Please review these FAQs as you consider applying to the National Housing Quality operational improvement program:

1. What is NHQ?

The NHQ (National Housing Quality) operational improvement program was launched in 1992 and is dedicated to the advancement and recognition of organizational excellence in home building. It is based on the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence that has been used nationally since 1987 and is now used by 43 State Quality Award Programs and by 60 countries.

The NHQ perogram was initiated to help those in the home building industry improve every aspect of their business. It is based on a set of criteria to assess the organizational performance of builders, remodelers, trade contractors and suppliers.

The criteria consist of eight sections: Leadership, Strategic Planning, Process Management, Customer Satisfaction, Human Resources, Construction Quality, Trade Relationship, and Business Results. The eight criteria provide a tool to evaluate an organization and identify strengths, as well as opportunities for improvement.

2. Who leads the NHQ program?

Pro Builder administers the NHQ program. A team of volunteer examiners drawn primarily from past Gold award recipients have witnessed the impact that this program has made on their home building businesses and have elected to support the NHQ program and give back to the industry. Others are quality and management systems experts working within the industry.

We also are fortunate to include six leading suppliers and service providers to the housing industry as official NHQ sponsors: Senex Global (Strategic Planning section); MiTek Inc. (Process Management); Joseph Chris Partners (Human Resources); Andersen Corporation (Construction Quality); ECI Bolt (Trade Realtionships); and Constellation HomeBuilder Systems (Business Results).

You can learn more about them here.

3. Why should you apply to the program?

To quote a recent award recipient, “This is the best and most honest consulting an [organization] can get to improve their company. The program will help to improve the performance of your business and dramatically impact your bottom-line. The process of applying for the NHQ Award, and gaining the detailed feedback report from industry experts, can provide fast-track opportunities for improvement and help to reduce costs, defects, cycle times and improve customer, employee and trade partner satisfaction."

There are significant advantages for writing and submitting an application, and thvalue of the expert, peer-driven feedback is far more than the $2,500 application fee for the full progam or $500 each for up to three categories.

Even if you do not qualify for a site visit you will nonetheless receive a detailed feedback report written by the judges. This represents approximately 50 man-hours, or a value of about $10,000.

If you earn to a site visit, your feedback report will have been built upon approximately 150 man hours representing a value of over $22,000!

4. Who applies for the program?

Home builders of all sizes from across the country apply. Regardless of how small or how large, production homes or custom, the NHQ program is relevant to all builders and has provided measurable improvement for those that have taken the steps to apply.

More than 100 companies have earned an NHQ award; many have achieved recognition at one level and then reapplied to move to a higher level. Some have even returned years later to ensure that they continue to meet changing industry benchmarks and challenge themselves again.

5. Business has been down. Should we wait to apply?

With everyone attempting to discover new ways to compete, the NHQ program provides an inner look at all your strengths and weaknesses. The feedback report will provide a detailed roadmap to guide you in the areas for improvement. Many applicants utilize the report as a strategic planning guide.

A key lesson from previous applicants and winners is, just write the application and submit it. So, don’t wait, just get started. Receive your evaluation and feedback report as quickly as possible so you know where to focus, and in what way. Past applicants and award recipients testify that that they found many ways to improve their business simply through the process of writing the application.

6. How hard is it to be earn an award?

Earning an NHQ award is a rigorous journey, and that's what makes it so special and impactful far beyond the recognition. 

Many who consider applying to NHQ believe that they have to submit an application that is a work of art, with colorful graphics and detailed layouts.

Not true. 

What the judges seek are accurate responses to the criteria questions posed in the application; a basic Word Document is all that is needed.

And, your company is not in competition with the other applicants; you're evaluated solely on how well your organization measures up to the program criteria. During any program year there may be multiple awards presented at any or every level, or no award at all. How well each applicant scores against the criteria determine the results.

7. We’ve downsized and not all areas may be up to par. Shouldn’t we improve the weak areas first, and then apply?

If you've been thinking that you've been hit hard and won't look good on the application, it's actually the perfect time to apply and receive a valuable feedback report that will guide you in capitalizing on your existing strengths while providing expert assistance in overcoming those challenges—perhaps the difference between survival and business excellence.

Don’t wait.

9. What happens after we submit a Part 2 application?

A team of judges, all experts and leaders in the home building industry, quality management or both, will first review your application against the program criteria.

Those that meet the baseline requirements through an objective scoring procedure will be scheduled to receive a site visit by the judges where the eight criteria areas will be explored in greater depth, first-hand at your place of business.

Regardless of whether a site visit is warranted, you'll will receive a detailed, actionable feedback report in support of continued improvement for its business.

10. What promotional opportunities are there?

Companies that receive an NHQ Award are featured in Pro Builder magazine, on probuilder.com, during presentations at the annual International Builders' Show,  and are licensed to utilize the NHQ logo in their marketing.

11. What about the application document we submit?

All information and materials provided by applicants are viewed only by the assigned panel of judges and are kept strictly confidential. A Non-Disclosure Agreement legally binds all judges.

You can incorporate the application into the daily facets of your business. For example, include it as part of your strategic planning and business plan, then share it with employees to provide deeper insight into the company and its objectives.

12. How do I get started?

Apply online to submit Part 1 of the NHQA application by March 19, 2027, indicating your intent to fulfill the application process and pay your application fee. (Note: use your email address and create a password to access the portal.)

Upon receipt and acceptance of your Part 1 application and fee, you'll have until May 14, 2027 to prepare and submit Part 2 of your NHQA application for examination.