Building a Better Tomorrow

Industry advocacy and philanthropy create a vision for excellence at NARI

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has earned a spot as one of the most impactful organizations within the industry.

Its thoughtful balance of sky-level strategy and on-the-ground effort has shaped a path that is propelling all of its members toward sustained growth, expansion, and success.

NARI is dedicated to providing value to its members and strengthening its impact on communities across the nation. That means leveraging its reputation as the leading association in the remodeling industry while embracing innovative approaches to member engagement.

The association’s strategic plan focuses on adapting to shifting membership trends with relevant and tangible member benefits.

Its staunch advocacy through the Government Affairs Committee ensures the association’s voice is heard at the national and local levels, so it’s able to help foster policies that benefit remodelers and homeowners alike.

NARI also collaborates with respected institutions to remain a thought leader on industry trends while delivering value to members through data-driven insights and opportunities.

The association also encourages its chapters to maintain their philanthropic initiatives, such as community remodeling projects. These efforts not only give back but also demonstrate the industry’s power to uplift communities.

To ensure that happens, NARI is always strengthening its partnerships with suppliers and local organizations to mobilize resources for impactful community projects.

As a result, NARI enjoys well-earned perks like increased membership, broader recognition as the authority in remodeling, and a thriving network of 32 chapters and members who feel empowered, valued, and united by the mission to improve lives through exceptional craftsmanship and community care.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry seeks primarily to connect homeowners with qualified remodeling professionals while continually working to enhance the quality of life for clients and communities nationwide.

The association stands as a beacon of professionalism, leadership, and community support. Focusing on elevating industry standards, fostering meaningful partnerships, and driving philanthropic efforts, NARI exemplifies what it means to be a leader in its field.

Professional Excellence as an Organizational Pillar

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry was formed in 1982 through a fusion of two very similar organizations: the National Remodelers Association and the National Home Improvement Council.

Since then, NARI has been committed to advancing professionalism within the remodeling industry. “NARI equips remodelers nationwide with resources to succeed and builds trust with consumers for remodeling done right,” says association President-Elect Aaron Enfinger.

NARI members are listed within an easy-to-navigate directory on its consumer-facing website, remodelingdoneright.com, which allows prospective clients to find specific contractors based on their locations and specialties.

Association members also have access to live, on-demand education, webinars, and similar resources to help them grow professionally. “We have very robust, industry-leading education, certification, and accreditation programs… no one else has our level of education,” Enfinger proudly explains.

By setting rigorous standards and offering comprehensive certification programs, NARI ensures that its members are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver exceptional results.

Because of NARI’s longevity as an organization, these certification programs are not merely badges of honor but true differentiators that address the complexities of modern remodeling projects in ways only professionals with decades of experience can.

From understanding supply chain dynamics to managing vendor relationships, NARI equips its members with the tools they need to navigate challenges effectively.

The association mostly serves professionals in residential remodeling, with some work being done in commercial. Due to the nature of its industry sector, NARI operates with a focus on relationships, partnerships, and efficiency.

For example, NARI’s partnership program with Home Depot allows its members to get a rebate on their Home Depot purchases. The returns have been so substantial that many members use the rebate value to cover their membership or even portions of their certification costs.

Additionally, NARI commonly collaborates with trusted partners like Ferguson and National Gypsum to handle things like providing spaces for product showcases and back-end supply chain logistics.

This approach not only builds trust with clients but also reinforces NARI’s reputation as the go-to authority in the remodeling industry.

“What we do is really tough as general contractors when it comes to executing the projects. It takes a lot of orchestration to be able to pull off a project effectively. Sometimes, we’re trying to bring together 100,000 different little things and make them all come together seamlessly,” Enfinger states.

Combining Industry Advocacy with Community Engagement

Advocacy is another pillar of NARI’s operations. The Government Affairs Committee plays a crucial role in monitoring legislative and policy changes that could impact the remodeling industry.

Acting as the organization’s advocacy wing, the committee ensures that members’ voices are heard at both local and national levels.

“The Government Affairs Committee keeps their finger on the pulse of what’s going on… suppose policy or legislation changes are being considered in areas where we have chapters. In that case, we notify those chapters and then mobilize their teams and members to take action,” Enfinger explains.

This method strengthens the industry’s position and fosters a sense of unity and purpose among NARI’s members.

NARI also participates nationally in the Remodeling Futures Steering Committee at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

“We stay engaged with that organization to help understand what’s going on with housing across the country,” Enfinger says.

This collaboration allows the organization to stay abreast of trends and challenges in the housing market, enabling it to adapt its strategies and provide valuable insights to its members.

By participating in these critical discussions, NARI ensures that its members are well-informed and prepared to navigate an ever-changing landscape.

However, it does not end there; NARI’s impact extends far beyond the technical aspects of remodeling.

The organization’s chapters across the country are deeply involved in community engagement initiatives, underscoring their dedication to giving back. Each chapter is encouraged to adopt a philanthropic focus, resulting in a variety of impactful projects.

One standout example comes from the Central Ohio chapter, where members collaborated to renovate a local facility supporting women in crisis.

Kitchens and bathrooms in dire need of repair were transformed through a collective effort involving contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.

This initiative not only improved residents’ living conditions but also demonstrated the power of community collaboration.

Similarly, another chapter took on the mission of building bathrooms for underprivileged families, addressing a critical need for basic amenities.

“All of our chapters have a philanthropic angle to them, and one of the great things that we have the luxury of doing is being able to give out awards annually for some of those philanthropic efforts to recognize our members and our chapters,” Enfinger says.

These projects highlight NARI’s understanding that while remodeling is often perceived as a luxury, it can serve as a lifeline for those on the fringes of society. By mobilizing resources and expertise, NARI chapters make a tangible difference, showcasing the organization’s heart for service.

Planning for a Future Ripple Effect

By leveraging the collective strength of its members, NARI has been able to execute projects that have a profound impact on communities. These efforts extend beyond physical renovations, fostering a sense of hope and dignity for those who benefit from them.

“What we do is really expensive, and unfortunately, it’s not accessible to everyone. But through our philanthropic initiatives, we can reach those who need it most, providing services that truly change lives,” Enfinger says.

This sentiment captures the essence of NARI’s mission: to use its expertise and resources to make a positive difference.

NARI’s vision for the future is rooted in strategic growth and sustained impact.

Recognizing a shift in how people engage with professional organizations, the association has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to bolster membership and expand its reach.

“Our focus over the next three to five years is on growth—growth in membership, in our philanthropic efforts, and our advocacy work. We aim to cement our position as the leading association in our space,” Enfinger states.

This plan includes efforts to enhance members’ value propositions and ensure they have access to resources, networking opportunities, and support that directly benefit their businesses.

By addressing its members’ evolving needs, NARI aims to foster a thriving community of professionals equipped to meet the demands of modern homeowners.

Moreover, the organization is committed to increasing its visibility and influence nationwide.

Through targeted marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships, NARI seeks to ensure that homeowners across the country recognize its name as synonymous with quality and professionalism.

This heightened awareness benefits the association and elevates the remodeling industry as a whole.

As NARI continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to excellence, community engagement, and advocacy remains unwavering. By staying true to its core values and embracing innovation, the organization is poised to lead the remodeling industry into a brighter future.

Whether through groundbreaking projects, strategic advocacy, or fostering professional development, NARI exemplifies what it means to be a leader.

In a world where quality and trust are paramount, NARI stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and purpose.

With a clear roadmap for the future and a legacy of impactful work, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is not just building homes—it’s building a better tomorrow.

At a Glance

Who: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
What: A professional association committed to advancing professionalism, community engagement, and advocacy in the remodeling industry.
Where: NARI has a network of 32 chapters across the United States
Website: https://www.nari.org