Simmons Homes
Simmons Homes is a volume builder in the Tulsa metro area, constructing affordable, energy-efficient homes in 11 communities throughout Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, and Owasso. Founded in 1994, the company has helped more than 5,000 families achieve the dream of homeownership. With a reputation for innovation, quality, customer service, and an unmatched warranty, Simmons Homes has earned repeated recognition on Builder Magazine’s Builder 200 List, Tulsa World’s Best in the World, and TulsaPeople’s A-List.
In 2020, Oklahoma builder Simmons Homes also achieved the lowest average HERS® score (48.8) in the country for a builder completing more than 50 homes.
In this month’s feature, we asked Simmons Homes Purchasing Manager Dana Stanley to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Dana: A HERS® Rated home is special not only in the value and comfort it provides homeowners but in the unparalleled quality. By building to the higher standard of HERS® ratings, it creates a better home across the board; one that the homeowner can be proud of and enjoy for years to come.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Dana: Consumers should ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for because some of the most meaningful details and features of a new home are hidden in the details. Especially when comparing a new home to an existing home, the HERS® Index is very important to know and consider, as it can save homeowners significant money and significantly improve their satisfaction with their new home.
Q: Why does Simmons Homes choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Dana: Simmons Homes chooses to have our homes HERS® rated because we understand the importance of energy efficiency in providing comfort, savings, and quality to our customers. The HERS® Rating is one more way that we can communicate the advantage of our homes and the benefit to our buyers.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Dana: Consumers should expect energy-efficient homes for the same reason that they want to maximize any investment. It is a better-built home and one that ultimately will provide them the most for their money. Specifically, in our market, energy efficiency is crucial for keeping a home comfortable. Considering the extreme conditions in Oklahoma, hot summer temps, and raging winds, an efficient home is able to provide a haven from the elements in a way that older, or less efficient homes can not.
Q: How many homes does Simmons Homes build with HERS® per year?
A: Dana: We proudly build every home with HERS® ratings. In 2020, that was 310 new homes.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Dana: We include the HERS® Rating as a standard feature on every home we build. In addition, we have a dedicated section on our website to showcase our energy innovation. As the only builder in our price category in the Tulsa market to offer this feature, we believe it sets our homes apart, and communicating the advantages from signage to our sales process is key.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Dana: Our customers have varying awareness of HERS® Rated homes. Some demand it, and otHERS® are unfamiliar. But all appreciate the benefits and the value it provides. In fact, many of our customer surveys note the home’s energy efficiency as one of their favorite features.
