This certification program provides a comprehensive overview of key areas in the home building industry: Building Technology, Business Management, Computer Technology, Customer Service, Design, Leadership, Sales & Marketing, and Project Management.

What this means for you? Our company operates according to sound business principles. We won’t fail you. We won’t disappear during the project. We’ve learned how to evaluate a project and estimate it correctly. That means there won’t be run-up charges during the project. (There may be extra costs for change orders, but those will be agreed on.) We’ve studied design and building technologies. Our professionals know what they are doing on a technological level and will do it right in your project.

Students gain a broad education in the key areas of home building, along with specific, intensive education related to the remodeling segment.

What this means for you? Undertaking a remodeling project is a very different process from building a new home. In new construction no one is living in the house, so it doesn’t matter how the workers behave. In new construction everything’s selected by the builder to meet his budget and his ideas of the home’s ability to sell. In remodeling it’s all about the client. It’s their home. It’s their dreams and vision of what they want their home to become. It does matter who works on their home, and how. It does matter about the quality of materials and how they are installed. The schedule matters, etc., etc. This designation means that we at Vision Design/Build understand these differences and have developed systems to make sure your project ends up satisfying you.

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is a national honor which recognizes a remodeler’s professionalism, management experience and technical expertise. The certification is earned through the National Home Builders Association (NAHB). In order to qualify and be certified for this designation, a remodeler must have at least five years of experience in the industry, take a qualifying exam, complete a series of courses specific to the remodeling industry — including project and business management, sign the CGR Code of Ethics and go through a background check of references, licensing, and insurance by a nine-member CGR Board of Governors. CGRs are required to carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance and maintain a valid business license. CGRs also are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education related to building and remodeling every three years.

What this means for you? Your home is probably the most significant investment you’ll ever make. When you hire Cody Byrd, CGR, you are doing business with an individual who is committed to continuing education and professional growth and will bring exceptional skill and knowledge to your project. It means that Cody has invested the time and resources to make sure that when he undertakes your project it will be completed in a professional manner above what is the norm for the industry.

The National Association of Home Builders, in partnership with the AARP and NAHB Research Center, created the CAPS program. The CAPS curriculum incorporates market demographics, communication techniques, common barriers and solutions, building codes and standards, product ideas and resources, and business management.

What this means for you? With the incorporation of these design principles, your house will be easier to live in. Children, healthy adults, young or old people with disabilities, or older people with growing limitations—all can benefit from thoughtful Universal Design. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, I know how to build or remodel to overcome common age- or disability-related barriers. I will be aware of the need to widen doors so that wheelchairs can fit through or to install shower bars to improve safety. I am knowledgable of the design advances and products available which blend the safety and accessibility features together with fantastic, cutting-edge and tasteful design. And I’ll be able to advise you in these directions as you plan your next project.

The CGP coursework is based on the National Green Building Standard, the only ANSI-approved rating system for green homes, developments and remodeling projects. It covers topics such as site design; the building envelope; resource, energy, and water efficiency; and indoor air quality.

What this means for you? Although this designation uses the term “Green,” the underlying concept behind it is really “performance.” How is your home going to perform for you. As we design and work on your project we’ll be taking into account concerns like energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, air temperature variation, air flow, concern for the environment, cost savings, structural soundness, etc. For you, this translates into a more comfortable and healthier home that saves on both cash and natural resources.