Why enter the NARI Remodeler of the Year awards?
- Gain prestige for your organization.
- Demonstrate the high quality of your work.
- Impress your clients.
- Visual proof that your work meets or exceeds the industry standard of excellence.
- Create marketing opportunities for your organization.
- See your winning projects promoted on social media, NARI's websites, Houzz and Pinterest pages, and in industry-focused magazines, such as "Qualified Remodeler."
NARI members from across the nation may submit their projects for consideration. Entries are judged by leading experts in their field. Entried are judged on functionality, problem-solving, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, the degree of difficulty, and entry presentation.
Follow these guidelines.
- Create a presentation (max 30 pages) that outlines the project goals and highlights the transformation you achieved. Important: Do not put the name of your company anywhere in the presentation to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Include architectural drawings, before and after photos (high-resolution and horizontal preferred), layouts, and any other relevant project information.
- Write a project summary in 100 words or less.
- Complete and upload the Project Owner Agreement and the Photographer Release form. If entering the Residential Architectural Design category, please complete the Remodeler Release form.
- Submit your presentation, project summary, entry fee, and additional supporting documents by the deadline of Octobr 31, 2026.
- If it is after October 5, 2026, you may froward your submission directly to the Regional and National awards judging.
Categories:
NARI members can submit residential and commercial projects to showcase their excellence across 44
categories, including kitchens, baths, architectural, and landscape design. Entry submissions open August 17th, 2026
Residential Kitchen
Project Cost*
● Under $50,000
● $50,000 to $100,000
● $100,000 to $150,000
● $150,000 to $200,000
● Over $200,000
Best residential kitchen remodel projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room,
dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos
may be used.
Residential Bath
Project Cost*
● Under $40,000
● $40,000 to $70,000
● $70,000 to $100,000
● $100,000 to $150,000
● Over $150,000
Best residential bath remodel projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a primary
(clothing) closet, dressing area, make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only
interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior
Project Cost*
● Under $100,000
● $100,000 to $250,000
● $250,000 to $500,000
● Over $500,000
Best residential interior remodel that includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room
remodeling, bath or kitchen with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc.
Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions
or basements. Only interior photos may be used.
Residential Interior Feature
Project Cost*
● Under $50,000
● $50,000 and Over
This category represents one special interior feature of a project. It includes but is not limited to projects such as
railings and columns; brick, stone, and masonry work; tiling; air conditioning and heating; fireplaces; vestibules;
insulation; kitchen hoods; glass block; wall finishes such as plaster; flooring; best use of lighting or lighting control
systems, or home automation. Work must have been done to the interior of an existing residential structure, and only
interior photos may be used. To qualify, the residential interior feature must be specified in the entry materials and
the descriptive text.
Residential Addition
Project Cost*
● Under $250,000
● $250,000 to $500,000
● Over $500,000
Best residential addition that includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic build-outs, which
increases the livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and
exterior photos may be used.
Residential Exterior
Project Cost*
● Under $50,000
● $50,000 to $100,000
● $100,000 to $200,000
● Over $200,000
Best exterior project that includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as
porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers,
and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior
photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.
Residential Detached Structure
Structures such as garages, pool houses, studios, guesthouses, sheds, gazebos, pavilions, etc., remodeled or
added to an existing residential property. Interior and exterior photos may be used.
Entire House
Project Cost*
● Under $250,000
● $250,000 to $500,000
● $500,000 to $750,000
● $750,000 to $1,000,000
● Over $1,000,000
A project that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the existing structure portions incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.
Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration
Project Cost*
● Under $250,000
● $250,000 and Over
The renovation/restoration of a residential structure's interior and/or exterior, or addition to a residential structure, was originally built at least 75 years ago. All changes are to have closely matched the architectural style and building type. All products used are to be of a material authentic in style to the area in which the building was originally built, paying special attention to period trim detail and period coloring. Restoration of missing historic features and added structures are to respect the essential historic character and architectural style of the original building design.
Commercial Interior
Remodeling performed within the existing walls of a previously occupied commercial space. Clearly define the type of client and the client’s needs in the project description. Only interior photos may be used.
Commercial Exterior
Commercial Exterior Remodeling performed on the exterior of an existing commercial structure. Clearly define the type of client and the client’s needs in the project description. Only exterior photos may be used.
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living
Project Cost*
● Under $100,000
● $100,000 to $250,000
● Over $250,000
Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project that includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways,
driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing
structures. Commercial projects should be entered into Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.
Basement
Project Cost*
● Under $100,000
● $100,000 to $250,000
● Over $250,000
Best basement conversion. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.
*Cost is defined as contract price, all extras, change orders and the fair market value of materials and products that were purchased, sweat equity and in-kind services provided, and/or any subcontract work. The cost of all homeowner-provided products, services, or labor should be included in this cost. All markups and profit should be included in the cost provided. For member-owned projects, costs should include normal markups as if the project was contracted to an outside client.
Universal Design – Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices. Projects entered in this category must meet CotY criteria for Residential Kitchens (any price point). Projects entered in this category may also be entered into the appropriate Kitchen category separately with an additional fee. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.
Universal Design – Bath
Bathroom remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices. Projects entered in this category must meet CotY criteria for Residential Bath (any price point). Projects entered in this category may also be entered into the appropriate Bath category separately with an additional fee. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.
Universal Design – Other
Remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices that are not a kitchen or bathroom. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.
Residential Architectural Design Under 500 sq ft
Residential remodeling projects focusing on architectural design under 500 square feet. Submissions should
include full design plans which may contain site plans, floor plans, elevations and rendering including a minimum of one scaled drawing. Project does not need to be built. Do not include any pictures of the completed project.
Residential Architectural Design Over 500 sq ft
Residential remodeling projects focusing on architectural design over 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans which may contain site plans, floor plans, elevations and rendering including a minimum of one scaled drawing. Project does not need to be built. Do not include any pictures of the completed project.