Each May, as the weather turns warmer and many of us in the northern U.S. fully emerge from winter hibernation mode, the industry and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrate National Home Remodeling Month.
The annual campaign recognizes the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler and brings national attention to residential remodeling. It is an opportunity for local associations to host tours of remodeled homes or consumer remodeling fairs that bring together industry partners to showcase the remodeling process and trends. The focus on our industry is another way to get the message out to consumers who were not already considering a remodeling project.
Remodeling Demand Remains High
There is no doubt our industry has changed as a result of COVID-19. Extended time at home meant homeowners focused on projects that may have been put off. Some sought to carve out space for more people at home. Many decided to stay in their home longer, seeking out aging-in-place or universal design projects, or to put off moving due to rapidly increasing new home prices and limited inventory. As a result, our industry has not just survived the pandemic but has thrived.
National Home Remodeling Month is also a time to celebrate being part of NAHB Remodelers. If you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to join. As a member, you have access to savings on a wide range of products and services to help your business’s bottom line. You are also introduced to the resources, expertise, and economic forecasting and data that help all of us gain insight into the issues and market forces driving our industry.
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Strengthen Your Business
Another great benefit is NAHB’s advocacy work, which was priceless during the pandemic. NAHB helped to ensure residential construction was deemed an essential critical infrastructure workforce.
Every member is part of a powerful network of more than 140,000 residential construction professionals. A network that is key to building relationships with fellow remodelers, builders, and suppliers. The connections made through local associations and national events like the International Builders’ Show become a sounding board to expand your knowledge and grow your business. And educational offerings—whether in person or online—focus on practical training for newcomers and veterans alike.
Membership comes with prestige. It means a homeowner hiring a member can have confidence in the choice. It’s a name that comes with a commitment to professionalism, quality workmanship, reliable service, and ethical business practices.
Members are kept up-to-date on the latest regulations, codes, new products, and construction techniques by an expert staff that includes distinguished economists and specialists in tax policy, financial services, and labor and environmental regulation.
A single victory against burdensome regulations in congressional legislation or a proposed new rule can save thousands of dollars on every home built and every project we do for years to come. NAHB protects the interests of remodelers on regulations that could negatively impact our businesses, issues such as lead paint, green remodeling, and OSHA’s silica and confined spaces rules. Most recently, NAHB has been working to remedy the supply issues that have driven up the cost of building materials. NAHB will continue to seek resolution of the supply chain disruptions hurting our customers and slowing the American economy.
Goals for the Year
As the 2022 NAHB Remodelers chair, I’m excited for the year ahead. I’ve pledged to help our membership strengthen and remain relevant by working with other councils throughout the federation to strategize and build off each other’s ideas. A stronger online presence with growing content will increase our reach to those outside of our organization, and we will contribute to specific actions aimed at combating the skilled labor shortage.
I encourage you to visit nahb.org/remodelingmonth to find more information, including a tool kit with customizable press releases, articles, and public service announcements your HBA can share with your community. You will also find information on all the benefits and resources available to every NAHB member.
Let’s celebrate the remodeling industry and our association together.
Kurt Clason is the 2022 NAHB Remodelers Chairman and NAHB's 2022 Remodeler of the Year. He owns and runs Ossipee, New Hampshire-based Clason Remodeling Company.