Builders News Feb. 2019

THE GREATER IOWA CITY AREA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION I iowacityhomes.com
Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders & Home Builders Association of Iowa
Join Us at The Home Show
Attend The Home Show and support your Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association.
Details on page 3. Your Home Show Committee has been hard at work. It’s not too late to display a poster.
If you need one, contact karyl@hbaofic.org or michelle@hbaofic.org. See you there!
FEBRUARY 2019
Check the Calendar of Events
at iowacityhomes.com
for more information.
Third Deadline for Parade
of Homes Applications
JAN. 31
The Home Show
FEB. 8-10 (SEE PAGE 3 FOR HOURS)
Coralville Marriott Hotel
& Conference Center
Remodelers Council Meeting
FEB. 12 NOON – 1:00 P.M.
IC Area HBA Conference Room
Remodelers Parade and
Final Parade of Homes
Applications Deadline
FEB. 15
International Builders Show
FEB. 19-21
Las Vegas Convention Center
2019 Home Show Committee
Front Row – 2019 Home Show Co-Chairs Maggie Gehrls, PSC Distribution/Studio H2O and Katy Stutsman, McCreedy-Ruth Construction
Back Row – Jeff Dill, Lepic-Kroeger REALTORS; Karyl Bohnsack, The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association (HBA); Devin
Madsen, Collins Community Credit Union; Rick Vogelzang, Lepic-Kroeger REALTORS; Michelle Moore, HBA; Taylor Yezek, Collins
Community Credit Union; Elaine Rayner, The Gazette; Heather Gierut, Lepic-Kroeger REALTORS; Barbara Messer, Kitchens By Design;
Mike Jensen, Lepic-Kroeger REALTORS; Ken Duncan, Ad-Market
Legislative Committee
Meeting
FEB. 26 7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.
IC Area HBA Conference Room
Board of Directors Meeting
FEB. 28 NOON – 1:00 P.M.
IC Area HBA Conference Room
New Members
New Affiliate Members:
Affinity Builders LLC
Polly Riggan
250 Holiday Road
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 631-1432
affinitybuildersiowa@gmail.com
affinitybuildersiowa.com
Sponsored by Jane Axt –
Urban Acres Real Estate
Blank & McCune
Real Estate Co.
Bryant Nicholson
506 E College Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 853-3555
Bryant.Nicholson@comcast.net
blankandmccune.com
Exit Realty Hawkeye
Mindy Huls
615 Horseshoe Drive, Suite B
Grinnell, IA 50112
(641) 990-2888
Mindy@EXITRealtyHawkeye.com
EXITRealtyHawkeye.com
Exit Realty Hawkeye
Paul Parmley
615 Horseshoe Drive, Suite B
Grinnell, IA 50112
(641) 990-6133
paul@EXITRealtyHawkeye.com
paul.EXITRealtyHawkeye.com
Exit Realty Hawkeye
Terry Stone
1900 James Street, Suite A
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 350-0798
terry@terrystone.net
EXITRealtyHawkeye.com
Lepic-Kroeger Realtors
Debbie St. Clair
2346 Mormon Trek Blvd.
Iowa City, IA 52246-4371
(319) 963-6776
debbiestclair@gmail.com
LKRiowa.com
Urban Acres Real Estate
Cathy Pugh
250 Holiday Road
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 400-0489
cathypugh@urbanacres.com
urbanacres.com/person/cathy-pugh

2 ICAHBA Builders News | February 2019
Message from the President
Dear HBA Members,
I want to wish everyone a belated “Happy New Year” as
we move into the second month of the 2019 calendar. I
very much look forward to the opportunity to help lead
this great association and
hope I can live up to and
display the same great
leadership skills as the
presidents who served
before me.
Each new year is a
time to reflect and
look ahead. The year
2018 was challenging
and could probably
be best summed up as
the year of “increase.”
Increased construction and development costs, increased
regulation, increased land values and increased
mortgage rates. While we all want and promote a strong
economy, the individual effects can cause harm in certain
sectors and new construction pricing was one area hit
hard throughout the year. While it’s nice when things
maintain a steady growth, when the total costs and
listing prices of new construction so far outpace existing
home pricing it makes new construction a much tougher
sell. The national story last year was that inventory was
tight or nonexistent in certain price ranges. Locally, we
have seen a rise in some held-over inventory to the new
year, which is never fun.
Tim Terry Named to
CBJ Influential Listing
Tim Terry, founder of accounting
firm Terry, Lockridge & Dunn (TLD),
was recently named to the Corridor
Business Journal’s Top 25 Most
Influential persons in the Iowa City/
Cedar Rapids area – coming in at the
No. 18 spot. It’s the third time Tim
has been named to the listing.
Tim is greatly involved in area.
He has a special place in his heart
for children, as demonstrated
by his commitment to the Little
Free Libraries and the Total Child
project in the Cedar Rapids Wellington Heights area, and
Iowa City’s Willowwind School. Tim also works with the
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature project and, besides
the Iowa City HBA, holds memberships with the Corridor
Community Advisory Committee, the American Academy of
Poets, Iowa City Rotary Club and the Iowa City School District
Superintendent’s Circle.
When notified of the honor, he responded “I could not be active
in our communities without the extraordinary backing of our
partners at TLD and World Trend Financial. Their willingness to
support my efforts is the real thing that should be commended. I
am proud to be a part of organizations that remain committed to
supporting nonprofit organizations in Eastern Iowa.”
Congratulations, Tim!
As for 2019, early signs are positive for what the market
might bring. We hope this will be the year of “leveling
off.” It would be nice if every industry could get a modest
increase for their profit margin, but we don’t want to see
20, 30 and 40 percent cost increases in individual products.
Mortgage rates have not only stabilized but begun a slight
shift lower. Gone are the days of 3 percent rates, but low to
mid 4 percent rates do a lot more for housing affordability
than 5+ percent. With the expectation that there will not
have to be drastic price increases due to costs, the biggest
push from new construction will come from higher prices on
existing homes. Ordinarily there is a reasonable gap between
new and existing homes. Buyers who prefer new pay a little
more. Buyers who prefer existing might get a little more
room. In 2018 the price disparity was far greater than normal
which led to a surge in existing homes sales. As that price
difference “levels” off in 2019, we should see more favorable
competition on the new construction side of the world.
As we get going into the new year I want to say, “Thank
You” for allowing me the opportunity to be part of The
Greater Iowa City Area HBA. I have enjoyed my time on
the Board of Directors and, as president, look forward to
meeting as many members I don’t know as possible. I also
want to say a special “Thank You” to Adam Hahn for his
tremendous leadership during 2018. I look forward to a
prosperous 2019 for all!
Sincerely,
Mike Bails
Urban Acres Real Estate
2019 Greater Iowa City Area HBA President
Students Learn About Construction
Field During Career Caravan
The Greater Iowa City Area HBA talked to prospective workers Dec.
19 at the annual Career Caravan put on by Kirkwood Community
College’s Workplace Learning Connection arm. The event, designed to
introduce high school
students to different
professions, was held
at The Kirkwood
Regional Center at the
University of Iowa in
Coralville. Freshman
and sophomore
students from all four
Iowa City district high
schools (City, Liberty,
West and Tate) picked
three different careers
to explore and then
listened to speakers
in those fields discuss their personal occupational paths, educational
background, skills used daily and how coursework relates to what they
do in their jobs. Iowa City Area HBA Executive Officer Karyl Bohnsack
and 2018 President Adam Hahn of Watts Group talked to individuals
as they cycled through the Careers in Construction room throughout
the day. Information shared to get kids thinking about working in the
skilled trades included national and Iowa wages for various homebuilding
jobs; different entry points into the field and subsequent roles/
hierarchies; responsibilities of various positions; what they can do now
to prepare; and HBA student chapters.
“Many students were excited about what they heard,” said Karyl.
“They took the information straight home to their parents and want to
learn more.”
2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Mike Bails
Urban Acres Real Estate
PAST PRESIDENT
Adam Hahn
Watts Group
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Glenn Siders
Siders Development
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
GT Karr
Sueppel’s Siding & Remodeling
SECRETARY
Kelly Manning
Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor
TREASURER
Marty Tunning
RSM US LLP
DIRECTORS
Mike Pugh - Pugh Hagan Prahm, PLC
Art Floss - CBI Bank & Trust
Chad Keune - Advantage Custom Builders
Rory Triplett - Insurance Associates Iowa City
Todd Helle - Terry Lockridge & Dunn
Andy Martin - Martin Construction
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Aaron McGlynn - Cabinet Works
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Tim Ruth - McCreedy-Ruth Construction
WOMEN’S COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
Melissa Schooley - Great Western Bank
REMODELERS COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
Kevin McCreedy - McCreedy-Ruth Construction
2019 COMMITTEE CONTACTS
PARADE OF HOMES
Mitchell Manning - Sobaski Abbey
Carpet & Floor
THE HOME SHOW
Katy Stutsman - McCreedy-Ruth Construction
Maggie Gehrls - PSC Distribution/Studio H2O
The Greater Iowa City Area
Home Builders Association
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Karyl Bohnsack
karyl@hbaofic.org
MARKETING AND
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Michelle Moore
michelle@hbaofic.org
PO Box 3396, Iowa City, IA 52244
Phone: 319.351.5333 • Fax: 319.358.2443
Website: iowacityhomes.com

2018 HBA-Member Locals Love Us Winners
Our members are loved! A whopping 74 Greater Iowa City Area HBA members
were 2018 Locals Love Us winners for the Iowa City market. Locals Love Us is a
website on which consumers sign up and vote all year for their favorites in more
than 200 categories, including businesses, events, health-care facilities and more.
Only votes from locals count. A maximum of five nominees in each category, who
also are among the top 20 percent of total nominees, are awarded the designation
of a Locals Love Us winner. We salute these preferred companies and individuals!
February 2019 | ICAHBA Builders News 3
BUILDERS
2018 Locals Love Us Winners That are HBA Members
REMODELERS
Advanced Electrical Service Inc
Aero Rental & Party Shoppe
Andino Construction LLC
Bachmeier Carpet One
Basement MD A division of
Stumpf Construction
Bea Day Plumbers
Bergo Insulation & Landscaping
Billion Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
Blue Lagoon Pool & Spa
Bower Drywall Inc
Boyd Crosby Construction
Brandt Heating & Air Conditioning
Budget Blinds
Bud Maas Concrete Inc
Bunting Construction Inc
Cabinet Style
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
Professionals
Country Landscapes Inc
Dan’s Overhead Doors & More
Dan Wegman - AW Welt Ambrisco
Insurance, Inc
Davis Heating & Air Conditioning Co
Deery Brothers Ford Lincoln
Dudley Brothers Co
Dwell Home Furnishings
& Interior Design
Elite Home Audio
Foster Appliance
Hochstedler Building & Development
Hills Bank and Trust Company
Home Repair Team Inc
Homewood Electric
ImOn Communications
Iowa City Landscaping
& Garden Center
Jill Armstrong - The Jill Armstrong Team
Skogman Realty
KBD Kitchens By Design
Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
Klosterman Construction Corp
Knebel Windows Inc
Lepic-Kroeger, REALTORS
Lite Window & Door
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Lynn Weinstein - Blank & McCune
Mark Law - UICCU
Wealth Management
Martin Construction
McCreedy-Ruth Construction LLC
McGrath Hawkeye Harley Davidson
Menards
MidWestOne Bank
Mike Jensen - Lepic-Kroeger, REALTORS
Mulford Plumbing & Heating Inc
PIP Marketing Signs & Print
PSC Distribution
Randy’s Flooring
RSM
SERVPRO
Shay Electric Inc
SK Cabinetry & Design
Slager Appliances
Southgate Property Management
Steves Roofing
Streb Construction Co
Studio H2O
Sueppel’s Siding & Remodeling
Terry Lockridge & Dunn Inc
The Mansion
Todd M Nash - Edward Jones
Tomlinson Cannon
Toyota Of Iowa City
Tracy Adams/Brittany Kramme Team,
Coldwell Banker
Real Estate Professionals
University Of Iowa Community
Credit Union
Urban Acres Real Estate
Watts Group
Weldon Drywall Inc
Whitney Russell - Urban Acres
Real Estate
William Easton Design
CORALVILLE MARRIOTT HOTEL
& CONFERENCE CENTER
FRIDAY, FEB. 8 • 5 PM-8 PM
SATURDAY, FEB. 9 • 10 AM-5 PM
SUNDAY, FEB. 10 • 10 AM-4 PM
• “LOVE IOWA” DISPLAY
• PROMOTIONS, DISCOUNTS AND GIVEAWAYS
• HOURLY DRAWINGS ON SUNDAY • FREE PARKING
$7/person - kids 14 and under free
$2 off coupons available at ichomeshow.com
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EXHIBITORS VISIT:
LANDSCAPING
KITCHENS
BATHS
ICHOMESHOW.COM
FIND YOUR PRO AT THE HOME SHOW
You’re Invited
Home Show Exhibitor Party
Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Immediately following The Home Show
Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will
be served at no cost to exhibitors.
SPONSORED BY:
RSVP to Karyl@HBAofIC.org by Monday, Feb. 4, 2019

4 ICAHBA Builders News | February 2019
Members Rocked and Raised Scholarship Money at Holiday Party
It was a festive atmosphere at the Dec. 6 Greater Iowa City
Area HBA Holiday Party, held in partnership with the
Iowa City Area Association of Realtors, at The University
Club in Iowa City. Approximately 200 people attended to
mingle with colleagues, nosh on appetizers, listen to a little
classic rock and bid on silent auction items. Our Women’s
Council organized the auction, which featured more than
55 items from generous donors, in addition to the famous
wine and whiskey trees. Wine-cork ornaments adorned
the small trees and party goers bought them as chances for
winning a bottle. The auction and trees combined to raise
more than $5,200 for Women’s Council scholarships given
to students entering the trades. Thank you to everyone
who contributed, and a huge thank you to our sponsors!
Iowa City HBA Women’s Council volunteers, such as
Margaret Sanders and Lorraine Bowans of Ruhl&Ruhl
Realtors, staffed the wine and whiskey tree tables to sell
chances for winning a bottle.
So many wonderful auction items were on display, and
the bidding was competitive.
Roy Wier (left) of Vigilant Home Inspections and Nicole
Lepic from Keller Williams wore their holiday spirit.
IC HBA President Mike Bails (left) of Urban Acres Real
Estate attended his first HBA event since being elected
to lead the association. He’s shown with wife Angie
Bails (right) and Joe Hughes of SouthGate Companies.
Emily Welsh (left) of Keller Williams and Monica Hayes from Skogman
Realty celebrate the season.
Thank you to our Silent Auction,
Wine and Whiskey Tree Donors!
Thank You Holiday Party Sponsors
BAR SPONSOR
Jill Armstrong (left) and Denise Miller of Skogman
Realty jammed with the band.
APPETIZER SPONSORS
Alexander Lumber
CBI Bank & Trust
Hawkeye Title Services, L.C.
Insurance Associates
REP Radon and Electric
ENTERTAINMENT
SPONSOR
MidWestOne Bank
PRINTING SPONSOR
PIP Printing
SOCIAL SPONSORS
AW Welt Ambrisco Insurance Inc
Bachmeier
Carpet One Floor & Home
Ferguson Bath,
Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Greiner Buildings, Inc
Kitchens By Design
Knebel Windows, Inc
LattaHarris, LLP
Martin Construction
Pugh Hagan Prahm PLC
Residential Mortgage Network
Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor

McCreedy-Ruth, UICCU
Recognized for Leadership
McCreedy-Ruth Construction and the University of Iowa Community Credit Union
(UICCU) were honored for leadership excellence Dec. 6 at the 2018 Corridor Business
Journal (CBJ) Workforce Awards at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids.
The CBJ and Kirkwood Community College partner to recognize local companies
ahead of the curve in creating and maintaining their workforce talent edge. We are
proud of these member organizations.
McCreedy-Ruth Construction earned Best Internship Program (Small Company.)
With a goal of giving students fresh out of school the same opportunities they had,
partners Kevin McCreedy and Tim Ruth created an internship program last summer
that employed five students — 30 percent of the company’s workforce. During the
past two years, McCreedy-Ruth has hired 17 employees, nine of whom were students
or interns. The internships provide the opportunity to work in the field as a laborer or
in the office as a draftsperson. Each student is paired with an experienced carpenter
to gain hands-on experience and education. McCreedy-Ruth, in conjunction with The
Greater Iowa City Area HBA and Kirkwood Community College, also resurrected the
Student-Built House Program offered through area high schools and Kirkwood.
“Even though we are a small construction company we can have an impact on the
lives of younger adults who want to be in the building industry. Having been an
intern myself, it meant a lot to have someone willing to hire me and help me learn”
said Kevin. “We have hired interns for many years and they have become long-term
employees. We need the younger generation to take over good-paying jobs as our
workforce ages and retires.”
UICCU was recognized for Best Training for Existing Employment Needs. The
organization has a strategic objective of attracting, engaging and retaining only the
best talent and makes lifelong learning part of its culture. Twelve full-time staffers are
dedicated to learning and development and six full-time employees spend significant
time on those areas. More than 31,200 hours and $865,000 in salaries are spent annually
focused solely on lifelong learning. Additionally, UICCU teams invest more than 71,500
hours each year on learning and development opportunities at the financial center and
branches. The cooperative pays more than $100,000 to make the classes available.
HBA Holds CAPS III Class
February 2019 | ICAHBA Builders News 5
Twelve Greater Iowa City Area HBA members took a Certified Aging-in-Place
Specialists (CAPS) III class all day Dec. 13, culminating in sitting for a certification
exam. Everyone passed with flying colors. The Iowa City Area HBA was host for
the course, held at the Iowa City Area Association of Realtors Education Center in
Coralville. The class builds on CAPS I and II courses and provided attendees with
marketing techniques, design solutions and other expertise specific to the aging-inplace
market – the fastest-growing segment of the remodeling industry.
“Having access to continuing education classes, such as CAPS, helps me keep up
with the ever-changing higher standards of our industry that would otherwise be
overlooked,” noted Mark Buell of CLB Home Planning & Design. “It’s one of the
benefits for me and my business of being an HBA member.”
Test time for (clockwise,
beginning top center) Steve
Van Abbema, Iowa Valley
Habitat for Humanity;
Joanne Abbas, Lammers
Construction Services; Kevin
McCreedy, McCreedy-Ruth
Construction; and Andy
Martin, Martin Construction.
Working on redesigning a
home layout for improved
accessibility are (clockwise,
beginning top center) Jenny
Wunderlich, PSC Distribution/
Studio H2O; Andy Martin,
Martin Construction; Mark
Buell, CLB Home Planning &
Design; and Kevin McCreedy,
McCreedy-Ruth Construction.
“We are grateful to be recognized by the CBJ for our training of existing employment
needs,” said Sue Freeman, UICCU senior vice president/human resources. “Our focus
around learning and development as a lifelong art has allowed us to better serve our
membership and continues to enhance the overall culture for employees.”
McCreedy-Ruth
Construction’s (from right)
James Robinson, Tim
Ruth and Kevin McCreedy
receive their 2018 CBJ
Workforce Award for Best
Internship Program (Small
Company). James was a
Kirkwood student hired
as a draftsman before the
end of school.
Sue Freeman (left),
UICCU senior vice
president/human
resources, accepts the
cooperative’s accolade
for Best Training for
Existing Employment
Needs at the 2018 CBJ
Workforce Awards.
UICCU also was
chosen to participate
in a Q&A panel
discussion after the
awards presentation. 2346 Mormon Trek Blvd. | Iowa City, IA 52246 | LKRiowa.com | (319) 351.8811

6 ICAHBA Builders News | February 2019
Terry Lockridge & Dunn,
Watts Group Celebrate 40 Years
Accounting/business consulting firm Terry Lockridge & Dunn (TLD) and
construction/realty/leasing/development company Watts Group have each marked
40 years in business. TLD is celebrating the milestone by asking employees to
volunteer within the communities that have supported it for so many years. The
organization has a long commitment to giving back by serving on nonprofit boards,
lending professional expertise and more. Watts Group started out in real estate
then expanded to development and construction. The company has left its mark on
corridor communities with 23 subdivision and more than 2,500 homes and condos. It’s
especially proud of its role in helping Johnson County to thrive, particularly the Iowa
River Landing project. We applaud the commitment and longevity of these two Iowa
City area pillars!
Amy Pretorius Named to
Board of Adjustments
Amy Pretorius of Elevation Home Builders has been named
to the Iowa City Board of Adjustments by the city council.
Her term began Jan. 1 and ends Dec. 31, 2023. The board is
a citizen panel that reviews special exceptions and variance
requests and considers appeals when there is a disagreement
about a city administrative decision made. It works closely
with the City Attorney’s office and planning staff.
“My goal is to do my best to make the right decisions for
the community as a whole,” explained Amy. “I’m hoping
my professional history regarding building, remodeling,
land development and real estate will help me make fair
decisions while still being forward-thinking.”
Amy co-founded Elevation Home Builders in 2017 and formerly was with the Peninsula
Development Company that developed and built most of Iowa City’s unique Peninsula
Neighborhood. She is a University of Iowa nursing-school graduate and has worked in
the construction industry for more than 10 years. Congratulations, Amy!
Build My Future Event is April 2
Terry Lockridge & Dunn employees celebrate 40 years with bowling and cake.
Team Watts Group.
The first annual Build My Future Construction Career Day & Industry Showcase
is April 2 at Jones Hall (6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW) on the Cedar Rapids Kirkwood
Community College campus. The event is sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust
Company, The Greater Iowa City Area HBA’s Vocational Training Council, The
Cedar Rapids HBA and Kirkwood Community College with a grant from the
National Association of Home Builders Association. Hosted by the ACE Sector
Board, the event gives 7th- and 8th-grade students an opportunity to spend a day
in the construction industry through an interactive showcase. Hands-on learning
labs include construction industry practices, such as carpentry, electrical, heavy
equipment, masonry,
welding and more.
There also will be
educational displays
and equipment
operations. Contact
Karyl or Michelle
at (319) 351-5333 if
your organization
wants to be a part
of Build My Future.
Watch Builders News,
iowacityhomes.com
and Facebook.com/
IowaCityAreaHBA for
further details.
NEW
Apprenticeship
Program
Launches
The Greater Iowa City Area HBA is proud to announce that the new
Construction Technologist Apprenticeship launched last month at
Kirkwood Community College. The program is the result of more than
three years work between the Iowa City Area HBA and Kirkwood. Six
students are enrolled in the three-year program, at the end of which they
will have 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning and more than 432 hours
of in-classroom training. HBA-member employers participating are
Greiner Buildings, McCreedy-Ruth Construction and Streb Construction.
The apprenticeship is registered with the Department of Labor. All
involved are excited the first round is underway!

2018 Iowa City Building
Codes Changes Presented
to Board of Appeals
The City of Iowa City presented
proposed 2018 Building Code changes
to the Iowa City Board of Appeals Dec.
20. Our Legislative Committee met Dec
18 with two City of Iowa City staffers:
Danielle Sitzman, the new coordinator
of Development Services, and Tim
Hennes, senior building inspector, to
get a preview. Most amendments to
the building codes are for clarification
of a code requirement, to reflect local
practices that have evolved from
previous building codes and their
amendments and to remain consistent
with the Fire Code as amended. Below
are notable changes and proposed new
amendments.
Building Codes
Table R301.2(1): Modification to include
Manual J criteria on design tables.
Comment: Additional information is
included on the table to aid the HVAC
contractors in designing and sizing the
mechanical equipment based on climatic
and geographic design criteria based on
local conditions.
Section R302.5.1: Delete the requirement
that requires house to garage doors to
have self-closing devices.
Comment: The amendment to delete
the requirement maintains current
requirements. The amendment does not
prohibit someone from installing such
device.
Section R302.13: Delete the requirement
to protect the underside of floor/ceiling
assemblies in unfinished basements.
Comment: This amendment eliminates
the requirement to drywall the ceiling
or sprinkle an unfinished basement
ceiling. The amendment to delete
the requirement maintains current
requirements. The amendment does not
prohibit someone from installing such
protection.
Section R312.2 (IRC) & 1015.8 (IBC):
Delete the requirement to install guards
on operable windows that are located
less than 24 inches above the floor and
more than 72 inches above the finish
surface on the exterior of the building.
Comment: The amendment eliminates
the requirement to install guards on all
operable windows that meet specified
location criteria. The requirement is not
consistent with other guard location
criteria requirements and could conflict
with emergency and escape window
opening requirements. The amendment
to delete the requirement maintains
current requirements. This amendment
does not prohibit the installation of fall
protection devices on windows.
Section R313: Delete the requirement
to install a fire sprinkling system in
one- and two-family dwelling and
townhouses.
Comment: This amendment eliminates
the requirement for structures regulated
by the IRC have an automatic fire
suppression system installed. The
amendment to delete the requirement
maintains current requirements.
The amendment does not prohibit
the installation of an automatic fire
suppression system.
Section R314: Delete the requirement to
interconnect smoke alarms when a home
is being altered, repaired or an addition
is added.
Comment: This amendment eliminates
the requirement for smoke alarms to
be interconnected when a home is
being altered, repaired or an addition
is added. Previous codes have not
required this extensive of an update
and eliminating the requirement does
not forgive the requirement to install
battery operated smoke alarms when
alterations, repairs or additions. The
amendment to delete the requirement
maintains current requirements. The
amendment does not prohibit someone
from installing such protection.
Section R320.2: Maintain eight
provisions to implement universal
design features that provide accessibility,
usability and visit-ability for all.
Comment: The amendment applies
only to new dwelling units and is not
required for existing structures for
repairs, alterations, change of occupancy
or additions unless the square footage of
the addition is more than 25 percent of
the existing structure, then, the addition
must comply. The minimum usability
requirements are as follows:
1. Step-less Entrance: At least one
entrance must be designed to
provide a step-less entry.
2. Interior Doors: At least one
bedroom and one bathroom,
if either are provided, and all
other passage doorway header
widths, on the level served by
the designed step-less entrance,
must be framed to accommodate
a minimum 38 inches clear rough
opening. The framing for the
doorway width opening may be
reduced to accommodate any
door size.
3. Sanitation Facilities: There must be
at least one bathroom containing
a water closet toilet and lavatory
(sink) on the level of the dwelling
to be accessed by the designed
step-less entrance. The room shall
have a minimum thirty inches by
forty-eight inches clear floor space
at the water closet and lavatory.
4. Wall Reinforcement: A bathroom
must be provided with wood
blocking installed within wall
framing to support grab bars as
needed.
5. Decks: All exterior decks and
patios surfaces adjacent to the
level served by the designed stepless
entrance must be built within
four inches of the dwelling units
finish floor level.
6. Switch and Outlet Requirements: All
wall switches, controlling light
devices and all receptacles shall
be located in an area between 15
and 48 inches above the finished
floor.
7. Electrical Panel Requirements:
Electrical panels on the level of
the dwelling step-less entrance
shall be located so that the
individual circuit breakers are
located between 15 inches and 54
inches above the floor.
8. Garages: Must be wired for poweroperated
overhead doors.
Section R326: Delete Section R326
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
Comment: This section was moved to the
body of the code from the appendix in the
previous code cycle. Deleting it results in
no change of enforcement for pools, spas
and hot tubs. They are still regulated by
the electrical and zoning code.
Section G2415.3: Eliminates the
requirement prohibiting gas piping not
extend through any townhouse unit
other than the unit served by such gas
piping.
Comment: Amendment is consistent
with the mechanical and fuel gas code
with regard to gas piping being installed
through dwelling units. Zero lot-line
units will still be required to have
separate services but single structures
that contain multiple units will be
allowed to have the gas piping extend
through other units. This is consistent
with how gas pipe is installed now and
in the past.
Appendix J (IRC): Existing Buildings
and Structures: (1 & 2 family residential)
Comment: The purpose of these
provisions is to encourage the continued
use or reuse of legally existing buildings
and structures. These provisions are
intended to permit work in existing
buildings that is consistent with the
purpose of this code.
Existing Building Code
(Multifamily and Commercial)
Section 102.6 in the International
Building Code directs us to the
International Existing Building Code
(IEBC) for existing structures.
Comment: The IEBC allows and
encourages the use and reuse of existing
buildings while requiring reasonable
upgrades and improvements for
alterations, repairs, additions, occupancy
change, historic and relocated buildings.
February 2019 | ICAHBA Builders News 7
Energy Code
Adopted by reference the State
Energy Code.
Comment: The State of Iowa adopted the
2012 Intemational Energy Conservation
Code (IECC). Referencing the state
energy code provides consistency
for designers and builders. Tentative
schedule for the state to adopt the 2018
IECC is mid-2019.
Accessibility Code
Adopted by reference the State
Accessibility Code.
Comment: The State of Iowa
Accessibility Code is based on the
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible
Design and requirements of the federal
Fair Housing Act. Adopting the state
accessibility codes by reference provides
consistency for designers and builders.
Plumbing Code
Adopt by reference the State Plumbing
Code.
Comment: Iowa Code Section 105.4
requires local jurisdictions to adopt the
State Plumbing Code. The Iowa State
Health Department, as administered by
the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems
Board, by law adopts the current edition
of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
within six months of publication with a
few amendments. Tentative schedule for
the state to adopt the 2018 UPC is first
quarter of 2019.
Section 422.2.1 of the UPC: Amend to
require single-use restroom signage.
Comment: This amendment will require
single-user restroom to have signage
indicating usage by either sex.
Mechanical Code
Adopt by reference the State
Mechanical Code.
Comment: Iowa Code Section 105.4
requires local jurisdictions to adopt
the State Mechanical Code. The Iowa
State Department of Public Health,
as administered by the Plumbing and
Mechanical Systems Board, adopts the
current edition of the International
Mechanical Code within six months of
publication with a few amendments.
Tentative schedule for the state to adopt
the 2018 UPC is first quarter of 2019.

8 ICAHBA Builders News | February 2019
REMODELER’S CORNER
he goal of any remodeling project is to combine
T
form with function while creating something
the homeowner loves. Studio H2O is excited to
feature this kitchen remodel and celebrate the new
look with the homeowners. This project originally began
with a plan to update the kitchen with new countertops,
flooring and appliances, while keeping existing cabinetry.
The original cabinets were built on site (in 1967) and they
would’ve needed to be removed and reinstalled to fit with
the new flooring.
BEFORE
AFTER
After discussing the many options available with Sherri
Eagle, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer, from Studio
H2O, the homeowners elected to update the kitchen with
Yorktowne cabinetry and opened many more possibilities
for the room. Removing the old cabinetry, along with an
existing half-wall, cleared the way to expand the kitchen
an additional eight feet toward the living and family
rooms. From there, a new countertop peninsula was added
providing an informal seating/eating area for four diners.
Expanding the kitchen and opening the layout of the living
and family rooms allows the homeowners to entertain
family and guests in a much more open space. Because the
space is going to be used for more than entertaining, Studio
H2O added pull-out pantries, roll-out shelving, storage
for spices, tray dividers and other accessories to increase
storage capacity. A light-colored Corian Quartz countertop
was chosen to contrast the darker Gingersnap stained
maple cabinets. The homeowners are very pleased with
the outcome of the project and the overall look, design and
functionality of their new kitchen. Remodeling projects can
be daunting, but the consultants at Studio H2O are here to
help you make your home one of a kind!
Katie Lammers Women Build Home Dedicated
The Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity (IVHH)
Katie Lammers Women Build home, 924 N.
Governor Street in Iowa City, was dedicated
Dec. 2, culminating with keys to the home being
given to new owners Dieudonne and Martine.
Women Build is a program created by Habitat
for Humanity to encourage and empower
women to volunteer on construction of Habitat
homes, but locally the program has been used
to highlight the exceptional service being done
by women in our community. Our own Katie
Lammers of Lammers Construction Services
was honored with the 2018 Women Build due
to her dedication to the building industry –
including cultivating a supportive environment
for women in the field. Katie and a team of
more than 20 women on the Women Build
Committee came together early this year with
a goal to raise $50,000 to support the home’s
construction. With the help of thousands of
supporters, they exceeded that goal by raising
$57,027. Additionally, the committee secured
gift-in-kind contributions and discounts of
construction labor and materials valued at
$20,255. Katie and Lammers Construction
Services also donated nearly $10,000 of labor to
help build the home. Jane Hagedorn and Bea
Day Plumbers were an integral part of building
the home, as they have for countless previous
IVHH projects. Women – and men – put in
many, many volunteer hours during multiple
build days since ground broke June 24.
Deiudonne, Martine and their children
Antoine, Theresa and Charlaine came to Iowa
after leaving Kinshasa, the capital city of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo due to job
instability from decades of conflict and war.
Dieudonne expressed satisfaction that he is
learning about home maintenance through
classes at Kirkwood Community College each
month. Now he will have the opportunity,
along with the skills and knowledge, to provide
a home without everyday misery for his family.
The children are also excited. Eight-year old
Antoine commented, “We say thanks to the
Habitat for Humanity for building us this
house. I get to have my own room and no one
can bother me.”
Thank you to every volunteer, donor and
supporter who lent a hand so this family could
become homeowners.
Katie Lammers
of Lammers
Construction
Services speaks
to a packed
room about
the honor of
being involved
with the 2018
Women Build
home.
Greater Iowa
City Area HBA
Executive Officer
Karyl Bohnsack
(left) with Katie
Lammers of
Lammers
Construction
Services celebrate
the Iowa Valley
Habitat for
Humanity Katie
Lammers Women
Build dedication.