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2026 Best in Building Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about eligibility, submissions, photos, judging, award strategy and Awards Night.
Getting Started
What’s new for 2026?
We listened to your feedback and made several improvements to this year’s Best in Building Awards program.
The Best in Building Awards Committee carefully reviewed the awards lineup with the goal of creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
The biggest change is the consolidation of most Marketing Awards into a single category open to all member types. This creates a simpler, more focused submission process while encouraging greater competition.
We also added Best Kitchen Design and Best Primary Bath Design to the Associate Awards, giving Associate members dedicated opportunities for recognition that align with those available in the Builder and Remodeler categories.
I’m not sure what type of member I am. How can I find out?
If you’re unsure whether you’re a Builder, Remodeler or Associate member, use the member directory to search for your company and identify your membership classification.
What projects are eligible for the 2026 Best in Building Awards?
Projects must meet the 2026 eligibility requirements, including applicable completion dates and any category-specific requirements.
Projects must have been completed after the 2025 awards entry period ended on October 3, 2025. Projects submitted in previous years cannot be entered again.
Submitting Entries
My written submission is ready, but I’m still waiting for photos. Can I submit now and upload them later?
No. Entries must be complete before they can be officially submitted.
You can save your work at any time and return later to finish your submission, including uploading the required photos, before finalizing your entry.
Can I submit entries in multiple categories?
Yes. As long as your membership type is eligible for a category, you may submit as many entries as you’d like.
Use the 2026 Award Categories page to confirm which categories are available to your membership type.
Can I submit the same project in more than one category?
Yes. Many projects naturally qualify for multiple awards.
If your project meets the eligibility requirements for more than one category, you may submit it wherever appropriate. Each submission should be tailored to the specific award and highlight the aspects of the project most relevant to that category.
How do I determine which price category my project falls into?
Price categories are based on the total completed value of the project, not just the portion your company provided.
For example, if you supplied $10,000 worth of tile for a bathroom renovation, use the total value of the completed bathroom — including labor, fixtures, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical work, finishes and other components — to determine the appropriate price category.
Recognition & Entry Strategy
I worked on a project that another member is submitting. How can I make sure my company receives recognition?
Communication is key.
Reach out to builders, remodelers and trade partners you’ve worked with to find out whether they plan to submit the project.
If they are, ask them to include your company’s contribution in the Awards Night section of the submission so your participation can be recognized during the event.
How can I maximize a project’s opportunities for recognition?
Many successful submissions are collaborative.
If multiple CRBRA members contributed to a project, consider coordinating submissions so different aspects of the project are entered into the categories that best highlight each company’s work.
Example: A remodeled primary bathroom featuring custom tile and a hand-painted mural could generate multiple entries:
- Best Bath Remodel — Remodeler
- Best Application of Solid Surface Material — Associate
- Best Decorative Element — Associate
- Best Primary Bath Design — Builder, Remodeler or Associate
Working together allows more companies to receive recognition while showcasing the full scope of the project.
Why do some companies seem to win so many awards?
Companies that receive multiple recognitions often identify every eligible opportunity rather than entering only one or two projects or categories.
A thoughtful submission strategy can increase the number of opportunities your work has to be evaluated and recognized. Each entry is still judged independently on its own merits.
Judging & Administration
Who judges the awards?
The Best in Building Awards are judged by independent industry professionals from outside our market.
Judges are members of the National Association of Home Builders with experience evaluating projects and are selected through professional relationships within the federation. Because they have no connection to the local market, they can evaluate entries objectively and fairly.
What role does the Best in Building Awards Committee play?
The Committee oversees the structure and administration of the program.
Committee members:
- Review and update award categories
- Establish timelines and deadlines
- Secure sponsorships
- Promote participation among CRBRA members
- Help plan Awards Night
Committee members do not review submissions, serve as judges or participate in selecting award winners. They generally do not know which companies have submitted entries.
Awards Night & Other Ways to Participate
I don’t see a category that fits my business. How can I participate?
We’re always looking for ways to improve the Best in Building Awards. If you have an idea for a future award category, we’d love to hear it.
You can also participate by becoming a Best in Building Awards sponsor. Sponsorship is a great way to increase your company’s visibility while supporting one of CRBRA’s premier member programs.
What can I expect at Awards Night?
Awards Night returns to Franklin Plaza in Troy on Thursday, November 12.
Expect an evening of networking, recognition and celebration as the winners of the 2026 Best in Building Awards are announced live.
Still Have Questions?
Review the 2026 award categories or contact the CRBRA office if you need help determining where your project fits.
Review Award Categories Email CRBRA
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