by Judie Docs, Executive Officer, North Coast BIA, CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
Consumers often ask why they should choose a member of the NCBIA to build their new home, remodel their current home or to do a painting, plumbing or electrical job for the home or business.
It would be great to say that by joining the NCBIA, all companies become totally professional, competent and honest in all their dealings, but the truth is that just because a company joins the NCBIA doesn’t mean that they become the perfect company for your project.
The consumer still has to do their homework and do some checking before hiring any contractor, whether they are a member of the NCBIA or not. The building trades are no different from other trades, groups, professions or organizations. There are always going to be a few bad contractors, just like there are always going to be a few bad teachers, policemen, ministers, government officials and etc.
However, having said that, it is firmly believed that using a member of the NCBIA is usually a very wise decision by the consumer for many reasons.
First of all, it is very rare when a fly-by-night type company will spend the money to join the local, state, and national builder associations. They have no intention of staying in the area, their goal is to line up some jobs and take the money and disappear.
When a company applies for membership in the NCBIA, the association checks to be sure they are a legitimate company who is involved in the building trades and does business in the area served by the association.
First reviewed by the association Membership Committee, then submitted to the entire membership and finally listed in our bi-monthly magazine. Members are asked at each of these stages to identify any reasons why the potential new member should not be accepted as a member. The final review of the company’s request for membership is by the NCBIA Board of Directors. If there are no objections or written reports received from any member or no notice of any credit problems, the company is accepted as a member of the association.
Once a company is accepted as a member, they must abide by the NCBIA Bylaws and Code of Ethics of the NCBIA, the Ohio Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. There is not enough space to list all these requirements, but the main criteria are that member must conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
Members must comply with the requirements of the State Attorney General and the FTC advertising guidelines. There shall be no misleading or deceiving of their customers. They must offer a guarantee on their labor and material of at least one year and extend to their customers the terms of the manufacturer or supplier guarantee or warranty. They must perform work in compliance with the local laws for the public health and safety and meet all contractual obligations.
While there are some restrictions on who can and cannot be accepted as a new member by the courts and restraint of trade concerns, the NCBIA does have the legal right to expel members who violate our bylaws and code of ethics. An expelled member cannot apply for membership again in our association for a minimum of three years and must provide evidence that the original complaint has been resolved.
To resolve any member/consumer disputes, the NCBIA uses the services of the Ohio Arbitration and Mediation Center, Inc. The OAMC serves as an independent third party who is professionally trained in construction case mediation and arbitration.
The North Coast Building Industry Association is your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future or possibly one of the items mentioned in this article. So you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the About Us tab). Like us or better yet share us on Facebook!
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