NARI National Remodeler of the Year 2025 Program Categories

New name — same robust categories! In 2024, NARI rebranded the prestigious Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards program as “NARI Remodeler of the YearTM” to better reflect the professionals we serve and shine a light on the multiple professionals who bring remodeling projects to life. NARI members may submit residential and commercial projects to showcase their excellence in 44 categories, from kitchens and baths to architectural and landscape design. Entry submissions open October 14 with early bird pricing. For more information, visit nari.org/roty.

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 Kitchen Project Cost*
●  Under $50,000
●  $50,000 to $100,00
●  $100,000 to $150,00
●  $150,000 to $200,000
●  Over $200,000

Best residential kitchen remodel 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 Project Cost
●  Under $40,000
●  $40,000 to $70,000
●  $70,000 to $100,000
●  $100,000 to $150,000
●  Over $150,000

Best residential bath remodel projects that include remodeling of any other adjacent space such as a primary (clothing) closet, dressing area, make-up room, etc., should be entered into a Residential Interior category. Only interior photos may be used.

Residential Interior Project Cost*
●  Under $100,000
●  $100,000 to $250,000
●  $250,000 to $500,000
●  Over $500,000

Best residential interior remodel that includes, but is not limited to, such projects as family or recreation room remodeling, bath or kitchen 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 Project Cost*
●  Under $50,000
●  $50,000 and Over

This category represents one special interior feature of a project. 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. To qualify, the residential interior feature must be specified in the entry materials and the descriptive text.

Residential Addition Project Cost*
●  Under $250,000
●  $250,000 to $500,000
●  Over $500,000

Best residential addition that includes, but is not limited to, additions, add-a-levels, or attic build-outs, which increases the livable space of the existing home. The project is limited to one addition per structure. Interior and exterior photos may be used.

Residential Exterior Project Cost*
●  Under $50,000
●  $50,000 to $100,000
●  $100,000 to $200,000
●  Over $200,000

Best exterior project that 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 Project Cost*
• Under $250,000
• $250,000 to $500,000
• $500,000 to $750,000
• $750,000 to $1,000,000
• Over $1,000,000

A project 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 existing structure portions 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 Project Cost*

●  Under $250,000
●  $250,000 and Over

The renovation/restoration of a residential structure’s interior and/or exterior, or addition to a residential structure, was originally built at least 75 years ago. All changes are to have closely matched the architectural style and building type. 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 the 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 Project Cost*

●  Under $100,000
●  $100,000 to $250,000
●  Over $250,000

Best residential landscape design/outdoor living project that 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 into Commercial Specialty. Only exterior photos may be used.

Basement Project Cost*

●  Under $100,000
●  $100,000 to $250,000
●  Over $250,000

Best basement conversion. 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 an 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 an 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.

*Cost is defined as contract price, all extras, change orders and the fair market value of materials and products that were purchased, sweat equity and in-kind services provided, and/or any subcontract work. The cost of all homeowner-provided products, services, or labor should be included in this cost. All markups and profit should be included in the cost provided. For member-owned projects, costs should include normal markups as if the project was contracted to an outside client.