The Art of High-Performance Home Building

Season Three, Episode Six | Transcript

Part two of The Art of Custom’s building process-focused conversation dives into what it means to build a high-performance home that is healthier, more efficient, and more comfortable for the people who live there.

In this episode, we share how performance-driven construction is achieved, how it’s verified through third-party testing, and why investing in better building practices pays dividends in comfort, longevity, and resale value.

Industry leaders featured in this episode include:

• Ryan Mears (RESNET) explains how HERS ratings are measured and why verified homes sell for ≈ 2.7 % more than unrated homes.
• Matt Belcher (Verdatech Solutions) shares how building science and climate-responsive design ensure long-term performance in the Midwest’s challenging conditions.
• Gene Meyer (Thrive Homes, CO) highlights the growing focus on healthy homes and the importance of air-quality standards like EPA Indoor Air Plus.

Defining High-Performance Building

High-performance and green building share the same goal: constructing homes that use less energy, reduce environmental impact, and improve indoor comfort.

• High-Performance Homes emphasize efficiency, airtight construction, and optimized mechanical systems.
• Green Building expands that focus to include sustainable materials, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship.

Both result in homes that are better for the planet and the people who live in them.

The Four Pillars of Home Performance

Every high-performance home starts with four core systems working together as a whole:

1. Wall Assembly: Using 2 × 6 walls allows for thicker insulation, higher R-values, and a quieter, more durable structure.
2. Insulation: Quality insulation, combined with a complete caulk-and-seal package, minimizes drafts and maintains consistent temperatures.
3. Windows: High-quality, properly flashed windows improve energy efficiency and reduce exterior noise.
4. HVAC System: Efficient heating and cooling equipment, sealed ductwork, and upgraded air filters ensure balanced comfort and cleaner air.

A well-built home integrates all four because neglecting any one component reduces overall performance.

Hibbs Healthy Homes & Indoor Air Quality

Healthy indoor air is a cornerstone of high-performance design. Airtight construction keeps pollutants out, while mechanical ventilation systems bring in filtered, conditioned fresh air.

• Exhaust fans and humidistats remove excess moisture.
• Whole-home filtration captures allergens and dust.
• Balanced air exchange keeps humidity and temperature consistent.

The result is a cleaner, quieter, more comfortable living environment without the new home smell produced by off-gassing materials.

Smarter HVAC Systems

Modern HVAC equipment now matches or exceeds the efficiency once exclusive to geothermal systems. Features like variable-speed fans, sealed ducts, and zoned controls keep every room at a steady temperature while lowering monthly utility costs.

Builders consider payback periods, lifestyle goals, and comfort priorities when tailoring each system. Some clients invest for long-term savings; others focus on health or reduced maintenance, but all benefit from a home that performs better every day.

Design for Sun, Site & Silence

Efficiency starts long before construction begins. Proper solar orientation and thoughtful site placement allow the home to capture winter warmth and block unwanted summer heat. Deep roof overhangs, strategic window placement, and landscaping choices all play a role.

Raised-heel roof trusses allow full attic insulation, and sound-dampening insulation between living areas creates quieter, more peaceful interiors. The result is a home that performs acoustically as well as thermally.

Beyond Efficiency: Comfort & Value

Building tight and ventilating right means more consistent temperatures from room to room and floor to floor. With cleaner indoor air and less maintenance, homeowners enjoy greater comfort and peace of mind.

High-performance homes also hold their value. Properties built to verified efficiency standards typically appraise higher and sell faster thanks to lower operating costs and improved durability.

Measuring Performance: The HERS Index

To verify results, Hibbs Homes participates in the RESNET HERS Rating System, which is a nationally recognized benchmark for home efficiency.

• A code-built home scores around 85.
• Hibbs Homes typically achieve scores in the 40s, meaning they are roughly 50 percent more efficient.
• Homes reaching the 20s, combined with solar, achieve net-zero energy and produce as much energy as they consume.

Third-party raters perform blower-door and duct-leakage tests to ensure every certified home meets or exceeds performance goals.

Verified Performance: Energy Smart

Hibbs Homes is part of the RESNET Energy Smart Builder program. This partnership provides an additional layer of scientific testing, education, and accountability giving clients confidence that their home was built to the highest standards of comfort, durability, and efficiency.

Certification & Cost Considerations

While certification isn’t required, it adds measurable resale value and credibility. Programs such as Energy Star, LEED, and HERS demonstrate that a home was built to verifiable standards.

Building a high-performance home may cost 3-5% more upfront, but lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and higher resale prices quickly offset that investment. Lenders increasingly recognize these savings, allowing buyers to qualify for slightly higher loan amounts based on reduced operating costs.

Finding a High-Performance Builder

Homeowners nationwide can locate qualified builders through organizations like RESNET and NAHB. Look for companies that publish their efficiency ratings, share certification details, and integrate energy testing into every project and not just as an upgrade.

A builder’s commitment to performance should be visible in their process, partnerships, and client communication.

Wrapping Up

Building a high-performance home means investing in comfort, health, and long-term value. From insulation and HVAC design to certification and verification, every decision contributes to a home that performs beautifully for years to come.