New Home Guide - Associations, Organizations, State and Government Agencies for Home Building Information

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) serves as the building community's connection to the authoritative source of information on matters of building regulation, science and technology. NIBS was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1974, when Congress recognized the need for an organization that could serve as an interface between government and the private sector. The Institute's mission is to improve the building regulatory environment, facilitate the introduction of new and existing products and technology into the building process and disseminate nationally recognized technical and regulatory information. www.nibs.org

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has considerable resources and information on home buying, home building, financing and consumer issues, including fair housing, energy efficiency and environmental issues. There is a resource library along with links to government programs, resources for first time home buyers and senior citizens, www.hud.gov

The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C. based trade association whose mission is to enhance the climate for housing and the building industry. Chief among NAHB’s goals is providing and expanding opportunities for all consumers to have safe, decent and affordable housing. As “the voice of America’s housing industry,” NAHB helps promote policies that will keep housing a national priority. Founded in 1942, NAHB is a federation of more than 800 state and local associations. About one-third of NAHB’s 215,000 members are home builders and/or remodelers. The remaining members are associates working in closely related fields within the housing industry, such as mortgage finance and building products and services. www.nahb.org

The National Association Of Realtors strives to be the collective force influencing and shaping the real estate industry. It seeks to be the leading advocate of the right to own, use, and transfer real property; the acknowledged leader in developing standards for efficient, effective, and ethical real estate business practices. The NAR provides information for consumers as well as real estate and building professionals. www.realtor.org

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a Government Affairs Department that works with the U.S. Congress, the White House and various agencies to educate government leaders and others about their policies and objectives regarding community development and livability. This effort involves the AIA in a range of issues including housing, urban renewal, accessibility, historic preservation, energy and environmental standards. For more information on their work access www.aia.org

The Building Systems Council has information on the advantages and benefits of engineered building system construction. They state that with building systems, homeowners can benefits from a quick move-in date, minimal warping caused by moisture, and cost savings through less waste and pilferage. Homes can be selected from standard plans, or can be designed to fit an individual's needs. Modular, panelized and log construction directories are included at www.buildingsystems.org

Energy and Environmental Building Association is an organization that strives to provide education and resources to transform the residential design, development and construction industries to profitably deliver energy efficiency and environmentally responsible buildings and communities. They have substantial consumer resources for both new construction and existing homes covering everything from the building envelope to heating and cooling, lighting, appliances, and the indoor environment. www.eeba.org/resources/consumer.

The National Fire Prevention Association is a non-profit organization that serves as the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and is an authoritative source on public safety. NFPA's 300 codes and standards influence every building, process, service, design, and installation in the United States. NFPA's code-development process has earned accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). www.nfpa.org

The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) is the world’s largest most elite home inspection association. A non-profit organization with members in all 50 states NACHI’s Standards of Practice is now the nation's definitive standard for the professional home inspection industry. NACHI promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics, and inspection procedures with its Code of Ethics. NACHI’s Continuing Education, free hands-on training, free online inspection courses, and free inspection video library all help keep our members the best they can be. www.nachi.org

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing over 3,000 members who originate and service mortgages for homes and commercial properties throughout the country. MBA is made up of many different types and sizes of companies which make up the real estate finance industry, including: mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, savings banks, and life insurance companies. www.mortgagebankers.org.