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Finding Innovation a Home
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 The Home Innovation Research Labs (formerly the NAHB Research Center) was established in 1964 as a wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of NAHB. Originating as a small product testing laboratory, the company has since grown to become a full-service consulting, product testing and accredited third-party certification agency dedicated solely to issues related to the home building industry. Its solutions-based services benefit clients in every facet of the residential construction process – including builders, product manufacturers, trade associations and government agencies.
Home Innovation Labs' 25-acre research campus in Upper Marlboro, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C., includes a state-of-the-art product testing laboratory and market research facility.
Home Innovation Labs offers professional services in six primary areas:
Market Research
- Customized, qualitative market research: focus groups, in-depth interviews or observational research, either in traditional focus group facilities, at industry trade and home shows or in our high-tech focus group facility, to help manufacturers develop new or refine existing product offerings and how they are marketed.
- Annual builder and consumer practices surveys and reports to help manufacturers understand product usage and identify trends and market opportunities for both the new construction and remodeling markets.
Building Science
- New assessments scientifically evaluate the factors that will influence the success of a product or technology – from usability to installation – and correct problems and make improvements before product launch.
- Energy-efficiency optimization provides cost-effective compliance with complex and stringent energy codes through integrated solutions tailored to a specific climate region. Home Innovation Lab engineers help builders improve the energy performance of their homes without pushing buyers beyond their financial means.
Product Testing
- Home Innovation Labs provides full-service testing capabilities – including structural, material properties, durability, weathering, thermal and moisture – to serve the building industry.
- It provides specialized material and structural systems testing, both in the lab and in the field, to ensure the performance, safety, and consistent quality in building products and materials.
- An ISO 17020-Accredited Inspection Agency, the Home Innovation Labs can help meet companies’ internal or ICC-ES mandated third-party product inspection needs.
Certification
- Third-party certification programs enable builders, remodelers, developers and consumers to choose products and contractors with confidence – when they look for the Home Innovation Certified mark.
- The Home Innovation NGBS Green Certification program offers certification for new and remodeled single- and multifamily homes and residential land developments based on the ANSI-approved ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS).
- The Green Approved Products program pre-approves building products and materials for points that can be used toward building certification under the NGBS.
Standards Development
Government Consulting
- A federal contract allows the Home Innovation Labs to perform contractual services for government agencies under MOBIS for maximum efficiency.
- A Department of Energy Building America team leader, the company helps identify and disseminate the most practical and effective energy-efficiency solutions for new and existing homes.
- Performs housing condition assessments and planning for military housing agencies.
- Is a leader in natural disaster preparedness planning and mitigation of housing damage for local and regional government bodies.
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