[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Many homebuyers are forgoing house hunting in favor of working with custom builders and designers to create a high-performance home that suits their lifestyle and checks all the boxes in their must-have columns. A high-performance home can help you minimize your carbon footprint, protect your home value, and save money on energy and home repairs. Read on to learn all about high-performance homes and what to expect from your high-performance build when working with Orlando custom home builders. What Makes a Home a High-Performance Home? In order for a home to become an official Certified High Performance (CHiP) home, it must be inspected and verified by a third party. In addition, a certified RESNET home energy rater can assign a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score. The HERS index was created to measure a home’s energy efficiency and is now the widely accepted industry standard. This index goes from 0 (indicating a net-zero-energy home) to 150. As such, the lower the HERS score, the more energy efficient a home is. What to Expect from Custom High-Performance Luxury Homes in Orlando The preconstruction process for a high-performance home is very similar to that for a regular home. It includes selecting a suitable lot, obtaining the right permits, and nailing down the details of financing. However, building a high-performance home requires more extensive attention to detail during the planning and design phases. Every little component must be considered when designing a home that exceeds standard building codes. Keep reading to learn what you should expect from your high-performance build experience. Assemble Your Design and Construction Team Early in the Process When designing a custom high-performance home, you’ll work one-on-one with a designer of your choice to plan out every detail of your home. However, you’ll get the best outcome if you also include the builder and an experienced Green Building certifying agent early in the process to work with you to develop a “high-performance” home strategy. This way, high-performance home principles can be combined with the design to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible. Maximizing your energy efficiency goes beyond just selecting Energy Star appliances; it extends to every area of your home, including the following:

• • Plumbing fixtures

• • Insulation

• • Framing

• • Windows

• • Attic

• • Ventilation

• • Water heater

• • Energy source

• • Moisture control plan

A high-performance home is one that does not lose any energy due to gaps under doors or low- quality insulation. It should be tightly sealed and exceed standard building codes. Prioritize Sustainable Building Materials Everything in your high-performance home, from the framing and roofing to the walls and cabinets, should be made from sustainable materials. There are tons of modern innovations in the field of sustainable building materials that your designer can help you explore. Energy-Efficient HVAC System Cooling and heating account for the lion’s share of your home energy consumption. That’s why an energy-efficient HVAC system is essential in any high-performance home. This goes hand in hand with high-quality insulation and has the added benefit of lowering your monthly energy bills. How to Choose the Best Orlando Custom Home Builder A custom home is one of the biggest investments you can make, so you don’t want to rush when it comes to picking the right builder. The last thing you want is to end up with a home that you’re not completely satisfied with. That’s why it’s important to work with a custom builder who understands your vision and can execute it flawlessly. But finding a high-quality custom builder in Orlando is easier said than done. You should do plenty of research on potential home builders to get a sense of what it would be like to work with them. A good way to gauge compatibility is to look at reviews and previous homes they’ve built. If you love the quality and craftsmanship they provide, you’ll likely be satisfied with your own build![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]