2005 NHQ Handbook

Learn best practices from industry leaders in HousingZone.com's "Handbook for Winning" Forum, as winners of the 2005 National Housing Quality Award share the benchmarking tips they've learned along their quality journey. As the centerpiece of the National Association of Home Builders Research Center's quality program, the NHQ Award is regarded as the highest level of quality achievement in the housing industry. From leadership and strategic planning to human resources and business results, these builders have set themselves apart, within their markets and in the profits they pull to the bottom line every day. Click here for more information on the NHQ Award.

Pulte Homes
Leadership in building a coherent corporate culture is a distinguishing quality for Pulte, the first national builder to win the NHQ Award. Despite its size, it has met the challenge of maintaining cultural consistency throughout the organization. Pulte believes it is crucial to understand what is important to its clients and what it's really selling them - and it's not just homes.

Read comments from Erik R. Pekarski, VP of customer relations for Pulte Homes.

Grayson Homes
Construction quality management through the innovative use of technology made the difference, and is a great example of the benefit of participation in the NHQ application and selection process. Though its management didn't realize it initially, NHQ critiques showed Grayson the importance of having a formal construction inspection procedure in place. Once they saw the light, they took advantage of cutting-edge technology customized to the unique needs of their organization. The results were award-winning.

Read comments from Cindy McAuliffe, president and COO of Grayson Homes.

Founded in 1989, Ideal Homes
Human resources excellence stood out to the NHQ judges here. The company's goal is to set itself and its employees up for success from the very start. It uses an exacting hiring process for everyone - from the receptionist to its top VPs. It defines and reinforces core company values with its people, gives and gets frequent employee feedback, and builds family while giving back to the community. How can you hire and keep top talent?

Read comments from Vernon McKown, co-owner and president of sales for Ideal Homes.

Veridian Homes
Strategic planning in analyzing and combining corporate cultures was no small achievement for this company, which is the result of a merger between Don Simon Homes and Midland Builders. The two companies had independently achieved success and previous NHQ recognition. While going through the merger, they created a transition that was seamless for customers, and preserved the award-winning ways of both companies.

Read comments from David Simon, president of Veridian Homes.

Estes Builders
Performance management through the vigilant use of systems allowed this small company to achieve success in proportion to other companies many times its size. The company has systems in place for time management, document preparation - even for who takes out the trash! Its systems and processes regarding customer service in particular have turned its clients into "raving fans." Is it worth it to sweat the details and go the extra mile?

Read comments from Kevin Estes, president of Estes Builders.