MBAKS has released a new middle housing issue brief to support successful implementation of House Bill 1110. The new brief, Middle Housing Implementation Plan, contains process and model code recommendations for cities subject to HB 1110, as well as tools and resources related to middle housing.

MBAKS’ overarching suggestion for cities implementing middle housing is to keep it simple. The easier and more cost-effective it is to build middle housing, the more likely it is to be built, and the more attainable it will be for those looking for a place to call home. The recommendations in the issue brief were informed by the work of MBAKS’ Ad Hoc Middle Housing Advisory Group and are designed to streamline the review process and facilitate more housing choices.

Allowing more middle housing will enable cities to better plan for a spectrum of housing choices so that current residents, newcomers, and future generations may find a home that best fits their lives. View Middle Housing Implementation Plan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Nona Raybern, Public Relations & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067
m 425.208.6308

2020 Winners Announced for the REX/T-REX (Remodeling Excellence and Trades Remodeling Excellence) Awards

The virtual celebration highlighted the best remodelers in the Puget Sound region.

BELLEVUE, Wash.—August 17, 2020—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) hosted their Remodeling/Trades Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards virtually this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The REX/T-REX Awards are presented by the Remodelers Council of MBAKS, the oldest Remodelers Council in the nation. Local remodelers and builders submitted their best projects of the year. They watched the ceremony at small viewing parties in compliance with Washington state’s Phase 2 guidelines and accepted their awards over camera.

REX/T-REX entries were judged on the following categories:

1. Aesthetics—How is the remodel visually appealing?
2. Special or unique design solutions—How was the space planned and was livability considered?
3. Quality workmanship—What are the special features of the project and is there attention to detail?
4. Use of appropriate building material—Does the remodel complement existing structure and design?
5. Budgetary consideration—How did the project keep within the budget and still deliver client expectations?
6. Challenges and obstacles—Were there any unexpected obstacles that called for adjustments?

2020 REX/T-REX Winners

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

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By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Housing Inventory Still Well Below Healthy Levels

Despite a modest increase in housing inventory for sale in King and Snohomish counties during September—reaching the highest levels seen all year with 1.13 and 1.26 months’ supply of inventory respectively—these figures are still well below the four-to-six month range that many industry analysts consider to be an indicator of a healthy market. The continued high demand and low supply is driving year-over-year price hikes of more than 14 percent in both counties.

The Builders’ Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, U.S. Census Bureau, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

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