Industry News
Remembering Guy Webb: A Legacy of Dedication, Leadership, and Kindness
Remembering Guy Webb: A Legacy of Dedication, Leadership, and Kindness We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Guy A. A. Webb, a beloved leader in the Massachusetts home building community, who died on June 1, 2025, after a nearly two-year battle with cancer. He was 64. For nearly three decades, Guy served as…
Read MoreSkilled Purpose: Launching Workforce Recovery Through Trades Training
Skilled Purpose: Launching Workforce Recovery Through Trades Training The Michael English House, Inc. is preparing to launch its Skilled Purpose pilot program—a 12-week carpentry training course designed to support individuals in recovery or recently reentering society after incarceration. The program is seeking donations to help cover tools, training, and participant support. To learn more or contribute, visit: skilledpurpose.org…
Read MoreHealey-Driscoll Administration Proposes Coastal Resilience Plan Amid Rising Sea Threats
Healey-Driscoll Administration Proposes Coastal Resilience Plan Amid Rising Sea Threats As climate change accelerates, Massachusetts is taking proactive steps to protect its vulnerable coastal communities. A newly released draft plan by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs outlines a comprehensive 50-year strategy to address rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and increased flooding risks…
Read MoreHabitat 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…
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