Gracy Built
Gracy Built designs, develops, and builds high-quality homes, multi-family projects, and small commercial properties throughout Northwest, North Central, and Central Arkansas.
In this month’s feature, we asked owner Cope Gracy about Gracy Built’s commitment to building HERS® homes.
Q: What is special about a HERS-rated home?
A: Cope: A HERS-rated home is verified for real performance, not just design intent. It gives homeowners a measurable benchmark that shows how efficient the home truly is compared to standard construction. That transparency builds trust and proves the home is built to a higher standard.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Cope: The HERS Index allows buyers to compare homes the same way they compare MPG on vehicles — it puts energy efficiency into a simple, understandable number. It helps consumers make informed decisions that impact monthly utility costs, comfort, and long-term resale value.
Q: Why did Gracy Built choose to have this home HERS-rated?
A: Cope: Energy efficiency is in my blood — my father started building energy-efficient homes in the early 1990s after being inspired by Doug Rye, and I’ve carried that mindset into my own building career since the early 2000s. HERS ratings allow us to validate what we already believe in: building better homes that perform as good as they look.
Q: Why should consumers expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Cope: Today’s buyers deserve homes that are healthier, more comfortable, and less expensive to operate. Energy efficiency is no longer a luxury feature — it’s a baseline expectation for quality construction. Consumers shouldn’t have to choose between comfort, affordability, and sustainability.
Q: How many homes do you build with HERS per year?
A: Cope: We are currently completing our first three officially HERS-rated homes, marking an important milestone for our company. While we have built energy-efficient homes for years, we are now looking to scale HERS verification across more of our single and multi-family projects moving forward.
Q: How do you market HERS-rated homes?
A: Cope: We plan to highlight HERS scores in our marketing materials, listing descriptions, and social media to educate buyers on real performance benefits. We will also focus on explaining monthly utility savings, comfort improvements, and long-term value to make efficiency relatable. Education will have to be a big part of our marketing strategy.
Q: What rating company do you work with on your HERS-rated homes?
A: Cope: We are working with Greg Stockton with Today’s Building Science to ensure these new homes meet performance standards from design through final testing. His guidance helped us fine-tune construction practices and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
