How Does A Professional Remodeling Contractor Become Certified?

A professional remodeling contractor has to have been in business for a minimum of (5) years in order to be Certified by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY (NARI). In addition, the contractor must be associated with an established business which operates in compliance with the CODE OF ETHICS adopted by NARI and the Association's
Certification Board.

To gain the coveted CR designation a contractor must complete this process.
  1. Submit an application and commit to pay all the fees associated with the program.
  2. Prepare and document an extensive Qualification Matrix which details his/her background record regarding their basic training, technical skills, business management, on-going education as well as association and community service.
  3. In most cases, the candidate has joined a local study group and spent 8-12 weeks preparing for the following written examination according to a prescribed method of study prepared by the University of Illinois.
  4. Take a full day written examination administered by NARI covering 18 different subject areas including: business management, building codes and construction law, safety, plans and specification as well as twelve technical skills areas ,i.e., Excavating, Concrete, Masonry, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electric, HVAC, Insulation, Finishes, Roofing, Painting, etc.
  5. A five person Certification Board panel reviews the complete record/file of each candidate consisting of their Qualification Matrix and written examination results and decides on the appropriateness of granting the CR designation to each individual based on past standardsof performance, integrity and knowledge.
What does Certification mean to the property owner?

A professional remodeling contractor Certified by NARI has a track record of ethical standards in business. NARI Certification is also evidence that the contractor is a professional and is competent in the performance of remodeling projects.

The homeowner, when dealing with a NARI Certified remodeling contractor, is assured that the contractor is:
  1. Pledging to observe the high standards of honesty, integrity, and responsibility in the conduct of business.
  2. Making all advertising and sales promotions factually accurate.
  3. Writing all contracts and warranties so that they are fair and mutually beneficial.
  4. Promoting only those products and services which are functionally and economically sound.
  5. Honoring all contractual obligations until completed and/or unless they are altered or dissolved by the mutual consent of both parties.
A NARI Certified remodeling contractor (CR) is a member of an elite group - the top professionals of the remodeling industry. There are less than 1000 men and women of these top professionals in the United States.