Nationally Certified Professional Designations  

Consumers are able to access the internet and get more information about the home that they are considering building or buying. They often approach a builder or remodeler about a project that the contractor has never used. They have detailed information on what is new in building and remodeling homes that are healthier and more energy efficient. However, that does not mean they are better informed. Shouldn't you be the best source of housing knowledge for your clients? Amplify your expertise and show your commitment to excellence with designations from NAHB. NAHB instructors are housing industry veterans who are committed to spreading the best industry knowledge. Get the advantage and pass it on. You will be listed with your designation(s) on the NAHB and CRBA websites.

How do you get started?

Once you've decided to elevate your career by pursuing an NAHB designation, getting started is easy. If you are a builder, you will need to take the BAR, which will be explained more in the CGB section. Remodelers who want to become CGR have to take the PREP, which will be explained in the CGR section. The BAR and PREP are assessments, meaning that there is not a pass or fail grade. The cost for the assessments is $195 and a ten-day notice is required because they are personalized and shipped from NAHB in Washington, DC.

NAHB SALES & MARKETING CLASS
Nov. 9, 2010

WHY BOTHER?

If there were a way you could figure out how to sell more homes/remodel jobs, spend less money on advertising, not discount to meet competition and minimize call backs you would probably want to know  about it wouldn’t you?  WELLTHERE IS!

We’ll bet you are an expert at designing, bidding, purchasing, managing trades, bringing the job in on time (and hopefully under budget) and maybe even counting the beans however many craftsmen do not fully understand how to attract qualified buyers through effective advertising and promotion, find out what the buyer wants, where they want it, when they need it, what they are willing to pay for it and how to and get them on contract without giving away the store. 

And many times, you turn the most important part of the transaction THE SALE over to an outside individual.  Buyers tell us that, when making a decision regarding buying a home or a remodel job, they want to talk directly to the Builder…not some salesperson who doesn’t know the capabilities of the company and cannot make decisions important to the buyer.  And guess who knows the most about your capabilities, pricing, delivery and service?  IT’S YOU!

If you want to know the way to sell more homes/remodel jobs, spend less money on advertising, not discount to meet competition and minimize call backs then you need to attend the excellent NAHB Education program titled “Sales and Marketing” being presented at the CRBA offices on Wednesday  November 10 from 8 AM to 4 PM.  This program will walk you through the sales and marketing process so you can take control of your sales and increase your profits.  The course will be taught by Roger Fiehn a Builder/Remodeler and Principal Instructor of NAHB Education.  

LEAD CERTIFIED RENOVATOR TRAINING Classes are available.
Continuing Education Classes

CBRA has hosted nine Lead Certified Renovator Training classes over the past several months.  If you still need to be certified, call the CRBA office at 225-769-7696 and you will be notified of the next available class. 

Most of the classes hosted by Capital Region Builders Association allow builders to earn the necessary credits to renew their license with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.  Effective Jan. 1, 2010, contractors must earn 6 CEU's for license renewal.

More information will be available on the CRBA calendar as it becomes available.  It is the goal of the CRBA 2010 Education Committee to provide the necessary courses so our members may earn at least one professional designation.

BAR & PREP - Just how do you rank as a Builder or Remodeler?

BAR & PREP Evaluations may be scheduled at your convenience with a 20 day notice.  All you have to do is let the CRBA Staff know and begin your course to success.  The BAR & PREP Evaluations are just that... they let you know what your strengths and weaknesses are so you can work to be a better contractor.