Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, NARI, Inc. 2015 Contractor...
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1 Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, NARI, Inc. 2015 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards AWARDS ENTRY PACKAGE MEDIA SPONSOR
Transcript of Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, NARI, Inc. 2015 Contractor...
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Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, NARI, Inc.
2015 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards
AWARDS ENTRY PACKAGE
M E D I A S P O N S O R
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Welcome to the
2015 EM NARI
Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards
EM NARI members are invited to enter the 2015 EM NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY)
Awards. Previous winners – from one-person shops to the largest remodeling firms –
report that winning a CotY is a major factor in enhancing their image within the industry
and with their clients.
Are You New to CotY?
With EM NARI’s membership consisting of the remodeling industry’s finest, it’s no wonder that each
year we have many first-time entrants who go home with awards. If you are considering participating
in the CotY program for the first time, or even if you are a seasoned participant, take a look at these
easy steps in the process. Once your binder is completed it can be entered into the local program, as
well as the regional and national competitions.
• Start taking pictures now. “Before & After” photos are required for each entry. Make it a point to
take “before” photos at the start of every project. Take your after photos from the same angle, if
possible, to show the judges the same perspective.
• Review the program. All the details are included in this packet and on our website at
www.emnari.org.
• Plan your entry. Arrange your photos, drawings, and project descriptions, in a way that is easy to
follow, from the beginning to the end of the project.
• Follow the rules. Choose your category carefully, fill out the forms completely, and submit your
entry by the deadline, Friday, January 16, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Send your entry to:
EM NARI
Attn: CotY Awards Program 831 Beacon Street #186
Newton Center, MA 02459
Phone: 508-907-6249
Mark the date. The awards ceremony will take place on
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Clarke Showroom, Milford, MA.
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CotY 2015 Rules & Guidelines
1) INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES: The entry fee for an individual entry is $85 per entry on or before September 17,
2014 and $100 if purchased after.
2) TEAM ENTRIES: Team entries are permitted in each project category. All team members must be EM
NARI members. One member from each team must be classified as a contractor member of EM NARI
and be designated as the team leader. (An example of a team would be a general contractor company
as the leader, and a designer and tile company as team members.) The cost for each contractor team
leader is $85 per entry on or before September 17, 2014 and $100 after if purchased after. The cost
for each additional team member is $55. Each team member will receive an award if the entry wins.
3) Projects must be completed between December 1, 2012 and November 30, 2014. Only entries that
have never been submitted in prior CotY contests are eligible. (Note: This is not the same time frame as
the National Awards program) The exception is if the ‘Anniversary Category’ is offered.
4) All projects entered in CotY categories must be an improvement or addition to an existing structure.
Entries for new structures will not be accepted except where specifically noted.
5) All entries must be received by EM NARI by 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2015. All CotY entries must
arrive in the official 2015 CotY format described in section 7 below.
6) A member company may enter multiple projects in multiple categories and may enter more than one
project in the same category, but the same project may only be entered in one category. If you have a
large, multi-area project, you may enter a portion in separate categories. For example, if your project
included the remodel of a kitchen, family room and two baths, you can enter a kitchen category, an
interior category and two bathroom categories, but you may not enter an the entire house category as
then those space would be entered twice. Keep in mind you will have to break out costs for each project
on each entry form. If you enter your project in this way you will not be able to enter any of the same
remodeled areas again.
7) ASSEMBLE YOUR BINDER – Once you have purchased your CotY entry, you can begin compiling your
project. There are strict guidelines regarding your entry. To assemble your entry you need to:
a. Purchase a white ½” binder with front clear view pocket (for cover insert).
b. Purchase 16 clear top loading sheet protectors. The first sleeve is left empty for your Entry
Paperwork. Insert black construction paper into the remaining sheet protectors for your
photos/drawings.
c. Include CD with ONE before and ONE after picture inserted in first sheet protector in your
binder. Please ensure that there is just ONE set of before and after pictures, preferably shot
from the same angle. Also, please make sure there are no individuals visible in the photos. This
set of pictures will be displayed on our Wall of Fame.
8) ENTRY PAPERWORK – The following items should be inserted into the first sleeve in your binder. These
are required forms and must be included with your entry. These items will not be returned to you, so
be sure to make copies for yourself before sending these in. This first sleeve must include:
a. Two page Entry Form- including Proof of Time/Homeowner’s Affidavit - This document must
be completely filled out for all entries. Project leaders must complete the form and obtain the
homeowner’s signature. Project total cost must include fair-market value for all homeowner
provided materials, labor and subcontractors that were part of the project (i.e. cabinets,
painting appliances, etc.) If a member submits a project that is his own property, the fair-
market value of the project should be shown. Once this form is complete and the homeowner
has signed, the contractor must also sign and have the contractor’s signature notarized.
b. Photographer’s Release – The owner of the photographs (professional photographer,
contractor, homeowner, etc.) must complete and sign this form. Use more than one if
necessary.
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CotY 2015 Rules & Guidelines (cont’d)
c. Subcontractor, Professionals and Suppliers – This information is very important. We compile
this information and use it to attract sponsors for our awards program and other EM NARI
events.
d. CD-ROM: Digital Photos and Promotional Project Description- The CD must be labeled with
the contractors name, category number and description in permanent marker. Each entry
requires its own labeled CD. The CD-ROM must contain ONLY 2 photos (one before and one
after shot – preferably from the same angle) and your promotional project description. Please
label the two files on the CD-ROM with “Before” and “After”. They should be 8x10 at 300 DPI in
Adobe RGB. Please include project photos that were displayed in your binder. These photos will
represent your project on the Wall of Fame and in the awards presentation. The promotional
project description must be a word document that is a VERY brief description of the project used
by our MC at the awards event to introduce the winning projects. This excerpt should not
exceed 50 words and should be written in “3rd person”.
e. Customer Contact Form (optional) – If you would like to be considered for the Customer Service
Award, please provide your client with the customer contact form. Your client can either fax
(617-663-6566) or mail the form direct to the EM NARI office. Alternatively, you can submit it
with your binder. The two entries with the highest score will receive the Customer Service
Award. In the event of more than two entries having the same high score the customer
comments will be used to determine two winners by our judges.
9) The remaining sleeves are reserved for text and photos describing the project. They will be used by our
judges to determine category winners. The project is limited to 15 pages, front and back, or 30 pages,
one-sided. The first page must include the total project cost in the upper right corner. This total must
match the homeowner affidavit. Your name and/or company name cannot be visible on these pages,
nor can company members be visible in photos. If you are presenting a photo that has the required
name/ category on the back, be sure that your name is covered up with another photo, description, or a
piece of blank paper. Entries that display your name anywhere visible on these pages will not be judged.
10) Provide the following information in bullet point format: a. Brief project description (e.g., Kitchen remodel/expansion that added 250 additional sq. ft. to the home.):
b. What were the clients’ specific needs and wants related to this project and how were they addressed?
(e.g., The clients are very tall and wanted the counters and cabinets at a higher level making the space
more comfortable for them, without detracting from resale value.)
c. What unique challenges were encountered during this project? (e.g., The home had lead paint so we
needed to work in accordance with those laws.)
d. What features/design are unique to this project? (e.g., The home is designed to be accessible to the
family's elderly mother who requires a wheelchair.)
e. Other. Is there is anything else about this project that you think is relevant to allowing the judges to
better understand why this is award worthy, please include one brief sentence explaining why.
11) It is mandatory that you enclose “before” and “after” photographs of the entire job. Include “during”
photos, if available, to show difficulty or innovative use of materials. Color photos are preferred, but all
photos are acceptable. Apply labels, including your company name and category to the BACKS of all
photos. Short captions should appear on the front of each photo. No people are allowed in any photos.
Entries without “before” photos will not be judged. It is suggested that the photos be sized to fit the
sleeves, so approximately 8X10. If they are smaller than this, please affix (mount) them to the black sheet
in each sleeve. You are not to make any changes to the binder.
Deadline for entries is January 16, 2015. Mail your entry to:
EM NARI, Attn: CotY Awards Program
831 Beacon Street #186, Newton Center, MA 02459
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2015 CotY Awards Categories
Please review category descriptions carefully, as categories may have changed from prior years.
1. Residential Kitchen Under $50,000: Best kitchen remodel
with a total project cost under $50,000. Interior only.
2. Residential Kitchen $50,000 to $100,000: Best kitchen
remodel with a total project cost of $50,000 to $100,000.
Interior only.
3. Residential Kitchen $100,001-150,000: Best kitchen
remodel with a total project cost of $100,001-
$150,000.00. Interior only.
4. Residential Kitchen Over $150,000: Best kitchen remodel
with a total project cost over $150,000. Interior only.
5. Residential Bath under $30,000: Best bath remodel with
a total project cost under $30,000 Interior only.
6. Residential Bath $30,000- $60,000: Best bath remodel
with a total project cost $30,000-$60,000. Interior only.
7. Residential Bath Over $60,000: Best bath remodel with a
total project cost over $60,000. Interior only.
8. Residential Interior: Best interior project. Includes, but is
not limited to, such projects as family or recreation
room, attic or basement conversions, etc. Work must be
done within the existing walls of a residential structure.
This category does not include room additions. Interior
only.
9. Residential Specialty Interior: This category represents a
special interior element of a project. It includes, but is
not limited to such interior projects as railings and
columns; brick, stone and masonry work; tiling; air
conditioning and heating; fireplaces; vestibules; flooring;
audio/visual systems; and home automation. The
residential specialty must be specified in the entry
materials and in the descriptive text in order to qualify.
The judging ballot is not used to judge this category- the
judges decide by open dialogue.
10. Residential Specialty Exterior: This category represents
a special exterior element of a project. It includes, but is
not limited to such exterior projects as decks, columns,
pagodas, trellises, arbors, fences and gates, patios and
terraces. Also included may be detached structures such
as garages, pool houses, studios, guesthouses, sheds,
gazebos, pavilions, etc. Refer to bold section of category
9 for additional information.
11. Residential Addition Under $200,000: Best addition
under $200,000. Includes, but is not limited to,
additions, add-a-levels, or attic build-outs, which
increases livable space of the existing home. The project
cannot have changed the exterior footprint or elevations
of the existing residential structure in more than one
location. Interior and exterior photos may be used.
12. Residential Addition $200,000 and Over: Best addition
$200,000 and over. Refer to Category 11 for description.
13. Residential Exterior: Best exterior project. Includes, but
is not limited to, alterations to the exterior of a
residential building such as porticos, porches, decks,
glass or screen enclosures, windows, dormers, and
exterior resurfacings like siding, stucco, etc. which
enhances the overall appearance of the exterior. The
project cannot have added heated livable space to the
home. Exterior only.
14. Entire House Under $500,000: A project 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.
15. Entire House $500,000 and over: Refer to category 14.
16. Entire House- Condo: A project, which remodeled or
renovated a substantial portion of a single residential
condo or townhouse unit. Interior only.
17. Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration: 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 prior to the
project. All changes should closely match 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.
18. Commercial Project: Work must have been done to an
existing commercial structure. Clearly define the type of
client and the client’s needs in the project description.
This category contemplates all Interior/ Exterior and
Specialty Commercial projects, as well as any multifamily
residential projects.
19. Residential Basement: 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.
20. Residential Landscape: Best landscape design project.
Includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, pathways,
patios, etc. Work is not exclusive to existing structures.
Only exterior photos may be used.
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2015 CotY Project Entry Form All entrants must be EM NARI members in good standing.
* Please print your company name exactly as you would like it to appear on an award if selected as a winner.
Project Leader First and Last Name ______________________________________________________
Company Name* ____________________________________________________________________
Company Address____________________________________________________________________
Telephone __________________Fax _________________Email (required) ______________________
Team Name (Leave Blank for Individual Entries) _________________________________________
Project Category: _______________________________________________ Category #:___________
If entering a specialty enter the specialty here :_________________________________( i.e. tile, masonry etc.)
Project Owner’s Name :____________________________________________________(We never share this information.)
Project Address: __________________________________________________________(We never share this information.)
Project Total Cost: $________________ Project Completion Date: _________________ Year Home was Built:__________
Proof of Time/ Homeowner Affidavit Property owner authorizes and consents that any and all photographs taken of its, his or her premises by the contractor, or their agents,
its suppliers, and manufacturers may be used by any or all of them, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, without
limitation or restriction in any awards competition, promotion or advertising, and consents that said photographs may be reproduced by
any means whatsoever, including electronic transmission, for publication, advertising, distribution and display at any time after the
completion date. The project total cost includes the contract price, all extras, change orders and the fair market value of materials and
products that I purchased, and sweat-equity and in-kind services provided, and/or any subcontract work.
Owner’s Signature Date
Project Leader’s Signature Date
Before me appeared the contractor named above, and they being duly sworn, state that the above information is true and
correct, and they have signed this instrument as their free act and deed.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Notary Public Commission Expiration
Promotional Agreement I agree that if my entry is selected as a winner, all promotion, advertising, business stationary and/or marketing literature used by me or my
organization, or my assigns, wherein the award is mentioned, will clearly state the title of the award, the level of award (silver or gold and
whether you are a local, regional or national winner), the category and the year in which the award was presented. I understand that EM
NARI assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of any materials submitted. I hereby affirm that all facts and materials set forth herein
are true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that all required work relevant to this application and the materials furnished thereto
were performed and furnished by the undersigned, except where otherwise specifically set forth. I also affirm that I have read and agree to
all the rules, regulations, and guidelines of the CotY Awards competition. I understand that entry fees, once received by EM NARI are not
refundable, transferable and cannot be carried over to other EM NARI programs, awards or otherwise.
Contractor’s Signature Date
For Office Use Only Project # _________
TEAM ENTRY?
���� YES ���� NO
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2015 CotY Project Entry
TEAM ENTRIES ONLY – PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT
Promotional Agreement We agree that if our entry is selected as a winner, all promotion, advertising, business stationary and/or marketing literature used by me
or our companies, firms or corporations, wherein the award is mentioned, will clearly state the title of the award, the level of award
(winner, honorable mention, project of the year and whether you are a local, regional or national winner),the category and the year in
which the award was presented. We understand that EM NARI assumes no responsibility for loss or damage of any materials submitted.
We further affirm that all facts and materials set forth within are true to the best of our knowledge and belief, and that all required work
relevant to this application and the materials furnished thereto were performed and furnished by the undersigned, except where
otherwise specifically set forth. We also affirm that we have read and agree to all the rules, regulations, and guidelines of the CotY
Awards competition. We understand that entry fees, once received by EM NARI are not refundable, transferable and cannot be carried
over to other EM NARI programs, awards or otherwise.
Team Members:
1. Name/Job Type ______________________________________________________________________
Company Name *_____________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone _____________________________________ Fax ________________________________
______________________________________________________ ____________________
Team Member 1 Signature Date
2. Name/Job Type ______________________________________________________________________
Company Name * ____________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone _____________________________________ Fax ________________________________
______________________________________________________ ____________________
Team Member 2 Signature Date
3. Name/Job Type ______________________________________________________________________
Company Name * ____________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone _____________________________________ Fax ________________________________
______________________________________________________ ____________________
Team Member 3 Signature Date
(Use an additional sheet if the team has more than three team members.)
For Office Use Only Project # _________
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CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
Dear Entrant,
Each year the chapter will award two Customer Service Awards. Entering your project for a Customer
Service Award is not mandatory. If you decide to enter, please provide your client with the attached
letter, survey form, and a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE).
It is our goal to reward contractors that best embody the spirit of our mission statement. In
order to be considered for this award you must have your client fill out the attached Customer
Service Survey. Please follow these steps:
1. Tear off this page from the attached packet.
2. Ask your client if he/she will fill out and submit the survey.
3. Give your client the following 3 pages (Cover letter & Customer Service Survey) along
with the SASE.
4. Remind your client to fill out the survey and return it by the January 16, 2015 deadline.
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Dear Remodeling Consumer,
Thank you for choosing an EM NARI (Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry) contractor for your remodeling project. EM NARI is a not-for-profit professional
association committed exclusively to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and providing
ethical and quality service to the region's remodeling homeowners. With over 160 members representing
nearly 1,000 local remodeling industry professionals, EM NARI stands as the voice of the remodeling industry in
our region.
Each year, our organization hosts the annual CotY (Contractor of the Year) Awards. This special event celebrates
the work of many of the finest remodeling professionals in our area. Contractors enter their work in one of 18
categories to be judged by our independent panel of experts.
In an effort to recognize members that provide superior customer service, our chapter gives a special award to
contractors whose customers rate them as outstanding in customer service. As you know, your contractor has
submitted the project completed at your home in our Contractor of the Year Awards (CotY). To share your
customer service feedback with our judges, please complete the enclosed Customer Service Survey and return it
to our office by January 16, 2015.
Please return the survey to:
EM NARI CotY Awards Program
831 Beacon Street #186
Newton Center, MA 02459
Phone: 508-907-6249
Fax: 617-663-6566
If you have any questions about the CotY Awards, EM NARI or the Customer Service Survey, please call the EM
NARI offices at (508)907-6429. Thank you for your help and your commitment to helping us create an
exceptional experience for the remodeling customer.
Regards,
Amy McFadden Kathy DeMeyer
CotY Committee Co-Chair CotY Committee Co-Chair
Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, NARI, Inc. | EM NARI
831 Beacon St. #186, Newton Centre, MA 02459
PH (508)907-6249 | FAX (617) 663-6566 | www.emnari.org
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EM NARI 2015 COTY
Customer Service Survey
Company Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Company Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Please tell us your satisfaction level with your remodeling service provider by checking the box that best describes your
experience. If you can’t answer a question, please leave it blank.
1. Please rate the quality and craftsmanship of
the work delivered by this service provider. 1 2 3 4 5 Very low Average Superior
quality/craftsmanship
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Please rate the timeliness of the service
provider’s work (e.g., finished work on schedule, 1 2 3 4 5
showed up when promised, kept appointments). Not Average Very
responsive responsive
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Please rate the provider’s professionalism
(e.g., was responsible and honest, kept promises, 1 2 3 4 5
dealt fairly and quickly with issues, was easy to Very Average Very
work with, kept work areas clean). unprofessional professional
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Please rate the provider’s communications
skills (e.g., listened effectively, spoke clearly, 1 2 3 4 5
returned calls promptly, kept you informed of Very poor Average Superior
progress & issues). communication communications
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Given what you paid, please rate the
value for the money delivered by the 1 2 3 4 5
service provider (i.e., did you get a good Very low Average Superior
deal?). value for money value for money
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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EM NARI 2015 COTY
Customer Service Survey…Continued
6. How well did the service provider
manage the budget (e.g., final cost was about 1 2 3 4 5
about what you expected, initial quote was Very poor Average Superior
done well, change orders were used sensibly) management
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Please provide an overall rating of
the service provider’s performance. 1 2 3 4 5
Very bad Average Outstanding
Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Overall Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
I agree that the information I have provided here is accurate, objective, and fair and that it describes my actual
personal experiences with this retailer.
Signature: ___________________________________ Printed Name: ______________________________
Please return to:
EM NARI
Attn: CotY Awards Program
831 Beacon Street #186
Newton Center, MA 02459
Phone: 508-907-6249; Fax: 617-663-6566
DEADLINE IS JANUARY 16, 2015
For Office Use Only:
Total Score: _____________ out of a possible 35 points. Project # ____
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Photographer’s Release
The photographer must complete the following release..
If more than one person took pictures, make copies of the form and submit one for each photographer.
Being the legal owner of the photographs taken of the premises at______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ (project address)
For the 2015 EM NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards competition, I hereby consent to and
authorize the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry
and its agents and/or its assigns to photograph, use, print, reprint, and publish any and all of my
photographs and reproductions thereof. These photographs may be reproduced in any print or
electronic medium (now existing or hereafter developed). I further consent that the photography
taken by me and submitted as part of this entry, with or without accompanying editorial matter, may
be used for the purpose of promoting the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association
of the Remodeling Industry (EM NARI) and its programs and services, without limitation, in any
publications, displays and exhibitions. I understand that photo credit may be included only if credit
name is made a part of the photo.
I hereby release EM NARI and its agents from any and all liability arising out of or in connection with
any use of the photographs. In consideration of the foregoing, EM NARI agrees to deliver to me upon
request, two copies of the issue of the publication in which the photographs are first published or
notification of use in electronic media.
The undersigned represents that it has received an authorization/consent and release from the owner
of the premises.
By: __________________________________________________________________
(signature of owner of photographs)
Company Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Date: ______________ Witness:___________________________________
For Office Use Only Project # _________
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What Local EM NARI Contractors & Suppliers Did You Use? Our CotY Winners may receive coverage in publications because of the Association’s alliance with selected
media sources. In order to get coverage, we need to be able to provide these companies with information
about the manufacturers/ suppliers/ local members you used in the project. We also want to acknowledge our
members and Evening of Excellence Sponsors whenever possible.
Finally, this information will be used to present awards to recognize members who do business with other
members. Use additional sheets as necessary
Product Local EM NARI MEMBER
Appliances
Audio/Visual
Brick
Cabinets/ Countertops
Carpet
Disposal/ Demolition
Other Building Material Suppliers
Decking
Banking/ Financial Services
Drywall/ Plaster
Electrical
Excavation/ Foundations
Flooring
Hardware
Landscaping
Insulation
Lighting
Millwork
Painter
Plumbing Fixtures
Photography
Roofing/ Siding
Shelving/ closets
Training/ Coaching
Other Sub- contractors
Interior Designer
Tile
Windows/ Doors
Accountant/ Bookkeeper
Insurance
Human Resources/ Staffing
Advertising
Plumbing/ HVAC
Attorney
Other
.
For Office Use Only Project # _________
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EM NARI CotY 2015 Checklist
Use this checklist to be sure you’ve completed and included all the program requirements.
HOUSEKEEPING:
1. Is your membership up to date?
2. Are all members of the team entry EM NARI members?
3. Was the project completed between December 1, 2012 and November 30, 2014?
ENTRY FORMS & MATERIALS: Completed forms all to be placed in the first sleeve:
(These forms/photos will be removed prior to judging.)
� Project Entry Form (For team entries, include the additional Promotional Agreement page
signed by each team member.)
� Photographer’s Release
� What Local EM NARI Contractors & Suppliers Did You Use?
� CD-ROM with one set of Before & After pictures (Adobe RGB, 300 DPI, 8x10 format)you’re your
promotional project description. CD must be labeled with your name & category of the entry.
Photos should be labeled. No people should be visible in photos.
� Customer Contact Form (Optional)
AWARD ENTRY FOR JUDGING: Items to be included in the remaining sleeves:
These are all items seen by our judges, company name or logo must not be visible.
� Project Total Cost noted in the upper right corner of the first page of the remaining 15 sheet
protectors (including appliances if your category includes a kitchen). The Project Total Cost
information is mandatory.
� Project Description (Mandatory) – Use bullet points to outline the project description
(background on client’s needs and wants, and how they were addressed).
� Before & After Photos (Mandatory)- Label with the company name & category on the BACK of
the photos and a short description on the front of the photo. No people in photos.
� Optional items: Project progress photos (also labeled as above), Blueprints (8x10, or legal
folded to fit into sleeve).
� Will your entry arrive by the January 16, 2015 deadline at 5 p.m.?
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Background Materials
The following pages are included for your reference only. Please pull out these pages before
submitting your binder.
1. Judging Process
2. Sample Judges Ballot
3. CotY FAQs
4. Coty Committee Contact Sheet
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JUDGING PROCESS
An EM NARI CotY Award Winner is an entry that demonstrates remodeling excellence. Judges need to
evaluate the balance of the execution of a quality remodeling project and the skill of presenting the
award entry. They use the following guidelines to evaluate each entry and compare them to each
other. Judges will present a Gold Award and Silver Award in each category. The following guidelines
are intended as general direction in helping the judges compare the entries:
Gold Award: Project in each category that receives the highest average score from the judges based
the combined score of the judges’ ballots. These awards go to projects that are
significantly better than average.
Silver Award: Project in each category that receives the second highest average score from the judges.
These awards go to projects that are better than average approach or result of the
entries submitted based on criteria.
The Judging Panel
An impartial panel of judges makes up the jury. The jury will be made up of no less than one third of
the judges who are or have been contractors. The remaining members of the jury come from
associated fields, such as interior designers and architects.
The jury begins by individually comparing all the entries in a category. They may take a preliminary
review of that group of entries and then score the entries one by one, using the judge’s ballot
provided. They may re-review previously scored entries from time-to-time. They do not discuss the
entries during this phase of the process, and they do not see other judge’s score sheets. Once a
category is completed, the ballots are collected and tallied. A total score for each entry is obtained by
combining the scores for the entry. The highest average score obtained determines the Gold Award
winner for each category. Silver Awards are awarded to the project with the next highest average
score. In the event of a tie, the judges will review the projects again and through an open dialogue,
determine which project receives the Gold and Silver awards. The process continues until all of the
categories are judged.
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Sample Judge’s Ballot.*
Points should be assigned 1 to 10 - 0 being the lowest and 10 being the best and most positive score to be given.
A score of “0” should be given if the question is not applicable to a given category- this should be consistent for
all judges and entrants- but it is up to the judging panel to determine applicability. Please include comments
whenever possible.
All Categories Points 0-10
Considering the category entered,
1. Does the written description detail the project and the client’s
needs & desires and that those needs were met? __________
2. To what degree does the project enhance the existing structures functionality?
Is the space or area adequate to perform necessary tasks?
Is there good traffic flow?
Is lighting addressed – both general & task- as appropriate for the category?
Do the new floor plans function well? __________
3. To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure aesthetically? __________
4. Were innovative uses of material and/or methods of construction used
in the project? __________
5. Were difficult obstacles encountered as described by the contractor and
overcome in a creative way? If no difficult obstacles were encountered, where
creative measures used? __________
6. Is superior craftsmanship evident? (Reminder- craftsmanship is not
limited to more decorative moldings and trims- contemporary/modern
projects also have this element. Please consider this when judging) __________
7. How well does the binder tell the story of the project? __________
Total Points (max 70)
Residential Historic Renovation/Restoration Category
8. Were original uses of materials duplicated in the project? __________
9. Were methods of application used to improve or enhance the original style
of the structure? ___________
Additional points for this category (max 20)
Grand total all points (max 90)
Ballot questions subject to change. This sample ballot is a representation of what judges will be asked to look for in project entries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EM NARI CotY 2015
1. When do the binders need to be at the EM NARI office? The deadline this year is Friday,
January 16, 2015 by 5pm. Binders received after that time will not be judged.
2. Why do team members have to pay an additional entry fee? The entry fee of $100 for the
contractor leader and the $55 for each additional team member are to offset the costs of the
awards if an entry wins. If a team wins, the Team Leader will receive the appropriate level award
and each team member will also be recognized with an award.
3. How will Team members be recognized? All entrants will be recognized on the CotY Awards
Wall of Fame display and during the PowerPoint awards presentation. Team entries will list the
Team Name and, if space permits, the names of all the Team Members. IF A TEAM ENTRY WINS:
During the awards ceremony, the Team Name and each team member company will be announced
and displayed. All members of the team will also be included in the post event EM NARI marketing.
Marketing outside of the association will provide the Team Name and/or the names of all the team
members as space permits.
4. Do we have to use a professional photographer to take the photos? No, it is not required, but
better quality photographs show the most detail and give a better impression overall. Remember,
you are trying to convince a panel of judges that your entry should be selected as a winner, so even
if you do not use a professional, use the best quality photos possible, particularly for your “after”
photos.
5. Do we have to include “before” photos, or will “after” photos alone be sufficient? Yes,
“before” photos are required. It is not possible to see transformations if photographs of how the
area looked prior to remodeling are not included. Get in the habit of taking “before” pictures at
the beginning of every project. What began as an average project just might turn out to be your
best work. Also, taking your “before” and “after” photos from the same angle helps the judges to
see the project from the right perspective.
6. Does the Proof of Time/Homeowner Affidavit section of the entry form need to be filled out
for every entry? Yes, the Team Leader’s signature on this form must be notarized.
7. We are including drawings for the judges, but they won’t fit into one of the sleeves. How can
we make the drawings a part of the entry? If the drawings won’t fit into the sleeve, but they will
fit into the back pocket of the binder, we will accept them. The judges often find them very helpful
as they are looking over the project. They can’t extend out of the top and sides of the binder,
though. They will be counted in your total page count.
8. How do I determine which category to enter my project? Read the category criteria very
carefully and remember to check out the specialty categories that are very broad and cover
unusual types of projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions…continued.
9. Is our fee refundable if we decide not to enter the competition after receiving the packet?
Once the entry is purchased, no refunds will be issued. Also, entries cannot be carried over to
subsequent years.
10. Can we find out if we have won an award prior to the banquet? EM NARI CotY Award winners
will only be announced at the Awards Banquet.
11. When will I receive my binder back? You will be able to pick up it after the Awards Banquet on
March 4, 2015.
12. Are we required to attend the Awards Banquet? It is strongly recommended that someone is
present at the awards to represent your company.
13. Can we drop off our entry binder in person? Yes. You need to drop it off at: UPS Store, 831
Beacon Street, #186, Newton Center, MA, 02459.
14. Who can we call with other questions? Please call or email any of the CotY Awards Committee
listed on the following page.
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2015 CotY Awards Committee
Contact List
Amy McFadden, Co-Chair
Amy McFadden Interior Design
Boston, MA
617-634-9913
Kathy DeMeyer, Co-Chair
Encore Construction
Dennisport, MA
508-760-6900
Michelle Glassburn, Executive Director
EM NARI
Newton Centre, MA
508-907-6249
