Court Blocks Plan to End Immigrant Protection Program
As NAHB continues to work with Congress to find a way to extend expiring federal Temporary Protected Status designations for over 300,000 migrants from nations including Haiti, El Salvador and Honduras, a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from terminating the program.
Comment Period Now Open for NGBS Changes
The draft of the 2020 edition of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is now open for comment. Builders, remodelers, code officials – in fact, all members of the public – are invited to take a look at the proposed changes to the standard and submit their opinions. The deadline is Nov. 12.
New Trade Deal Could Open Door for Future Lumber Talks
The new trade deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USMCA has the potential to yield positive developments regarding the ongoing U.S.-Canada lumber trade dispute.
Avoiding the Moisture Sandwich: Vapor Control for Floor Systems
Advancements in framing and insulation coupled with a desire to build tighter, more energy-efficient homes have builders looking carefully at evolving wall assemblies. But as finishing materials become more sophisticated, there may be a need to look down — to the flooring system. Trapping moisture that can lead to rot is not just a problem to avoid in wall assemblies.
Supreme Court Hears Members’ Dusky Frog Case
The U.S. Supreme Court opened a new term Oct. 1 by hearing oral argument in Weyerhaeuser v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which involves a clash between two NAHB members and the dusky gopher frog. NAHB has been involved in the case from the start, most recently weighing in with an amicus brief on the merits of the case.
Virginia Builders, County Make Progress on Housing Affordability
The HBA of Virginia and NAHB teamed up with local government officials in an effort to solve a county-wide housing affordability crisis.
The Hybrid Home Network: Avoiding the ‘Spinning Beachball of Death’
As “smart” devices are increasingly brought into American residences, a growing number of home owners are discovering that some of those gadgets are becoming less reliable. The problem is often not with the devices themselves, but rather, the network those devices rely on.
HBA of Metro Portland’s Home Show Goes Green
Committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its month-long home show, the HBA collected the cans and bottles from the event, which totaled 8,712 recyclables filling up 132 bags. The association then converted its bounty of bottles and cans into over $800 of cash and donated this money to the local non-profit organization.
FHA Extends Multifamily Risk-Sharing Initiative Through Dec. 31
The Federal Housing Administration will extend its multifamily risk-sharing initiative with the Federal Financing Bank for eligible housing finance agencies through Dec. 31, 2018.
Careers in Construction Month Starts Today
October is Careers in Construction Month, when NAHB members and state and local HBAs participate in a national campaign to raise awareness about the great jobs available in home building and related trade professions. Grab these tools and join us!
