Quality Matters - 09/22/2008 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
The ABC’s of Job Readiness
NHQ's Positive Reputation Growing
Quality Management a Priority for DOE's Building America Project

NHQ's Positive Reputation Growing

For the past two years, consumer surveys initiated by the NAHB Research Center have shown a marked growth in awareness of the NHQ Program.

When the NAHB Research Center created the National Housing Quality (NHQ) Certified Builder and Trade Contractor Programs, they were designed specifically to fit the needs of the home building industry. With an emphasis on "building it right the first time, every time," the program aimed for continual review and improvements, leading to greater customer satisfaction.

For the past two years, consumer surveys initiated by the Research Center have shown a marked growth in awareness of the NHQ Program, with the biggest jump in the category of those planning to buy a new construction home in the next year. Awareness among those respondents to the Research Center’s annual Consumer Practices Survey who were planning to purchase a newly-constructed home was up a significant 48 percent over last year; nearly a third of those respondents had some awareness of the NHQ Program. Among those who replied they were probably going to be new homebuyers, about 7 percent said they had a good understanding of the program – an increase of more than 100 percent over the previous survey.

This survey also found that homebuyers continue to consider customer satisfaction as measured by J.D. Power (JDP) to be important, with more than 50 percent reporting they are more likely to purchase from a builder who has topped the JDP survey.

The results are statistically significant because more than 30,000 people replied to the Consumer Practices Survey and indicated by their responses that buyers are continuing to become more selective as they look for differentiation between builders.