Become a Certified Built to Save® Builder
“The BUILT TO SAVE® Program is my competitive advantage.”7 builders certified new homes through Built to Save® in 2025–2026 — see the current list on Featured Builders. Every one of them is competing for the same Rio Grande Valley buyers you are.
The BUILT TO SAVE® brand identifies builders who are building high-performance homes that can save money on utility bills than a similar home built to code. Stand out from the competition with energy-efficient, superior construction verified and guaranteed by an independent Rater to be BUILT TO SAVE®.
Builder Rebates proudly sponsored by Magic Valley Electric Coop. Click to see 2026 MVEC Rebates.
Benefits of the BUILT TO SAVE® Program for Builders
• A competitive marketing advantage for building BUILT TO SAVE® verified high-performance homes
• Differentiation from builders who are only building to minimum code standards
• A “ONE-STOP” source for marketing tools and resources
• Rebates from utility companies if applicable
• Opportunities to partner with developers to promote lot/home sales
• Leveraged marketing with the BUILT TO SAVE® ad campaigns in print and online that promote high-performance certified homes
• Education of homebuyers on the benefits of owning a BUILT TO SAVE® home
Qualifying Criteria for BUILT TO SAVE® Certification
• Builder and RESNET Certified Rater must be registered with the BUILT TO SAVE® Program
• Builder and Rater must be registered with a participating utility company if applicable
• Rater must perform a pre-drywall and a final inspection of the home.
• Home must have a HERS score of 63 or below, or be 5% more energy efficient than code to qualify
• Construction must meet or exceed 2015 IECC levels
• The BUILT TO SAVE® compliance checklists must be completed, verified, and submitted by Rater
Why Builders Register With Built to Save®
- A verified point of difference. Certification gives homebuyers a documented HERS score instead of a builder’s own claim of “energy efficient.”
- Marketing built for you. Registered builders appear in the Built to Save® directory, the two-page ad in the RGV New Homes Guide, and program-wide advertising that promotes certified homes specifically.
- Utility and federal incentives. Homes certified in MVEC territory can qualify for cooperative rebates that offset inspection costs, and separately for the federal 45L tax credit.
- Developer partnership opportunities. The program connects certified builders with developers looking to market high-performance lots and homes.
- Buyer education you don’t have to build yourself. The program explains HERS scores and certification value directly to homebuyers, so your sales team isn’t starting from zero on every walkthrough.
What Built to Save® Certification Requires
Certification follows the same three checkpoints on every home, run by an independent RESNET-certified rater — not by the builder.
- Pre-construction analysis. A Manual J load calculation sizes the HVAC system correctly before the first wall goes up.
- Initial inspection. After insulation goes in and before drywall, the rater checks insulation values, moisture control at exterior walls and windows, ventilation, and duct sealing.
- Final inspection. The rater verifies the completed home meets or exceeds 2015 IECC construction levels and scores 63 or lower on the HERS index, or at least 5% more efficient than code.
- Compliance checklist. The rater completes and submits the Built to Save® checklist before certification issues — this step is what makes the score independently verified rather than self-reported.
Rebates and Tax Incentives for Certified Builders
Homes certified in Magic Valley Electric Cooperative’s service territory can qualify for MVEC rebates that offset inspection costs — current amounts are on the Builder Rebates and Incentives page. Certified builders may also qualify separately for the federal 45L tax credit, regardless of utility territory; 45L Tax Credit Explained covers eligibility and how to claim it.
How to Register as a Built to Save® Builder
Registration takes one form and renews annually. New builders need company contact information, an EIN, and a logo file; renewing members log in directly instead of resubmitting the full application.
Register as a Built to Save® Builder → · See the full step-by-step certification guide
Frequently Asked Questions for Built to Save® Builders
What does it cost to certify a home through Built to Save®?
The RESNET-certified rater who performs your pre-drywall and final inspections sets and collects the inspection fee directly and typically about $450. Builders must be BUILT TO SAVE® members, which requires a one-time annual fee of $175.
What HERS score does a home need for Built to Save® certification?
63 or lower on the HERS index, or at least 5% more energy efficient than the 2015 IECC code baseline — whichever standard the home is evaluated against. A RESNET-certified rater verifies the score independently; it isn’t self-reported by the builder.
How often do I need to renew my Built to Save® builder membership?
Annually. To keep using the Built to Save® trademark in your marketing and stay listed as an active member, you need to certify at least one home in the program during your membership year.
Do I need to use a specific RESNET rater?
No. Any RESNET-certified rater registered with the Built to Save® program can perform your inspections. Find a Rater lists raters currently serving the Rio Grande Valley.
What rebates are available to Built to Save® certified builders? Builders certifying homes within Magic Valley Electric Cooperative’s service territory can qualify for MVEC rebates that offset inspection costs, and separately for the federal 45L tax credit regardless of utility territory. Current amounts and eligibility are on Builder Rebates and Incentives and 45L Tax Credit Explained.
Can I register if I build outside Magic Valley Electric Cooperative’s territory? Yes. Built to Save® certification is available to builders across South Texas. MVEC-specific rebates apply only inside MVEC’s service territory, but certification itself and the federal 45L credit don’t depend on your utility provider.
The BUILT TO SAVE® program promotes builders who construct homes that use less energy, provide more comfort, durability, and better indoor air quality. The program also provides generous cash incentives from Magic Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) for homes in MVEC territory to offset the cost of inspections. Click below to join.
Register as a BUILT TO SAVE® Builder Member
Please watch the video below. Video Duration: 7 minutes and 35 seconds