A digital platform for a statewide association shouldn’t just house information – it should actively serve the members who rely on it.
That objective was the driving force behind the newly redesigned HBAV.com, a modern, member-focused digital experience developed in partnership with Richmond-based agency Kelley + Co. Launched in conjunction with the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s 70th anniversary, the new website marks a significant investment in the association’s future and its ability to deliver resources efficiently.
The HBAV website is our storefront, and it’s critical that we continue to invest in this resource. The goal is simple: to make it easier for you to get what you need, when you need it.
– Mike Sandkuhler, HBAV 2026 President
Addressing the Need for Change
An audit of the outgoing site revealed a platform that was no longer keeping pace with the needs of Virginia’s residential building industry. Visitors were spending an average of just 31 seconds on the site – well below the 52-to-90-second industry benchmark. Furthermore, nearly 3,700 annual visits landed on broken pages, and 45% of visitors to HBAV’s homepage left without navigating elsewhere in the site. With only 20% of traffic coming from mobile devices, it was clear the site required a ground-up rebuild to properly serve members – regardless of where they browse.
Our advocacy and industry resources are only as effective as they are accessible. This redesign isn’t just a visual update; it’s a modern tool built to keep pace with how our members do business today. By eliminating digital friction and centralizing our housing policy updates and member directory, we are ensuring HBAV remains a high-value asset for Virginia’s building community, whether they are accessing it from the office or the field.
– Craig Toalson, CAE, HBAV CEO
What’s New on HBAV.com?
The new platform has been completely reimagined to prioritize accessibility, member marketing, and streamlined navigation. Key upgrades include:
- A Reimagined HBAV ‘Pro Directory’: Formerly known as the ‘Builder and Product Catalog’, the ‘HBAV Pro Directory‘ has been completely rebuilt. The new directory features distinct sections for builders and remodelers and trade partners and suppliers, allowing users to filter by type, region, and category. More importantly, each member profile is now optimized to perform in search engines, creating genuine marketing value for listed companies beyond HBAV.com
- A Centralized Advocacy Hub: HBAV’s legislative priorities, General Assembly activity, code updates, and regulatory resources are now organized in one navigable ‘Advocacy Hub‘. This ensures the association’s advocacy work remains visible and easily accessible to every member.
- Mobile-First Design: Built specifically with the field in mind, the new site features a responsive layout and a rebuilt navigation designed for touch, ensuring members can easily access resources from any device.
- Streamlined News, Events, and Giving: A new utility bar surfaces upcoming events at a glance, while a redesigned News page with filterable categories ensures members stay informed. News and events are also brought forward throughout the site to ensure visibility and ease of access to time-sensitive content. Additionally, purpose-built portals for BuildPAC and the HBAV Education Foundation make participation and contributions straightforward.
Explore the New Platform
Members and industry partners are encouraged to visit the new site and explore what membership in Virginia’s leading home building association looks like today.
Meet Kelley + Co.
The new HBAV.com was proudly designed and developed by HBAV’s communications consultants, Kelley + Co., a Richmond-based communications and design agency. For inquiries about the HBAV.com site, or about their other work across web design, branding, and communications services, visit kelleyus.com or contact them.