DID YOU MISS IT? ERC Credit?

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Not Yet! In a recent Internal Revenue Service  bulletin, the IRS urges employers to take advantage of the newly extended

Employee Retention Credit (ERC). This program is designed to cover essential expenses, retain employees and invest in

future growth. This, in turn, promotes employee loyalty, job satisfaction and a sense of stability in the company.

The ERC is a cash refund up to $ 26,000 per full time employee you had on your payroll during COVID-19. This is NOT a

loan and you DON’T have to pay it back, but you do have to apply to receive your refund.

If you haven’t applied yet or are unsure if you qualify, Contact us for a FREE information packet. Mark R Jaikes, Jaikes

Advisory Group, 239.272.6275 or Mark@JaikesAdvisoryGroup.com.

Do Contractors Need Errors & Omissions Insurance?

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Errors & Omissions insurance is an important yet often forgotten insurance coverage by many contractors. Almost every contractor carries some form of general liability coverage. While these policies can provide much-needed protection for bodily injury and property damage claims that occur as the result of a contractor’s work, they typically don’t account for all forms of negligence, and does not cover faulty work.

That’s where professional liability or E&O comes in.

Simply put, general liability policies are not adequate enough to protect against errors and omissions claims, necessitating standalone coverage. In fact, most general liability policies exclude your work, your products, and impaired property, creating significant insurance gaps.

Errors & Omissions policies can help contractors close gaps in their insurance coverages, covering damages to your work that occurs once the job is completed and that is a direct result of your personal negligence, error, or omission. This includes the following scenarios:

  • Failing to deliver promised services
  • Negligence in providing professional services
  • Poor, incorrect, or incomplete work
  • Errors and oversights


Some situations which a claim may arise include:

  • Improper design of a concrete floor that cracks under the weight of a company’s equipment
  • Installation of a heating and cooling system found to be incapable of properly ventilating a building
  • A design defect that prohibits a building from being certified

Errors & Omissions insurance for contractors only applies to damages to the work and the product when the work is completed, so any work that is still in progress won’t be covered. Additionally, most policies do not cover dishonest, malicious, illegal, or criminal acts, such as the intentional violation of the law. For instance, if a contractor knowingly substitutes cheap materials or otherwise cuts corners to save money, and it results in damages to the value of the work, the resulting damages will not be covered.

Errors & Omissions policies are usually written on a claims-made basis, meaning the policy must be active when a claim is made in order for coverage to apply. Courts often rule against contractors in claims related to errors and omissions and, without the proper protection, general contractors would have to cover the damages out of pocket.

As a contractor, you should consider purchasing an E&O policy to ensure you are accounting for all of your unique risks.

For More Information:

Nick Wichmanowski
Client Advisor, Partner
239.659.6653 Direct
239.213.2813 Fax
nwichmanowski@gulfshoreinsurance.com

Preparing Your Business for Natural Disasters

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Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Home building industry members must prepare their homes and businesses to keep their families and employees safe if the worst should occur. Read more

Don’t Get Scammed: Find a Qualified Contractor

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There are thousands of legitimate, ethical contractors in business around the country. Unfortunately, there are also scam artists looking to cheat you out of your money who pose as legitimate contractors. These “fly-by-night” operators often show up in communities impacted by natural disasters to try to scam distressed homeowners into paying for shoddy repairs or work that they will never show up to perform.

Here are some warning signs to look out for:

Doesn’t have a license and insurance. All professional contractors should be insured and able to show their certificate proving such insurance. Although all states do not require licensing, contractors in states requiring licenses should have it and be able to provide a copy.

Asks you to sign anything before you’ve hired them. If they want you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you’ve made the decision to hire the contractor, look out. They may be trying to get you to sign what is an actual binding contract.

Doesn’t write contracts. Professionals have clear contracts that outline the job, process, the cost, and helps clarify how problems will be managed. If you don’t have a contract, you are not protected when something goes wrong. Don’t hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.”

Requires cash or payment in full before starting the job. Shady contractors demand cash and then run with the money. Many homeowners have been stranded by paying in full up front. A deposit towards materials is common, but only pay it once you have a contract signed by both you and the contractor. It’s also suspect you’re asked to pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.

Vastly underbids all other contractors. They may have the best price, but that doesn’t guarantee the best work. Such contractors may cut costs on quality, which can end up costing you more when you have to have the substandard work redone.

Offers “special” pricing. If you’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price, or you’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.

Cannot provide customer references. Professional contractors should have current references they can provide from current and past clients — and you should be able to reach those references, not just an answering machine.

Difficulty contacting the contractor. Professionals have a physical office, mailing address, phone, and email. They should respond to your queries in a timely manner. Make sure you can verify the contractor’s business address. If they only have a p.o. box, be wary.

Tells you to obtain the building or remodeling permits. Professional contractors go to county or state offices and get permits for their work themselves. Asking the homeowner to do it is a sign that they are not a legitimate contractor.

Your best bet is to take your time, do your research and choose someone you feel completely comfortable with. If your state requires contractors to be licensed, look them up on the state licensing website (www.myfloridalicense) even if you’ve seen a piece of paper that looks like a license. Make sure they don’t have a record of consumer complaints lodged with your local Better Business Bureau. You can also find resources at www.CBIA.net and find a list of reputable contractors in your area. Search NAHB’s Directory of Professional Remodelers to find an NAHB Remodelers member anywhere in the US.

FEMA Common Questions

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  • I won’t take FEMA money do I still have to comply with FEMA? If the house is in a flood zone and you cannot demonstrate that it is above design flood elevation, yes you have to provide FEMA paperwork.
  • If paint and flooring does not need a permit why do I have to declare as a cost on my permit? When repairing to minimum standards, FEMA requires that all cost of placing back to livable space is accounted for, therefore if you replaced drywall you will have to paint it, this FEMA will be looking for a cost-listed under painting.
  • Do I need signed and sealed plans to submit for a permit? No, as long as you are doing like for like.
  • What inspection will be done when I replace 2-4 ft of drywall? Typically only final inspections.

Requirements for Hurricane Ian Recovery – Multi-Family Units

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From Naples Building Department

  1. Owners cannot do the work as an owner/builder. Florida building code does not allow owner/builders to work on multifamily units, MUST be by a licensed building contractor.
  2. A full FEMA packet must be completed with a full breakdown of cost and backup.
  3. The City is not accepting the Collier County Property Appraiser’s improved value for the unit to demonstrate SI/SD allowance amount. You must use either; 1. Replacement value from the association’s flood policy, or; 2. Private appraisal. (building amount will be divided by the total units in the building. The allowable amount is 50% of the unit amount).
  4. The City is only allowing recovery to pre-Ian conditions, with no improvements, or remodels.
  5. A permit must be for full recovery, and cannot stage or divide work among multiple permits.
  6. They will allow 1 permit per building (for all 4 units) if one contractor is doing the work for all units, for the full scope of work.
  7. Will require 1 permit per unit if multiple contractors are working on the units within the building.
  8. Will allow change of contractor, midway through the permit. (for example, if one contractor is doing drywall, and another contractor is doing finishing work).

Submitted by:
Adam Northrup, Project Manager | Elite Permits of Naples
2670 North Horseshoe Drive, Suite 205, Naples FL 34104 | 239-280-0570

WARNING!

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(October 3, 2022) As the southwest Florida community begins the recovery after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, local home builders are warning residents to be beware of scam contractors. Collier Building Industry Association encourages all residents to research contractors to avoid paying for substandard home repairs.

 “Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors show up after the storm and try to take advantage of homeowners to get them to pay for below-average work or worse, they may not ever show up,” Matt Sellick, CBIA President. “Before you hire a contractor, please make sure to do your homework.”

Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) recommends that homeowners in Collier research potential contractors:

  • Find out if the firm has a permanent business address and a good reputation.
  • Insist on a complete and clearly written contract.
  • DO ask for references and DO NOT pay cash upfront.
  • Call the CBIA for a list of reliable contractors.

CBIA is a National Association of Home Builders-affiliated home builder association that represents the largest network of craftsmen, innovators, and problem solvers dedicated to building and enriching communities.

About CBIA

Founded in 1985, CBIA is an association of builders, remodelers, interior designers, and other professionals in the housing industry. It is one of 700 state and local associations and operates under the auspices of the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. CBIA’s Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) provides sales and marketing assistance, information and support to the builder and associate members of the CBIA. The SMC serves as a means to stimulate and maintain a high quality of sales and marketing expertise for CBIA members. CBIA is located at 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite 110, Naples, Florida. For more information, call (239) 436-6100 or visit www.cbia.net. Follow CBIA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Rebuilding and Repairing Your Home After a Natural Disaster

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As the southwest community begins the recovery after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, local home builders are warning residents to be aware of scammers that may pose as legitimate contractors.

The Collier Building Industry (CBIA) encourages all residents to research contractors to avoid paying for substandard home repairs.

The following is a list of things to remember when hiring a professional contractor. Always do your homework and proceed with care.

▪ Ask for proof of a current license from the Check a Contractor’s License – (cbia.net)

▪ Ask for proof of general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to show you an insurance certificate and expect you to ask for it. Usually, we would tell you to contact his insurance carrier and have a copy of the certificate sent directly from the agency, however, this may not be realistic during this time of disaster.

▪ In Collier County and the surrounding counties, jobs should always be permitted (if required) and inspected. You should check with the inspection department in your area for complete information or if fees are currently required.

▪ Ask for references and check those references.

▪ Check with the Better Business Bureau for any history of unsatisfied complaints.

▪ Verify the company’s permanent business address is in this area and not from out of state.

▪ If you get more than one bid, be sure you read through the estimates and are comparing similar scopes of work with comparable materials and labor.

▪ You should understand your contract and warranties that the builder will provide for the work performed. The contract should outline the scope of the work, the price, and at what points of completion payment is due.

▪ Be wary of low bids – the lowest bid is not always the best.

▪ Be wary of a contractor who wants full or cash payments before the job begins and utilizes high-pressure sales tactics to sign a contract.

Visit the CBIA website, www.cbia.net for more information and for a complete listing of builders and
subcontractors. The office can also be reached at 239-436-6100.

Click here for the Document
Collier Building Industry Association, Inc. | 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite #110, Naples, FL 34105 | www. CBIA.net

CBIA Leaders Honored by FHBA

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Press Release

CBIA Leaders Honored by Florida Home Builders Association 

Naples, Fla. (August 10, 2020) – The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) today announced that Past President Ryan Benson, Board Member Robyn Bonaquist and Former State Legislator and CBIA member Mike Davis were recognized by the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) during the Southeast Building Conference, held virtually July 29-31, 2020.  

Ryan Benson, CBIA Past President and A Vernon Allen Builder Principal/Owner, was named FHBA’s 2020 Young Building Professional of the Year.

“Ryan Benson is that one in a million leader…a change agent…who is full of innovative ideas and has the uncanny ability to engage the most effective experts among our members to build upon these ideas and work together to effectively implement them,” said CBIA Executive Officer Amelia Vasquez

Established in 2019, the FHBA Young Building Professional Award recognizes young building industry professionals who propel their careers; advance in local, state and national associations; advocate for the building industry, engage with peers; and embed themselves as exceptional members of their communities. Winners are selected based on career growth and progression, industry involvement, innovation, leadership development, community outreach and volunteerism, continuing education, and personal principles.

“Our successful advocacy efforts locally and with our state legislative delegation, effective succession plan for staffing, current fiscal stability and focus on innovation are exceptional examples of Ryan’s competency, intelligence and true understanding of what it takes to insure the future stability of our industry,” according to John Williams, CBIA president and principal at RWA Inc. “He is powerfully advancing the building industry both locally and beyond, and is setting new standards for its future support and growth.”

Robyn Bonaquist, CBIA Board Member and B-Squared Advertising Founding Partner and President, received the 2020 Associate of the Year Award.

“Robyn is an exemplary role model for women throughout our industry, modeling the most ethical leadership characteristics both in her profession and on behalf of CBIA,” said CBIA Executive Officer Vasquez. 

The Associate of the Year Award encourages expertise in the industry and outstanding leadership qualities. Associates of the Year are selected annually by the FHBA Past Second Vice Presidents’ Council, announced during the Summer Conference/SEBC, and presented during the Fall Leadership Conference 

“Robyn has served as chair of our Sales and Marketing Council, served on several CBIA task force initiatives and currently serves on our CBIA and SMC boards,” said Vasquez. “She has also been a long-time champion and liaison for the Florida Home Builders Association here in southwest Florida, serving for several years as a delegate to FHBA as a member of the FHBA Sales and Marketing Council Board of Directors, and as chair of SEBC.”

Former State Legislator and CBIA member Mike Davis was inducted posthumously into the FHBA Hall of Fame.

According to former CBIA and FHBA president, Al Zichella, Vice President of Development at London Bay who nominated him, shared that Davis was a champion for affordable housing and essential service personnel housing. “As a visionary and consensus builder, his work resulted in effective legislative policies which have enhanced opportunities for the working class to obtain homeownership,” said Zichella of Davis, who died of cancer in 2008.

The primary mission of the Florida Housing Hall of Fame is to honor men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to housing in Florida, the building industry, and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA). A secondary purpose is to promote a positive image of Florida’s building industry to the general public through increased awareness and education.

 “I cannot think of any one person more worthy of the posthumously being inducted in the FHBA Hall of Fame,” said Zichella. 

About CBIA

Founded in 1985, CBIA is an association of more than 450 builders, remodelers, interior designers and other housing industry professionals. It is one of 800 state and local associations and operates under the auspices of the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.

To learn more about CBIA programs, services, events and initiatives, visit www.cbia.net, call 239-436-6100, or follow CBIA on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter. CBIA offices are located at 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite 110, Naples, Florida.

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