The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) was founded in 1909 by a group of Seattle builders who saw a need to unite to address the many concerns and issues affecting the housing industry. They shared technology and jointly solved construction problems. They actively worked with government to develop laws that protected the environment while still providing attractive, affordable communities and homes for the families of the Puget Sound region.

The homes and communities built by members of MBA are today among the most desirable neighborhoods in which to live anywhere in the world.

Today's MBA membership continues to take an active role in all facets of home construction in the Puget Sound region. With a staff of professionals, the membership is dedicated to providing a wide range of housing choices, including affordable product for the important first-time buyer market. Because of its active approach to the region's housing needs, the MBA has grown to become the largest local home builders association in the United States.

Owning a new home is an important part of the American Dream. Through our members, we are the provider that meets the new home construction needs of King and Snohomish counties. We are the professional home builders, architects, remodelers, suppliers, manufacturers and sales and marketing professionals in your community who subscribe to this code of ethics: Homeownership should be in reach of every American. Each house should be well designed, constructed and located in attractive communities. Each home should be built under the free enterprise system.

Quality construction in attractive, affordable communities is important to us because we are your neighbors. We work, play and serve in our communities. Our members are dedicated to preserving the beauty and integrity of the lifestyle of your community.

With more than 3,500 member companies, representing all facets of housing construction, the Association provides services, programs, legislative representation and membership opportunities unparalleled by any other trade association. The MBA is the authoritative voice and information source for housing to government, the public, the media and homeowners in the Seattle metropolitan area.

The Master Builders Association's role in the housing industry

It takes a variety of companies to build a house. Developers prepare the land; architects design communities and homes; builders complete the structure; suppliers provide the materials; Realtors make the sales; and banks provide the funds. Within each of these segments, there are numerous smaller companies. The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) provides the structure for these diverse companies to work together to provide quality homes for King and Snohomish counties.

Below are a few ways in which the association contributes to your home building experience.

Education  Safety on the construction site is a primary concern for the MBA. We offer our members a series of safety programs, including first aid and CPR. We also present numerous workshops and seminars on construction issues, marketing and government regulations. Many of our programs are approved for credit by the Washington State Department of Licensing and promote professionalism in home building.

Scholarships  The Master Builders Education Foundation supports education with college scholarships and vocational programs. It has given scholarships to students in construction management at the University of Washington, Washington State University and Central Washington University. It also works with local high schools and community colleges to help young adults develop professionalism in a home building career.

Quality and Innovation  The MBA recognized quality and innovation. Part of our social activities include awards programs. These events provide an avenue to acknowledge excellence in the home building industry. The nature of the competition encourages members to creatively use new products and building techniques to bring the latest designs and construction to homebuyers.

Interaction with Government  The MBA is dedicated to making homes affordable for the residents of King and Snohomish counties. As a united voice representing the home building industry, the Association works closely with governments to develop legislation that regulate development so that we can build quality homes at reasonable costs while maintaining the beauty and quality of life in our regions.

Products and Technology  Our membership includes many manufactures who have the opportunity to discuss technology with builders and remodelors. This cooperative exchange of ideas continually produces new and innovative ideas used in today's homes.

Member Benefits  Member companies take advantage of savings on their insurance needs and business equipment. These savings reduce the cost of operations that ultimately affect the price of homes.

Built Green  Built Green is an environmental certification program for residential construction. By choosing green features from a menu of options, builders can differentiate their single family, multi-family, community or remodel projects as being more environmentally friendly.

Why is homeownership important'

Most scholars, public policy makers, industry analysts, and civic and community leaders agree that supporting homeownership is good for America. Homeownership is a commitment to:

Strengthening families and good citizenship  People have greater control when they own their home and can exercise more responsibility over their living environment.

Personal financial security  By purchasing a home, a family acquires a place to live, raise children, and invest in an asset that grows in value. A home can provide capital to start a small business, finance college tuition, and generate financial security for retirement. Homeowners have $4 billion in equity in their homes.

Community  Homeownership helps stabilize neighborhoods and strengthen communities. It creates important local and individual incentives for maintaining and improving private property and public spaces.

Economic prosperity for families and communities  Homeownership acts as a dynamic generator of economic growth. Every new home creates two jobs directly related to construction, and many more jobs through increased demand for household goods and services. The design, construction and rehabilitation of homes employs local labor and uses a vast array of American-made products and services. Home building has often led the economic recovery from national recessions due to its strong job multiplier effect and because increased home starts and home sales represent renewed economic confidence.

The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties believes:

• Homeownership should be in reach of every American.
• Each house should be well designed, constructed and located in attractive communities.
• Each home should be built under the free enterprise system.