GHBA’s Custom Builders Council (CBC) has grown from less than 20 companies since it was formed in 1997 to more than 400 custom homebuilder members, representing one of the largest groups within the association. At its monthly luncheons, the council discusses topics such as tax breaks for builders, inventory home construction, codes and permits as well as contract issues.

A key focus this year was finding ways to improve the efficiency of council members’ businesses, particularly as it relates to technology. The CBC and Remodelors Council (RMC) launched several new resource libraries including contracts. Members can now download free documents by logging into www.ghba.org, a great example of how membership delivers real value.

The CBC also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. In November, more than 130 builders, developers, and remodelers attended the CBC’s 3rd Annual Product Expo, a GHBA member-only trade show. The 2005 show featured 80 associate member exhibitors and more than 90 booths in the Pavilion of the Sam Houston Race Park.

Scheduled to coincide with a GHBA contracts seminar, attendees joined exhibitors for “Prime Rib, Prizes and Ponies” combined with a relaxed venue for viewing the latest home-related products and services. The CBC also introduced the “Legends of Building” quarterly luncheons, featuring veterans of the local home-building industry as guest speakers.

Each year the CBC publishes a full-color magazine entitled Custom Home Builders of Houston in partnership with Fort Bend Publishing. This popular consumer guide also features informative articles on a variety of home-related topics. The publication includes a listing of all CBC members along with a useful map and key to where each member builds in the Metro Houston area.