Home Builders Names 2010 Mississippi Housing Hall of Fame Inductees

The Home Builders Association of Mississippi (HBAM) recently inducted two members into the Mississippi Housing Hall of Fame, the highest honor given by the organization. Donnie Massey of Meridian and Charles Porter of Brandon were installed during ceremonies held June 4 at the HBAM State Convention at the Hilton Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort in Florida. Hall of Fame inductees are chosen annually by a committee charged with selecting outstanding honorees making significant contributions within the home building industry, as well as their own communities.

Donnie Massey and family

Donnie Massey grew up in Meridian and graduated from Mississippi State University. In 1992, Massey formed D&H Construction and Cabinetry, Inc. after a friend asked him to install some countertops.  Click here to read more...

Charles Porter and family

Charles Porter of Brandon was also inducted into the Mississippi Housing Hall of Fame on June 4.  Click here to read more...

Checklist for Hiring a Builder or Remodeler

Do your homework before having work done on your home.

Use this checklist to help you select a builder or remodeler to work on or build your home.

• Is the Builder or Remodeler licensed by the State Board of contractors?
• Does the builder/remodeler have workers' compensation and general liability insurance?  If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Get it in writing.  Will the builder/remodeler provide you with a complete and clearly written contract, a document signed by both parties?  the contract will benefit bot of you.  Review it carefully.
• How long have they been in the building business?  It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business.  Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
• Will the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers?  As them if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
• Have you seen the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress?  Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler?  Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
• Be cautious of usually low-priced bids.  If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.
  

HBAM "Best in Mississippi" Winners Featured in Mississippi Magazines' Homes and Gardens Publication

Winners from the 2009 Best in Mississippi housing awards have been featured in the Spring edition of Mississippi Homes and Gardens publication.  Pictures of the homes, along with a feature story, are showcased in the publication.  The publication is produced by Mississippi Magazine, and is mailed to 39,000 subscribers and given personally to another 4,000.  This is the second year that the Home Builders Association of Mississippi has partnered with Mississippi Magazine.  It is a great way to showcase these award winners.

To receive a copy of the publication, contact Coral Edelen at 601-969-3446 or click here to send her an email.

Shown below are some of the 2009 winners:

Taking home the 2009 Grand Award, the one entry exceeding all others in style, creativity and artisanship, was Scott Morgan of Scott Morgan Architect in Ridgeland for Croswell Residence in The Township at Colony Park in Ridgeland.

Michael & Kimberly Fritz of Fritz Development in Ocean Springs won Best Single Family New Construction Custom 1,800 to 2,500 Square Feet

Kevin Taylor
of Plum Homes, Inc. in Gulfport won Best Single Family Custom Home Greater than 5,000 Square Feet

Planning to build or buy a new home in Mississippi...

When you choose a builder look for one of the Certified Professional Builder logos.  Participants in the program have agreed to meet the following standards, which are well above the requirements for licensing in the State of Mississippi:

• Must be licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
• Must have built no less than ten homes.
• Main occupation must be home building or industry-related, subject to approval by the CPB committee.
• Must offer binding arbitration with their new homes.
• Must maintain appropriate insurance coverage including builders risk, general liability, and workers' compensation.
• Must be a member of the local or State of Mississippi Home Builders Association.
• Must apply for recertification annually.
• Must adhere to the National Association of Home Builders Code of Ethics.
• Must attend four hours of continuing education each year for recertification.
• Must adhere to the guidelines adopted by the Mississippi Housing Institute in the Homeowners Handbook to ensure customer satisfaction and the integrity of the Program.
• Letters of reference must accompany the application: two homebuyers, one banker, and two business associates. 

The Mississippi Housing Institute uses its best efforts to determine a builder's qualifications for certification as a Certified Professional Builder.  While the program recognizes the professionalism of a builder, the Mississippi Housing Institute does not make any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, to homebuyers or others and has not inspected the construction of any home and, therefore, does not and cannot address the specific quality of a new home.  The homebuyer is encouraged to discuss the program with his or her Certified Professional Builder and to contact the Mississippi Housing Institute for more specific information about the program.

Click here to select a licensed Mississippi builder, by county for your next home.