How CWHBA Works For You

Our membership directory includes over 600 professional members who are dependable, ethical and experienced. Make the most of your investment and confidently choose a proud member of the Central Washington Home Builders Association.

Who is CWHBA?

Since 1955, the Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA) has served as the leading not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to residential construction and remodeling throughout Central Washington. 
Counties We Serve

CWHBA works with government, public, business and community organizations in six counties – Yakima, Klickitat, Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan – to protect every family’s right to home ownership. We help support local businesses and aim to transform the association experience, connecting members to other members and to those looking to hire a professional. 

CWHBA offers exclusive, members-only benefits including connection, protection, education, and solutions. We also guide those who want to build or remodel a home to the trusted, vetted and local building professionals who can make it happen. 

In joining the Central Washington Home Builders Association, all builder, remodeler and associate members agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics. By doing so, members demonstrate to the public and to others in their respective fields that they take pride in their profession and will do their best to provide the highest quality work possible.

CODE OF ETHICS

The philosophy of the Central Washington Home Builders Association is that:

  • Home ownership can and should be within the reach of every American family.
  • American homes should be well-designed, well-constructed, and well located in attractive communities with educational, recreational, religious and shopping facilities accessible to all.

Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the “in” colors for today’s trendy kitchens. Or maybe you had an epiphany one morning as you stood in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: maybe it’s time to start a home remodel. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake.

Some of these include:

  • Adding more space
  • Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures
  • Creating a floor plan that’s customized for your lifestyle
  • Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems
  • Increasing the resale value of your home

The two questions that many first-time buyers have are: “Is it the right time for me to buy?” and “how do I get started?” The answer to the first question is not always simple and straightforward. In general, it’s the right time for someone to buy when they can afford to own a home (financially equipped to make the downpayment, cover closing costs and afford the monthly payment), have a lifestyle change (e.g. getting married) and/or are going to stay in the area for a few years (in order to build equity).

SO HOW DO I START LOOKING FOR A HOME?

STEP ONE: Getting Prepared – Everyone has some specifics in mind for their new home. Now is the time to make a list of your “must-haves” and your top priorities.

STEP TWO: Secure Financing – Understand the different mortgage types and which one might be the best for you. For first time buyers, a great place to start is the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

STEP THREE: Find a Home – As a first-time buyer, you’ll need guidance, advice and help several times during this process. A good real estate agent is a seasoned professional who can help every step of the way.

So, you’ve just moved into your brand new home. You shopped around and did a lot of research to find the home that was just right for you. You signed a big pile of documents at closing, the moving trucks have left, all the boxes are unpacked, and all your belongings are in their proper places. What should you do now?

  • One of the most important things to remember is that you are responsible for certain routine maintenance items to keep your house functioning properly. These tasks tend to be relatively simple. For instance, many types of heating and air conditioning systems contain filters to remove dirt and dust from the air. A home owner should change these filters when necessary.
  • Cleanliness is a factor that will make your home last longer and work better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes.
  • On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior products.
  • When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the responsibility of the builder.
  • You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights and responsibilities are from the outset.

CWHBA Membership Code of Ethics

In joining the Central Washington Home Builders Association, all builder, remodeler and associate members agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics. By doing so, members demonstrate to the public and to others in their respective fields that they take pride in their profession and will do their best to provide the highest quality work possible.

 

The active member of this Association shall be limited to those persons and firms who shall subscribe to the following Code of Ethics:

MEMBERS of the CENTRAL Washington Home Builders Association believe and affirm that:

  • Homeownership can and should be within the reach of every American family.
  • American homes are well designed, well constructed, and well located in attractive communities, with educational, recreational, religious, and shopping facilities accessible to all.
  • American homes should be built under the free enterprise system.

To achieve these goals, we pledge allegiance to the following principles and policies:

  • Our paramount responsibility is to our customers, our community, and our country.
  • Honesty is our guiding business policy.
  • High standards of health, safety, and sanitation shall be built in every home.
  • Members shall deal fairly with their respective employees, specialty contractors, and suppliers.
  • As members of a progressive industry, we encourage research to develop new materials, new building techniques, new building equipment, and improved methods of home financing, so that every home purchaser may get the greatest value possible for every dollar.
  • All sound legislative proposals affecting our industry and the people we serve shall have our informed and vigorous support.
  • We hold inviolate the free enterprise system and the American Way of Life. We pledge our support to the associates, our local, state, and national associations, and related industries concerned with the preservation of legitimate rights and freedoms.

We assume these responsibilities freely and solemnly, mindful that they are part of our obligation as members of the Central Washington Home Builders Association.

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