Hidden Springs, an Epicenter of Innovation for a Newly Announced Home Technology Rating System.

We all know our community is highly enriched with qualified professionals within the residential market. What many don’t realize is their vision of the future. The future they see is in an independent, unbiased, third-party who could perform inspections and dole out ratings. Not surprising, many of them have been involved in a new system that aims to bring simplicity to the area of home technology.

Digital Authority, founded in 2007 by one of our very own, Mike Martoccia, aims to provide consumers, builders, and developers with unbiased advice relating to technologies used within the home. Last week, Martoccia announced the “DASH score”. DASH stands for Digital Authority Smart House and the score reflects the technical capabilities of the house and the development.

When asked about the announcement, those involved early on spoke out.

“3rd party inspection and rating systems are essential to the building process,” stated Chuck Miller of Chuck Miller Construction. “I have been a 100% certified Energy Star builder and the 3rd party inspection process helps me as the Builder insure that everything is done correctly and provides both me and my customers with assurance that the home and its systems will perform as expected. Home technology should be rated and regulated in exactly the same way. I look forward to adding the DASH Score badge to my future projects.”

“As a custom home builder, differentiating my product in the market is essential. Offering energy efficiency will only get you so far for so long,” says Mike Stone of RedStone Construction. “Technology and the required infrastructure is the next leap and a rating system will help define those who are and will be leading the way.”

Jason Mayer of Mayer Construction voiced similar thoughts. “I've been installing complex technology systems in my homes since the beginning and can tell you that it’s tough to measure and convey the value of these systems to my customers. The DASH scoring system measures the capabilities and puts a score on paper allowing the buyer to compare one house against another.”

“I believe the DASH score will become another valuable tool for both builders and homebuyers when it comes to differentiating properties and understanding values,” commented Tad Duby of OnPoint. “The fact that the score is provided by Digital Authority is an important element of the success of the program. Many would not view the score to be as credible if it was being supplied by a company who pulled the wire or sold the components.”

According to Digital Authority President, Mike Martoccia, the process to have a home scored is rather straightforward. Digital Authority starts by scoring the community/development. This is done because the technological capabilities implemented by the developer can have a major impact on the homeowner.

“There are more choices available today than last year concerning the technology infrastructure of a planned community,” stated John Malleta of Brownstone Capital. “The communities we develop, like that of Terrazza in Eagle, cater towards buyers who desire speed of information. Offering technology that achieves this over that of a bottle-neck is reassuring”.

“Next,” Martoccia says, “the wiring and systems within the house are catalogued and tested. The data is compiled and plotted against an index to arrive at the DASH score.”

As a few of the builders involved early in this process can attest, there are additional benefits to be gained from having your house analyzed by Digital Authority.

"I know how essential it is that the correct wire is run right the first time. Also, future capabilities need to be considered and be included up front," stated Mark Savage of Savage Group. "It's very expensive and time consuming for a builder or homeowner to address these issues after the home is built. It's good to see a system like the DASH Score that looks after the best interest of me and my homebuyer."

If everything is functioning properly, Digital Authority will “certify” the implementation. This means that Digital Authority is putting their stamp of approval on the wiring they tested and they even issue a lifetime warranty against defects in the wiring which the builder can pass on to the new homeowner.

“It’s refreshing to see a new system take into account all sides of the residential process,” acknowledged Michael Gamblin of the Idaho Real Estate School. “As this system rolls-out, many in the industry will need to be educated and that education will be an important cornerstone for its success. Having continuing education classes that focus on this concept will strengthen the relationship of the Real Estate Agent and their homebuyers.”

Trey Langford of BuildingCredibility.com echoed “I see a lot of value in the DASH score and the other services offered to developers, builders, and consumers by Digital Authority.” As such, he will be upgrading his website to be able to share these scores. Homebuyers will then be able to see both EnergyStar certifications and Dash scores.

For more information on DASH or Digital Authority, you can contact Mike Martoccia at 208-377-7102. You can also visit www.DASHscore.com to learn more about the DASH score or www.MyDigitalAuthority.com for more information on Digital Authority.