NARI stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a trade organization that represents remodeling contractors, kitchen and bath specialists, and other home improvement professionals across the United States. Founded in 1982 when the National Remodelers Association and the National Home Improvement Council merged, NARI’s core purpose is to strengthen professionalism in the remodeling industry and build public trust in contractors who do the work.
If you’re a homeowner researching a contractor or a remodeling professional looking to grow your credibility, here’s what NARI does and why it matters.
What NARI Does for the Remodeling Industry
NARI functions as a professional standards body for remodelers. It provides its members with business resources, education, networking, and industry certifications, all built around a tagline the organization calls “Remodeling Done Right.” Members include general remodeling contractors, specialty tradespeople, design professionals, and suppliers.
The organization operates through local chapters across the country. Remodeling companies join the chapter nearest to them or in the market where they do business. In areas without a local chapter, NARI’s national headquarters supports members directly.
NARI’s Code of Ethics
One of the practical reasons homeowners encounter NARI is its code of ethics. Every member company agrees to follow specific professional standards that go beyond simply doing good work. These include obtaining and maintaining all insurance required by federal, state, and local authorities, holding proper licensing or registration, and taking steps to protect the health and safety of employees, subcontractors, clients, and the public.
NARI positions these ethical commitments as a key differentiator between its member companies and non-members. The organization’s stated values center on professionalism, honesty, inclusiveness, and a commitment to excellence. For homeowners, seeing a NARI membership is one signal (though not the only one) that a contractor takes their professional obligations seriously.
Professional Certifications NARI Offers
Beyond membership, NARI runs a certification program that lets remodeling professionals demonstrate verified expertise. These credentials require documented industry experience, continuing education, and in some cases completion of a preparatory course. Three of the most recognized certifications are:
- Certified Remodeler (CR): Designed for highly experienced professionals who provide a full range of remodeling services. Business owners and senior managers typically pursue this credential to validate both technical skills and business management expertise.
- Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR): Similar in rigor to the CR, but focused specifically on kitchen and bathroom projects. This is the go-to certification for contractors who specialize in those spaces.
- Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC): Aimed at experienced tradespeople who oversee both the technical execution and day-to-day administrative coordination of projects in the field. This certification recognizes the on-site project management role that lead carpenters fill.
Each certification has its own eligibility requirements, but all of them require verified years of industry experience and completion of continuing education units. These aren’t weekend seminars. They’re professional credentials meant to signal a meaningful level of competence.
How Homeowners Can Use NARI
If you’re hiring a remodeling contractor, NARI membership and certifications are useful data points during your vetting process. A contractor who holds a CR or CKBR designation has invested time and money into proving their qualifications through a third-party organization. That doesn’t guarantee a perfect experience, but it does narrow the field toward professionals who take the business seriously enough to pursue formal credentialing.
You can search for NARI members through the organization’s website by entering your zip code to find contractors affiliated with your nearest chapter. When comparing bids, asking whether a contractor holds any NARI certifications can give you a clearer picture of their experience level and specialization.
How Contractors Join NARI
The membership process is straightforward. You complete an application describing your business, NARI reviews it, and once approved you pay dues and gain immediate access to member benefits. These benefits include use of the NARI brand and logo, access to continuing education, networking with other remodeling professionals through local chapter events, and eligibility to pursue certifications.
Membership dues vary, and NARI ties membership to local chapters rather than offering a single national rate. You join the chapter in the market where you want to do business, which means your membership connects you with other professionals and potential referral networks in your area. For remodeling companies looking to distinguish themselves from unlicensed or fly-by-night competitors, the combination of a code of ethics, verified credentials, and chapter-level visibility can be a meaningful business advantage.