Robert Thomas Homes
Robert Thomas Homes is a local Minnesota home builder who builds homes in beautiful communities across the Twin Cities. In 2020, Robert Thomas Homes achieved one of the lowest average HERS® score (48.7) in the country for a builder completing more than 50 homes.
In this month’s feature, we asked Robert Thomas Homes Director of Brand Management and Marketing Paige Redford to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Paige: The HERS® Index was created to give homeowners and buyers a standard by which they could measure the energy efficiency of houses they currently own or are planning to buy. With today’s energy codes, a newly built home in Minnesota is more efficient than ever and can be seen in the comparison on Home Performance Report.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Paige: Homeowners and buyers should know what they can expect from their new construction home. Many of the energy-efficient innovations are hidden beneath the siding and drywall of our homes, and that’s why all of our homes are independently tested and rated by a third-party professional trained in advanced building sciences. Homes with a lower index score can save families hundreds of dollars a year in utility costs, foster local economic development, and reduce carbon emissions aiding the environment.
Q: Why does Robert Thomas Homes choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Paige: Every Robert Thomas home is built with energy efficiency in mind. Creating high-performing, energy-efficient homes that have a lasting impact on our communities and our environment is fundamental to who we are. We want to be transparent with our homeowners and buyers by letting them know we are committed to building green.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Paige: Energy efficiency is top of mind for many buyers planning on purchasing a new home.
Q: How many homes does Robert Thomas Homes build with HERS® per year?
A: Paige: In 2020, Robert Thomas Homes tested 100% of our homes which was 185 homes throughout the Twin Cities.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Paige: We display every HERS® score in each of our model homes, so while shoppers are touring our homes it is one of the first things they see. Our New Home Consultants are trained on the subject matter and can explain the testing process & the benefits.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Paige: Buyers respect companies that position themselves as standing for sustainability. Green-home and product certifications reassure buyers, especially since most don’t know what specific features or products can result in a greener, more efficient home.
