The NHQ Program
The NAHB Research Center launched the NHQ Program in 1993. The NHQ Program has introduced many of the concepts of the worldwide quality revolution to homebuilding and remodeling, and provides numerous opportunities for collaboration among the various industry stakeholders. NHQ activities include the Certified Builder Program, Certified Trade Contractor Program, and Manufacturer Training Certification program.
KB Home Institutes NAHB Certification Nationwide
The NAHB Research Center and KB Home have announced that KB Home will implement a first-of-its-kind quality certification program, developed by the NAHB Research Center's National Housing Quality (NHQ) program, throughout the United States. KB Home is the first of the country's largest homebuilders to implement the program on a national scale. The NHQ Certified Trade Contractor program is designed to train and certify all trade contracting firms involved in the homebuilding process - from flooring contractors to roofers. The rigorous certification process emphasizes a dedication to accountability, communication and workmanship on the jobsite, including making sure products are installed per the manufacturer's specifications and demonstrating an ongoing commitment toward continuous improvement.
Better Builders
Participation in the NHQ Certified Builder program is designed to increase efficiency and consistency in building practices. Formally launched at the 2005 International Builders' Show, the NHQ Certified Builder program provides a rigorous and complete review of business practices, and ensures that all elements of the company's quality assurance system are incorporated to provide greater customer satisfaction.
KB Home's participation in the NHQ Certified Builder program sends a powerful message to our customers. "We not only build houses, we build the homes where families spend their lives and raise their children. KB Home constantly looks to raise the bar on quality and customer satisfaction. The NAHB Research Center has used its unique resources and knowledge to create this pioneering program for the benefit of the homebuilding industry," says KB Home San Diego Division President Martin Lighterink.
Certified Trade Contractors
KB Home has always been a pioneer in quality assurance in the homebuilding industry. In November 2003 KB Home announced that the company would become the first large builder in the country to implement the NHQ Certified Trade Contractor program nationwide, a partnership that will serve to provide greater efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness, to the benefit of KB Home's customers.
Frank Alexander, NHQ program director at the NAHB Research Center, says, "By focusing builders and trade contractors on getting the job done right the first time, NHQ certification differentiates those who talk about quality from those who can demonstrate it. KB Home Coastal Division certainly represents that differentiation."
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