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Residential Construction

Residential Construction Competency Model

In collaboration with Homebuilders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has worked with industry leaders to develop a comprehensive competency model for the residential construction industry. The model is designed to evolve along with changing skill requirements. HBI has committed to working with its industry partners to keep the model current.

In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Residential Construction Competency Model

Residential Construction Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Display skills to work with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Display accepted social and work behaviors. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintain a professional demeanor. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrate a willingness to work. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Display responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Willingness to Learn</strong> Understand the importance of learning new information for both current and future problem solving and decision making. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Use standard English to compile information and prepare written documents. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Use principles of mathematics such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science</strong> Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems. <strong>2.5 Communication-Visual and Verbal</strong> Listen, speak, and signal so others can understand. Communicate in spoken English well enough to be understood by others. <strong>2.6 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Work cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Following Directions</strong> Receive, understand and carry out assignments with minimal supervision. <strong>3.3 Planning and Scheduling</strong> Plan, organize, and schedule a project/job to optimize workflow sequence. <strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems encountered on the work site. <strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Select, use, and maintain tools and technology to facilitate work activity. <strong>3.6 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in written or electronic format. <strong>3.7 Craftsmanship</strong> Recognize the responsibilities and personal characteristics of a professional craftsperson. <strong>4.1 Building and Construction Design</strong> Understand the steps involved in designing construction projects (e.g., planning, generating layouts, developing & interpreting drawings). <strong>4.2 Material Resources</strong> Identify, move, store, and supply construction and building materials for all types of construction activities. <strong>4.3 Operation, Installation, and Repair</strong> Build and repair structures and infrastructures such as buildings, houses, bridges, dams, tunnels, utilities, and roads. <strong>4.4 Regulations and Quality Assurance</strong> Comply with regulations and building codes, and apply industry standards to ensure quality work. <strong>4.5 Health and Safety</strong> Recognize and mitigate safety hazards including hazardous materials, environmental hazards, and accident conditions at any type of construction site. <strong>5.1 Construction of Specific Home Components</strong> Apply knowledge of specific materials and methods for construction of home components including foundation, walls, roofing, staircases, and flooring (e.g., carpet, tile, stone installation, etc.). <strong>5.2 Specialty Skills</strong> General knowledge of specialty skills directly related to residential construction and expert knowledge of specific skills in at least one area. <strong>5.3 Business Fundamentals</strong> Apply knowledge of business and management principles involved in residential construction. <strong>5.4 Customer Service and Homeowner Relations</strong> Asses and meet the needs and expectations of the customer (homeowner) while maintaining open communication with key participants in the project. <strong>5.5 Green Building Practices</strong> Knowledge and application of green building practices to the construction or renovation of residential buildings. Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles