The 2024 Best in American Living Awards Call for Entries is now open!
Eligibility Requirements for All Categories
- The home(s) or project must have been completed or first model opened between January 1, 2022, and August 28, 2024.
- Communities or project phases for larger communities must have at least 50% of the building units and 50% of the infrastructure completed by August 28, 2024.
- The same project may be entered for awards in multiple categories. Winning projects previously entered are not eligible to submit again for the same category.
- Any home owned or occupied by a staff member of NAHB shall be disqualified.
- Should the need arise, the judges reserve the right to subdivide any category as appropriate in an effort to provide fairer competition.
Site and Floor Plan Requirements for Eligible Categories
- File should contain all floor plans and relevant elevations that are representative of what you are submitting.
- Furnished, marketing-style floor plans and elevations are encouraged.
- Submissions should not be longer than six pages if submitting a pdf.
- If this is a remodeling submission, please include “before” plan(s), if possible.
Photography Requirements for All Categories
- It is highly recommended that for all categories that are not strictly interior architecture or design that sufficient exterior photography be submitted to demonstrate the design characteristics of the home, residential building or community. Entries without sufficient exterior photography, if applicable, may be removed from consideration.
- On the Board applicants should submit sufficient renderings and other architectural drawings in lieu of photographs.
- Green applicants should use the green image/photograph upload area for green-specific features. Professional photography is not required. Images could include, but are not limited to, xeriscaping, wall assemblies, solar installations, other innovative green details, etc.
- Remodeling applicants should include sufficient “before” and “after” photography that showcases the transformation and final product.
- Additional eligibility requirements by category will be listed below once you have selected an award category.
Single-Family Production or Builder Spec
Categories 1 through 10: Submissions should be single-family detached homes built for sale or builder spec homes built without a specific client’s input. Homes built for specific clients who have input from design through construction should be entered in the appropriate Custom Home category. Square footage refers to conditioned living space.
1. Detached Home up to 2,000 sq. ft., Built for Sale
2. Detached Home 2,001 – 2,500 sq. ft., Built for Sale
3. Detached Home 2,501 – 3,000 sq. ft., Built for Sale
4. Detached Home 3,001 – 3,500 sq. ft., Built for Sale
5. Detached Home 3,501 – 4,500 sq. ft., Built for Sale
6. Detached Home Over 4,500 sq. ft., Built for Sale
7. Attached Homes/Townhomes, Built for Sale
Submissions should be single-family attached townhouse style structures built for sale. Submissions can include micro-housing dwelling units attached as a part of a townhouse style structure as long as they are built for sale and are not sold as a part of another unit. Condominium or garden-style apartments should be entered in the appropriate multifamily category.
8. Single-Family, Detached or Attached, For Rent
Submissions should be single-family homes (detached or attached, and including townhomes) that are built specifically for rent and built without a specific client’s input. Apartments or condominium style structures should be submitted in the appropriate multifamily category.
9. Green Detached or Attached Home, Built for Sale
Green building concepts refers to both the structure and the use of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle: siting, design, material selection, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition. Green building concepts often earn certifications such as National Green Building Standard (NGBS) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
10. On-the-Boards Single-Family Production Home
Submissions should be production homes that are being developed for or in response to a specific project or need. Submissions shall include necessary material (site plans, floor plans, elevations and renderings) to describe the proposed home design and any unique features of that design.
Single-Family Custom
Categories 11 through 20: Submissions can include micro-housing (tiny homes) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Micro-housing should be entered in category 11 and is defined as a stand-alone structure on an individual site with no other residential unit present. ADUs should be entered in category 18 and are defined as secondary living units in conjunction with another residence. All other custom homes should be entered into the appropriate category by their square footage of conditioned living space.
11. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home up to 2,000 sq. ft.
12. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 2,001 – 3,000 sq. ft.
13. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 3,001 – 4,000 sq. ft.
14. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 4,001 – 5,000 sq. ft.
15. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 5,001 – 6,000 sq. ft.
16. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 6,001 – 8,000 sq. ft.
17. One-of-a-Kind Custom Home Over 8,000 sq. ft.
18. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
19. Green One-of-a-Kind Custom Home, Detached or Attached
Green building concepts refers to both the structure and the use of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle: siting, design, material selection, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition. Green building concepts often earn certifications such as National Green Building Standard (NGBS) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
20. On-the-Boards Single-Family Custom or Spec Home
Submissions should be fully developed designs that have not yet begun or completed construction. The home should have a specific client who is giving input on the design that is being developed. Submissions shall include necessary material (site plans, floor plans, elevations and renderings) to describe the proposed home design and any unique features or solutions of that design.
Multifamily
Categories 21 through 29: For developments up to 3 stories, this refers to the maximum above grade. For 4 stories and over, calculate the number of stories including the podium.
21. Development up to 3 Stories, Built for Sale
22. Development 4 – 7 Stories, Built for Sale
23. Development 8 Stories & Over, Built for Sale
24. Development up to 3 Stories, For Rent
25. Development 4 – 7 Stories, For Rent
26. Development 8 Stories & Over, For Rent
27. Adaptive Reuse, Multifamily
Submissions should be multifamily projects for sale or rent that are the result of an adaptive reuse.
28. Student Housing
29. On-the-Boards Multifamily Project
Submissions should be projects that are under development and have not yet begun or completed construction. Submissions shall include necessary material (site plans, floor plans, elevations and renderings) to describe the proposed home design and any unique features of that design.
Affordable
30. Affordable, Single-Family Detached or Attached
Submissions should be single-family detached or attached (townhomes) built for sale, with a sale price of no more than 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The homes will be judged based on the same criteria as the Single-Family Production Homes (Categories 1 through 8).
31. Affordable, Multifamily
Submissions should be multifamily projects that are affordable or mixed affordable and market rate, with rental rates or sales prices that do not exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for at least 25% of units.
32. Affordable Multifamily (over 100 units)
Submissions should be multifamily projects that are affordable or mixed affordable and market rate, with rental rates or sales prices that do not exceed 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for at least 25% of units.
33. Best Multifamily Development Firm
34. Best Property Management Firm
Remodeling
If the project is entirely new construction, it should be entered into another category for newly built homes or rooms. Dollar amounts refer to the cost of the remodel.
35. Entire Home, up to $250,000
36. Entire Home, $250,001 – $750,000
37. Entire Home, Over $750,000
38. Green Entire Home Remodel
Green building concepts refers to both the structure and the use of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle: siting, design, material selection, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition. Green building concepts often earn certifications such as National Green Building Standard (NGBS) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
39. Addition, Indoor or Outdoor, up to $100,000
40. Addition, Indoor or Outdoor, Over $100,000
41. Home Addition
42. Historic Preservation/Restoration
Submission must preserve the character of the original structure and meet the local qualifications for a historic building. The project does not need to be registered as a historic building to be considered.
43. Kitchen, up to $75,000
44. Kitchen, $75,000 – $125,000
45. Kitchen, Over $125,000
46. Bath, up to $50,000
47. Bath, Over $50,000
48. Specialty Project
Submissions must focus on any one single space that serves a dedicated function within a home. Examples include, but are not limited to, entries, foyers, living rooms, entertainment rooms, home offices, libraries, garages, wine cellars, dining areas and accessory buildings.
49. Aging in Place
Community
For larger, phased communities, amenities in future phases cannot be claimed on this application.
For single-family communities, submissions may be a master planned community, or a phase or neighborhood within a master planned community that either has their own amenities or shares amenities with surrounding neighborhoods. Examples of amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, schools, community centers, bike trails, golf courses, clubhouses, equestrian center, etc.
50. Single-Family Community, Under 100 Units
51. Single-Family Community, 100 Units & Over
52. Single-Family Community For Rent
For mixed-use communities, submissions must incorporate a mix of at least two housing types which can be single-family detached, single-family attached, duplexes, multifamily, live-work units, bungalow courts, etc. Submissions also incorporate two or more uses – Residential, Commercial, Office, or Institutional – within a single site plan and may be in an urban, suburban or rural area.
53. Mixed-Use Community, Single-Family
54. Mixed-Use Community, Multifamily
55. Best Garden Apartment Community (4 stories or less)
56. Best Low-Rise Apartment Community (non-garden, 5 stories or less)
57. Best High-Rise Apartment Community (10-plus stories)
58. Best Mid-Rise Apartment Community (6 to 9 stories)
59. Infill Community
Submissions may be either new development or adaptive reuse of an existing structure that is sited on vacant or underused land within an existing community and is surrounded by other types of development. Submissions can be single-family detached, single-family attached, multifamily, or a mix thereof.
60. Green Community
Green communities can include single- and multifamily communities. Green building concepts refers to both the structure and the use of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life cycle: siting, design, material selection, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition. Green building concepts often earn certifications such as National Green Building Standard (NGBS) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Community facilities can include facilities within single or multifamily projects. Examples include clubhouses, shared workspaces, recreational facilities and entertainment or outdoor venues.
61. Community Facility, 1-250 Units
Submissions can be either standalone buildings/facilities or part of a larger building with other uses and must be built.
62. Community Facility, 250-1000 Units
Submissions can be either standalone buildings/facilities or part of a larger building with other uses and must be built.
63. Community Facility, 1000+ Units
Submissions can be either standalone buildings/facilities or part of a larger building with other uses and must be built.
64. On-the-Boards Community
Submissions should include an innovative solution to a site, social, environmental, business, community or other need. Communities may be single- or multifamily or a mix thereof.
Interior Architecture & Design
Submissions to interior design categories must be new construction. Remodeling projects should be entered in their respective remodel category.
NOTE: the same project may be entered for awards in multiple categories. For example, a home can be entered in both a single-family custom and one or more of the specialty room categories.
65. Kitchen, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced under $500,000
66. Kitchen, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced up to $600,001-$1,000,000
67. Kitchen, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced over $1,000,000
Submissions must focus on a kitchen within a model home. Only new construction projects are eligible.
68. Kitchen in a Custom Home Priced under $1,000,000
69. Kitchen in a Custom Home Priced $1,000,001-$2,000,000
70. Kitchen in a Custom Home Priced over $2,000,000
Submissions must focus on a kitchen within a private residence. Only new construction projects are eligible.
71. Primary Suite, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced under $500,000
72. Primary Suite, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced up to-$1,000,000
73. Primary Suite, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced over $1,000,000
Submissions must focus on a primary suite within a model home. Only new construction projects are eligible.
74. Primary Suite in a Custom Home Priced under $1,000,000
75. Primary Suite in a Custom Home Priced $1,000,001-$2,000,000
76. Primary Suite in a Custom Home Priced over $2,000,000
Submissions must focus on a primary suite within a private residence. Only new construction projects are eligible.
77. Specialty Room/Project, Production or Builder Spec in a Home Priced under $500,000
78. Specialty Room/Project, Production or Spec in a Home Priced up to $1,000,000
79. Specialty Room/Project, Production or Spec in a Home Priced over $1,000,000
Submissions must focus on any one single space that serves a dedicated function within a model home. Examples include, but are not limited to, entries, foyers, living rooms, entertainment rooms, home offices, libraries, garages, wine cellars and dining areas. Only new construction projects are eligible.
80. Specialty Room/Project in a Custom Home Priced under $1,000,000
81. Specialty Room/Project in a Custom Home Priced $1,000,001-$2,000,000
82. Specialty Room/Project in a Custom Home Priced over $2,000,000
Submissions must focus on any one single space that serves a dedicated function within a private residence. Examples include, but are not limited to, entries, foyers, living rooms, entertainment rooms, home offices, libraries, garages, wine cellars and dining areas. Only new construction projects are eligible.
Specialty
83. Outdoor Room/Living Space
84. Design Detail
Entries should highlight one particular detail per entry. Submissions can include, but are not limited to staircases, window casing details, bars, water features, etc. Entire spaces or rooms should be entered into Categories 60 and 61: Specialty Room/Project.
85. Innovative Housing Solution / Creative Living Space
Submissions should showcase innovation and have the ability to significantly influence the residential design and housing industry over the next five years. Both individual projects and products are eligible to receive this award, including but not limited to new home design concepts, new types of site development, innovations in products and interior design, and design responses to COVID-19. Submissions must enhance the experience of residents.
86. Healthy Home
Healthy home building concepts refer to both the structure and the use of processes that are environmentally responsible throughout a building’s commissioning and lifecycle from siting, design, material selection, and construction to operation and maintenance. Healthy home building concepts are often showcased through certifications such as Wellness Within Your Walls (WWYW), FIT Well and WELL Build.
87. Log Homes – All
88. Timber Frame Construction – All
89. Modular Home All
90. Panelized Home All
91. Concrete Home All
92. Commercial
93. Multifamily Project