National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Minnesota

2024 Remodeler of the Year Awards Guide

Welcome to the 28th Annual NARI of MN RotY Awards

Review the MN rules below (also on the NARI MN website), then the National rules at https://www.nari.org/Recognition-Center/CotY/How-to-Apply

You are invited to compete for the 2024 NARI Minnesota Remodeler of the Year (RotY) Awards. The RotY Awards recognize excellence in remodeling.

Companies from one-person shops to the largest remodeling firms have reported that winning this award is a major factor in enhancing their image within the industry and with prospective customers and is a major morale booster for their employees. These guidelines will help you understand the categories for entry into the RotY competition, the judging procedure and the criteria on which entries will be reviewed.

Remodeling project entries are judged on five criteria: meeting clients’ objectives, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation. 

Entries can be resubmitted if the entries have never won in any capacity in the Minnesota competition, including Silver, and they still fall within the project completion guidelines for that year.

Whether you are a seasoned participant or a first-time entrant, thoroughly read these easy steps for submitting an entry to the NARI MN Remodeler of the Year Awards competition.

The project finish date must be between December 1, 2021 and September 6, 2024.

Important to know for local entrants in 2024:

• Only NARI contractor members in good standing are eligible to enter. Entries must be submitted on or before September 6, 2024. All entrants’ membership records will be checked to verify their classification as a contractor member. Projects not meeting this requirement may be brought to the RotY Committee for submission approval. Projects can only be from Minnesota or a border state. Therefore, only projects from MN, WI, IA, ND, and SD will be accepted. 
• Submissions are $220 per entry.  Fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be carried over to subsequent years.
• Any NARI of MN contractor, in good standing, that has never submitted for a RotY or has not submitted in the last 5 years, may submit one entry free of charge. Each additional entry is $220.
• Single Entrant Winner – A single entrant in a category may receive an award based on the overall average scores for the year’s submissions.
• A contractor member company may enter multiple projects in multiple categories and may enter a maximum of two projects in the same category. If applicable, a project may be entered in multiple categories.
• If you have a large, multi-area project, and would like to enter just a portion of it, you may break it out and/or enter the entire project. For example, if your project included the remodel of a kitchen, family room, and two baths, you could enter a kitchen category, an interior category, two bathroom categories, and/or a whole house category. This is true for National submissions as well.
• Include information on your trade associate partners in the Other categories in the submission process. These partners will be considered eligible for the Pillar Award, the companion award for trade partners.
• Pictures submitted as part of the submission become the property of NARI MN.
• Submissions become the property of NARI MN.
• Commercial categories will be combined. Other categories may be combined at the RotY Committee's discretion. 
• NARI of MN celebrates the many partners on projects via the Pillar Awards. Please note your specific and individual partners in the Team section. 
• NARI of MN does not offer a team option. Please follow the National Team Member process for your local entry if you are planning to roll up any of your local entries to National. Call the NARI National office with questions about team entrants – 847-298-9200.
• Please be aware the time frame for project completion is different from NARI National. See NARI National rules, website, https://www.nari.org/Recognition-Center/CotY/How-to-Apply.

The “Summary of Project Section” is in the online submission. This may be read at the RotY Awards Banquet. Please provide a description of your project in 100 words or less. Please include a pronunciation key for all names, products, and companies mentioned in your MC script. DO NOT ADD THIS LANGUAGE TO YOUR PDF submission.

 

NARI of MN Local & National Categories:

Residential Kitchen Under $50,000

Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of under $50,000. Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Kitchen $50,000 to $100,000

Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of $50,000 to $100,000.  Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Kitchen $100,000 to $150,000

Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of $100,000 to $150,000.  Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Kitchen $150,000 to $200,000

Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* of $150,000 to $200,000. Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Kitchen Over $200,000

Best residential kitchen remodel with a total project cost* over $200,000.  Kitchen projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a family room, dining room, mudroom, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Bath Under $40,000

Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* under $40,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Bath $40,000 to $70,000

Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* of $40,000 to $70,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Bath $70,000 to $100,000

Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* of $70,000 to $100,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Bath $100,000 to $150,000

Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* of $100,000 to $150,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Bath Over $150,000

Best residential bath remodel with a total project cost* over $150,000. Bathroom projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a master (clothing) closet, dressing area, or make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Interior Under $100,000

Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* under $100,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Interior $100,000 to $250,000

Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* of $100,000 to $250,000.  Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure.  This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Interior $250,000 to $500,000

Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* of $250,000 to $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Interior Over $500,000

Best residential interior remodel with a project cost* over $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen project with adjacent space, home theater or media rooms, wine rooms, attic conversions, etc. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. This category does not include room additions or basements. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Residential Interior Feature under $50,000

This category represents one special interior feature of a project with a cost* under $50,000. It includes, but is not limited to projects such as railings and columns; brick, stone and masonry work; tiling; air conditioning and heating; fireplaces; vestibules; insulation; kitchen hoods; glass block; wall finishes such as plaster; flooring; best use of lighting or lighting control systems, or home automation. Work must have been done to the interior of an existing residential structure, and only interior photos may be used. The residential interior feature must be specified in the entry materials and in the descriptive text in order to qualify.

 

Residential Interior Feature $50,000 and Over

This category represents one special interior feature of a project with a cost* of $50,000 and over. It includes, but is not limited to projects such as railings and columns; brick, stone and masonry work; tiling; air conditioning and heating; fireplaces; vestibules; insulation; kitchen hoods; glass block; wall finishes such as plaster; flooring; best use of lighting or lighting control systems, or home automation. Work must have been done to the interior of an existing residential structure, and only interior photos may be used. The residential interior feature must be specified in the entry materials and in the descriptive text in order to qualify.

 

Residential Addition Under $250,000

Best residential addition with a project cost* under $250,000. Includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic build-outs, which increases livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.

 

Residential Addition $250,000 to $500,000

Best residential addition with a project cost* between $250,000 and $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic buildouts, which increases livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.

 

Residential Addition Over $500,000

Best residential addition with a project cost* over $500,000. Includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic buildouts, which increases livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.

 

Residential Exterior Under $50,000

Best exterior project with a cost* under $50,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.

 

Residential Exterior $50,000 to $100,000

Best exterior project with a cost* of $50,000 to $100,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.

 

Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000

Best exterior project with a cost* of $100,000 to $200,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.

 

Residential Exterior Over $200,000

Best exterior project with a cost* over $200,000. Includes, but is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a residential building such as porticos, porches, glass or screen enclosures or greenhouse rooms (unconditioned spaces), windows, dormers, and exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. Exterior photos may be used, and interior photos of attached unconditioned spaces may also be used.

 

Residential Detached Structure

Structures such as garages, pool houses, studios, guesthouses, sheds, gazebos, pavilions, etc., remodeled or added to an existing residential property. Interior and exterior photos may be used.

 

Entire House Under $250,000

A project, with a cost* under $250,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.

 

Entire House $250,000 to $500,000

A project, with a cost* of $250,000 to $500,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.

 

Entire House $500,000 to $750,000

A project, with a cost* of $500,000 to $750,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.

 

Entire House $750,000 to $1,000,000

A project, with a cost* of $750,000 to $1,000,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.

 

Entire House Over $1,000,000

A project, with a cost* Over $1,000,000, that remodeled or renovated a substantial portion of the entire residential house, inside and outside, or where multiple additions and/or style changes in footprint or elevation have been made in more than one location. The entry must include a description of the portions of the existing structure that were incorporated into the finished project. Pictures and plans submitted with the entry must highlight those portions of the home retained in the new design.

 

Residential Historical Renovation/ Restoration Under $250,000

The renovation/restoration of the interior and/or exterior of a residential structure, or addition to a residential structure, originally built at least 75 years ago with a cost* under $250,000. Any and all changes are to have closely matched architectural style and building type. Any and all products used are to be of a material authentic in style to the area in which the building was originally built, paying special attention to period trim detail and period coloring. Restoration of missing historic features and added structures are to respect the essential historic character and architectural style of original building design.

 

Residential Historical Renovation/ Restoration $250,000 and Over

The renovation/restoration of the interior and/or exterior of a residential structure, or addition to a residential structure, originally built at least 75 years ago with a cost* $250,000 and over. Any and all changes are to have closely matched architectural style and building type. Any and all products used are to be of a material authentic in style to the area in which the building was originally built, paying special attention to period trim detail and period coloring. Restoration of missing historic features and added structures are to respect the essential historic character and architectural style of original building design.

 

Commercial Interior

Remodeling performed within the existing walls of a previously occupied commercial space. Clearly define the type of client and the client’s needs in the project description.  Only interior photos may be used.

 

Commercial Exterior

Remodeling performed on the exterior of an existing commercial structure. Clearly define the type of client and the client’s needs in the project description.  Only exterior photos may be used.

 

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100,000

Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project with a cost* under $100,000. Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways, driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures. Commercial projects should be entered in Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.

 

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000

Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project with a cost* of $100,000 to $250,000. Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways, driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures. Commercial projects should be entered in Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.

 

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living over $250,000

Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project with a cost* of $250,000 and over. Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways, driveways, patios, pagodas, outdoor kitchens, decks, terraces, pools, spas, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures. Commercial projects should be entered in Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.

 

Basement Under $100,000

Best basement conversion with a cost* under $100,000. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Basement $100,000 to $250,000

Best basement conversion with a cost* between $100,000 and $250,000. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Basement Over $250,000

Best basement conversion with a cost* over $250,000. Work must be done within the existing walls of a residential structure. Additions are excluded from this category. Only interior photos may be used.

 

Universal Design - Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices. Projects entered in this category must meet CotY criteria for Residential Kitchens (any price point).  Projects entered in this category may also be entered into the appropriate Kitchen category separately with additional fee. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.

 

Universal Design - Bath

Bathroom remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices. Projects entered in this category must meet CotY criteria for Residential Bath (any price point). Projects entered in this category may also be entered into the appropriate Bath category separately with additional fee. All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.

 

Universal Design- Other

Remodeling projects utilizing Universal Design standards and practices that are not a kitchen or bathroom.  All Universal Design entries will be judged by NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals. Entries for commercial projects are not eligible at this time.

 

Residential Architectural Design Under 500 sq ft

Residential remodeling projects focusing on architectural design under 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans including site plans, floor plans, elevations and rendering including a minimum of one scaled drawing.  If you did not hold the contract for this project, you must have the general contractor sign a separate form that allows you to enter the project in this category.

 

Residential Architectural Design Over 500 sq ft

Residential remodeling projects focusing on architectural design over 500 square feet. Submissions should include full design plans including site plans, floor plans, elevations and rendering including a minimum of one scaled drawing.  If you did not hold the contract for this project, you must have the general contractor sign a separate form that allows you to enter the project in this category.

 

Residential Project under $25,000
Description: Best residential project with a TOTAL project cost under $25K.