Master Design Awards Rules & Regulations

The 35th Master Design Awards competition honors outstanding remodeling projects completed between Jan. 1, 2012, and May 24, 2013.

• Register by May 24, 2013, and receive a discount on each entry.
• Final deadline to register is June 20, 2013.
• Completed binders must be received by July 12, 2013.

Competition and Entry Information

The Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards competition was initiated 35 years ago to recognize remodelers, architects, builders, kitchen and bath specialists and other professionals for outstanding project design and construction.

Eligibility

• Projects considered for QR Master Design Awards in 2013 must have been completed by a professional contracting firm between Jan. 1, 2012, and May 25, 2013.
• Previous QR Master Design entries may not be re-entered.
• Entry of a single project under more than one category is permitted as long as each entry meets each of the category standards. (For example, you may enter a whole house remodel in the whole house category and then enter the kitchen in the kitchen category as well.)

The 22 award categories in 2013 are:

1. Whole House $500,000 and above*
   Project to affect an extensive amount of the home. May include but is not limited to the following: An addition, interior remodeling of more than one room, exterior remodeling, window replacement, structural improvements, etc. Scope of total project cost to have exceeded $500,000.
2. Whole House $200,000-$500,000*
   Same as #1 above. Scope of total project cost to have been between $200,000 and $500,000.
3. Whole House below $200,000*
   Same as #1 above. Scope of total project cost to have been less than $200,000.
4. Room Additions $100,000 and above*
   To include an addition, add-a-level or attic build-out which increased the liveable space of the home. Total project cost to have exceeded $100,000.
5. Room Additions below $100,000*
   Same as #4. Total project cost to have been below $100,000.
6. Kitchens $100,000 and above*
   Total project cost to have exceeded $75,000.
7. Kitchens $50,000 to $100,000*
   Total project cost to have been between $50,000 and $100,000.
8. Kitchens below $50,000*
   Total project cost to have been below $50,000.
9. Residential Specialty
   This category recognizes a single element in a remodel. Examples include custom cabinetry, masonry work, railings, glass block, fireplaces, etc.
10. Bathrooms $50,000 and above*
    Total project cost to have exceeded $50,000.
11. Bathrooms $30,000-$50,000*
    Total project cost to have been between $30,000 and $50,000.
12. Bathrooms below $30,000*
    Total project cost to have been below $30,000.
13. Finished Basement
    Remodels of basements to add living space.
14. Room Remodel
    An interior remodel that does not involve an addition or work done to a kitchen, bathroom or basement.
15. Deck/Porch/Outdoor Living
    Includes decks, porches and outdoor areas that extend the living area beyond the home, including pools and landscaping areas that incorporate decks, porches and free-standing structures.
16. Exterior Facelift
    Remodels including but not limited to siding, window replacement, door replacement, roofing, trim, etc.
17. Conservatory/Sunroom
    Addition of a conservatory or sunroom to a home.
18. Detached Structure
    May include but not limited to free-standing garages, sheds, offices, pool buildings, etc. A detached structure may not be connected to the home in any way. For example, a covered porch or patio does not qualify as a detached structure.
19. Historic Renovation
    Any project where work was done on an historic home.
20. Light Commercial
    Remodeling of a commercial structure which may include interior work, exterior work and additions.
21. Universal Design
    Any project with strong aesthetics built to enhance the lives of aging or disabled individuals.
22. Energy-efficiency Retrofit
    Submit a project you retrofitted to be more energy efficient. Projects should have gone through a formal energy audit by a RESNET- or BPI-certified professional. Include what was involved with the energy audit, such as a blower-door test, infrared thermography or duct testing. Describe improvements made and provide information about the second assessment showing that performance improvements were achieved. Include photographs of the audit and retrofit process, as well as any additional materials (charts and graphs) illustrating improvements in energy efficiency.