Thoroughbred Custom Homes
Thoroughbred Custom Homes leads the way as North Texas’ premier luxury custom home-building specialist. Being a close-knit family-owned and operated builder, every home they build is done with passion and a commitment to excellence, treating each one as if it were our own.
In this month’s feature, we asked Evan Kozak, President of Thoroughbred Custom Homes to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Evan: Many custom builders, including Thoroughbred Custom Homes, claim their homes are well-built and energy-efficient. The HERS Index provides an independent third-party rating that allows homeowners to verify such claims. With a HERS-rated home, homeowners are not required to be an expert in insulation, air sealing, or HVAC to understand how well their home will perform. The HERS rating is simple and easy to understand, providing homeowners with a way to compare their home with the industry standard and other similar homes.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score when shopping for homes?
A: Evan: Consumers typically do not purchase a vehicle without looking at the fuel economy (or mileage range in the case of electric vehicles), so why would they purchase a home without knowing how it will perform? Before the HERS rating was established there was no “MPG” for homes, but now, there is, and it is easy to understand. Custom homes are all different and there is no way to predict the exact HERS rating, however, a builder’s average HERS rating can give insight into past project performance and what consumers should expect from their future home.
Q: Why does Thorougbred Custom Homes choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Evan: We place high importance on the fact our clients understand we are serious about energy efficiency and comfort in our luxury custom homes. A reputable, independent third-party rating allows us to provide tangible results rather than baseless promises. In addition, the HERS rating provides our company with an accurate way to measure our performance and provides a path of continuous improvement.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Evan: Energy efficient homes are frequently looked at from a cost savings perspective, and that is important, however, there is more to it. Homes that are built tighter, with better insulation and high-efficiency appliances also provide the occupants with a more comfortable and healthier home as well.
Q: How many homes does Thoroughbred Custom Homes build with HERS® per year?
A: Evan: We are proud to say all our luxury custom homes are HERS-rated.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Evan: On our website we dedicated a detailed energy efficiency page explaining our commitment to building energy-efficient and comfortable homes, which includes highlighting the HERS program. In addition, we include information on the HERS program in all our new client folders. This provides potential clients with more information to review on how their future homes will be rated.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Evan: Time and time again we witness our clients getting excited when we send them the HERS Index report upon completion of their home. It provides reaffirmation of their decision to build their custom home with us. They also feel a sense of confidence that they will enjoy a comfortable energy efficient home for years to come.
