The Hard Hat Report
Stay connected with the latest in home building, remodeling, and industry trends across the New River Valley, from the desk of the New River Valley Home Builders Association. Enjoy updates on local construction projects, workforce development efforts, highlights from NRVHBA events, community initiatives, and member achievements, we’re your source for everything happening in the region’s residential building industry.
Landon Bell: From Scholarship Recipient to Superintendent As labor shortages persist in the construction industry, one challenge has become increasingly urgent: finding skilled workers. To shed light on this issue, we spoke with Landon Bell, a young professional in…
Gen Z Builds New Careers in Construction The cost of goods and services has risen. Now more than ever, it is critical for individuals to maintain a steady, well-paying career. One industry that offers many rewarding career paths and needs…
Should You Buy a New or Existing Home? A home is one of the most significant purchases a person will make in their lifetime. There is no question that the cost of purchasing a home has been challenging recently. Yet, despite some affordability hurdles, many individuals continue…
Free Coloring Contest Builds Excitement For Touch-A-Truck NRV The New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) is inviting young artists across the region to participate in the Touch-A-Truck NRV Coloring Contest, a fun and free activity leading up to this year’s 11th annual event.  The free…
The Business Impact of Workforce Shortages on Residential Construction Workforce shortages are no longer a temporary issue in the homebuilding industry, but they are actively shaping how businesses operate, compete, and sustain. Across the industry, employers are struggling to find skilled workers.…
How to Find an Honest Contractor Severe weather may be approaching with the arrival of the summer months. If Mother Nature damages your home, you may need to call a professional for help. Unfortunately, not all professionals are looking out for a home owner’s best interest. After…
Christiansburg, VA – May 12, 2026 – Leaders of the New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) announced the launch of the new charitable arm of the organization, Building Futures Foundation, this past weekend at a special 50th anniversary celebration…
The residential homebuilding community continues to face its ongoing challenges: labor shortages, increased competition for skilled workers, and the changing workforce expectations have made it harder for employers to maintain high-quality teams. With these challenges, many businesses have started to…
Building the Future: The Next Generation of Skilled Trades As the home building industry continues to face one of the most significant labor shortages in decades, we are highlighting rising leaders like Ethan Beliveau, who are building the future of…
The Hard Hat Report At the New River Valley Home Builders Association, we believe in investing in the future of the building industry. Through our microgrant program, we are proud to support local schools and programs that introduce students to…