2004 Media Releases & Alerts
Veridian Homes Achieves Quality Certification from NAHB Research Center,
Signaling Significant Quality Commitment
Landmark National Housing Quality Pilot Certified Builder Program Provides
Third-Party Certification Focusing on Customer Satisfaction
December 1, 2004, Upper Marlboro, Md. - Today, the NAHB Research Center
proudly announced that Veridian Homes of Madison, Wis., has earned NHQ
certification from its National Housing Quality Program. NHQ certification is
presented to builders who have documented and implemented their quality
management systems, and participated in a rigorous review of the implementation
of those systems. Veridian Homes is one of just three builders in the country,
and the only builder in Wisconsin, to earn NHQ certification as part of the
NAHB Research Center's pilot program. The national launch of the NHQ Certified
Builder program will begin in January 2005.
NHQ certification recognizes builders and trade contractors who have implemented
formal quality assurance systems, and participated in annual audits performed
by the NAHB Research Center's quality experts. Certification requirements
ensure that all elements of the company's quality assurance systems are
incorporated to provide greater customer satisfaction. Participation in NHQ
certification programs is designed to foster consistency and quality in
building practices. Certification candidates must work more effectively with
their trade contractors, and begin the continuous improvement efforts required
by all NHQ programs.
NAHB Research Center president Michael Luzier said, "I am excited about Veridian
Homes' dedication to quality-as evidenced by its recent NHQ certification and
its 2005 NHQ Silver Award win at this year's BENCHMARK Conference.
Unquestionably, Veridian Homes is an industry leader whose partnership
continues to be a vital part of program development and the evolution of
quality assurance in home building."
Veridian Homes-Innovation, Integrity, Pride, and Passion
Even before participating in the NHQ pilot Certified Builder program, Veridian
Homes has had a visible dedication to quality assurance and customer
satisfaction. Veridian Homes has encouraged its trade contractors to become NHQ
certified for almost a year. Veridian works closely with and mentors its trade
partners to help them achieve their goal of NHQ certification. Currently, four
of its contractors are NHQ certified; Wisconsin Flooring, Veridian Plumbing,
Marshall Towne Millwork, and Dave Jones Heating & Plumbing. In addition,
Veridian is now a 2005 NHQ Silver Award winner. The NHQ Award is patterned
after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and represents the highest
recognition by the housing industry for quality achievement.
Veridian Homes was formed in 2003 when Midland Builders and Don Simon Homes
joined forces. The company, which is still family owned, builds 600 homes a
year. All of its homes are Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® and Green Built HomeTM
certified. As a result of its commitment to energy-efficient building, Veridian
Homes was named the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Partner
of the Year in 2004.
David Simon, president of Veridian Homes, said, "It's one thing to talk about
quality. It's another thing to build your entire organization around it-and
that's exactly what we've done at Veridian Homes. We are committed to the
principles upon which our company was founded on: quality home building,
community involvement, and environmental stewardship. It's a privilege to build
great homes for our customers and to be recognized for our efforts."
Frank Alexander, NHQ Program Director at the NAHB Research Center, said, "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. Veridian Homes certainly represents that
differentiation." At the 2005 International Builders' Show in Orlando, the NAHB
Research Center will officially launch the national implementation of the NHQ
Certified Builder program. Companies interested in starting on the path to
quality certification can visit www.nahbrc.org/quality,
use our Contact Us online
form, or call Rita Knab, NHQ program coordinator, at (800) 638-8556, ext. 6225.
About the National Housing Quality 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 home building and
remodeling, and provides numerous opportunities for collaboration among the
various industry stakeholders. NHQ activities include builder and trade
contractor certification programs, and co-sponsorship of the National Housing
Quality Award program. Response among builders, trade contractors, remodelers,
code officials, building inspectors, and the insurance industry to the NHQ
Program has been very positive.
12/04
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