Boston Dream Group
Boston Dream Group is a full-service construction company based in Massachusetts, specializing in custom homes, renovations, and additions.
Q: What is special about a HERS®-Rated home?
A: A HERS-Rated home is independently verified for energy efficiency using the HERS Index, which measures how a home performs compared to a standard new home built to code. The lower the score, the more energy efficient the home. What makes it special is that it provides a clear, objective, third-party assessment of energy performance rather than relying on claims or estimates. It also reflects careful attention to building science—air sealing, insulation, HVAC efficiency, and overall systems working together as a complete high-performance home.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: The HERS score gives buyers a simple and reliable way to compare homes based on energy performance, similar to MPG ratings for vehicles. Without it, it’s difficult to understand what monthly energy costs might look like. Asking for the HERS score helps consumers make more informed decisions about long-term affordability, comfort, and efficiency before purchasing a home.
Q: Why does your company choose to have its homes HERS-Rated?
A: We choose to have our homes HERS Rated because it provides third-party validation of our building standards and reinforces our commitment to quality. It ensures accountability throughout the construction process and confirms that our homes perform as designed. It also aligns with our goal of delivering homes that are not only well-designed and durable but also efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective to operate.
Q: Why should consumers expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Energy efficiency should be a baseline expectation in modern homebuilding. Rising utility costs and increased awareness of environmental impact make efficiency more important than ever. Energy-efficient homes provide better comfort, more consistent indoor temperatures, improved indoor air quality, and lower long-term operating costs. Buyers should expect efficiency as a standard feature, not an upgrade.
Q: How many homes does your company build with HERS Ratings every year?
A: All of our homes are HERS Rated. Each home we build undergoes the HERS Rating process to ensure consistent performance standards, verify energy efficiency, and maintain accountability across every project we deliver.
Q: How do you market HERS-Rated homes?
A: We market HERS-Rated homes by focusing on transparency, comfort, and long-term value. Instead of only emphasizing aesthetics or square footage, we highlight measurable performance, lower utility costs, and improved livability. The HERS score is included as a key differentiator in our marketing, helping buyers clearly understand the efficiency and quality built into every home.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS-Rated homes?
A: Customers are generally very receptive once they understand the value of a HERS score. Many appreciate having a clear, third-party verified measure of efficiency and performance. After moving in, feedback often highlights lower utility bills, improved comfort, and confidence knowing their home was built with efficiency and quality in mind.
Q: What Rating Company do you work with on your HERS-Rated homes?
A: We work with A9 Green as our HERS Rating Company. Their independent verification process is an essential part of our commitment to building high-performance, energy-efficient homes. Working with A9 Green ensures our homes are tested and evaluated throughout the construction process, not just at completion. Their expertise helps us identify opportunities for improvement early, confirm performance through rigorous testing, and maintain consistency and accountability across all of our projects. This partnership supports our goal of delivering homes that are not only energy efficient but also backed by measurable, third-party verification that our buyers can trust.
Q: What specific value has your HERS Rater brought to your projects?
A: Our HERS Rater adds significant value by serving as both a verifier and a technical partner during construction. Through testing such as blower door evaluations, duct leakage testing, and detailed inspections, they help ensure each home performs as designed. Their input helps us refine construction practices, reduce energy loss, and continuously improve building performance. Ultimately, their involvement strengthens the quality, efficiency, and long-term durability of our homes.
