With lumber prices at historically high levels, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has calculated that this rise in costs has caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by $16,148 …
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Harris County Announces New Flooding Task Force
In late July, Harris County announced it would be reorganizing the existing Flood Control Task Force into the Harris County Community Flood Resilience Task Force in an effort to “reflect a broader approach to the …
Contact Your Member of Congress on Soaring Lumber Costs
NAHB is seeking prompt action from President Trump and the Administration regarding soaring lumber prices (80% increase since mid-April) and supply shortages that are harming the housing industry. But to support this effort, we need …
City of Houston Opens Applications for Small Business Relief Fund
The City of Houston has begun accepting applications for its recently announced $15 million Small Business Economic Relief Program (SBERP) with the application period running until September 4. The program is funded through the federal …
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Renewed Focus on ‘Home’ Sees Sales, Remodels Surge
Happy August everyone! Seems like just yesterday I was penning this column for June and by the time you read this summer will be two-thirds over. Of course, from a weather perspective, the worst is …
New Coastal Building Code Effective September 1
Starting September 1, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) will require that builders adhere to the 2018 windstorm provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC) if they are building in coastal areas. TDI adopted the …
Primary Election Runoff Review
Last month, the Republican and Democratic primary runoff elections were finally concluded and all candidates for the November general election were decided. Due to COVID-19, this process took nearly five months from the beginning of early …
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Virtual Membership Drive Grows Association Ranks
The GHBA held a virtual Membership Drive throughout the month of June. Since we were unable to call on site at the GHBA, 38 member volunteers called from their homes, offices and even their cars …
City of Houston to Require Floodplain Identification on General Plans
Starting on July 24, 2020, the City of Houston Planning Department will require that the 100-year, 500-year floodplains and floodway be identified on all general plans submitted to the department with the Plat Tracker application. …
Harris County Announces Small Business Recovery Fund
On Monday, Harris County began accepting applications for the Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) program with the application period running until July 24. This is a $30 million grant program designed to assist …
An Open Letter on Coronavirus Safety from GHBA President Rob Hellyer
GHBA Members: Thank you for your dedication to building and remodeling our region’s homes and for your steadfast commitment to jobsite safety during this unprecedented time. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted local housing affordability …
Planning for Hurricanes and Natural Disasters Amid COVID-19
Repost from NAHB Now The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects an above-normal hurricane season with a total 13-19 named storms forecasted. This forecast comes at a very challenging time for many, particularly in …
Standing Strong
Those of you who attended the 2020 GHBA board installation in January may remember the theme “Standing Strong, Tenacity Takes Root in Houston.” NEVER, did I imagine that it would be a prophecy for the …
HOME-PAC Voter Guide
Early voting for the 2020 Republican & Democratic Primary Election Runoff is underway and runs through July 10 with the Primary Runoff Election Day on July 14. Electing the most qualified, pro-housing candidates for office …
Harris County Mandates Masks
Last month, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued an executive order that requires all people 10 years or older wear face coverings while in businesses or on commercial properties, including employees and all visitors and …