I wanted to share a story about building in today’s environment.

 Noah’s Ark

 The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living as a Home Builder and General Contractor in North Carolina .  

 The Lord said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the flooding rains for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.

"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.

My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Planning Board for a variance.

The Architecture Committee of our Property Owners Association cannot agree on basic questions such as “should all properties be alike or should they all be different, what colors are acceptable, and above all can we allow a boat parked outside for six months”. They did agree we can have two inside pets but what about all the others? And our zoning restrictions do not allow multi family.

Then the DOT demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

When I started gathering the animals, PETA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

INS is checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark. "

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it”

Author Unknown

 Forty years ago we could have built an ark.  My experience as a developer for over 40 years and as a fulltime builder for 39 years leads me to the conclusion that the layer upon layer of regulations has had little positive impact. The good local builders with pride in their products did and still do provide great products at affordable prices. Education of builders and consumers and competion for those customers creates a continuing improvement in the products. The Home Builders Associations offer educational updates and programs in which many builders participate. Many construction improvements originate with builders, their associates and suppliers. Regulators can have a great impact educating all contractors and consumers as most people want to do what is best. The ones who resist education are the ones to watch out for or avoid.  

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