f you have been looking to buy a new home, remodel your current one, or just plain need a contractor to repair your winter-beaten roof, chances are you have met several building industry professionals and have a collection of business cards and price quotes to shuffle through. Some of these individuals have initials such as GMB or CGR after their name, like doctors have PhD and attorneys have Esq. or LLM. What do these letters mean?

These initials help consumers identify building professionals who have completed the requirements needed to receive and maintain a professional designation awarded by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

•The Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designations are earned by members of the industry concentrating on building and remodeling, respectively.

•A Graduate Master Builder (GMB) is an

advanced designation attained for example, after fulfilling the requirements of a CGB or CGR.

•The Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) is earned by individuals who are associate members, most often specialty contractors who support the construction or remodeling process, such as plumbing, electrical firms, as well as financial and accounting service firms.

•The Certfied Aging-In Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential in the fast growing segment of the residential remodeling industry.

•The Certified Green Professional (CGP) provides a solid background in green building methods and the tools needed for new construction and remodeling.

Course requirements vary for each NAHB designation, the minimum is six hour courses to receive a certificate. All certificates require

one six hour course per year to maintain the designation. Building professionals learn the latest in the industry in courses such as Building Codes and Standards, Construction Contracts and Law, Customer Service and Quality Construction. The courses are offered around the country by NAHB’s education and training arm, the Home Builders Institute, at local and state Home Builder Associations as well as major industry expositions.

Those initials are an indication that the individual has taken time to expand and enhance his or her knowledge and professionalism in the building industry through education. As a consumer, trying to decide on which builder, contractor or remodeler to hire, knowing what the initials mean may go a long way in choosing who ultimately gets the job. l

Robert W. Birner, CGR, CAPS

Amazing Siding Corp. and

Renewal by Andersen