2006 Media Releases & Alerts

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Warren

Estes Builders Earns First Certification in Washington for Exceptional Quality and Customer Satisfaction

Landmark NHQ Certified Builder Program Provides Third-Party Certification and Increases Customer Satisfaction

April 3, 2006, Upper Marlboro, Md. - The NAHB Research Center today announced the National Housing Quality (NHQ) Certification of Estes Builders. Headquartered in Sequim, Wash., Estes Builders earned the designation following a rigorous NAHB Research Center audit of the implementation of their quality assurance systems. Estes Builders is the first and only home builder in the state to earn the distinction, joining the elite group of builders across the nation who have successfully completed the distinguished NHQ Certifed Builder program since its launch in early 2005. Additional companies participating in the program are working toward certification by the end of the year.

Formally launched at the 2005 International Builders' Show, the NHQ Certified Builder program is designed to increase efficiency and consistency in building practices. The program provides a complete review of a builder's business practices, and ensures that all elements of the company's quality assurance system are incorporated to provide greater customer satisfaction. To achieve certification, Estes Builders conducted field and office training to implement their 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 excited about how the NHQ Certified Builder program is developing and the increased efficiencies and customer satisfaction that participating builders are achieving. This program will continue to play a vital role the evolution of quality assurance in home building, and I would like to thank Estes Builders for taking part in it."

Estes Builders - Experience the Difference

As a 2005 National Housing Quality Silver Award winner, quality home building and customer service excellence is a top priority for Estes Builders. Continuing on to earn NHQ Builder certification was a logical next step for the company, who's ongoing Construction Quality Management program has been essential to maintaining its high rates of customer satisfaction and success as a custom builder.

"Most home builders with sixteen years of experience, like Estes Builders, know how to build a quality home," said Kevin Estes, president of Estes Builders. "One important difference of the NHQ certification is that it requires home builders to apply consistent quality systems to every home, every time. There were several areas we could have chosen to concentrate our resources, but we were attracted to the NHQ program by virtue of its emphasis on a disciplined approach to the quality process and third party verification."

"It's really quite simple, satisfied customers is Estes Builders' goal," said Patricia Troxler, quality manager for Estes Builders. "Our NHQ certification is another example of Estes Builders' focus on providing lasting value to our customers."

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.com/quality, and use our Contact Us online form.

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04/06

The NAHB Research Center, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., 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.