C hartered in 1941, the Greater Houston Builders Association is a trade organization whose members are involved in the development, homebuilding, and remodeling industry in seven counties. The association interacts with the government, community and general public to enhance the business climate for its members, and to provide quality obtainable housing to the community it serves. The association is also active in community outreach and charitable events.
GHBA is the largest home builders association (HBA) in Texas, and the third largest in the nation. GHBA's mission is “To provide advocacy, education and meaningful services to benefit its members and the housing industry.” Learn more
Information on New Chapter 42 Rules Effective May 24
On April 24, the Houston City Council passed the Chapter 42 amendments, which allow for the current urban development rules to be extended outside of Loop 610, stretching to the Houston city limits by next year. Chapter 42 amendments also provide several updates to current development rules inside Loop 610. Changes to these rules go into effect May 24, 2013.
Download the Chapter 42 Implementation Guidelines for more information about the new rules that will go into effect inside the Loop on May 24, along with a chart outlining the phase-in of Chapter 42 beyond Loop 610. Please note that this document only paraphrases the new rules. For the exact language, please see the full text of the Chapter 42 ordinance.
Contact Casey Morgan at 281-970-8970, ext 142 with any questions. Read more
The Perfect Storm in Single-Family Housing
"Homebuying psychology has turned 180 degrees, prices are low and inventories are tight. These are the ingredients for a perfect storm in the single-family housing market," says Dr. Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A & M University.
More than 400 members were in attendance at GHBA's Mid-Year Forecast Luncheon on June 12 to hear Dr. Dotzour discuss how global and national trends are influencing the normal growth and prosperity of the Texas economy. He shared an optimistic outlook for job growth, interest rates, home sales and new home construction.
Download the PresentationTTI Committee Meeting Postponed
The June 12 Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee meeting has been postponed. At this time, a new date has not been scheduled. The Special Called meeting was to discuss the FY 2013 Public Works and Engineering Standards Review and Revisions of Chapter 9, Stormwater Design Requirements and Chapter 13, Stormwater Quality Design Requirements. This also means that the effective date for Chapters 9 and 13 (originally July 1) has been postponed.
Harris County Wastewater Treatment Plant Plan Review
Effective June 3, 2013, Harris County will require a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Express Review Sheet for submitted plan sets for: 1) New WWTPs; 2) Plants with amended TCEQ permitted flows; and 3) Plants that are changing their disinfection processes.
Harris County will perform this review under existing regulations, with the purpose of evaluating the plant design's compliance with existing minimum State design standards as defined in 30 TAC 217. This review falls under the existing requirements for a County-issued development permit.
Projects whose initial plan set submittal occurs prior to June 3, 2013 will be grandfathered and will not be required to submit an Express Review Sheet, provided the construction permit is obtained prior to December 31, 2013. More Information
Houston Builder Magazine
The official publication of the GHBA, Houston Builder magazine provides up-to-date information on industry trends, products and news. Covers association-related educational opportunities, special events and meetings as well as political updates in relation to the building industry.
For advertising information, email Brittany Feldmann or call 832.215.7232.
Standardized Contracts for Builders & Remodelers
Custom builders & remodelers can save thousands in legal fees by using GHBA's standardized contracts. This valuable member benefit is free with your membership to the Custom Builders Council and/or the Remodelers Council.
Not a member yet? Join today!
Newsmaker of the Week
Jennifer Wall is the marketing manager for the South Division of Stock Building Supply and Bison, A Stock Building Supply Company. Markets under her direction include Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Arkansas and Atlanta. Since joining the divisional team, Jennifer has introduced a marketing strategy that clearly articulates the capabilities of Bison/Stock, positively promotes both brands and provides significant opportunities for the sales and management teams to improve existing relationships and create new ones. Her passion and enthusiasm are contagious.
Jennifer became active in the GHBA prior to relocating her family to Houston. In April 2012, she coordinated Bison’s first Remodelers Council networking event, and after attending the 2012 AIA Sandcastle Building competitionin June, decided that Houston would become home...
Discounts on Products & Services You Already Use
As a GHBA member, you have access to discounts and savings opportunities offered by many top companies, like Hertz, Lowe's, Fedex, HP and more.
Memorial Day was the last day of regular session for the 83rd Legislature.
Read more about House Bill/Senate Bill 14 in the latest Government Affairs update. The legislation, commonly referred to as the transparency bill, was intended to provide greater transparency of special purpose districts including school districts, hospital districts, management districts, municipal utility districts or MUDs, flood control districts, conservation districts as well as levee districts.
However, the transparency bill included sections that were very cumbersome to MUDs.
Read more
Anyone who has lived in the Gulf Coast climate can tell you, it's a different world here. Choosing a Green Built Gulf Coast Home is your guarantee of an authentic green home, built with specific modifications to thrive in the Gulf Coast.
Anyone can claim to be green. GBGC homes and products are different. Only the most efficient, eco-friendly homes and products can receive our certification. No need to shop around... all of the city's participating green builders are here.
OSHA inspectors are in Houston for the specific purpose of inspecting new homes. It is critically important to be well informed on the Fall Protection Guidelines and other OSHA standards. Non-compliance is not an option!
To help members stay in compliance, the Texas Association of Buildres has created the Texas Model Construction Safety Program and Jobsite Safety Standards Package. The plan and training webinar will provide you with comprehensive guidelines to help you train your employees regarding their responsibilities and to help you establish good safety procedures and systems for recordkeeping required by OSHA.
Safety Program Info & Package Ordering
OSHA Guidelines
Builder Resources from NAHB
New design values for ALL sizes and grades of visually graded Southern Pine dimension lumber were published in the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau’s (SPIB) Supplement No.13 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber in February. New design values become effective June 1, 2013 and apply only to new construction; the integrity of existing structures designed and built using design values meeting applicable building codes at the time of permitting does not change.
Southern Pine design values, Q&As and span tables
GHBA. Our members are busy... building a better Houston!
