At Caulkins Homes, our legacy isn’t just measured in the homes we build — it’s in the lives we impact and the communities we help grow. With over 36 years of experience designing and constructing custom homes in Eastern Connecticut, we’ve always believed that leadership means more than staying current. It means shaping the future — both in how we build and how we advocate.
This June, that belief took center stage in Washington, D.C.
Patrick Caulkins Represents Our Industry on Capitol Hill
Patrick Caulkins, our Principal Project Manager and third-generation business leader in Southeastern Connecticut’s homebuilding community, and president of the Home Builders Association of Eastern CT proudly attended the 2025 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
As a local leader and representative of the Home Builders Association, Patrick joined over 1,000 building industry professionals in meeting with members of Congress to address some of the most pressing issues affecting housing affordability, building practices, and community development.
“Our homes are only as strong as the communities they serve. That’s why we’re committed to being part of the national conversation,” Patrick shared. “This is about more than construction — it’s about shaping a future we can all be proud of. I’m honored to help influence that future — not only for our current clients and neighbors, but also for my family who have a 36-year legacy of designing and building high-quality custom homes throughout Southeastern Connecticut, and my son who represents the fourth generation of our family to serve this region.”
Key Issues That Impact Homeowners in Eastern Connecticut
Advocacy time on the Hill focused on three central priorities — all of which have a direct impact on families and neighborhoods in the towns we serve and beyond:
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Workforce Development
As the labor shortage continues to challenge homebuilding nationwide, Patrick advocated for policies that invest in skilled trades training and technical education — something especially critical for sustaining high-quality home construction in our local towns. These programs help ensure that the next generation of builders in Southeastern Connecticut is well-trained and ready to meet demand. -
Energy Codes
Patrick emphasized the importance of practical, balanced energy efficiency standards that reflect both environmental responsibility and financial feasibility. In our local communities where long-term value and energy-conscious living are priorities, it’s essential that codes are updated and balanced with thoughtful consideration to cost-effectiveness for homeowners to obtain these goals.
“We want our homes to be both energy-smart and attainable,” Patrick explained. “We push for policies that strike the right balance between sustainability and practicality.”
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Tax Policy
By supporting fair, pro-housing tax policies, Patrick advocated for initiatives that make homeownership more attainable and sustainable across Connecticut — particularly in our local communities where affordability and growth are central concerns for working families and retirees alike. Our local area is expanding in growth. According to an interview posted by the Norwich Bulletin this year, GDEB President Mark Rayha, said the company will hire 3,000 more employees, with most in the Groton facility, in 2025, marking “a significant year of hiring”.
These working families need housing.
Why Our Advocacy Matters to You
Our involvement in national legislative efforts reflects what Caulkins Homes has stood for across generations: commitment, expertise, and a deep connection to the families and places we build for.
This isn’t just about policy — it’s about our company investing time, energy and resources:
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🔹 Ensuring your home is built by a company that stays ahead of change
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🔹 Protecting the affordability and quality of life in the towns we live in and love
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🔹 Serving as advocates not just for our clients, but for our entire community
Building for the Future — Today and for Generations to Come
Whether we’re meeting with Congress in Washington or walking a homesite in East Lyme, Waterford, Mystic Country, Canterbury and beyond, our focus remains the same: to deliver excellence, integrity, and lasting value in every home we build. Patrick’s participation in the 2025 NAHB Legislative Conference reinforces our enduring legacy and commitment to building better — not only for today’s homeowners, but for the generations to follow.
Let’s build your future — together.
Contact us today to begin the journey with a team that leads from foundation to finish.
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