March is National Designation Month Designations Make a Difference When Choosing a Building Professional

Submitted by Judie Docs, Executive Officer, North Coast BIA CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM

The connection you have to your home is very personal, especially if you’ve lived in the same home for several years. It’s where countless memories have been made while raising children, working in the garden or celebrating birthdays and holidays.

It’s no wonder nearly 90 percent of people over age 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible, and 80 percent believe their current residence is where they will always live, according to surveys from AARP.

A large wave of aging Boomers are entering this “aging-in-place” phase of homeownership, generating strong demand for remodelers who specialize in making home modifications that create safer, more convenient living spaces. But many home owners aren’t sure where to find the most qualified person for the job.

So as part of National Designation Month – when the North Coast Building Industry Association and the National Association of Home Builders shine the spotlight on industry professionals who go the extra mile to attain advanced training and achieve specialized designations.

Certified Green Professional (CGP) – those who incorporate ecofriendly building principles into their work, without driving up the cost of construction.

Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or Remodeler (CGR) – those who have several years of industry experience and possess advanced skills not only as a talented home builder or remodeler, but also as a trusted business manager.

Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) – those who work in the affordable housing industry and educate others on the complex regulations of the LowIncome Housing Tax Credit.

Certified Aging-inPlace Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.

Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) Taking the required classes in person or online, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the home building industry, better understand today’s consumers and learn tried-and-true techniques used by real estate veterans for greeting prospects, overcoming objections and closing the sale.

Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP) Certified New Home Sales Professionals with sufficient experience in the field may be ready to take the next step in their professional development with the Master Certified New Home Sales Professional designation.

Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP) a mid-level designation that will help you manage the sales and marketing function of a new home and the advantages of a newly built home.

Master in Residential Marketing (MIRM) represents the pinnacle of new home sales education because it represents years of industry experience, serious coursework requirements and a oneof-a-kind requirement for a successful case study to complete the designation. There are not a lot of MIRM designees in the market, but those who are, are the leaders in their field.

The Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR) professional designation is held by a select group of building industry professionals: applicants must have at least 15 years of remodeling experience before they are even eligible to be considered for the designation.

Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) educational designation. Focuses on effective management in the office and on the job site, examine all stages of new home construction, and basic contract law.

Graduate Master Builder (GMB) The ultimate symbol of the building professional, the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation is for experienced veterans only. GMB courses require additional study, with in-depth instruction geared for experienced building professionals. It’s a significant time commitment, but graduates gain a more complete knowledge of all facets of the home building industry, build a new network of peers across the country, and inform their potential clients of their commitment to the best of home building, customer service and advanced construction techniques.

If you would like to find someone with any of these designations contact the North Coast Building Industry Association. Visit our website – ncbia.com for a list of our members, as well as our new For Consumer section, job posting (under the About Us tab). Or, give us a call Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 440-934-1090.

We are your local not-for profit trade association representing reputable and dependable member companies involved in all aspects of home building,

Judie Docs