CATEGORIES

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EXCELLENCE IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

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BEST DETACHED HOME – Home types include single-family detached homes, condominium homes, and manufactured homes. Square footage is defined as all living spaces measured to the exterior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios, or porches. Entries will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, quality of work, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations.

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1.  UNDER 2,000 SQUARE FEET

2.  2,000 TO 3,000 SQUARE FEET

3.  3,000 TO 4,500 SQUARE FEET

4.  4,500 TO 6,000 SQUARE FEET

5.  6,000 TO 8,000 SQUARE FEET

6.  OVER 8,000 SQUARE FEET

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BEST ATTACHED HOME – Home types include single-family attached homes on fee simple or leased lots. Square footage is defined as all living spaces measured to the exterior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios, or porches. Entries will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, quality of work, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations.

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7.  UNDER 1,800 SQUARE FEET

8.  OVER 1,800 SQUARE FEET

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BEST LIVING AREA: PRIVATE RESIDENCE – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including the use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements.

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  9.  KITCHEN
10.  BATH
11.  LIVING (GREAT) ROOM / DINING ROOM / SPECIALTY ROOM

 

12.  BEST HIGH PERFORMANCE / ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME – Entries must demonstrate integration and optimization of all major high-performance building attributes, including energy efficiency, durability, life-cycle performance and air management. Entries should reference all high-performance goals that are currently recognized. Entries will be judged on the criteria described above as well as the overall design, comfort, usability, and livability of the space. Awards and certifications should be listed in the submission statement. 

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EXCELLENCE IN REMODELING

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BEST REMODELING/RESTORATION – Renovations include single-family detached and attached homes, as well as multi-family and commercial buildings. Creative re-use of existing elements should be emphasized. This can include both exterior and interior remodeling, interior alone, or exterior alone. This category requires the involvement of multiple rooms within the house as a part of the overall remodeling/restoration. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended to show the extent of the changes. Price should be defined as the market price charged to the consumer or owner.

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13.  UNDER $250,000
14.  BETWEEN $250,000 AND $500,000
15.  BETWEEN $500,000 AND $750,000
16.  BETWEEN $750,000 and $1 MILLION
17.  OVER $1 MILLION - UNDER 5,000 SQ. FT.

18.  OVER $1 MILLION - OVER 5,000 SQ. FT.

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19.  BEST HISTORICAL RENOVATION – Entries must demonstrate significant efforts to incorporate historical design elements and re-use of historical materials, either on the interior, exterior, or community grounds of a project. Details about the historic significance and or recognition should be included within the submission statement.

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BEST KITCHEN REMODEL – Includes kitchen projects within the specified price ranges. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended to show the extent of the remodel. Price is the market price charged to the consumer or owner. Any floor plans, diagrams, and drawings that will assist the judges in understanding the project should be included, especially in cases where the additional emphasis is needed or when the photography alone is not adequate to reflect certain aspects of the project.

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20.  UNDER $125,000
21.  BETWEEN $125,000 AND $150,000

22.  BETWEEN $150,000 AND $200,000

23.  OVER $200,000

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BEST BATHROOM REMODEL – Includes bathroom projects within the specified price ranges. “Before and after” photographs are highly recommended to show the extent of the changes. Any floor plans, diagrams, and drawings that will assist the judges in understanding the project should be included, especially in cases where the additional emphasis is needed, or when the photography alone is not adequate to reflect certain aspects of the project.

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24.  UNDER $75,000

25.  BETWEEN $75,000 and $125,000

26.  OVER $125,000

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EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DESIGN

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27. BEST CLUBHOUSE: COMMUNITY – Includes community centers, recreation centers, clubhouses, activity centers, or any other freestanding structures that are used as a central gathering space or information center for a residential community, subdivision, or development. The site plan of the overall community should be included with submittal.

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28. BEST UNIVERSAL DESIGN – Entries will be judged based on the design being usable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. Best practices in universal design and procedures that comply with universal design principles should be demonstrated within the submission statement. May include residences for age-qualified and age-designed for sale or rental housing communities with common amenities and facilities to create an active adult lifestyle. A site plan should be included in addition to exterior elevations and floor plans. Entries may or may not be ADA compliant. Examples of life style amenities and space versatility should also be noted.

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29. BEST RENTAL COMMUNITY – Includes rental units in a community setting, and may include amenities such as a clubhouse and other common areas. Entries will be judged on the overall conceptual plan, interior layouts, and exterior elevations. Submissions should include all available floor plans, a site plan, and the collateral used for marketing.

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30. BEST MULTI-UNIT FOR-SALE COMMUNITY: ATTACHED OR DETACHED HOMES – Includes multi-family, attached or

detached units for sales such as townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes in a community setting, and may include amenities such as a clubhouse or common areas and outdoor living. Entries will be judges on overall conceptual plan, interior layouts, and exterior elevations. Submissions should include all available floor plans, a site plan, and the collateral used for marketing.

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31. BEST AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY – In order to be eligible, a community must have some units/homes built during the time frame referenced in the submittal instructions and the project must be actively for sale at the time of submittal. A copy of the site approval issued by the certifying agency in addition to a project ledger that breaks down the affordable units and the market-rate units with the corresponding pricing is required with the submittal. A site plan should be included in addition to exterior elevations and floor plans.

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32. BEST MIXED-USE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Entries may be any urban, suburban, or village development, or even a single building that blends a combination of uses including residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial. Judges will consider the overall integration of a variety of different uses for the benefit of the community. A site plan of the project will be required in addition to a detailed description of the different uses involved. The organizations and companies that operate within the project should also be mentioned in the submittal statement.

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33. BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT (MEDICAL, NON-MEDICAL, RETAIL OR INSTITUTIONAL) – Projects may include medical, commercial, industrial, recreational, and retail buildings (e.g., non-residential) as the primary focus. Submission statement should reference certifications, awards, and recognition received by the project team(s). Overall interior and exterior design will be taken into account by the judges. The project must be new construction or at least 60% of the project must be considered a major renovation of an existing structure.

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EXCELLENCE IN INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING

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BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL – Model types include single-family detached and attached homes, condominium homes, and manufactured homes on fee simple or leased lots. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, wall and window treatments, and the impact that the furniture and accessories have on the overall marketability of the home.

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34.  AVERAGE SALES PRICE UNDER $650,000

35.  AVERAGE SALES PRICE OVER $650,000

36.  RENTAL COMMUNITY

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BEST INTERIOR DESIGN OF A PRIVATE RESIDENCE – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including the use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements.

 

37.  KITCHEN
38.  LIVING (GREAT) ROOM / DINING ROOM / SPECIALTY ROOM

39.  BEDROOM / BATHROOM

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40.  BEST DESIGN FOR OUTDOOR LIVING – Spaces may include patios, courtyards, outdoor kitchens, pool areas, and more. Entries will be judged on concept creativity, functionality, and the impact of furniture and accessories within the overall space. A site plan should be included with the submission.

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41. BEST LANDSCAPING DESIGN – Entries will be judged on the concept of creativity, functionality, and effectiveness of the landscaping design, including live plantings, innovative use of indigenous plant species, water conservation methods, and lighting design. A site plan should be included with the submission.

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42. MOST CREATIVE/UNIQUE USE OF SPACE – Share your creativity and cleverness in design and implementation. Unintended uses of common materials, maximizing a small space, turning a “useless” space into a very useful one... anything goes. Stretch the limits of your imagination!

 

43. BEST MILLWORK OR CUSTOM CABINETRY – Entries will be judged on the most creative use of millwork, woodwork or custom cabinetry, along the complexity and practicality of the design and integration with the overall design of the space.

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44. BEST USE OF SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY – Entries will be judged on the most creative use of smart home technology, along with the complexity and practicality of the design and integration with the overall design of the space. Smart Home Technology includes but is not limited to Audio-Video / Appliance / Lighting / Window technology. 

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EXCELLENCE IN SALES AND MARKETING

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45. BEST LOGO OF THE YEAR: COMMUNITY, BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – Color or black and white logo designs are

acceptable. This category is for the logo/graphic element alone, not in its application form. Entries will be judged on graphics, concept, overall design, and execution, message, and emotion communicated to the target market.

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46. BEST PRINT BROCHURE: COMMUNITY, BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, and execution and continuity. Entry should include photos of the completed brochure, including all inserts.

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47. BEST VIDEO (BROADCAST TV OR YOUTUBE) – Entries will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the spot as it relates to the specified target market and qualified traffic the ad generated.

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48. BEST DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN: COMMUNITY, BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – includes banners/rich media, e-blasts, microsites, social media, landing pages and online PR featuring and promoting a specific builder or associate (individual or company). Entries will be judged on creativity, graphics, concept, overall design, continuity and execution, message, and emotion communicated to the target market. Must include at least 2 executions of campaign.

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49. BEST MARKETING EVENT OR SERIES OF THE YEAR – Industry events such as open houses, seminar(s), networking, awards, etc. that reach either trade or homeowner focused audiences will be judged based on their ability to gain the highest overall visibility for service(s) and/or product(s), as well as individual professionals or companies that provide them. Judging will be based on originality and creativity, communication, appropriateness of venue, event agenda, and event theme (whether its graphic design in the marketing materials or décor at the event).

 

50. BEST AD (DIGITAL OR PRINT): BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – A single color or black and white advertisement for an individual company. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, readability, and execution.

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51. BEST AD (DIGITAL OR PRINT): COMMUNITY – A single color or black and white advertisement for an individual residential community. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, readability, and execution.

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52. BEST SHOWROOM/SALES CENTER/DESIGN CENTER: BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – Any building or space specifically

designed as the main showroom or sales center including, where applicable, architecture, interior design, landscape design, and sales displays. Entrants will be judged on the function of the floor plan layout, use of creative imagery, strength of product presentation, and ability to create an atmosphere that increases the perceived value of the option products and promotes a superior customer experience.

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53. BEST WEBSITE: COMMUNITY, BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – Website for an individual company. Entries will be judged on originality, concept, execution, ease of navigation as it relates to the specified target market, and overall user experience. The website address should be clearly noted within the submission statement.

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54. BEST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN – This award honors social media campaigns for projects or services pertaining to the home building industry. Objectives include exclusive deals to incentive social sharing, engaging existing customers and driving new traffic.

 

Entries should include:

- Social platforms used
- # of followers on each platform
- # engagements from the campaign
- what is a key ingredient to campaigns success?
- what was the expected goal/outcome and was it met? - Example screenshots

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INDIVIDUAL & GROUP RECOGNITION​

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55. MOST VALUABLE TEAM MEMBER: BUILDER OR REMODELER – This is the key person behind the scenes that is

vital to the success of your company. Entries should include significant accomplishments the individual’s experience, expertise, and how they impact your organization, operations, sales efforts, etc. Consider Project Managers, Site Supervisors, Specialty Trades Person, Building Team Members.

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56. MOST VALUABLE TEAM MEMBER: ASSOCIATE – This is the key person behind the scenes that is vital to the

success of your company. Entries should include significant accomplishments the individual’s experience, expertise, and how they impact your organization, operations, sales efforts, etc.

 

57. RISING STAR OF THE YEAR: BUILDER OR REMODELER – Entrant or nominee should be a young professional or someone otherwise new to their role who works as an on-site employee for a builder/developer or associate. Entries should include information about the nominee’s accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in their role and how their performance is helping to establish an advancing career in their field. Include details about how the individual is crafting their own career advancement through continuing education, skills enhancement, self-evaluation, etc.

 

58. RISING STAR OF THE YEAR: ASSOCIATE – Entrant or nominee should be a young professional or someone otherwise new to their role who works as an on-site employee for a builder/ developer or associate. Entries should include information about the nominee’s accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in their role and how their performance is helping to establish an advancing career in their field. Include details about how the individual is crafting their own career advancement through continuing education, skills enhancement, self-evaluation, etc.

 

59. TRADE PARTNER/SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR – Nominees should consist of a trade partner/subcontractor whom you feel is a trusted and dedicated member of your extended team and who represents the core values of your company. This go-to person whom you entrust to help make your business successful is someone who helps you achieve the goals set forth on your project and who ensures that your client achieves the best possible result. Entries should include an 8x10” photograph of the nominee, their company name and their role on your projects or within your organization. Also, include and any detailed information you think is important to convey to the judges about the impact this person has had on your business.

 

60. PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Entrants must be an on-site project manager employed by a builder/developer. Entrants will be judged on interpersonal, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any industry contributions and recognition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience as a project manager, responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

 

61. SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR – Entrants must be an on-site superintendent employed by a builder/developer. Entrants will be judged on interpersonal, organizational, project- management, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any industry contributions Recognition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience as a superintendent, responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

 

62. COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD – Entries will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the community outreach and/or charitable programs. Examples: non-profit programs, Habitat for Humanity, children’s charities, healthcare advocacy, local community benefits, and private individual charity programs. Judges will look at how effectively a community that either works together or lives together can unite forces for the benefit of a cause or a program. This category is about celebrating the collective efforts of a group of individuals who successfully impact their community. Both residential and commercial projects built within the period of time as specified in the submittal instructions will be considered.

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63. SALESPERSON OR TEAM OF THE YEAR: BUILDER OR REMODELER – Entrants must be a salesperson or team employed by a builder, and whose primary function and responsibility is selling new homes and / or remodeling projects full-time. (Full-time is defined as deriving at least two thirds of annual income from new-home sales.) Entries will be judged on sales achievements compared to others in the local market, community, and industry. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience in new home sales, including price range of homes sold (gross and net sales), responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

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64. SALESPERSON OR TEAM OF THE YEAR: ASSOCIATE – Entrants must be a salesperson or team employed by an associate (such as a supplier, vendor, or other company), and whose primary function and responsibility is selling goods and services to builders or consumers as related to the building industry in some way. (Full-time is defined as deriving at least two thirds of annual income from new-home sales.) Entries will be judged on sales achievements compared to the competition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience in sales, including price range of goods and services sold (gross and net sales), responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

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*Builder includes Remodeler

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