
Harbin Lumber of Athens sponsored this month’s Jackson County Builders Association (JCBA) meeting, hosted by Jackson EMC, on August 14.

Harbin Lumber of Athens General Manager Todd Lord recognized Currahee Home Builders, a member of JCBA who was in attendance, for spearheading and seeing the Build for Devon project through to completion. Lord also provided a market update, sharing that the Commodity Price Index Costs hit the highest ever in June 2018, decreasing by 41.2% in June 2019. That is good news for home builders and home owners, as the raw materials for building a home cost less today than they did a year ago.
Harbin Lumber’s partner Dealers Choice provided a presentation on some new materials available that have distinct advantages to home builders and home owners. The presentation qualified the builder attendees for 1 hour of continuing education credit.
John Leonard and Megan Peeples shared three product lines with the audience.


In the decking category, Leonard shared Tamko’s Envision Composite Lumber. The Envision Distinction line is a unique, elegant approach to composite decking that offers a rich multi-grain and muti-dye pattern on each board. No two boards are alike, providing a similar aesthetic to natural wood with the durability of composite. Tamko’s warranty is higher than industry average at 25 years manufacturers warranty on the decking and the first 5 years are fully covered for material and labor.

Peeples shared some updated products for those interested in the barnwood and shiplap trend. Great American Spaces offers five distinctive collections that have the benefit of being completely finished and ready to hang directly to studs. No backing board and no finishing is required. The boards come in 12 or 16 feet, and when the cost of labor and finish work is factored in, end up being the same cost as buying unfinished raw shiplap, but with a more durable and predictable aesthetic.

Finally, Leonard covered the CertainTeed line of roofing products and the Landmark Solaris designer shingles. With a wind rating of 110 mph and more asphalt per shingle than any other brand, it’s topped off with a 10 year labor and material warranty, and a 15-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. The warranty is also transferable.
All of the products available through Dealers Choice are available from Harbin Lumber.
In association business, JCBA is gearing up for the Fall Clay Shoot on September 11 and the Fall Membership Drive beginning in September. Those interested in participating can become involved in the JCBA by calling 706-367-0611, visiting http://www.jacksoncountybuilders.com/ , or emailing jcbuilders@windstream.net .