Feature Article #1
Massachusetts 2011 Building Permit Activity at Historic Low
According to recent Census Bureau estimates, building permits were issued for a total of 6,387 units in Massachusetts in the first 11 months of 2011, meaning the annual total is likely to be the lowest or second lowest recorded in the 52 years that the Bureau has been publishing this data (started in 1960). Currently, [...]
Feature Article #2
BBRS Publishes Official Interpretation on Smoke Alarm Requirements in Existing Buildings
OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION No. 2012-001
DATE : January 10, 2012
SUBJECT: Smoke, Heat, Carbon Monoxide Detection and Alarm Systems
At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, the Board approved the following interpretation of the application of 780 CMR Appendix J, Section AJ102.3 of the Eighth Edition of the [...]
Feature Article #3
Veteran Housing Activist Named Undersecretary
AARON GORNSTEIN SELECTED AS UNDERSECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (12-22-11)
Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development
CONTACT: Matt Kitsos (HED) – 617-788-3623
BOSTON – December 22, 2011 – Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki today announced the selection of Aaron Gornstein as the new Undersecretary of the Department of Housing and [...]
Feature Article #4
Home Builders Provide Strong Showing at BBRS Hearing
Approximately 30 members from HBAM attended the BBRS hearing on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in opposition to the Stretch Sprinkler Code proposal. In addition to formal written testimony, the following speakers provided detailed concerns and objections: Michael McDowell (HBAM- President Elect), Steve Dixon (BAGB), Judith Jenkins (BAGB), Liz Kovach (HBRACC), Larry Kady (NEBA), Scott Colwell [...]
Feature Article #5
Post Hearing Press Release: New home fire sprinklers: an expensive solution in search of a problem
For Immediate Release Contact: Doug Pizzi
December 13, 2011 508-251-2599 (office) or 508-314-7988 (cell)
BOSTON – The Home Builders of Massachusetts (HBAM) today called on state building regulatory officials to reject a special interest driven attempt to mandate installation of fire suppression sprinklers in all new one and two-family homes, which will do nothing for fire safety while driving [...]
About HBAM
The Home Builders Association of Massachusetts (HBAM) is a non-profit trade association consisting of over 2000 single and multi-family builders, developers, remodelers, suppliers and other allied professionals to the residential construction industry.
The Home Builders Association of Massachusetts Charter with the National Association of Home Builders goes back to 1959. Local Associations, chartered or affiliated with [...]










