Quality workmanship, knowledge and experience matter, especially when you will be investing a significant amount of money with a home builder or remodeler as you build a new home or update your current one to fit your lifestyle.

Choosing a building professional with a national designation can help ensure you are hiring a builder or remodeler who is committed to their craft by learning and staying up to date on the latest technology, building methods and business practices. Through the National Association of Home Builders, members of the building industry can earn professional designations in more than 15 specialties including:

• Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) • Certified Graduate Builder and Graduate Master Builder • Certified Graduate Remodeler and Graduate Master Remodeler • Certified Green Professional (CGP) and Master Certified Green Professional • Housing Credit Certified Professional

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Here are just a few of the reasons you should choose a designated professional builder or remodeler for your next home build or major renovation project:

In the home-building profession, there are new building codes every three years, in addition to new energy, fire, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes that are constantly revised and upgraded. Designees learn the codes that apply to specific states, counties, municipalities and cities, and build according to these codes.

A building professional with a designation has taken the time to go in-depth into a specific building area of interest.

A CAPS will know how to build or remodel to overcome common age-related barriers, and make other modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities or accessibility challenges.

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A CGP is committed to the idea of making a home affordably “green” and is trained in choosing products and practices for greater energy efficiency, indoor and outdoor water conservation, preserving indoor environmental quality and identifying and choosing sustainable building products.

A professional remodeler or builder will know what the newest materials and techniques are, where to get them and how to use them. Their insights and advice will not only bring you savings and satisfaction today, but will help your home’s value far down the road.

Buying a new home or substantially renovating your existing one is a huge investment in a place your family will make memories and grow in for many years. Seek and select a professional with superior training, real-world experience and in-depth knowledge of your area of need.

For a directory of Hawaii Professionals with NAHB Designations, go to www.biahawaii.org or email info@biahawaii.org.

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Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.