When it decided to exclude members who were not willing to measure up to these standards, the board of the Indianapolis association was taking a real gamble. It risked losing members and becoming unmarketable or even a laughing stock.
But three years later, the program has proven not only to be a success with the members, but it has become a huge draw for new membership and was a significant factor for the more than 220 applicants who were seeking to become members of the association last year.
In a nutshell, this is why we join and maintain memberships in our associations. Yes, it costs to belong, but it’s worth every cent. The smaller the remodeler’s business, the more important such association benefits as quality assurance builder standards become.
Along with the local and state associations, NAHB is the best place to find educational curriculums, professional designations, advocacy for housing and remodeling issues and research into building products and practices
It’s the place to find out what you need to write into your contracts to deal with mold, what you need to do to handle lead paint issues, how to use the legislative process to achieve the industry’s priorities, what the research shows about building products, and most importantly it is the place to network with other remodelers.
In short, the home builders association is the best place for the new remodeler, the smaller market contractor and the small builder. It provides the means for ensuring that members are more successful in their businesses than non-members.
Check with your local association leaders and suggest that they consider following the example of the Indianapolis builders by adopting quality standards. It works, and it’s a good deal for everyone, providing the buying public with the assurance and confidence that they are putting their housing dreams into the hands of competent professionals.
Taking voluntary steps to ensure quality in the jobs we do may also well be the best answer to the licensing issues that are becoming an increasingly hot topic around the country.
For more information, the NAHB Remodelors Council™ is a good place to begin. Call us at 800-368-5242 x8216.
BuilderBooks.com offers a variety of publications online about remodeling and for contractors. To view or purchase these publications, click here.
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