Liz Schneider, President, North Coast Building Industry Association
In today’s changing housing market, potential homeowners have more questions than ever. How do I know if my builder or remodeler is the best one for the job? How do I choose a home sales professional that I am confident has my best interests in mind? How can I modify my home so I can continue living here after I retire?
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers comprehensive training programs to builders, remodelers and other industry specialists that lead to professional credentials. The professional designations from NAHB can be earned in any of 13 specific areas ranging from building and remodeling to sales to property management to green building, allowing you to find the perfect program for your specific niche or specialty.
Earning a professional designation from NAHB is a challenging and enriching process. Though the curriculum is demanding, year after year, builders and remodelers eagerly enroll in designations programs, and each year hundreds from around the country earn professional credentials.
NAHB’s targeted curriculum and accomplished teachers help builders and remodelers learn the latest technology, building methods and business practices. Designations also give consumers a guide to selecting professionals who have specialized in their areas of interest, whether it is aging-in-place or marketing. Consumers can rest assured that a credentialed graduate from NAHB Education has excellent training, practical experience and in-depth knowledge.
“Obtaining a designation adds some credibility to builders. It provides a third-party endorsement that says I’m not doing this just as a job, I’m doing it as a profession,” says Jim Carr, a Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and professor at the University of Arkansas.
Imagine that you have an elderly parent who is moving in with you, and you want to ensure they will be safe and comfortable in their new environs. Preparations to make the home more accessible for your loved one may entail working with a remodeler to widen doors, install shower bars for improved safety and make other modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities or accessibility challenges. Choosing a professional who has earned the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation ensures that your remodeler has completed a demanding curriculum that covers how to overcome common age-related barriers.
Designations in the following areas currently are awarded by NAHB Education:
- Certified Green Professional (CGP)
- Master Certified Green Professional (Master CGP)
- Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR)
- Certified Graduate Associate (CGA)
- Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)
- Graduate Master Builder (GMB)
- Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
- Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
- Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP)
- Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP)
- Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP)
- Master in Residential Marketing (MIRM)
- Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
To find a professional with an NAHB designation in your area, call the NCBIA (440) 934-1090.
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. 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 Industry tab).
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Homeownership is truly a cornerstone of the American way of life. North Coast Building Industry – Come Build with Us!