(Houston Design Resources, September 2010) - A home is something that some of us take for granted; however, there are many individuals that do not have the means to obtain what we refer to as "The American Dream." One in four of the homeless population in the U.S. have worn a military uniform and served this country at one time. The number of women veterans without housing is increasing daily and few homeless programs for veterans have facilities to provide separate accommodations for women, some of whom have children.

On Saturday September 11, 2010, a date none of us will forget, the Greater Houston Builders Association's Remodelors Council partnered with HomeAid Houston, to renovate five
apartments with bathrooms and two common area bathrooms at the Santa Maria Hostel's Spring Branch location. Santa Maria Hostel is a multi-site facility that offers temporary housing and different levels of service for women looking to change the direction of their lives.

Numerous men and women, who are members of the GHBA RMC, volunteered not only their time, but all of the materials used to refurbish the bathrooms that were in desperate need of a facelift. Remodelers, designers, vendors, and other associates came together in an effort to say thank you to our veterans.

"Project Independence is a great way to give back to those women who have given so much of for this country and are struggling here at home to get back on their feet," said Brandon Lynch of Keechi Creek Builders, just one of the remodelers who stepped up to help.

(January 2010) - January may mark the beginning of the term for the 2011 Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelors Council board of directors, but it is hardly the beginning of the work being done by the new board of directors. In late November the incoming board, several past presidents, GHBA staff and other valuable members met for the 2011 Strategic Planning Meeting.

"I feel fortunate to be at the helm of a team comprised of so many successful and hard-working people." --GHBA Remodelors Council President Rob Hellyer, CGR, GMB, CAPS

The ideas that came forth, along with the the commitment of those present at the planning meeting, hold promise for 2011 to continue the achievements that have made Houston Remodelors Council the best in the nation. The groundwork has been laid to continue and, if possible, improve upon the charitable projects the council will tackle in 2011. The notion of new, special educational opportunities will also be explored.

Brandon Lynch, Keechi Creek Builders president, has recently stepped up to serve on the 2011 Remodelors Council board of directors. In his new position, he will serve as the Education Chair, leading the council's efforts to increase professionalism within the industry.

(January 2010) - Brandon Lynch has achieved his second professional designation through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Already a Certified Green Professional (CGP) since 2009, Brandon completed the educational requirements to receive his CAPS designation.

As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Brandon is qualified to help homeowners of any age modify their homes to meet their needs. CAPS remodelers learn about the methods and products used to make homes more usable for individuals with restricted mobility, limited vision, and many other conditions.

As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Brandon is qualified to help homeowners of any age modify their homes to meet their needs. CAPS remodelers learn about the methods and products used to make homes more usable for individuals with restricted mobility, limited vision, and many other conditions.

(September 2009) - Brandon Lynch, owner of Keechi Creek Builders has recently earned the National Association of Home Builder's Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation.

The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes - without driving up the cost of construction. Classwork leading to the designation provides a solid background in green building methods, as well as the tools to reach consumers, from the organization leading the charge to provide market-driven green building solutions to the home building industry.

Brandon looks forward to providing his loyal clients with more information on how they can make a better impact on the environment, while still creating or renovating the homes they desire. "Our goal is to provide clients the best green building options available," says Brandon.

The Future of Residential Construction is Green

The Certified Green Professional (CGP)™, an exclusive designation offered by the National Association of Home Builders, is designed to teach building industry professionals strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options. CGP designation graduates have a greater understanding of sustainable building techniques and knowledge of methods to achieve higher energy efficiency. Graduates are also able to demonstrate to consumers the enhanced environmental impact, increased performance and health benefits of green homes to potential buyers. Earning the CGP exemplifies a commitment to staying current with industry innovations—including green building.

 

Green Building is Here to Stay

The exploding market for sustainable, environmentally friendly building products—along with expanding educational opportunities for builders and remodelers—has accelerated green building's acceptance by home owners and the building industry. A NAHB-McGraw Hill Construction Survey indicates that more than half of NAHB's members— who build more than 80 percent of the homes in this country—will incorporate green practices into the development, design and construction of new homes in the next two years.

Green building is more than just a checklist. It's the use of quality building practices that promote sustainability to make a home healthier and more efficient. The Certified Green Professional (CGP) provides a solid background in green building methods and the tools to reach consumers and to provide market-driven green building solutions to the home building industry.