Remodelers have two chances to win by entering their projects in the Livable Communities Awards and the Homes for Life Awards. Both awards honor remodelers for excellence in aging in place remodeling solutions.

Entries are now open for NAHB and AARP’s third annual Livable Communities Awards recognizing builders, remodelers and developers for creative and unique homes and community projects that improve the daily comfort, ease and safety of their residents and highlight the critical elements needed for a livable community.

New categories have been added this year to recognize architects and planners for home and community design, as well.

Winning entries will be honored for:

• Design elements that accommodate the needs of all residents with all levels of physical ability from children through grandparents
  
• Easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options
  
• Improved energy efficiency that reduces long-term utility costs
  
• Enhanced site design that enables residents of a neighborhood to commute easily to the broader community

A panel selected by NAHB and AARP will review the applications and select the finalists.

Judging criteria vary from category to category, but points will be awarded based on:

• Universal design features
• Ease of maintenance and energy efficiency
• Exterior design and landscaping/site design
• Incorporation of Livable Community design features
• Stakeholder involvement 

Four projects were selected by judges as winners of the award in 2008:

• Builder, up to 2,500 square feet
  New Millennial Homes
  Tampa, Fla.
  
  
• Remodeler, more than $75,000
  Interior Design Details
  Los Angeles
  
  
• Developer, up to 250 Units
  The Winery LLC
  Bainbridge Island, Wash.
  
  
• Developer, more than 250 Units
  HallKeen, the Braverman Company and New Boston Fund
  Winooski, Vt.

Interior Design Details' winning remodel  was designed for a woman who had limited mobility. The remodelers built archways and widened doorways and installed automation and sensor units. The remodel also included slip-resistant interior floors, lever door handles, dimmer light switches, granite countertops and more.

Applications for the Livable Communities Award are due July 23.

For more information on the awards or to apply online, visit www.nahb.org/livablecommunities.

Winners will be notified by NAHB and AARP no later than Nov. 1. Winning entries will be recognized at an awards program in December or January. 

NAHB Remodelers also invites applicants to submit their projects for the Homes for Life Award, sponsored by Best Bath. The application is similar to the Livable Communities award, making it easy to submit your remodeling project for two honors.

The Homes for Life Award recognizes CAPS designees for excellence in aging in place design and/or accessible home modifications in a remodeled home. These homes will offer specific design or programmatic solutions that aid the individual resident(s) to continue living in the house as they grow older and/or face physical challenges.

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