Washington, Feb. 1, 2006—When choosing a doctor, accountant or lawyer, consumers shop around to find a professional with the best qualifications for the job. Now consumers have the same options when searching for a home builder or remodeler. Thanks to the National Association of Home Builders' University of Housing Professional Designations Program, consumers now have additional guidance to turn to when selecting a housing industry professional who meets their specific needs. To promote these programs and the expertise of its designees to consumers and members, the University of Housing celebrates the month of February as National Designation Month.
"It is in the best interest of the consumers to hire a professional with a designation," said Bonnie Solomon, Registered in Apartment Management (RAM), an Advanced RAM designee and CEO of Delmar Garden Enterprises in St. Louis, Mo. "Having a designation shows a demonstrated level of expertise in a niche areas that the consumer can benefit from."
NAHB offers more than a dozen professional designations. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designees have been trained in home modifications for mature adults. A Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designee has proven project management skills and has completed a comprehensive education curriculum. A range of other designations certify professionals in such areas as apartment leasing, remodeling, marketing, and more. And with directories of designees available online at www.nahb.org, finding a professional has never been easier.
"With NAHB's Designations Program, the consumer wins," said Jay Schutte, NAHB Education Committee Chairman and owner of Sugar Grove Development in Sugar Grove, Ill. "Working with designees guarantees clients that their housing professionals are highly educated and motivated. They have taken the extra step to increase their professional knowledge, and that's going to come through in the job they do and the relationships they build with their customers."
For more information on how to find a building industry designee in your area, visit www.NAHB.org/designations.
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