cwood
Resale value. Sense of accomplishment.

Abay S
Well, simpply put energy star home is more energy efficient than a non-energy star home which means saving for you in energy bill

Patrick Lea, Realtor(R)
At least in Ohio, a builder must have the house built for you ACTUALLY tested to get the certification. This will usually include a blower door test. It might also include a thermal imaging inspection... (Infrared) I am a certified thermographer, and have done a great many free inspections for recent homebuyers. (I usually wind up getting them when they buy their next house as a result.) Here's where that little bit is important. I recently did an inspection for a guy who had paid a great deal extra for "upgraded" insulation which "exceeds" Energy Star requirements..... Yeah, RIGHT!. MOST of the second floor ceiling was NOT insulated... not poorly insulated, or a little bit insulated.... flat out had NO insulation. SO, if your state requires an ACTUAL inspection to call a house ENERGY STAR, it is more likely you will get what you pay for. Either way, it is a GREAT idea to get a thermal (infrared) inspector. Feel free to email me directly with questions at WEBMLS@CINCI.RR.COM Good luck with the new build - Patrick Lea