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

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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." |ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

(Matt Morrow is executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield.)[[In-content Ad]]