Home owners and potential home owners in southeastern Michigan have access to professionals who’ve invested time and money to improve their skills, advance their careers and be recognized for commitment to professional growth by earning designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

NAHB has the most targeted curriculum, accomplished teachers and widely respected education opportunities in the business. Finding a builder or remodeler who has completed one or more of these certification programs is your first step to a successful project. These certifications include:

• Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) emphasizes business and project management skills. CGBs must have at least two years of home building experience and must successfully complete a series of classes specific to the needs of the home building industry, including business management, project management, building technology and safety. In addition, CGBs must demonstrate that they comply with State of Michigan requirements for workers’ compensation and liability insurance as well hold a current, valid Michigan Builders and/or Maintenance & Alterations (M&A) license.
• Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation is for seasoned builders with at least 10 years of experience and is the ultimate symbol of the building professional. GMBs must successfully complete a demanding curriculum of building industry courses which are more advanced, with in-depth instruction geared toward veteran building professionals.
• Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is very similar to the CGB program described above with the additional emphasis on the unique challenges encountered when remodeling an existing home. The CGR designation is a vital component in ensuring you are hiring a professional remodeling operation.
• Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR) certification allows CGRs to attain further recognition for educational excellence and longevity in the remodeling industry. This program is designed to be the master level of the current CGR designation. Qualifications include 15 years remodeling experience, completion of 5 required courses, and having an active CGR for 9 years or active CR (Certified Remodeler) from NARI (National Association Remodeling Industry) for 10 years.
• Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) is the only current national program teaching building and remodeling professionals how to make homes safe and accessible for any age or ability, with an emphasis on aesthetically pleasing yet functional modifications.
• Certified Green Professional (CGP) teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes – without driving up the cost of construction.

To earn and maintain these certifications, members must take NAHB-approved courses from a set curriculum and keep up with continuing education.