​NRCA, short for the National Roofing Contractors Association, is among America's leading construction trade groups. The organization started in 1886 and has served skilled roofing businesses and workers for generations. NRCA has become the leading voice that represents the profession's interests and sets standards for knowledge, training, and innovation.

NRCA's strategic plan looks ahead to shape the industry's future while staying rooted in its mission to unite professionals and raise standards. Social responsibility plays a central role in this vision. The association leads on diversity and inclusion by fostering respectful, team-oriented environments and by offering Spanish-language resources that provide updates, technical guidance, and business support to Spanish-speaking contractors. Alongside these initiatives, NRCA promotes innovation and professionalism through education and workforce development.

Education is NRCA's primary tool for building knowledge and leadership in the roofing industry. To ensure broad access, it offers flexible learning options in multiple formats, including online courses, in-person and virtual classes, and "Power Hours"—short, focused webinars where experts discuss topics ranging from legal updates to workforce development and mental health. NRCA also delivers technical and safety training through signature programs like TRAC (Training for Roof Application Careers), which offers structured onboarding and skills packages for systems such as thermoplastic membranes and asphalt shingles, and CERTA (Certified Roofing Torch Applicator), which prepares instructors to train workers in safe, torch-applied roofing practices.

In leadership development, NRCA provides foreman and field leadership training to build supervisory, communication, and management skills for crew leaders. Emerging senior leaders can join the Future Executives Institute (FEI), a three-year program on leadership and business strategy. Executives and business owners can access special training to lead teams effectively and refine company culture.

The association uses workforce development to help roofing professionals build skills and prepare for future work. For hands-on skill training, it leverages its Recruitment Toolkit and Careersinroofing.com platform to offer resources that companies can use to onboard and train new hires. Users can also access job descriptions, wage data, and employer connections here. Meanwhile, roof system installers who have completed training earn NRCA PRO Certification, a badge of excellence that demonstrates they possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to work competently. NRCA also partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools to provide vocational roofing training and with SkillsUSA, which hosts contests where students demonstrate their abilities.

Advocacy is another cornerstone of NRCA's mission. From taxes and energy efficiency to healthcare, labor, and regulatory reform, the association works to advance policies that support the roofing industry. Its Washington, DC, office leads this effort by engaging lawmakers, federal agencies, and coalitions, while representatives regularly meet with Congress to explain how legislation affects roofing businesses. NRCA also operates ROOFPAC, a political action committee that supports candidates aligned with industry needs, and partners with other trade groups to build unified positions on critical issues.

To keep members aligned with industry codes and best practices, NRCA has a technical services team. This group develops roofing manuals and tools, including Roof Wind Designer (which calculates design wind loads) and the EnergyWise Roof Calculator (which measures thermal performance).

​Taking on building a custom home involves a series of well-considered steps. Start with a thorough needs and desires evaluation to guide all decisions. This early stage involves considering the site, dwelling size, layout, and architectural style. Discussing the design with famous custom house builders will guarantee it satisfies lifestyle and practical demands.

Once the vision is clearly defined, establishing a realistic budget becomes paramount. The financial plan should cover site purchase, building, interior finishing, and landscaping. In this early phase, one must consider the intended site, home size, plan, and architectural style. Financial advisers or experienced builders can assist in designing a budget that fits one's budget and project goals.

With a defined vision and budget, the next critical step is assembling a proficient team. This team usually comprises architects, constructors, and maybe interior designers, each with particular skills. Hiring personnel with a track record and a style that suits the homeowner ensures a smooth workflow. Clear communication between all stakeholders is essential to turning the conceptual design into comprehensive, attractive, and structurally sound designs.

Securing the appropriate financing is another crucial aspect of the custom home-building process. Unlike buying a home, constructing a bespoke home typically requires construction loans to pay the construction costs. These loans convert into mortgages once the project reaches completion. Construction financing is complicated and requires strong credit and a sizeable down payment. Working with construction lenders can speed up approval and improve loan conditions.

Selecting the perfect location for the custom home is a decision that significantly influences the project's success. Site selection depends on proximity to key services and the neighborhood atmosphere. Understanding local zoning laws, construction rules, and environmental factors guarantees that the site is suitable for the design and meets all regulations.

The homeowner's vision begins to take tangible form in the design phase. Close collaboration with architects and designers allows for precise layouts representing particular tastes and functional demands. This step comprises choosing materials that match aesthetic preferences, financial limits, floor layouts, and room arrangements. Due to careful design, the final product has the intended look and feel.

After finalizing the designs, homeowners must secure the necessary permits and approvals before starting construction. This requires submitting comprehensive blueprints to local authorities and following building requirements. Timely permit procurement reduces delays and streamlines construction. Professionals knowledgeable with local permitting systems help speed up this phase and assure legal compliance.

The construction phase transforms plans into reality, encompassing site preparation, foundation work, framing, and installing systems such as plumbing and electrical. This phase requires regular communication with the building team to resolve concerns and keep the project on schedule and under budget. Regular site inspections and contractor discussions ensure openness and allow revisions to match the homeowner's vision.

As construction nears completion, attention shifts to interior finishes and landscaping. Finishing touches like fixtures, paint, carpeting, and outside features like gardens and driveways personalize the house. This phase lets homeowners add flair to the property, making it welcoming. Professional help from interior designers or landscape architects may ensure that the options enhance the home's appeal and utility.

Once construction is complete, inspectors verify that all aspects of the home meet the required standards and address any issues before move-in. The builder checks the home's readiness for occupancy during the final tour. Addressing issues now promotes a seamless move into the new house and long-term satisfaction.

​Individuals and families designing custom houses can build the homes of their dreams. They can personally oversee every aspect of construction, including adding environmentally conscious details and amenities. Architects and construction teams can help clients make their custom homes cleaner and more energy-efficient in several ways.

Before assessing specific green features and elements of eco-friendly construction, homebuilders should research the core principles of sustainable home design. Property owners who want to optimize sustainability while minimizing their home's carbon footprint must consider every phase of construction and every part of the house, from using environmentally friendly materials to using advanced alternative energy technologies. Incorporating sustainable building practices at every construction project step can sometimes prove challenging. Still, the result is a healthier living space for the inhabitants and the surrounding environment.

When it comes to using eco-friendly building materials, property owners should prioritize locally sourced and recycled materials. Local vendors can help with holistically designed construction projects, as it reduces fuel and carbon emissions associated with transporting the materials. Recycled materials cut down on waste and provide homes with a unique, inimitable character. Popular options include reclaimed wood, metals, bricks, stones, recycled countertops, and drywall.

Sustainable home designers must prioritize keeping warm air inside the house. Inadequate seals and other leaks lead to a greater energy demand in the winter. Energy-efficient windows and doors can greatly reduce energy loss. Examples of energy-efficient windows include double or triple-glazed windows and low-emissivity windows, while energy-efficient door options feature insulated cores and reinforced weatherstripping and seals. Similarly, custom home designers cannot afford to skimp on weak insulation. Insulation keeps homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The insulation should have a high quality and environmentally friendly rating, meaning the manufacturer did not incorporate harsh chemicals or additives in the insulation.

As construction teams set down the bones of a custom home, designers should start considering the interior spaces. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces should have Energy Star-rated appliances. The Energy Star tag means that an appliance has satisfied the energy efficiency standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Energy Star certification processes apply to appliances, including dishwashers, washer-dryer units, and refrigerators. These appliances require less water and energy, benefiting the planet and reducing utility bills. Custom home designers can enjoy further savings by securing rebates and incentives offered by local municipalities.

Another way to reduce water expenses involves installing a rainwater harvesting system. These systems collect natural water and store it in a container inside or near the home. The storage container features a filtration and treatment device that purifies the water for many household activities, including bathing, watering yards and gardens, and powering landscaping and water features.

These are only a few eco-friendly ideas property owners can discuss with construction professionals. Other possibilities include tankless water heat, which ranks up to 34 percent more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters, and optimized HVAC systems, many of which can operate without fuel and minimal electricity requirements.

​North Carolina provides golfers with various quality courses, including numerous from the contemporary course developers Tom Fazio and Donald Ross, an icon of golf's Golden Age of course design. Fazio accounts for 13 of the state's top 40 courses, based on Golf Digest's biennial list of state and national course rankings, and five of the top seven. However, Ross's 10 high-ranking North Carolina courses include the state's finest course, Pinehurst No. 2.

Ranked No. 2 in Golf Digest's 2022-2023 list, Pinehurst has claimed the top spot from the Wade Hampton Golf Club, thanks partly to a massive overhaul undertaken by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2010. Renovations centered around removing all of the Bermudagrass planted during the 1970s and replacing it with wiregrass, scattered pine needles, and hardpan sand. The redesign minimized irrigation to keep the course sandy, allowing for firm, fast play. Golgers immediately responded positively, and the course hosted the Men’s and Women’s United States Open tournaments. The course handled the attention well despite the tournaments occurring in consecutive weeks.

The reduced irrigation has also drawn rave reviews from environmentalists; Golf Digest named Pinehurst No. 2 a Green Star environmental award-winner. Following the double US Open booking, Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4 shared the 2019 US Amateur Championship, and Pinehurst No. 2 hosted the 2024 US Open. The United States Golf Association selected Pinehurst No. 2 as host of future US Open tournaments in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047. The No. 4 course also ranks among the top 10 courses in North Carolina.

Wade Hampton Golf Club slipped down the rankings to No. 2 but remains a well-reviewed experience for North Carolina golfers. Fazio prioritized integrating course design with the surrounding landscape. Course design aficionados describe Wade Hampton as "restrained." Fairway routing follows a natural valley through mountains, and small streams block several holes. Wade Hampton received Best New Private Course by Golf Digest honors in 1987, and it has never ranked outside of the national Top 40 since its debut.

The course at Old Town Club climbed from No. 4 to No. 3 on the Golf Digest rankings. Following his efforts on the Prairie Dunes and Southern Hills courses, course designer Perry Maxwell took a different approach to Old Town. The course features Maxwell's only double green, an expansive putting surface that supports multiple hole placements. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw updated Maxwell's ambitious bunkering; while the duo removed and relocated several bunkers, they retained Maxwell's immense and unusual shapes. Coore and Crenshaw also furthered Maxwell's vision of removing as many trees as possible, resulting in an extended fairway spanning the seventh, eighth, ninth, 17th, and 18th holes. The course debuted on Golf Digest's national rankings in 2019 and has since climbed 45 spots.

Old Town ascended to No. 3 at the expense of Diamond Creek, which slipped one spot to No. 4. While purists frown on manmade water features, Diamond Creek receives positive reviews. Its waterfall provides a stunning backdrop to the 17th green, a par 3. Fazio positioned the water feature near a granite quarry, allowing the water to fall over 100 feet.

Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club broke into the top five on the 2023-2024 rankings. Another Fazio design, Mountaintop, is a marked contrast from nearby Wade Hampton. Rather than following the natural landscape, Mountaintop's creation began with large amounts of dynamite. Fazio blasted the local Blue Ridge Mountains, resulting in sloping fairways, high granite walls, and sheer drops.

A few additional highly rated golf courses in North Carolina include Eagle Point Golf Club, the Quail Hollow Club, the Grandfather Golf and Country Club, and the Charlotte Country Club.