Every year, hundreds of unique and stunning new homes, incredible renovation transformations, and innovative marketing efforts are entered in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence to be judged by peers from across the country in a two-stage judging process. 

In the first stage, a large number of judges narrow down the entries. Each judge is assigned several categories to judge over a three-week period. In the second stage, a several smaller groups of judges will select the winners over a two week period.

HOW ARE ENTRIES JUDGED?

The CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence judges are not able to travel across the country to see projects first-hand. Instead, they rely 100% on the information entrants provide in answers to the online entry questions, along with photographs, floor plans, and other uploaded materials.

CHBA has a two-stage judging process for all categories except for Marketing. Questions are divided into two parts: Part 1 (the summary) and Part 2 (detailed questions). Part 1 must be able to stand on its own, as most of the judges will read this part only. All images and floor plans will be seen at both stages of judging. When an entry is selected as a finalist, the judges will use the information in both Part 1 and Part 2 to determine the entry's standing. 

The Particulars

  • Entries will be judged according to the criteria (answers to questions, images, uploaded plans, etc.) set out for each award.
  • Entries will be handled in a confidential manner. Judges agree not to disclose information concerning entries.
  • Incomplete entries may, at the discretion of the judges, be disqualified due to insufficient information and materials.
  • Entries that do not adhere to the category's requirements, or that are not in keeping with the intent/spirit of the category may, at the discretion of the judges, be disqualified.
  • Judges and Awards Administration Staff have the right to eliminate or combine categories if there are insufficient entries.
  • All decisions of the judges are binding and final.

CALL FOR JUDGES – CHBA MEMBERS CLICK HERE? TO APPLY TO JUDGE

Who can judge?

Judging a national competition is a unique opportunity to see what builders, renovators, and marketing professionals are doing across the country, to give back to your Association, and to select which companies receive the honour of being named National Finalists and Winners. As such, only CHBA members in good standing are eligible to judge.

Whether you are a home builder, renovator, developer, manufacturer, trade contractor, designer, architect, or marketing professional, your experience and expertise are wanted.

How judging works

The CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence has a two-stage judging process. In the first stage, a large number of judges narrow down the entries. Each judge is assigned several categories to judge, which they can do at any time that is convenient to them over the three week online judging period.

In the second stage, a several smaller groups of judges will select the winners over a two week period.

Dates

Stage One Online Judging: January 17 - February 10, 2025
The majority of judges will be selected for the first stage of judging. Assignments can be completed at any point over the 3-week period. There will be a one-hour introductory training session on January 17 @ 2PM ET.

Stage Two Online Judging: February 21 - March 10, 2025
A small number of judges will be selected for the second stage of judging. Judges in this stage will be required to attend a one-hour introductory training session on February 21 @ 2PM ET and then can complete their assignments at any point over the 2-week period.

COMMON QUESTIONS

My company plans on entering the awards. Can I still be a judge?
Definitely! We encourage your company to enter multiple categories. You will be able to judge in a category that your company did not enter.

I've judged at the local or provincial level before. Can I still be a judge?
Yes, judging experience is a big plus, but it's not essential!

Will I have to travel?
Since all of our judging will be done online this year, you will not have to travel.

When will the judging period take place?
The main online judging period will take place from January 17-February 10, 2025. A small group of judges will be selected for the second stage of judging from February 21-March 10, 2025.

How much of a time commitment is it?
We have designed our program to make the judging process as easy as possible for you. Our online judges indicate it takes on average 6-8 hours to complete their categories. Our judging period will be open for three weeks, and you can judge at your leisure during that time period.

Do I need any special knowledge or background to be a judge?
CHBA members have valuable experience and first-hand knowledge about what goes into home building and renovation, and with that comes an eye for excellence and innovation in housing. Since judging involves looking at floor plans, drawings, photos and entry descriptions, having a background in the housing industry will serve you well. When it comes to serving a target market, understanding of how to take a concept, build it, and market it effectively through a variety of promotional elements is definitely an asset. In a competition as wide-ranging as the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, we're looking for judges that are diverse and representative of a vibrant industry from across the country.

Do I need any special software or equipment to judge?
You will need a computer and an internet connection. Everything else will be provided to you.

Can I pick which categories I judge?
No.

I know someone who would make a great judge, but they're not a member of CHBA. Are non-members eligible?
No. Judging – getting to see projects in-depth from across the country – is a perk of membership.

What happens if I'm a judge and I feel uncomfortable about judging in a category because I have a business or personal relationship with an entrant?
The integrity of the awards competition is vitally important. Therefore, CHBA asks judges who have a perceived conflict of interest or who have a personal or business connection to an entrant to withdraw from judging in that category. An alternate group or category may be assigned.