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28th Alaska State Home Building Association State Convention
hosted by the Anchorage Home Builders Association

November 12-14, 2008
Downtown Marriott, Anchorage

Download the brochure!

Thank you Fairbanks Title Agency, Pacific Northwest Title of Alaska, Title Insurance Agency, and Southcentral Title Agency for sponsoring the convention bags!

PURCHASING A NEW HOME?
Check out these fine homes from AHBA builder members:

John Hagmeier Construction
17754 Shasta Circle
5634 Kenai Fjords Loop

News from NAHB:

Builders Call on Congress to Pass Treasury Rescue Plan

Improvements Suggested for New EPA Water Efficiency Designation

NAHB Responds to Government Action on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

NAHB President, Sandy Dunn, Comments on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

New Home Sales Rise 2.4% in July

ANCHORAGE HOME BUILDERS CARE ENDOWMENT

The Anchorage Home Builders Care Endowment was established by members of the AHBA in 2002, following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Initially, funds were raised to help the victims of 9-11. Later, the trade association decided to formalize the endowment and to widen its reach.

The Endowment allows individuals and companies who are involved in Southcentral Alaska's shelter industry to give back to their community. The endowment grants assistance to Alaskans in crisis, supports positive youth development, funds education, and seeks to address critical local housing needs.

In-Kind Donation Form

UNDERSTANDING BUILDING LAWS IN THE STATE OF ALASKA

General Contractors:

are required to have a business license in Alaska
must have a State Certificate of Registration as a Contractor
must have a bond and insurance
may not undertake the construction or alteration of a privately owned residential structure of one to four units or advertise to do this work without a Residential Contractor Endorsement

“Handymen” are not allowed to contract* on a project which has a total overall value in excess of $10,000 (such as a new home or renovation), unless licensed

Residential Contractors:

are required to have a business license in Alaska
must have a State Certificate of Registration as a Contractor with a Residential Contractor Endorsement
must have a bond and insurance
must pass a Residential Contractor exam
must take the Alaska Craftsman Home Program, a course in arctic engineering or the equivalent to either
must take sixteen (16) contact hours of continuing competency education relating to residential contracting every two (2) years

Owner Builders**:

are owners who act as their own contractor – they are limited to build:

one (1) home, duplex, tri-plex, four-plex or one (1) commercial building every two (2) years†

* Local laws may have further restrictions
** The changes to Alaska Statute as a result of HB 81 went into effect on June 21, 2006. Civil penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses have been put in place. Additional fines may be instituted for each subsequent day the illegal builder is in violation!
† AS 08.18.025, AS 08.18.161(12)

To check if your contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, or to see what type of business license he/she has, call 269-8026 or visit:
www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/occsearch/main.cfm

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PREDATORY LENDING

For information on protecting yourself from lending abuse, please visit the State of Alaska Department of Law website:
http://www.law.state.ak.us/department/civil/consumer/pred-lending.html