2011 Association. Award Winners. who won! BUILDING NEWS. Peek inside to see

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1 THE VOICE OF THE GREATER ATLANTA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS VOL. 12, NO. 4, FALL Association Award Winners Peek inside to see who won! Green Landscaping Ideas Rethinking Our Relationship with Water Restrictions on Unlicensed Homeowner Contractors 1

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3 BUILDING NEWS fall 2011 volume 12, number 4 features HBA Award Winners Lewis Cenker Award Builder of the Year Associate of the Year Council Chair of the Year OBIE Award Winners The Greater Atlanta HBA Sales and Marketing Council presents our 31st Annual OBIE awards. 13 LEGAL CORNER Restrictions on Unlicensed Homeowner Contractors 14 E A RT H C R A F T Rethinking Our Relationship with Water 15 EDUCATION The Georgia Builder Licensing Renewal Deadline is Approaching! 15 B O O K S T O R E Dream Homes Georgia 16 HOMEAID ATLANTA Bid for Hope Silent Auction a Great Success! 17 THE HOUSING INSTITUTE CPHB Fall GM Meeting Focuses on Market Update 18 ATLANTA 50+ HOUSING COUNCIL 50+ University Day: A Huge Success! 19 GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Green Landscaping Ideas 20 SALES AND MARKETING COUNCIL Thinking About New Year s Resolutions for 2012? Make Education a Priority 21 REMODELERS COUNCIL I don t want creepy people in my house. departments every issue 5 Letter from the President By Mike Smith 7 Education and Events Calendar 22 Index to Advertisers Dues payments to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes. However, dues may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense, subject to exclusions for lobbying activity. Contributions to a political action committee are not tax deductible. Because a portion of your dues for 2011 is used for lobbying by the National Association of Home Builders ($24) and the Home Builders Association of Georgia ($64), these amounts are not deductible for income tax purposes. You are advised to consult a professional tax advisor regarding the deduction of your dues payments to the HBA. P.O. Box Atlanta, GA (770) (770) FAX 3

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5 From the PrEsidEnt By Mike Smith The benefits of membership we had another great night at the OBIES! Congratulations to all the winners. It is exciting and I believe important that even in these economic times that we take time to celebrate the hard work and success of our members. I have heard it said that These may not be the best of times, but it doesn t have to be the worst of times either. I believe that years from now we will look back on these times as important for the future of our industry. These are times of reinvention, creativity, perseverance and growth. I am proud that we still take time to recognize and celebrate those among us that are striving and succeeding. As the year winds down, I want to thank you for your membership in the HBA and to encourage you to spread the word about the HBA to those you work with in the industry. We are continuing to add member benefits and work hard on your behalf. Here are just a few of the benefits that we offer: networking Whether your goal is to find new business opportunities for your company, share relevant business information with other members to help you grow and improve your practices, or just meet really great people with whom you can develop some new friendships, the HBA sets your plate at the table. All you have to do is eat! education The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association is the preeminent provider of building industry education classes geared toward improving skills, knowledge and professionalism within our industry, while helping members complete continuing education credit requirements. By offering an unparalleled selection of affordable classes, our association gives local builders and trade associates the opportunity to develop themselves and their employees on a level that, at a very minimum, keeps pace with education offered internally by many national builders. Continued on page 7 The Voice of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS Atlanta, Georgia Volume 12, Number 4 Fall 2011 HBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Mike Smith Vice President: Neal Davis Vice President/Treasurer: Richelle Losch Vice President/Secretary: Mike Turner Parliamentarian: Les Stumpff Associate Vice President: Mitch Hires Associate at Large: Carol Stone Builder at Large: Jim Brown Builder at Large: John Cooper Builder at Large: Steve Goodsell Builder at Large: Steve Palmer Associate Vice President: Carol Stone Associate at Large: Eugene James General Counsel: Frank O. Brown, Jr. Executive Vice President: David Ellis Charlie Bostwick Bill Boyajan Lawson Calhoun Brian Canady Al Capogrossi Sammy Baker Bob Chapin Tony Donald Phil Gressly HBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Builders Dean Cowart Dan Fields Christine Fortenberry Mark King Steve King Associates Mitch Hires Sonny Hires Cindy Huber John O Driscoll Chris Knight Gary Lockman Rob Myers Garen Smith John Willis Carl Owen Jeff Pogue Ro Preisinger Ron Sprinkle CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Cherokee: Mike Shina DeKalb: John Cooper Gwinnett: Alex Tetterton Inner Atlanta: Jim Brown Metro South: Neal Davis North Fulton: Rob Myers Rockdale: Steve Goodsell COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL CHAIRMEN Associates Council: Heather Bounds Atlanta 50+ Housing Council: Jim Chapman Builder/Developer/Lender Council: Steve Goodsell / Dave Boccolucci Government Affairs Committee: Neal Davis Green Building Council: Matt Hoots Membership: Cindy Huber Remodelers Council: Melina Wilkinson Sales and Marketing Council: Sandie Tate SUBSIDIARIES EarthCraft House: Dennis Creech HomeAid Atlanta: Dan O Dwyer The Housing Institute: Mike Smith Dave Boccolucci Millard Bowen Tom Bradbury Steve Brock Barry Burney Kay Cantrell J.D. Caswell David Clough Doug Cotter John Cowart Dennis Creech Harold Cunliffe Chuck Edwards W.D. Farmer Chris Garner Jim Givan Tom Godfrey Pete Halter LIFE DIRECTORS Mike Kilgallon Kenny King George McClure Dennis McConnell Terry Morris Dan O Dwyer Steve Palmer Tony Perry Rick Porter Allen Richardson Carl Riden Bill Shean Charles Sheron Doug Spohn Jim Stansberry Mike Turner Roy Wendt Chris Willis ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS Publisher: David Ellis Managing Editor: Janel Grant Associate Editors: Monica Saunders NAYLOR, LLC Publisher: Tom Schell Editor: Elsbeth Russell Marketing: Brianna Martin Sales/Project Manager: Katie Usher Publication Director: Brian Agnes Advertising Sales: Hunter Cannon, Mary Foster, Sarah Lyons, John O Neil, Marjorie Pedrick, Rick Sauers, SaraCatherine Sedberry, Paul Walley, Jason Zawada Layout & Design: Ranjeet Singh Kalsi ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS, The Voice of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, P.O. Box , Atlanta, GA Tel: (770) April Published quarterly by Naylor, LLC, 5950 NW 1st Place, Gainesville, FL Direct all advertising, circulation and editorial inquiries to (800) Acceptance of advertising in Atlanta Building News does not imply the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association s endorsement or approval of the product or service advertised. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies. Unless a special placement within the magazine is specifically purchased, publisher reserves the right to place any ad on a first-come, first-served basis. No materials contained herein may be reproduced without the exclusive written permission of the publisher by Naylor, LLC. All rights reserved. PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2011/GAH-Q0411/

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7 DECEMBER 7 Homeowner Handbook Orientation, 9 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Green Building Council Meeting, Georgia Power, 11 a.m. 2 p.m. CPHB Builder Speed Dating, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 8 Level 1-A: Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control, 8:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Adapting Your Building Company for Remodeling, 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 13 Marketing & Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I), 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 50+ Housing Council Meeting, Sterling on the Lake, 11 a.m. 2 p.m. 14 CPHB Third Annual Appreciation Breakfast, 8 9:30 a.m. Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II), 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Sales & Marketing Council Meeting Holiday Party, Maggiano s Cumberland, 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Partnering Guide Lunch & Learn, Noon 2 p.m Residential Contractor Licensing Exam Prep Course, Southern Polytechnic State University, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 15 Business Management for Building Professionals, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. JANUARY 4 Homeowner Handbook Orientation, 9 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 10 Jobsite Theft Protection Lunch & Learn, Noon 2 p.m. 11 Partnering Guide Lunch & Learn, Noon 2 p.m. I m not Coca-Cola. Why should I worry about branding? Lunch & Learn, Noon 12 Level 1-A: Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control Re-Certification, 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Education and Events Calendar 24 Improve Profits through Cost Effective Sales & Marketing Strategies 8 a.m. 24-Feb. 16 Builder Licensing Exam Prep 4-Week Course, 8 a.m. 12:30 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday) IRM- IV: The Challenge of New Home Sales Management, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 25 Kitchen Design and Decor, 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 31 Green Building: Risks and Realities, 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m. FEBRUARY 1 Lead Certified Renovator, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 8 High Performance Homes 101 and the Basics of Certified Green Building Lunch & Learn, Noon 2 p.m. 15 Insurance Certificate Holder Protection Lunch & Learn, Noon 2 p.m Builder Licensing Exam Prep Course: Commercial Supplement, 8 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 22 February Regional Meeting, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 29 Level 1-A: Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Calendar Key to Events: This course is approved for CPHB program continuing education credits. Environmental Issues Social Events Education Membership Meetings All meetings will be held at HBA s Housing Center unless otherwise noted. The Housing Center is located at 1484 Brockett Road in Tucker at the corner of Brockett and Cooledge roads next to Highway 78. Editor s Note: Changes in the dates and location of events listed on our calendar occur. Please call the HBA at (770) or check the latest calendar online at Continued from page 5 Government Affairs and Industry Support Ever wonder if permit fees, impact fees, and other municipal fees are fair and being applied appropriately and consistently? GAHBA, through its local staff and member volunteers, combined with the power of Home Builders Association of Georgia and the 160,000-member National Association of Home Builders, fights the battles that one member could not fight alone. The 2010 Fire Sprinkler Bill alone saved builders an estimated average of $3,000 to $4,500 per home built by putting the choice to install a sprinkler system where it belongs in the hands of the home buyer. It may all happen behind the scenes, but anything that affects business in a positive way is a direct benefit to all members. And it is happening every day as a result of, and in support of, your membership. Group Buying Power Through membership in the HBA, members can chose to take advantage of money-saving programs such as our Multiple Employer 401K Plan; the Builder Helper program that connects builders with trades in the job bidding and cost estimating arenas; and the newly introduced HBA of Georgia Health Insurance Plan that provides member companies and their employees with an opportunity to apply for health insurance under a statewide group health plan. The HBA also just inked a deal with Colonial Life, which offers a supplemental health program. Our relationship with Colonial Life allows our members access to great savings and programs that they could not have otherwise received. GAHBA is constantly working to create new and relevant programs and services that will help our members succeed and survive. As you work to reinvent, innovate and persevere, your GAHBA membership will help you get there! We appreciate your membership and would encourage you to share the good news about the HBA with your peers and associates. For more information on getting a return on your membership investment today, contact HBA Member Service Director Monica Saunders at or visit for membership information. 7

8 2011 HBA Award Winners lewis Cenker Award: mark & kenny king Mark King Kenny King the lewis Cenker Award is the highest honor given by the HBA to an individual who has made a lifelong contribution to the advancement of the homebuilding industry in Atlanta. The award is named after Lewis Cenker, who was president of the National Association of Home Builders in 1974 and is the only Atlantan to have held this prestigious office. This year we are presenting two Lewis Cenker Awards. Both of our winners have been building in the metro Atlanta area for more than 25 years. Their work can be seen in intown Atlanta, as well as in north Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale and Morgan counties. Both winners were raised in Stone Mountain and are natives of Atlanta, where their 8 FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS family has close ties to the community and local economy. Their company s philosophy is to take pride in our work, to build homes based on lasting relationships with the people who help us build and the people who own our homes. Their corporate goal is to use talents and resources more efficiently, benefiting the home, the homeowner, the builder and the community. Our first recipient earned his degree from the University of Georgia in Environmental Sciences. He was President of the HBA s Gwinnett Chapter in 1999 and was named the Gwinnett Builder of the Year. In 2009, he was named Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Georgia. He has served on the HBA Board of Directors for eight years. He has also served as a HBAG and a NAHB director for many years. He is a Spike with 24 spike credits. He has also served many years on the HBAG Government Affairs Committee. He has also served countless years as a BPAC trustee. This winner is a car enthusiast and keeps a red Porsche that he takes out on Builder of the year: steve palmer the Builder of the Year award is presented each year to a HBA member who has demonstrated his commitment to professional excellence. This award recognizes a builder for his contributions to furthering the goals and mission of the association through volunteer efforts within the association, the housing industry and in community and charitable programs. The 2011 Builder of the Year is Steve Palmer. This year s winner is a veteran of the homebuilding industry. He started his career in Northern Virginia. In Virginia, he was the Vice President of Finance for Trafalgar House Residential in McLean, Virginia for 13 years where he was very involved in the local homebuilders association. He came to the Atlanta area more than 12 years ago and served as Chief Financial Officer for Bowen Family Homes. He is now the Chief Financial Officer for Home South Communities and is a Principal in Fieldstone Properties. He was the Gwinnett Chapter President in He is a Life Spike having accumulated almost 200 spike credits over the years. He is also a Life Director on the HBA Board. As a weekend drives. He lives in Berkeley Lake with his wife, Pat. Congratulation to Mark King. Our second recipient graduated Georgia Tech with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and from Georgia State University with a B.B.A. in Real Estate. He has been a HBAG and NAHB national director since He has served as Gwinnett Chapter President and was named Gwinnett Builder of the Year. He is a Life Director on the HBA Board of Directors. He is a Life Spike having accumulated almost 200 spike credits over the years. He is a founding member of the Housing Institute. He has served on the State Codes Advisory Committee and HBAG s Regulatory Affairs Committee. In 2009, he was named Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Georgia. This Eagle Scout was the founding member of the Highway 78 Community Improvement District the first CID in the Atlanta region. This winner and his wife Marty live in Loganville where they have raised their two children Kyle and Megan. Our second recipient is Kenny King. Join us in congratulating our 2011 Lewis Cenker Award recipients, Mark King & Kenny King. Board member, he has held the office of Secretary, Treasurer and was elected HBA President in He is a manager of the HBA s Builder Resource Fund and an active member of the HBA s Finance Committee. He continues to serve on the HBA Board and continues to be very active in industry affairs. He is also a HBAG Board member. He is a CPA and has B.S. in Accounting from Washington & Lee University. He is a devoted father to his children Evan, Ethan and Brittany and loving husband to his wife Amanda. Congratulations to our 2011 Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association Builder of the Year Steve Palmer!

9 Associate of the Year: Cindy Huber The Associate of the Year award recognizes an associate member for his or her accomplishments in the areas of service to the industry and association, professional excellence and community involvement, and furthering the mission and goals of the association. The 2011 Associate of the Year is Cindy Huber. Cindy Huber has been in the homebuilding industry for more than 29 years. She started out at the Louisiana Home Builders Association where she served the industry through various associate roles as a vendor, volunteer and council board member. Cindy joined the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) and the Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) in 1996 when she began her career at KNOWAtlanta Magazine. In 2001, after being promoted to the position of Publisher at KNOWAtlanta, Cindy focused her career on promoting the Atlanta metropolitan area and the quality of life one would find here when making Atlanta home. Currently, Cindy is Vice President of Sales for the Eastern Division of StrucSure Home Warranty, LLC, the nation s fastest growing new home warranty and risk management provider. She directs the branding and marketing efforts of StrucSure and provides premium programs to a select group of builders and remodelers. Through the years Cindy has passionately committed herself to the HBA and the SMC where she has served on various committees. In 2000 she was elected to the SMC Board of Directors where she served for 10 years. In 2009, during her year as Chairman of the SMC, the council won the gold award at The Nationals for the Best SMC in the Nation. For the past two years Cindy has been a vital part of the HBA Board of Directors as the chairman of the Membership Committee. She has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to recruit and retain HBA members through these tough economic times. In addition she is a huge supporter of the HomeAid Atlanta, the HBA s designated charity. Cindy and her husband Michael live in Cumming with their children, Craig and Ryan. The HBA is proud to recognize Cindy Huber as the 2011 Associate of the Year. Council Chair of Year: Sandie Tate Unless you ve had the privilege of meeting Steve Jobs, you ve probably never met a more focused and driven leader than Sandie Tate. Whether you know her as a manager, council chair, committee member, or you happen to be in her circle of family and friends, you know there are no truer words. Any task that she takes on becomes a mission to the finish and you better not try and get in her way! In her work life, Sandie is a mortgage banker with a proven track record of successful partnerships that often become a part of her business, social and charitable endeavors. With her volunteer efforts she commits the same focus and energy that have made her company a success. She earns respect by simply walking the talk! Speaking of walking, she loves to hike and take long strolls with her favorite four-legged friends where she commands the same perseverance and commitment! She began her career in 1983 with Decatur Federal, the largest Savings and Loan in Atlanta where she was the top producer for eight years. Later she managed mortgage production for the largest real estate company in Atlanta before forming her own company, Guaranty Mortgage Services. Since 1998 Sandie has led Guaranty with her vision for mutually profitable partnerships with some of Atlanta s most respected Realtors, builders and bankers. She prides herself on building solid long lasting business and personal relationships with her marketing partners and employees. Today, Guaranty offers home financing to all segments of the market including first-time homebuyers, the growing senior market and many happy customers for life. In the last four years, with the economic challenges facing our industry, her leadership has been tested like no other, especially at the helm of the HBA s Sales and Marketing Council. Sandie has been a board member and chair during some of the toughest times and never lost sight of her goals and fearlessly fought for the support that the industry needed from its association. The HBA is proud to recognize Sandie Tate as the 2011 Council Chair of the Year. 9

10 2011OBIE the sales and marketing Council, in conjunction with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, recently presented its annual OBIE Awards. The OBIE Awards, which began in 1980, have grown throughout the years to now feature more than 100 building, remodeling, marketing and personal achievement categories in which to enter. Each year, the categories change to reflect new and growing aspects of this industry. The 2011 OBIE Awards returned to the Cobb Galleria Centre on Nov. 12th. These awards are the highest honor given to companies in the Atlanta housing industry. Winners not only gain industry recognition, but attract promotional opportunities. The SMC Awards Committee recruited numerous volunteers to help sort and prepare the entries to be judged. Judges were brought in from all over the country to judge the entries. The SMC and HBA are proud to recognize the outstanding companies that are recipients of this year s OBIE Awards. Award Winners GOLD WINNERS all building categories Single Family Builder - Detached Edward Andrews Homes B4 $350,000 to $424,999, builders 1 50 Homes/ Year Harcrest Homes LLC B5 $425,000 to $499,999, builds 1-50 homes/year *Thrive Homes B6 $500,000 to $574,999, builds 1-50 homes/year *Thrive Homes B7 $575,000 to $649,999, builds 1-50 homes/year Home South Communities B9 $200,000 to $349,999, builds 50+ homes/year Traton Homes B11 $350,000 to $424,999 builds 50+ homes/year Traton Homes B12 $425,000 to $499,999 builds 50+ homes/year *Brock Built Homes, LLC B14 $575,000 to $649,999, builds 50+ homes/year *Callaway Builders, Inc. B15 $650,000 to $799,999 all builders 1023 Construction B16 $800,000 to $899,999 all builders * A Legacy Homes B18 $1 million to $2.4 million, all builders Best Building Design - Detached Model Provident Homes of Geogia, LLC B21 $299,999 and under all builders Edward Andrews Homes B22 $300,000 to $399,999, all builders *Thrive Homes B24 $500,000 to $749,999, all builders Single Family Attached Morris & Raper Real Estate Consultants B32 $200,000 to $299,999, all builders Achasta by Reynolds B35 $500,000 and above, all builders Single Family Detached - Urban Redevelopment/Revitalization *Brock Built Homes, LLC B36 $299,999 and under, all builders *Thrive Homes B39 $550,000 to $699,999, all builders all marketing categories Best Interior Merchandising - Detached Model Traton Homes M1 $299,999 and under Lennar Homes M2 $300,000 to $449,999 Best Interior Merchandising - Attached Model Acadia Homes M6 $299,999 and under Best Sales Center Reynolds Dev. & Management Group M13 Community Information & Sales Center/Welcome Center Best Print Ad Marketing Results, Inc. M17 Newspaper under full page * Big Canoe Building Group, LLC M18 Newspaper full page and over Best Brochure Reynolds Development & Management Group M22 Community Best Logo Marketing Results, Inc. M24 Corporate - Associate Reynolds Development & Management Group M25 Corporate - Community 10 FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS

11 Best Advertising Marketing Results, Inc M27 Best TV Spot *Brock Built Homes, LLC M28 Best Audio Video/DVD Promotion Marketing Results, Inc. M29 Best Billboard Reynolds Development & Management Group M30 Best Flyer/Mailer Gilbert & Sheppard Group, LLC M30 Best Consumer Direct Mail Program Marketing Results, Inc. M33 Best Off-Site Signage Evolv Real Estate Solutions M34 Best Realtor Promotion-Developer/Builder Marketing Results Inc. M35 Best Advertising Campaign - Builder Newland Communities M38 Best Advertising Campaign- Developer Best E-Marketing Gilbert & Sheppard Group M41 Best Website Corporate - Builder/Developer Morris and Raper Real Estate Consultants M40 Best Website Corporate - Associate Morris and Raper Real Estate Consultants M43 Best Website Community Marketing Results Inc. M44 Best Online Banner or Box Ad Bowen Family Homes M45 Best Message Traton Homes M46 Best Interactive Tool Best Marketing Marketing Results Inc. M48 Best Marketing Campaign/Promotion Builder Under $10K Marketing Results Inc. M49 Best Marketing Campaign/Promotion Builder Over $10K Marketing Results Inc. M51 Best Marketing Campaign/Promotion Developer Over $10K Marketing Results Inc. M52 Best Marketing Campaign/Promotion Associate Under $10K all personal achievement categories Kristy Corrigan - About Sales Inc PA1 Rookie Salesperson of the Year Kimberly Garwood - Traton Homes PA6 Marketing Director of the Year all remodeling categories Highlight Homes, LLC R1 Kitchen under $75,000 Cardinal Construction, Inc. R2 Kitchen over $75,000 Colonnade Enterprises, Inc. R3 Bathroom Intown Renovations Group, LLC R4 Addition Colonnade Enterprises, Inc. R5 Whole-House Renovation under $250,000 *Epic Development R6 Whole-House Renovation $250,000 - $500,000 B & Z Construction Services Inc R7 Whole-House Renovation over $500,000 Colonnade Enterprises, Inc. R8 Residential Exterior under $100,000 Handcrafted Homes, Inc R9 Residential Exterior over $100,000 Cardinal Construction, Inc. R11 Media Center/ Home Theater over $75,000 Pine Creek Construction LLC R12 Basement Under $75,000 Vincent Longo Custom Builders/Longo Homes Inc. R13 Basement Over $75,000 *Epic Development R14 Outdoor Living Area under $75,000 Cardinal Construction, Inc. R15 Outdoor Living Area over $75,000 all special categories Newland Communities SC1 Community Service Newland Communities SC3 Best Landscape Design - Master Planned Community *Brock Built Homes, LLC SC6 Best EarthCraft House sq ft *Cablik Enterprises SC8 Best Green Home sq ft *Cablik Enterprises SC10 Best Green Remodeled Home sq ft Evolv Real Estate Solutions SC12 Best Amenity Package 500+ units *Big Canoe Building Group, LLC SC15 Community of the Year Master Plan Soleil Laurel Canyon SC16 Community of the Year 50+ Housing * EarthCraft Builder Certfied Professional Home Builder SILVER WINNERS all building categories Single Family Builder - Detached Big Canoe Building Group, LLC B5 $425,000 to $499,999, builds 1-50 homes/year Home South Communities B9 $200,00 to $289,999, builds 50+ homes/year Traton Homes B12 $425,000 to $499,999, builds 50+ homes/year Calleiro Bros. Inc. B18 $1 million to $2.4 million, All Builders Traton HomesBest B12 Building Design Detatched Model $299,999 and under 2011 OBIE Sponsors Platinum The Atlanta Journal Constitution AVA Productions Inc. Moray Black Productions Gold Atlanta Gas Light Georgia Power MetLife Home Loans Silver Atlanta s Best New Homes Atlanta New Homes Directory.com Bank of America Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors Guaranty Mortgage Homefinder.com Home South Communities mrelevance Naylor Publications New Home Guide LoanSouth Mortgage The Interior Partners Bronze Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods Friends About Sales, Inc. Cousins Properties, Inc. Elite Flooring Focus Design O Kelly and Sorohan Attorneys at Law Peggy Slappey Properties Richardson Housing Group The Real Estate Book OBIE Photography Sponsor StrucSure Home Warranty Media Sponsors Atlanta s Best New Homes-TV Atlanta Journal Constitution Atlanta New Homes Directory.com KnowAtlanta Magazine mrelevance The BDX These awards are the highest honor given to companies in the Atlanta housing industry. 11

12 Single Family Detached - Urban Redevelopment/Revitalization *Epic Development B36 $299,999 and under, all builders Colonnade Enterprises, Inc B39 $550,000 and $699,999 all builders all marketing categories Best Interior Merchandising - Attached Model Acadia Homes M6 $299,999 and under Best Advertising Gilbert & Sheppard Group M17 Newspaper under full page Reynolds Dev. & Management Group M22 Best Brochure- Community Marketing Results, Inc M27 Best TV Spot Evolv Real Estate Solutions M28 Best Audio Video/DVD Promotion Marketing Results, Inc M30 Best Flyer/Mailer Gilbert & Sheppard Group M38 Best Advertising Campaign- Developer Best E-Marketing *Brock Built Homes LLC M45 Best Marketing Message all remodeling categories Colonnade Enterprises, Inc. R1 Kitchen under $75,000 Intown Renovations Group, LLC R3 Bathroom Cardinal Construction, Inc. R4 Addition *Epic Development R5 Whole-House Renovation, under $250,000 Intown Renovations Group, LLC R6 Whole-House Renovation, over $250,000 - $500,000 Cardinal Construction, Inc R7 Whole-House Renovation over $500,000 Cardinal Construction, Inc R9 Exterior over $100,000 Vincent Longo Custom Builders/Longo Homes, Inc. R12 Basement Under $75,000 Cardinal Construction, Inc R13 Basement Over $75,000 all special categories *Thrive Homes SC6 Best EarthCraft House sq ft * EarthCraft Builder Certfied Professional Home Builder Show Off Your OBIE Awards! Safe Digging Is No Accident: Always Call 811 Before You Dig Don t miss out on yard signs for your properties and duplicate awards to display in your office and sales centers. duplicate AwArds Gold $200 Silver $150 yard signs without metal stand $6 with stand $9.50 bookstore@atlantahomebuilders.com or call to place your order. Prices listed do not include tax or shipping, if applicable. 12 FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS _Utilities.indd 1 11/24/10 6:15:38 PM

13 Restrictions on Unlicensed Homeowner Contractors By Frank O. Brown, Jr. legal corner In an attempt to save money on home construction costs, some people serve as their own residential contractor. Georgia s contractor licensing law expressly permits them to do so, but subject to certain restrictions. First, they must own the land on which they are constructing their home. Second, they must intend to occupy the home. They cannot construct it with the intent of selling or leasing the home to a third party. If, within the last 24 months, they have sold another home or other building or structure on which they acted as an unlicensed contractor, it will be presumed that they intend to sell or lease the new home. Third, they cannot delegate responsibility for directly supervising and managing any part of the work to any other person unless that person has a contractor s license, or, when applicable, a specialty license. In other words, either they, or a licensed contractor, must be responsible for directly supervising or managing all aspects of the work. This prevents someone from obtaining a permit on the basis that they will act as their own contractor and then hiring an unlicensed person to act as de facto contractor. It also makes it illegal for an unlicensed person to assume the role of de facto contractor in this scenario. Apparently, some licensed contractors have lost business to unlicensed contractors as a result of this illegal practice. Fourth, all work must be done in conformity with codes and other applicable laws and regulations. Obviously, this requirement can present a serious hurdle for many would-be one-time residential contractors. Frank O. Brown, Jr. is General Counsel to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Inc. and is a partner and the chair of the Builder/Developer Team at Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, P.C. For questions or comments regarding this article, he may be reached at (404) or frankbrown@wncwlaw.com. BUILD THE COOLEST HOUSES WITH SOLARBORD RADIANT BARRIER SHEATHING Send radiant heat back where it came from As temperatures and cooling costs soar, the new frontier in house construction is increasing energy efficiency. Solarbord uses heat-reflecting foil laminated to OSB to stop 97% of the sun s radiant energy. That can mean attics are up to 30 F cooler, which translates into cooler houses, lower energy costs and happier homeowners. Make it the crowning achievement of every build Solarbord, SFI CoC certified, installs like any roof sheathing and gives builders an extra edge in these energy-conscious times. And because it s made in the USA and backed by a 25-year warranty, you ll have total confidence in its quality and durability. RADIANT BARRIER SHEATHING Build energy efficiency into every house watch the video at SolarbordOSB.com to find out how _Norbord.indd /17/10 11:18:4713 AM

14 rethinking our relationship with water By Joy Hinkle, Southface EarthcraFt thanks to a booming population and a stressed supply, water is making headlines across the Southeast. These headlines are often filled with alarming water-use statistics, many of which can seem confusing in a region that receives nearly 50 inches of rain annually. Still, these stories remind us of a fundamental truth: water is a finite resource to be efficiently managed and carefully conserved, now and into the future. Fortunately, there are many ways for the Southeast to secure the viability of our water supply. Southface focuses specifically on opportunities for addressing water efficiency in the built environment. Here are some of our top picks: opportunity #1: rainwater HArvestinG In metro Atlanta, the majority of our water is withdrawn from surface rivers and streams, pumped to treatment facilities, and distributed to homes and businesses by public utilities. By tapping into other water sources, such as harvested rainwater, we can fill many of our needs, relaxing the strain on our drinking water supplies, and conserving the energy used in the water treatment and delivery process. Rainwater harvesting by definition, the collection, conveyance and storage of rainwater offers a feasible, alternative way to collect water for the many activities that take place within buildings. opportunity #2: GrAy water reuse When we wash our hands, take a shower or do a load of laundry, the gently-used water that goes down the drain commonly referred to as gray water typically re-enters the same intensive treatment loop used for dirty wastewater. By reusing gray water onsite to meet non-potable water needs, we can ensure that every drop counts. Residential and commercial applications of gray water include landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, industrial process water, concrete mixing and more. opportunity #3: efficient water products And technology A labeling program similar to ENERGY STAR, WaterSense provides user-friendly information to help consumers make informed decisions about water use and the selection of water-saving technologies. According to the EPA, WaterSense helped consumers save a cumulative 46 billion gallons of water enough to supply San Francisco for more than a year and $343 million in water and sewer bills in WaterSense-labeled toilets, urinals, bathroom sink faucets and showerheads are currently available nationwide; water softeners, pre-rinse spray valves and landscape irrigation controllers will be available soon. In 2008, EPA expanded the list of WaterSense labeled products to include new homes. The WaterSense New Homes Program is the first national new homes labeling program to comprehensively address water efficiency. Southface is pleased to be a partner in this effort to design and build homes that meet water-saving criteria, including WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures, efficient hot water delivery systems, smart landscape design and other features. As a Licensed Certification Provider for this program, Southface trains inspectors, oversees new home inspections and issues certification decisions for inspected homes for the WaterSense program. In September, Southface held its first WaterSense New Homes training for EarthCraft Technical Advisors. For more information on the WaterSense program, please visit Water is a fi nite resource to be effi ciently managed and carefully conserved, now and into the future. 14 FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS

15 Education The Georgia Builder Licensing Renewal Deadline is Approaching! By Amanda Meadows-Mathis, Education Manager in november, the Georgia State Licensing Board passed an amendment to the original law requiring all Residential Basic and Residential Light Commercial Builders to achieve continuing education in order to renew their license in June Under the amendment however; a builder who needed three or six credits (based on the type of license held) by this June 30, 2011 is allowed to wait until June 30, 2012 to complete three or six total credits hours for renewal. If you hold a Residential Basic license you will need three hours of continuing education by June 30, If you hold a Residential Light Commercial license you will need six hours of continuing education by June 30, Please be aware that the next renewal cycle in June 2014 (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2014) the process will go back to the original rule of needing specified credits for each year. The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association is offering a variety of education classes each month to help you achieve your continuing education hours. Some of the upcoming sessions in the next couple of months are: Dec. 7: Homeowner Handbook Orientation/3 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$50 Dec. 8: Level 1-A: Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control/6 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$200 Adapting Your Building Company for Remodeling/3 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$50 Dec. 13: Marketing & Communications Strategies for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS I)/6 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$200 Dec. 14: Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)/6 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$200 Partnering Guide Lunch & Learn/2 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$30 Dec. 15: Business Management for Building Professionals/6 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$200 Jan. 4: Homeowner Handbook Orientation/3 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$50 Jan. 10: Jobsite Theft Protection Lunch & Learn/2 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$30 Jan. 11: Partnering Guide Lunch & Learn/2 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$30 I m Not Coca-Cola. Why Should I Worry About Branding? Lunch & Learn/2 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$30 Jan. 12: Level 1-A: Fundamentals of Erosion & Sediment Control Re-Certification/3 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$75 Jan. 24: Increasing Profits through Cost Effective Sales & Marketing Strategies/6 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$100 Jan. 25: IRM-IV: The Challenge of New Home Sales Management (two days)/12 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$350 Kitchen Design and Décor for Builders and Remodelers/3 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$75 Jan. 31: Green Building: Risks and Realities/3 Builder Licensing Credit Hours/$75 For more information on education or group discounts please, contact Amanda Mathis at education@atlantahomebuilders.com or at or register online today at *Class schedule is subject to change, to find an up-to-date class schedule visit Dream Homes Georgia BooKstorE support HomeAid AtlAntA! loaded with hundreds of photographs of high- end custom homes, these gorgeous books are a treat for lovers of residential architecture and a resource for people planning to build their own one-of- a-kind houses. Profiles of top architects and information on local builders and suppliers provide an overview of regional styles and preferences in each city. Member Price: $30 Non-member Price: $40 To place your order, please visit com. The order form or online order options are available in the Bookstore section of the website. For more information contact Amanda Mathis at bookstore@atlantahomebuilders.com or

16 2011 HomeAid Atlanta Corporate & Individual Sponsors platinum marketing partners Community partners silver Anonymous CB Richard Ellis at Northpark Town Center CharterBank Coldwell Banker CARES Foundation O Kelley & Sorohan BronZe BASF Ernst Concrete Georgia Masonry Supply William Shean friends 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Atlanta Sales & Marketing Council Builders II Hearth Designs Lafarge North America LoanSouth Mortgage Morris, Manning & Martin ProBuild White Rock Drywall homeaid atlanta Bid for Hope Silent Auction a Great Success! on thursday, oct. 6, the Greater Atlanta HBA and Sales & Marketing Council hosted the Bid for Hope Silent Auction at Villa Christina to benefit HomeAid Atlanta. It was a wonderful evening, featuring more than 130 magnificent auction items donated by 50 different companies. More than 70 guests attended this exciting event, which raised nearly $7,000 to support HomeAid s mission of building and maintaining dignified housing for homeless families and individuals in the metro Atlanta area. HomeAid Atlanta extends a special thanks to all those who attended and purchased items, and to the following committee members and volunteers who helped make this event a great success: Co-Chairs, Sales and Marketing Council Bree Caldwell, Cousins Properties Incorporated; Meg Thompson, Coldwell Banker RMR Sales and Marketing Council Blake Bowen, Guaranty Mortgage Services, LLC; Michelle Byers, SunTrust Mortgage; Cindi MacPhearson, The Interior Partners; Julie Slappey, Peggy Slappey Properties; Sandie Tate, Guaranty Mortgage Services, LLC Associates Council/Membership Committee Heather Bounds, Northwest Exterminating; Jim Brown, JWB Properties; Cindy Huber, StrucSure Home Warranty, LLC; Keisha Hulsey, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Green Building Council Robyn Addison, Atlanta Gas Light; Matt Hoots, SawHorse; Frank Wickstead, Wickstead Works HomeAid Atlanta Board Sandy Andrew, Atlanta New Homes Directory.com; Dale Boyd, State Bank & Trust; Kevin Clark, Beazer Homes; Dan O Dwyer, O Dwyer Homes; Brian Render, Boral Bricks; Carl Riden, Redmont Homes; Bob Romano, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors; Lori Rousseau, MetLife Home Loans Remodelers Council Melina Wilkinson, Oneida Builders HBA Staff Monica Saunders, Greater Atlanta HBA; Janel Grant, Greater Atlanta HBA; David Ellis, Greater Atlanta HBA In addition, many thanks to the following companies that donated items for the auction: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, Acadia Homes, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers, Atlanta Kitchen, Atlanta New Homes Directory.com, Boral Bricks, Builders FirstSource, Call-A-Key, Canopy LLC, Cason Photography, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Coldwell Banker RMR, Colonial Floors, Cooper Homes, Cousins Properties Inc., Cultured Stone, DMD Studios, Encore Fine Furnishings, Ernst Concrete, Ferguson Enterprises, Focus Design Interiors Inc., Graves Overhead Door, Guaranty Mortgage Services, Indian Hills Country Club, Millard Bowen Communities, Monte Hewett Homes, mrelevance, Northwest Exterminating, Northwest Plumbing, O Kelley & Sorohan, Oneida Builders, Pearl River Resort, Peggy Slappey Properties, ProBuild, Progressive Lighting, Pulte Homes, Ragsdale Heating & Air, Redmont Homes, SawHorse, SEI Group, Southface Energy Institute, Stock Building Supply, StrucSure Home Warranty, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Interior Partners, Theater of the Stars, Traton Homes, Whispering Pines Plantation, and Zoo Atlanta. 16 FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS

17 the housing Institute CPHB Fall GM Meeting Focuses on Market Update On November 9, the Certified Professional Home Builder of Georgia (CPHB) program held its fall general membership meeting at the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. The topic for the meeting was the third quarter 2011 real estate market update. Eugene James, director of Metrostudy s Atlanta region, informed CPHBs and guests about Georgia s historical summary, states ranked by job growth, national economic overview, Atlanta historical monthly building permits, annual job growth trend, employment growth by industry, unemployment rate and resale market trends, listings versus annual sales and Atlanta inventory and months supply. Metrostudy is a national housing market intelligence company that specializes in monitoring the residential new construction industry by conducting a lot-by-lot field survey of every new home subdivision in the busiest cities for home building every 90 days. Eugene James has 24 years of real estate experience and previously served as chief appraiser for both DeKalb and Fulton County property tax offices. As a private consultant he designed market models and reappraised all residential real estate for Gwinnett County and Long Island New York. During his appraiser career he has helped to establish market values for more than one million properties across the country. James received a B.S. degree in Business Management from the University of the District of Columbia and is a licensed real estate broker. A Special Thanks to Our GM Meeting Sponsors! Presenting Sponsor Corporate Sponsors Join Us for Our Third Annual CPHB Appreciation Breakfast, Dec. 14, 8 a.m. To celebrate our deepest gratitude for your support and continued commitment to the homebuilding industry and the CPHB program, be our special guest and enjoy: Raffle prizes A home cooked breakfast Networking with other CPHBs Special discount programs for CPHBs Meeting the Housing Institute Board of Directors Information about the 2012 CPHB Advanced Leadership Series classes *This event is free. Contact Jerene Cruse at (678) to register for the event. 17

18 atlanta 50+ housing council 50+ University Day: A Huge Success! 5 0+ university day sponsors The Atlanta 50+ Housing Council would like to extend its gratitude to the 50+ University Day sponsors. Gold Sponsor the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council hosted their First Annual 50+ University Day Conference on Oct. 12, at the Cobb Galleria Centre and it was a huge success! More than 50 people came out to this full day conference to hear eight guest speakers elaborate on topics ranging from universal design and green building to sales, marketing and lifelong planning for the active adult market. Builders, realtors and homebuyers found tremendous value in this full-day event, while also taking advantage of the continuing education credits that the educational sessions provided for those with Georgia real estate sales licenses. In addition, many attendees also took the opportunity to network and share ideas about the future of the active adult market with others who are equally as passionate about one of the fastest growing demographic segments in the United States. Debbie Purdy, Vice-Chair of the 50+ Housing Council says that The 50+ Housing Council mission is dedicated toward developing a higher level of professionalism through continuing education and the interchange of ideas. Joseph Badaracco, professor of business ethics at Harvard Business school said, In today s environment, hoarding knowledge ultimately erodes your power. If you know something very important, the way to get power is by actually sharing it. Our First Annual 50+ University will be an annual event so stay tuned for information on 50+ U 2012! 50+ University Day was a huge success because the main focus was sharing knowledge. 50+ University will be an annual event so stay tuned for information on 50+ U 2012! Those interested in learning more about the Atlanta 50+ Housing Council can visit or call Janel Grant at special thanks to our speakers! Carol Flammer, mrelevance Laura Keyes, Atlanta Regional Commission Mike Shina, Windsong Properties Matt Hoots, Sawhorse George White, D.S. Murphy & Associates Kris Johnson, Windsong Properties Bob Glezen, MetLife Home Loans David McGee, Southern Design Concepts of Atlanta Lee Ann Culpepper, Culpepper Carpets & Interiors Breakfast Sponsor Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Giveaway Bag Sponsor Panache Gifts and Promotions Classroom Sponsors Boral Brick DMD Design Group Georgia Power Hansgrohe Jim Chapman Communities Strathmore Floors Timberlake Cabinetry 50+ Council Sponsors Atlanta Journal Constitution Atlanta New Homes Directory.com Atlanta Real Estate Forum Gilbert & Sheppard Group Total Building Service Group Windsong Properties 18 FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS

19 Green Landscaping Ideas By Nick Harrell, CORE Landscape Group green Building council i know what you re thinking, Green landscaping ideas? Isn t all landscape green by definition? Trees are green, shrubs are green, and grass is green? While true to some extent, our perception of what our yards should look like has resulted in landscapes that require weekly maintenance and fertilizer applications. For example, according to the lawn mower and fertilizer commercials on television, the ideal American yard is an expansive lush and weed-free lawn. Although extensive lawn areas will give a property a manicured appearance, consideration must be given to the practicality and sustainability of this type of plant material. Turf grass is one of the most maintenance intensive plant selections possible. Initially, it s also the cheapest, so most homeowners and builders opt for sod to take up a majority of the yard. However, as a landscape architect, my main goal is to create aesthetically pleasing landscape while balancing the sustainable aspects of the site. These ideals can be applied across projects of all size and complexity. Turf grass tends to require regular irrigation, fertilizer, pesticide application, and maintenance, all of which have a detrimental effect on the surrounding environment. These negative effects include strained drinking water supplies, fumes and noise pollution from lawn equipment, and runoff of excess pesticides into the water system. Environmentally preferable alternatives to turf grass include native or adapted shrubs, seed mix, edible landscaping, and xeriscaping (plant materials that require little or no irrigation to survive). Plantings that promote habitat survival and biodiversity also reduce the impact of the built environment on the natural environment. When lawn areas are incorporated into a landscape design, it is preferable to design these areas for human enjoyment. Areas where children can play, families can picnic, pedestrians can stop and admire, young adults can play or study, and pets can frolic, all give an outdoor space value and appeal. Pedestrian-oriented hardscape areas, such as paths and sidewalks, offer similar benefits and should be incorporated into a project s open space area when possible. There s more to the landscape than just plants, and one of the most important components of any design is the hardscapes. When selecting materials for hardscape, there are several environmental factors to consider. Effective stormwater management involves reducing impermeable areas on the project site so that stormwater is allowed to permeate the ground instead of running off of the site, carrying pollutants into receiving water bodies. Open grid pavers and permeable paving allows more water to be infiltrated into the ground than conventional expanses of asphalt and concrete. Selecting high-albedo (lightly colored) materials, such as white concrete, reduces solar heat gain. Sunlight reflects off of lightly colored materials, resulting in a lower surface temperature. As the population continues to grow and the drought conditions continue across much of the South, our drinking water resources are becoming scarcer. The once accepted idea of endlessly watering our thirsty lawns is beginning to change. Water efficient irrigation design can achieve a significant reduction in potable water use, sometimes as much as 95 percent. Drip irrigation technology, the use of weather sensors, and the use of non-potable/recycled water for irrigation are all water efficient strategies. Stormwater collection systems, such as underground cisterns, are gaining in popularity and are a great way to help reduce the strain on potable water. These features can be creatively integrated into the landscape so that they are both functional and attractive. Another major factor in reducing irrigation demand and pesticide application is proper plant selection. Native plants, such as hydrangeas and ferns, are adapted to local climate, pests, and soil types; therefore, during times of drought they stand a better chance of surviving than plants that typically would be found growing in moist and tropical conditions. Native plants are usually resistant to most local pests, which reduces or eliminates the need for pesticide applications. Care should also be taken to avoid planting invasive species into the landscape, as these plants compete with the native plants and will often overtake entire yards. Non-native/invasive species include English Ivy, Bamboo and Ligustrum. Location is an additional consideration when installing plant material. For example, placing deciduous shade trees on the Southern and Western sides of a house will help provide cooling shade in the summer and warming sunshine in the winter. Selecting the proper plant species and spacing will also ensure that the plant can grow to maturity without becoming a nuisance or overcrowding the space it was planted in. In conclusion, when planning a sustainable landscape in the built environment, the following factors should be taken into account: sensitivity to irrigation requirements, stormwater management, solar heat gain, and proper plant selection/location. All of these seemingly small decisions could have an enormous environmental impact if implemented consistently on new projects and upgrades. The requirements for each region vary, so consulting a local landscape architect familiar with the climate and restraints of the region will prove to be a valuable investment as you begin the process of creating a green and sustainable landscape. If planned and executed correctly, your green landscape will be both attractive and functional for years, all while having a positive impact on the surrounding environment. Nick Harrell is a Registered Landscape Architect and co-owner of CORE Landscape Group. For additional information please call or check out our website at

20 sales and marketing council Thinking About New Year s Resolutions for 2012? Make Education a Priority By Janel Grant, Member Services Manager t he sales and marketing Council s Education Committee is always looking for a way to provide its members with quality programs to increase skill levels and income potential. Each year, SMC hosts two of the four Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) courses available on a national basis. The IRM courses give training in all areas of new construction sales and marketing, budgets, research, sales management and more. The completion of the four courses, along with a case study, is part of the national requirement to obtain the Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM) designation. Once earned, this prestigious designation places you at the top of the field in sales and marketing of new construction. Completion of the four IRM courses also qualifies you for the Certified Marketing Professional (CMP) designation. For more information about classes and designations, education@ atlantahomebuilders.com or call Two Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) courses are also provided each year. These classes take a total of four days to complete, and the schedule is split into two, two-day sessions with a month in between. An advanced course (the Master CSP designation) is also available on home construction. Continuing education credit for all National Association of Home Builders designations and the Certified Professional Home Builder program is available for all the classes described above. upcoming ClAsses IRM I: Understanding Housing Markets and Consumers October IRM-II: Marketing, Strategies, Plans and Budgets July IRM-III: Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising, and Promotion Strategies April 3-4 IRM-IV: The Challenge of New Home Sales Management January All IRM classes are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are $350 for Greater Atlanta HBA members. In addition, the Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) Course will be offered Nov. 8-10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is $425 for Greater Atlanta HBA members. For more information about these classes and designations, education@atlantahomebuilders.com or call FALL 2011 ATLANTA BUILDING NEWS