The NAHB Research Center was established in 1964 as a wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of NAHB. Originating as a small product testing laboratory, the NAHB Research Center has since grown to become a full-service consulting, product testing and accredited third-party certification agency dedicated solely to issues related to the home building industry. Its solutions-based services benefit professionals in every facet of the residential construction process – including builders, product manufacturers, trade associations, and government agencies.
The NAHB Research Center offers services in six primary areas:
Market Research
Customized, qualitative market research: focus groups, in-depth interviews or observational research, either in traditional focus group facilities, at industry trade and home shows or in our high-tech focus group facility, to help manufacturers develop new or refine existing product offerings and how they are marketed.
New assessments scientifically evaluate the factors that will influence the success of a product or technology – from usability to installation – and correct problems and make improvements before product launch.
Energy-efficiency optimization provides cost-effective compliance with complex and stringent energy codes through integrated solutions tailored to a specific climate region. NAHB Research Center engineers help builders improve the energy performance of their homes without pushing buyers beyond their financial means.
Product Testing
The Research Center provides full-service testing capabilities – including structural, material properties, durability, weathering, thermal and moisture – to serve the building industry.
It provides specialized material and structural systems testing, both in the lab and in the field, to ensure the performance, safety, and consistent quality in building products and materials.
An ISO 17020-Accredited Inspection Agency, the Research Center can help meet companies’ internal or ICC-ES mandated third-party product inspection needs.
Certification
Third-party certification programs enable builders, remodelers, developers and consumers choose products and contractors with confidence – when they look for the Research Center mark.
The National Green Building Certification program offers certification for new and remodeled single- and multifamily homes and residential land developments based on the ANSI-approved National Green Building Standard.
The Green Approved Products program pre-approves building products and materials for points that can be used toward building certification under the National Green Building Standard.
Standards Development
An ANSI-accredited standards development agency, the NAHB Research Center has helped to usher landmark standards into the residential construction industry.
A GSA contract that allows the Research Center to perform contractual services for government agencies under MOBIS for maximum efficiency.
A Department of Energy (DOE) Building America team leader, the Research Center helps identify and disseminate the most practical and effective energy-efficiency solutions for new and existing homes.
The Research Center is the home of the EnergyValue Housing Awards, co-sponsored with NAHB, DOE and private industry partners, honor builders and remodelers who voluntarily incorporate optimal energy efficiency into the design, construction, and marketing of their homes.
The Research Center performs housing condition assessments and planning for military housing agencies.
The Research Center is a leader in natural disaster preparedness planning and mitigation of housing damage for local and regional government bodies.
The Research Center administers ToolBase.org, the housing industry's leading resource for non-commercial technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management and housing systems.
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