Single-Family New Construction

The NAHB Research Center provides independent, third-party certification for single-family homes, townhouses, and duplexes that are constructed in compliance with the ICC-700 National Green Building Standard.

Green Building Certification Process

Step 1: Score the building using the online Green Scoring Tool or the downloadable scoring spreadsheet.
Step 2: Hire an accredited verifier.
If there is not an accredited verifier listed for your area, contact the NAHB Research Center.
Step 3: Forward Designer's Report or the scoring spreadsheet to selected verifier and schedule rough inspection.
Step 4:

The NAHB Research Center will send a Builders Agreement to all new program participants once the verifier has scheduled the rough inspection.

Submit the following to the Research Center:

  • Program Participation Agreement with completed application form
  • proof of insurance
  • certification fee
Step 5: Meet with verifier after rough inspection to sign the Verification Report which will be sent to the Research Center for review.
Step 6: Schedule final inspection with verifier; sign final Verification Report.
Step 7: The Research Center will review the report and issue Certified Green Home certificate provided that all documentation is complete.

Verifier Role

National Green Building Certification accredited verifiers are critical in the home certification process. Get more information on the verifier process or how to become a verifier.

During the home certification process, the NAHB Research Center will:

  • Review reports and any accompanying verifier comments/documentation
  • Confirm that properly accredited verifier was used by the builder
  • Invoice builder for certification fee upon completion of verifier's rough inspection
  • Confirm builder's Program Participation Agreement, insurance information, and payment history are in order
  • Issue Certified Green Home certificate and forward to builder in accordance with instructions noted and approved on final Verification Report

Contact us if you have questions about single-family home certification.

Green Builders Are Saying...