When you want the best remodeling service for your home improvement project, make sure you choose a firm that has made the effort to be a top professional in their industry. As you research the difference between a pro and “Chuck and a Truck,” you will see so many acronyms that it looks like a bowl of alphabet soup. What do all those letters and designations mean? And why should it matter to you?

In conjunction with National Remodeling Month, we give you a glossary of what those letters mean. The benefit to you is the security of having a firm dedicated to serving you in a professional and ethical manner. These designations are not easy to get, require high standards to maintain and are the surest form of accountability to you and your home.

When your home matters to you, the following organizations and designations are what you should look for when you want the best:

ORGANIZATIONS

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

Since 1942, the NAHB is a nation-wide home builder and remodeler trade association dedicated to educating and elevating the industry so that all Americans have access to owning the home of their dreams. NAHB designations mean that a remodeler has dedicated time to education and ethics that benefit homeowners. Mosby Building Arts is a member of the NAHB.

Home Builders Association (HBA)

Since 1934, this local industry association promotes and protects the building and remodeling industry that strives to meet the needs of homeowners. The Greater St. Louis and Greater Southwest Illinois chapters present several consumers home shows each year, and present the annual Homer Awards, which is the equivalent of the Oscars for the building industry. Mosby Building Arts is a member of the HBA St. Louis and Southwest Illinois chapters.

National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

This national organization is The Voice of the Remodeling Industry, concentrating on the professionalism, special education and vital purpose of improving existing houses. It promotes a standard of education, honesty, integrity and responsibility for home remodeling professionals across the country. Mosby Building Arts is a member of the NARI of Greater St. Louis chapter.

DESIGNATIONS

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)

Like certified public accountants and MBAs, remodelers also work to increase their knowledge through education. NAHB offers the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation to remodelers, taking on average more than two years to complete. This remodeling graduate school teaches extensive technical, business, and customer skills well beyond the average contractor. Mosby Building Arts has 2 Certified Graduate Remodelers on their staff.

Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD)

Designing a kitchen or bath to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing takes highly specialized skills and knowledge. Working with a National Kitchen & Bath Association Certified Designer is invaluable. The premiere hallmark for kitchen and bath professionals, NKBA Certification is based on proctored examinations and extensive industry experience. NKBA Certified Designers must also meet annual continuing education requirements annually. Mosby Building Arts has a Certified Kitchen Designer on their architecture and design staff.

Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS)

Aging in place means living in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. NAHB Remodelers offers the Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, the only program that teaches remodelers how to modify homes for those who wish to age in place. Scott Mosby had the honor of being the first national CAPS designee, and Mosby has 2 CAPS professionals on staff.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

The AIA is the voice of the architecture profession. Based in Washington, D.C., it is the leading professional membership association for licensed architects since 1857. Through education, regulatory development and research, AIA members express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our buildings and communities. Mosby Building Arts has an architect licensed in the state of Missouri, and is a member of the AIA St. Louis chapter.

Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)

This is an exclusive professional designation through the NAHB designed to emphasize business and project management skills as the key to a professional company. The CGB designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of practice, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete comprehensive education curriculum, and pledge to uphold the program’s code of ethics. Scott Mosby is Certified Graduate Builder.

Certified Green Professional (CGP)

The newest designation from the NAHB recognizes remodelers and builders dedicated to using green building principals that create healthy and eco-responsible homes without raising the cost to homeowners. In fact, these green principles are intended to save you money in both the short and long term. Mosby Building Arts has a Certified Green Professional on their architecture and design staff.

Mosby Building Arts is unique in that we have all the ABC’s of Remodeling under one roof. Our goal is to take care of every facet of your home, and that requires constant education on the best and latest ways to build lasting value for you. Obtaining and maintaining our professional connections and designations contributes to our mission of knowledge-guided performance. The benefits are how it improves your life.

Related posts:

1. May is National Remodeling Month
2. Mosby Architect Bob Lutz is a Certified Green Professional
3. Mosby Named One Of The Top National Remodeling Firms
4. Mosby in Remodeling Magazine
5. Mosby Custom Furniture in Remodeling Magazine

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008 at 8:55 am and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.