May OnSite 2024

May 2024

METROPOLITAN BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF NJ MAGAZINE

MAY’S BUILDER SPOTLIGHT

JASON BONURA CEDAR CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC. & INNOVATIVE HOME DESIGNS, INC. SEE PAGES 10 – 11

MAY IS HOME REMODELING MONTH! SEE PAGE 8 ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEET RACHEL PLANER OF ALPS CRASTMAN SEE PAGES 16-17 IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN OFFICIAL CALL FOR 2025 CANDIDATES SEE PAGE 25

April was impressive! This month our “Builder Spotlight” is special. Jason Bonura of Innovative Designs & Cedar Construction is a fairly new member who has rolled up his sleeves and jumped knee deep into our organization. He brings his knowledge of the field, his eagerness to learn and connect and has also included our members professional services into his current projects. We value your membership Jason, Welcome to Metro! This month, Robert Nussbaum of Saiber Law shares important details concerning the US Supreme Court case law effecting NJ. Take a minute to read it and get updated on this valuable information. Robert is one of our valuable attorneys and is also the Membership Committee Chair. Thank you, Robert! Rachel Planer of Alps Craftsman is our “Associate Spotlight.” Read her story and enjoy! Our Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) held its favored bi-monthly Happy Hour. This month, Leslie Noble of Noble Pies was invited to Reno’s Appliance by Eva Hajek and John Cioletti to share a pie-making demo. It was such a fun evening filled with pie tasting, raffles and laughs. Great event, Linda Garvey! We had a fantastic time at our multi association event at the Meadowlands racetrack. The Builders Association of Northern New Jersey and The New Jersey Chapter of NKBA joined us for “Night at the Races.” A great evening of networking, cocktails, and horse racing! Our Awards of Excellence (AOE) is quickly approaching. We officially exceeded last year’s entries. What an accomplishment! Last year, our event was memorable. We anticipate this year to be even better. At this point we are encouraging and accepting sponsorships. Reach out to the office, Franz Laki of Sesi Consulting or myself. Also, make sure you purchase your tickets. Our Education Committee is in full swing. We are currently offering 3 NAHB classes, completed one, and look forward to adding more. The classes are all virtual and vary in topic and time frame. Check out our online calendar to get the details and register. Keep in mind others that may be interested and invite them, we are accepting non-members! Look forward to seeing you in class! President’s Message May 2024

Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of NJ 39 East Hanover Avenue • Suite B4 Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Phone: 973-887-2888 Fax: 973-887-2926 Website: www.MetroBCA.org

OnSite / May 2024 Editor: Rose Ann Haberman Layout: Gregory J. Del Deo

Mission Statement: Metro is a professional organization that shall serve to protect and advance the rights and interests of builders, remodelers and associates in all matters affecting the building and remodeling industries. Metro shall support the business interests of all its member firms, support safe and affordable shelter, and foster the American dream of home ownership. Vision Statement: Metro is the leading trade association for the construction industry. Metro inspires active membership through professional development and advocacy. We embrace free markets to promote cost effective housing in NJ.

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Kristie Veri 2024 Metro President

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NIGHT AT THE RACES WITH METRO, BANNJ AND NKBA

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MICHELE’S EO PERSPECTIVE

Let’s reiterate our shared purpose. You are a member of this association because you care deeply about the residential construction industry. Together, we strive to build safe, affordable, quality homes in the USA. As a trade

association, we represent our members before all branches of government, locally, statewide, and nationally. We advocate for the improvement of building techniques and practices. But more than that, we are a community that brings like-minded industry professionals together to share ideas, create business opportunities, and foster personal and professional growth. Over the last several years, NJBA’s lobbying efforts have resulted in several pro-housing initiatives, including private building code inspections, stranded assets, Site Remediation Reform Act 2.0, sewer and water connection fee credits, and so much more. NJBA contributes as a resource and participates in regulatory processes, including affordable housing, green building, state planning, uniform construction codes, the energy master plan, and more. This year, Metro has over forty-seven events and virtual classes scheduled. We hope to provide continued value to our members by offering a variety of classes, keeping you up to date with regulatory matters, and providing savings opportunities, insurance, retirement plans, and the opportunity to build great relationships with fellow members. Please check out our EVENTS page for upcoming events and educational classes. As a reminder to all members, NAHB’s most crucial lobbying event will take place on Wednesday, June 12th, in conjunction with the Spring Leadership Meeting. This is a unique opportunity for members to speak one-on-one with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill and push for housing policies to help their businesses and our industry. If you would like to join us in Washington DC, let me know. #WeALLBuild

Michele Leppard, EO , mleppard@metrobca.org Office: (973) 887-2888 x 1, Cell (201) 463-5543

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MOST POULAR REMODELING PROJECTS NATIONALLY NAHB Remodelers, Published 5/1/2024 To kick off National Home Remodeling Month in May, which highlights the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers released survey results on the most popular remodeling jobs by its members. The results revealed that bathroom and kitchen remodels remain the most popular projects. “Whatever type of home improvement project consumers are looking for, NAHB Remodelers remains committed to professionalism and helping home owners create the home of their dreams,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Mike Pressgrove, a remodeler from Topeka, Kan. Bathroom remodels were cited as a common job by 65% of remodelers, followed by kitchen remodels (61%). After baths and kitchens, the most popular remodeling categories were: • Whole house remodels (50%) • Bathroom additions (23%) • Windows/doors replacement (22%) • Decks (20%) • Enclosed/added porch (20%) “There are many positive factors right now in the marketplace that are helping to support remodeling demand, including the low inventory of homes on the market, aging housing stock and growing equity that owners have in their homes,” said Pressgrove. “Residential remodeling activity is estimated to hold steady in 2024 compared to 2023.” As homeowners continue to invest in updating their homes, remodelers can promote the value in working with highly skilled professionals to complete these projects using NAHB’s National Home Remodeling Month Toolkit. It provides resources that remodelers can use to build local media campaigns that help elevate the industry. Consumers will find tips on how to choose a professional remodeler and where to locate them in their area. National Home Remodeling Month is sponsored by Westlake Royal Building Products.

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NATIONAL HOME REMODELING MONTH TOOLKIT | NAHB

OPTIMIZING YOUR ANNUAL MARKETING STRATEGY May 9 | 4 – 5 PM ZOOM Hosted by NAHB Remodelers

CLIENTS FROM HELL AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM May 21 | 4 - 5:30 PM ZOOM Hosted by METRO Remodelers Council Presenter: Thomas A. Stephani MIRM, GMB, MCSP, CAPS, CGP – Writing / Speaking / Training / Consulting Credentials USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO BOOST YOUR REMODELING BUSINESS May 23 | 4-5 PM ZOOM Hosted by NAHB Remodelers WHY YOU CAN’T AFFORD FREE ESTIMATES July 23, 2024| 4 PM Location-TBD Hosted by METRO Remodelers Council Presented by Frank R. Coppola III, Coppola Brothers, LLC

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Years in the trade : 20 + years Years in this business: 9 years Years in the Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association: 1 How did you get into this business? As a seasoned contractor and designer, I, Jason Bonura, have built a reputation in the construction CEDAR CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC. & INNOVATIVE HOME DESIGNS, INC. Instagram: @innovative_homedesigns www.AskCedar.com www.Innovative-HomeDesigns.com BUILDER SPOTLIGHT JASON BONURA

collaborating with external architectural firms to provide comprehensive design solutions.

Additionally, as the leader of Cedar Contractors Group, Inc., I’ve successfully navigated the hospital/health and education sectors, completing notable projects with Robert Wood Johnson hospitals, Goddard Schools, and E.C.L.C. schools. My family’s influence has taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of melding well with everyone I work with. In the construction industry, this is crucial. Building strong relationships with clients, contractors, and colleagues is essential to delivering top-notch results and exceeding expectations. I believe that my family’s legacy of skilled trades and dedication to quality has shaped me into the contractor and designer I am today. How did you get involved with Metro initially? My journey

industry through my unwavering dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Growing up in a large Italian family, I was immersed in a culture that valued hard work and skill trades. My family’s background in construction, education, and healthcare instilled in me a strong work ethic and appreciation for the importance of skilled labor. From a young age, I worked alongside my father, a skilled carpenter, and brothers on job sites, learning the ins and outs of the construction industry. This hands-on experience, combined with my formal education in interior design, enabled me to merge my passions and establish two thriving businesses: Cedar Contractors Group, Inc. and Innovative Home Designs, Inc. But let’s be real - I didn’t exactly

with Metro began with a lucky encounter at a ASID event hosted by Reno’s Appliance. I attended the event with my colleague Simon Lee, and we were both immediately drawn to the warm and inclusive community of Metro members. As an existing member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), I was eager to broaden my network and forge alliances with fellow construction industry professionals. That event proved to be a pivotal moment for me and my companies, and I’m forever grateful for the connections I made. I’m also thrilled to mention that my partnership with Morris Interiors, led by the talented Erin Strickland, has flourished through our involvement with Metro. In fact, Erin joined me at that initial

event and has since become an active member of the Metro community, further strengthening our professional bond and collaborative spirit. What was/is your biggest accomplishment as a part of Metro? Hands down, it’s the incredible experience I had at this year’s NAHB International Builders Show in Las Vegas! At the encouragement of my Metro family, I took the leap and invested in myself by attending the show. And let me tell you, it was a game- changer! I gained a wealth of knowledge, insights, and exposure to cutting-edge technology that has already started

plan on becoming a carpenter. In fact, I tried to avoid it! I thought I was too good for manual labor and wanted to pursue a “white-collar” job. So, I tried my hand at every other job under the sun - from sales to answering phones, you name it. But, as fate would have it, I ended up back where I started: wielding a hammer and sporting a tool belt. I guess you could say I was ‘drafted’ into the family business! And, as it turns out, I’m actually pretty good at it. Who knew? I mean, aside from my dad, who was probably laughing all along, thinking, ‘I told you so!’ Ah, the irony! As the owner of Innovative Home Designs, Inc., a residential design-build company, I’ve had the privilege of

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the Education Committee within Metro! Education is a passion of mine, and I believe it’s essential to pay it forward and share knowledge with others. My ultimate goal is to open my own school, where I can help create a new generation of skilled workers. I believe that education should start early, and I’m committed to helping others learn and grow in the construction industry. Just like my own informal education, which started at a young age, I believe that the younger we can inspire and educate others, the better!

transforming my projects. From innovative materials to smart building solutions, IBS opened my eyes to the latest trends and best practices in the industry. But more importantly, it reminded me that investing in myself - my time, my money, and my education - is the key to staying ahead of the curve and delivering exceptional results for my clients. I returned from IBS a better contractor, a better designer, and a better business owner, and I couldn’t be more grateful to Metro for pushing me to take that leap!

What are you looking forward to at the 2024 AOEs? I’m thrilled to be attending the 2024 Awards of Excellence (AOEs) for the first time this year! We’re excited to be a part of this prestigious event and are looking forward to a fantastic evening of networking, inspiration, and celebration. Plus, we have a couple of submissions for a project in Freehold, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a win! Win or lose, it’s an honor to be recognized among such talented professionals, and we’re eager to learn from the experiences and achievements of others in the industry. Bring on the AOEs! Getting to know you: Music: Classic rock all the way! You’ll always find me jamming to the legends. Reading : Currently enjoying Michele Leppard’s (Metro’s EO) inspiring book, Unwavering Instinct. A must-read, when my wife allows me to read it. Color: Blue, the calming

What would you like to see more of in 2024 from Metro and its members? How would you guide others to partner up more? The answer is simple: In 2024, I would love to see more members actively engaging with Metro and its events. By attending and participating in these events, we can unlock a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and connections that can take our businesses to the next level. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional professionals like Cat Garruto, Dane Rohmann, and others, who have not only shared their expertise but also provided invaluable mentorship. Through brief meetings with industry leaders like Frank Coppola, Warren King, and Michele Leppard, I’ve gained valuable insights and guidance that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Our current president, Kristie Veri, has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and growth. By attending Metro events, we can build meaningful

relationships, learn from each other’s experiences, and discover new ways to drive business growth. Let’s make 2024 the year we come together, share our expertise, and lift each other up to new heights. I encourage all members to get involved, attend events, and tap into the collective knowledge and resources that Metro has to offer. Together, we can achieve great things! Are you a part of any Metro Committees? Yes, I’m proud to be a part of

and trustworthy hue. Food: Chicken par m, the ultimate comfort food! Trip: Exploring Europe with my colleague Simon Lee in 2010 - unforgettable adventures in Italy, Amsterdam, and Ireland! Design: Sketchup, hands down! Amazing 3D drawings that elevate my customer service and business. Construction: Anything DeWalt and my trusty hammer - can’t go wrong with these reliable essentials!

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Among construction trades, elevator installers and repairers top the median wages list with half of them earning over $103,340 a year, and the top 25% making at least $129,090. First-line supervisors of construction trades are next on the list; their median wages are $76,960, with the top 25% highest paid supervisors earning more than $97,500. In general, construction trades that require more years of formal education, specialized training or licensing tend to offer higher annual wages. Median wages of construction and building inspectors are $65,790 and the wages in the top quartile of the pay scale exceed $88,800. Half of plumbers in construction earn over $61,380, with the top quartile making

HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION IN 2023 By Natalia Siniavskaia, April 18, 2024 LI natalia-siniavskaia-4486646a Half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $58,500 and the top 25% make at least $79,450, according to the latest May 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders

(NAHB). In comparison, the U.S.

over $80,300. Electricians’ wages are similarly high. Carpenters are one of the most prevalent construction crafts in the industry. The trade requires less formal education. Nevertheless, the

median wage is $48,060, while the top quartile (top 25%) makes at least $76,980. The OES publishes wages for almost 400 occupations in construction. Out of these,

only 46 are construction trades. The

median wages of carpenters working in construction exceed the national median. Half of these craftsmen earn over $57,300 and the highest paid 25% bring in at least $73,800. The OEWS program adopted a new estimation methodology in 2021. As a result, the previously published estimates are not directly comparable to the post-pandemic editions. Nevertheless, comparing the median wages in construction over the last two years reveals that, on average, lower-paid occupations experienced a somewhat faster wage growth. Median wages of drywall installers, for example, grew 11%. Moreover, the overall construction median increased 7.3%, one of the largest increases among all industries.

other industry workers are in finance, sales, administration and other off-site activities.

The highest paid occupation in construction is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with half of CEOs making over $172,000 per year. Lawyers working in construction are next on the list with the median wages of $166,450, and the top 25 percent highest paid lawyers making over $221,220. Out of the next ten highest paid trades in construction, eight are various managers. The highest paid managers in construction are architectural and engineering managers, with half of them making over $145,180 and the top 25 percent on the pay scale earning over $176,270 annually.

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ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT RACHEL PLANER ALPS CRAFTSMAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Rachel@alpstech.com www.alpscraftsman.com FB: AlpsCraftsman

the quality of our work. Our company is set up differently than most in that we have a team of people working throughout the organization, not just a few individuals who do both the selling and fabrication of the countertops themselves. This team structure has created

an atmosphere of trust and success for our customers. What differentiates you from others in your industry? Getting into this industry as a woman in my early 20s very much differentiated me from the majority of my peers as well as the customer base that I was servicing. Over the last 14 years I have strived to learn as much as I can about all aspects of the industry. My diverse roles have helped me to be able to approach decisions and problems from different angles due to having knowledge of the processes from start to finish. Something else that is very important to me is trust. I’m a big believer in building relationships. The successes I’ve had in my career are because of those with whom I built a partnership. Anyone who has worked with me

Years in this business: 14 How did you get into this

business? I went to school for Accounting and was working as a bookkeeper but got laid off in 2010 due to budget cuts at which point I was contacted by a temp agency. I interviewed at a countertop fabricator to

be a maternity leave cover and ended up working there for almost 5 years. Since then, I have worked in several different capacities in the industry. I have worked for both

knows that my word means a lot. Cutting corners isn’t my thing, and I won’t work for places that operate in such a way. We’ve all heard stories and know of companies in this industry who take advantage of customers. That has never been me and will never be me. Best/Favorite Mentor? I had a mentor early on in this industry that pushed me to get outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself. He helped me in developing skills that have proven to be very useful in my career. He was never my direct supervisor but was always there to

fabricators and distributors in everything from customer service to managing an entire division of the company. I’ve been given the opportunity to travel the world sourcing natural stone and have had so many amazing experiences and met some incredible people along the way. What is the story behind your business? Alps Craftsman is a family owned and operated company that has been in business since 1991. Originally started as a certified Corian fabricator,

support me whenever I needed it. His faith in my judgment and abilities was a huge asset to building my confidence when making business decisions. Even though we haven’t worked together for about 10 years, I have still reached out to him any time I have considered changing jobs to get his opinion. I truly value his input as I know he always has my best interests in mind and knows my capabilities and work acumen. I think that having a strong mentor can be extremely helpful in developing a career, and I hope to be able to be that for someone in the future whether they’re new to the industry or just looking to gain knowledge. What do you see/believe are the most important issues in the building/construction/your industry today? I think one of the biggest issues in this industry is the lack of young people getting involved in the trades. There has

the company has continually adapted to the ever-changing market over the last 33 years. We now install many types of countertops including natural stone, engineered quartz, laminate, acrylic solid surface, and recycled materials. Along with countertops, we offer cabinets as well as other kitchen and bath accessories and fixtures. We also have an in-house design team to help bring your and your client’s visions to life. In the coming months we’ll also be adding tile and more cabinet offerings. Our goal is to offer a one-stop shop solution for all our customers. Whether a homeowner, custom home builder, remodeler, multi-unit developer, or production builder, we provide all the tools and products necessary to complete your project. Alps Craftsman is not your normal countertop fabricator and cabinet supplier. We often stand apart from our competitors for our professionalism, communication style, and of course,

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been such a push towards traditional college degrees rather than developing vocational skills over the last several years. I’m hoping that with the career fairs I’ve seen recently and through outreach and social media, there will be a shift in the perception of the construction industry to attract the younger generation. Another thing that I hear over and over is the lack of communication and professionalism from different trades, which leads to preconceived notions about contractors. I think that communication is key in all aspects of life, but even more so when a service is being provided. What advice do you have about marketing/social media to build business and reach customers? Two things come to mind. First, be authentic! Don’t just repost other peoples’ work or suppliers’ posts on your own account. That gives your potential customers a false impression of your company. It’s best to highlight your actual work so the buyer knows exactly what they are getting. Second, take the time to learn about the nuances of social media. Perhaps take a course or even work with a professional in this area for a short period of time. Digital marketing has exploded in its importance and it’s not an easy thing to do on the side like it used to be. At Alps Craftsman we tried to do our digital marking in-house, but we now

work with an external agency, which has been a great decision. Have you/your company performed any community service or charitable efforts within the last year? Alps Craftsman works with

was an organization that really made sense for us to be a part of. As a company, Alps Craftsman is making a conscious effort to get more involved in networking events, and I have already met a ton of people at the few events I have had the opportunity to attend. Our goal is to interact with other trades in the region, have a source for education, and be part of a community that we can support and be supported by. Are you a part of any Metro Committees? If so, which ones and how did you become involved with them? I have recently joined the Professional Women in Building and Remodelers Council. I’m looking forward to getting more involved and building relationships with the Metro members. Getting to know you: What are you listening to? Anyone that has spent time with me in the car can attest to the fact that my taste in music is very eclectic. I was recently introduced to Noah Kahan’s music and have been loving every song of his that I hear. The lyrical intelligence and passion behind the words he writes and the way he sings them is something that you don’t find every day. Favorite Trip/Vacation: This industry has allowed me to explore places I never imagined I would. I tried to see as much as I could in the places I visited for work and was able to take some vacation while overseas to do so as well. I’d say that Spain has topped the list of places I’ve been, and I loved every city I visited. For work I was in Vigo which is in Galicia in the northwest of Spain. That area is probably my favorite place that I’ve traveled to. While in Spain I was also able to visit Valencia, Madrid, and the Canary Islands and had so many cool experiences and tried some amazing food along the way.

the Roxbury High School Structural Design and Fabrication students on their modular home build. The home the students build each year is donated to Morris Habitat for Humanity. Our team does the template, fabrication, and installation of the kitchen in the home. To make it educational, we teach the students how to do a countertop template and installation inside of the home they built. We’re in the process of planning this year’s home and are very excited to work with the Structural Design and Fabrication students on this project! Years in the Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association: Personally, 6 months, but Alps Craftsman as a company has been a member since 2015. Why did you join Metro? A lot of our customers are located in the region that Metro represents so we felt that it

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interest would apply to the domesticated judgment. If parties to a contract wish to specify some other rate of post-judgment interest in the event of a dispute between them, they can also include such a provision in their written agreement. * * * * * Each issue’s Saiber Construction Law Column will discuss a recent decision by New Jersey courts or, like here, courts from other states which may be of interest to people in the construction industry. The information in each article is not intended to be legal advice and may not be used as legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. Every effort has been made to ensure this information is up-to-date. The article is not intended to be a full and exhaustive explanation of the law in any area, nor should it be used to replace the advice of your own legal counsel. For any question relating to this article, please contact Robert B. Nussbaum, Esq. at Saiber LLC at rnussbaum@saiber.com.

“UEFJA” IS NOT SOMETHING THE KIDS ARE TEXTING! THE SAIBER CONSTRUCTION LAW COLUMN

By Robert B. Nussbaum, Esq. rnussbaum@saiber.com

Robert Nussbaum, Esq. LI

New Jersey’s version of The Uniform Enforcement of Foreign

Judgments Act (“UEFJA”) permits “any judgment, decree, or order of a court of the United States or of any other court which is entitled to full faith and credit” to be filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court in New Jersey so judgments can be enforced in New Jersey. In March 2024, the Supreme Court of Utah decided Sunstone Realty Partners X LLC v. Bodell Construction Co., a case involving a judgment entered in Hawaii against a construction company which was subsequently domesticated in Utah. The construction company asked the Utah court to apply Utah’s lower post-judgment interest rate (2.29%) rather than the higher Hawaii rate (10%). The Utah court held that Utah’s lower rate applied to a judgment domesticated in Utah. The court looked to the Utah Foreign Judgment Act, which differs from the UEFJA that has been adopted in 48 states. Under the Utah statute, foreign domesticated judgments were to be treated like a Utah judgment for purposes of enforcement, so the Utah post-judgment interest rate was deemed to apply. The Utah court also rejected Sunstone’s claim that the contract with the construction company required the application of Hawaii’s 10% post-judgment interest rate because the parties’ contract did not specify what interest rate would attach to a judgment. In the absence of a contractual provision that specifies what interest rate applies to a judgment, New Jersey courts would likely reach the same conclusion as the Utah Supreme Court did in Sunstone . Indeed, an unreported New Jersey Appellate Division case in 2015 held that the UEFJA, as enacted in New Jersey, requires that a foreign judgment domesticated in New Jersey is enforceable “in the manner provided by New Jersey law,” meaning that New Jersey’s current rate of

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2024 METRO CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am - 1776

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Why You Can’t Afford Free Estimates Presented by Coppola Brothers, LLC 4:00 PM – Location TBD (Remodelers Council) Tuesday, August 13, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Wednesday, September 4, 2024 NAHB: Managing the Project Schedule – Interactive online class 4:00 PM – Zoom Tuesday, September 10, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Wednesday, September 11, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am -1776 Morristown Thursday, September 19, 2024 Harvest Fest / Octoberfest& BOD GPS Summit Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Exploring the Pros and Cons of Mediation, Arbitration and Litigation

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Leveraging Residential Energy Code Compliance into Energy Efficiency Incentives Details to Follow 12:00 – 1pm - ZOOM Thursday, October 17, 2024 Financial Basics for Your Business – Interactive online class Presented by Jennifer Polidori, Merrill Lynch 10:00 am - ZOOM Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Builder’s Guide: Navigating Environmental Laws in NJ Presented by attorneys Geri Albin & Justin Calta 12:00 am - ZOOM Tuesday, November 12, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Tuesday, November 12, 2024 PWB & SMC Happy Hour 4:00 PM – Location TBD Thursday, November 14, 2024 Joint Event with BANNJ Ferguson at Fairfield Thursday, November 21, 2024 General Membership Election of Officers & Directors & BOD Location TBD – 5:00 PM Thursday, December 5, 2024 Installation Dinner & Holiday Party 6:00 PM – Hanover Manor Tuesday, December 10, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM

Thursday May 16, 2024 Lobsterfest & BOD 5:30 PM - Pub 199

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Clients from Hell & How to Deal with Them – Interactive online class 4:00 PM – ZOOM (Remodelers Council) Tuesday, June 4, 2024 PWB Happy Hour 4:00 PM – Seasons 52, Hanover

Wednesday, June 6, 2024 NAHB: Estimating – The First Line of Defense 4:00 PM – Zoom Wednesday. June 19, 2024 Awards of Excellence 4:00 PM – Hanover Manor

– interactive session 9:00 AM – (ZOOM)

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 New Member Orientation (ZOOM) 10:00 AM - ZOOM Thursday, July 11, 2024 Reno’s Multi Association Event & BOD Reno’s – 5:30 PM Thursday July 18, 2024 Mid-Year Economic Forecast w/ NAHB Economist Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington 12:00 – 1:00 PM - ZOOM

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Golf Outing

7:30 am Registration – 9:00 am Shotgun - Ballyowen Golf Course

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 SMC Breakfast 8:30 am – 1776

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Each year, New Jersey household spending for home improvements averages out to $4,634.24, according to a Census data analysis of spending. And if you’re one of those homeowners interested in remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, it will cost a lot more than that average. The price of an average kitchen remodel in our region could range from $27,966 for a more minor overhaul, to $164,263 for an upscale kitchen remodel. Bathroom renovations could cost anywhere between $25,468 to $78,935 on average, AgentAdvice.com noted. Overall, New Jersey was the state where households spend the most, followed by Maryland ($4,516.97), Massachusetts ($4,473.61), Connecticut ($4,356.67), and Hawaii ($4,279.26). Households in Washington, D.C. pay about $4,304.52 a year on renovations. The states where households spend the least on home improvement (according to this study) are Mississippi ($2,547.57), Arkansas ($2,705.88), West Virginia ($2,770.12), Louisiana ($2,834.90), and New Mexico ($2,839.70).

NJ HOUSEHOLDS SPEND THE MOST ON HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS, STUDY FINDS Bathroom and kitchen renovations are the most popular home improvement projects, the study says. Find out how much NJ homeowners pay. By Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff Posted Fri, Dec 15, 2023 This study, by real estate experts at AgentAdvice. com, examines Census data on how much the average household spends on renovations every year - as well as social media data on which room of the house is most commonly made over. (Shutterstock) NEW JERSEY— Working towards your dream kitchen or a bathroom oasis in the Garden State? From major renovation projects to small repairs around the house, home improvement costs can add up fast – with a new study showing that New Jersey residents spend the most in the nation on home renovations. This study, by real estate experts at AgentAdvice. com, examines Census data on how much the average household spends on renovations every year - as well as social media data on which room of the house is most commonly made over. Renovations have “gained massive popularity” since the global pandemic as homeowners look to enhance their living space and add more value to their home, said real estate expert Chris Heller of AgentAdvice. com. Millions of social media posts on platforms like Instagram feature ideas to remodel, revitalize, and reinvent your home - not to mention the bevy of home transformation shows on networks like HGTV and TLC, or streaming services. The AgentAdvice study noted that the kitchen and bathroom are far and away the most popular spaces to remodel right now, based on a tally of Instagram posts in the home renovation category. “The kitchen is a great place to start any renovation projects as it is the heart of the home and a valuable communal space for those wanting to buy a new home,” Heller said. “Homeowners who embark on a kitchen renovation could expect to see a 30.7 percent to 85.7 percent return on their investment when selling their home.”

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