Every year, the National Housing Quality Award judges apply a rigid yardstick against the best companies in the country. This year, five companies measured up and received National Housing Quality Silver Awards:

Pringle Development, Eustis, Fla.

The last three in that list are national companies, and this award was earned for the entire company, not just a division. That is an achievement that has been reached only once in the 15 year history of the NHQ Awards.

Companies were considered against a refined set of criteria divided into eight categories: quality management, leadership, strategic planning, performance management, customer satisfaction, human resources, construction quality, trade relationships and business results.

The judging process involves two steps, including an initial evaluation by the judging panel based on the company's application. Companies that rate high enough then receive site visits from three to four judges who confirm the claims made in the application. Every category has specific areas the judges look for and each category has an assigned point total. To win an award, a company must meet minimum point levels.