Custom One Homes
Since 1983, Custom One Homes has introduced families to the great possibilities and excitement of building their first, second, or third home.
In this month’s feature, we asked Custom One Homes Brand and Marketing Manager Maddie Ricci to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS-rated home?
A: Maddie: As a custom, luxury home builder, Custom One Homes takes pride in crafting residences that exemplify both elegance and sustainability. A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rated home is special because it provides a precise, industry-recognized measure of energy efficiency. Our homes, with an average HERS Index score of around 50, are designed to minimize energy consumption, which not only results in lower utility bills but also contributes to a healthier living environment. Lower HERS scores typically indicate better insulation, improved air quality, and a more consistent indoor temperature, all of which are vital for maintaining a healthy home environment.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Maddie: When investing in a luxury home, consumers should be informed about the long-term benefits their home offers. The HERS Index score provides a clear, quantifiable indicator of a home’s energy efficiency. For our clients, this score represents more than just energy savings—it reflects the healthiness of the living environment, as lower HERS scores often correlate with better air quality and reduced exposure to outdoor pollutants. Asking for the HERS score ensures that consumers are selecting a home that supports their family’s well-being while also being energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
Q: Why does Custom One Homes choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Maddie: At Custom One, we are dedicated to building homes that deliver on every aspect of luxury, including health and energy performance. We choose to have our homes HERS-rated to provide our clients with third-party verified assurance that their home is not only beautiful and well-crafted but also energy-efficient and healthy. By participating in the High Efficiency New Homes Program, a joint offering between CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy, and achieving an average HERS score of around 50, we demonstrate our commitment to sustainable building practices that promote healthier living environments for our clients.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Maddie: Consumers today should expect energy-efficient homes because they offer a superior living experience, combining luxury with practical benefits like reduced utility costs, increased comfort, and improved health. Energy-efficient homes are built to prevent drafts, maintain consistent temperatures, and reduce allergens and pollutants, all of which contribute to a healthier indoor environment. At Custom One, we believe that energy efficiency is integral to the overall quality of our homes, ensuring that our clients enjoy both financial savings and a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
Q: How many homes does Custom One Homes build with HERS® per year?
A: Maddie: Custom One Homes builds 20 homes a year, all of which undergo HERS testing. We are proud that every home we build meets or exceeds energy efficiency standards, reflecting our unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality. This year, we were especially honored to receive a Master Certification HPR for one of our homes, achieving a HERS Score below 44, further exemplifying our dedication to excellence in energy efficiency.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Maddie: We market our HERS-rated homes by showcasing the intersection of luxury, health, and sustainability. Our marketing efforts emphasize the lower HERS scores our homes achieve, highlighting the tangible benefits of energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and overall healthier living environments. By focusing on these aspects, we appeal to discerning clients who value both the elegance and the responsible design of their homes. Additionally, we proudly communicate our participation in Minnesota’s Green Path program and the High Efficiency New Homes Program, further solidifying our reputation as leaders in sustainable home building.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Maddie: Our customers highly value the added benefits of HERS-rated homes. They appreciate knowing that their home not only meets the highest standards of energy efficiency but also provides a healthier living space. The peace of mind that comes with a lower HERS score—indicative of better air quality, fewer drafts, and consistent indoor temperatures—is something our clients cherish. This reinforces their decision to invest in a Custom One home, where luxury and well-being go hand in hand.
Q: Which rating company(s) do you partner with and what would you like to share your partnership?
A: Maddie: We collaborate with top-tier rating companies that are leaders in the energy efficiency industry to ensure our homes meet the highest standards. Through our participation in the High Efficiency New Homes Program, a joint offering between CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy, we are able to consistently deliver homes that excel in energy performance and contribute to a healthier environment. Our partnerships are based on a shared commitment to quality and sustainability, allowing us to confidently offer homes that are rigorously tested and certified, providing our clients with the assurance they expect from a luxury home builder.
