Envy Homes
Envy Homes, Inc. is a custom homebuilder serving Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, and surrounding counties in SE Michigan. Dave Nash started Envy Homes in 2002, after working in various areas of construction and trade since the 1990’s. He is also an energy auditor with the state of Michigan since 2008, bringing his knowledge of energy efficiency and energy solutions to his homebuilding clients and setting Envy Homes apart from most all other builders in the area.
In this month’s feature, we asked Envy Homes President and Owner Dave Nash to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Dave: What I think is so special about a HERS® Rated home is that the client knows that very detailed supervision has been implemented and that their builder is hiring people who believe in what they’re doing in reducing the carbon footprint, are professionals, and meticulous in their workmanship. The builder is hiring better quality trades, has more supervision, and is able to provide fully documentable energy costing to the homeowner.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Dave: Just as we buy a new vehicle today with a miles per gallon sticker, we should do so on every new home, so the client will know that the same principle was applied forward in the construction. I feel it is important to know all the information when you’re purchasing a new home to ensure that you can afford your stay. I also feel, as a builder and a consumer, if I’m looking at several different builders for my dream home, I want to see their portfolio of HERS® Index Scores in regard to homes they have done.
Q: Why does Envy Homes choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Dave: In the area I am in Michigan, unfortunately, very few builders utilize a HERS® Rating in the construction of their houses. By building to this standard, this helps me set Envy apart from other builders, by providing my clients with additional information about their new home.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Dave: I think it is very important, in this day and age, to do effective budgeting, and if we can as HERS® Raters, provide accurate costing prior to digging a hole for the foundation. I think this gives any consumer a great advantage in knowing what you’re going to spend on a monthly basis, possibly for the life of the home.
Q: How many homes does Envy Homes build with HERS® per year?
A: Dave: As a custom builder, we build approximately 7 homes per year.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Dave: We participate in Parade of Homes where we have marketing information available and we have a newly revamped website that includes all the new features and technology that are available for new home seekers.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Dave: When it comes to energy efficiency, we haven’t had any complaints! I believe they’re confident that the home of their dreams meets their expectations and/or beats their expectations when it comes to energy efficiency. Additionally, they are impressed with our ability to calculate their potential energy costs before moving into their home.
