The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has, as its Core Purpose: “to advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product, and vital public purpose.” NARI’s member contractors “have the opportunity to enrich their knowledge with cutting edge educational opportunities and certifications. They have unlimited use of the NARI logo, which is promoted nationwide in a number of consumer media outlets. They are easy for consumers to find on the NARI website, and they have access to leads through the NARI website.” NARI also provides marketing advice, information about building permits, and events focusing on various topics of vital interest to professionals in the remodeling industry.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) considers itself to be “the premier resource for industry information, education, research, and technical expertise.” One of the organization’s primary benefits for members is called Powerful Advocacy, and is described thus: “Currently ranked #11 on Fortune Magazine’s ‘Power 25’ Advocates, NAHB has the grassroots strength of over 235,000 members to defeat excessive regulations and defend affordable housing initiatives on Capitol Hill, in your state, and in the communities where you do business. That puts money and time back in your pocket! Plus, NAHB members are kept informed with prompt regulatory and legislative alerts.” Other benefits include news updates, networking opportunities, and educational programs.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is dedicated to “enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.” This organization has over 40,000 members and hosts the world’s largest trade show for the kitchen and bath industries. Focus areas of NKBA include specialty segments for Builders/Remodelers, Cabinet Shops, Dealers, Decorative Plumbing and Hardware, Designer, Distributor, Fabricator, Installer, Manufacturer, Manufacturer’s Representative, and Multi-Branch Retailer/Home Centers.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) offers government advocacy, awards, conferences, and education. Members will also find examples of contracts for their use, and information on keeping up to date with technology. The AIA features an array of streaming videos and podcasts on design, leadership, and best practices. There is a blog and news feeds for members to subscribe to. As its goal, the AIA claims to serve as “the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for our members in service to society.” It has over 83,000 members and features subgroups devoted to topics including professional knowledge and design, both nationally and internationally.

All of these organizations have local chapters and members are able to benefit from the overarching functions and professional contributions of the associations at the national level while taking advantage of opportunities for local participation and networking. Each trade association’s website is worth exploring, in order to determine which one would best serve you and your company in meeting and expanding your own goals for success.

They surmised the following reasons for this unexpected behavior.

It is difficult for homeowners to sell their homes.

They realize this, and are looking for improvements that will make their homes more appealing and competitive with other homes on the market.

When unable to sell their homes, some people opt to improve the one they have to better accommodate their family.

If more space is needed, they add an addition, or they try to improve the areas that made them try to sell in the first place.

There are a growing number of homeowners preparing their homes for retirement and their later years.

This trend is called “Aging in Place,” and entails revamping the house to accommodate their changing lives. Whether it is wider doorways, more conveniences or walk-in showers, they are doing their best to plan ahead.

The article also touched briefly on the growing number of homeowners converting to a greener lifestyle. They are looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient with alternative energy, along with more eco-friendly materials throughout the home.

One point the article didn’t mention is that with the slower construction industry, contractors have more time and more competitive rates. How do you compare?

The optimistic crowd of dealers and manufacturers viewed the slow housing market as an opportunity because homeowners usually hold onto their homes and remodel rather than move into a new one. They also viewed the attendees as more qualified leads vs. tire kickers.

The pessimistic crowd, on the other hand, had a different opinion. Their complaint was about how bad business was and how they’re ‘dying’ out there. They saw the thin turnout of attendees as further confirmation that everybody in the remodeling industry is doomed.

There were many manufacturers, noticeably in the vinyl replacement window category, that passed on this years Baltimore show.

By contrast, Vytex Windows featured a large display that focused on all its color choices and decorative glass capabilities. The manufacturer’s Chuck Scalzott commented on how “having a full line of options is proving very helpful to his company in this market.”

Mark Knorr, service representative with Lincoln Windows, commented “the show definitely still has value for us” and added “the remodeling market is as strong as ever thanks to the slow construction market.”

Even in this slow economy many exhibitors expressed confidence that the remodeling market still offers plenty of opportunities.

Link: http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/ngaweekly/issues/2008-09-17/2.html