Excellence in Building Awards Submissions
Nominations for the 2025 Excellence in Building Awards are now open!
Design Excellence Awards FAQ
All current NRVHBA members in good financial standing.
2025 Award Submission Criteria and Links
Best New Custom Home
Required to be a new construction home custom built for a client.
Judges will consider the appropriateness of the design and functionality of the custom home in the following areas: concept (20 points), creativity (25 points), impact of home features (20 points), floor plan functionality (15 points), unique products/materials used (10 points) and exterior landscaping/curb appeal (10 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Interior Floor Plans
- One Copy of Exterior Elevations or Renderings
- Up to 16 Interior and Exterior Photos
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Client testimonial
Best New Spec Home
Required to be a new construction home built from contractor plans and materials for sale.
Judges will consider the appropriateness of the design and functionality of the spec home in the following areas: concept (20 points), creativity (25 points), impact of home features (20 points), floor plan functionality (15 points), unique products/materials used (10 points) and exterior landscaping/curb appeal (10 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Interior Floor Plans
- One Copy of Exterior Elevations or Renderings
- Up to 16 Interior and Exterior Photos
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Buyer testimonial
Best Remodeled Home
Includes interior and/or exterior remodels, including additions.
Judges will consider the appropriateness of the design and functionality of the remodeled home in the following areas: concept (20 points), creativity (25 points), impact of home features (20 points), floor plan functionality (15 points), unique products/materials used (10 points) and exterior landscaping/curb appeal (10 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Interior Floor Plans (before and after if relevant)
- One Copy of Exterior Elevations or Renderings if relevant
- Up to 16 Interior and Exterior Photos
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Client testimonial
Best Kitchen - Over and Under 100K
Category based on approximate final sale price to the homeowner. Can be new construction or remodel.
Judges will consider appropriateness of the design and functionality of the kitchen in the following areas: value/use of budget (15 points), layout and function (25 points), creativity and aesthetics (25 points), impact of materials used (25 points), and unique features (10 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Interior Floor Plan (before and after if relevant)
- Up to Ten (10) Interior and Detail photos (before photos if relevant)
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Client testimonial
Best Bath - Over and Under $50K
Category based on approximate final sale price to the homeowner. Can be new construction or remodel.
Judges will consider appropriateness of the design and functionality of the bathroom in the following areas: value/use of budget (15 points), layout and function (25 points), creativity and aesthetics (25 points), impact of materials used (25 points), and unique features (10 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Interior Floor Plan (before and after if relevant)
- Up to (10) Interior and Detail photos (before photos if relevant)
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Client testimonial
Best Outdoor Living
Includes hardscape, landscape, decks and outdoor living additions. Can be new construction or remodel.
Judges will consider appropriateness of the design and functionality of the outdoor area in the following areas: integration of design with site (25 points), layout and function (25 points), impact of materials used (25 points), overall appearance/aesthetics (15 points), and unique features (10 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Outdoor Design or Landscaping Plan
- Up to Eight (8) Exterior and Detail photos (before photos if relevant)
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Client testimonial
Best Curb Appeal
Can be new construction or remodel.
Judges will consider appropriateness of the design and functionality of the home’s exterior in the following areas: proportion and aesthetics (25 points), unique features and detail (25 points), impact of materials used (25 points), site work/landscape (25 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Exterior Rendering/Design/Elevation
- Up to Eight (8) Exterior Photos (before photos if relevant)
- List of contributing NRVHBA Member subcontractors/suppliers
- Optional: Client testimonial
Most Creative Home Feature
This new category is intended to highlight the creativity and skill in our association, especially related to our trade professionals and associate members.
- Ideas for submission: A/V home theater, unique millwork or trim details, hidden doorways, luxury shower system, home automation, custom railings, etc.
Judges will consider these features according to the following: creativity (25 points), uniqueness (25 points), contribution to home value and enjoyment (25 points), execution (25 points).
Submission Requirements
- Completed Entry Form
- Completed Project Statement
- One Copy of Drawings or Plans, if applicable
- Up to Six (6) Photos to showcase home feature
- Optional: 30 second video (.mp4) to highlight feature
NRVHBA Service Award
Individual Award
Previous winners are ineligible to win award for 3 years.
2024 Winner: Taylor Kasey, SAS Builders
Nominate yourself or another NRVHBA member. All nominees must be active members of the association.
Criteria to include:
Outstanding support of the NRVHBA through committee, board or voluntary involvement throughout the calendar year. Includes consideration for monetary contribution to the NRVHBA.
Submission Requirements
- Statement as to why this person should win this award utilizing the criteria listed above - max 500 words
- Include a photo of the nominee if available
Community Impact Award
Individual or Company Award
Previous winners are ineligible to win award for 3 years
2024 Winner: Foresight Design Services
Nominate yourself or another NRVHBA member (individual or company). All nominees must be active members of the association, but can be associate or builder members.
Criteria to include:
Large scale impact on our greater New River Valley community, through volunteer and service efforts not limited to NRVHBA opportunities. Represents our community with integrity and positivity in ways that improve our entire region, via volunteer efforts, community service, and more.
Submission Requirements
- Statement as to why this individual or company should win this award utilizing the criteria listed above- max 500 words
- Include a photo of the nominee if applicable
Associate of the Year
Company Award
Previous winners are ineligible to win award for 3 years
2024 Winner: Carter Bank & Trust
Nominate yourself or another NRVHBA member. All nominees must be active associate members, such as vendors, tradespeople, business partners, etc.
Criteria to include:
- Operating with quality and integrity
- Community impact
- Commitment to the NRVHBA goals and missions
- Serving the building industry with excellence
- Customer satisfaction
Submission Requirements:
- Statement as to why this company should win this award utilizing the criteria listed above - max 500 words (can be bullet points)
- Optional: Client or Partner Testimonials
Builder of the Year
Company Award
Previous winners are ineligible to win award for 3 years
2024 Winner: Setter Construction
Nominate yourself or another NRVHBA member. All nominees must be active association members specializing in custom homes, spec homes or remodeling.
Criteria to include:
- Operating with quality and integrity
- Community impact
- Customer satisfaction
- Involvement in the industry and commitment to the NRVHBA goals and mission
- Working relationships with partners and trades
Submission Requirements:
- Statement as to why this company should win this award utilizing the criteria listed above - max 500 words (can be bullet points)
- Optional: Client Testimonials who had projects completed in 2024