HERS Rating in Otis, MA — Base Code Town
RESNET-certified HERS Ratings for new construction, renovations, Mass Save programs, and MA Stretch Code compliance in Otis, MA.
2026 Massachusetts Energy Code Facts — Otis
Otis is one of only 49 Massachusetts municipalities still on the Base Energy Code (10th Edition — IECC 2021 with MA amendments) as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list — the Stretch Code does not apply here. HERS ratings remain an approved compliance path under the Base Code, and a RESNET-certified HERS rater is required to qualify for Mass Save® new-construction incentives.
- Energy code status: Base Code (10th Edition, IECC 2021 w/ MA amendments) — 1 of 49 MA municipalities (as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list).
- Required testing & verification: blower door (air infiltration) testing, duct leakage testing, balanced mechanical ventilation (ERV/HRV), plus EV-ready and solar-ready provisions on the HERS compliance path.
- Mass Save® 2026 new-construction incentives: up to $25,000 per all-electric single-family home (Passive House tier; $7,500 base tier, $15,000 ENERGY STAR® NextGen tier — HERS ≤45), up to $40,000 for a 4-unit building, up to $3,750/unit for 5+ unit multifamily, and up to $30,000 for major all-electric renovations. Every tier requires enrollment and verification by an approved HERS rating company.
Related Otis services: Blower Door Testing Otis · Duct Leakage Testing Otis · Stretch Code Compliance Otis · MA Energy Codes Guide — or get a free quote from our RESNET-certified team (617-584-1809).
Sources: 2025 DOER Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (Sept 2025); Mass.gov Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality (June 2026); Mass Save 2026 Residential New Construction program.
Common Questions About the Otis Energy Code
Do I need a HERS rating for a new home in Otis?
Not by local code — Otis is one of just 49 Massachusetts municipalities still on the Base Energy Code (10th Edition, IECC 2021 with MA amendments), so the Stretch Code HERS mandate does not apply. A HERS rating is still an accepted compliance path and is required for Mass Save® new-construction incentives.
What HERS score is required in Otis?
There is no mandatory HERS maximum under the Base Code in Otis, but the ERI compliance path follows IECC 2021 limits, and Mass Save incentive tiers require HERS 45 or better for the ENERGY STAR® tier.
Which energy code does Otis follow in 2026?
Otis follows the Massachusetts Base Energy Code (10th Edition, IECC 2021 with amendments) as of the June 2026 Mass.gov adoption list — one of only 49 communities statewide that have not adopted the Stretch Code.
Official Maximum HERS Index Scores (Table R406.5)
For comparison, here is the official maximum-HERS table that applies in Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code communities (Table R406.5, 2025 DOER Technical Guidance):
| Building type | New construction (permits after 7/1/2024) | New construction w/ embodied-carbon credit (R406.5.2) | Accessory Dwelling Units | Major alterations, additions, change of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed-fuel building | 42 | 45 | 52 | 65 |
| Mixed-fuel + solar electric | 42 | 45 | 55 | 70 |
| All-electric building | 45 | 48 | 55 | 70 |
| All-electric + solar electric | 45 | 48 | 58 | 75 |
Scores are measured before counting on-site renewable generation (per R406.5). Historic buildings may opt out for alterations under R503.1.1. Embodied-carbon credits (+3 points) come from low-GWP concrete and insulation EPDs per Table R406.5.3/R406.5.4.
What Base Code Status Means for Otis Projects
As one of only 49 Base Code communities, Otis projects follow the 10th Edition code (IECC 2021 with MA amendments) via the prescriptive path, the simulated-performance path, or the Energy Rating Index (HERS) path — without the Stretch Code’s lowered HERS caps shown above. Builders in Otis still order HERS ratings for the ERI compliance path, for Mass Save® incentives (which always require HERS verification), and to document energy performance for buyers. If Otis adopts the Stretch Code at a future town meeting, the table above becomes mandatory — surrounding towns already enforce it, so Otis builders often test to those standards today.
Detail sourced from the 2025 Massachusetts Stretch & Specialized Codes Technical Guidance (DOER, Sept 2025), Table R406.5 and Appendix RC.
Professional HERS Rating Services in Otis, Massachusetts
RESNET-certified HERS Ratings for new construction, renovations, Mass Save programs, and MA Stretch Code compliance in Otis, MA. Our RESNET-certified raters serve Otis and all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns.
New homes in Otis must achieve a HERS score of 55 or below under the MA Stretch Code. HERS Rating Company manages the complete compliance process — from initial energy modeling through on-site testing and certified report delivery.
Our HERS Rating Process in Otis
- Free Quote: Contact us for a transparent, no-surprise quote for your project in Otis.
- Plans Review: We review building plans and create an energy model before construction begins.
- Site Inspection: Our RESNET-certified rater visits your Otis property and performs all required tests.
- 24-Hour Report: Receive your certified HERS Rating report within 24 hours — ready for permit submission and Mass Save applications.
Related Services in Otis
Blower Door Testing in Otis
Required air tightness test — included with every HERS Rating.
Learn More →Duct Leakage Testing in Otis
Required duct blaster test for forced-air HVAC systems.
Learn More →MA Stretch Code in Otis
Full IECC 2021 Stretch Code compliance from plan review to certification.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions — HERS Rating in Otis
How much does a HERS Rating cost in Otis, MA?
HERS Rating pricing in Otis depends on project type: Single-family homes $1,850–$2,500 · Multifamily (per unit) $650–$1,200 · ADUs $1,600–$1,850. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote for your specific project.
Is a HERS Rating required for new construction in Otis?
Yes. Otis has adopted the MA Stretch Code, which requires all new residential construction to achieve a HERS score of 55 or below. A RESNET-certified HERS Rating is required to document compliance.
How long does a HERS Rating take in Otis?
The on-site inspection in Otis typically takes 2–4 hours. We deliver your certified HERS report within 24 hours of the site visit.
What is the HERS score requirement for MA Stretch Code?
New construction in MA Stretch Code municipalities like Otis must achieve a HERS score of 55 or below. The Specialized Stretch Code (adopted in some towns) requires HERS 45 or below for homes over 3,000 sq ft.
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