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Research Center Program Promotes Building Quality

NHQ Certified Trade Contractors Begin to Penetrate the Industry

The NHQ Certified Trade Contractor Program focuses on providing trade contracting companies with the understanding, tools, assistance and support needed to develop individualized quality assurance programs. Contractors who have implemented the NHQ Certified Trade Contractor Program report improved profitability, reduced defects, elimination of recurring punch list items and improved builder satisfaction with the quality of their work.

More than 330 companies have received quality assurance training since the NHQ Program began training contractors in 200. More than 1,000 companies are waiting to schedule training in 2004.

The First Manufacturer With a Certified Training Program

Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc. of Dublin, CA, is close to becoming the first manufacturer in the nation to earn certification as part of the NHQ Manufacturer Training Certification Program. The purpose of this program is to improve the practical training approach of product manufacturers to obtain quality results.

Members of the NAHB Research Center staff have reviewed Simpson’s training system for compliance with the program requirements, which address how the company will manage the quality of its product training and how it will verify the training’s effectiveness.

NAHB Research Center staff members are also providing feedback on the training materials based on their understanding of contractor training needs in the residential construction industry. Simpson will soon participate in random field audits that assess the training’s effectiveness by interviewing previously trained construction personnel about installation procedures and observing actual product installations.

Insurance Industry and National Manufacturing Executives Join the NHQ Advisory Council

Rick Glover of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc./Marsh, Inc., headquartered in New York, and Les Teichner, COO of Republic Windows & Doors, headquartered in Chicago, are joining the NHQ Advisory Council this year.

The council provides guidance and feedback to the NAHB Research Center on proposed and existing programs, and participates in outreach efforts to promote and champion the program.

Marsh, Inc. is the world’s leading risk and insurance services firm. Its mission is to “create and deliver risk solutions and services to make our clients more successful. ”Marsh provides insurance brokering, and underwriting and insurance program management, among other services. Glover’s in-depth knowledge and active promotion of the NHQ Program is expected to enhance the insurance industry’s understanding of the program’s effect on participating companies’ liability and risk assignment.

Republic Windows and Doors, founded in 1965, manufactures custom vinyl windows and doors for sale to new home builders and other clients. Most of the company’s products adhere to the American Architectural Manufacturers’ Association standards for commercially rated windows. Additionally, Republic’s insulated glass products have recently been certified by the EnergyStar® program for all U.S. climates. Teichner’s involvement in the NHQ Program will expand the role of manufacturers in the evolution of quality assurance in the home building industry.

NHQ Award Winners Share Their Secrets of Success

The NAHB Research Center and Reed Business Group, publisher of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines, is presenting the 11th Annual National Housing Quality (NHQ) Awards Ceremony on Jan. 18 at “One Night, One Industry,” just before the opening of the 2004 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas.

The NHQ Awards, which are modeled on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, represent the highest recognition by the home building industry for quality achievement.

Winners will be participating in an educational session at the IBS entitled, “High Performance Builders: Benchmark with National Housing Quality Award Winners,” which focuses on their quality business practices.

For more information on the National Housing Quality Program, click here or send an e-mail.

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