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Week of January 12, 2004

Front Page

President's Message

* 2003 – A Year to Remember

Housing Forum

* Saving Open Land Is All About Density

Housing and Economics

* Home Sales Slip in November, But Record Expected for 2003

Multifamily

* EPA Revises Water Submetering Policy
* Multifamily Stock Index Poised for Record High

Business Management

* Eight Ways to Drive Internet Leads and Sales

Research

* Newly Modified ANSI Square Footage Standard Available

Building Quality

* Research Center Program Promotes Building Quality

Seniors Housing

* Developing a Strategic Plan for the 55+ Market Niche

State and Local

* Eight Honored for Advancing Housing-Friendly Initiatives

Builders Show

* Show Registration Available On Site Only
* HUD to Announce Top 10 Home Building Technologies

Housing Finance

* Fed Report Underestimates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Contribution, Builders Charge

Small Builders and Remodelers

* A Good Home Show Booth Can Drum Up Business

Building Systems

* Online Reports Provide Information on Concrete Homes

Labor

* Florida Builders Showcase HBI’s Project CRAFT Program

Building Products

* Pella Displays Latest Innovations at Builders’ Show

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* A Message From a Candidate for NAHB Vice President/Secretary
* Stanton to Lead NAHB Legislative and Political Operations
* Indiana Builder Named an Entrepreneur of the Year
* One Home at a Time, Mississippi Builder Putting Working Families on the Road to the American Dream
* Log In this Month to Enter to Win a Free Palm PDA
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

Research Center Program Promotes Building Quality

The NAHB Research Center’s National Housing Quality (NHQ) Program is continuing to promote quality-related activities. Here is the latest news on the program.

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.


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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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