Competition Banner with awards logo and trophy

Call for Judges – CHBA Members

Every year we receive hundreds of unique and stunning new homes, incredible renovation transformations, and innovative marketing efforts. Be inspired, and join your fellow CHBA members from across the country in judging the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

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 15 - February 2, 2024
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 15 @ 2PM ET.

Stage Two Online Judging: February 19 - March 3, 2024
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 16 @ 2PM ET and then can complete their assignments at any point over the 2-week period.

Here’s what some of our past judges had to say

“Judging the CHBA National Award for Housing Excellence is giving back to the industry that has provided so much to me over the years. While I was judging, I kept thinking about how excited people are going to be to find out they are a finalist... or a winner, just like I am when we are up for awards. Being asked to judge the best home builders/developers across Canada is an honor, and it is great to see so many communities represented across Canada!"
      - Laura Box, AB

“This was a great experience. It provides insight into what others are doing across the country and the quality that many builders/marketers strive to achieve. Judging provides a great opportunity to give back to the CHBA, while providing the opportunity to gain exposure and insight to different ideas. Well worth the time invested.”
     - Jim Brown, ON

“I really enjoyed my first judging experience for the CHBA National Housing Awards. This opportunity allowed me a glimpse of the best in our industry across our country. It was exciting and inspiring to see the ingenuity and work of our Canadian talent.”
     - Kaitlin Bashutski, SK

“I always enjoy seeing what is happening across the country and in other markets; judging the National Awards for Housing is a great way to see trends and the fantastic work that builders, renovators and developers are doing in other markets.”
     - Stephanie Palmer, NS

“It is always a privilege to participate in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence judging, as I have the opportunity to view high quality & calibre projects from across the country, by some exceptional builders!"
     - Peter Neilson, BC

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 15-February 2, 2024. A small group of judges will be selected for the second stage of judging from February 19-March 3, 2024.

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.