From the HBA: 'Better tomorrows' is vision of region's home builders

For the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, "Building Better Tomorrows" is more than just a catchy slogan; it is our mission.

When HBA builders and associates help a family that wants to install a new room, remodel a kitchen, or create an entire new dream home, we are helping build a better tomorrow for that customer.

In fact, if you asked most Americans what makes up the proverbial American Dream, in addition to listing a successful career and a happy, healthy family, they would likely also include "owning a home."

Achieved by more and more Americans each year, homeownership is a symbol of success and gives a family self-esteem.

It represents security and gives people a place to escape their on-the-go lifestyles.

Homeowners form bonds with one another, feel a part of their communities and have a stake in what goes on in their neighborhoods.

A recent study by the Homeownership Alliance, which has a Web site at www.homeownershipalliance.com reveals that homeownership has a positive impact on our nation's children.

Children who live in owned homes achieved 7 percent higher scores in math and 6 percent higher scores in reading, and they had 4 percent fewer behavioral problems.

That is good news, since current housing trends show homeownership is on the rise.

According to the Homeownership Alliance a national coalition comprised of consumer groups, independent bankers, home builders, low-income housing advocates and other organizations that are concerned about homeownership after declining during the 1980s, the home ownership rate continues to increase. Last year it hit an all-time high of 67.5 percent which means that more than 71 million American families now own their own homes.

With homeownership surging forward, more and more people are looking to build a dream home of their own, perfectly matching their own tastes and preferences.

Millions of others are remodeling or renovating an existing home in an effort to provide additional space or updated styles.

But there is far more involved in "building better tomorrows" than simply setting forth with a blueprint and a dream.

A number of important questions should be considered when considering this important decision.

It is important to select a builder who is responsible and has multiple professional references.

Your builder should carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance coverage.

A good builder should have a reputation for quality work that is completed at a fair price and in a timely manner.

To help consumers, the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield makes these high standards part of our criteria for membership. That means that when you hire a member of the HBA, you can be assured that the builder carries the appropriate insurance coverage, is in solid financial standing, has a good reputation locally and has a list of verified references.

When being consideration for membership in the HBA, a builder's work is inspected carefully by other well-established HBA builder-members.

That is why the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is the place to begin your search for the builder or remodeler who is right for you. Of course, obtaining a list of qualified builders from the HBA is only the beginning.

Personal research and involvement on the part of the customer is the only way to be certain that the builder is a good fit for the job required.

In Springfield, the HBA's efforts go even further than providing the highest quality work at a reasonable price. Our members go the extra mile to build a better tomorrow for their customers.

Home builders work with housing finance innovators, consumer education organizations and government officials to make homeownership an affordable dream for every American.

We are committed to searching for new ways to expand homeownership opportunities as we enter a new century of growth in the housing industry.

As you contemplate building that new home in which you will build so much more over the years, don't forget to do your homework. A little preparation to-day can help you build a better tomorrow.

(Matt Morrow is executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield.)