Founded in 1959, the Home Builders Association of West Virginia (HBAWV) has been a cornerstone of the state’s construction and housing sector for more than six decades. Representing builders, developers, remodelers, and a wide range of product and service providers, the association has a mission that extends far beyond construction. It exists to strengthen the housing industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration, ensuring that home building remains a viable, respected, and forward-thinking profession across the Mountain State.
Over the years, HBAWV has built a reputation as the collective voice of an industry that not only fuels the state’s economy but also shapes the communities in which West Virginians live, work, and raise families. From supporting local builders to influencing statewide housing policy, the association plays a central role in addressing some of West Virginia’s most pressing challenges, ranging from housing affordability to workforce shortages.
At the heart of HBAWV’s purpose is advocacy, a mission grounded in the belief that builders must have a strong, unified voice to influence the decisions that affect how and where people live. The association works tirelessly to ensure that lawmakers, regulators, and the public understand the critical link between housing and economic growth.
“In West Virginia, home building isn’t just about construction; it’s about community,” says Kevin Roberts, State President of Home Builders Association of West Virginia. “It is our job is to make sure policymakers understand how every decision they make affects the ability of our members to provide homes for families across the state.”
The association’s advocacy efforts span a wide range of policy areas, from zoning and permitting reform to infrastructure investment and environmental regulation. By maintaining active dialogue with state legislators and agencies, HBAWV works to strike a balance between necessary regulation and economic opportunity.
Over the past few years, the association has been instrumental in helping shape updates to state building codes, simplifying the approval process for new developments, and encouraging investment in rural infrastructure, all of which have direct effects on housing supply and affordability. Its leaders regularly testify before legislative committees, meet with state officials, and collaborate with allied organizations to keep the construction sector’s priorities visible.
“Advocacy isn’t about pushing an agenda,” says Aaron Dickerson, Immediate Past State President, now National State Representative at HBAWV. “It’s about making sure our members’ voices are heard, from small-town builders to large developers, and ensuring that housing remains a priority issue in every conversation about West Virginia’s future.”
Beyond legislative engagement, HBAWV also educates its members about new and evolving regulations. The association provides workshops, webinars, and updates that help builders stay informed about changes in tax laws and workplace safety requirements. This proactive approach empowers members to adapt quickly while maintaining compliance and quality.
In communities across West Virginia, affordable housing is both an opportunity and a challenge. The state’s housing market is diverse, spanning everything from revitalized downtown lofts to rural single-family homes, but affordability pressures persist in nearly every region. HBAWV has thus made housing affordability a central theme of its work. Rising construction costs and higher interest rates have put homeownership out of reach for many West Virginians, so the association continues to advocate for practical solutions that address the underlying causes of those cost increases.
“Housing affordability isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue,” Dickerson says. “What works in Charleston may not work in the Eastern Panhandle. Our goal is to give builders the flexibility and support they need to meet the needs of their local markets while keeping homeownership within reach.”
One of the most significant ways HBAWV supports affordability is by promoting regulatory efficiency. The association advocates for permitting processes that are transparent and predictable, reducing unnecessary delays that can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. By working closely with local planning departments and state agencies, HBAWV encourages a smoother path from project concept to completion.
The association is also vocal about the importance of land availability and infrastructure investment. Access to developable land, especially in growing areas near employment centers, is essential to keeping housing costs reasonable. HBAWV works to ensure that new infrastructure projects such as water, sewer, and road improvements include considerations for residential development.
In addition, the association promotes innovation within the building process itself. Many members are exploring modular and manufactured housing as cost-effective ways to expand the supply of quality homes; others are adopting energy-efficient designs that reduce long-term costs for homeowners. HBAWV supports these efforts by offering training opportunities and encouraging collaboration across the industry.
The team also engages in ongoing dialogue with lenders, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations to create pathways to ownership for first-time homebuyers. By operating as a nexus bringing together diverse stakeholders, HBAWV ensures that housing policy reflects the real needs of residents and the builders who serve them.
“Our members are builders of communities,” says Roberts. “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live in a safe, quality home that fits their budget. That’s why housing affordability isn’t just an economic issue for us; it’s a moral one.”
Few issues have as far-reaching an impact on the future of the housing industry as workforce development, and builders across the country—especially in West Virginia—face significant shortages of skilled labor. The average age of a tradesperson continues to rise, and fewer young people are entering the industry.
HBAWV has made workforce development a top strategic priority, recognizing that without skilled workers and housing affordability, economic growth cannot be sustained. Through partnerships with community colleges and workforce agencies, the association is helping to create pathways for new talent to enter the construction trades.
“We’re facing a generational shift,” Dickerson explains. “For too long, society has pushed the idea that success only comes from a four-year degree. But the truth is, skilled trades offer incredible career opportunities, and we need to do a better job of showing young people that.”
To that end, HBAWV and its local associations sponsor apprenticeship programs and public awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits of working in construction. The association also collaborates with guidance counselors, educators, and local businesses to reintroduce technical education into high schools, ensuring that students are exposed to practical, hands-on career options.
Beyond recruitment, HBAWV is focused on retention and advancement. The association advocates for state and federal policies that fund trade training and make it easier for small businesses to invest in employee development. It also offers its own professional development programs, giving members access to courses on leadership, safety, business management, and emerging technologies.
“The workforce shortage is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry,” Roberts adds. “Our goal is to show young people that this is a career path where they can build a life, not just a job. When we invest in workforce development, we’re investing in West Virginia’s future.”
As technology continues to reshape how homes are designed and built, HBAWV also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and innovation. Builders are increasingly integrating 3D modeling, energy analysis software, and automated systems into their work. By partnering with educational institutions, the association ensures that training programs stay current with industry trends and prepare the next generation of professionals for an evolving marketplace.
Success for the Home Builders Association of West Virginia isn’t measured solely in numbers. The association’s membership represents a significant portion of the state’s construction economy, collectively supporting thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in annual economic activity. But beyond those figures, HBAWV measures its achievements through impact: legislation passed, careers launched, and families housed.
Each year, the team evaluates its progress across multiple fronts, from advocacy results to workforce participation, to ensure that its efforts align with industry priorities. The association also hosts conferences and networking events that bring together professionals from every corner of the state to exchange ideas and celebrate successes. Challenges certainly remain, and the housing industry continues to face fluctuating material prices, supply chain instability, and rising insurance costs. Yet through collaboration and innovation, HBAWV has helped its members weather uncertainty while continuing to deliver value to their communities.
Looking forward, the association is committed to expanding partnerships at every level, from collaborating with local governments on housing policy to engaging with national organizations like the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) for broader advocacy and education. “As we look ahead, we’re focused on balance,” says Dickerson. “We want to build homes that are affordable, sustainable, and reflective of what West Virginians need today and in the future. That balance is what defines a healthy housing market, and it’s what we’re working to achieve.”
Indeed, sustainability and innovation will remain vital pillars of HBAWV’s future strategy. As energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and resilience become increasingly important to homeowners, the association will continue guiding its members toward practices that meet those expectations without compromising on cost or quality.
For more than 60 years, the Home Builders Association of West Virginia has stood as a steadfast advocate for the state’s home building community and its ongoing efforts in advocacy, housing affordability, and workforce development continue to strengthen not just the industry but the fabric of communities across the state. Through a combination of vision and collaboration, HBAWV has built a legacy of leadership, one that reflects the dedication of its members. As West Virginia looks toward the next generation of growth, HBAWV remains at the forefront, ensuring that the voices of builders and homeowners alike are heard and that the dream of homeownership remains within reach for all who call the Mountain State home.
