News Release

Home Builders Association sponsors

Showcase of Homes May 11, 12, 18, 19, 20

Local home builders are opening up newly constructed homes for the public to view during the Showcase of Homes May 11 and 12 and May 18, 19, and 20.

 The tenth annual Showcase event, sponsored by the Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA), presents seven newly constructed homes located throughout Door County.  The houses, of various sizes and architectural styles, were constructed by six different builders. 

 Also, cabinetry, flooring, finishes, decorating and other details are being presented by other Door County home and remodeling companies.

 The builders represented this year are: Bay Lakes Builders, A.J. Deuchert Construction, J.A.R. Builders, PortSide Builders, Inc., Tielens Construction and Van's Lumber & Custom Builders. 

 Included is a craftsman's style home on the bluff in Fish Creek. It has spectacular views of Green Bay waters and was built by Van's Lumber & Custom Builders.  Finishes include hickory flooring and interior doors, custom cabinetry and a master suite with a double furniture-style vanity.   

 Also, a 4,871 square foot Baileys Harbor home, rich in details, is one of two homes presented by PortSide Builders, Inc.  Its design was inspired by Door County as well as the Adirondack Camps in Upstate New York.

 Also on the Showcase tour is the Arbors Cottage, Baileys Harbor, rebuilt by J.A.R. Builders, Inc., after being destroyed by fire.

 A. J. Deuchert Construction is presenting a two-story home overlooking Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay. Focal points include a stone woodburning fireplace. Throughout the home is custom cabinetry designed and manufactured by A.J.'s Custom Cabinetry. 

 Also part of the Showcase tour is a 1.5-story home by Bay Lakes Builders. It has an open layout and soaring cathedral ceiling in the main living area. 

 The Egg Harbor home, constructed by Tielens, has unique lap, board and batten and shake-style exterior siding. Inside, features include re-claimed beams, a Door County fieldstone fireplace and more.

 The Showcase cost of $10 includes admission to all homes on the tour. They are on sale at area businesses including Lamperts, banks and at the homes on Showcase days.  Hours of the event are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday, May 20.    

The DCHBA is a not-for-profit membership organization of local builders and related companies in the housing industry. More information is online at dchba.org.

 

For release: February 28, 2012 

DCHBA to award a $1,000 scholarship to local student 

The Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) is accepting applications for a $1,000 scholarship it will award to a Door County high school student who shows enthusiasm and promise in the home building profession.

 Applicants must complete an essay answering why they are interested in the home building industry, have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and intend to pursue their education in the home building industry.

 Applications are due by March 30, and more information is available at www.dchba.org or by calling Dennis Van Bramer of Baudhuin, Inc., 920/743-8211.

   DCHBA is a nonprofit organization with about 100 members representing building and related professions in the housing industry.  The organization was established in 1979 and is affiliated with the Wisconsin Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.  

 

 Home Builders Announce 2012 officers and directors 

The Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) installed 2012 officers and elected new members to its board of directors. 

Jeff Dorner, Van's Lumber & Custom Builders, was named DCHBA's president. He also continues to serve the organization as treasurer. 

Joining the DCHBA's board are two new directors representing the building industry:  Tom Dier, Forestville Builders, and Terry Buhr, TCB Construction. 

Other DCHBA officers this year are Past-president Jack Gigstead, PortSide Builders, Inc.; President-elect Adam Deuchert, AJ Deuchert Construction; and Secretary Dennis VanBramer, Baudhuin, Inc. 

The officers were installed during the DCHBA's general membership meeting during December in Sturgeon Bay.

The 2012 DCHBA board of directors also includes Ron Trimberger, Door County Interiors & Design; Polly Alberts, Alberts Plastering; Dawn Honold, Title Services of Door County; and Brian Peot, Bay Surveying. Nancy Harvey is executive director. 

DCHBA has about 100 members representing building and related professions in the housing industry.  The organization was established in 1979 and is affiliated with the Wisconsin Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.  More information is online at dchba.org.

 

For release:  September 23, 2011
Door County Home Builders Association partners with
Focus on Energy on New Homes Program 

The Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) is partnering with Focus on Energy in a New Homes Program.

 A Focus New Home meets strict criteria for energy efficiency, air tightness, insulation, ventilation and safety. 

 Two site visits during each new home's construction are made by the Focus consultant, who works in partnership with the DCHBA builder-member.

 "DCHBA members are building quality houses that are energy efficient as well as attractive. By working with Focus on Energy, we are able to show our customers--who choose to participate--exact criteria that go into the building of their homes," said Jack Gigstead of PortSide Builders, Inc. and president of DCHBA.

 The Focus New Home building standards include the following:
Energy efficiency
Air tightness
Sealed sump basin
Sealed plumbing rough-in
Full coverage foundation insulation
Slab-on-grade thermal isolation
Whole-house ventilation
Spot ventilation for bathrooms with a tub or shower
Spot ventilation for gas and electric ranges
Space heating and water heating system design
Fireplace design
Carbon monoxide detectors
Insulated and gasketed attic access hatch
Duct testing

 "All of these things add up to a home that is more comfortable, durable, safe and energy efficient," Gigstead said.

 Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that would otherwise not be completed or to complete projects sooner than scheduled, according to Focus on Energy. 

 DCHBA is a trade organization with more than 100 members. DCHBA members include builders and companies representing flooring, finishes, heating and cooling, interior design, cabinetry, landscaping, banking and more. More Information is available at www.focusonenergy.com or at www.dchba.org.

  For release: August 22, 2011

Door County Home Builders Association seeks golfers for outing Sept. 8

 The Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) is taking reservations for its annual golf outing and fundraiser on Thursday, Sept 8 at Cherry Hills Golf Course.

The event begins at 1 p.m. (shotgun start, four-person scramble format) at the course, located at 5905 West Dunn Rd., Sturgeon Bay. 

 Cost is $80 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf with cart, refreshments on the course and a buffet dinner (spiced barbecue pork ribs, baked chicken breast on wild rice, fried cod and more) served in the course's restaurant.  

The DCHBA is also seeking hole sponsors ($50 each), beverage cart sponsors ($100 each) and items for a silent auction and raffle. The cost for the dinner and auction/raffle only (without golfing) is $20.

 Event proceeds will be donated to the Wisconsin Builders Association's (WBA) Political Action Committee (PAC).  DCHBA members are affiliated with the WBA.

"This is a popular event for the Home Builders Association with a great cause to support the construction industry-which is one of the largest in Door County," said DCHBA Treasurer Jeff Dorner of Van's Lumber & Custom Builders, Dyckesville and Egg Harbor.  

Registrations for golf, which are requested by Aug. 26, can be made by completing a form online at dchba.org. Individual golfers without foursomes will be paired with others. 

 More information is available by contacting Dorner at 920/866-2352, ext. 118 or jeffd@vanslumber.com. 

 People interested in sponsorships or auction/raffle donations may contact DCHBA board member Dennis Van Bramer, Baudhuin, Inc., 920/743-8211 or dvanbramer@baudhuin.com.

 The DCHBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving its members and to safe and affordable housing in Door County.

 For release: August 1, 2011 

Door County Home Builders Association's gift
helps building in Afghanistan

 A gift from the Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) is helping Marine Civil Affairs teams with building efforts in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

DCHBA recently purchased and donated 20 new levels--construction measuring tools--and shipped them to Chief Petty Officer Michael McCarty, co-owner of Baudhuin, Inc., Sturgeon Bay, who is a construction chief at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan.

 McCarty observed that Helmand Province contractors needed improved construction tools for projects made from concrete masonry blocks. The buildings include schools, clinics, bazaars and bridge abutments. 

 "After touring around and conducting quality assurance visits to several construction jobs, I noticed that a lot of the buildings were not being constructed level.  The workers do not have some of the basic tools that we have back in the States. They were happy to get the levels," McCarty said in an e-mail interview.

 Some of the donated items will also be used by Civil Affairs teams to teach Afghans basic construction skills, McCarty added.

Dennis Van Bramer, of Baudhuin, Inc., and Jeff Dorner, of Van's Lumber & Custom Builders--both DCHBA board members--coordinated the project.

 "I would like to thank everyone involved. It means a lot to get the support from everyone back home," McCarty said.  More information about DCHBA is online at dchba.org.

 

 

 Home Builders Association sponsors
Showcase of Homes May 6 and 7, 13, 14, 15 

Local home builders are opening up 11 homes for the public to view during the Showcase of Homes May 6 and 7 and May 13, 14 and 15. 

The ninth annual Showcase event, sponsored by the Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA), presents 10 newly constructed homes and one remodeled home in Door County.  The houses, ranging in size from 1,716 to 4,206 square feet, are of diverse architectural styles. They were constructed by seven different builders.  

Also, cabinetry, flooring, finishes, decorating and other details are being presented by other local Door County home and remodeling companies. 

"The Showcase of Homes is a way to check out the quality, workmanship and creativity of area builders and other companies. You can tour and explore at your own pace, ask questions of experts and come away with a better understanding of choices and opportunities available in the exciting home industry," said Jack Gigstead of PortSide Builders, Inc. and president of DCHBA.   

The builders represented this year are are: Bay Lakes Builders, Countrywide Construction, A.J. Deuchert Construction, PortSide Builders, Inc., Tielens Construction, Van's Lumber & Custom Builders and WE Builders, Inc. 

 The homes are located in a variety of areas of Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. Included are a 20^th century Craftsman architectural style house by Bay Lakes Builders and a remodeled and transformed 2,700 square foot home by Countrywide Construction.  A. J. Deuchert Construction is presenting a 4,134 square foot home with a view of the bay of Little Sturgeon; throughout the home is custom cabinetry designed and manufactured by A.J.'s Custom Cabinetry. 

 Also part of the Showcase tour is an expansive 4,206 square foot home on a bluff in Egg Harbor; it affords spectacular views of Green Bay waters from the great room, deck and other rooms and was built by PortSide Builders. A home with sustainable design is being shown by Tielens. Van's Lumber & Custom Builders is presenting a shoreline home, and WE Builders, Inc. constructed a home with unique architectural features such as a barn-style roof and concrete floors.

 The Showcase cost of $10 includes admission to all homes on the tour. They are on sale at area businesses including Lamperts, banks and the Door County Visitors Bureau and at homes on Showcase days.  Hours of the event are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday, May 15.    

The DCHBA is a not-for-profit membership organization of local builders and related companies in the housing industry. More information is online at dchba.org.

For release:  March 3, 2011

Home & Garden Expo set for March 25 and 26;

Home Builders Association to give away 42-inch Vizio television

 People can find out what's new in home building, remodeling and gardening during the Home & Garden Expo set for Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26.

 The event, sponsored by the Door County Home Builders Association, will take place at Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay.

 The DCHBA is donating and giving away to one Expo attendee a 42-inch Vizio television. Also, exhibitors are coordinating drawings for gifts including: a central humidifier (from Action Heating), a handcrafted plant stand from maple and cherry (by A. J. Deuchert Construction); a programmable thermostat (compliments of Peterson Plumbing & Heating); and assorted cellular accessories (from Cellcom).

 Other highlights include five free seminars running over the two days and more than 35 exhibits of educational information.

 The two-day Expo runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26.

  This year's event features special guests Sarah Basch, owner of the FlourGirl Patissier and pastry chef at Alexander's Restaurant; and Diane Knutson of Door County Master Gardeners.

Basch will be giving out samples of her homemade cakes and cupcakes from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 26.  She also will be demonstrating easy pastry decorating techniques suitable for spring holidays.

"I plan to use simple techniques that can be done by someone at home with basic cake decorating tips and equipment. I also plan to use Easter candy such as jelly beans on the cakes and cupcakes to make it fun and easy for kids to help as well," she said.

Exhibitors represent home building, remodeling, cabinets, countertops, flooring, interior design and window coverings, heating and air conditioning, energy, decks, landscaping, banking and more.

Seminar topics include tips on planning a building project, geothermal systems, septic systems, ornamental grasses and outdoor water features.

Kicking off the Expo is a 4:30 p.m. Friday panel discussion on the topic "Planning your building project" with speakers Dave Phillips, PortSide Builders, Inc.; Julie Dragseth, Associated Bank; and Dawn Honold of Title Services of Door County, Inc.

 "Geothermal Nuts, bolts and dollars" is a 10:30 a.m. Saturday presentation by Tom Kinnard of Action Heating. 

 hris Olson, Door County assistant sanitarian, addresses "Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems: More than Just a Toilet," at 11:45 a.m. Saturday. 

 Ornamental grasses is the subject of a 1 p.m. Saturday seminar by Knutson; and outdoor water features will be discussed by Paul Mancheski, owner of WaterScape Designs at 2 p.m. Saturday.

 Admission cost of $5 is good for both days and all seminars. 

For release:  June 3, 2010
Home Builders launch new Web site

 A new Web site, launched in early May by the Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA), helps people find an area builder and other home specialists.

 The Web site, dchba.org, has a new design featuring photography of builders' recent construction projects. Also, DCHBA-sponsored events, meetings for members and educational programs are briefly listed on the home page and detailed deeper in the site.

 "The new Web site is quick loading, a great design and much easier for us to maintain. There is more we want to do online, but this is a wonderful new start for dchba.org," said Brenda Shefchik, interior designer, Macco's Floor Covering Center, who led a committee charged by the DCHBA board of directors with the site's redesign.

 DCHBA is a trade organization, chartered in 1979. Members include builders, who construct homes of all sizes as well as do remodeling, renovation and home additions. Also belonging to DCHBA are associate members representing local companies in flooring, finishes, heating and cooling, interior design, cabinetry, landscaping, banking and more.

 The dchba.org is designed to serve members as well as consumers, who can search for local builders and related companies under the "Membership" tab. This section also includes information about how to join DCHBA, membership benefits and an application. 

 The redesigned "About DCHBA" tab shares the association's mission "to strive for safe and affordable housing." A new page on the DCHBA's affiliated Door County Development Council explains the council's work in advocating for the building industry and information on joining. 

 DCHBA regularly posts its news on the Web site. Also, educational opportunities, such as an upcoming lead safe renovator training program on June 15 in Ellison Bay, are promoted under the "Education" tab.

And the DCHBA's marquee events, including the annual golf outing/PAC fundraiser on Sept. 9, are detailed under the "Events" section. 

 The Web site was created by Infinity Technology. Assisting Shefchik on the DCHBA Web site committee were DCHBA members Deb Counard, Valley Cabinet, Inc.; Jack Gigstead, PortSide Builders, Inc.; Dennis Van Bramer, Baudhuin, Inc.; and Donna Marie Pocius, public relations consultant/freelance writer.

More information is available at dchba.org.
 

For release: April 23, 2010
Home Builders sponsor Showcase of Homes
May 7 & 8 and May 14, 15, 16

The public is invited to tour nine newly constructed and remodeled homes, located throughout Door County, during the Showcase of Homes, sponsored by the Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA).

The homes, of diverse styles and sizes, will be open to the public May 7 and 8 and May 14, 15 and 16. A variety of builders are represented. Seven homes are new builds, and two are remodels.

"Whether you are looking to build, remodel or get up-to-date, the Showcase of Homes is a great way to meet area professionals and discover all the choices available in today's exciting home industry," said Adam Deuchert, president of the DCHBA and owner of A.J. Deuchert Construction.

The cost of $10 includes admission to all homes on the eighth annual tour. Hours are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday. Tickets are available at Lamperts, North Shore Bank, Associated Bank, Baylake Bank, Citizens Bank, Bank Mutual and at the homes on days of the event.

Green building practices, energy efficiency, craftsmanship and eye-catching finishes are among the highlights of this year's event, organizers say.

Cathy Deuchert, a member of DCHBA's Showcase of Homes committee, advises people to plan a route for the tour over two days.

"It's hard to get from one end of the county to another, so do the Showcase in a couple of days. That is why we offer the Showcase on so many days," she said.

Builders presenting homes during the Showcase event are: A.J. Deuchert Construction, Forestville; Bay Lakes Builders & Development, Fish Creek; Countrywide Construction, Maplewood; DeLeers Construction, Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay; PortSide Builders, Sturgeon Bay; Tielens Construction, Dyckesville; and Van's Lumber & Custom Builders, Dyckesville and Egg Harbor.

The builders have constructed or remodeled homes in styles including traditional-craftsman, American classic chalet, Dutch colonial and other looks. The event presents Wisconsin Energy Star Homes; one home is also LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Some homes sit on the shoreline. Others are nestled on wooded lots, within residential villages or in-town locations overlooking Lake Michigan.

Square footage of the Showcase homes also varies from a 1,332 square foot condominium to a 5,900 square foot Egg Harbor home. More information is online at dchba.org or by calling 920/743-6303.

For release:  April 20, 2010

Home Builders donate $1,356 to Feed My People

 The Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) donated $1,356 in proceeds from its Home & Garden Expo attendance to Feed & Clothe My People in Door County.

About 300 people attended the March 26-27 Expo event, which was about the same number of people who attended last year.

Stella Huff, director of Feed & Clothe My People, said the money is being used to purchase food from area stores for persons in need. 

 "I think the Home Builders are wonderful for thinking of another program-especially since they are a nonprofit organization themselves. It is a nice amount of money, and we enjoyed ourselves at the event," Huff said.

 Also, two people won door prizes. Cynthia Crock, of Baileys Harbor, won an outdoor frog water fountain donated by WaterScape Designs, Forestville; and Roger Kerscher, of Sturgeon Bay, won a concrete coffee table, crafted and donated by Dylan Lauger of Lauger Concrete, Sturgeon Bay.   

 More information about DCHBA is online at dchba.org.