Quality From the Beginning Contractors who want to take certification to another level might want to contact the NAHB Research Center about its program, which focuses exclusively on quality management. The program, originally called the Insulation Contractor Certification Program, was introduced in 1995, when CertainTeed approached them about certifying insulation installers, says Bob Hill, director of laboratory sciences and certification programs at the NAHB Research Center. From there, it expanded to framing contractors, followed by a HUD-funded pilot project in Las Vegas to cover any residential new construction contractor. Based on success there, two builders asked for a system to certify builders.
The cost of certification for a small company of 10 to 15 people is approximately $2,500 for the first audit and $2,000 per year after that.
Contractors who successfully complete an audit are licensed to use the NAHB Research Center logo in their marketing, and the center sends a press release to their local newspaper to promote the business.