How to Win an NAHB Industry Award

Straight from the Judges! 10 Tips to Create a Winning Application

The NAHB Industry Awards celebrate, honor and recognize excellence within the residential construction industry. As an award winner, the spotlight shines on your business with year-long promotion. We’re sharing the top 10 tips from our judges on how to make your award application stand out from the rest.

1. Understand the Categories: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the award categories and criteria. Each award has specific application requirements and judging guidelines. Take the time to review them carefully and select the category that aligns best with your project or accomplishment.
2. Showcase Innovation & Excellence: The NAHB Industry Awards recognize exceptional achievement and innovation. Emphasize what sets your project apart from others in terms of design, technology, sustainability, craftsmanship or any other distinctive aspect. Highlight your unique contributions to the industry.
3. Provide Clear & Concise Information: Ensure your application is well-structured and easy-to-understand. Provide brief descriptions and explanations that clearly address each criterion. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the judges. Effectively communicate your achievements with plain language.
4. Include Supporting Materials: Support your application with high-quality visuals, such as photographs, renderings, floor plans or any other relevant documentation. Visuals can significantly enhance the judges understanding and appreciation of your project or accomplishment. Ensure that all supporting materials are clear, well-lit and professional.
5. Quantify Your Success: Whenever possible, provide measurable data and statistics to demonstrate the impact of your work. Whether it's financial performance, energy efficiency, customer satisfaction or any other relevant metric, quantitative evidence can strengthen your application and make a compelling case for your achievements.
6. Incorporate Testimonials & Endorsements: If available, include testimonials from satisfied clients, industry experts or other professionals who can vouch for the quality and excellence of your work. Their opinions and experiences can add credibility to your application.
7. Be Organized & Respect Deadlines: Pay close attention to the submission guidelines and deadlines. Plan your time effectively to ensure you can compile all the necessary information and materials without rushing. Late or incomplete applications may not receive the consideration they deserve. (See the deadlines for each award below.)
8. Edit & Proofread: Carefully proofread all written content. Typos, grammatical errors or unclear statements can distract the judges and diminish the overall quality of your application. Take the time to revise and edit your materials for clarity and professionalism.
9. Seek Feedback: Consider sharing your application with trusted colleagues, mentors or industry professionals for their constructive input. Their fresh perspective can help you identify areas for improvement and provide valuable insights to enhance your chances of success.
10. Be Authentic & Passionate: Finally, let your passion for your work shine through in your application. Judges are evaluating your accomplishments and looking for dedication and enthusiasm. Share your story, explain your motivations and convey your genuine commitment to excellence.