Industry News
Habitat Cape Cod’s Deconstruction Program
Habitat Cape Cod’s Deconstruction Program Looking to remodel your kitchen or upgrade appliances? Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod offers a Deconstruction Program that helps homeowners, contractors, and tradespeople save on labor and disposal costs. Trained and insured volunteers will carefully remove reusable cabinets, appliances, and other items—at no cost if the items can be…
Read MoreThe Housing Affordability Crisis: A Call to Action for Cape Cod Builders
The Housing Affordability Crisis: A Call to Action for Cape Cod Builders The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently released its 2025 Housing Affordability Pyramid, revealing a concerning trend: 76.4 million U.S. households—57% of the total—cannot afford a $300,000 home. With the median price of a new single-family home at $459,826, approximately 100.6 million…
Read MoreMake Your Voice Heard on Building Codes at Upcoming Hearings
Make Your Voice Heard on Building Codes at Upcoming Hearings The International Code Council is in the midst of its 2024–2026 development cycle, and the upcoming Group B Committee Action Hearings (April 27–May 6 in Orlando, FL) offer an important opportunity for builders, remodelers, and industry professionals to have a voice in the process. Some…
Read MoreTariff Update: Canadian Lumber Exempt from New U.S. Tariffs—A Win for Builders
Tariff Update: Canadian Lumber Exempt from New U.S. Tariffs—A Win for Builders On April 2, President Trump announced a new global tariff policy imposing a 10% baseline tariff on imports from most countries, with elevated rates up to 50% for certain nations. Notably, Canada and Mexico are exempt from these new tariffs, a significant relief…
Read MoreTariffs
Tariffs The past six weeks have been a roller coaster regarding tariffs. As of today, no new tariffs have been imposed on Canadian lumber. However, April 2nd is a key date when a potential 25% increase could take effect. Twice this year, tariffs were implemented only to be removed shortly after. Other materials are experiencing…
Read MoreNew Energy Code in Effect
New Energy Code in Effect New energy code went into effect Feb 14th. Big Changes Coming to the Stretch & Specialized Energy Codes! The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has proposed updates to the Stretch and Specialized Energy Codes based on feedback from the past year and a half. Key changes for residential…
Read MoreMichael English House & Skilled Purpose Program
Michael English House & Skilled Purpose Program At the February Dinner Meeting, Vincent English introduced Skilled Purpose, a new nonprofit training program tackling Cape Cod’s skilled labor shortage. With 264 unfilled carpenter positions annually and no local training programs, the Michael English House, Inc. is bridging the gap with a 12-week carpentry program designed for…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Energy Code: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Energy Code: What You Need to Know Building codes constantly evolve, and staying compliant with the latest energy code is crucial for contractors, architects, and homeowners alike. These regulations ensure buildings are designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing waste and cutting costs in the long run. Understanding the current energy code can be…
Read MoreSV Design Welcomes Anne Marie Garcia as Director of Business Development & Marketing
SV Design Welcomes Anne Marie Garcia as Director of Business Development & Marketing SV Design, a leading Architect + Build firm with offices in Beverly, Chatham, and Winchester, MA, has announced an exciting new addition to their team. Anne Marie Garcia, LEED AP, has joined as the Director of Business Development & Marketing, bringing with…
Read MoreA Special Thank You from Garry Prevedini, U.S. Lumber Co.
A Special Thank You from Garry Prevedini, U.S. Lumber Co. “To the many builders, remodelers, dealer personnel, architects and manufacturers reps I have worked with over the 42 years I have covered the Cape Cod and S.E. Mass market, I want to say ‘THANK YOU!’  After 47 years in our industry, I’ll be retiring at the end…
Read More