Home | Contact Us | FAQs | Forms | Site Search

Are You a Builder?

As a builder, you have to pay attention to hundreds of details. Legal, planning, architectural, construction, scheduling and all the details that go into a sale. But, while we can't help you with all of them, we can (and we do) eliminate the hassles of meeting California energy efficiency requirements. Our job is make sure the homes you build are tested, rated and certified to their energy efficiency. We're CHEERS®, and we've been helping builders throughout California since 1990.

Who is CHEERS®?

• The first home energy rating provider approved by the California Energy Commission.
• A California nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency.
• An independent Board of Directors representing utilities, environmental and energy consulting industries.
• A RESNET accredited HERS software and training provider.
• Member of CABEC, CBIA, CAN, ASQ.
• EPA Energy Star Award winner in 2002, 2003, 2004.

CHEERS® trains and certifies Home Energy Efficiency Raters. CHEERS® Certified Raters provide independent third party tests, verifications and certifications of energy efficiency for builders. By the end of 2005 there will be nearly 500 CHEERS® Certified Raters at work in California.

CHEERS® Certified Raters are professionals, and probably know more than anyone else about the details of the energy efficiency requirement you have to comply with. That's because they must contractually renew certification annually, comply with continuing education requirements and work within stringent Quality Assurance guidelines.

CHEERS® Certified Raters are the best in the business at...

New Home Verification: CHEERS® Certified Raters verify that planned energy efficiency measures are installed and installed properly.

Home Energy Ratings: CHEERS® Certified Raters provide reports indicating the home's energy savings and lower operating costs (a HEERS® Rating Report is a great sales tool).

Home Diagnostic Testing: Duct and blower door testing ensure that new home HVAC installation and infiltration rates are met; builder's costs are reduced.

CHEERS® Certified Raters help in several ways?

• Ensure Title 24 code compliance.
• Train site superintendents and subcontractors on proper installation of energy measures.
• Ensure compliance with efficiency programs that offer builder incentives.
• Ensure builders get the energy efficiency they pay for.
• Provide quality assurance support.
• Help builders qualify for the Early Adopter Lighting Compliance Credit.
• Certify homes which may qualify for Energy Efficient Mortgages ( that's of great interest to prospective home buyers).

CHEERS® created and maintains an Internet Rating Registry! The CHEERS® Registry is a builder's resource; it's your fastest link to CHEERS, CHEERS® Certified Raters and energy analysts! That's important to you because CHEERS® Certified Raters provides builders with documentation supporting compliance with regulations. In addition, the CHEERS® Registry archives all appropriate reports and certification documents, and allows builder-clients to track, manage and easily access the rating process.

2006 SEER regulations are on their way. CHEERS® will keep you ahead of the energy efficiency curve. Here is one example: 2006 SEER regulations are on their way. They're comprehensive and complex. There's every likelihood that HERS ratings will become the standard. With CHEERS® Certified Raters at work with you, all operations move forward smoothly and steadily.

CHEERS® can help you sell the homes you build, too. The "CHEERS® Certified" Builder Support Program starts when a new home buyer walks up to a house you've built. We've created a variety of marketing collateral and promotional materials to show buyers that the homes you build are designed to be economical, energy efficient and comfortable.

This says "This home has something extra going for it!

A clean, simple way to sell the "...something extra..." is the most effective way. A specially prepared new home buyer brochure points to the quality you've built into your homes.

New home buyers are impressed by details. These removable stickers point directly to details that can save a home owner money by lowering their monthly utility bills.

To find out how you can get these materials, call CHEERS.