When you're researching builders, it can be hard to know which ones genuinely deliver on quality. One useful signal is whether a builder has been recognised through the industry's two major award programs - the Master Builder's Association (MBA) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
These awards highlight builders producing outstanding work, and while many winners operate at the high end, recognition also extends to projects at more affordable levels. Understanding how the awards work - and how to use them in your builder search - can give you an extra layer of confidence.
MBA and HIA: what they are
The Master Builders Association (MBA) is Australia's oldest and largest building industry association, with state and territory branches that represent builders, subcontractors, and suppliers. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is also a peak body, with a strong focus on residential housing and policy advocacy.
While their roles overlap, they're independent organisations. Many professional builders are members of both - joining allows them to access training, networking, advocacy, and, importantly, eligibility for awards. Membership of either group is a sign that the builder is actively engaged with the industry and its standards.
How the awards work
- Entry process: builders submit their projects along with documentation and photos. Entry fees apply - typically between $400 and $700 per project depending on the category.
- Judging: submissions are reviewed by panels that usually include experienced builders, architects, engineers, and industry specialists. Judges assess criteria such as workmanship, innovation, design, value for money, and environmental sustainability.
- Awards events: winners are announced at gala dinners - MBA NSW runs its awards between May and September, while HIA events are between September and November. State winners then progress to the national stage: MBA National Awards in November, and HIA National Awards in April the following year.
Why awards matter
Winning an MBA or HIA award is more than just marketing - it reflects peer recognition of high-quality work.
Many awards showcase large, prestige projects. For example, the 2025 MBA NSW Master Builder of the Year went to Horizon, recognised for alterations and additions in Northbridge costing over $15 million.
But recognition isn't limited to the luxury end of the market. There are awards for smaller, more affordable projects too. Carrington Built, for instance, won the MBA NSW Excellence Award for an extension in Camperdown that cost less than $400k.
For homeowners, this means you can find award-winning builders at different price points - not just those building mansions.
How to find award-winning builders
On Build Index, you can filter results in your suburb to highlight builders who have won awards. Each builder's profile shows their specific awards, including the category, year, and project details.
You can also search directly on the MBA and HIA websites, which publish lists of winners each year.
What to keep in mind
While awards are a strong signal of quality, they're not the only factor to consider. Not all excellent builders enter awards - some simply choose not to dedicate time or budget to submissions. And, like any competition, results reflect the projects submitted in a given year.
Still, awards can help you shortlist builders who have been independently recognised, and they're a useful piece of the puzzle alongside licensing checks, reviews, and client references.
Final thoughts
Whether you're planning a modest renovation or a large custom build, looking at MBA and HIA awards is a smart way to identify builders producing great work. Combine this with the other tools on Build Index - like licence records, ASIC notices, and client reviews - and you'll be better equipped to make a confident choice.