Clare Homes
Clare Homes’ mission is to build healthy, resilient, and energy-efficient homes for its customers and community.
In this month’s feature, we talked with Isaac Scott about Clare Homes’ commitment to building HERS® homes.
Q: What is special about a HERS-rated home?
A: Isaac: A HERS-rated home is special because it offers a verified, quantifiable measure of a home’s energy performance. The HERS Index Score is a blueprint of the home’s energy efficiency, indicating a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to a standard new home. Beyond just energy use, a low score reflects quality construction, superior insulation, and comprehensive air sealing, all of which contribute to a more durable, resilient, and comfortable indoor environment for the homeowner.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Isaac: Consumers should ask for the HERS Index Score because it serves as the foundation for future savings and a better living experience. A low HERS score directly translates to lower monthly utility bills, offering lower long-term cost of ownership, which is especially critical in today’s housing market. More importantly, the score confirms the house was built with a higher standard of third-party verified quality, ensuring the home is more resilient, has better moisture management, and provides a healthier indoor air environment.
Q: Why did Clare Homes choose to have this home HERS-rated?
A: Isaac: We choose to have all our homes HERS rated because it aligns directly with our mission to build healthy, resilient, and energy-efficient homes for our customers and community. The HERS rating is the most credible third-party verification that our homes perform as promised. It’s not enough to simply say we build better homes; the HERS score is the proof that we are delivering a superior, quality-checked product that contributes to a more sustainable community.
Q: Why should consumers expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Isaac: Consumers should expect energy-efficient homes because it is the baseline for modern, quality construction. An energy-efficient home is a safer, more comfortable investment that offers exceptional long-term value. With increasing concerns over climate and energy costs, energy efficiency is a fundamental feature that protects the homeowner’s family from poor air quality and high bills while also ensuring the home is more durable and resilient against the elements.
Q: How many homes do you build with HERS per year?
A: Isaac: Clare Homes builds approximately 1-5 homes per year that receive a full HERS rating, and we are committed to growing that volume as we expand.
Q: How do you market HERS-rated homes?
A: Isaac: We market HERS-rated homes by focusing on the tangible benefits to the homeowner, emphasizing our certifications, such as ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH). Our marketing highlights the superior comfort, improved indoor air quality (the “healthy” aspect), and long-term savings from the ultra-low utility bills (the “energy efficient” aspect). Coupled with the fact that all of our homes include a FORTIFIED Roof certification, we frame the rating as a mark of “resilience” and quality construction that protects their family and investment.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS-rated homes?
A: Isaac: Our customers consistently express a high degree of satisfaction and peace of mind knowing they are living in a HERS-rated home. The most common feedback is the noticeable difference in comfort—the even temperatures, lack of drafts, and quiet environment—and the relief of receiving much lower utility bills compared to their previous homes. For many, the third-party certification is a sign that they have made a great long-term investment.
Q: What rating company do you work with on your HERS-rated homes?
A: Isaac: We have worked with LaGrange Consulting, LLC, and Keen Living for our HERS ratings. Their partnerships are essential to our success, as they act as our third-party quality assurance team. They review our plans, perform on-site inspections, and conduct diagnostic testing like blower door and duct leakage tests. This verification process is critical to ensure every home meets our high standards and successfully achieves the necessary energy efficiency and air-tightness required for a low HERS score, thereby upholding our commitment to quality, healthy, and energy-efficient construction.
