What are CGB and GMB? 

Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and Graduate Master Builder (GMB) are two of the top designations developed by NAHB for builders.To earn one of these designations, a builder must complete a regularly updated curriculum of industry-related topics. Candidates for these designations are also required to pledge their commitment to a professional Code of Ethics. These designations help consumers identify professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence.Their credentials demonstrate that business owners and senior management have undertaken continuing education courses in professional management and continue to keep themselves informed on all trends and techniques in home building. The award of any NAHB  University of Housing designation does not represent and should not be construed as a guarantee or certification of the quality of the designation-holder’s work product.Conferral of a designation represents only NAHB’s affirmation that the individual designation-holder completed the stipulated requirements of the respective designation program.

Your home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make.When building your own home, you want to choose the right builder who will accomplish your plan within budget and on time. The hardest part is knowing what criteria to use when selecting a builder,then finding one who will do the best overall job.There are no federal requirements for training and licensing,and very few states have such standards.We hope this guide will make one of the biggest decisions of your life a little easier. Why Hire a Certified Graduate Builder or Graduate Master Builder? When you hire a Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or
Graduate Master Builder (GMB), you can expect an experienced builder committed to delivering a quality
product. Designations like the CGB and GMB are voluntarily earned and not required by law—they provide benchmarks of business achievement consumers can use to measure builders. Most conscientious builders belong to a local home builders association as well as the National Association of Home Builders.They know the value of the professional development that organizations provide. Quality builders who have elected to earn their designations welcome the peer contact and learning opportunities afforded by trade shows and educational programs.

Getting Started

• Develop an idea of the building project you have in mind
• Determine how much you feel comfortable spending
• Seek referrals from friends and neighbors—make sure the builder has a working knowledge of the types of homes and considerations of the area
• Contact a local trade association and the Better Business Bureau to find out more about the builder
  you’re interested in
• Verify the builder has the appropriate license(s)

Selecting a Bulder

There are many considerations when hiring a builder.Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Seek a professional: Look for companies that emphasize customer service, quality, integrity and a commitment to education
• Customer Service: A company that’s truly committed to client satisfaction will emphasize service from
  every member of its team and maintain a professiona attitude in every interaction
• Quality:You get what you pay for. Be careful when assessing the prices set by different builders.
• The quality of the materials and service can make a significant difference in cost
• Integrity: Is your prospective builder trustworthy?
• Be cautious if you hear anyone suggest that a builder has been less than honest with clients
• Commitment to Education: Professional builders know what the quality of their service depends on the quality of their staff.
• They should ensure that their people have the tools to be successful with professional designations and continuing education

Once you find a builder and settle on a plan, request a detailed, written contract that protects both you and the builder and that complies with local, state and federal laws. The contract must spell out the work that will and will not be performed and provide a fair payment schedule.

Determining Your Budget

Before you contact a builder, decide what you can afford to spend.Your total budget should comprise the sum of cash plus borrowing power plus equity available for your project. At this stage,NAHB recommends that you visit your lender and pre-qualify for your mortgage.A lender will help you develop a realistic expectation of the budget for your new home. ask yourself the following questions:

• What can I afford?
• What features do I want my home to have?
• What is my current property or home worth?
• What will my mortgage payments be?

Questions to ask your Potential Builder

• How long have you been in business?
• In what areas have you built?
• What sets you apart from other builders?
• What type of warranty program do you offer?
• What are your fees for building a home (fixed price, cost plus, management fee)?
• How do you charge for extras?
• Who supervises your construction?
• How long have your trade people been working with you?
• How often during the week is the builder out at a job site?
• Who will I be dealing with during construction? Will that person have the authority to make final decisions?
• How many hours per year do you and your supervising staff participate in continuing education within the home building industry?
• Do you belong to a local trade association? Which one(s)?
  In what activities are you involved?
• Can you provide a list of references, including homeowners, suppliers, subcontractors and consultants such as architects and engineers?
• Have you ever been sued? If so, did you win or lose?
• Are there any suits currently pending? If so, please explain.
• Are there any liens against properties that you have built?
• Have you ever filed for bankruptcy protection?
• Do you use environmentally responsible construction techniques?
• Do you recycle material that cannot be returned to suppliers?

Questions to ask refferals

Was the builder accessible or hard to find during your project?
Was the home completed when promised? If not, why?
Did the builder stay within your budget?
Did the builder follow the plans and specifications, or did he or she make changes without consulting the
architect or you?
Were there any surprises, such as excessive change orders, or did the work go smoothly?
How did the builder charge for change orders?
Were the allowances adequate?
Was follow-up on warranty work completed in a timely manner?
Do the home’s mechanical systems (air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical) function well?
Is the home energy efficient, keeping utility bills reasonable?
Why did you choose this builder?
Was the builder easy to work with?
Did the builder supervise the job closely?
What is the condition of the job site as a home nears completion?

Check list for touring a Builder's Model

Does the electrical system and duct work appear to be neatly installed?
What materials are used in the kitchen and bath cabinets? Wood? MDF (Medium Density Fiber) particle
board? Do the cabinet side panels match the doors?
What kinds of doors and hinges do the cabinets have?
Are the lighting fixtures attractive and well arranged for general and task lighting?
What types and quality of floor coverings are provided?

“Excellent knowledge of home building, superior customer service,
highly intelligent, professional and outstanding builder would be
our description of working with a CGB.”
—Pam and Chris Nemic, Buda,Texas

“When looking for a builder we were worried about picking one with experience and
reliability and not just notoriety. Knowing that our builder held the GMB and CGB
designations from NAHB helped to put our worries to rest. We got an expert builder and
an excellent home.”
—Darin Kennedy, Boise, Idaho