2007 Media Releases & Alerts

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Warren

Bob Schmitt Homes First Ohio Builder to Earn National Certification for Outstanding Quality Assurance and Customer Satisfaction

Landmark National Housing Quality Program Provides Third-Party Certification and Increases Customer Satisfaction

June 5, 2007, Upper Marlboro, Md. - The NAHB Research Center today announced the National Housing Quality (NHQ) Certification of Bob Schmitt Homes. Headquartered in North Ridgeville, Ohio, the privately-owned custom home builder earned the designation following a rigorous NAHB Research Center audit of the implementation of their quality assurance systems. With this prestigious certification, Bob Schmitt Homes joins the elite group of builders nationwide that have successfully completed the distinguished program since its launch in 2005. Additional home builders in other states participating in the program are working toward certification in 2007, signaling a growing, industry-wide commitment to improving the quality of our nation's homes.

Participation in the NHQ Certified Builder program is designed to increase efficiency and consistency in building practices. Formally launched at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 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. To achieve certification, Bob Schmitt Homes participated in field and office training to implement the quality program, work more efficiently with their trade contractors, and maintain the continuous improvement efforts required by all NHQ Programs.

NAHB Research Center president Michael Luzier said, "I am pleased at how the NHQ Certified Builder program has grown and developed, and excited about the increased efficiency and customer satisfaction that participating builders are achieving. This program has, and will continue to play a vital role the evolution of quality assurance in home building, and I would like to thank Bob Schmitt Homes for taking part in it."

Bob Schmitt Homes – The Difference of Superior Quality

For over 60 years, Bob Schmitt Homes has built quality homes to suit the individual needs and preferences of Cleveland-area homebuyers. While the company’s philosophy is simply to offer one-of-a-kind homes at an affordable price, they never sacrifice the ultimate goal of achieving superior quality in each home they build.

"At Bob Schmitt Homes, delivering a quality home is always our first priority. We are committed to continuously improving our company, our process and to exceeding the expectations of our customers," said Paul Owen, quality/warranty manager. "By having a continuous watch over the production of our homes, this certification reduces the amount of warranty calls and helps to shorten the cycle times. This system also enhances cooperation among contractors as well as improving our customer satisfaction long after the building process is completed."

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 the Certified Builder Program, Certified Trade Contractor Program, Manufacturer Training Certification program, and co-sponsorship of the National Housing Quality Award Program. Builders interested in starting on the path to quality certification can visit www.nahbrc.org/quality, contact us via email, or call Rita Knab, NHQ program coordinator, at (800) 638-8556, ext. 6225.

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6/07

ABOUT THE NAHB RESEARCH CENTER: Located in Upper Marlboro, Md., the NAHB Research Center promotes innovation in housing technology to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of homes and home building products. Created over 40 years ago as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the NAHB Research Center has established itself as the source for reliable, objective information and research on housing construction and development issues. Through its various testing and certification services, the Research Center seal is internationally-recognized as a mark of product quality and an assurance of product performance.

NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be “NAHB Research Center.” If clarification of the acronym is necessary, the phrase, “a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB),” can follow. In subsequent mentions, "Research Center" is the only acceptable and accurate alternative reference.

ABOUT BOB SCHMITT HOMES: Since 1950, the company has developed over 2,300 acres and constructed over 4,300 Single-Family, Single & Multi-Family Cluster Homes and Townhomes in a number of Southwestern and Western communities in the Cleveland, Ohio area. For more information about Bob Schmitt Homes, visit http://www.bobschmitthomes.com/.