Alliance members were well-represented at both the EnergyValue Housing Awards® (EVHA) and National Housing Quality (NHQ) Awards at this year's International Builders Show.
IBACOS research partner and pilot home builder Wathen-Castanos Hybrid Homes was the big winner, garnering not only an NHQ Bronze Award (no Gold or Silver were awarded this year), but also the 2011 EVHA Gold Award and Builder of the Year Award.
Established in 1992, the NHQ Awards are sponsored by Professional Builder and the NAHB Research Center, and represent the housing industry’s highest recognition for achievements in total quality management among U.S. homebuilding companies. Entries are judged on customer-focused quality in eight critical areas, including construction, business management, human resources and customer satisfaction, exhibiting good financial results.
According to Wathen-Castanos President Mike Nimon, the hard days of 2008 forced the company to change tactics. Instead of slashing prices to compete, the company focused on redefining themselves as a builder of high-quality, energy-efficient green homes and turned to selling features such as an improved HERS rating and energy cost savings. The plan worked, and Wathen-Castanos is now a leader in their area for green homes.
New Alliance member Charter Homes & Neighborhoods also won an NHQ Bronze award, making them only the second homebuilder in Central Pennsylvania to ever win the award. Charter’s win is also unusual because it is the first year the company has entered the awards competition. Charter won the 2009 Commonwealth Gold Award from 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania for the best neighborhood in Pennsylvania. Charter’s President Rob Bowman accepted the award in January at the International Builder’s Show in Orlando.
Congratulations, guys!
For more information on the NHQ Awards, visit www.housingzone.com/NHQA
