About the Rhode Island Builders Association

The Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA), founded in 1945 as a not-for-profit organization, is one of the nation’s largest local trade associations dedicated to serving the housing industry. The Association has nearly 1,000 member companies in Rhode Island and is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders. Members include home builders, remodelers, lenders, suppliers, subcontractors and real estate professionals. SEE OUR ONLINE MEMBER DIRECTORY

 

Hiring a Contractor — Do Your Homework

One of RIBA’s top priorities is to educate consumers about finding and working with dependable contractors. Whether you find a contractor at RIBAlist.com or from another source, doing your homework can make all the difference in the success of your project.

  1. Get referrals from neighbors, friends and family. Some of the best contractors get all their business by word of mouth.
  2. Interview 3-5 prospects, in person.
  3. Verify your contractor’s background and check references — contact their materials suppliers, make sure they’re registered by visiting the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board website, call recent customers, etc.
  4. Ask about professional association membership, training in their field, and work in their community.
  5. Nail down the contract — get all the details in writing.

 

Why consider a RIBA member?

Professionals tend to join their industry associations. They seek opportunities to learn as much as they can about their industry and to stay on top of current events and issues, as well as to participate in industry-specific training and network with their peers. They join to give back to their industry and communities by participating in volunteer service efforts. They also join as agents of change, working to shape legislative and regulatory policies that support the housing industry. They find all this, and more, through RIBA membership.

 

RIBA members make a difference in Rhode Island

  • RIBA members promote housing by working against regulatory barriers to affordability and advocating efficient land use and development policies.
  • RIBA members work to support Rhode Island’s economic growth and quality of life while also protecting the environment.
  • RIBA members donate their time, energy and resources to provide construction assistance to veterans with special housing needs as the result of injuries sustained in armed conflicts through the Builders Helping Heroes program.
  • RIBA members actively support efforts to strengthen Rhode Island laws that protect innocent homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.
  • RIBA members educate the next generation of building professionals through mentoring programs, field trips, internships and summer jobs. They visit classrooms and career fairs, join industry advisory councils and work to develop a state-wide construction curriculum.

 

Why hiring a RIBA member may be to your advantage

  • RIBA members have connections. Members are plugged in to a network of subcontractors and suppliers, which helps reduce costs, speed project completion and mitigate project risks.
  • RIBA members are exposed to training. Members can take professional development courses to hone their skills.
  • RIBA members have the opportunity to be well informed. Members can keep abreast of developments in their industry through state and national trade publications including The Rhode Island Builder Report, Builder Magazine, pamphlets, brochures, manuals and manufacturers’ seminars.
  • RIBA members are exposed to technology. Members tend to be conversant with the newest products and their application.
  • RIBA members are insured. Membership in the Rhode Island Builders Association requires the maintenance of liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance where appropriate.
  • RIBA members subscribe to a code of ethics, are registered or licensed where required, and continually seek to increase their skills and knowledge.

 

When hiring any contractor make sure to do your homework!

The Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA) makes no warranty or guarantee regarding the currency of contractor registration, insurance coverage, or the quality of products and workmanship for any listed tradesman or contractor presented on this web site. RIBA disclaims any and all liability for any resulting damage, injury or performance failure, and recommends that all potential customers request registration and insurance information, and warranty statements from the companies and individuals so listed before contracting for products and services.