Del Webb ranks highest in customer satisfaction survey

Del Webb has ranked highest in customer satisfaction among local builders in the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 New Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study. The company has the age-qualified Sun City Anthem, Sun City Aliante and Solera at Anthem communities under development, as well as the all-ages Club Aliante.

"Delighting our customers is our main mission," said Chris Haines, division president for Del Webb's Nevada communities. "With the results of the recent survey, we're able to see that our commitment to providing an unparalleled home buying experience is working."

The study was based on responses from 64,502 buyers of newly constructed homes in 25 of the largest U.S. markets. The Las Vegas market covers all of Clark County.

Del Webb, which has been in business for more than 40 years, stands behind its Eight-Step Customer Relations Program, which fosters a lifelong relationship with homeowners. Program elements include a pre-construction orientation to educate buyers on what to expect with their new-home purchase and to establish communication between the builder and the buyer before construction begins. "Webb walks" are conducted for quality assurance, according to Joe Leas, construction manager.

"Quality, codes, and options is what the `Webb walk' is all about," he said.

The builder schedules additional inspections throughout the process. At the post-closing orientation, the customer relations manager reviews the warranty and post-closing inspection with the buyer, and answers any other questions the buyer may have. Followup visits are then scheduled by customer relations representatives at 30 days, 90 days, 11 months and 22 months. Once the buyer moves in, Del Webb also offers home maintenance seminars.

All of the builder's homes are Energy Star certified and feature Environments for Living technology. Key components include blown-in cellulose insulation and low-e windows that allow the builder to offer a three-year heating and cooling energy-use and comfort guarantee. Also featured are vinyl-framed windows with spectrally selective glass that helps ensure a more consistent internal home temperature with reduced fading of interior window treatments, carpet and furnishings. All homes are also wired for high-speed electronic data.

Both Sun City Anthem and Solera at Anthem in Henderson are for people age 55 and older.

Buyers can choose from 12 models at Sun City Anthem, where homes measure 1,496 to 3,175 square feet and are priced from the high $370,000s. To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, to Anthem Parkway, turn left, go to Alexandria Drive and turn right. The sales office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Solera's five floor plans range from 1,140 to 1,771 square feet and are priced from the low $300,000s. To visit, take Anthem Parkway to Somersworth Drive. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Sun City Aliante and Club Aliante are part of the Aliante master plan in North Las Vegas. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sun City residences measure 1,155 to 2,105 square feet and are priced from the mid-$310,000s. To reach the age-qualified community, take U.S. Highway 95 to the Interstate 215 east exit. Take I-215 to Aliante Parkway, then go north.

Models will debut at the nearby Club Aliante on Saturday, Oct. 9. Five floor plans are available, ranging from 2,168 to 3,665 square feet and priced from the mid-$500,000s.

Del Webb is a subsidiary of Pulte Homes Inc.

Real Estate home