At the Tompkins Cortland Builders and Remodelers Association, we take pride in the ethics of our members. Homebuyers have a right to expect ethical treatment from their builders, just as builders have a right to expect ethical treatment from their buyers.

In recent years, ethics in public life has received greater attention. The home building industry is no exception. One of the reasons there is so much public debate about ethics is that the definition is very difficult to pin down. Ethical conduct is different from legal conduct. Legal conduct involves doing the minimum that is required under the law, while ethical conduct involves a higher standard.

Some people believe that ethical conduct should be governed by the Golden Rule - treating others, as you would want them to treat you. This approach also has problems, because not all people have the same standards about how they want to be treated.

Nonetheless, there are some basic principles, which should guide the ethical conduct of home building industry.

• Conducting business affairs with honesty.
• Protecting consumers through the use of quality materials and construction practices backed by integrity and service.
• Providing housing with high standards of safety, sanitation and livability.
• Meeting financial obligations in a responsible manner.
• Complying with the spirit and letter of business contracts, and managing employees, subcontractors and suppliers with fairness and honor.
• Complying with the rules and regulations prescribed by law and government agencies for the health, safety and welfare of the community.
• Complying with the Tompkins Cortland Builders & Remodelers Code of Ethics/Mission Statement.
• Abiding by the Tompkins Cortland Builders & Remodelers Association Construction Performance Guidelines available only to members.