FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

Local Remodeling Companies Win Big at Master Builders Association’s Biggest REX/T-REX Awards

BELLEVUE, Wash.—May 7, 2018—On Saturday, local remodeling companies gathered at the Seattle Design Center to celebrate their craftsmanship and talents at the annual Remodeling/Trade Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards, produced by the Remodelers Council of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. Overall, 87 entries were submitted, the highest number in the 32-year history of the event. Entries were judged by independent remodeling professionals who chose winners based on the following six criteria:

1. Aesthetics—Is the project visually appealing?
2. Special or unique design solutions—Does the project reflect optimal space planning and livability?
3. Quality workmanship—Does the project exhibit special crafting or exceptional features?
4. Use of appropriate building material—Does the project complement existing structure and design?
5. Budgetary consideration—How did the remodeler successfully utilize solutions to budgetary constraints?
6. Challenges and obstacles—Did the remodeler overcome unique challenges in completing the project?

Here are the 2018 winners (Additional photos available upon request):

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 3,000 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.

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By Mike Pattison, Snohomish County Manager

In December 2016, the Washington state Supreme Court struck a blow to vesting rights when it ruled that newly adopted stormwater regulations do not vest. The Court let stand a window for certain projects to remain vested. The new stormwater regulations will apply to all applications submitted after July 1, 2015 and projects approved prior to July 1, 2015 which have not started construction by June 30, 2020.

The case, Snohomish County, et al. v. Pollution Control Hearings Board, will severely impact applications that have been submitted to a jurisdiction but are not yet approved. The opinion eliminates vesting for environmental regulations mandated by the state, including stormwater.

An editorial by MBA President Mike Walsh was recently published in The Herald discussing the case and explaining why vesting is so important to the homebuilding industry.

While there is no ability for local government to overcome the decision with local legislation, King and Snohomish counties are currently petitioning the Court to reconsider and clarify some of the opinion.

Further, there is a proposal before the Washington State Legislature, Senate Bill 5212, that would restore vesting rights.

For more information, contact Snohomish County Manager Mike Pattison, 425.460.8203.

By West Seattle Blog

Today was a special work day for crews from some members of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties—the annual Rampathon, donating time to build mobility ramps for residents in need. Among this year's participants, longtime WSB sponsor Potter Construction.

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