Stonegate Builders
Stonegate Builders’ mission is to design timeless homes tailored to the client’s lifestyle, in the best Twin Cities neighborhoods. Whether it’s small-town charm, a suburban retreat, or a lakeside oasis, Stonegate takes pride in offering its clients thriving, beautiful communities where they can plant their roots.
In this month’s feature, we asked Stonegate Builders Vice President Jake Lee to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Jake: It gives the buyers confidence that the builder took the proper care and steps to ensure the home is built to that level. We have learned over the years in working with our Trade Partners and in continued training with building science groups the most effective steps to take to ensure that the environment is safe and comfortable for our clients.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Jake: If a customer can understand that the score is indicative of the builder and the steps, or lack of steps and care a builder takes in the home build process, I think they would be much more apt to focus on that information and worry less about the countertop selection first. There is much in a home that can be redone later. The tightness of a home is not one easily remedied.
Q: Why does Stonegate Builders choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Jake: We want to ensure we are doing things the right way for the sake of our homeowners. We believe 3rd party verification is crucial for this. We work with Arxcis and have our homes checked at Framing, Insulation, and final build stage to ensure this happens.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Jake: Because if the builder is focused on it, it is not that hard to achieve. It just takes care. Our longstanding partnerships with knowledgeable Trade Partners who understand our climate ensure we are using the best products and methods that we can.
Q: How many homes does Stonegate Builders build with HERS® per year?
A: Jake: 80-125 depending on the year.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Jake: In our “Stonegate Differences” we try to highlight not only the products and the quality of the products that we use but also some of the methods we use to produce an efficient home. Much has to do with how the air is handled and also how the envelope is sealed and in what ways. We also take great care in the foundation and framing of the home to ensure “corners aren’t cut”. All hinges on these first stages of the home build and it is crucial to get it right.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Jake: The emphasis that groups like Housing First bring to it, I am sure will help bring more awareness to the public who don’t live and breathe it like we do. We are motivated to do it whether the customer sees the value in it or not. It’s just the right thing to do.
