By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The near-record-low 2.6% unemployment rate for Seattle/Bellevue/Everett seen in February rose to 5.5% in March, according to the latest monthly employment report, which shows the first wave of job losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Employment Security Department notes the impacts on jobs are more likely to be evident in the April report. Meanwhile, housing indicators from the latest Builders Bulletin do not yet reflect the impact of coronavirus on real estate and new home construction. The report shows year-over-year median home price increases in March and rising permits in February.

The Builder's Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, State of the Cities Data Systems, Office of Financial Management, and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Download this month's report:

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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We encourage you to invite your staff, subcontractors, homeowner clients, as well as friends and business partners to enjoy the evening with you. We especially encourage you to make sure your T-REX recipients attend. This is an opportunity for all to show their appreciation and support for the exceptional group of remodelers who are part of the oldest Remodelers Council in the nation.

I look forward to celebrating with you on May 13!

Your 2017 REX/T-REX Chair,

Luellen Smith
Rhino Wine Cellars & Cooling Systems