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| Building Success
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| A talk with Gaylord Hanes, the new president of the HBA
By Amy Durham
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Q: There are numerous builder groups. What sets the HBA
apart?
A: We are here to enable all builders to become better prepared to produce a better
product for the consumer. In business, you must have organization. One of the major objectives coming out of this
organization is education, so we can become better trained in all phases of construction, maintenance, and
remodeling.
Sometimes we become proactive politically. Recently, we saw a need for better regulation in the state of Texas.
By participating in the legislative process in Austin, the HBA of Greater Dallas worked toward getting a bill
passed to form the New Home Construction committee. In the future, builders will have to register not only their
businesses with the committee, but they will also be required to register each new home. This will go a long way
toward protecting consumers' rights.
Q: How do buidlers keep up with rapid technological change?
A: That's a challenge for all of us. Although I've been trying to build the best home I can for 25 years,
because of new technologies and products, the home I build today is much more advanced. Through continuing
education at the HBA I learn about these things and stay on the cutting-edge.
Q: How many members do you have?
A: We started in 1944 with 75 members. Today we have 2,000. Here in Dallas-Fort Worth, the HBA includes
seven counties, and these counties contain smaller divisions and councils to help serve the needs of each
community.
Q: Is it difficult to join the HBA?
A: I suppose so, in a good way. You have to supply references from people you have built homes for. You
also have to have references from banks, suppliers, and subcontractors. The Executive Committee approves new
applications monthly. We're trying to get responsible business people with the right attitude towards customers.
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Q: "The right attitude"?
A: The perfect home has never been built. As people live in it, they will find things that need to be
corrected. How a builder responds is the proof of the pudding. We have a responsibility to the customer to repair
these things, to see that their rights are protected, and to ensure that we build a habitable home.
Q: How can I choose a good builder?
A: I'd say 99 percent of builders are good people. But if you work with a member of the HBA, you know
they've been screened. Then ask for at least two references from people they've built homes for. You might even
ask for bank references. If any of these reports are going to be bad, they probably won't give you any. That's
a bad sign.
Q: So, what's a good sign?
A: The typical home has a million parts put together by 100 different individuals. Each of those parts
varies in quality and dimension. A good builder uses the right quality and dimension for every part.
We're constantly learning new ways to make homes stronger and more energy efficient. We live in an area where
soils exert a great deal of pressure on foundations.
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A good builder knows how to build a foundation that won't crack
and a frame that will stand up to the high winds in our part of the country.
Q: I've heard a lot this year about the HBA helping around the community. Why does the HBA put so much
effort into helping others?
A: I don't know if it's the nature of people in this business or the nature of all people, but this industry
has contributed thousands upon thousands of dollars to our local communities.
The charitable arm of the HBA of Greater Dallas is called "Home Builders Care," and it's active in constructing
homes for the needy and rehabilitating historic neighborhoods. HomeAid Dallas works for the construction and
renovation of shelters for the homeless and safe refuges for battered women and children.
The HBA's annual Parade of Homes is a familiar Dallas tradition, but it also has a charitable component. Each
showcase house features one room designed to reflect the special wish of one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
children. Proceeds assist in granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in
North Texas.
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