeting, you can watch it below.

    Home Builders Resource Connection:On Friday, Feb.28, those looking to build in Butte County have a chance to speak with local agencies, realtors, architects, generalcontractors, lenders, insurance agents and more. This is a free event.

    Business Outreach Forum:Hosted by the Paradise Ridge Chamber ofCommerce with partner agencies,all localbusinesses are invited to attend the Together We Rise Ridge Business Forum. This will be at the Paradise Lutheran Church at 780 Luther Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    Rebuild Advocates at Building Resiliency Center:Those rebuilding in Butte County have help at the Building Resiliency Center. Advocates are on hand to help people through theprocess, including helping with unresolved insuranceissues. They can also help guide residents through the financialresources available to make rebuilding more affordable such ashelp people apply for loans and connect with contractors. You maycall 530-872-6291 ext. 130 to schedule an appointment.

    RELATED:Paradise Rebuilding and Recovery: Manufactured homes community meeting

    Tree Removal: The Paradise Town Council and the Butte County Board of Supervisors passed ordinances requiring the removal of hazard trees damaged by the Camp Fire from private property that may fall into public roadways. Property owners may enter the Government Tree Program to have the trees removed by the State at no out-of-pocket cost. Enrollment in the Government Tree Program requires a Right-of Entry form.

    Property owners may also identify and remove hazard trees themselves but must submit an inspection form so an inspector may verify the removal of the hazard trees from the property. Property owners may also call the Tree ROE Center directly at (530) 552-3030 or submit Tree ROEs by email at TreeROE@buttecounty.net. The Tree ROE is available for download online at http://www.ButteCountyRecovers.org/treeremoval. ROE forms may also be picked up at the Tree ROE Centers when they open. An ROE Center will be open at the Butte County Library's Paradise Branch Community Room on 5922 Clark Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 pm.

    Businesses Opening

    Paradise Town Council Meeting

    PID Regular Meeting

    Home Builders Resource Connection

    Business Outreach Forum

    Fridays for Lunch Free Lunch

    Paradise Community Dinner

    See original here:
    Paradise Rebuilding and Recovery: Nearly all water advisories lifted - Action News Now

    Manufactured Housing Market is Thriving Worldwide with Top Growing Companies Nobility Homes, Modular Homeowners, Cavco Industries – Instant Tech News - February 7, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Los Angeles, United State, 7 February 2020 The report titled Global Manufactured Housing Market is one of the most comprehensive and important additions to QY Researchs archive of market research studies. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the global Manufactured Housing market. The market analysts authoring this report have provided in-depth information on leading growth drivers, restraints, challenges, trends, and opportunities to offer a complete analysis of the global Manufactured Housing market. Market participants can use the analysis on market dynamics to plan effective growth strategies and prepare for future challenges beforehand. Each trend of the global Manufactured Housing market is carefully analyzed and researched about by the market analysts.

    Global Manufactured Housing Market is valued at USD XX million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the period 2019 to 2025.

    Top Key Players of the Global Manufactured Housing Market :Nobility Homes, Modular Homeowners, Cavco Industries, Champion Home Builders, Palm Harbor Homes, Fleetwood Homes, Jacobsen Homes, Excel Homes, Woodlund Homes, Dutch Housing, Chief Custom Homes

    >>>Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) :https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/983290/global-manufactured-housing-market-size-trends-and-forecast-

    The Essential Content Covered in the Global Manufactured Housing Market Report :Top Key Company Profiles.Main Business and Rival InformationSWOT Analysis and PESTEL AnalysisProduction, Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross MarginMarket Size And Growth RateCompany Market Share

    Global Manufactured Housing Market Segmentation By Product :Single Section, Multi-Section

    Global Manufactured Housing Market Segmentation By Application :Residential, Commercial, Other

    In terms of region, this research report covers almost all the major regions across the globe such as North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa and the Asia Pacific. Europe and North America regions are anticipated to show an upward growth in the years to come. While Manufactured Housing Market in Asia Pacific regions is likely to show remarkable growth during the forecasted period. Cutting edge technology and innovations are the most important traits of the North America region and thats the reason most of the time the US dominates the global markets.Manufactured Housing Market in South, America region is also expected to grow in near future.

    Key questions answered in the report*What will be the market size in terms of value and volume in the next five years?*Which segment is currently leading the market?*In which region will the market find its highest growth?*Which players will take the lead in the market?*What are the key drivers and restraints of the markets growth?

    We provide detailed product mapping and analysis of various market scenarios. Our analysts are experts in providing in-depth analysis and breakdown of the business of key market leaders. We keep a close eye on recent developments and follow latest company news related to different players operating in the global Manufactured Housing market. This helps us to deeply analyze companies as well as the competitive landscape. Our vendor landscape analysis offers a complete study that will help you to stay on top of the competition.

    Why to Buy this Report?

    >>>Request Customization of Report :https://www.qyresearch.com/customize-request/form/983290/global-manufactured-housing-market-size-trends-and-forecast-

    Table of Contents

    Executive Summary1 Manufactured Housing Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Manufactured Housing1.2 Manufactured Housing Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Manufactured Housing Production Growth Rate Comparison by Type (2014-2025)1.2.2 Single Section1.2.3 Multi-Section1.3 Manufactured Housing Segment by Application1.3.1 Manufactured Housing Consumption Comparison by Application (2014-2025)1.3.2 Residential1.3.3 Commercial1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Manufactured Housing Market by Region1.4.1 Global Manufactured Housing Market Size Region1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2014-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2014-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2014-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2014-2025)1.5 Global Manufactured Housing Market Size1.5.1 Global Manufactured Housing Revenue (2014-2025)1.5.2 Global Manufactured Housing Production (2014-2025)

    2 Global Manufactured Housing Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Manufactured Housing Production Market Share by Manufacturers (2014-2019)2.2 Global Manufactured Housing Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2014-2019)2.3 Global Manufactured Housing Average Price by Manufacturers (2014-2019)2.4 Manufacturers Manufactured Housing Production Sites, Area Served, Product Types2.5 Manufactured Housing Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Manufactured Housing Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Manufactured Housing Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion

    3 Global Manufactured Housing Production Market Share by Regions3.1 Global Manufactured Housing Production Market Share by Regions3.2 Global Manufactured Housing Revenue Market Share by Regions (2014-2019)3.3 Global Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)3.4 North America Manufactured Housing Production3.4.1 North America Manufactured Housing Production Growth Rate (2014-2019)3.4.2 North America Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)3.5 Europe Manufactured Housing Production3.5.1 Europe Manufactured Housing Production Growth Rate (2014-2019)3.5.2 Europe Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)3.6 China Manufactured Housing Production (2014-2019)3.6.1 China Manufactured Housing Production Growth Rate (2014-2019)3.6.2 China Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)3.7 Japan Manufactured Housing Production (2014-2019)3.7.1 Japan Manufactured Housing Production Growth Rate (2014-2019)3.7.2 Japan Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)

    4 Global Manufactured Housing Consumption by Regions4.1 Global Manufactured Housing Consumption by Regions4.2 North America Manufactured Housing Consumption (2014-2019)4.3 Europe Manufactured Housing Consumption (2014-2019)4.4 China Manufactured Housing Consumption (2014-2019)4.5 Japan Manufactured Housing Consumption (2014-2019)

    5 Global Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Manufactured Housing Production Market Share by Type (2014-2019)5.2 Global Manufactured Housing Revenue Market Share by Type (2014-2019)5.3 Global Manufactured Housing Price by Type (2014-2019)5.4 Global Manufactured Housing Production Growth by Type (2014-2019)

    6 Global Manufactured Housing Market Analysis by Applications6.1 Global Manufactured Housing Consumption Market Share by Application (2014-2019)6.2 Global Manufactured Housing Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2014-2019)

    7 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Manufactured Housing Business7.1 Nobility Homes7.1.1 Nobility Homes Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.1.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.1.3 Nobility Homes Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.1.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.2 Modular Homeowners7.2.1 Modular Homeowners Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.2.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.2.3 Modular Homeowners Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.2.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.3 Cavco Industries7.3.1 Cavco Industries Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.3.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.3.3 Cavco Industries Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.3.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.4 Champion Home Builders7.4.1 Champion Home Builders Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.4.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.4.3 Champion Home Builders Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.4.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.5 Palm Harbor Homes7.5.1 Palm Harbor Homes Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.5.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.5.3 Palm Harbor Homes Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.5.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.6 Fleetwood Homes7.6.1 Fleetwood Homes Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.6.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.6.3 Fleetwood Homes Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.6.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.7 Jacobsen Homes7.7.1 Jacobsen Homes Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.7.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.7.3 Jacobsen Homes Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.7.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.8 Excel Homes7.8.1 Excel Homes Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.8.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.8.3 Excel Homes Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.8.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.9 Woodlund Homes7.9.1 Woodlund Homes Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.9.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.9.3 Woodlund Homes Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.9.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.10 Dutch Housing7.10.1 Dutch Housing Manufactured Housing Production Sites and Area Served7.10.2 Manufactured Housing Product Introduction, Application and Specification7.10.3 Dutch Housing Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2014-2019)7.10.4 Main Business and Markets Served7.11 Chief Custom Homes

    8 Manufactured Housing Manufacturing Cost Analysis8.1 Manufactured Housing Key Raw Materials Analysis8.1.1 Key Raw Materials8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Manufactured Housing8.4 Manufactured Housing Industrial Chain Analysis

    9 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers9.1 Marketing Channel9.1.1 Direct Marketing9.1.2 Indirect Marketing9.2 Manufactured Housing Distributors List9.3 Manufactured Housing Customers

    10 Market Dynamics10.1 Market Trends10.2 Opportunities10.3 Market Drivers10.4 Challenges10.5 Influence Factors

    11 Global Manufactured Housing Market Forecast11.1 Global Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue Forecast11.1.1 Global Manufactured Housing Production Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2025)11.1.2 Global Manufactured Housing Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2019-2025)11.1.3 Global Manufactured Housing Price and Trend Forecast (2019-2025)11.2 Global Manufactured Housing Production Forecast by Regions (2019-2025)11.2.1 North America Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue Forecast (2019-2025)11.2.2 Europe Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue Forecast (2019-2025)11.2.3 China Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue Forecast (2019-2025)11.2.4 Japan Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue Forecast (2019-2025)11.3 Global Manufactured Housing Consumption Forecast by Regions (2019-2025)11.3.1 North America Manufactured Housing Consumption Forecast (2019-2025)11.3.2 Europe Manufactured Housing Consumption Forecast (2019-2025)11.3.3 China Manufactured Housing Consumption Forecast (2019-2025)11.3.4 Japan Manufactured Housing Consumption Forecast (2019-2025)11.4 Global Manufactured Housing Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2019-2025)11.5 Global Manufactured Housing Consumption Forecast by Application (2019-2025)

    12 Research Findings and Conclusion

    13 Methodology and Data Source13.1 Methodology/Research Approach13.1.1 Research Programs/Design13.1.2 Market Size Estimation13.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation13.2 Data Source13.2.1 Secondary Sources13.2.2 Primary Sources13.3 Author List13.4 Disclaimer

    About Us:

    QYResearch always pursuits high product quality with the belief that quality is the soul of business. Through years of effort and supports from huge number of customer supports, QYResearch consulting group has accumulated creative design methods on many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch has become the brand of quality assurance in consulting industry.

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    Manufactured Housing Market is Thriving Worldwide with Top Growing Companies Nobility Homes, Modular Homeowners, Cavco Industries - Instant Tech News

    Wanted: An ‘all-of-the-above’ housing strategy – Capitol Weekly - February 7, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    There is general agreement that California remains in a housing affordability crisis that is hitting the states working families extremely hard, forcing long polluting commutes and causing spiraling rates of homelessness. But opinions differ markedly on the appropriate response to the increasingly dire situation.

    The only proposal that was remotely scaled to the size of the challenge SB 50 (Wiener) suffered another legislative setback. Though objections to the bill were various, its opponents offered few alternatives that provided credible paths to producing the additional homes needed to provide relief to suffering Californians, reduce pollution, and bring our unhoused brothers and sisters back inside.

    There is simply not enough land around traditionally defined transit-oriented development (TOD) sites to accommodate the states housing needs

    As we think about the next step in addressing Californias housing crisis, we need to recommit ourselves to the All of the Above strategy rather than fiddling with housing politics, while the money in Californians pockets burns. This would bring a range of strategies to bear from redressing historically discriminatory downzoning to providing tools for localities to finance needed infrastructure to ensuring that we are using all appropriate land for development.

    To meet this challenge, the 2020 California Economic Summit Roadmap to Shared Prosperity includes a set of policy choices that can contribute to housing supply with a focus on assuring adequate land supply for housing for all income levels at affordable prices and located in places close to employment. This is particularly critical to the need for middle-income earners who rely on a market of starter homes to move up the economic ladder. Without that existing market near employment centers, upward mobility is stymied.

    Leading up to the 2019 California Economic Summit, California Forward commissioned an analysis of how to meet the states housing supply challenge through land that is currently available for housing. The report confirmed that there is limited housing land supply within the states urban areas and that existing regulatory, entitlement, and financial barriers inhibit growing that supply and thereby prevent sufficient numbers of homes from being built.

    It also underscored that there is simply not enough land around traditionally defined transit-oriented development (TOD) sites to accommodate the states housing needs and that converting underused, vacant parcels within the urban-suburban footprint can substantially increase land supply and thus ought to be added to the policy debate when considering how to increase housing supply.

    To move the debate forward all parties in the discussion should focus on three aspects of the housing supply problem:

    Expand the land available for housing beyond transitFirst, change the focus of the legislative debate from development around transit to increasing the overall supply of housing. The debate should not be characterized as a simple choice between on housing close to transit or sprawl. It should be about better utilization of existing land within the current urban foot print including land in close proximity to transit.

    An additional policy choice centers on expanding the infill policy discussion to include under-utilized and skipped-over urban land, whether or not such land has close proximity to transit. There may also be circumstances where an existing regional urban footprint could be expanded as a means to have sufficient supply of land to accommodate enough housing for each regions employment and population growth so that families can live and work in the same community.

    Limitations on residential development fees and exactions need to be part of the housing supply discussion.

    To increase land available for housing, a top priority should be designating housing as the best use of existing vacant land in urban areas where land use decisions have been made through General Plan decisions. This will mean limiting community discretion: Residential developments that are surrounded by built-up urban development or are within municipal boundaries and meet state and community housing standards (such as density or affordability levels) could receive their approval by right, without additional discretionary review processes.

    Reduce the high cost of housing developmentSecond, the cost of build housing in our urban and suburban centers has complicated the ability of middle-income families to be homeowners. In most regions, many Californians are struggling to earn enough to pay the high cost of housing, which is increased by local fees and process timelines placed on construction.

    While the legislative debate is all about the process of establishing fees, limitations on residential development fees and exactions need to be part of the housing supply discussion. One approach is to cap fees at a percentage of the total project cost and prioritize development types. To further reduce costs, legislation will be needed to limit the timeline for approving housing developments and reduce the litigation opportunities through the California Environmental Quality Act. Innovation in building technology such as manufactured housing should be incentivized to provide another method to reduce costs.

    New governance and funding model for housing related infrastructureThird, a new intergovernmental model, which includes cities, counties, schools and the state and captures a portion of the growth in local and regional economies to fund the infrastructure needed for housing, is essential to include in the mix of solutions. The objective of this proposal is to facilitate state and local investment partnership in housing and community infrastructure that will spur economic development and provide a growing property tax base, including property taxes that go to support school facilities along with the other public agencies.

    One aspect of the debate has become crystal clear: no one set of polices nor a single piece of legislation will meet the housing needs of each region. The policy debate must focus on how state requirements and local actions can assist in meeting the housing supply needs for each region.Eds Note: Micah Weinberg is the CEO of California Forward, a nonprofit reform group seeking better government performance and accountability.

    Read the original post:
    Wanted: An 'all-of-the-above' housing strategy - Capitol Weekly

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