Codes Council Approves Modifications for Updated Seismic Map Use
Last week, the S.C. Building Codes Council approved local building modifications to allow for the use of the 2008 USGS Seismic Map.

New Sales Contract Available to Members
The Home Builders Association of South Carolina has released the newly improved sales contract to local HBAs for use by its members.

Property Tax Exemption Deadline Approaches
The deadline to take advantage of 2010 property tax exemptions on unoccupied homes is around the corner. It is imperative and financially rewarding for every builder who is qualified for the exemption to meet the specified deadline – January 31.

New Bond Will Improve Contractor’s Cash Flow
The SCHB Self Insurers Fund can now accept a surety bond in lieu of the 25% cash deposit currently required.

New Benefit for Certified Master Builders
The Certified Master Builder Committee voted to implement a new website development and maintenance benefit for all current Certified Master Builders.

Colonial Dorchester Gets a Big Lift from Homebuilders’ Donation
The S.C. State Park Service is planning a major makeover at Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site and the project has gotten a big lift from Harbor Homes, a Mungo company.

Builders Win Big in Hilton Head’s Annual Lighthouse Awards
Nearly 250 people attended the tenth annual LightHouse Awards gala hosted by the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association and presented by SunTrust Mortgage November 13 at the Westin Resort to learn who judges chose as the Lowcountry's most talented builders.

New Course Examines Science Behind Green Building
NAHB's new two-day “Advanced Green Building: Building Science” course instructs builders and remodelers on proper building science techniques for constructing and remodeling high-performance homes.

Dec. 14 Webinar to Discuss Affordable Housing Tools
Releasing its initial findings recently, a multi-agency government task force was unable to establisHousing industry professionals interested in successful approaches to workforce housing should plan to attend the free NAHB webinar, “Housing That Works: State and Local Solutions to Housing Affordability,” beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14.

New Storm Water Rules Not Friendly for Homes or Environment, Says NAHB
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced new storm water management requirements for builders that don’t effectively address water quality and environmental issues – but do promise to place significant burdens on the home building industry and result in higher costs for home buyers, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Anti-Fraud Provisions Included in Tax Credit Extension
The Worker, Homeownership and Business Act of 2009 — legislation that was signed into law last month by President Obama to extend the home buyer tax credit and make it available to a broader range of potential buyers — includes new provisions supported by NAHB aimed at preventing the credit from being used fraudulently.

Few Subcontractors Aware of the EPA’s New Lead Paint Rule
Few subcontractors associated with home building and remodeling are aware of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule, set to go in effect in April 2010, that will govern remodeling activities in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 that are more likely to contain lead.

Pavilion at IBS to Help NAHB Members Line Up Financing
Responding to the severe financing challenges that many NAHB members continue to experience when they attempt to line up credit for viable new and existing projects, the upcoming International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas will be offering a Partnership Pavilion where association members can discuss their funding needs with representatives from a variety of capital sources and financing advisors.