Certified Aging in Place Specialist
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is the result of the work of NAHB Remodelers -- in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center, 50+ Housing Council and AARP.
The three-day training program equips graduates with the technical, customer service and marketing skills required to effectively service the burgeoning market for aging-in-place home modifications.
Demographic trends indicate that home owners who plan to stay in their homes as they get older instead of making other housing accommodations are one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling market. Many of these households can be expected to call on remodelers to adapt their homes to their changing needs and lifestyles in order to maintain their independence.
What is Aging-in-place?
In plain English, aging-in-place means living in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of remaining in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a home for a lifetime.
Projects for the aging-in-place remodeling segment range from installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multi-functional first-floor master suites and the installation of private elevators. CAPS training participants learn the mechanics and nuances of effective assessment of clients’ needs and integrating myriad considerations into unified, aesthetically pleasing, functional solutions.
How do I become a CAPS?
In a three-day course (two days for those who already possess an industry certification with a business component), CAPS teaches the strategies and techniques for marketing, designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments. If you know what universal design is you know some of the technical ideas that CAPS addresses. CAPS adds value to that knowledge by providing insights into the characteristics of the aging-in-place market, and how to market to and work with this demographic group.
Curriculum
- Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)Background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common remodeling expenditures and projects
- Marketing to Older Adults: accessing the aging-in-place remodeling market
Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)
- Codes and standards, common barriers and solutions, product ideas and resources
Business Management for Building Professionals
- Strategies and techniques for building a competitive, sustainable remodeling business; case studies and interactive exercises. Upon completion of CAPS coursework, participants receive graduation materials, a comprehensive listing of product, information and marketing resources included in the Remodelors Council's database of CAPS-certified professionals nationwide.
- *Holders of the following designations are exempt from the Business Management for Building Professionals requirement: GMB, CGR, CGB, CGA, CR, CKD, CBD, ASID, AIA, and GRI. Other exemptions are determined on a case by case basis.
CAPS Continuing Education Requirements & Community Service
Continuing Education Requirements
Designation holders are required to earn a total of twelve hours of continuing education every three years. Recertification candidates are required to earn six hours through academic coursework and an additional six hours through industry education and activities, for a total of twelve hours. A total of six hours is required to be earned by completing a NAHB University of Housing course that is at least six hours in length. Recertification candidates are required to earn the remaining six hours from the options outlined below. Candidates may earn their hours in any combination within the maximum hour limits for each section.
A maximum of six hours can be earned through attending or presenting educational programs at national meetings or regional trade shows. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Local HBA educational programs
- NAHB International Builders’ Show
- Other national industry conventions
Community Service
A maximum of two hours can be earned by participating in community service projects. Community service projects can include any work done for the public good without compensation. These hours may also be applied to Section 2 depending upon the activity.
Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.
The CGR designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of business practice, possess a minimum of five years remodeling industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete a comprehensive education curriculum, and pledge to uphold the program's code of ethics.
Benefits of the CGR Designation
- Referrals to customers in your area via NAHB's website
- Consumer brochures that explain the advantages of working with a CGR
- The right to use the CGR designation on all letterhead, business cards, etc.
- The CGReport (newsletter) three times per year detailing program developments and course schedule listings
- Invitation to attend the annual CGR Reception at the Remodeling Show
- Graduation kit with an official framed graduation certificate, CGR lapel pin, CGR logo slick sheet, gold promotional seals for drawings, plans and contracts, press releases for distribution to media sources in your market area, Code of Ethics suitable for framing, and official graduate corporate seal (optional)
- Invitation to attend International Builders' Show graduation reception
Why Earn the CGR Designation?
Each year Americans spend more than $200 billion improving their homes. With an estimated 200,000 residential remodeling firms nationwide, plus another 600,000 self-employed workers doing remodeling and home repair, how are you going to catch the consumer's eye? The CGR designation was created to help identify those individuals who exemplify professionalism in the remodeling industry. As a CGR, you become a member of an exclusive national program, gain recognition as an industry leader, and call attention to yourself in a crowded marketplace.
How Do I Become a CCR?
Curriculum and Other Requirements
- A minimum of five years experience in the remodeling business
- Completion of the Professional Remodelers Experience Profile (PREP)*
- Completion of the courses required by the results of the PREP*
- Adherence to the CGR Code of Ethics
*Results of the PREP determine the amount of coursework (0-2) in each of the five core areas the candidate is required to complete to obtain the designation:
If you took the PREP Assessment prior to September 2008, please use the categories and courses listed below.
Marketing & Sales
- Customer Service
- Sales & Marketing for Remodelers
Business Administration
- Business Accounting & Job Cost
- Business Management for Building Professionals
- Negotiating Skills
Design, Estimating & Job Cost
· Design/Build
· Estimating for Builders & Remodelers
· Profitable Business Through Quality Practices
· Contracts, Liability & Risk Management
· Construction Contracts & Law
· Negotiating Skills
· Risk Management and Insurance for Building Professionals
· Project Management
· Project Management
· Scheduling
If you took the PREP Assessment in September 2008 or later, please use the categories and courses listed below.
Marketing & Advertising
· Customer Service
· Design/Build
· Sales & Marketing for Remodelers
· Business Management
· Business Accounting & Job Cost
· Business Management for Building Professionals
· Estimating
· Estimating for Builders & Remodelers
· Contracts, Liability & Risk Management
· Construction Contracts & Law
· Risk Management and Insurance for Building Professionals
· Project Management
· Project Management
· Scheduling
Associated Fees
· Application Fees:
- There is no application fee for the CGR.
- PREP Fee: $195.00
- Course Fees determined by the HBA
- National Course Fees:
- $195.00 members
- $245.00 non-membersG
- raduation Fees:
- $145.00 members
- $245.00 non-members
- Annual Renewal Fees:
- $50.00 members
- $75.00 non-members
Continuing Education Requirements
Complete a minimum of twelve hours of continuing education every three years. Six hours must be earned by completing an NAHB University of Housing course that is at least six hours in length. The remaining six hours may be earned by completing an additional NAHB University of Housing course, taking state or local seminars, NAHB national seminars or college courses related to the building industry. The continuing education requirement may be completed by either attending or teaching the required education.
Contact
Contact the NAHB Professional Designation Helpline at 800-368-5242 ext. 8154 for more information on earning a professional designation.